After 24 seasons as the Head Coach for St. Scholastica men’s basketball, David Staniger has resigned his position.
“It is always sad when one of our own decides to depart. Coach Staniger has been a vital catalyst in our community for over 24 years. We will miss his dynamic energy and sincere dedication to CSS Athletics and the young men under his care.” – Jessica Cherry, Director of Athletics.
“Stenny,” as he is affectionately known, is a CSS alum (class of 1989.) He played basketball for two seasons as a Saint. After graduation, he spent his first five years at Augsburg University as an assistant coach, where he coached NCAA Division III’s first-ever NBA first-round pick Devean George.
Coach Staniger became the Saints’ Head Coach prior to the 2000-2001 season. Only a few seasons later, in 2003-2004, St. Scholastica went to the national tournament.
Under his leadership, St. Scholastica was the UMAC (Upper Midwest Athletic Conference) Regular Season Champs in the 2005-2006, 2008-2009, 2015-2016, and 2021 seasons. CSS was also UMAC Post Season Tournament Champions in 2003-2004, 2005-2006, 2006-2007, and 2008-2009.
At the time of his resignation, Staniger has the most wins in program history with 287. He was the UMAC Coach of the Year in 2005-2006, 2015-2016 and 2020-2021.
Numerous former players and assistant coaches have gone on to have careers in basketball. Two former players, Derek Johnson (2003-2007) and Chris Rauschenfels (2000-2004) are members of St. Scholastica’s Hall of Fame.
A Chisholm, Minnesota, native, Coach Staniger played high school basketball for Minnesota coaching legend Bob McDonald, who as of his passing in 2020 still had the most wins in Minnesota high school basketball history (1,102.)
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to have been the men’s basketball coach at The College of St. Scholastica for the past 24 years. Coaching is all about relationships and it’s been so rewarding to have grown our Saints Basketball Family. We truly are a family and I’ll maintain those relationships forever. I’ve decided it’s time for a change and to explore new opportunities. Thank you to the College, athletic department and all our former players and alumni for such a rewarding experience. I wish the best for the school and our future teams. Go Saints!” – Coach Staniger.
