in the 8-man class that proved very successful. Aurelia made the playoffs in 2001 (Losing to Adair-Casey in the 8-man football championship), 2002, 2003, 2006, and 2007 and produced a 67-19 record from 2000-2008. After a 1-8 showing in 2009, Aurelia decided that it would share football with Alta High School in 2010. During a 4-year run near the beginning of the 8-man era, Aurelia was a perennial state title contender, being eliminated by the eventual state champion in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, and accumulating just 5 losses in that period. Longtime coach Myron Radke, who retired after the 2008 football season, compiled a total of 156 victories and 83 losses in 24 seasons as a head football coach at Aurelia. Aurelia first made it to state in 1986, during Radke's hiatus. This season they were coached by Neil Phipps and made a run to the state title game, where they lost 6-0 to Paton-Churdan, the 1985 state champs. The '86 team included (among others) running back Ryan Kolpin, who holds many records for, and is a member of the athletics hall of fame at Coe College. Following this appearance Aurelia would not make it back to state until its 2001 runner-up season. In 2002 and 2003, Aurelia lost in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. Falling in both years to Fenton Sentral High School. Aurelia did not qualify for the playoffs in 2004 thanks to a rule that allowed only district champions to advance to state. In a year that produced what was arguably the second most talented team in Aurelia Bulldog history, Aurelia fell short at the hands of lRemsen St. Mary's in the next to last game of the season. St. Mary's stormed to victory in the 8-man class, beating Adair-Casey 56-8 in the most lopsided final to date. Aurelia's basketball program also experience a lot of success in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Hall of Fame coach Duane Buttenob went 471-260 in 35 years as head coach, including state tournament appearances in 1973 and 1978 (during a time when there were just 2 classes for basketball and over 500 schools in the state) and an undefeated regular season in 1972. When he retired he ranked 7th all-time in IHSAA history in victories. However, Aurelia's basketball program has not fared too well since his retirement in 1988, posting only 5 winning seasons in the past 20 years.