McCoy Colts football field renamed after late coach Boksteyn

“As a parent I’ve sat on this field for close to eight years between peewee, atom, bantam, senior ball, lots of practices,” said Colts Booster Club treasurer Jeney Gordon. “It just seemed so fitting that if you pictured Rick somewhere, if it wasn’t in the fire hall it was probably here.”

Rick Boksteyn (left) coaching the Monsignor McCoy Colts in this undated photo (Photo courtesy of Medicine Hat Firefighters / Twitter)

MHCBE’s board of trustees voted unanimously last week to change the name of the field to ‘Rick Boksteyn Field’ in honour of Boksteyn’s ‘countless hours of dedication to the Monsignor McCoy football program.’

For the Colts team made up of players from Monsignor McCoy and Eagle Butte High, it’s a fitting tribute to a man who has embodied the Colts spirit.

“It’s probably the least we can do with the amount of time and effort in what he’s put into our program here at McCoy,” said Colts head coach Darrell Grass. “Everybody knows Rick from people that have played with him to the young junior Colts that he worked with, everybody knows Rick Boksteyn.”

The push to honour Boksteyn began shortly after his memorial service when the team met back at the school for a barbecue.

Ideas like renaming the team’s locker room and retiring Boksteyn’s former number were pitched, before the prospect of dedicating the field they were standing on was floated.

“It was just kind of a quick thing but it got more momentum, just realizing how much impact he had and what the legacy was,” said Gordon. “Generations of people know Rick, he was a real community servant. He volunteered time at football, he was great with his family, he was a fireman, he was a person who had values that we want to instill in our kids.”

A letter in support of the proposal was drafted and presented to the MHCBE, who formally voted on and carried the motion on September 8.

Boksteyn spent 36 years on the Colts sidelines and is being remembered by those in the football and firefighting communities as someone who earned the respect of those around him.

“He was the kind of guy that could tell it like it is without pulling any punches, and yet is very well respected,” said Grass. “He knew exactly what to say to the kids and he’s impacted so many students over the last 30 some years that he’s been coaching.”

According to Grass, Boksteyn was the ultimate team player and never had time for individual accolades during his life.

“He’s just such a strong character man and his character shines through,” he said. “I’m sure he would not want this because he doesn’t want any type of recognition. But, I think he deserves it just because of his morals and his hard work and dedication to our team.”

The Colts are planning to hold an official ceremony to mark the renaming of the field in the coming weeks, where they are hoping to celebrate with current and former Colts players.

While Boksteyn’s presence will be impossible to replicate within the local football community, his words are still holding meaning for those who will take to the field that bears his name.

“I have two players, one in Grade 10 and one in Grade 12,” said Gordon. “To hear their conversations with other players to say, ‘You need to be on that field, we’re looking for you.’ I hear Rick’s voice.”

by Scott Roblin

McCoy Colts football field renamed after late coach Boksteyn

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