Hohenstein wins state coaching award

Ely’s Todd Hohenstein has been named the state’s top assistant Nordic ski coach for the 2004-2005 season.Hohenstein, active in Ely’s high school ski program for several years, took on assistant duties this season and was named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Minnesota High School Nordic Ski Coaches Association.Paula Anderson, Ely’s head coach, nominated Hohenstein for the award.“Todd is a natural coach due to his excellent teaching skills and ability to transfer information in a way that kids understand,” Anderson said. “He is a tremendous motivator and has been very helpful in working with the psychological and mental side of coaching for young athletes. He has shared in the teaching of technique and waxing and training and everything else that goes into running a ski team. The Ely ski team is lucky to have him.”Hohenstein, a science teacher at Ely Memorial High School, joined his wife Heather, the Wolves’ junior high coach, in assisting with Ely’s younger skiers.He moved up to the varsity level this winter to assist Anderson.The high school Wolves completed a dynamic season that included a second-place state meet finish by the Ely girls, top-10 state meet finishes by Ely skiers Jenna Klein and Adam Shultz, and section championship and runner-up performances by the girls and boys teams, respectively.Hohenstein has served as an assistant on Ely’s high school football coaching staff for the past several seasons. He also coaches the girls track team.“Todd is a very well liked and respected teacher in our school,” said Anderson. “His life revolves around his commitment to kids. His enthusiasm and young age make him easy for the kids to relate to both as a teacher and coach.”