Dakota State (S.D.) Names Shea to Lead Football Program :: Former NAIA Coach of the Year, 34-Year coaching veteran returns to alma mater

	A 34-yrear coaching veteran, former NAIA Coach of the Year and national champion Thomas Shea will return to his alma mater, Dakota State, to lead the DSU football program.

Jan. 18, 2007

Madison, S.D. - Thomas Shea, a DSU alumnus with 34 years of coaching experience, has been named as Dakota State University's new head football coach.

Shea has a record of success at his former coaching positions, including leading Peru State College to the NAIA Division II National Football Championship in 1990. That same year, Shea was named NAIA National Coach of the Year. In 1996, he led the University of Mary to NAIA National Playoffs; 1995 to the NAIA National Final Four; and 1993 to the NAIA National Plyaoff Quarterfinals. During his collegiate coaching career, Shea complied a 99-63-3 record. He was most recently the assistant head football coach and recruiting coordinator at Upper Iowa State University.

Coach Shea has been honored as conference coach of the year seven times. He is a member of the Dakota State Atheltic Hall of Fame, the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference (SDIC) Hall of Fame, the Peru State College Hall of Fame, and the Sparta (WI) Senior High School Hall of Fame.

"All of us at Dakota State are excited that our football program will be lead by someone with Coach Shea's credentials and experience," said DSU President Dr. Douglas Knowlton. "We are also pleased that we will be welcoming home a graduate and someone who has 'Trojan Pride' already instilled. He will bring a new level of excitement to DSU athletics."

DSU Athletic Director Gene Wockenfuss agrees. "Tom Shea brings the necessary ingredients to our football program to move us forward to the championship level of play. Alumnus, proven winner at the collegiate level, and an outstanding recruiter all provide the necessary foundation to take our program to a new era of success."

Summary of Qualifications

Head Coach of 1990 NAIA Division II National Champions
1990 NAIA National Coach of the Year
Seven-time Conference Coach of the Year
Lead five teams to NAIA National Playoffs
Coached teams ranked nationally for 10 consecutive years
Led four teams to conference championships
Reestablished winning programs at three universities