[1][2] As an adolescent, Boomer lost several fingers in a farming accident, and he credited coping with the trauma of that episode as an integral part of shaping many of his life and coaching philosophies.

The graduate assistant to the track and field team had in fact never seen a swim meet prior to being offered the job.

From there, Boomer developed swimming techniques similar to those used by aquatic animals that would eventually be adapted by some of the best swimmers in the world.

Boomer's techniques emphasize keeping the core body aligned properly to minimize water resistance.

Besides working as a coach, while at Rochester he helped design the Speegle-Wilbraham Aquatics Center in 1982, and served as an Associate Dean and Athletic Director during his tenure.

Giving back to the swimming community, Boomer also worked as a volunteer technique advisor to swimmers at Princeton, and in 2012 at the University of Tennessee.