Winona State University Athletics

Larry Holstad helped nurture the WSU Athletics program to a national power during his tenure as the Director of Athletics from 1997 to 2012. During his time at the helm, Winona State won two NCAA team national championships in men's basketball, two NCAA individual national championships in track and field, two NCAA team national runners-up – one each in men's basketball and baseball, five NCAA regional championships, 35 NSIC regular season championships and 27 NSIC tournament championships. Holstad also hired numerous coaches that have served 10 or more years with Winona State and turned their respective programs into consistent national contenders. These include baseball coach Kyle Poock, softball coach Greg Jones, women's basketball coach Scott Ballard, track and field coach Mason Rebarchek and gymnastics coach Beckie Rolbiecki – all of whom are still on the staff. He also served as the softball coach during the 1999 and 2000 seasons, posting a 40-25 record before hiring Jones, who would go on to become the program's winningest coach.