Sports Spotlight: Aaron & Aaron

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – No matter the sport, Mandan and Century always look forward to facing one another. The story is no different in girls’ soccer this spring.

“Obviously it’s always been a battle, it’s always been a good rivalry with Century, but for me, it’s definitely a bigger rivalry with Aaron on the other side as well, 100 percent,” said Mandan Head Coach Aaron McElwee.

Look a little closer at this year’s matchup between the Patriots and the Braves, and you’ll find quite a few commonalities between the two head coaches. Mandan’s Head Coach Aaron McElwee and Century’s Head Coach Aaron Brennan share more than just the same first name.

“We have a very similar friend group back home, and my family knows his family, as I think we live roughly three miles apart in Ireland,” said Century Head Coach Aaron Brennan.

“We grew up together. We’ve played in a lot of teams over the years (together), youth teams and whatever. I mean, we’ve probably played ten years together. I came over to the University of Mary in 2011 and he came over in 2012,” said McElwee.

After playing soccer for the University of Mary, Aaron McElwee was hired to lead Mandan’s soccer program. Aaron Brennan assisted in coaching the Braves before becoming Century’s head coach this season.

“I mean, I’ve been here now 13 years, which is a long time. It’s crazy when you actually think and say that out loud, but it’s always nice to have someone from the same place because you can always relate to them, and they’re on the same page, and it’s just nice to always have one or two people who understand where you come from if you’re from the same place,” said McElwee.

Mandan and Century have already faced each other once in girls’ soccer this season, with the Braves winning 3-0 on April 16. Aaron Brennan is hoping for redemption when these two teams square off for the second time tomorrow.

“Yeah, it will be good. And again, I hope it doesn’t ruin a friendship if we beat them,” said Brennan. “Yeah, if we got that second time around, I don’t think he’d answer my phone calls for a few days.”

Mandan is in third place in the WDA, just two points behind the leader. Century is tied for fourth place.

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