South Dakota Mines

• Lonnie Messick was hired to his third stint at the South Dakota Mines in 2017 as an assistant linebackers coach and is going into his 13th year as an assistant football coach at the institution and 20th year as a college coach and 38^th overall. He currently serves as the specialists and assistant defensive line coach.
• In 2023, Connor Taylor became the school’s all-time record holder in career PATs made.
• In 2022 and 2023, Messick coached defensive lineman Caleb Franklin to RMAC All-Conference Honorable Mention and in 2023, Taylor Hojer to the same honor.
• Both specialists – Connor Taylor (K) and Casey Knutson (P) earned Honorable Mention All-RMAC in 2021.
• Heading into the 2021 season, Knutsen was named Preseason First-Team All-American by D2football.com
• In the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, Knutsen was named RMAC Special Teams Player of the Week twice.
• Messick helped Enis Sefa became the school’s career point after leader and leader in points scored.
• In 2019, Messick coached Enis Sefa to an RMAC All-Second team selection.
• Messick took two years away from football, before once again finding his way back to South Dakota Mines in 2017.
• In Messick’s second year and final year of his second stint (2014), Messick coached Jake Hepp and Jay Lata to All-GNAC honors.
• In between stints at South Dakota Mines, Messick served as the linebackers coach at Northwestern State University for a year in 2012.
• In 2009, his first year as Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator, Messick coached kicker Andy Smith to an AFCA All-American honor.
• In 2008, his final year as defensive coordinator, the Hardrockers led the DAC in pass defense and allowed just 19.8 points per game.
• Chad Westendorf (DB), and Colton Clark (DE) were All-DAC honorees.
• In 2007 Messick coached Tyrell Anderson (LB), Tom Lunzman (DB) to Second and First Team All-DAC selections.
• In 2006, Chad Westendorf (LB) to tie for the most interceptions in the DAC (5).
• Kyle Kurth (DB) and Jake Hahn (LB) were selected 2nd Team All-DAC.
• Prior to joining the staff at South Dakota Mines, Messick was with Division I Kent State University for four years (tight ends – 2004-05, inside linebackers – 2003, ouside linebackers 2002).
• Under Messick’s direction Eric Mahl earned All-MAC Second Team and All-MAC Honorable Mention honors.
• Prior to Kent State, Messick had a four-year stint at Hargrave Academy where 95 percent of his players went on to play collegiately, including more than 60 at the Division I (FBS) level and another 60 at Division I (FCS).
• Messick previously was the head coach and athletic director at Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas, in 1997, and was the assistant head coach/defensive coordinator of the Fredericksburg (Va.) Generals of the Mason-Dixon Semi-Pro Football League from 1995-96.
• The Generals were the American Football Associations national semipro champions in 1996.
• Messick spent the 1991-93 seasons as a volunteer at Bowie State University (Md.).
• As the head coach of the sprint football team at Navy from 1986-1987, Messick coached them to a 12-2 record, winning two Co-League Championships.
• In addition, Messick has coached numerous interservice teams at U.S. Marine Corps bases, including Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (1977-79); Camp Pendleton, Calif. (1981-82); and Parris Island, S.C. (1983-84).
• Messick graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education (1969) from Oklahoma University.

Personal

Year at South Dakota Mines: Seventh
Hometown: Altus, Okla.
Education: Oklahoma University, 1969 – B.S. Education
Family: Wife: Virginia; Daughters: Caroline, Jessica; Sons: Scott, Jake, Matt

Coaching Career

2021-2023 – South Dakota Mines (Specialists/Assistant Defensive Line)
2018-2019 – South Dakota Mines (Specialists/Assistant Linebackers)
2017 – South Dakota Mines (Assistant Linebackers)
2015-2016 – Rapid City Central High School (Defensive Coordinator)
2013-2014 – South Dakota Mines (Outside Linebackers)
2012 – Northwestern Oklahoma State University (Linebackers)
2009-2011 – South Dakota Mines  (Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator)
2006-2008 – South Dakota Mines (Defensive Coordinator)
2004-2005 – Kent State University (Tight Ends)
2003 – Kent State University (Inside Linebackers)
2002 – Kent State University (Outside Linebackers)
1998-2001 – Hargrave Academy (Head Coach)
1997 – Marine Military Academy (Head Coach)
1995-1996 – Fredericksburg (Asst. Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator)
1991-1993 – Bowie State (Volunteeer Coach)
1986-1987 – Navy (Head Sprint Football Coach)
1983-1984 – USMC - Parris Island (Head Coach)
1981-1982 – USMC - Camp Pendleton (Head Coach)
1977-1979 – USMC - Pearl Harbor (Head Coach)