Mankato's New Coach Has Team Ranked No. 2 Nationally
MANKATO, Minn. (WCCO) -- The No. 2-ranked Minnesota State University, Mankato football team travels to No. 7-ranked Minnesota Duluth in a show down this Saturday.
The head coach is Aaron Keen, who was named when Tood Hoffner was dismissed prior last season for a case that is ongoing regarding pictures on his cell phone.
Keen stepped in, delivered his message, and his Mavericks are responding. The squad is currently 2-0.
"More than anything I enjoy the people side of coaching, and the relationships you build with your players," he said.
His rise last year was unusual, and to see a team that won its conference and yet comes back even better is surreal.
"You got to be a believer in things happen for a reason," he said. "My wife says it all the time and our assistant coaches believe it."
One reason he was named permanent head coach is he had the support of players.
"There's just a lot of confidence in his ability to coach us – he's a motivational guy," defensive end Chris Schaudt said.
