Team-first is extension of retiring coach Kauls

In 45 years of coaching Mounds View boys' basketball, Zig Kauls won two state tournaments with some special players but remained consistently competitive by getting the most out of almost every team.

Just nine Mustangs teams closed the season below .500 in the Kauls era, and only three in the past 24 seasons.

Kauls announced this season will be his last. With a 9-3 start, Mounds View players seem poised to send Kauls out a winner.

The school honored its longtime coach on Jan. 13, dedicating Kauls Court in the gymnasium before the game against East Ridge. Playing before a crowd packed with basketball alumni, the Mustangs won 54-48 to ensure a festive atmosphere.

Senior tri-captain Kevin Sharpe played with inspiration despite taping his lower left leg to protect a shin bruise. Hard-nosed, unselfish players such as Sharpe, who care about winning more than scoring, served as the foundation of many of Kauls' teams.

"He's a leader in games and in practice," Kauls said. "He's a good extension of the coaching staff."

Sharpe spoke with Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque about the Mustangs' team-first identity, playing for the final Kauls-led Mounds View team and the pressure to win last Friday.

A My brother played for him five years ago. I just felt lucky to see he was still here when I got to high school. The fact he stayed through my senior year is great. I talked to Brett Burckhardt and Chris Severson about how we're his last senior captains. It's a big deal and we were really excited and nervous.

Q This is not a superstar sort of team. So are you surprised at all with the strong start to this season?

A We knew we had a group of eight seniors who were really close, and I thought we could do great things. It's been great to actually see it happen. But yeah, we don't have any Division I or Division II players. There is no standout guy. This is a team that makes you think of what Mounds View basketball is: trying your best and busting your butt for your friends. Zig has formed us into the best team we can be.

Q Was the pressure to win higher the night Kauls Court was dedicated?

A Yeah, we just wanted to show the alumni and the legends what Zig has done with us. Before the game, we talked about going out and playing hard. It was a surreal night. It was great to give him not only that victory but a great season so far. We owe those things to him. He tells us to do it for ourselves because it's our senior year, but we're also doing it for him, too.

A It's kind of funny, I played defensive end on the football team so I'm used to doing the unglamorous jobs. I love doing the dirty work, getting offensive rebounds and getting the ball out to one of our shooters. It's a great opportunity to get the team going.

Q With your leg injury, was there any chance you'd miss Friday's game?

A It hurt to touch, but I could walk and run on it just fine. I told them when it happened in Wednesday's practice, 'There is no way I'm missing Friday's game.' I wanted to be a leader and show the team that we can fight through everything.