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Steve LaLonde has been named head football coach at North Iowa Area Community College.

“I’m excited about this terrific opportunity.  I know it will be a big challenge, but I’m looking forward to it.  The people at NIACC and in North Iowa have shown so much passion and support for the football program.  It wasn’t just about football but about people. They genuinely cared about my family and it seemed like the right fit,” LaLonde said.  “I want to take this already successful football program to the next level.  Even though we are in a transition period right now, our goal is to win every year.”

LaLonde comes to NIACC by way of Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada.  He has also served as a coordinator at Lafayette High School and head coach at Nichols Prep as well as serving as dean of students, athletics director and physical education department head at Mount St. Joseph Academy in Buffalo, NY. 

“As we near the first football season with Coach LaLonde at the helm, we’re anticipating the continuation of a wonderful program through his leadership and experience.  This marks the beginning of a very exciting chapter in NIACC athletics,” Dr. Debra Derr, NIACC president, said.

A self-described offensive coach, LaLonde played wide receiver in the Canadian Football League for the Ottawa Roughriders and the Edmonton Eskimos as well as playing for the Erie Invaders in the Indoor Professional Football League and the Albany Firebirds in the Arena Football League. 

“Steve is a great fit for our community and college and has a passion to coach football at the highest level.  Our committee was determined not to settle for anything less than a great coach, person and leader.  We did not anticipate an international search, but we were committed to maintaining the excellent tradition of Trojan football,” Dan Mason, NIACC athletic director, said.

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