Dave Warmack

Dave Warmack

Class of 1966

One of the greatest coaches of all time John Wooden said, “Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.” That axiom is personified by Comstock High School alumnus and hall of fame inductee David Warmack. I’ve known Dave Warmack, or “The Coach” as his friends from NM fondly refer to him, for nearly 40 years. I was a rookie coach on the staff of his first varsity level head coaching job at North Muskegon High School. As teachers we had a great fun sharing the cafeteria for our classrooms. He quickly became my friend and mentor. Most everything I know about football I learned from Dave. North Muskegon may not have had much in facilities in those days, but it sure had good football teams. That was because of the hard work, preparation and knowledge of its head coach. But there was also a sensitive person under that tough football coach demeanor. Endearing qualities like the way he taught geography to middle schoolers, the ski club advisor trips to Cannonsburg, the necktie he wore every day, his “foods of the world” lesson plan, discussions of the Civil War (he’s quite the buff), or his pep rally speeches. For me personally, I mostly remember all day coaches’ meetings, the victory parties, hay trips for his horse, a road trip to Colorado, and time spent with colleagues fishing the Maple and the Little Manistee Rivers or hunting in the woods jut to name a few. All life snapshots never to be forgotten. Dave was a warrior on the field and had a “tough guy” reputation around town. However few probably know that he was particularly proud of being in the high school choir thanks to Mr. Jerry Smith and having a singing part in a production of “Oklahoma”. As a head coach at NMHS, we found him to be demanding and tireless in his devotion to his players and all members of the extended team. His ambition to reach the pinnacle of this chosen profession was inspirational. He achieved everything he set out to do: win a state championship, coach college ball, and lastly coming full circle to end his career back in high school where it began coaching his new team to the playoffs for the first time in school history. Underlying all that was his greater “hankering” to help immature athletes become successful young men through the game of football as it had done for him. Through his altruistic efforts he has helped many of his players into scholarships and college ball, even a couple who went on to play and coach in the NFL. He lived the philosophy that football prepares you for life’s challenges and is its best metaphor. Dave would be quick to point out that behind every successful coach or educator is a supportive and understanding family. He married the love of his life Peggy Shearer and has two terrific sons Ryan 41 and Casey 36. They are a wonderful family devoted to each other. In times of joy and celebration or challenges of adversity, they have been there to share his accomplishments. No matter what has confronted Dave, whether on the football field or in his life beyond the goalposts, he has triumphed because of the love and support of his family. My congratulation and love to my friend and his family on this special day.

by John Campione

 


Comstock High School

  • Varsity Football – 4 Varsity Letters
    • 4 Year Starter
    • 1964 – Junior Year
      • All Conference, GK All Star, Team Most Improved Player
    • 1965 – Senior Year
      • All Conference, GK All Star, GK Scoring Leader, Team MVP
  • Varsity Baseball – 3 Varsity Letters
    • 1966 – Senior Year
      • All Conference, .455 Batting Average
  • Varsity Track – 2 Varsity Letters

Grand Rapids Community College

  • 2 Way Starter – FB/LB

Kalamazoo College

  • 2 Way Starter – FB/LB

North Muskegon & Ignacio, CO HS Baseball Coach

  • 8 Years Varsity Coach
  • 3 Conference Championships

North Muskegon & Ignacio, CO HS Football Coach – 175 wins & 86 Losses

  • 23 Years Varsity Coach – 9 Playoff Teams
  • 9 Conference Championships
  • 4 District & 3 Regional Championships
  • 2 State Final Appearances – Colorado 1985 & 1988
  • Ranked 2nd in State at North Muskegon 1979 – State Semi Finalist
  • State Championship 1988 Colorado
  • 3 Teams Ranked Top 25 in Nation in USA Today

Central Connecticut – Offensive Coordinator – 1 Season

 

Wabash College – Offensive Coordinator – 1 Season

 

Kalamazoo College – Head Coach – 8 Seasons

  • Won Wooden Shoe Game vs Hope 3 Times
  • 1994 Ranked #15 in Nation by Street & Smith Magazine

Athletic Honors

  • Voted Conference or Regional Coach of the Year – 9 Times
  • 1988 Colorado 4A Coach of the Year
  • 2013 Comstock Athletic Hall of Fame