Lassi steps away from sidelines Ely

by Tom Coombe
For 11 seasons, Cory Lassi has been the common denominator when it came to Ely Timberwolves football.
But that will change in 2021, after Lassi’s announcement last week that he is stepping down from his post as high school football coach.
Lassi spent the last three years leading the Wolves and was an assistant for eight years prior to that, playing a key role in a resurgence of the football program including four state tournament berths in a six-year run.
The 2004 Ely High School graduate is moving on from coaching, at least for now, to spend more time with his family, including a daughter due to be born this week.
“My number one job right now is being here for my family and I want to make sure I am,” said Lassi.
A former Timberwolf football standout, Lassi joined the football coaching staff in 2010 and guided the defense.
Not long after the Wolves moved to 9-man football, and Lassi aided head coach Brian Lamppa during a remarkable run that started with a state tournament berth in 2012.
The Wolves reached the state semifinals in both 2013 and 2015, and added a state appearance as well.
Lassi’s well-prepared and hard-hitting defenses were pivotal to that success.
“Over the last 11 years, we had some really good football teams,” said Lassi. “As far as breaking that long streak of making it back to the state tournament, and that buzz and excitement there was around town. I still remember coming home from the Metrodome in 2013, after we lost that hard-fought game to Underwood, and as we were pulling in there were so many people on the side of the streets. That welcome back that we got is something I will always keep with me.”
After Lamppa retired, Lassi took over as head coaching starting with the 2018 season and guided the Wolves the last three years.
The 2020 campaign was arguably the oddest in school history. It was first delayed and then started late because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A young Ely team went 3-2 during the regular season, finishing above .500 for the first time since 2017, but the Wolves were knocked out of the Section 7 playoffs by Bigfork.
Just a couple days later, Lassi opted to submit his letter of resignation and informed his team.
Saying farewell was not an easy task.
“I think the biggest part I will miss will be the kids and building those relationships with them,” he said. “And coming out of the locker room on Friday night. I’m certainly going to miss that.”
Yet Lassi said at this time, he needs to devote more time to his growing family, which includes his wife Missy, son Clark and the pending new addition.
“There are so many new things Clark is doing every single day and I don’t want to miss out on those things with him and our daughter,” said Lassi.
The elementary school teacher isn’t sure that his hiatus will be permanent, however.
“I don’t think I’ve coached my last game,” said Lassi.