Brake attributes his decision to vacate the job to the fact he has four little kids at home and he wants to spend quality time with his wife and children in the prime of their lives.

 

“In all those years as trainer, I only missed two of the team’s football games both on the road and at home,” Brake said. “Dwight (Lundeen) is not too happy I retired because one of those games was where Becker got creamed and he attributes me not being there as the reason the team lost that way,” Brake said jokingly.

 

Brake will continue to work as the physical education teacher at the Middle School where he has been employed for the past 16 years.

 

Brake grew up in Wilmont, MN and attended Adrian High School where he starred as a three-sport athlete (football, baseball and basketball). He played a little college ball and also played local baseball with the Bandits and Buzzards before hanging up his cleats a few years back.

 

Brake achieved his bachelor’s degree in physical education from SCSU and received national certification soon thereafter. He interned for the Minnesota Timberwolves for one year right out of college, then turned down a trainer position on the hockey team at his alma mater.

 

He eventually took a position with the Sioux Falls Skyforce at Augustana before returning to SCSU to get an undergraduate degree in teaching. Later, he found a job at a clinic in Monticello and eventually got hired at St. Cloud Orthopedic Center, where he stayed on for the next 14 years.

 

While at SCOC, a job opened up in Becker for a trainer and Brake jumped on it. He remembers his first day he was on the job as trainer and when he walked onto the football field to meet the coaches.

 

“I went to the field to introduce myself and get to know the coaches when not 15 minutes into my shift did I get an emergency call to the pool for a head injury,” said Brake. “I remember, it was Sherry Penner who got hurt on the diving board not minutes into my first day on the job.”

 

Brake talked about the many injuries he’s seen over the years but said he’s never gotten squeamish or appalled at any extensive injury.

“I’ve seen broken legs, huge gashes, dislocated shoulders and elbows and major sprains, but I realized pretty quickly I felt comfortable at the job and in emergency situations,” he said. “I got pretty good at keeping the patient calm and relaxed and then expedite the treatment.”

 

Brake is married (Kathy) and they have four kids, Reis (5), Ramsey (3), Roman (2) and Ryker (3 weeks). The family lives just outside of the City of Becker and Kathy is a FT daycare provider.

 

“I have to give Dwight a lot of credit for doing so much for me,” said Scott. “He was instrumental in getting me here and he allowed me to coach and train at the same time. He is awesome.”

 

Brake also said he has heard a lot of “horror stories” of other schools where trainers, teachers and coaches have had issues  that carry over from year-to-year.

 

“I’ve never had any issues with any of the coaches here at Becker,” Scott said. “All the coaches have been open and helpful.”

 

Activities Director Dave Niemi is now tasked with trying to find a competent hire to fill the big shoes Brake has established at Becker.

 

“Dave’s been great to work with too and I’m trying to help him as best I can to find a replacement by the fall,” Scott said. “Dave’s been very supportive of me and he has assisted me greatly over the years.”

 

Brake is also grateful for the assistance and support from his sideline partner, Dr. Becky Mueller of CentraCare Clinic in Becker.

 

“Everyone’s been great and I’m definitely gonna miss being out there,” he said. But, I’m also looking forward to spending more time with my wife and kids and being a good father to the kids and a good husband to Kathy.”