One of the best specialists in Winona State history, Steve Opgenorth is in his second season as a coach at his alma mater. Opgenorth is in charge of coaching wide receivers while also coordinating both the Warrior special teams and recruiting efforts.
Opgenorth’s impact at Winona State was immediate. Curtis Dewberry led NCAA Division II by averaging 20.4 yards per punt return on his way to All-Region honors. As a team the Warriors averaged 18.9 yards per punt return, with Dewberry taking two returns to the house for touchdowns.
Warrior receiver Derrick Engel also garnered All-NSIC honors under Opgenorth, catching 39 passes for 584 yards and four touchdowns.
Before returning to Winona State, Opgenorth was the defensive backs coach, as well as the special teams and recruiting coordinator, at Albright College from 2007-09. He also served as the team’s Academic Coordinator, helping 32 players earn All-Conference academic selections in his three seasons.
In Opgenorth’s time at Albright, the team made a turnaround from a 2-8 record the season before he arrived to an 11-2 mark in 2009. Albright reached the NCAA Division III National Quarterfinals in 2009 and finished the season ranked ninth nationally.
He was instrumental in developing one of the top defensive backfields in the Middle Atlantic Conference, tutoring two First Team All-Conference selections. He helped tutor Matt Christ to All-American honors in 2008.
The Albright special teams also excelled under Opgenorth, with a placekicker, punter and return specialist all earning All-MAC honors in his three seasons. In 2008, Albright scored five touchdowns on special teams while blocking nine kicks on the year.
Prior to joining the Albright staff, Opgenorth was the wide receivers and special teams coach at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wis. During his time at Carroll, Opgenorth developed All-Conference performers at receiver, tight end and kicker. Opgenorth was also the team’s recruiting coordinator.
As a student-athlete at Winona State, Opgenorth’s name is littered throughout the Warrior record book. He holds eight all-time school records, including field goals made, extra points made and kicking points. He is second in school history in total points scored. He was named to the Winona State All-Century Team in 2005 and was an All-NSIC performer three times. Opgenorth was an All-Region selection as a junior and senior as well.
He was a member of three NSIC Championships and helped the Warriors advance to four consecutive postseason appearances. The Warriors played in the Mineral Water Bowl in Opgenorth’s freshman season and reached the NCAA Division II Playoffs in each of his final three seasons.
Opgenorth graduated from cum laude from Winona State in 2004 with a degree in Business Education. He holds a Master’s Degree in Adult Educational Leadership from Carroll University.
Opgenorth is also an active member within the American Football Coaches Association.
