Prep volleyball: Mainstreeters' coach nearly lost a toe before big match

Sauk Centre volleyball coach Jim Klaphake nearly severed his right pinky toe in a farm auger accident the day before the undefeated Mainstreeters played Dassel-Cokato for the Section 6AA title on Saturday, the St. Cloud Times reported.

Doctors operated Saturday morning at the St. Cloud Hospital and saved the toe in time for Klaphake to rush to St. Joseph for the 2 p.m. final.

Klaphake, who farms soybeans west of Sauk Centre, coached his team to a 3-1 win to earn a spot in the state tournament. The West Central Conference champs (31-0) play St. Croix Lutheran (29-2) at 7 p.m. Thursday.