Menominee coach Hofer wheels back and enjoys the view

DIVISION 5 NOTEBOOK:
Menominee coach Hofer wheels back and enjoys the view
November 25, 2007

BY TOM LANG

FREE PRESS SPECIAL WRITER

When Menominee won the Division 5 state title last year, coach Ken Hofer was carried off the field on his players' shoulders. This year he was wheeled onto the field in a wheelchair by athletic director Dale VanDuinen to accept the championship trophy.

Hofer coached from the Ford Field press box due to a tibia plateau fracture of his right leg, sustained at practice the Wednesday before the first playoff game. He was told not to put weight on it for six weeks.


"It's a long way up there," Hofer said of the view. "But you can see very clearly as to what's taking place, and as a result you can make good calls that can benefit the young people, and fortunately they did a good job executing."

SEND IN THE SOPHOMORES: Jackson Lumen Christi was so banged up it started five sophomores on offense -- center Leland Ewing, QB Conor Sullivan, wideout Jacob Petersen, tight end Scott Hough and running back Nick Russler.

"It's been a season we've had to deal with a lot of injuries," said coach Herb Brogan. "A couple weeks ago, we played six sophomores on offense and 11 overall, so we've had a lot of young kids step up -- but we've had really good senior leadership."

THE STREAK CONTINUES: The Division 5 matchup featured two of the most storied head coaches in Michigan -- Hofer (279-122-2, 39 years) and Brogan (246-57, 28 years).

Menominee had never gone undefeated until last year. Now it has two consecutive titles and 28 straight victories. The Maroons won their first title in 1998.


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