Melrose-Mindoro boys hoops begins new era

The Melrose-Mindoro boys basketball program is being led by a new voice this season. The first year head coach comes with a familiar name.

Dale Christopherson, the father of Aquinas standout and 2007 Wisconsin Mr. Basketball Scott Chrsitopherson, takes over a Mustangs program in search of a winning mentality.

Ten years ago, Melrose-Mindoro boys basketball was headlined by Scott Christopherson. When Scott transfered his junior year, nine years of hard times followed.

This season Scott’s father, Dale Christopherson takes over the program. The head coach is using Scott’s story of success as early season motivation.

“He was standing right where you guys were, eight, nine years ago,” said Dale Chrsitopherson. “Hard work, dedication, you can do it to.”

Chrsitopherson believes the Mustangs can compete right away with the Dairyland’s top programs.

“I mean they have the talent to do it,” said Christopherson. “If they play together, stick together, believe in one another, and keep getting better each day they have a chance.”

The top returning scorer for the Mustangs is also a Chrsitopherson.
Dale’s nephew Erik is looking forward to playing for his uncle.

“I really liked the idea,” said Erik Christopherson. “I got excited, I had him as a coach in eighth grade, so I know what he is like. I knew the intensity was going to be up there, and I knew it was going to be a change.”

“He is a lot more intense then our previous coach,” said junior forward Aaron Scafe. “He holds players accountable, and he is not afraid to speak his mind.”

Off camera Coach Chrsitopherson offered a little perspective. He informed me, the only person on the varsity roster that has experienced a winning season at Mel-Min, is himself. The alumni and first year coach plans to change all that, and that includes a little help from his son Scott.

“He is sending plays to me, and watches the film,” said Dale Christopherson. “He will send me little messages about this and that, so he is kind of involved from afar. I know he played two years at Aquinas but he still cares a lot about how Melrose is. He really likes this community and wants it to do well.”