GLENWOOD CITY FOOTBALL
COACHING STAFF
Shane Strong: Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line/Linebackers
Family: Wife Hilary Strong, Daughter Carlee (16), Son Carson (14), Daughter Kinzie (12) and Son Corey (6).
Shane Strong was born and raised in Houston, MN where he graduated in 1995. He was a three sport athlete and earned all-conference honors in Football (1994), Wrestling (1993, 94 & 95) and Baseball (1995). Shane was also elected a captain in all three sports as a senior. After high school he attended Rochester Community/Technical College where he was selected as an All-Conference and All-State Football Player in 1997. The team went on to win a State Championship and earned a bowl bid to the Empire State Bowl held in New York City. Shane also played baseball for the Yellow jackets while attending RCTC. Shane then transferred to Winona State University where he earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Education and later earned his Master’s degree at WSU as well. Shane was employed as a teacher in Pine Island, MN for 7 years before coming to Glenwood City. He served as a Physical Education/Health Teacher, Head Football Coach, Assistant Wrestling and Assistant Baseball coach.
Reason for Coaching: “I believe coaching is the greatest job on earth. There is no better feeling than to see a young man achieve his goals after making a great commitment to be his best. I also enjoy creating great memories through our journey together as a team. The accomplishments, adversities and friendships will last in my memory for a lifetime”.
What does Glenwood City mean to you?
I have embraced the great tradition that was established here long before I arrived. I believe we have a very supportive community, administration and teaching staff. Win or lose, I will always give my absolute best to our students, athletic programs and our community. I feel blessed to work here and I feel proud that I can call Glenwood City my home.
Jon Mrdutt: Offensive/Defensive Line/Game Night Assistant Coordinator (Booth)
Family: Wife Barbe Mrdutt, Son Nick (19) and Son Nate (16)
Jon was born and raised in Glenwood City, WI where he graduated in 1986. He was a multi-sport athlete that was highlighted by being a Captain on the 1985 WIAA Division 6 State Championship football team coached by Brad Nemec. Jon graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration & Marketing from UW-River Falls in 1990. While at River Falls, he played one year of college football for the Falcons. Jon has been employed at Viking Electric Supply, Inc. , a large Electrical products Distribution company since 1995. In addition, Jon has been a Glenwood City School Board member since 2004.
Reason for Coaching: Jon has been a volunteer assistant with the football program for many years. Jon was asked to help out by then head coach, Phil Ottney back in the early 1990s – and never left! Phil was a great man, and being on staff with him and the kids winning the 1997 WIAA Division 5 State Championship was a great honor. Jon enjoys helping student athletes fully enjoy their experience while at Glenwood City. He enjoys working with his fellow coaches to create a fun and positive environment for the kids and reinforces how important it is to make good decisions, be a great role model at home, for other kids, the Glenwood City community and the school district. All coaches stress the importance of controlling two things in athletics and in life: Attitude & Effort!
What does coaching mean to you? I love Glenwood City. I grew up here, and have experienced so many positive experiences when I was young – both on and off the field. Good people (teachers & coaches) helped define me as a person while I was a student athlete at Glenwood City. From developing a strong work ethic to striving to make good decisions all were instilled in me at a young age. It’s important to me to try and help the kids be able to enjoy the same positive experiences that I was able to enjoy many years ago.
Chuckie DeSmith: Head JV coach, Running Backs and Special Teams
Family: Wife – Cindy, Daughter - Denisa (15), Son - Hadin (12), Daughter - Natasha (10), Daughter – Arianna (8), Daughter - Sara (6).
Chuckie was born and raised right here in Glenwood City, Wisconsin. He was raised on a farm and learned early on that success could only be achieved by determination and hard work. He graduated from GlenwoodCityHigh School in 1981. To get away from the farm, in 1983 he took a job in Clear Lake, at what was previously Land O’Lakes, where he still remains today, at what is now known as Advanced Food Products. Once again, his hard work and determination and commitment have taken him to his newest role as the Plant Manager. Chuckie always loved football and played in high school his freshman year, but was then forced to quit to work on the farm.
