CHESAPEAKE
Brian Boerboom learned plenty about tough environments while playing for the University of Nebraska in the early 1990s.
And in the 11 years since first coaching Great Bridge High’s football team, Boerboom has learned how to better develop players and prepare them for the future.
Boerboom – after more than a decade as a college coach – is returning to Great Bridge football, hoping to revive a program that has just three victories in the past three seasons.
Boerboom coached Great Bridge for four seasons from 2003-06, going 13-27, then spent eight years as Southeast Missouri State’s offensive line coach. He then served the same role at Stetson University in Florida the past three seasons.
“He’s familiar with the area,” Great Bridge athletic director Sean Townsend said. “And he started building the foundation when he got the job offer from Southeast Missouri. He came highly recommended from the administration that was here at that time and that’s nice.”
Boerboom replaces Steve O’Neal, who resigned after the Wildcats finished 0-10 this past season. Pete Gale bridged the coaching gap between them.
“I stay in touch with coach Gale. I got a hold of Mr. Johnson and we talked,” Boerboom said, referring to Great Bridge principal Jeff Johnson. “We clicked, and I really liked what he’s doing there and looking for.”
Great Bridge has struggled with participation in recent years, and Boerboom hopes a more personal touch can restore the program.
“I want to get them to understand that I am there for them,” Boerboom said. “And we’ll have a staff there to help them reach their goals. It comes down to sitting down and giving potential or existing players some one-on-one time so they understand what football can do for you.”
A former offensive lineman, Boerboom plans to fit the offense to the skillset of the roster. But a quarterback is a solid start.
“If we can find a great quarterback or two, there’s a lot of different things we can do,” Boerboom said.
Casey Turner, who twice was named first-team All-Tidewater at quarterback and signed with UConn, played under Boerboom.
After his Nebraska career, Boerboom spent time on the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad and in the Arena Football League. But playing in atmospheres like the Fiesta Bowl and Orange Bowl really sharpened his unique intensity he wants to bring back to Great Bridge.
Raising six children also honed his developmental skills.
“We’re gonna push ’em, but we’re gonna love ’em,” Boerboom said.
Ray Nimmo, 757-446-2364, ray.nimmo@pilotonline.com