COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Saint John's University head football coach Gary Fasching formally announced the additions of John Gans '13 and Kole Heckendorf to his coaching staff on Monday, Aug. 12.
A two-time Academic All-MIAC honoree, Gans appeared in all 10 games on special teams and linebacker for SJU last fall, ending the season with 25 tackles and one of the Johnnies' four blocked kicks. Gans will instruct the Johnnie linebackers and defensive scout teams this fall.
In 2002, Heckendorf set a pair of Wisconsin records with 116 receptions for 1,714 yards as a junior at Mosinee High School and ended his career as the state's all-time leader in receiving yards (3,831) and touchdowns (36). He is also second in career receptions (235). Heckendorf accepted a scholarship to FCS (formerly Division I-AA) North Dakota State and ended a four-year collegiate career (2005-08) as the all-time leader in catches (178) and receiving yards (2,732) for the Bison. He signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and later joined four other National Football League organizations: the Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, San Diego Chargers and Indianapolis Colts. He will coach the tight ends and receivers at SJU.
Heckendorf is familiar with Central Minnesota, as his brother, Keith, was a four-year All-America quarterback at St. Cloud State from 2000-03. Keith Heckendorf was a two-time finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, which is given annually to the top player in NCAA Division II football, and is currently the offensive coordinator at Western Carolina.
The two join Michael Orts '09, who is in his second season directing SJU's defensive backs and the offensive scout teams. He was a four-year player from 2006-09 as a quarterback (freshman year) and wide receiver for the Johnnies. Orts served as a varsity assistant/head junior varsity football coach at Maple Grove (Minn.) High School for two seasons from 2010-11.
The Johnnies report to Collegeville on Tuesday, Aug. 13, with the first practice scheduled for the following day. Fasching officially begins his first season on Friday, Sept. 6, at Wisconsin-River Falls.
