Mayfield coach Steve Bogus speaks with his team during the 6-3 win over NDCL on Jan. 8, 2022. (Paul DiCicco – News Herald)
Steve Bogus, the longtime Mayfield hockey coach who announced his battle with liver cancer in October, passed away on March 18th.
News of Bogus' death began to spread in the morning, followed by an outpouring of social media tributes throughout the Greater Cleveland hockey community.
We are saddened by the passing of Mayfield hockey coach Steve Bogus. Too soon. Remember his family. #HeightsHockeyFamily #mayfieldhockey Cancer is the worst. I miss the conversations after the show. But they'll make me laugh.
— Andy Baskin (@andy_baskin) March 18, 2024
Jacob Macura, a 2016 Mayfield graduate who played at Bogus and just completed his first season as the head coach of his alma mater, received a phone call from athletic director Keith Loeffler around 10 a.m. with the sad news. He said he received it.
The Mayfield family was shocked to learn of the passing of Steve Bogus this morning. Wildcat Hockey He served as the leader of the program for 15 years. Please keep his young family in your thoughts and prayers. https://t.co/sN1jxhhCLq
— Mayfield Athletics (@MayfieldSports) March 18, 2024
“Unfortunately, Steve suffered a setback last week,” Ms Macura said. “He personally didn't know when, but he wished he had more time.
“It's a very emotional thing. It's just very difficult. I've been doing it for the last 15 years and obviously it's been very, very difficult. My heart breaks for him and his family, to be honest. I’m torn.”
Macra said Loeffler gathered a team at the school to share the news. Makura also contacted parents to let them know if they were unaware.
“Steve was a fighter. He fought very hard,” Macura said. “He inspired us all season long in that game. I think watching him overcome this situation will help us thrive going forward. I have no doubts.”
In October, Bogguss revealed publicly for the first time that he had been diagnosed with a “rare” liver cancer last month.
Mayfield hockey coach Steve Bogus on liver cancer diagnosis: 'We're going to play against the best players'
Bogus started chemotherapy in late October.
This past season, Bogus transitioned from being the head coach of the Wildcats, where he had been for 14 seasons, to becoming an assistant at Macura.
Despite his diagnosis, Bogus remained at the rink. In December, he was honored and honored at the GCHSHL Blue South's “Sticks Out For Bogas” game against Chagrin Falls in Gilmore. Benefits have also been held at the youth level for Bogus and his family, including an October event titled “Hocus Bogus” hosted by Mentor Youth Hockey.
Mayfield Hockey: Wildcats coach emeritus on 'Sticks Out For Bogas' optimistic about program's longevity
In October, while talking about his battle with cancer, he told the News-Herald of his desire to fight the strongest fight possible.
“It's going to be a tough fight, but I can fight,” Bogus said at the time. “We're going to fight the best of them.”
coming soon
A tribute to Bogus from Chris Lillstrung's weekly high school sports column will appear online on March 19 and in print on March 20.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mayfield hockey coach Steve Bogus, who passed away this morning. A great friend and a great coach who left us too young. Rest in Peace Steve, you will be sorely missed.
— Mark Ferfolia (@MarkFerfolia) March 18, 2024
@mentorhockey @MentorAthletics The Kerrs hockey family sends our deepest thoughts and prayers to the family of Mayfield hockey coach Steve Bogus, who passed away this morning. An amazing husband, father, coach, and top-notch individual. Rest in peace Steve.
— Paul McKito (@BigRedDukes7) March 18, 2024
