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Todd Aber (throws)- I grew up in New Jersey before moving to Minnesota, where I attended the University of Minnesota and competed for the Gophers. My time as an athlete there fueled my passion for track and field and shaped the person I am today.
After college, I became a DAPE (Developmental Adaptive Physical Education) teacher with the Minneapolis Public School District. I am fortunate to work with students, helping them develop their physical fitness and motor skills, which is incredibly rewarding.
I now live in Blaine, Minnesota, with my wife. We’re proud parents of two kids, both of whom are currently in college. Outside of teaching, I continue to stay involved in the track and field community and enjoy supporting the sport in any way I can.
Patrick Lane (jumps)- I grew up in Chicago, where I had the opportunity to play college football and compete in track and field. My athletic experiences shaped my love for sports and eventually led me to Minnesota, where I settled down and raised three kids. All of my children attended Irondale High School, where they were proud members of the track and field program.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching track and field at several schools, including Andover and Minneapolis Southwest. I’m passionate about the sport and enjoy helping athletes reach their full potential, just as I did when I was competing.
Ken Rothenberger (sprints/relays)- Ken Rothenberger (Sprints, High-Jump, Relays) - Ken Rothenberger was a former high school sprinter for Jordan Mn. where he won the 200m and 400m dash as well as took 3rd in high jump. Ken continued his track career running for Hamline University in the sprints and relays where he was a 9-time All American combined in both indoor and outdoor track. Ken ran in several events post-college, competing with some of the best sprinters and decathlon athletes in the world on a run-up to the Olympic Trials.
Ken returned to track and field coaching sprinters in both college and high school with several of his athletes competing at both the state and national levels.
Ken completed his PhD in business and technology in 2016 and has been a consultant with Gartner since 2021.
Michelle Deedrick (long distance)- I grew up in Traverse City, Michigan but came to Minnesota to attend Bethel University where I was able to run Cross Country and Track. While at Bethel, I served as team captain, fell in love with the 800, met some life long friends, and graduated with a Physical Education and Health degree. I started my teaching career in Brooklyn, New York. I later moved to Florida and then found my way back to Minnesota where I currently teach elementary P.E. in the Robbinsdale school district.
I still love to race but enjoy competing in triathlons the best. My biggest athletic accomplishment was completing a half Ironman a year after having my first kid. I have two little boys and love the perks of being able to stay home with them during the summer. My other hobbies include traveling and any activity on the water. Fun fact, I have been to 22 different countries and have bungee jumped off the tallest bridge in the world.
Phil Erickson (Pole Vault)- I grew up in New Brighton and went to Irondale, where I also pole vaulted. After graduating, I immediately began coaching at Irondale where I coached for 11 years. After coaching at Irondale, I coached other teams including Concordia University St. Paul and the University of Minnesota. I currently teach at Highview Middle School and I live in the district with my wife Beth and son Everett.
AnnaGrace Nelson (sprints/jumps)-
I graduated from Cambridge-Isanti High School in 2020, where I participated in gymnastics, track & field, and soccer. After missing my senior year of track due to COVID-19, I decided to continue both my academic and athletic journey at Bethel University, where I majored in Psychology and Communication Studies. At Bethel, I set school records in the Pentathlon and Heptathlon, finishing 10th in the multi at indoor nationals in 2024. I currently work at a coffee shop alongside two of my closest friends, and in my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, making pottery, and volunteering with my church's worship team. This fall, I plan to continue my education by pursuing a Master’s in Counseling program. In track, my favorite events were the hurdles, high jump, and triple jump. I’m really excited to work with the team this season!
Lucia Mesfin (long distance)- My name is Lucia Mesfin, I graduated from Irondale Highschool in 2017. I ran on the Track and Cross Country team at Irondale Highschool and I furthered my running career into College at Concordia University St. Paul where I majored in Public Health. I hold 3 school records in the 3K, 5K, and 10K. I just recently ran the Twin Cities Marathon, and still enjoy training for long-distance races. Outside of Coaching, I work for a Non-Profit housing organization in Minneapolis. In my free time, I volunteer for Young Life and enjoy hanging out with friends and trying new coffee shops/ restaurants!
Sam Vossler (head coach)- I graduated from Irondale in 2015 and was part of the track program for six years as a sprinter. While competing at Irondale, I was a two year captain, earning All-Conference and a All State honors. After high school, I attended Augsburg University where I would get a Bachelor's degree, then received a Master’s degree in education at the University of Minnesota. Currently, I am a special education teacher at Irondale. Before coming to Irondale, I coached track and cross country for Spring Lake Park and Fridley. I am currently married to my wife, Megan who is also a 2015 Irondale alum, and a daughter named Layna. Outside of work and track, I train for marathons and enjoy golfing.
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