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Mahtomedi Coach Heads To First State Tournament In 34 Years

MAHTOMEDI, Minn. (WCCO) -- As Mahtomedi recorded the final out in Friday's state semifinals -- clinching its spot in its first state title game this coming Monday -- you had to wonder what was going through the mind of head coach, John Hardgrove. He'd waited for that moment a whole lot longer than most.

Hardgrove has been Mahtomedi's coach for 34 years, and this will be his first state championship game.

"Well it makes you wonder what I've been doing for the first 33," he said.

And truthfully, he did wonder if he'd ever get there. As it turns out, the 34th time's the charm, so you'll have to forgive him if he takes just a little extra moment to soak it all in on Monday.

"Yeah, you might see me just take a little bit of time just to look around a little bit and realize," he said. "But then it's down to business, and you get between the lines, and all your focus is between those lines."

After all, you don't keep after it this long just to be happy to make it. You want to win it, especially since Hardgrove turns 61 next month. And he admits, capping off his career with a state title would be quite the way to go out -- on top -- and he's thought about it.

"That's an ongoing question. I retired two years ago and I think about it," he said. "It's a labor of love, and we've had wonderful kids go through our program, and we're going to make the most of our opportunity."

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