John Auer
Head Coach
Phone: 952-446-4235
Email: auerj@crown.edu
Coach Auer begins his ninth year as the head football coach for the Crown College Storm. Coach Auer believes that through hard work in recruiting and developing Christian athletes, Crown College can become a top team in the UMAC.
Auer earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Coaching from St. Cloud State University in 1995 and went on to get his Master of Science in Sports Management there.
At St. Cloud University, Coach Auer worked as the Assistant Coach from 1993-2000. In his role as an assistant, he worked with recruiting, game planning, and practice preparation for the running game. He was also responsible for skill development, assignment teaching, and personnel decisions for the offensive line and tight ends. In his time with St. Cloud State, he coached an All-American and an Academic All-American.
Coach Auer was a defensive end on the Winona State team from 1989-1992. He attended Osseo High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. His wife Kristen is a preschool teacher at Joyful Noise Christian Preschool in Maple Grove. He has two daughters, Kaitlyn and Kelli.
Jake Carr
Offensive Coordinator
Quarterbacks Coach
Recruiting Coordinator
Phone: 952-446-4533
Email: carrj@crown.edu
Jake Carr begins his third year as the offensive coordinator for the Storm. Carr led a successful 2008 campaign which saw the Storm average 32.8 points per game while numerous individuals set career and season records for the Storm. Coach Carr came to Crown prior to the 2006 season as the quarterbacks coach after spending three years at Bethel University (’03-’05).
While at Bethel, Carr spent his time coaching both the quarterbacks and the tight ends. Previous to Bethel, Carr coached at Hillcrest Academy from 2000-2002. During his time there he was the offensive coordinator for two years and the defensive coordinator for three years leading the Comets to a state title in 2001.
Carr earned his undergraduate degree in secondary life science education from Bethel University and most recently his Masters of Arts in organizational leadership from Crown College. Coach Carr currently resides in Waconia, Minn.
Chris Burke
Defensive Coordinator
Inside Linebacker Coach
Phone: 952-446-4538
Email: burkec@crown.edu
Chris Burke is back for his fifth year with the Crown College football program and will return for his second season as the Defensive Coordinator. Coach Burke led an aggressive attack a year ago causing 23 turnovers over the course of 10 games, an improvement of 10 turnovers from the previous season. The Storm was also able to more than double its' sack total going from 5 in 2007 to 11 in 2008.
Coach Burke has had experience coaching both sides of the ball as he was responsible for the offensive line his first year at Crown and made the transition to defensive line for the past two seasons. Coach Burke will look to energize a young and upcoming defense by His determination and love for the game show not only as a coach, but also as a player.
While at Crown, Burke was a four-year starter playing both defensive end and offensive tackle. During his playing career Burke was named to 3 all-conference teams, voted team most valuable player, and team captain.
Burke earned his undergraduate degree in history education at Crown. He is also working on developing the athletic grounds at Crown as well as seeking a master’s in organizational leadership. Burke resides in Chaska, Minnesota with his wife Rachelle.
Corey Jensen
Special Teams Coordinator
Defensive Back Coach
Email: jensenc1@crown.edu
Coach Jensen, who has been coaching at Crown longer than any current coach, begins his 12th year as part of the staff. Jensen, a 1997 Crown College graduate, is the special teams’ coordinator and defensive back coach.
An outstanding player while at Crown; Jensen received numerous awards and was named to the UMAC All-Conference team for three years. Jensen still holds several different offensive and defensive records at Crown. He is also a physical education teacher in the Chaska school district.
Jensen lives with his wife, Katie, and resides in Waconia, Minnesota.
Bret Hyder
Outside Linebackers Coach
Phone: 952-446-4347
Email: hyderb@crown.edu
Bret Hyder joins the Storm staff having most recently coached at various levels while serving at Anoka High School where he served as a history teacher for four years in the district.
Originally from Hubbard, OR, Hyder attended Bethel University where he played on the defensive side of the football for four years as both a safety and outside linebacker. Hyder will bring energy and enthusiasm to the defensive side of the ball as well as a passion for the game.
Hyder is currently married to his wife Laura and they are expecting a son in July. They reside in Shakopee, MN.
Josh Prokosch
Offensive Line Coach
Josh Prokosch returns to the Storm following the completion of a stellar playing career, for his first season as a coach. Having started four years for the Storm on the offensive line, Prokosch tallied three 1st team all-conference awards as well as the UMAC "Linemen of the Year" honor in his senior season.
A three-year captain, Prokosch will bring leadership to a talented offensive line group as he seeks to carry on the tutelage of Coach Auer.
Prokosch is currently student-teaching as he finishes up his degree in K-12 Physical Education. He currently resides in St. Bonifacius, MN.
Emmett Hill
Running Backs
Emmett Hill returns to the Crown College staff for his third season after a productive second year campaign which saw the running backs make great strides in ‘08.
Coach Hill’s playing experience began as a receiver at the US Naval Academy. He later transferred back home to Atlanta, Ga. where he played running back and was a special teams’ contributor for Georgia Tech. Coach Hill’s prior coaching experience included coaching the running backs at Williamsville East High School in East Amherst, N.Y.
Hill earned his Bachelors of Science in business management from Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Ga.
He now resides in Mayer, Minn. with his wife Natasha and two sons, Emmett and Xavier.
John Palmer
Wide Receivers
John Palmer begins his second full season as the wide receivers coach, following a successful playing career for the Storm.
While at Crown, Palmer led the Storm in receiving in ’05 and ’06 and played a vital role in turning around a struggling offense. An All-UMAC performer and voted Co-Offensive MVP on two occasions, Coach Palmer will bring dedication and work ethic to an experienced receiving corps as he looks to take the group to the next level.
Palmer graduated with a degree in physical education and currently works in the corporate office for Lifetime Fitness. He and his wife Lindsey currently reside in Eden Prairie, Minn.
Mitch Jones
Defensive Line Coach
Coach Jones begins his second season with the Storm following a four year playing career dating back to the 2007 season. Jones played on the defensive line and was a three-year starter for the Storm. Originally from McCloud, Calif., Jones will take full control of the Defensive Line which returns just one starter from a season ago.
Jones graduated with his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education this spring and currently resides in St. Bonifacius, Minn.
