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Mankato's New Coach Has Team Ranked No. 2 Nationally

MANKATO, Minn. (WCCO) -- The No. 2-ranked Minnesota State University, Mankato football team travels to No. 7-ranked Minnesota Duluth in a show down this Saturday.

The head coach is Aaron Keen, who was named when Tood Hoffner was dismissed prior last season for a case that is ongoing regarding pictures on his cell phone.

Keen stepped in, delivered his message, and his Mavericks are responding. The squad is currently 2-0.

"More than anything I enjoy the people side of coaching, and the relationships you build with your players," he said.

His rise last year was unusual, and to see a team that won its conference and yet comes back even better is surreal.

"You got to be a believer in things happen for a reason," he said. "My wife says it all the time and our assistant coaches believe it."

One reason he was named permanent head coach is he had the support of players.

"There's just a lot of confidence in his ability to coach us – he's a motivational guy," defensive end Chris Schaudt said.

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