Dickinson State University Men's Football

Pete Stanton was named the 15th head football coach in Dickinson State University history in December 2013. Now entering his 12th season at the helm and 26th overall with the program, Stanton has established himself as one of the most successful coaches in school history. He currently ranks second all-time in career wins at DSU, posting an impressive 95-29 record over 11 seasons. Under Stanton’s leadership, the Blue Hawks have captured 10 consecutive North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) championships and qualified for the NAIA Football Championship Series every year from 2015 to 2024. Among the program's many milestones during his tenure: 2018: Reached the NAIA Quarterfinals; earned the program’s first-ever road playoff win. 2019: Became the first team in school history to win five straight conference titles. 2020: Completed an undefeated regular season, only the sixth in program history. 2023: Won a road playoff game at Montana Tech (35–27). 2024: Defeated Kansas Wesleyan (28–21) in the first home NAIA playoff victory since the championship streak began. Over his head coaching career at Dickinson State, Stanton has coached 22 NAIA All-Americans and earned NSAA Coach of the Year honors nine times (2015, 2016, 2017, 2019–2024). In 2023, the DSU football program was named North Dakota Sportscasters and Sportswriters College Team of the Year. Stanton, a native of Baker, Montana, was a standout three-sport athlete in high school. Before joining DSU in 2000, he served as head football coach at Terry High School (70–20 record, three state title game appearances) and Belgrade High School, compiling a combined prep coaching record that contributes to his overall career record of 172-56 at both the high school and collegiate levels. A proud DSU alumnus, Stanton played for the Blue Hawks during their dominant stretch in the mid-1980s. As a three-year starter at safety, he helped lead the team to a 25-4 record, two NAIA playoff appearances, and earned numerous honors including: First Team NAIA All-American (1987) Academic All-American (1987) Two-time All-Conference and All-District selection Harry J. Wienbergen Male Athlete of the Year (1987) He was inducted into the DSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004. In addition to his football leadership, Stanton has made a lasting impact on DSU athletics through his past work as head men’s and women’s track and field coach. From 2003 to 2012, he guided the Blue Hawk men to ten consecutive conference championships and was named Conference Coach of the Year ten times. His teams captured NAIA National Championships in 2004, 2005, and 2006, and finished national runner-up in 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. He was named NAIA Men’s Outdoor Track & Field National Coach of the Year four consecutive times (2003–2006). Stanton’s legacy in track and field is further recognized with multiple team inductions into the DSU Hall of Fame, including the 2004–06 national championship teams (Class of 2016) and 2008–09 teams (Class of 2023). Stanton holds a master’s degree from Montana State University and currently serves as Athletic Director at Dickinson State. He and his wife, Candace, reside in Dickinson with their children, Luke and Maddy. Year-by-Year Head Coaching Record – Dickinson State Football Year Record NSAA Finish NAIA Postseason 2014 7–4 2nd – 2015 8–3 1st First Round 2016 9–3 1st First Round 2017 9–2 1st First Round 2018 9–3 1st Quarterfinals (W – Northwestern Iowa) 2019 8–3 1st First Round 2020 9–1 1st First Round (Undefeated Regular Season) 2021 8–3 1st First Round 2022 8–3 1st First Round 2023 10–2 1st Second Round (W – Montana Tech) 2024 10–2 1st Second Round (W – Kansas Wesleyan) Total 95–29 — 10 NAIA Playoff Appearances

Colter Hickok, a native of Bridger, Montana, is in his second season as a graduate assistant with the Dickinson State University football program and his eighth overall season with the Blue Hawks. A longtime member of the program, Hickok has contributed in multiple capacities on both sides of the ball. A 2017 graduate of Laurel High School, Hickok joined the Blue Hawks as an offensive lineman before transitioning into a student assistant role from 2018 to 2023. During that time, he gained valuable experience working with various position groups and supporting the coaching staff through five conference championship seasons. In 2024, Hickok worked with the linebackers before shifting to the defensive line, where he currently assists with player development, technique, and unit preparation. A proud Blue Hawk alumnus, Hickok earned a Bachelor of University Studies in 2023 with minors in history and coaching. He is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Sports Administration and Athletic Leadership, with an expected graduation date of spring 2026.

