Football
Football Teams
First Day of Season
August 12, 2024
Game Schedule
Fall 2024 Season
| Opponent | Date | Time | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
vs.
Andover
|
|
|
Andover HS | |
|
vs.
Waconia
|
|
|
St. Thomas Academy | |
|
vs.
Cretin-Derham Hall
|
|
|
TCO Stadium | |
|
vs.
Mahtomedi
|
|
|
St. Thomas Academy | |
|
vs.
Armstrong
|
|
|
Armstrong High School | |
|
vs.
Apple Valley
|
|
|
St. Thomas Academy | |
|
vs.
Hastings High School
|
|
|
Hastings - McNamara Stadium/Todd Field | |
|
vs.
Chaska
|
|
|
St. Thomas Academy |
Coaches
Travis Walch
Varsity Head Coach
twalch@cadets.com
Chad Abbott '94
Run Game Coordinator/OL
Justin Larson
Wide Receivers Coach
jlarson@cadets.com
Walch Bio
Years of Experience: 25 years
High School attended: Elgin-Millville
College and Major: Winona State - Elementary Education, M.S. Education
Why Saint Thomas Academy? I had many touch points with STA as a college football coach and the feel of the school was unique. The relationships built with numerous Academy families, coaches and members of the community solidified that feeling of wanting to be a part of it. In addition, my wife and her family all attended STA and Vis and the the two things that stand out from their experience is success and lasting relationships.
A fun fact about yourself: I caught a 1st inning Ron Washington home run in the Metrodome on August, 9th, 1985 when I was 9 years old. A guy seated behind me gave me a $1 an inning thereafter to use my glove. My brothers ended up losing the ball in our backyard (not The Sandlot!)
Family: Wife: Kirsi (Visitation 2002) Daughters: Renata (Renny), Rosalyn (Roz) and Marit
My Purpose Statement: Seek * Serve * Love
Abbott Bio
Years of Experience: 25 years
High School attended: Saint Thomas Academy
College and Major: Concordia University - Broadcast Journalism
Why Saint Thomas Academy? The impact the school and football program had on me as a student is something I wanted to share with others. It's a special place and tradition rich program that has helped produce thousands of successful, hard working young men.
A fun fact about yourself: Favorite job as a kid was a shoe repairman.
Family: Best Football Wife on the Planet and 3 Supportive Kids
Larson Bio
Years of Experience: 12 years
High School attended: Spring Valley High School, Spring Valley, WI
College and Major: University of Wisconsin - River Falls - Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education. Major: Health & Human Performance. Graduate: University of Wisconsin - River Falls. Masters of Science Education - School Counseling
Why Saint Thomas Academy? Saint Thomas Academy has a prestigious history, outstanding facilities, and high expectations. It is a privilege to work here, with this coaching staff, and high quality student-athletes.
A fun fact about yourself: Coach Larson was a tight end and linebacker on a record setting high school football team. The Spring Valley Cardinals won 29 straight games and two state championships during his junior and senior seasons.
Luke Marks '11
Pass Game Coordinator/QB
lmarks@cadets.com
Nick McCarthy '02
Outside Linebackers
nmccarthy@cadets.com
Dave Ziebarth
Special Teams Coach
dziebarth@cadets.com
Marks Bio
Years of Experience: 9 years
High School attended: saint Thomas Academy
College and Major: University of St. Thomas, Communications and Journalism
Why Saint Thomas Academy? Saint Thomas Academy provides boys with an opportunity to lead in a host of different areas and isn't afraid to hold its Cadets to a high standard.
A fun fact about yourself: I have coached alongside almost every single one of my high school coaches.
Family: Wife Samantha and daughter Magdalen
McCarthy Bio
Years of Experience: 18 years
High School attended: Saint Thomas Academy
College and Major: Marquette University - History and Spanish
Why Saint Thomas Academy? I have taught here for 15 years and I attended school here for 6 years. I firmly believe in the mission of the school and I love getting to know my students better as their coach as well.
A fun fact about yourself: I love to travel and have travelled to 18 different countries. I have also coached a state championship wrestling match and 3 state championship football games.
Family: Wife Mary, children Anna, Abby, and Lizzy
Ziebarth Bio
Years of Experience: 44 years of coaching multiple sports and levels
High School attended: Le Sueur High School
College and Major: Gustavus Adolphus College, BA, U. of St. Thomas- masters in educational technology
Why Saint Thomas Academy? I started teaching and coaching here in the fall of 1980 because a good friend was teaching here and encouraged me to apply. I stayed for 41 years of teaching and 44 of coaching because I loved the all boys environment, tremendous colleagues and friends, and enjoyed every second of teaching and coaching young men. I believe we are to live purposeful lives and teaching and coaching gave me tremendous satisfaction and joy.
