(June 14, 2011) - CASTLETON, Vt. - Castleton State College Associate Dean for Athletics and Recreation, Deanna Tyson, and Head Football Coach Marc Klatt are pleased to announce the hiring of Jason Challeen as the Offensive Coordinator for Castleton's football team.
A 2001 graduate of the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, Challeen has been involved with coaching for nearly 20 years at both the high school and collegiate levels. He returned to his alma mater in 2009, where has served as the Assistant Head Coach, Special Teams Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator for the past two seasons.
Challeen has been coaching in the collegiate ranks since 1999, making stops at St. Cloud State (MN), Southwestern (KS), Minnesota-Duluth, Mesabi Range Tech. (MN) and Jamestown (ND). In each of his previous five stops, Challeen has been charged with directing the program's recruiting efforts and brings a wealth of knowledge in that arena.
"We could tell right away that Jason cares a great deal about recruiting and coaching quality young men," Tyson said. "Marc's experience working with Jason at St. Cloud State makes this an ideal fit."
Klatt coached alongside Challeen at St. Cloud State as Graduate Assistants, and have remained in touch as their coaching careers advanced.
"We are tremendously excited to hire a coach with Jason Challeen's experience and knowledge. He is an outstanding football coach, prolific recruiter, and most importantly a great model for our coaches and players to emulate," Klatt said. "His experience coaching and teaching at higher levels of college football make him a grand slam for our program! His presence here at Castleton will help create success for years to come."
Challeen's primary focus will be on running the Spartan offense, as well as coaching the offensive line, but Castleton will also utilize his expertise in other areas of the department. In his previous stops Challeen has performed duties ranging from managing athletics events and facilities, to acting as the department's academic coordinator.
"I am humbled and extremely excited to be part of the Castleton Community and the Spartan Football Program. Castleton is a great institution with the foundation in place to become a premier Division III football program in New England," said Challeen. "I'm very thankful for the opportunity given to me by President Dave Wolk, Athletics Director Deanna Tyson, and Head Football Coach Marc Klatt. My family and I are eager to make the move to Vermont and start this new chapter of our lives. I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to contributing to Castleton's future success."
