The Dakota State University Athletic Department and Athletic director, Dr. Tom Gioglio announces the hiring of Gene Wockenfuss as head football coach. Wockenfuss officially starts his duties January 2, 2002.

Wockenfuss is a 1983 graduate of Dakota State University and is currently the assistant head coach, Offensive Coordinator and assistant athletic director at Doane College in Crete, NE. He has been at Doane since 1994.

“Gene has been an exemplary candidate from the beginning of the selection process,” said Dr. Gioglio. “He has been successful every where he’s been and we look for him to bring that same success to the DSU program.”

While at Doane, Wockenfuss has been a part of five teams ranked in the top 25 nationally, including a number 6 national ranking this past season. He has also helped Doane to two national playoff appearances.

“Anytime you get a chance to go back to a place you had to leave that you cherished while you were there it’s exciting,” stated Wockenfuss. “Hopefully I can be the spark that Dakota State needs and do the job that has been long deserved.”

Wockenfuss graduated high school from Ipswich and earned his master’s in Physical Education from South Dakota State University in 1992.