Ron Tomczak: everyone's coach

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BY AL HAMNIK
ahamnik@nwitimes.com
219.933.4154 | Sunday, February 25, 2007 | (8 comment(s))

Ron Tomczak refused to let retirement slow him down.

The legendary T.F. North football coach and father of former Chicago Bears quarterback Mike Tomczak taught driver's education, worked eight hours a day at the family's fitness center and helped coach with his son, Steve, at Lincoln-Way East.

In 1995, Tomczak started Retired Athletic People South consisting of former athletic directors, coaches and others in the world of sports. They met monthly and their numbers grew to more than 100.

Ron Tomczak passed away Saturday morning after suffering a heart attack while teaching driver's education Friday at Lincoln-Way East. He was 69.

"He was an anchor. He really believed in fundamentals and work ethic as is exemplified throughout the Calumet Region," Mike Tomczak said. "My dad had a special way of getting into your soul; a way of pushing all your right buttons. He was the complete package.

"Whether you were first team or third team, he did whatever he could to make sure you were able to continue your college education. His network was large."

Added long-time friend Jerry Munda: "Just the other day, I talked to his wife, Joann, and she said Ron was out back, fighting the squirrels. He keeps putting birdseed out and the squirrels eat it.

"Busy all the time. He was always working out," Munda said. "Looked like a bull, so it's a big shock."

Tomczak coached T.F. North from 1967 to 1983. A 1980 playoff loss to Mt. Carmel left him one game short of the state finals.

Munda served as Tomczak's assistant for 18 years before taking over in 1983, a post he held for 11 seasons.

"We were very close," Munda said. "Ron was always doing something for somebody. He never stopped. A great family man. One of the reasons he retired from coaching at North was because he wanted to see his kids play ball. Mike was at Ohio State at the time; his younger kids at St. Francis College and Lincoln-Way.

"We'd often golf, go out to breakfast and talk. He was a nine-hole golfer. He didn't like to play 18 because he didn't have the time. He had to go to work."

Charlie Hatfield, a 1971 graduate, was among three brothers (Chris, '74 and Curt, '77) who starred for Tomczak.

"The more success I was having, the harder he made me work," said Charlie, who attended Bishop Noll as a freshman. "He was always for the athlete. Through the years, for a teaching job, I could always use him for a reference. He helped a lot of kids get scholarships. He was an institution.

"Besides my father, he had the biggest impact on me wanting to be a coach. Here I am, 30 years later, and I'm still coaching. So much of what I use in dealing with kids, I learned from Ron."

Hatfield now is defensive coordinator at Hammond High School, having previously coached at Lowell and Clark high schools.

Tomczak is survived by his wife and their six children. Visitation is 2-9 p.m. Tuesday at Sheehy Funeral Home in Orland Park. The burial service is Wednesday at St. Mary Church in Mokena.

"The last 24 hours have been surreal for me and my family," Mike Tomczak said. "But we're all strong because he was our anchor."

Legendary coach dies
Ron Tomczak, 69, a legendary coach at T.F. North and father of former NFL quarterback Mike Tomczak, died Saturday morning. He is survived by his wife and their six children. Visitation is 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Sheehy Funeral Home in Orland Park. The burial service is Wednesday at St. Mary Church in Mokena.

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Frank Walsh wrote on Jan 19, 2008 7:18 PM:

" I was waiting tables at Bill Knapp's in Jackson, Michigan in 1984.

Ron and his family were on their way back to Calument City after the UM-OSU game.

From there I got to know the family and spent some time with them during the next few years and Ron's daughter, Jennifer and I became friends.

What a class family that impacted many. Ron was a great father and spiritual guide.

Frank Walsh
St. Joseph, Michigan "

Randy from Normal wrote on Feb 26, 2007 8:43 PM:

" I played football for Coach Tomczak (70's) and thought he was an extraordinary coach. He also was my driver's ed teacher. He had a great sense of humor. My condolences to the Tomczak family. "

Yiakos Family wrote on Feb 26, 2007 10:23 AM:

" "Ron Tomczak's way of life on and off the field is something that should be followed by all. He was a well respected man by everyone that came in contact with him. When looking into the eyes of the kids he coached when giving his famous pep talks, even into his last season, you felt you were amongest greatness and wanted to catch and feel everything that Coach Tomczak said. He is a man that I will always look at as a true role model of life. Our prayers are with the entire Tomczak family. My condolances Gus Yiakos" "

Larry Rostron wrote on Feb 25, 2007 6:15 PM:

" I never knew Ron personally, but I saw him many times from across the gridiron when I was the defensive coordinator at Rich Central. Preparing to play the Meteors was always a challenge because you knew that Ron's teams were always well coached, fundamentally sound, physical, and offensively creative, especially when Mike was the QB. I always had the greatest respect for Ron, and was sincerely sorry to learn of his passing. I pray that God will give you all comfort during this time of sorrow. "

Kevin O'Keefe wrote on Feb 25, 2007 12:12 PM:

" Tomczak family. Heartfelt condolences on Ron's passing. He was a great man and touched thousands of peoples lives. Kevin O'Keefe "

Rudy Smith wrote on Feb 25, 2007 10:24 AM:

" Mr. Tomczak was an extraordinary man. I appreciate having had the opportunity to play for him in multiple sports. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Tomczak and the rest of their family "

Glen Castle wrote on Feb 25, 2007 9:08 AM:

" Mike- I'am so sorry for your loss. Mark sent me an email about your Dad, it sounded like a lot of Men of his day"OLD SCHOOL".. We will never replace folks like your Dad, he touched so many lives. My condolances, Glen "

GINO MAGDOS wrote on Feb 25, 2007 8:19 AM:

" I WAS IN COLUMBUS OHIO THIS PAST WEEKEND PREACHING A YOUTH CONFERENCE. I COULD NOT HELP BUT COMMENT ON MY FORMER HIGH SCHOOL TEAM MATE AND FORMER OSU BUCKEYE, MIKE. THROUGH THE YEARS I OFTEN THOUGHT ABOUT MY COACH. THE DISCIPLINES,ETHICS, AND VALUES THAT HE INSTILLED IN MY LIFE ARE VERY MUCH ALIVE. THANKS COACH I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU. OUR LOSS IS HEAVEN'S GAIN. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE ENTIRE TOMCZAK FAMILY AND CIRCLE OF FRIENDS..GOD BLESS YOU ALL. LOVE AND PRAYERS GINO MAGDOS "

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