B-Squad
Football Teams
Game Schedule
Coaches
John Welsh '75
Head Coach/ Offensive Line
Zavier Smith '98
DL
Nick VandenPlas
OC/WR
Welsh Bio
Years of Experience: 15 years
High School attended: Saint Thomas Academy
College and Major: St. John's University BA Accounting, University of St. Thomas MBA, Capella University PhD, Organizational Leadership
Why Saint Thomas Academy? I started at Saint Thomas Academy in the fall of 1971 as a student playing football, basketball and baseball. My father was a graduate in 1947 and we are going on the fourth generational now. STA has been foundational in most of my life experiences.
We found a home in Mendota Heights to send our kids to STA and Vis. We all have established enduring life-long relationships here and the leadership experiences are second to none.
A fun fact about yourself: I have just finished my 43rd year of officiating football at the high school and collegiate level. Started the Middle School hockey program in 1994.
Family: My wife Cici and I have three adult children; RJ ’00, Charlie ’03 and Andria (CDH) ’06. and four grandkids.
Smith Bio
Years of Experience: 6 years
High School attended: Saint Thomas Academy '98
College and Major: Mankato State University
Why Saint Thomas Academy? Playing Football at Saint Thomas Academy is more than just playing a game with classmates. The bonds that form on the field forge familial ties that will last a lifetime. The tradition of excellence and drive to create men of honor inspires me to share my experiences and guide the next generation of great players and leaders.
A fun fact about yourself: STA Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2022. Scored 7 touchdowns in a game from the Full Back position.
Family: Three Children Hailey graduated from the University of MN, Trenton attending the University of MN, Taliah attends Twin Oaks Middle School
VandenPlas Bio
Years of Experience: 7 years
High School attended: Blaine High School
College and Major: Undergrad: University of Minnesota Duluth, Management Information Systems. Graduate: Capella University, Information Technology Management
Why Saint Thomas Academy? In my life, there are three F's that matter most to me: Faith, Family, and Football. At Saint Thomas Academy, all three of these are beautifully merged and I look forward to sharing what matters most in my life with these young men.
A fun fact about yourself: My father in law is long time English teacher at STA Pat Callahan.
Family: Wife, Katie daughters, Emma and Olivia
Greg Monahan '81
Defensive Backs
Monahan Bio
Years of Experience: 40 years
High School attended: Saint Thomas Academy
College and Major: College of St. Thomas – Mass communications/Journalism
Why Saint Thomas Academy? To give back to the school that gave me so much and pass along the TRADITIONS of excellence that were instilled in me, because always remember that at Saint Thomas Academy, Tradition Never Graduates!!!
A fun fact about yourself: I was fortunate to play football, baseball and hockey at STA and I’ve been fortunate to coach football, baseball and hockey at STA.
Family: 500 Cadets that I’m so proud to be associated with every year!