Coach Mike Boomer said he will miss the kids huddled around him getting instructions, but after 21 years of practice and Friday night games, it was time to retire from coaching Cook County High School football. Boomer made his announcement at the end-of-the-year football banquet.
For the past 21 years Cook County High School Assistant Football Coach Mike Boomer has been roaming the Vikings’ sidelines at games, extolling, urging and encouraging his players. His energy, enthusiasm, passion and persistence to play the game the right way was his gift to the kids who came through the program. But no more.
Mike, or “Boomer,” as he is called, announced he is retiring to spend more time with his wife, Lori, and children.
His presence in practice and at football games will be greatly missed, said current Head Coach Mitch Dorr.
Boomer’s announcement came at the team’s end-of-the-year football banquet. He said he and his wife want to spend more time watching their children Brea and Kale play sports for their respective colleges. Kale plays football at University of Minnesota- Duluth (UMD), and Brea is the captain of the basketball team at UW-Stout. There is a lot of time and travel involved in that pursuit.
“Mike has had a huge impact on our programming and has helped us establish a program that goes far beyond the football field,” said Dorr.
“He has been instrumental in helping develop and establish our motto of ‘Fear No One—Love Each Other.’ He is a gifted and talented coach who has touched countless lives. He will be known for his intensity, passion, and love for the game and love for the guys he coached,” Dorr said.
Former Head Coach Lyle Anderson echoed similar praise for his former assistant. “Mike could do it all. He is the ultimate high school football coach. For me he was a godsend to our program. I was so appreciative to have a guy of his ability work with me. For a guy with his talent to come to a small area like this and give his talent away like he did is very rare.
“I will say this, Mike knows football, Mike loves football and Mike absolutely loves high school football and the kids that play it. He’s just a great individual, a great coach and I can’t say enough about his contributions.”
When told of Boomer’s departure former Head Coach Dale Bockovich was quick to respond, “They are losing a heck of a good man. Boomer was a student of the game and he loved the kids. This will be a big loss to the program. He’s done a wonderful job. I would say Boomer worked well with all of the kids, but he worked especially well with kids that didn’t have the most talent. He would bring out the best in them. It’s too bad that he couldn’t keep coaching a little longer. But everything comes to an end.”
As for Boomer, his memories are many. He was part of the team’s 36-game winning streak and three straight state championships.
“The Section championships were highlights for me. That was a special group of kids. They had a common goal to be good representatives of the community, the school, their families; they were teammates and brothers on and off the field. Those Section games are where they really came together. It was a special time for me. Going to state was icing on the cake.
“I will really miss Friday nights and the players. There’s nothing like being on the sidelines and being part of the process. Overall, though, I have developed a lot of relationships with the kids that live on. I am in contact with quite a few of them and I still give them hugs when I see them. Three or four years ago I started coaching the kids of former players. That was great but it was an eye opener.”
After running down a long list of former players he keeps in touch with — Corey, Joey and Barry Pederson, Woody Seim, Craig Horak, Joe Deschampe etc., Boomer stopped and talked about one former player who stood out, Steve Waver.
“When Steve came out as a freshman we didn’t have a helmet that fit him. We didn’t have gear that fit him. We told him to keep practicing and we would get him the equipment he needed. He was really small but determined. By the time he was a junior and senior Steve was a big part of our championship teams. He was a great example of a kid who didn’t give up, who wouldn’t quit. It was great to see.
“I want kids to know that if they are dedicated and determined and listen to their coaches they can become part of something special.
“I want parents to know that having their sons play football—especially Class A football—isn’t dangerous. It’s not as dangerous as having them texting while they are driving around.
“It’s a great sport. As coaches we get the players ready for the games, prepare them the best that we can. But we can’t make tackles or plays for them. The kids have to do that,” he said.
This winter Lori and Mike will travel to Brea’s basketball games. Next fall they will travel to Kale’s football games. Kale, who suffered a major knee injury last year, is now recovered. He plays defense and is No. 2 on the depth chart as a free safety. Currently he contributes by playing on the kick-off teams as a redshirt freshman. So Boomer will still have quite a few football games to attend, but this time as a fan.
When asked who will fill Boomer’s shoes, Dorr replied, “First of all, you don’t replace a Mike Boomer. We will all have to pick up our game and work together to help fill the void.”
It will be a big void, but no matter what, Boomer will always be a Viking, his dedication, love and reverence of the kids will live on. He will be missed.
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