A fun fact about yourself: I love fishing, hunting and gardening.
Family: Wife- Colleen, Stepson Jack, Stepdaughters Molly and Kate, Grandchildren Maia, Jenna, Zoe, and Conor
Dan Shuster
Wide Recievers
Tim Hernandez '77
Running Backs
Joe Lepsche
Tight Ends
Shuster Bio
Years of Experience: 20 years
High School attended: Orr High School
College and Major: Concordia University St. Paul B.A. Education
Why Saint Thomas Academy? The culture and environment of the STA is outstanding and contagious.
A fun fact about yourself: I love to take Hot Yoga classes.
Family: Kate is my wife and we have three girls Avery, Adelle, and Amaya and a dog named Josey!
Hernandez Bio
Years of Experience: 38 years
High School attended: Saint Thomas Academy
College and Major: Carleton College, Psychology
Why Saint Thomas Academy? I was fortunate to have had a Saint Thomas Academy education along with my 3 brothers. I was also fortunate to have outstanding faculty and coaches who mentored me. This is my opportunity to pay it forward.
A fun fact about yourself: I have 14 grandchildren
Family: Wife Midge, sons Tony ‘97, Andy ‘98, Zach ‘02, John ‘04, and daughters Miquela ’00, Chelsea ‘05 and Jackie ‘07 at Visitation.
Lepsche Bio
Years of Experience: 18 years
High School attended: Woodbury
College and Major: University of St. Thomas, Athletic Administration and Physical Education
Why Saint Thomas Academy? Great people, great tradition and great education.
A fun fact about yourself: I played QB and OL in the same football game.
Family: Wife Megan, daughter Mackenzie and son Louie
Sam Pokornowski
Defensive Coordnator/OLB
Tom Menke
Safties
Alex Leitch
Defensive Line
Pokornowski Bio
Years of Experience: 8 years
High School attended: Dassel-Cokato
College and Major: University of St. Thomas, Physical Education
Why Saint Thomas Academy? Saint Thomas Academy dedication to developing leaders of tomorrow, the brotherhood, and the unwavering pride and passion.
A fun fact about yourself: I have 6 brothers.
Family: My wife Alexandra and our children Olivia and Isabella
Nick Honan
Corners
Justin Hager
Inside Line Backers
Steve Rosga
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Honan Bio
Years of Experience: 5 years
High School attended: Apple Valley High School
College and Major: Macalester- Political Science/Educational Studies
Why Saint Thomas Academy? STA embraces the value of discipline in an age where few schools do.
A fun fact about yourself: I can still pole vault 9 feet (medical advisors have encouraged me not to attempt 10).
Family: Wife, Jenny; Kids: Jaiden, Michael, Abraham, & Lucas
Hager Bio
Years of Experience: 14 years
High School attended: Salamanca High School
College and Major: Hobart and William Smith 2009 Political Science
Why Saint Thomas Academy? I have worked in male-centered educational environments for over ten years. I am proud to say I work at Saint Thomas Academy. I view myself as a placeholder and steward of the Academy’s proud and storied reputation. Therefore, it is my obligation to uphold that standard and aspire to “leave it better than I found it.”
A fun fact about yourself: Licensed New York State Hunting & Fishing Guide (Fly Fishing & Bird Hunting)
Family: Wife & two children
Rosga Bio
Years of Experience: 23 years
High School attended: Cretin-Derham Hall
College and Major: University of Colorado, Boulder - Communication Major
Why Saint Thomas Academy? Over the years I had trained over 300 Cadets and was always impressed with the way they carried themselves and how they talked about their school and the 'Brotherhood'.
The opportunity to bring my background in athletics and fitness to these young men and be a part of that Brotherhood was a perfect fit for me and my family.
A fun fact about yourself: Along with being an All-State athlete in 3 sports, I was a first chair trumpet player in high school.
Family: My wife Brianna, she graduated from Kansas where she played soccer for the Jayhawks. My daughters are Cianna and Louis and my son Vincent
Purpose Statement: Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up knowing it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up knowing it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're the lion or a gazelle, when the sun comes up, you'd better be running.
Cole Hartwigsen
Athletic Trainer
Results
Team Calendar
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