Verndale Pirates head football coach Mike Mahlen will be inducted into the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame Oct. 8 at the Minneapolis Sheraton West Hotel, 12201 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka.
Mahlen's Verndale teams have compiled a 361-119-3 (.751) record during his 47-year tenure at the school, putting him No. 2 on the all-time Minnesota State High School League football win list behind Brainerd's Ron Stolski.
Under Mahlen's leadership, Verndale has played in 15 state tournaments, winning championships in 1997 and 2002 and finishing second in 1987, 1994 and 1996.
Tickets may be purchased from Jim Baker of South St. Paul High School. Email is jbad15430 p.m. and the banquet at 6:30 p.m.
