January 2, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

  MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

Minot State University Athletic Director Rick Hedberg has announced the new Head Football Coach, Paul Rudolph. Rudolph is a graduate of Minot State University (1988) where he played quarterback for the Beavers for four years and earned a degree in Physical Education. Rudolph is also a member of the Minot State Athletic Hall of Fame. Rudolph also received a Master of Arts in Physical Education and Recreation from the University of South Dakota in 1990.

“We are extremely excited to have Paul taking over control of our football program,” stated MSU AD Rick Hedberg . “First and foremost, he's a good person. Secondly, he's a good coach with some wonderful experiences in the profession. He has previous head coaching experience and has had a great experience in the NCC at St. Cloud State . Being an alumnus and growing up in northwest North Dakota is a definite plus also. Paul is a good fit for our football program and we're excited to get him on board.”

Rudolph is currently the Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach at St. Cloud State University , MN where he has held this position for the past seven years. His teams at St. Cloud have become an offensive power during his time. Over the past seven years, St. Cloud has established 26 single season, 21 single game, and nine individual offensive school records. In 2005, Rudolph helped St. Cloud to a 418.6 yards per game average and over 30 point per game scoring average. He has coached 13 first team, 11 second team, and two honorable mention All-Conference NCC Offensive Players, helped St. Cloud to NCAA playoffs (2004), and helped St. Cloud win the NCC in 2002.

Prior to St. Cloud State , Rudolph was Head Football Coach at Upper Iowa (NCAA Division III) from 1991-1999. In addition, Rudolph was the Athletic Director at Upper Iowa from 1996-1999, Offensive Coordinator from 1990-1993, and the University's Head Track and Field Coach. In 1992, Upper Iowa posted its first winning record in 26 years at 6-4 under Rudolph. He was also named the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. His teams posted a 7-3 record in 1994 and 1997. In 1999, Rudolph's team ranked in the top 10 in NCAA Division III for total defense, allowing just 217 yards per game. His UIU teams set 22 school records for offense during his time. In 1992 UIU was ranked second in the nation in total offense (456.8 yards per game). UIU ranked in the top 20 three times in total offense, and ranked in the top ten nationally and number one in Total Defense in the IIAC in 1997, 1998, and 1999. Rudolph also graduated every senior football player with the exception of two during his tenure at UIU.

  Prior to his tenure at Upper Iowa University , Rudolph was a graduate assistant at the University of South Dakota . Rudolph is a member of the American Football coaches Association and Minnesota State High School Coaches Association. Rudolph is originally from Stanley , ND , graduating from Stanley High School in 1984. Rudolph and his wife, Renae have there children, Zachary, McKenzie, and Creighton.

MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY

500 University Avenue W.

Minot , ND 58707

Sheila Green Gerding , SID

701-858-3041