Korman Brings Experience To Carlton Football

Wes Vork-NSO

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Aug 16

Kerry Rodd-NSO

Many people know Dennis Korman as an attorney in Cloquet and Carlton County. Now, the people of Carlton will get a chance to know Korman as their high school football coach. Korman was named football coach just a week ago and will take over the reins this week.

Unbeknownst to a lot of people is Korman’s extensive playing experience as a football player. Korman played his high school football at Eden Valley-Watkins where he was All-Conference, All-Region and was also named to the WCCO Radio All-State Team of his senior season. After high school Korman went on to play college football at St. John’s for John Gagliardi, the winningest football coach in college football history. Korman played offensive and defensive tackle as well as defensive end. Following his senior season Korman was told by the New Orleans Saints of the NFL that if he promised he would sign with them that they would draft him.

“I told them not to waste their draft choice on me because I was going to law school,” said Korman. “I also had an offer to try out with the Toronto team of the Canadian Football League, but I told them the same thing.”

Korman became coach when the new Carlton Athletic Director, Tracy Bockbrader, realized she did not have a football coach for the upcoming season.

“She asked her dad, Ken Suominen, if he would do it,” explained Korman. “However, he didn’t feel that he had sufficient football knowledge or playing experience. He recommended she talk to me and I didn’t feel I could say no after all the help Ken has given my daughter.”

Suominen is a longtime youth softball coach and the former assistant high school coach in Cloquet and he had spent countless hours developing Katrina Korman as a pitcher at the youth and high school level.

“I only agreed to do this because Ryan Lindstrom, last year’s assistant coach, agreed to stay,” mentioned Korman. “Ryan knows their systems. I don’t. I would not want to start installing a new system.”

As far as how the Bulldogs will be expected to play and carry themselves, Korman speaks like a veteran of the coaching circles.

“I will expect the players to give football their best effort. They need to play hard but cleanly. They need to carry themselves with dignity because they represent their school and community. I also want them to have fun playing football. There is no sense playing if they can’t have a good time doing it.,” remarked Korman. “They need to keep up their grades because the chance that any one of them will make a living playing football is infinitesimal. Their education is what will enable them to make a living and to make a positive contribution to society.”

Kerry Rodd can be reached at kerry@northlandsportsonline.com