#TBT: Generations of Football Champions
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
August 28, 2014
Our first Second Half Throwback Thursday of 2014-15 is such a long toss into the past that we don't know many of the details behind this photo – aside from the common tie between these celebrating athletes and those kicking off this weekend who hope to celebrate as well their football accomplishments.
This photo was submitted by Mark Duffy, the son of the player holding the trophy, Ferndale Lincoln's Jack Duffy, who is being carried by his teammates and served as their captain.
It was taken sometime during the mid-1940s. Identifying the trophy's significance is trickier still. The MHSAA playoffs didn't begin until 1975, and "mythical" state champions were selected by The Associated Press or Detroit Free Press or News usually after the fact. This trophy might've celebrated a league title or been given as part of an annual "trophy" game, of which there are many played each week.
Menominee football's Hofer retires
June 11, 2012
Longtime Menominee football coach Ken Hofer retired today. He finished with a career record of 342-136-3 and led his team to three MHSAA championships.
But he is best known as the state's guru of the single win offense, which doesn't include a traditional quarterback and puzzled opponents who almost always hadn't seen the attack until running into the Maroons in the playoffs.
From Menominee Area Public Schools:
Ken Hofer, Head Varsity Football Coach of the Menominee Maroons, has announced his retirement today.
Coach Hofer first took control of the Maroon Football program in 1966, and led it to 300+ wins in 41 seasons at the helm, including MHSAA championships in 1998, 2006 and 2007.
More importantly, Menominee High School students and the greater Menominee community have been the beneficiaries of his work with young people. Coach Hofer served as teacher, athletic director, assistant principal, coach and mentor in his association with the school. He had helped to shape the adult lives of hundreds of young people through the years. The students, staff, administration and Board of Education of the Menominee Area Public Schools join in congratulating Coach Hofer on his outstanding service to young people. His impact has been felt for generations, and his legacy will continue to inspire students into the future.
--Erik Bergh, Superintendent