Milestone: 700 wins for Morken
Even with the seemingly high turn-over rate of coaches in high school volleyball, you can still find a few coaches who are growing their win record and developing elite programs across the state. Lonnie Morken has become the face…
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Continue ReadingEven with the seemingly high turn-over rate of coaches in high school volleyball, you can still find a few coaches who are growing their win record and developing elite programs across the state. Lonnie Morken has become the face of Mabel Canton and Southern Minnesota volleyball. He works tirelessly to help student athletes succeed; and, although he is not one to need recognition, when you are this good, you can’t avoid it!
Lonnie Morken – Mabel Canton
When he started as the Cougars head coach over 25 years ago, he probably didn’t imagine they would grow to one of the most successful sing A programs in the state; or perhaps that was always his vision. Between state appearances, rankings, all-state players, and being named the Coach of the year in 2018, Morken has a clear purpose for the program.
His recent interview with KIMT provides a glimpse into his humble, hardworking mindset:
“I just wanted to get us to play competitive volleyball and turn the program around, get kids to enjoy the game and I guess the wins just started adding up and stuff,” Morken said. “So it’s certainly a testament to the kids and community of Mabel and Canton and I’ve just been really blessed with hardworking kids.”
He has done more than “turn the program around,” he has been the driving force behind the success of hundreds of athletes. Recently, his new squad helped him reach a new accomplishment:
700 career wins
To better understand the commitment this takes,first note- it took 13 years to get 400 wins to put him over his most recent milestone; he reached 300 wins in 2006. Since that time, he has worked endlessly to guide his team to the state tournament; they went in 2000 and 2001. It must be deflating with such strong competitors like Wabasha-Kellog, Medford, Fillmore Central, Fairbault BA and others standing in the way. Still, each year the players and coaches of Mabel Canton fight for every win. Good luck to coach Morken and his talented team this year!