Shawn Frank named head football coach

Jamestown College President Robert S. Badal and Athletic Director Lawrie Paulson on Monday announced Shawn Frank has been named the Jimmies’ head football coach.

"It is truly an honor to serve Jamestown College in this capacity,” Frank says. "I am excited for the opportunity to continue the tradition that has been established with Jimmie football, while, at the same time, creating new trails to embark upon.”

Frank joined the Jimmie staff in 2003 and most recently served as defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator. Under his guidance, the Jimmie secondary has become one of the top units in the conference. He has coached 10 All-Conference players and two AFCA first team All-Americans in the last five years.

"Coach Frank has demonstrated the passion, ability, and leadership that is necessary to be a head football coach at the collegiate level,” Paulson says. "Just as importantly, Shawn has a passion for Jamestown College, our mission, and our students. He has the support of the staff and the administration, and I believe he will do an excellent job.”

Frank says recruiting is a priority at this time.

"We want to be clear that each recruit we were in contact with before the transition, is as important to us now, now that the transition is complete,” he says. "There are lots of young men who are great fits for us academically and athletically, and our hope is certainly to have some of those signed in the coming weeks.We have two big recruiting weekends coming up and are excited about getting these young men on campus.”

Prior to coming to Jamestown College, Frank spent 10 years coaching high school football in his hometown of Hettinger, N.D., compiling a 49-32 record. Hettinger’s six state playoff berths during that time were highlighted by the 2000 Region IV title and two regional runner-up finishes. Frank coached 17 All-State selections and saw many former players continue their careers in the college ranks. Frank also served as Athletic Director for Hettinger Public Schools in 2000 and has served as an assistant coach for the North Dakota Shrine Bowl.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education at the University of Mary, where he began his coaching career as the running back coach in 1992. He was a two-time All-NDCAC first-team selection as a defensive back. He and his wife, Lori, have two daughters.

Frank succeeds Bud Etzold, who resigned after serving as head coach from 2008 to 2011 and previously from 1995 to 1999.