Coach Stoffel comes to HLGU after being head coach for five seasons at Brescia University in Owensboro, Kentucky. At BU, he coached 68 All-Conference Athletes and three NAIA National Qualifiers.
Prior to coaching at Brescia, Stoffel worked his way through the coaching ranks at the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Stoffel began his career at USF as a volunteer assistant coach and through his five seasons, he was promoted to assistant coach and then eventually head coach. Prior to him leaving USF, almost all the distance running records had been re-written.
"I am extremely excited to begin this new chapter of my coaching career! I would like to thank all involved through the interview process at HLGU, especially Athletic Director Jason Nichols and Dr. Anthony Allen. Hannibal-LaGrange University aligns with my vision to develop student-athletes to not only grow athletically but also spiritually. I look forward to building on the success that the teams have seen in the past. I am excited to meet the team and begin working with them to meet their goals," added Stoffel.
Stoffel ran both cross country and track & field during his collegiate years for Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. He completed his bachelor's degree in sports management in 2008. While at IWU, Stoffel was a member of the 2005 Cross Country National Qualifying Team. He was also a two-time NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Qualifier (2005, 2006) in the 3000m. Stoffel also qualified for NAIA Nationals in the 5000m in 2005.
Trojan Athletic Director, Jason Nichols stated, "I'm thrilled to have Luke join the HLGU Trojan family! He brings the experience, positive attitude, and resolve that will make him an asset to the athletic department and university. I look forward to seeing Luke's vision of excellence and his Christ-centered and character-driven coaching philosophy impact student-athletes lives here at HLGU. It's an honor to have him as the next head men's and women's cross country and track and field coach at Hannibal-LaGrange University."
Luke, his wife Christy, and his children, Isabella and Levi, reside in Hannibal, Mo.
