Health & Fitness
On the Beat with Mike Tomczak of the Pittsburgh Power
Thirty two years after crossing paths with Mike Tomczak on a football field, we met again on the field after the Chicago Rush beat the Pittsburgh Power 45-14.
The last time Mike Tomczak and I were on a football field together was in 1980 at Gately Stadium on Chicago's south side. Tomczak was the senior quarterback at Thornton Fractional North, where he was coached by his father. Tomczak, who was named the Illinois High School Player of the Year, went on to lead the Ohio State Buckeyes to two Big Ten titles.
He also had an excellent pro career, starting out as an undrafted rookie on the 1985 Super Bowl champion Chicago Bears. He would become the last active member of that team after piling up over 16,000 passing yards over his 15 seasons.
On that memorable day at Gately Stadium, Tomczak wasn't the only star. His opponent that day was Mount Carmel (my high school) and we had our own star. Tony Furjanic was an elite linebacker who also went on to star at Notre Dame and had a three year NFL career.
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This was a much-anticipated match-up of two great teams and two great players. The MC home crowd was relentlessly on Tomczak, riding him the entire game. MC emerged victorious.
When the game ended, the MC crowd rushed the field to celebrate with the team. I walked right by Tomczak, who had tears in his eyes. I saw how much he wanted this game.
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Fast forward 32 years and I again found myself on the same field as Tomczak. He is the Offensive Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Power of the Arena Football League. Once again, Tomczak found himself on the losing end, as the Chicago Rush prevailed 45-14.
This time, when the game ended and I walked up to Coach Tomczak, he was in a much better mood, despite the team’s loss. Returning to his hometown probably eased the sting a bit. Family and friends there to see him probably helped, too. Despite being rushed for time, he gave us his quick thoughts on returning to Chicago as a coach and his coaching future.
I really wanted to talk to him about that memorable high school game. I am sure he remembers it (although certainly not me). I also wanted to ask him about playing for the Bears, being on two Super Bowl teams and so much more. There just wasn’t time for any of this.
Although I walked away slightly disappointed that our conversation was so short, I was ecstatic to talk to him as a media professional. Thirty-two years ago, I never would have dreamed this; so I guess you never know. I just might meet Tomczak again.
As always, I thank the Chicago Rush and Director of Media and Public Relations Mike McLaughlin for the opportunity. The next Rush home game is Saturday, May 4, against the Philadelphia Soul.
