Football

Dan O'Brien
Head Varsity Coach
dobrien@cadets.com

Years of Experience: 25 years

High School attended: Winthrop High School

College and Major: University of St. Thomas

Why Saint Thomas Academy? Great school, great community, great kids, great support, great facilities.

A fun fact about yourself: I've coached high school, Division I, Division II and Division III college football and have never moved out of the state of Minnesota.

Family: Wife Chris, 3 kids, Brittany, Shay and Casey

Purpose Statement: To build thankful men and humble leaders through sport.

Chad Abbott '94
Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach

Years of Experience: 24 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 

Justin Larson
Wide Receivers Coach
jlarson@cadets.com

Years of Experience: 11years

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
Defensive Line Coach
lmarks@cadets.com

Years of Experience: 8 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

Jon Springer
Defensive Coordinator

Years of Experience: 14 years

High School attended: Owatonna

College and Major: Hamline University - Economics and Business

Why Saint Thomas Academy? Great kids, supportive parents & administration, and passionate alumni!

A fun fact about yourself: I once won a Pass, Dribble, Shoot contest.

Family: My wife Andrea and I have two children, Jack & Isabelle.

Dave Ziebarth
Offensive Line, Special Teams Coach & DOFO
dziebarth@cadets.com

Years of Experience: 43 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 at Saint Thomas Academy in the fall of 1980. I found a home. At STA, I made deep and lasting friendships with colleagues, a number of students that I taught and coached eventually became teachers and coaches at STA and became close friends. I cherished the community and the relationships I formed.

A fun fact about yourself: Hobbies include fishing, hunting, gardening. I also once got into a ring to wrestle a 900 lb bear!

Family: My wife is Colleen and I have three stepchildren; Jack, Molly, and Katie and 4 grandchildren.

Mike Rogalski
Safety Coach

Tim Hernandez '77
Quarterback Coach

Gabe Henderson