Konold sight set on state title
Unfortunately, Minneota didn't make it to the state tournament in football this year. But a Minneota connection did.
Jon Konold, a 1993 Minneota graduate, has been the Willmar head football coach for the past 10 years and guided the Cardinals to the Class 4A state tournament for the first time in 30 years. "We came close in 2015 and 2016, reaching the section final each time," he said.
"But we lost close games (6-0 and 14-7) each time to Rocori."
This time, Willmar (9-1) advanced to the state tournament with an impressive 50-28 rout of previously unbeaten Detroit Lakes.
In the state quarterfinals Friday on a snow-covered field in Monticello, Willmar thrashed Hermantown 44-0 to advance to the state semifinal game next Friday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Willmar is outscoring its opponents 499-167 this season, scoring 50-or-more points four times and 40-or-more points nine times.
Willmar started 3-1 last season when its starting quarterback was injured and finished the season with a 5-4 record. "We had to bring in Drey Dirksen and he had never really played quarterback," said Konold, a seventh-grade Math teacher at Willmar.
"But he learned as we went along and gained some valuable experience. And he has done a very good job this year."
The Cardinals are a well-rounded team this year that can move the ball on the ground or through the air. And a stout defense has posted three shutouts.
"We've been blessed with a good quarterback and two outstanding running backs," Konold said. "We also have a solid corps of receivers and our offensive line has been great all season."
Against Monticello, senior running back Alexander Wickliff ran for 100 yards and three touchdowns in only seven carries. Dirksen, a senior, passed for two scores and ran for one touchdown and three extra-point conversions.
Willmar's 22 points in the first quarter against Monticello were more than Hermantown had allowed in an entire game all season (14). "And our defense has had some very good games this year, too. We have six or seven players that have been starting for us since they were sophomores, so we have a lot of experience on both sides of the ball."
Konold endured some lean years as he was building the program, but now sports a career record of 51-47. "I really like being around the kids and the energy they bring," he said when asked what he likes most about coaching.
"The players are a close-knit group, especially this year with the season we're having. They work hard and they want to be at practice. That's what makes it all worth it." Konold isn't a coach who screams a lot, nor is he laid back.
"I'd say I have an attention to detail and I hold my kids accountable," he said. "But I love what I do." Konold was a two-year starting wingback and free safety for Minneota. Coached by Gerhard Meidt, the Vikings reached the state quarterfinals his senior years before succumbing to Mankato Loyola.
This time, he advanced past the quarterfinals and now has his sight set on a state championship.