As UMC moves into the NCAA Division II and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), changes are evident on campus this spring. One of those being Spring Football. For the first time ever the University of Minnesota, Crookston football team will officially start Spring football on Tuesday, April 13, with practices being held from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

NCAA rules allow 15 practices with five being non-contact which have to be completed in 30 days. Numbers look good so far with 65 student-athletes returning from last year’s team. Head Coach Scott Oliver agrees that "it’s a totally different atmosphere and a lot of changes have and are taken place in the athletic department this spring. It’s really a year around commitment from the players, coaching staff and athletic staff in general, but the attitude and effort of everyone involved has been exceptional."

"The coaching situation for the most part is outstanding, we have five full-time coaches and five part-time," stated Oliver. Defensive Coordinator Steve King will be back for his sixth season with the Golden Eagles and will also help out with the defensive line this year. King holds a dual role this spring, as he is also the head baseball coach. Brian Miller returns for his third season at the Offensive Coordinator position. Pete Tyler returns for his third year to coach the offensive line and has also assumed the duties as recruiting coordinator this season. Shannon Stassen will be back for his second season, moving over to coach the secondary. Five newcomers will be assuming part-time coaching responsibilities including; Mark Olsonawski – Wide Receivers, Rob Baumgarn – Offensive Linebackers, Craig Reno – Linebackers, David Ward – Runningbacks, Bill Markovich – Head J.V. coach and will coach the tightends.