Speaking of Sports

By John Fragodt, Sports Reporter

Kelly Shaner, an athletic trainer for Minnewaska Area Schools, notified the school that she will be resigning her job and moving south for personal reasons about a month ago.

She was recognized for the great job she has done and the impact she has made on the school and community prior to the start of a boys basketball game against Osakis, Thursday, Feb. 20 and also the next night during the Section 3AA playoff opener at home between the Lakers and visiting Litchfield team.

The boys and girls basketball teams both gave her a gift and, following a short speech by Athletic Director Phil Johnsrud, she made her way through a line of the teams giving hugs while sharing some tears.  The tributes to Shaner were very emotional and gave proof how much she had bonded with the students, staff and community in such a short time.  According to Shaner, her father has developed Alzheimer’s and she is going to the Minneota area to help care for her father.

Shaner is not only the athletic trainer for MAHS sports, she attends most home games, helps care for the athletes’ injuries and health problems throughout the year and also works for Dr. Thomas at Glacial Ridge Healthcare System.

I first got to know Kelly when I started working at the Pope County Tribune in August of 2022.  She was one of the first people I got to know in the community and I would run into Kelly almost every time I attended a MAHS event (which was a lot).

I always enjoyed visiting with Kelly and she always had a smile on her face and a positive, carefree attitude.  I also got to know her at Dr. Thomas’ office, when I had some shoulder issues, and was impressed with her care and knowledge.

Kelly also volunteered her time helping out with my son’s Waterama Pickleball Tourney each summer.

Yes, Kelly always seemed to be there when I attended a sporting event at MAHS . . . and now, she won’t be there any more.  

I had one final time to talk to Kelly during the state opener at Williams Arena.  As always, she had a smile on her face and told me she had just got done wrapping up some of the Laker players’ ankles in preparation for the game.  Always there to help out; that’s what I’ll remember most about Kelly Shaner.

Good luck to you, Kelly, I’m going to miss you!