After not getting the job three years ago, UW-La Crosse and former Upper Iowa head coach Stu Engen was named head coach at Division II Moorhead State on June 28. He replaces Mike Olson, who took an assistant job at Division I Dartmouth.

"I want to thank UW-L for the past two years," said Engen. "The university has helped me in advancing my skills as a teacher and a coach. My family and I will greatly miss our neighbors, friends, and the entire La Crosse community. The student-athletes returning are special people and I wish them the best."

The 2002 Coach of the Year in the WIAC and IIAC Coach of the Year in 1994, 1996 and 1999, Engen compiled a record of 28-22 (.560) in two years at UW-La Crosse. He led the Eagles to a 17-9 overall and 10-6 league record in 2001-02, recording their first winning season since 1988-89 (15-12). The 10 conference wins were the most since 1982-83 (12-4) and the fourth-place finish in the league standings was the best since 1988-89.

Engen guided Upper Iowa to three IIAC titles, winning a school record 22 games in 1995-96. Upper Iowa received bids into the NCAA Tournament twice and the led the nation in scoring defense in 1996.

Engen, now 39, was one of four finalists for the Moorhead coaching job when it last came open, in the spring of 1999. He was also a finalist for the Ferris State and Slippery Rock head positions this year.