Levi Newell is entering his second season as running backs coach at Dickinson State University. Originally from Van Wert, Ohio, Newell brings a strong background in both playing and coaching the running back position. A former two-way standout at Van Wert High School, Newell competed as a running back and linebacker before continuing his academic and athletic career at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management and athletic coaching. At Dickinson State, Newell works closely with the Blue Hawk backfield, focusing on player development, fundamentals, and contributing to the program’s established success in the run game.

Jason Thier is entering his eighth season as defensive coordinator at Dickinson State University, having joined the Blue Hawk football staff in March 2018. A key architect of one of the NAIA’s most consistent defensive units, Thier has helped lead DSU to seven consecutive North Star Athletic Association championships (2018–2024) and multiple NAIA playoff appearances. He was named the NSAA Assistant Coach of the Year following the 2021 season. Now entering his 17th season at the collegiate level, Thier’s defenses at Dickinson State have consistently ranked among the top in the NAIA in several key categories, including scoring defense, third-down defense, takeaways, and total yards allowed. Under his direction, DSU led the NAIA in takeaways per game in both 2018 and 2022, ranked third in rush defense in 2023, and fourth in 2024. During his time at DSU, Thier has coached two NAIA All-Americans, five conference defensive players of the year, and 20 All-Conference selections. Before joining the Blue Hawks, Thier served as associate head coach and defensive coordinator at the University of Mary, where he coached one All-American, a preseason conference defensive player of the year, four all-conference selections, and future NFL linebacker Patrick O’Connell. In 2013, Thier worked at the NCAA Division I level as the inside linebackers coach at the University of North Dakota, coaching future NFL player Will Ratelle and one All-Conference honoree. From 2011–2012, he served as defensive coordinator at the University of Montana Western. There, he implemented a defensive scheme that helped the Bulldogs achieve the second-best pass defense in the conference and significantly improved the program’s takeaway numbers and win total during his tenure. Thier began his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant at Augustana University, where he was part of the 2010 team that won its first playoff game in school history and captured a conference title. That team finished the year ranked sixth in the NCAA Division II Coaches Poll with an 11–2 record. In two seasons, Thier helped coach one All-Region and three All-Conference players as part of a 19–5 run. As a player, Thier was a standout linebacker at Truman State University, where he earned All-Conference honors, served as team captain, and was named team MVP his senior season. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in education in 2009, followed by a master’s degree in education from Augustana College in 2011. In 2021, he completed a second master’s degree in sports administration and leadership from Dickinson State University. Thier lives in Dickinson with his wife, Brittany, and their three children: Jackson, Zoey, and Charlotte.

Tobin O’Brien is entering his sixth season as offensive line coach for the Dickinson State University football program. A former Blue Hawk standout and now a key member of the coaching staff, O’Brien has played an integral role in the continued success of DSU football—both on the field and in the trenches. A native of Billings, Montana, O’Brien has been part of 10 NSAA conference championship teams at Dickinson State—five as a player (2015–2019) and five as a coach (2020–2024). As an offensive lineman, he helped lead the Blue Hawks to five straight NAIA playoff appearances, including a run to the national quarterfinals in 2018. During that span, the team compiled a dominant 24–1 record at home and O’Brien served as a member of the program’s leadership council. Since transitioning to coaching in 2020, O’Brien has developed one of the most consistent and decorated offensive line units in the NAIA. He has coached four All-Americans and 19 All-Conference selections during his tenure. In 2021, he mentored center Matt Dey, who was named the Rimington Award winner as the top center in the NAIA and became a two-time All-American. In 2023 and 2024, he coached Nathaniel Woodruff, who earned back-to-back All-American honors and was named the NSAA’s Most Valuable Offensive Lineman both seasons. O’Brien holds a master’s degree in sports administration and leadership from Dickinson State University. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education with minors in exercise science and coaching, all from DSU.

