Before taking a week off during Christmas break, we had a special moment at our final basketball practice. Some of our former players came back to scrimmage this year’s squad. The night before, it was especially nice to see so many of our former players cheering on our current Vikings as they took on the Silver Bay Mariners.
During the scrimmage, our team played against Miles Drake, Sammy Warren, and Taylor Baham all from last year’s squad and the Class of 2009. Brandon Donek joined in the game as the sole member of the Class of 2007. Andy Cochrane (Class of 2005) also played. Andy was part of the first boys’ basketball team that I coached.
Cody and Casey Everson were also going to play, but were in Duluth for the day and couldn’t get back in time for our practice. Nevertheless, it was fun to see the guys and catch up on what they are doing now. Seth Falk, a Class of 2005 graduate, stopped in a few times, but he was busy working at the Fitness Center next door.
Photo by Mitch Dorr Past and present Cook County Viking basketball players scrimmaged together recently. (L-R, front) Alex Senty, James Groth, Brock Hommerding, David Bergstrom, Kale Boomer, Will Petty, Mike Austin. (L-R, middle) Dylan Quaife, Jonny Jacobsen, Jordan Lack, Sterling Anderson, Justin Goldstein, Mike Sjogren. (L-R, back) Colly Norman, Miles Drake, Brandon Donek, Andy Cochrane, Taylor Baham, Sammy Warren.
Our current team enjoyed the added competition in practice and our alumni gave an added spark that was much needed. I always think it is important for a sports program to stay connected with its former members. I want my guys to always know they have a place to return home to. We are a family.
It is very rewarding to see the young guys currently playing connect with the players of the past. Those relationships are healthy and rewarding for all involved.
At halftime of our scrimmage, as if right on cue, Colly Norman showed up to watch practice for a while. Norman is a 2003 graduate and one of the finest young men I have had the pleasure of coaching. Colly is now in the Marine Corps and is part of an advanced sniper unit that is headed for Afghanistan in February.
After the game the night before, Colly, Coach Eliasen, and I had gone out for a while and I asked him to stop by practice. I really wanted my young guys and the fellow alumni to meet him and make a connection with a man who is serving our great country. His respect for other people, humble confidence, and graciousness have always impressed me.
Colly shared some words with our guys and I felt that it was a great moment for all of us in the gym that day. Many of the older guys knew him already, and our younger guys were introduced to him for the first time. In any event, we have all come to appreciate and honor the commitment of our service men and women overseas and at home. With Colly in our practice that day, many of our young men could put a real face and person behind that appreciation.
It has been a terrific holiday season for the Viking basketball family. After our young team found a way to win against Silver Bay, we were treated to a homecoming of sorts by many of our former alumni. It was a special blessing for me to see everyone return and enjoy some time together.
Mitch Dorr, a Cook County High
School Class of 1993 graduate,
is now a social studies teacher
and coach at his former alma
mater. Mitch coaches Vikings
football and boys’ basketball.
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