Brent DeBoer is a name that many football fans in South Dakota would recognize. He is one of the most successful high school football coaches in the state’s history, having led the Sioux Falls Roosevelt Rough Riders to two state championships and a 111-79 record in 18 seasons. He is also a respected athletic director and a mentor to many young athletes in the Tea Area School District. In this article, we will explore the life and achievements of Brent DeBoer Sioux Falls, and why he deserves to be inducted into the South Dakota Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
A Passion for Football and Education
Brent DeBoer was born and raised in Corsica, a small town in Douglas County. He attended Corsica High School, where he played football, basketball, and track. He graduated in 1972 and went on to study at Sioux Falls College (now the University of Sioux Falls), where he continued his football career as a defensive back. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education and health in 1976, and later obtained his master’s degree in educational administration from the University of South Dakota in 1988.
DeBoer began his coaching career in 1977 as an assistant coach at Sioux Falls Lincoln High School. He then moved to Sioux Falls Washington High School in 1980, where he served as the defensive coordinator for eight years. In 1988, he became the head coach of the newly established Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School, where he would make his mark as one of the best coaches in the state.
A Legacy of Excellence and Leadership
DeBoer’s tenure at Roosevelt was marked by excellence and leadership. He built the Rough Riders into a powerhouse program that competed at the highest level of South Dakota high school football. He guided the team to 12 playoff appearances, six semifinal berths, three championship games, and two state titles in 2006 and 2007. He also developed many talented players who went on to play college football, such as Tyler Starr, Taryn Christion, and Austin Sumner.
DeBoer was not only a coach, but also a leader and a role model for his players and staff. He instilled a culture of hard work, discipline, respect, and integrity in his program. He also cared deeply about the academic and personal growth of his students, and encouraged them to pursue their goals and dreams beyond football. He was known for his positive attitude, his sense of humor, and his genuine interest in the lives of his players.
DeBoer retired from coaching in 2008, but he did not leave the field of education. He became the athletic director of the Tea Area School District in 2009, where he oversees the athletic programs of the Tea Area High School and the Tea Area Middle School. He is also the assistant coach of the Tea Area Titans football team, where he works with his son, Craig DeBoer, who is the head coach. He continues to share his passion and knowledge of football with the next generation of athletes in the Tea Area community.
A Hall of Fame Coach and a Community Leader
In recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions to high school football in South Dakota, DeBoer was named to the South Dakota Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2016, along with Leon Breske and Brian Hermansen. He was honored at a ceremony held at the State High School Winter Football Clinic in Sioux Falls in January 2017. He joined the ranks of other legendary coaches who have shaped the history and tradition of South Dakota football.
DeBoer is more than just a hall of fame coach. He is also a community leader who has made a positive impact on the lives of countless students, athletes, colleagues, and friends. He is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who values his family above all. He is a man of faith who lives by his principles and values. He is a humble and gracious person who always gives credit to others and expresses gratitude for his opportunities and blessings.
Brent DeBoer Sioux Falls is a name that deserves to be remembered and celebrated. He is a true example of excellence and leadership in South Dakota football and education. He is a hall of famer in every sense of the word.