Apple Valley coach pushing the right buttons

Apple Valley boys' coach Chuck Scanlon directed a team that won every one of its 24 games this season, a strong team that forced him to create adversity.

He spoke at a recent practice about his seven state tournament victories and the seven commemorative medals he could wear around his neck.

"They were getting a little cocky," Scanlon said. "So I told them: 'I've got seven gold medals and you guys don't have any. And I know how hard it is. You've got to push yourselves because you're not there yet.'"

His message found its mark. Thursday's 4-0 victory against Wayzata gave the Eagles their eighth state title on the strength of a full 80-minute effort.

"It's always motivation when someone tells you they have something and you don't," midfielder Tom Obarski said. "You want to go out and get what he has."

Players said Scanlon's approach never grew tiring.

"He definitely knew what he was doing," forward Kyle Webb said. "He brought great leadership to our team."

The fans in the Class 1A boys' title match had some spirited (and friendly) exchanges. Hermantown fans sang Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" with 30 minutes left and their team trailing 2-0 to Mahtomedi. Zephyrs fans drowned them out for a few seconds with a chant of, "We can't hear you!"

Later, Hermantown fans chanted, "You can't do that!" after an offside call negated a goal. Mahtomedi fans countered with: "You can't score!"

Orono senior Kerrie Dingmann nearly knocked over her coach, Erin Murray, after leaping into the coach's arms following a 5-0 victory over Blake in the Class 1A girls' championship match.

"We just have a great bond," Dingmann said with a laugh after her enthusiastic leap was noted.

DAVID LA VAQUE