November 14, 2011
After 14 years as the man behind Winona State’s incredible athletic success, Larry Holstad ’67 has announced he is stepping down as the Warriors’ athletic director. He plans to remain in place until his replacement is found.
“I’ve loved every minute of it. It has been one of the most positive things I have done,” Holstad said in an interview with the Winona Daily News.
Holstad came to Winona State in 1997 after a long career as a teacher, principal, and coach at the high school level in his native Iowa. Despite his lack of experience at the college level, he quickly turned the Warriors’ athletics program into a NCAA Division II powerhouse.
Men’s basketball won national titles in 2006 and 2008 and won a Division II record 57 consecutive games. The softball team advanced to the Division II World Series in 2009. Last year, the baseball team finished second at the Division II World Series. Through last spring, the Warriors have won 35 NSIC championships and 27 conference tournaments under Holstad’s tenure.
Holstad is known for giving his coaches the tools to succeed. He oversaw the renovation of Maxwell Field and construction of Verizon Wireless Stadium. He formed partnerships to build a new softball field and upgrade the Paul Giel track and field facility, both adjacent to campus. He also played a key role in the $19.3 million Integrated Wellness Complex that houses new athletics facilities and offices as well as the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame.
Of the Warriors success, Holstad is characteristically humble. “People are people. It’s a matter of putting together a plan with coaches’ input and giving them the tools to get better.”
Holstad’s Winning Numbers:
2 team national championships (Basketball 2006, 2008)
2 team national runner-ups (Basketball 2007, Baseball 2011)
2 individual NCAA champions (Emily King, Track 2007; Mary Theisen, Track 2011)
6 regional championships
35 NSIC championships
27 NSIC tournament titles
3.18 GPA for Warrior student-athletes (2010-11)
