WINONA, Minn. - Winona State University has announced leadership changes for two key positions in its Warrior Athletics program headed into 2025.
Eric Schoh, who has served as athletic director since 2012, has announced plans to retire from the university and college athletics in March 2025 to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. In addition, Brian Bergstrom, who has served three seasons as head coach of the Warrior football team, has accepted a coaching position at another university.
"We wish them well in their future endeavors," said Winona State President Ken Janz. "We're grateful to Eric Schoh and Brian Bergstrom for their service to Winona State University."
Under Schoh's leadership, Warrior Athletics maintained a strong commitment academic success and community service. The average student athlete term GPA (3.43) outpaces that of the general student body (3.28) and is the second highest on record. The latest NCAA Federal Graduation Rate for the Warriors is 78 percent, which ranks first in the NSIC and 22nd out of 316 institutions in Division II.
Winona State also saw a multitude of improvements to Warrior Athletic facilities during Schoh's tenure, including renovations of McCown and Talbot gymnasiums, installation of new turf and a state-of-the-art video board at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium, construction of a new gymnastics practice facility and locker room, among others.
In the field of play, the Warriors continued their legacy as a conference, regional and national contender, winning numerous regular season and conference championships. Several teams advanced to NCAA post season play, including football, men's basketball, women's basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, track and field, softball, gymnastics, men's golf, and women's golf. Winona State hosted a football playoff game in 2017 and women's softball regionals in 2014 and 2017.
Schoh indicated the decision was a difficult one for him and his wife, Stephanie.
"WSU is filled with incredible people who we will miss working with on a daily basis, but we've been given a unique opportunity that is the right decision for us at this time," said Schoh. "Steph and I are excited that although we are leaving WSU, we are not leaving the Winona community and can still support the Warriors as their biggest fans. We want to thank everyone for their support for us, our coaches and student athletes. Once a Warrior, always a Warrior."
Jon Olson, Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Winona State Foundation, will step in as the administrator in charge of Athletics as a national search for Winona State's next athletic director is launched.
For the football program, long-time coaching staff member Brian Curtin has been appointed to serve as Interim Head Coach.
Janz expressed confidence in a smooth transition for Warrior Athletics.
"I'm grateful to Jon Olson and Brian Curtin for stepping up to fill these important roles, and I'm confident our talented team in Athletics can maintain our proud tradition of academic and athletic accomplishments as we navigate these changes," he said. "Our Warrior Athletics program is a Division II powerhouse, home to 14 NCAA Division II teams with 8 National Championships, plus NCAA Division III gymnastics, and I am committed to finding the right leaders to continue the Warrior legacy."
For more information call Winona State Marketing and Communications at 507-457-5024.
Eric Schoh By The Numbers:
1 - Under Armor Athletic Director of the Year (2015)
1- WCGA North Central Administrator of the Year (2023)
3 - NCAA regional championships
8 - NSIC team championships
3 - NSIC tournament team championships
15 - individual national champions
47 - individual conference champions
