Posted: 7/3/02

Forest Lake graduate will lead Coaches Association

Branden Peterson
Sports Intern

From working on his jump shot, to working on plays with his quarterbacks, John Schumacher hasnít been one to wait for opportunity.

Dedication brought achievement. Achievement brought leadership. Needless to say, Schumacher is noticed.

In May, the 1978 graduate of Forest Lake High School was elected Vice-President of the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association (MSHSCA).

While in Forest Lake, Schumacher was a three sport athlete. He next went to Bemidji State University, where he continued to play basketball and football. He earned a teaching degree in Physical Education and Health in 1983, and returned to gain his Masters degree in 2000.

After graduating, Schumacher headed to Sleepy Eye St. Maryís to teach and became a coach in football and basketball from 1983-1987.

He moved to Park Rapids in 1987 to become a physical education teacher. His coaching days continued, as Schumacher coached football at all age levels.

In 1999, Schumacher became head football coach, and was honored as Northern Lake Coach of the Year.

From 1988-1991, he led the 9th grade boys basketball team, until he was appointed the varsity girls basketball head coach. He held the position until 1998, but will take the head coaching position again due to budget cuts.

He also coached track and field. Think he was a busy guy?

The experience of working with boys and girls teams for several years adds to his extensive resume.

Voters recognized this acquired knowledge in the election, as Schumacher was matched against two worthy opponents: Craig Anderson of Pine Island, and Mark Nelsen of Alexandria.

The appointment comes on the heels of a process of natural progression, as Schumacher was twice named president of the coaches association at Park Rapids High School.

In 1995, he became a delegate for District 29 to the association. Last January, he was appointed to work on the MSHSCA finance committee.

In his new position, Schumacher is excited to work more extensively for the student-athletes and coaches he has been more closely associated with.

ìYou get to work with 5500 members, to look at their battles, their wants, their needs.î Schumacher explained.

The success found through teaching, coaching, and raising two daughters, Tavis, 16, and Nicole, 14, with wife of 19 years, Bernie, Schumacher will work hard in his new role.

As with any politician vying for a vote, Schumacher won the votes of coaches across Minnesota with a plan of action.

ìI have concerns over how much kids are charged. Iím going to look at participation fees. Some of these fees just are right.î Schumacher continued. ìIíd also really like to take a look at sportsmanship, and how much there is, and also the lack thereof.î

Other goals of ìBig Johnî include looking into developing officiating programs for youth, a definite need in many sports, including Forest Lake.

In dealing with problems that arise, changing policies, and simply looking for ways to help coaches across the state, John Schumacherís influence will extend far beyond Park Rapids.

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