NORTHFIELD, Minn. - Mark Kubacki, Blane Tetreault, Joe Lepsche and Justin Lerfald have been named to the 2017 St. Olaf football coaching staff, St. Olaf Athletics announced this winter. 

Kubacki was named defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in January, 2017. He spent the previous five seasons at the University of St. Thomas (Minn.) where he coached the tight ends in 2016, defensive line in 2014-15 and linebackers in 2012-13. He helped St. Thomas reach the NCAA Division III national championship game (Stagg Bowl) and post 14-1 records in 2012 and 2015. During his tenure, Kubacki helped the Tommies achieve a cumulative 56-8 record. He coached nine All-Conference players, two all-region players, one All-America honoree, and one Mike Stam Award winner (top MIAC lineman).

"As I assembled my staff, Mark was the first guy I targeted to join me," said head football coach James Kilian. "His passion for coaching is infectious and you will see it reflected in the way our guys will play for him. He possesses a great football mind and has benefited from the opportunity to coach on both sides of the ball."

Tetreault was named recruiting coordinator and defensive backs coach in March, 2017. He founded and operated Preptree.com, a successful athletics recruiting social network, from late-2012 thru early-2017. The company is notable for its partnership with the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and related high school recruiting events and combines. Prior to being a business owner, Tetreault coached from 2005-12 at the University of St. Thomas (Minn.). 

"I was excited when Blane reached out to me, as I did not know his desire to return to coaching," Kilian stated. "He brings nine years of coaching experience to St. Olaf, and in those nine years has been a recruiting coordinator for four, a defensive coordinator for two and a special teams coordinator for one. He is a clear communicator and St. Olaf will benefit from his professional approach to everything he does."

Lepsche was named offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in March, 2017. Lepsche spent the 2016 season at St. Francis High School in Wheaton, Ill., as head football coach and offensive coordinator. Prior to St. Francis, Lepsche spent 2008-10 and 2012-15 at the University of St. Thomas (Minn.) serving as offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator during his tenure. He helped the Tommies achieve a cumulative 87-14 record, including two national championship game appearances.

"I had the opportunity for work with Joe for two seasons at UST," Kilian stated. "He is one of the best offensive line coaches I had been around at any level. His vision on game day is second to none and I could not be more excited to be working with Joe again."

Lerfald is going on his 12th year as an assistant at St. Olaf. From 2006-12, he coached the defensive line for St. Olaf, where he mentored numerous all-conference and all-region players. In 2013, Lerfald coached linebackers before serving as defensive coordinator for the Oles from 2014-2016. Previous to St. Olaf, Lerfald served as offensive and defensive line coach at Montgomery-Lonsdale High School (Minn.) from 2000-05. He spent 1999 as offensive line coach at his alma mater the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

"I was very fortunate to be able to retain Justin," said Kilian. "He is a true Ole in every way and has been invaluable during the transition with his knowledge and connections all over campus. He treats our staff and players with the utmost respect and it is not surprising why he is a favorite among players, parents and support staff."

Kilian and the Oles will kick off the 2017 season as the host to Grinnell College at 1 p.m. at Manitou Field.