Verndale's Mahlen voted coach of year

Verndale's Mike Mahlen was named Minnesota High School Football Coaches Association Coach of the Year last weekend.

Mahlen, who directed the Pirates to the Nine-Man state championship last season, was also voted Nine-Man coach of the year for the third time.

Mahlen, who has been at Verndale for 34 years, has 263 career victories, second on the list of active coaches. Brainerd's Ron Stolski ranks first among active coaches with 283.

Brainerd's Jeff Ramey received one of eight Butch Nash awards given to outstanding assistant coaches.

, Brainerd's Chet Stevenson and Pierz's Leo Pohlkamp have been named assistant coaches for the Minnesota High School All-Star Game June 28 at Macalester College in St. Paul.