Thousands of Trappers can picture this scene; it was one of Gary Boggs’ favorites. A hot, mid-August morning on the practice football field at Fort Vancouver High School for “daily doubles.” Players are sweating through their pads, and Coach Boggs is decked out in Bike-brand shorts, an old Fort T-shirt and hat, a red whistle, and a pair of uvex-brand sunglasses. Only Boggs could model such attire.
It was scrimmage day, or as Coach liked to call it, “thuds.” Every sentence he uttered had the word “Trappers” in it. The message was powerfully clear: It was about the team. I can still hear his deep baritone voice — his words, passion, devotion, and competitive spirit still reverberate through every fiber of my body.
If Fort was his favorite place, Kiggins Bowl was a close second, and what generations of Trappers experienced there on Friday nights, no book or movie could ever recount. Gary Boggs was the most legendary coaching figure in Vancouver’s history. I would like to see the field at Kiggins Bowl named in his honor.
What a teacher, leader, mentor, and coach. What a life. No coach had a greater impact on my life. He enriched the lives of thousands of Trappers.
