In the spring of 1972, Bob Boerigter (far left, above) was finishing his second year of teaching and coaching at Little Rock High School, when he received an unlikely call. “Would you consider becoming the head basketball coach at Northwestern College?” Boerigter was only two years out of college, just two years of head coaching experience.
But the Northwestern interim head-coaching job was offered so he took it, and loved it as he has loved teaching and coaching throughout his lifetime in education.
Forgotten Stories are historical reflections about some of the most significant moments in Northwestern’s sports history: “The touchdown pass that started tradition,” “the Forgotten Footballs,” “He only scored 56” and “The history of the Tri-State and GPAC Conferences” will be among the stories shared.
Boerigter
served as AD at five different colleges and universities, including Hastings (NE)
College, Whitworth (WA) College, Adams State (CO) and Northwest Missouri State
University. His last professional stop was as the commissioner of the
Mid-America Athletics Association (MIAA). His impressive resume lists a number
of professional recognitions, including NAIA National Athletics Administrator
of the Year, a lifetime achievement award presented by the NCAA Division II
Athletics Directors Association, and the prestigious Award of Merit from the
NCAA Division II Conference Commissioners Association. In 2017 he was honored
as Kansas City’s Sports Executive of the Year.
“Forgotten Stories that are Unforgettable” is the first in the museum’s Nights at the Museum 2025 lineup.
And this too: Bob Boerigter and I went to high school together, were fast friends and remain so--tonight I have the honor and distinction of introducing him.
Bob's son played for the Green Bay Packers for a time years ago, and Bob traveled north from Missouri to see a game at Lambeau Field. Somehow, he discovered that his stay in our hometown, Oostburg, Wisconsin, happened on the day we buried my father. When he showed up at my dad's visitation, I cried.
I am blessed to say that Bob Boerigter is my friend.
2 comments:
Hi Jim,
What a small world this is! (This is Rosemary (Meerdink) Klug). My friend Linda (Wieberdink) VandeWall shared your blog with me today. I have enjoyed reading your thoughts/wonderful reflections on life. I liked reading about Bob and the adventures his life has taken him on. So happy you guys have remained friends over the years. I have such good memories of the many times we double-dated back in high school-“those were the days my friend!”
Believe it or not, I get to Oostburg once a month for lunch at Judi’s. There are 6 of us girls from the class of ‘66 who still get together to reminisce and laugh about days gone by. Love those special times with friends. We often include Gail in our memories. I do know that she is married and has two children-a boy and girl I believe. Say “hi” to Bob from me. Keep writing-God gave you a great gift!
Rosemary Klug
Wow! Well, hello, Rosemary! I did not expect to read a note from a woman who comes up occasionally in conversation. Whenever the two of us get together, those days come up and thus, so do you. if you've read any other recent posts on this age-old blog, you read the one that begins with spilling corn flakes. You might find that one interesting. Anyway, thanks so much for writing. Bob reads this blog too. I'm guessing he'll get a huge kick out of meeting you here again. Again, thanks!
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