Sports

Friends, Alumni Honor St. Michael-Albertville Coaching Legend

Earl Bauman was greeted by former players and fellow coaches on the field he made possible at the halftime ceremony during the Knights' Friday game versus Rogers. After 31 years, the field was full of former talent.

As Earl Bauman, former football coach of the St. Michael-Albertville Knights for more than three decades, aptly put it, "It was pretty special."

Former players and fellow coaches met Bauman at midfield Friday night during a halftime ceremony to honor the legendary coach. Bauman retired after 31 seasons at the end of last year.

"Just a special person and a great guy for the community," said current coach Jared Essler. "We're pretty lucky to have Earl."

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Even the current student body at STMA felt the same, chanting, "We love Bauman!" as he was presented a plaque from the St. Michael-Albertville Coaches Association.

But the honors weren't done. Flanked by current high school principal Bob Driver and fellow longtime coach Tim Anfinson (boys golf and basketball, as well as football), Bauman was named the latest entry into the St. Michael-Albertville High School Hall of Fame.

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"It's an honor," Bauman said outside the stadium after his former team suffered a 35-21 loss to the Royals. "We had at least 10 collegiate athletes on that field tonight. That's pretty incredible for a school like this."

The coaches association hoped to honor Bauman with the naming of the field, but a committee recommended the STMA School Board approve a plaque on the stadium grounds, near the main entrance to the football field, instead.


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