UMC Football Announces Staff Promotions

 CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston football program announced several promotions on their coaching staff heading into the 2017 season.

Dave Volk, who is in his third season on staff, and Michael Orts, who is in his first season on staff, will serve as co-offensive coordinators for the Golden Eagles. Volk will also serve as run game coordinator for Minnesota Crookston, while coaching the offensive line and running backs. Orts will also serve as pass game coordinator and coach the quarterbacks and wide receivers.

Volk is a former All-Big 12 selection at University of Nebraska, who played in the NFL for the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys. He previously served as a graduate assistant at Wayne State College (Neb.) before arriving at U of M Crookston in 2015.

“Dave has a great rapport with his players,” said Head Coach Mark Dufner. “He also brings a great deal of knowledge from both his playing and coaching experiences to our offense.”

Orts came to Minnesota Crookston in the spring after five years as quarterbacks coach at his alma mater Saint John’s University (Minn.). Orts played both quarterback and wide receiver while with the Johnnies before graduating in 2009. He was a part of NCAA Tournament appearances in each of his seasons with Saint John’s.

“Mike is an excellent teacher of the game and relates with the players well,” Dufner said. “He did a nice job with our pass game last spring and he is continually looking for ways to make our offense better.”

Levi Bullerman, who is in his fifth season at the U of M Crookston, has been elevated to defensive coordinator. Bullerman has worn a lot of hats for the Golden Eagles, serving as special teams coordinator, recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach during his time with the Golden Eagles. In addition to serving as defensive coordinator, Bullerman will serve as defensive line and linebackers coach for Minnesota Crookston. Bullerman coached at Presentation College and Illinois College before arriving at U of M Crookston in 2013. He is a graduate of NSIC rival Southwest Minnesota State University, where he came to the team as a quarterback before moving to outside linebacker.

“Levi is a very diligent worker who has earned the respect of his players,” Dufner said. “He did an excellent job last spring coaching our defensive unit.”

Tom Miller, who is in third season with the Golden Eagles, has been promoted to assistant head coach. Miller will also serve as the team’s recruiting coordinator. Miller will also continue to coach the safeties for the Golden Eagles. Prior to arriving at Minnesota Crookston, Miller coached at Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Concordia University-Chicago and Ripon College. He also served as the head football scout for NCSA Athletic Recruiting, where he helped to provide student-athletes and families expert advice about the collegiate recruiting process. Miller played football at Ripon and Loras College.

“Tom has worked very hard this summer in an effort to recruit the best players from our region,” Dufner said. “He also brings a wealth of knowledge to the defensive side of the ball.”

Sam Smith, who is in his second season with Minnesota Crookston, has been promoted to special teams coordinator. Smith will continue to coach the cornerbacks for the Golden Eagles. He spent one season as an assistant coach at Western State Colorado University before arriving at U of M Crookston. Smith also has high school coaching experience, coaching at St. Petersburg High School in St. Petersburg, Fla. Prior to moving into the coaching field, Smith had an impressive playing career where he played six years in the NFL, Indoor Football League and Arena Football League. He played collegiately at Delaware State University.

“Sam is a high energy coach who connects well with his players,” Dufner said. “He has worked hard this summer to identify schemes that will make our special teams unit better.”

The Golden Eagles will look to round out their staff later this month as they look to fill the position of tight ends coach and strength and conditioning coordinator. Minnesota Crookston will commence the 2017 season Aug. 31 at 4 p.m. against Upper Iowa University at Ed Widseth Field. 

(Shawn D. Smith, UMC SID)