Coach Chad Johnston showed a happy face at the welcome home ceremony on Friday.

By Byron Higgin

Mascot Publisher

A state championship is not something you can digest all at one time. Take Tim DeVlaeminck for instance. He helped Minneota win a state title in 1987 and says, “The guys today won’t really realize what they’ve done until much later.”

“It’s been over 20 years and it wasn’t until 10 years or so when people were talking about it that I realized what I’d been part of.” DeVlaeminck said this year’s team was a great one and they were enjoying the spoils of their labor, but the real pleasure won’t come for quite some time. Coach Chad Johnston took another slant on his feelings after winning his first state championship.

“That felt great. I’m glad for our community, I’m glad for our kids and I’m really glad for our staff and to kinda get one for ourselves. Matt Myrvik (assistant coach and former Viking player who played in the state in the 90’s) was here during that time with the last team to make it here.

"I think we feel a little bit like it was just big for everybody.” After hearing and reading about the exploits of former Viking three-time state championship Coach Gerhard Meidt, Johnston has finally added his first title to the repertoire. He said one of the biggest things that happened all year was when Mike Hammer was injured. It was a big blow to the team. But when he came back to play guard in the sectional finals against Dawson-Boyd, well, that made a difference.

“That’s a big influence, that senior leadership, and I think that was very important to see him in that Dawson section finals. When the kids saw that they responded well and obviously that was a big game for us just to get here,” the coach said. Junior running back Jacob Cheadle had his own injury to contend with from the start of the season. Yet, he was quick to acknowledge one of his teammates. “It’s been a long road of three to four years for some guys — especially Tony (Noyes). This is the greatest game he’s ever played.”

And he played it with a bad ankle. “It’s just amazing. Everyone wanted to be a state champ, ever since recess football,” said Cheadle. He recognized the fact Minneota’s tradition was part of this year’s success. “Right now is part of it,” he said, adding, “And we have the most dedicated coaches in the area.” This fall has been special for Minneota and Athletic Director Harlen Ulrich acknowledged the fact.

At the Friday night welcome home rally he said, “What a group of athletes that represented volleyball and football. Our school has great people. It’s been phenomenal. Something like this happens thanks to everybody.” Coach Johnston added, “This group has had one goal — (the state championship) has been the focus from day one!”

His accolades included the exploits of Ruth Bot, the school yearbook advisor, who takes so many photos and helps so many in countless ways, the cheerleaders — who kept the fans rockin throughout the season and “Mr. (Jon Voit) and the band, that went back and forth and back and forth” to the state volleyball tournament and then to the playoffs.

Then he added, “And one week from tonight many of these same kids will be here in the musical (Grease, which opens Friday).” Averyone left the gymnasium after the welcome home, one resident was heard to say, “My mouth just won’t quit smiling.”