Page 17: Joe and the Winona State Warriors
January 21, 2012 Leave a comment
Coach Larson told the Aden’s that Joe was good enough to play college football, and he knew the head coach at Winona State University in southeastern Minnesota. Mr. Aden didn’t have much to say about Joe going to college. He was afraid to lose Joe’s hard work around the farm, especially during the fall harvest. But Coach Larson convinced them that they had a one-of-a-kind football player on their hands and that they shouldn’t deny Joe this opportunity. Who knows, maybe Joe could even play pro football one day. He definitely had the size, strength and determination.
Coach Larson took Joe down to Winona State that summer to meet with the head coach, Moon Molinari. Moon had been the head coach for 12 years, since 1958. His football teams ended up being the most successful in Winona State history, winning or tying five conference championships.
Moon took one look at Joe, and said, “Now I know why you call him Moose. Sign him up!”
Facts: Joe’s high school football coach did take him to Winona State University, and Moon Molinari was the head coach. Joe did play football for the Winona State Warriors.
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