Aberdeen, S.D. – The Northern State University football coaching staff is set for the 2017 season following the promotion of Matt Racowschi to defensive coordinator as announced by head football coach, Tom Dosch. In addition to his coordinator duties, Racowschi will remain as the defensive backs position coach.
 
"I am excited to announce Matt Racowschi as our defensive coordinator," explained Dosch. "He has the presence, knowledge, and energy needed to lead a defensive unit. Matt has been at NSU for six years as a player and coach, and his familiarity with the NSIC played a huge part in the decision. He is a passionate teacher of the game, and he connects well with players on and off the field. Matt's comfort level with our defense and program makes for a smooth transition."
 
"I am extremely honored and humbled to be promoted to defensive coordinator," noted Racowschi. "This new opportunity comes with thrilling new challenges and I am eager to take them head on."
 
"Northern State University and Wolves' Athletics continues to grow into a larger part of my life, and I couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity.  I can't wait to get into fall camp and continue to coach this special group of young men.  Go Wolves!"
 
Racowschi is coming off his first full-time season with the Wolves in the fall of 2016, where he mentored NSU All-American Channing Barber. Barber earned All-Conference first team honors, in addition to being named to the Don Hansen and D2CCA All-Region teams. The Wolves cornerback was named to the Don Hansen third team notching the second honor of his career. Racowschi also worked with All-Conference first team member Nathan Shaw, second team member Jacob Wiedrich, and honorable mention honoree Joe Parsley.
 
As a graduate assistant for the Wolves, Racowschi worked primarily as the safeties coach beginning in January of 2014. His duties included day-to-day football operations, position coaching, pre-game preparation, and student-athlete recruitment in Southern California and Alaska. He coached two All-NSIC performers in Joe Parsley and Channing Barber, and led the NSU punt returners to a 100 percent possession mark.
 
Prior to his work with NSU, Racowschi interned with Courthouse Performance and Fitness out of Salem, Oregon. At Courthouse, he assisted in the implementation of post-rehab and athletic training sessions, ran group movement and plyometric sessions, conducted Functional Movement Screenings for potential clients, and worked in the day to day operations of the gym. Additionally he worked with the South Salem High School football team, in implementing their summer strength and conditioning program.
 
The San Pedro, Calif. native, opened his collegiate career at Santa Barbara City College in California. Racowschi is no stranger to NSU football, as a former student-athlete for the Wolves at defensive back. He played two seasons with Northern State and graduated in May of 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Performance and Fitness. Racowschi returned to the NSU sidelines as a graduate assistant in the spring of 2014, and graduated with his Master of Science in Sport Performance and Leadership in December of 2015.