LAQUA ANNOUNCED AS DRAGONS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

Former Fargo Shanley Head Coach Takes the Reigns of Dragon Football Program
MOORHEAD, Minn. –Steve Laqua was announced Friday afternoon as the Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragons Head Football Coach. Athletics Director, Doug Peters in a press conference in front of the media, public, student-athletes and alumni, made the announcement.

“I want Dragon football to be one of the premier Division II football programs in our region,” Laqua said. “I am elated to take the position and can’t wait to make that happen.”

Laqua becomes the 17th head coach in the 92-year history of the program. He comes to MSUM after serving as a four-year head coach at Fargo Shanley High School.

“I am excited to have Coach Laqua as part of our team,” Peters said. “He fits the mold of the other great coaches on our staff.”

This past year, Laqua led the Deacon’s to their second consecutive North Dakota State Championship, capping a 20-game win streak. Along with his coaching duties, he has played a role in fundraising for the High School.
“Coach Laqua’s core values align with MSUM, Dragon Athletics and the NCAA DII Philosophy of Life in the Balance,” Peters said. “At the end of the day Coach Laqua knows how to build winning football programs.”

Prior to his time at Shanley, Laqua was a college assistant coach for five seasons. He spent three years (two separate stints) at North Dakota State University as well as one season at each St. Olaf College and Minnesota Crookston.

While at UMC and NDSU, he was responsible for recruitment within the region that aided his relationships with coaches in the area.

“My connections over the past decade with the regional coaches are a huge asset in creating confidence in the new vision and direction of our program,” Laqua said.

Laqua will join the Dragons staff effective immediately. He will be making the following appearances within the area within the next two weeks:
Saturday, Jan. 29
7:30 p.m. – Meet the Fans event at Dragon Basketball; north end of fieldhouse
Wednesday, Feb. 2
7 p.m. – Join Head Basketball Coach Chad Walthall for ‘Wings with Walthall’
Tuesday, Feb. 8
9:30 a.m. – Join Head Basketball Coach Karla Nelson for ‘Coffee with Karla’