Lorie Cook set to retire after 46 years of leading Valparaiso HS gymnastics to the top
VALPARAISO, Ind. (BVM) — All the way back in 1975, Lorie Cook took over the Valparaiso High School gymnastics program. Nearly half a century later, Cook has continued to do what she loves, leading the Vikings to become one of the top gymnastics programs in Indiana.
But now, after 46 seasons, the 66-year-old Cook has finally decided it’s time to retire. She leaves an unprecedented legacy at Valparaiso, leading the gymnastics squad to 27 state final competitions, nine of which they finished runner-up, and 13 of which they won.
Cook finished on a high note, as this year’s team would go on to win sectionals but finish just third at regionals. However, the Vikings rallied, and would win the 13th state title of Cook’s tenure.
CONGRATULATIONS LADY VIKINGS! State Champs! @ValpoHS411 @Valpo_Schools pic.twitter.com/r7blcdoxpP
— Valparaiso Athletics (@AthleticsValpo) March 13, 2021
Although she retired from teaching physical education for 36 years and will now step down from this role, Cook will continue mentoring through the Valparaiso Gymnastics Club, coaching the high school feeder teams.
The Buffalo, N.Y., native first came to Indiana when she went to college, studying and competing at Indiana State University. The Valparaiso job was her first out of college, and she helped turn Valparaiso gymnastics into a full year-round program. She also was instrumental in the creation of the middle-school program that she will continue on with.
While Cook has mentored many great athletes throughout her four-plus decades of coaching, one of the most special to teach was her daughter, Angie Moon. During her time competing in the 1990s, Moon won two all-around state titles, and also helped the Vikings to one of their many team championships.
By the time Moon was done at Valparaiso, Cook actually considered retiring after two decades at the helm of the program. However, she continued to coach, and before long, her daughter joined her on the sidelines. Moon began helping out as an assistant coach during the end of her college tenure, and continued to do so for the next couple of decades to follow.
Not many leave a legacy the way Cook has. Valparaiso now begins its search for a new gymnastics coach, one that will have big shoes to fill, but will also inherit a truly special and successful program thanks to Cook.
