Farmington football coach Froehling retires after 15 seasons

Two schools — Farmington and Shakopee — made the move from the Missota Conference to the powerful South Suburban for football. Less than a month after their seasons came to an end, the coach of each program has resigned.

Farmington mentor Mark Froehling recently became the latest to step down after guiding the Tigers for 15 seasons.

"This is a retirement, not a resignation," Froehling said. "That's a philosophical difference to me."

His departure comes on the heels of Jody Stone leaving as Shakopee coach. The Sabres finished 2-7 — one of their victories coming against Farmington — while the Tigers were winless (0-9).

"Coaching has become a large job," Froehling said. "Every year I evaluate myself to see if I have the energy for fulfill the role the right way. I thought it was time to step back, and give myself a little free time."

Froehling guided the Tigers to five Missota Conference titles and back-to-back state tournament appearances in 2002 and 2003.

"There are some things I'm going to miss," Froehling said. "We won some championships, played in the dome and had some fun along the way.

Neither school will play football in the South Suburban next year as the state goes to district scheduling. Farmington will be in the East Metro while Shakopee is in the West Metro.

The boys' hockey program at Shakopee has a familiar face running the show. Ed Loiselle, who resigned five years ago, has returned as the Sabers' mentor.

Loiselle guided the Sabers to their lone state hockey tournament appearance in Class 1A in 2005.

During his five-year absence as the high school coach, Loiselle stayed involved in the Shakopee Hockey Association. He initially resigned following 16 years at the helm.

• Senior goaltender Abby Cooper made 35 saves, leading Lakeville North to a 2-1 victory over Class 2A, No. 2 Hill-Murray in a nonconference girls' hockey game. Cooper was coming off back-to-back shutout performances. She has only allowed seven goals in five games.