Colby's Opgenorth to attend NFL/NCAA Coaches Academy

WATERVILLE, Maine --- Colby College football offensive coordinator Steve Opgenorth has been selected to participate at the 2013 NFL/NCAA Coaches Academy, which will be held Feb. 17 to 19 in Charlotte, N.C.

The NFL/NCAA Coaches Academy provides an opportunity for 30 college coaches as well as former NFL players to continue their growth and leadership within the coaching profession. Opgenorth was selected as a 2013 participant within a group that included over 250 applicants.

"Our partnership with the NFL provides a broader base of networking and access to essential information and key influencers for football coaches who want to become head coaches," said Robert Vowels, NCAA Vice President of Student-Athlete Affairs.

The Coaches Academy will include instruction from NFL, college, and high school coaches, business leaders, and athletic administrators. Topics include how to build a personal and professional brand, managing budgets, successful networking, media messaging, effective leadership, and understanding the academic and athletic landscape of NCAA institutions.

Opgenorth completed his first season as Colby College's offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and recruiting coordinator. Through the 2012 season, Opgenorth mentored first-year quarterback Justin Ciero (Chappaqua, N.Y.) who finished the season fourth overall in the New England Small College Athletic Conference in total yards from scrimmage (187.1 yards per game).  

Colby College finished the season winning three out of its last four games to finish 3–5 overall.  

Opgenorth also has had assistant coaching stints at Winona State University, Albright College, and Carroll University. 

As a student-athlete at Winona State University, Opgenorth's name is littered throughout the programs record book. He is second in school history in total points scored and was named to Winona State's All-Century team in 2005 as a specialist. Opgenorth was an all-conference performer three times in his career, and garnered All-American accolades in 2003 by helping Winona State reach the NCAA Division II Tournament quarterfinals.