New-Look St. Michael-Albertville Coaches' Association Debuts with 5K Saturday

A new-look St. Michael Coaches' Association will welcome hundreds of runners to the annual Albertville Friendly City Days 5K this Saturday. 

The race, which kicks off at 9 a.m., offers pre-registration Saturday morning at St. Michael-Albertville Middle School West if you haven't already signed up online. Cost is just $25 on the day of the race, and there's a Children's Fun Run (2K) for just two bucks. 

All proceeds are used to create scholarships for St. Michael-Albertville students after graduation. It's a much-needed bump for the hundreds of student athletes that participate throughout their careers as a Knight, but maybe aren't given the chance to compete at the next level athletically. 

"These are kids who put in tons of hours, no matter what activity it is they're involved in, after school," said Blair Kelley, organizer of the 5K. Kelly has also taken on the "Fire Up 5K" in recent years, commemorating the death of his friend, Timothy Larson.

Kelley is teaming up with new STMACA head Tim Anfinson, head basketball coach, along with Megan Johnson, head soccer coach, to take the reins of the association after longtime head Steve Rothweiler stepped down after 22 years. 

"He did everything for the association and did a tremendous job," Kelley said. "We're kind of dividing up the work now and hoping to move forward with some new things and ideas. But really it's a great group that does a lot for these kids." 

The organization also puts on the annual banquet to recognize seniors who are three-sport athletes, something that's hard to come by year after year. The class of 2013 boasted 11 such standouts, several of whom will play competitive sports at the NCAA level.