Superior’s new head coach won two state championships as a player

Rob Downs grew up in an era when Superior was the dominant hockey power in Wisconsin. Starting when Rob was a peewee, Superior played in seven consecutive WIAA championship games. Superior won five state championships during that seven-year period, and they are the only WIAA program to win three consecutive state championships.

Rob Downs has been a Superior Spartan his entire life. Spartan pride runs through his veins. He played on the 1995 and 1996 state championship teams, plus he has spent two decades on the high school coaching staff.

Rob enters the 2024/25 season as Superior’s new head coach.

Let’s hear from Rob Downs!

Congratulations on being named Superior’s head coach. Thank you.

What emotions did you feel after getting the job? It’s exciting to do this for the players, the community, and to be part of the staff. This is the pinnacle for me. It’s the most storied program in the state.

Superior has a great tradition, how do you put your stamp on it? Hard work, accountability, respect. When those things happen, all the other things fall in place. Pride, Heart, Tradition is what Jason (Kalin) brought in and that’s still our tradition. I love this game, this community and this program. I hope to bring continued success.

What drew you into coaching? My grandfather always talked about creating a legacy. It can be as simple as kindness, or how to shake a hand properly. Other than my family, my hockey family is so important, and it is rewarding to be a part of it.

Who were your mentors? Growing up, Billy Flynn was the bantam coach. He shaped a lot of what I have implemented. He pushed us hard but treated us with respect. Bob DeMeyer was the football coach, and he taught what it is to be a servant leader. He focused on the kid first and the player second. Jason Kalin and I spent 16 years together. Sometimes we were ying and yang, but we found common ground. Evan Nelson loves the x’s and o’s, and he can teach it. We are fortunate to have him. I am thankful for our staff.

What is your coaching style or philosophy? Do simple better. Make sure you do simple things better by pushing yourself to get better. I was taught to play north south and go hard but we allow for creativity. Our meat & potatoes is hard-nosed, but we want the kids to be creative. It’s a short time in their life, so we want them to have fun. We use the word love. We love the game, the process, and each other. If we teach the right things, hockey will fall into place.

What does a successful season look like? It’s hard to define, we play a tough Minnesota schedule and are in the toughest sectional in Wisconsin. Success is being better today than we were yesterday. When your commitment is greater than your feelings that is when you get results.

What are your favorite memories as a player? Locker room time. We won two state championships. I spent time chasing trophies during the season. But I found out years later that the real trophies are relationships with teammates.

What advice do you have for kids that want to be a successful HS player? Be engaged. Be a sponge. Be accountable, respectful, and work hard. If you mess up, then fess up.

We wish Rob Downs and his Spartans a great season!

Yours for hockey, Matt Carey

Below is a link to an article regarding Superior’s three straight state championships.

https://www.wisconsinprephockey.net/news_article/show/1140157