New Knee Braces Help Keep Warrior Linemen Safe
The Winona State Football Players Association (FPA) is proud to announce a powerful partnership focused on one thing: protecting our Warriors in the trenches.
Thanks to a collaborative effort between Winona Health, the WSU Foundation, the WSU Athletic Training Department, and the FPA, 20 Armor knee braces—designed specifically for offensive linemen—will be worn by players during games and full-contact practices starting this season. The impact of this donation goes far beyond equipment. It’s about player safety, performance, and long-term health.
“Knee braces provide a high level of protection from injury for offensive linemen. Unfortunately, they are a big-ticket item and out of the financial reach of many Division 2 football programs. A unique shared vision between Winona Health, Winona State’s Athletic Training Department, the WSU Foundation and the WSU Football Players Association overcame this financial hurdle and together realized this shared vision.”
~~ Brian Curtin – WSU Head Football Coach
These braces don’t just show up and fit—each Warrior is carefully measured by the athletic training staff to ensure proper sizing within the adjustable parameters of the Armor design. The goal is to maximize protection where the risk is greatest.
Breaking Down the Impact:
- 20 braces donated.
- Retail value: approximately $30,000.
- Funding: Winona Health worked with the knee brace supplier to achieve a discounted price and then supplied those knee braces at that cost to the football program. A WSU Foundation grant and matching support from the FPA helped fund this project.
But this wasn’t a line item in a budget—it was a mission.
“At the FPA, our mission is to support Winona State football in meaningful, lasting ways. Donations like this aren’t just about equipment—they're about protecting our players, investing in their health, and showing them that our alumni community has their backs. This knee brace initiative is a perfect example of how we come together to make a real impact on and off the field.”
— Mike Savat, President, Winona State Football Players Association
The knee brace initiative is a perfect example of how the FPA continues to invest in the present and future of Warrior Football. Powered by alumni contributions, parking fundraisers, the Adopt-a-Player program, and membership dues, the FPA remains one of the most impactful alumni-driven athletic associations in the region.
The result? Real, tangible protection for the players who put it all on the line every week.
Pictured: Brian Curtin – WSU Head Coach, Jason Stroberg, and Magnus Nelson - WSU offensive linemen, Mike Savat - FPA president, WSU Foundation, Phil Sonnenberg- Controller, Stacey Czaplewski- Associate A.D. – Athletic Training. Not pictured, Beth Eichman - Supply Chain Director, Winona Health.
2025 Season Schedule
Get ready, Warrior fans—the upcoming season kicks off on Saturday, September 6, with a home game against Bemidji.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 20, when the Warriors return home to face Minot State during Family Weekend.
Don't miss the Homecoming Gameon Saturday, October 25, as Winona State takes on Concordia-St. Paul.
Stay tuned to our page for more updates, including game at the end of August. Let's make this season unforgettable!
Full Schedule
September 6th- Home vs Bemidji September 13th- Away vs MSU Moorhead
September 20th- Family Weekend- Home vs Minot State September 27th- Away vs Augustana
October 4th- Home vs Wayne State October 11th- Away vs Mankato October 18th- BYE
October 25th- Homecoming- Home vs Concordia-St. Paul November 1st- Away vs Sioux Falls
November 8th- Away vs UMary
November 15th- Home vs Southwest Minnesota State
2025 Hall of Fame - Brian Wrobel
A former standout quarterback for the Warriors, Brian Wrobel is being inducted into the Winona State Athletic Hall of Fame, and we couldn’t be more proud!
During his time at Winona State, Wrobel led the Warriors through a golden era of success, guiding the team to multiple playoff appearances and conference championships. Known for his leadership and on-field excellence, he rewrote the record books and left an indelible mark on the program as one of its most iconic quarterbacks.
But his football story didn’t stop in Winona. After college, Wrobel signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent and had a stint with the Green Bay Packers in 2006 — living out the dream of many aspiring athletes. He also made his mark overseas, playing for the Berlin Thunder in NFL Europa, where he threw for an impressive 293 yards and notched 2 total touchdowns.
Now, Wrobel’s achievements will be immortalized during WSU’s Homecoming Weekend, October 24–26, 2025. The official Hall of Fame Banquet will take place on Friday, October 24 at 5:00 PM — an evening that promises to be filled with Warrior pride, memories, and well-earned recognition.
👏 Join us in celebrating Brian’s legacy — a true Warrior on and off the field. Stay tuned to our page for more event details and coverage of this incredible honor!
Brian Curtin Named New Head Football Coach
It’s official! Just days after stepping in as Interim, Brian Curtin has been named the Head Coach of Warrior Football!
Coach Curtin’s leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment to the team have already made a powerful impact, and we’re thrilled to see him take the reins as the next leader of Winona State Football.
“His leadership, dedication, and commitment to our team have inspired us, and we are excited to continue building a strong future under his guidance.”
— FPA President Mike Savat
“I am excited for Coach Curtin to take over the reins of Warrior Football! I’ve watched him grow into this opportunity from his first day on campus.”
— Former Head Coach Tom Sawyer
👏 Join us in congratulating Coach Curtin as he begins this exciting new chapter!
WSU Giving Day
🎉 A Huge THANK YOU to the Warrior Family! 🏈💜
The Winona State Football Players Association is sending a massive shoutout to all the incredible Warrior fans, alumni, families, and friends who showed up in a big way for WSU Giving Day! Because of your passion, generosity, and unwavering support, we proudly raised over $7,500 to directly benefit the Winona State Football Program!
These funds will help fuel key initiatives for our student-athletes—whether it's upgrading equipment, enhancing player development resources, or creating unforgettable team experiences that shape future leaders both on and off the field.
Your generosity is more than a donation—it’s a statement. A statement that the Warrior spirit is alive and thriving. That even after the final whistle, our community continues to stand strong together in support of something bigger than any one game or season.
🙏 Thank you for being part of this tradition, this team, and this mission. Warrior Football has always been about grit, pride, and unity—and you’re helping carry that legacy forward.
We’re just getting started. Stay connected and stay proud—the best is yet to come. 💪
Warrior Football Welcomes 44 New Recruits for 2025
🚨 BIG NEWS FROM WARRIOR COUNTRY! 🚨
Winona State Football is proud to announce the addition of 44 new Warriors to the family for the 2025 season! 💜🏈
This year’s incoming class is a powerhouse blend of 16 talented transfers and 28 dynamic freshmen, representing some of the Midwest’s strongest football regions—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and South Dakota. With 12 offensive playmakers and 16 defensive game-changers, the future of Warrior Football is looking stronger than ever.
Each one of these student-athletes brings something unique to the table—whether it's explosive speed, lockdown coverage, leadership, or grit in the trenches. Together, they represent the next generation of Warriors ready to leave their mark on and off the field.
🗣️ FPA President Mike Savat shared his excitement:
"On behalf of the Winona State Football Players Association, I am thrilled to welcome our new student-athletes and their families to the Warrior community. We look forward to supporting you both on and off the field as you embark on this exciting journey."
As always, it takes a village—and Warrior Nation is that village. Let’s rally around these young men and their families as they begin their collegiate journey and proudly wear the purple and white.