Bladt recognized for 400 career wins

 HARLAN -- Harlan Community football coach Curt Bladt was honored prior to Friday night’s home game vs. Denison and presented a plaque in recognition of his 400th career win on September 15 at Glenwood. The Cyclones defeated the Monarchs 56-14 at Merrill Field, improving Bladt’s record to 404-59 during the last 40 seasons at HCHS. Bladt’s Cyclone teams have qualified for the playoffs in 34 previous seasons, winning 11 state titles and finishing as state runner-up eight times.
 Coach Bladt was joined on the track by his wife Jill, longtime assistant coaches Russ Gallinger, Ken Carstens, Bill Hosack and Al Simdorn and Iowa High School Athletic Association members Bud Legg and Alan Beste. HCHS Activities Director Mitch Osborn, along with Legg, spoke to the crowd about the legacy Coach Bladt and Jill have built in the community and the countless lives they have impacted along the way.
 Coach Bladt stated, “I have been blessed with great assistant coaches, supportive parents, a supportive community and boys that are willing to work; and most of all my greatest partner in Cyclone Football - my wife Jill - and sons Jeff, Greg and Todd, along with their wives and our grandkids.”