Paying dues pays off for Mimmack

As a sophomore and junior Reid Mimmack was a backup quarterback.

• Photos

He probably played more middle linebacker those two years so what he has accomplished as a quarterback this season might be considered remarkable.

The Brainerd senior has completed 61 of 113 passes (.540) for 900 yards and 12 touchdowns, helping the Warriors to a 5-2 record entering Thursday's game at Sartell.

"I would say definitely, throughout the ranks and years, I haven't seen as many snaps as I would have liked," Mimmack said. "But I think I've been pretty well prepared by the coaches. I think it's gone well this year. It's been a pretty smooth transition."

Reid Mimmack

Warriors coach Ron Stolski believes Mimmack's willingness to take on responsibility after the challenge of playing a lesser role says much about him.

"That character in him, that trait, has contributed to our team having success this fall," Stolski said. "He's coachable, he'll listen, he'll learn, he tries hard to do what you ask him to do.

"Beyond that, he has some skills, combined with his willingness to learn and to work at his game. He's a very good Brainerd Warrior quarterback in a long history of good Warrior quarterbacks."

Stolski, who also coaches many JV games, has worked with Mimmack for three years.

"It's just been a pleasure," he said. "As the JV quarterback you don't always get a lot of reps. Last year we looked at Reid at linebacker when we were looking for linebackers. He played a lot of linebacker last year, both in JV games, and some on the varsity. It isn't like here's an understudy who's had a lot of opportunity.

"I think (this year) is a real tribute to him personally. Particularly, here's a fellow who had success in another sport, hockey, who maybe could have taken a different attitude toward things."

Reid Mimmack

Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Year: Senior

Age: 17

Height: 6-2

Weight: 195

Other sports: Hockey, baseball

Career highlight: Playing hockey in Boston last summer

Grade-point average: 3.97

Favorite class: Chemistry

Favorite TV show: Scrubs

Hobbies: Fishing, hunting, socializing with friends

Future plans: Undecided

Favorite athlete: Peyton Manning

Parents: Ken and Joan Mimmack

Mimmack's skill as a goaltender forced him to confront a difficult decision. He's interested in playing hockey in the USHL, or in college, next year. Last summer he tried out, and made, the Upper Midwest High School Elite I Hockey League.

"As a goalie you're not allowed to play Elite I and play football," Mimmack said, "so I decided to play my senior year of football. It was probably the toughest decision I've ever made."

Former University of Minnesota men's hockey coach Doug Woog, among others, encouraged Mimmack to play football.

"We talked with a few Division-I coaches, as well as Woog, and asked them their opinion what to do because we had been hearing about players specializing and focusing on one sport," Mimmack said. "(Woog) said they're still looking for athletes, 3-sport guys. He said go ahead and play your senior year of football."

Mimmack credits his success to his receivers and the offensive line.

"The offensive line, if they give me time, we're doing well about 99 percent of the time," he said, "and the receivers are coming down with the ball if I put it in the vicinity. They've all got great hands."

In addition to his passing, Mimmack has rushed 27 times for 141 yards and four TDs. He concedes he's not Adrian Peterson, but strength training has helped make running an option.

"I'm not exactly an incredibly speedy guy," Mimmack said. "Some teams have taken me out as a threat to run. Strength has helped me get yards when I've needed to. It makes up for my quickness and speed."

Other notable efforts:

• Zoe Houle and Taylor Headlee, doubles, qualified for state with a runner-up finish in the section tournament.

• Jimmy Dean, cross country, won the boys' conference title.

MIKE BIALKA may be reached at mike.bialka@brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5861.