Steine named next Winhawks football coach

The next coach of the Winona Senior High School football team certainly is not a stranger. 

Travis Steine, who has been an assistant in the program for 20 years, will take over the main headset beginning next fall after his hiring was approved by the Winona Area Public Schools board on Thursday night. 

“There are many emotions,” said Steine, who has been the offensive coordinator of the Winhawks for the past 14 seasons and was an associate head coach for the past 15 seasons.. “I have 20 years of memories and experiences with so many amazing individuals that have been a part of the Winhawk football family. This program means so much to me, and getting the opportunity to lead its next chapter is such an honor.”

Steine takes over for John Cassellius, who stepped down this past season after 21 years as the head coach. Steine has also coached baseball and basketball. His wife, Brittney, is the head gymnastics coach. Both are teachers in the district; Brittney was named the Winona Education Association Teacher of the Year earlier this school year. 

Continuous improvement is important for Steine, who noted that Cassellius always gave his staff the opportunity to grow and become better coaches through attending coaching clinics and other development opportunities. That will continue, Steine said. 

“We are going to focus on being positive and improving each day,” Steine said. “Positivity wins. Working hard to improve and become better versions of ourselves should always be our goal. There is a standard that should be met in everything we do. Things like doing what is good and right even when no one is watching. Performing at a high level in the classroom, greeting people in the hallway with a smile, being consistently in the weight room and working hard while there, and being positive leaders in the community are all part of that standard.”

There should be plenty of familiar faces on the coaching staff moving forward as well, Steine said, and many of them were on the staff when the Winhawks played in four straight state tournaments. 

Steine remembers what those experiences were like, and so do the other coaches. 

“I have always believed sports bring people together,” Steine said. “I will never forget taking a moment to look up at the stands before our state games at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Winona community support, level of joy, and positive energy was incredible. I want that for our community again and will do everything I can to make that happen.”