Cross Country

Years of Experience: 21 years

High School attended: McCook Central High School (SD)

College and Major: Saint John's University (MN) Natural Science

Why Saint Thomas Academy? I am grateful to have been hired by STA in the fall of 1999 and grateful that a coaching position was available. I have continued to teach and coach at STA because it is a joy to get to work with intelligent, hard working, and resilient young men.

A fun fact about yourself: I enjoy the outdoors and traveling. I love running, skiing, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and camping alone or with my family.

Family: Wife, Charlotte, sons Matthew and Padon and daughter Visitation

Purpose Statement: I coach cross country because I love the sport of running and because coaching gives me the platform to help young men learn the life lessons of resiliency, controlling the "controllables", positive mental attitude, teamwork, etc.

Years of Experience: 10 years

High School attended: MN HSED '82 (Home Schooled)

College and Major: Concordia University - BA HRM, MA Ed, Ed S Education Leadership

Why Saint Thomas Academy? I initially came to STA as a parent impressed with the school's mission. I am here long after my son's graduation because I firmly believe in the impact of supporting this mission and the power of sharing our passions through our work. I genuinely look forward to my daily interactions and am honored to be part of this extraordinary community. I am immensely proud of my responsibilities as a mentor of young men and simply cannot imagine a more rewarding experience.

A fun fact about yourself: I am a retired US Army Warrant Officer having served for over 24 years - 22.5 on active duty. I served as the coordinator for the MN National Guard Marathon Team and I also ran with the team. In 2002, I competed in the 60th year commemorative Bataan Memorial Death March in Brainerd, MN and placed first Female! This is a marathon run in full uniform over the snow and ice covered trails in Crow Wing County.

Family: Married to my best friend Roger (aka MasterChief), Daughter Erica, son Connor, three beautiful grandchildren: Bodhi, Briar, and Noah, and two lazy pups!

Purpose Statement: As a coach, I see it as my purpose to serve the student athlete. I hope to infuse all student athletes with a passion to be the best version of self they can be through commitment to self, team, and sport. Further, it is my hope that (beyond the growth within and enjoyment of their sport) they will benefit from the myriad of life lessons provided by participation. Lastly, that they will experience the positive and powerful impact of sports on their lives as young adults that lasts well into their future.

Years of Experience:  8 years

High School attended: Cordova High School

College and Major: Christian Brothers University - B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Minor in Mathematics

Why Saint Thomas Academy? Top Three Reasons for choosing STA:
1. Faith Association
2. Inviting Faculty, Students, Coaches, and Families
3. The ability to pursue excellence with the hope to inspire the Cadets in their own pursuits of excellence of character in sport as well as life.

A fun fact about yourself:I once held my breath for 5 minutes

Family: Married to Wonder Woman and have 3 Sprightly Sons

Years of Experience:  9 years

High School attended: St. Clairsville High School, Ohio

College and Major: The Ohio State University

Why Saint Thomas Academy? As a transplant from Ohio with a love of High School sports, I began attending STA athletic events in the 1990's though I had no connection to the school at that time. That experience led to learning more about this amazing community and the decision to send my Son here - K-12. As a proud and grateful parent of Visitation and STA graduates, coaching is my way of giving back and maintaining this important relationship.

A fun fact about yourself: Marine Corps Boot Camp, Parris Island, 5-mile relay Battalion Field Meet record holder for over 20 years.

Family: Married to Chief Kim Friede, Daughter Erica (VIS '07) and Son Connor (STA '11)