STEVENS POINT, Wis. – UW-Stevens Point head football coach Tom Journell announced today (April 23) that he is stepping down to pursue an opportunity as the head coach at Carleton College in Minnesota.
 
"It was an immense honor leading the UWSP Pointer Football program. Thank you to the University and Pointers community of players, alumni, family, friends, fans and coaching staff for helping us build on the shared vision for UWSP Football.  Tate, Mack, Betsy and I are forever grateful for our ten years in Stevens Point where our minds and spirits have been supported and stretched, nurtured and nudged, cheered and challenged, and embraced and encouraged. We love the purple and gold. ONE POINT!"
 
Journell guided the Pointers football program for the last six seasons as head coach after his first four seasons in Stevens Point were as defensive coordinator.  He led UWSP to a 29-31 record and had four seasons at .500 or better in the purple and gold. 
 
Under Journell's guidance, 15 UWSP players were named to All-WIAC first teamers and he had a player earn CoSIDA Academic All-America honors in each of the last four seasons.
 
"We are thankful to coach Journell for his time and perseverance over the last six seasons guiding the UWSP football program," said UWSP Director of Athletics Brad Duckworth. "His efforts to continue to build the football program while adhering to University guidelines has been tremendous.  We wish Tom and his family the best of luck in his new venture."
 
Journell, who has 31 years of coaching, came to UWSP after a four-year stint as head coach at Elmhurst College in Illinois.  Other coaching stops for Journell included UW-River Falls for 15 seasons and Miami University (Ohio) for two seasons.  Journell attended NCAA Division III Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, graduating in 1987, where he participated on the football and baseball teams.
 
UW-Stevens Point will begin a full national search for Journell's replacement immediately.