High School Coaches of the Year Named

The Minnesota State High School Track and Field Coaches Association recently named its coaches of the year for 2008. In addition to its state-wide winners, the organization recognizes top head and assistant coaches for each class, gender, and section in the state.

Earning State Coach of the Years honors were: Rod Reuer of Brainerd who was named the Boys Class AA Head Coach of the Year; Brent Schacht of St. Croix Lutheran HS who was named the Boys Class A Head Coach of the Year; Jorjean Fischer of Eastview who was named the Girls Class AA Head Coach of the Year; and Tom Plocker of Blue Earth Area who was named Girls Class A Head Coach of the Year.

Bil Gangl of Mahtomedi was recognized as the Class AA Assistant Coach of the Year, while the late Al Handahl of Renville County West was named the Class A Assistant Coach of the Year. Handahl died on April 30, 2008 while preparing his team's grass track in Danube for practice.