He's a legend and still roaming the sidelines

Coach Dreier watches from the bench during a Dec. 10, 2010 match up with the Mainstreeters in Sauk Centre.  His team had a 17-11 lead in the first half but ultimately lost 53-49. Sitting at the right is long-time assistant coach Margaret (Marthaler) Essler, who played during her high school career as a Brooten Buccaneer under Jim Dykema. Essler graduated in 1981 with her husband, Dan Essler.

New London-Spicer coaching great Mike Dreier began his 35th season as head coach of the Wildcats girls' basketball program with a win over Eden Valley-Watkins last week.

I noticed this in the West Central Tribune in Rand Middleton's notebook and wanted to share it:
Here are the official stats on Mike Dreier’s coaching career. I was one year and one loss off in the game story of the opener at New London vs. Eden Valley-Watkins. After that game his record is 769-138 starting his 35th season at New London-Spicer.

Coach Dreier is without a doubt one of the great coaches of our time. It is incredibly difficult to keep a program in any sport running at the high level he does. Keeping kids and parents motivated to build a winning program over a 35-year span is simply incredible.

I have always enjoyed seeing Coach Dreier sitting in the stands scouting or roaming the sidelines of a basketball court for the past 15+ years I've followed high school sports. He is always warm and friendly to a quick chat with me, and he always asks about how my family is doing or how I am doing.

We are lucky at B-B-E to have a coach of similar stature in our boys' basketball head coach, Dave Montbriand, now in his 20th season leading the Jaguars into battle. I am so thankful that he now has a basketball championship under his belt. Whether or not we ever win any more boys' basketball titles at B-B-E, the memories and excitement of the 2011-12 season will never be forgotten.

Thanks, Coach!