Reason for Coaching: Once Chuckie’s son, Hadin, started school, his knack for leading people was put to use coaching T-ball, baseball, Blue Thunder youth football (and even basketball). Chuckie has the natural ability to lead and teach. His goals are to teach kids respect for themselves, their coaches and their teammates. He also focuses on kids’ strengths and building confidence so they will succeed at their sport as well as later in life. He loves being with the kids/young adults and watching their abilities emerge and improve as they develop their confidence and skills.
What does Glenwood City mean to you?
GlenwoodCity means a lot to me, as it is where I grew up and where I am raising my family. I love the “small town” environment and being able to know just about everyone in the community. I love being part of something positive in the community/school that provides kids with the opportunity to play sports, which will develop lifetime friendships and lasting memories, as well as assisting in a sport I love, and making the football program as strong as it can be.
Randall Ketola: Assistant Coach, Junior Varsity
Family: Wife Rebecca Ketola, Daughter Lyra (8), Daughter Hailey (6)
Randall was born and raised in West Duluth, MN, where he graduated from Denfeld High School in 1988. He played football for three years, raced bicycles for five years, including two with the Redline National Racing Team, and has practiced martial arts since 1983. Randall has a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a green belt in Jujitsu, and a blue belt in Kenpo. Randall earned his undergraduate degree from UW-Superior in 1995 with a Broad Field Science major, and minors in chemistry and biology. He earned his Master’s Degree in physics-secondary education from UW-River Falls in 2002. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction from Montana State University in 2011 with a focus on best practices for science education, and science teacher preparation and training. Randall began his career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Solomon Islands in 1995, where he served for two years as a Form VI Chemistry teacher, and a Form IV and V science teacher, as well as a Tae Kwon Do instructor. He has also worked as a science teacher and football coach in Richland Center WI, and as a science teacher in New Berlin WI, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, he has worked as a chemistry teacher at Waukesha County Technical College, and as a graduate level program director, teacher evaluator, and instructor at the Florida State University.
Reason for Coaching: “Sometimes in the busy life of a teacher, you never really get to see the students shine outside of your classroom. To get to work with them on something they are truly passionate about is a very special thing. Knowing that I get to play a part in preparing them for the road that lies ahead is a very rewarding aspect of serving my community as a coach.”
What does Glenwood City mean to you?
I am very proud to call myself a Hilltopper. I sensed from the very first interaction that I had with the people of this community that it was a special place to be. It feels good to be home.
Jake Score: Junior High Defensive Coordinator/Assistant Varsity Coach
Family- Wife Taryn, Son Clayton(3), Son Clyde (1) and Son David (1 month)
Jake Score has been a middle school social studies teacher in Glenwood City for 7 years. In that time he has coached at both the middle school and varsity levels in our football program. Jake is also the Head Baseball Coach after serving 5 years as the assistant varsity softball coach under Matt Schutz.
Matt Lamb: Head Junior High Coach/Varsity Statistician
Family - Wife Chandra, Daughter Rian (22), Daughter Emma (9), Son Charlie (7)
Matt grew up on a farm near Spring Valley. He graduated from UW-Eau Claire and received his Masters of Education from UW-Stout. He has 21 years in the classroom, coaching and officiating. In addition to football, Matt is the varsity track and field coach.
Richard Croes: Assistant Varsity/Offensive Line/Defensive Line
Richard Croes is currently a freshman at UW-River Falls after completing a stellar career in the Hilltopper Football Program. Richard led the Hilltopper Offensive Line to two State Championship appearances which included one of the top rushing and scoring offenses in the state of Wisconsin in all divisions. Richard achieved First Team All-Dunn/St. Croix twice as an offensive and defensive lineman. He also earned All-Northwest honors as an offensive guard his senior season. His commitment to weight training and improving as a football player were unmatched during his playing career here at Glenwood City. Richard’s commitment to hard work and dedication will now be passed down to our younger players through his role as a coach in the Hilltopper Football Program.