Brookfield East Head Boys Track & Field coach Mike Steiner has retired from his position after 17 seasons, bringing East four Division 1 championships, 28 Greater Metro Conference championships, and much more. He is an accomplished member of the Brookfield East community and will finally be enjoying more time off next year.

“I look forward to reconnecting with old friends and getting back to some of the things I did years ago like golfing, fishing, and working out. I’m sure we’ll find time to travel a bit more and hopefully find some new adventures to keep me busy,” said Steiner.

“I really appreciate Steiner as a teacher, and I admire his hard work and what he did for the students here at East,” said Brookfield East student Aidan Koops (10). “A lot of my friends talk about Mr. Steiner and his dedication towards the team, and because of that, I know my friends and I will be sad to see him go.”

Mr. Steiner has had a very long journey throughout his career. In his first introduction to East, he says that the most challenging part about being a new teacher is that “you were prepared and worked hard to gain the respect of your fellow teachers.” Specifically, Steiner says that as a first-year teacher, “balancing your time between your school responsibilities and personal life took some getting used to. But overall, it was the usual early career challenges that all beginning teachers face.”

“What free time that I have, I enjoy spending time with my family (his wife Terry and daughters Hannah and Halle) along with my yellow lab Sadie. I’m a huge sports fan, so anything Packers, Bucks, and Brewers is usually tuned in at the house! You can always find me tinkering or doing something productive at my home. I’m pretty simple,” said Steiner. With all the extra time Steiner will be having after retirement, he is sure to have a great time.

Steiner says that the thing he’ll miss most about Brookfield East is the relationships that he’s developed with fellow teachers, as well as the daily interactions with the students at East. After retiring, he plans to continue coaching football and track, but he’ll miss being a part of the school community.

As for his favorite memory at East? He can’t put a finger on it. He got to see a student-athlete, Mr. Farley become an outstanding principal, as well as all the success that we’ve had in athletics. But most of all? The incomparable dance moves exhibited by Mr. Mcgath after all of our big wins! As for five years from now, Steiner has decided to take things one day at a time. He knows he’ll be involved in athletics, which he has built his life around.

Before Steiner fully leaves, he has a few tips for the teachers. “Enjoy the ride, the years go by really fast. Maybe the day-to-day journey is sometimes slow, but the years fly. Teachers at East are all very gifted educators, and I hope they all strive to continue to work hard at their passion.” As for the students? “Chase your dreams, be the best you can be, do things the right way in school and life. Try to be involved in something, be it athletics, clubs, music, etc. It makes for the best high school experience.”