By Dan Hardenbrook
Bruce Dake has seen his fair share of Newberry Indians sporting events. Dake is a Newberry graduate and a retired teacher. His wife, Lynn, also taught at Tahquamenon Area Schools, and their children made their way through Newberry High School as multi-sport athletes. He has been a longtime fixture of the Indians athletic program, often with a front row seat on the sidelines watching generations of players grow and develop.
He just wrapped up his 23rd coaching season and was Newberry’s longest tenured coach at the JV or Varsity levels. Most notably, he served as the Lady Indians varsity softball coach.
Last season, he recently announced, was his final one in the dugout.
“I just felt it was time for a younger coach to take over. I believe the team is set up for much success in the near future,” said Dake.
He got his start by stepping up to save a program on the brink of getting shut down.
“There was an opening that no one applied for,” he said. “I was told there would be no team if I didn’t coach. My daughter was a freshman and wanted to play, so I accepted the position.”
Dake eventually coached all of his kids at some point and says it was a double-edged sword at times.
“Coaching your daughters is an interesting dynamic,” he said. “On the one hand, getting to spend time with your children is always a bonus. On the other hand, they are teenagers. I tried to navigate the daughter vs. athlete carefully. You must concentrate on the whole team, but take pride in their accomplishments.”
Perhaps his favorite part of coaching was when that daughter who wanted to play eventually wanted to coach.
“Coaching with Emma has been special,” he said. “To see her interact with the athletes and her attention to detail is impressive. We shared the same thoughts on numerous occasions, where just a look would relay information.”
He takes a long list of memories with him.
“There are so many memories that are special. Winning big games, Academic All State awards, or All Conference and All District awards. Watching a first-time player making a catch or getting a hit is always a thrill,” Dake said. “To see former players blossom into community leaders, whether it is here or elsewhere, is very special. To see them go and have very productive lives is my biggest delight.”
