He was best known for his time at Western Washington University, in which he served from 1933 to 1975 and coached football, basketball, baseball, tennis and golf.

Lappenbusch was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1961 and received national recognition for his development of the "Straight Line Philosophy," in addition to other innovations.

[4] Lappenbusch played for Washington as a guard in 1930[5] and was selected first-team All-Pacific Northwest by Associated Press (AP) despite missing several games due to injury.

There was an opening [at Bellingham Normal] and I felt fortunate to get the job for the same money I was receiving, especially since the fellow who replaced me at Albany was cut to $500.

[10] Lappenbusch also designed a type of mass-produced varsity jacket and was the author of the "Straight Line Philosophy" in football and basketball which received national recognition.

"[10] He was twice invited to speak at the NCAA convention about his Straight Line plans and it was immensely popular, influencing many coaches of the day, including Frank Leahy of Notre Dame.

[10][14] He wrote several books on the topic and was called a "genius" by many players that he coached, although "his theories and lectures were so complicated that those in attendance often didn't know whether to take notes or laugh," according to The Bellingham Herald.