Nate Masterson is entering his third season on the Dickinson State University football coaching staff and his first year as special teams coordinator and defensive line coach. A versatile and dedicated young coach, Masterson has already played a key role in the program’s continued success. During his first two seasons with the Blue Hawks, Masterson served as tight ends coach, helping guide DSU to its ninth and tenth consecutive North Star Athletic Association championships. While overseeing the position group, he coached three All-Conference tight ends and contributed to one of the NAIA’s most balanced offensive units. Originally from St. Maries, Idaho, Masterson played collegiately at the University of Montana Western. He began his career as a linebacker from 2017 to 2019 before transitioning to tight end from 2020 to 2023, giving him a unique two-way understanding of the game. Now leading DSU’s special teams and defensive line, Masterson continues to bring energy, attention to detail, and a player-first coaching philosophy to the Blue Hawk program.

Dickinson State University is excited to announce the addition of Khalil Paden as the new Wide Receivers Coach for the Blue Hawk football program. Paden brings great experience as both a player and coach, with over six years of professional football experience and nearly a decade of coaching at the high school and collegiate levels—including three years at the Division I level. His deep understanding of the receiver position, combined with his proven ability to develop top-tier talent, positions him as a key asset for the Blue Hawks’ offensive staff.   A former standout wide receiver at Northern Arizona University, Paden earned All-Conference honors in 2011 and led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He went on to a successful professional career with the Arena Football League and Canadian Football League, winning a Grey Cup with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2016. As a coach, Paden has developed All-Americans and record-setters at Bryant University and helped transform multiple high school programs into championship contenders. Known for his energy, attention to detail, and player-first mentality, Paden is committed to continuing Dickinson State’s tradition of excellence.

Nate Kees is entering his 11th year in football coaching and his third season with the Dickinson State University football program. After coaching the defensive line for the Blue Hawks during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Kees transitions to coaching tight ends in 2025. While leading the defensive front, Kees helped Dickinson State capture its ninth and tenth consecutive North Star Athletic Association championships. During that span, he coached two NAIA All-Americans, one Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and six All-Conference selections. Now working with the tight ends, Kees remains focused on building strong relationships with student-athletes and maintaining the program’s high standards of discipline, accountability, and sportsmanship. Originally from Mondovi, Wisconsin, Kees has lived in North Dakota since 2011. He resides in Dickinson with his wife, Tiffany, and their two adult children, Claira and Grant.

Russell McCarvel enters his 8th season with the Blue Hawks in 2025, and his 6th as Offensive Coordinator. Under his leadership, Dickinson State has led the conference in both scoring and total offense for five consecutive seasons, highlighted by a school-record 39.4 points per game in 2021. The Blue Hawks have posted back-to-back 10-win seasons and earned first-round playoff victories in each of the past two years. Following the 2022 season, McCarvel was named the North Star Athletic Association Assistant Coach of the Year. McCarvel began his collegiate coaching career at Carroll College, serving as running backs coach during the Saints’ 2005 NAIA National Championship season — the program’s fourth consecutive national title and a perfect 14-0 campaign. Now entering his 39th year of coaching, McCarvel brings extensive experience as an Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator, and Passing Game Coordinator. Prior to Dickinson State, he served as Offensive Coordinator at Helena Capital High School (MT), helping guide the Bruins to three straight Class AA semifinal appearances. From 2007 to 2013, he was the Head Coach at Flathead High School (MT), where he led the Braves to three playoff berths and coached future NFL quarterback Brock Osweiler. Earlier in his career, he spent five seasons as Head Coach at Dawson County High School (MT) and also held coaching positions at Laurel, Glasgow, and Malta High Schools. A Montana native, McCarvel graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and later earned a master’s degree from Lesley University in 2001. He and his wife, Jacki, live in Dickinson, North Dakota, where she is an RN at CHI St. Alexis. They have two sons: Robert, a West Point graduate and U.S. Army Captain currently serving as a Company Commander at Fort Hood, Texas; and Conor, a former Blue Hawk wide receiver and team captain who now works for the Fiesta Bowl. Conor and his wife Allie, also a Dickinson State University graduate, live in Phoenix, Arizona.