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Larry Schlagel, long-time North Branch teacher and coach, was recently honorerd by the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association as one of four Assistant Coaches of the Year. Schlagel received the honor along with Scott Gonnerman (Benson), Rod Heinrich (Fairmont) and Fred Liffrig (Zumbrota-Mazeppa). Schlagel, in his 29th year at North Branch, has been an assistant in the boys' basketball program for more than 20 years. During his tenure at NB he has served as head coach for baseball and girls' basketball. He has also served as an assistant or middle school coach in tennis, football and volleyball.
On a personal note. I have known Larry Schlagel since 1979. In all those years, he has always performed his duties as a teacher and coach with professionalism and dignity. I can't imagine anyone more deserving of this honor. D. Ambers

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