BLANE TETREAULT, HEAD COACH/DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Level/Positions Coached: Varsity/Safeties

Coach Tetreault (pronounced "Tāy-trō") was named head football coach in February, 2024. He is now entering his second season as head coach of the Hounds. Tetreault is a coaching veteran with experience at nationally-prominent NCAA programs the University of St. Thomas (MN) and Rowan University (NJ), amongst other coaching stops.

During his coaching career, he has had the opportunity to coach alongside elite level coaches such as former NFL head coach, Brandon Staley; current NFL assistant Carson Walch; NCAA Division III national head coach of the year, Glenn Caruso; University of Minnesota co-offensive coordinator, Matt Simon; two-time Minnesota 6A state champion head coach, Ben Burk; and others.

Tetreault cites his experiences in the meeting rooms and locker rooms of championship programs, his experiences winning a high school state championship as a player, and serving in the United States Marine Corps as driving forces in his vision for the Duluth East football program.

Tetreault was a three-sport athlete at Fridley High School where we helped the Tigers win the 1991 state football championship. He started his college football career at Northern Illinois University where he was a teammate of LeShon Johnson who finished sixth in the 1993 Heisman Trophy voting. He finished his playing career as a captain and all-region linebacker at the University of St. Thomas.

Coach Tetreault lives in Duluth Township with his wife Bridget and daughters Amelia and Eleanor.

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"This football program has the opportunity to write a special story. We could ascend to compete for championships on the field while utilizing football to transform the lives of student-athletes off the field. We each share the power to contribute toward that collective destiny."

Blane Tetreault, Head Football Coach

DAVID CLARK, ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/ASSISTANT DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Level/Positions Coached: Varsity/Defensive Line

Coach Clark is entering his 11th year of coaching, He brings a wealth of experience and a passion for developing athletes both on and off the field. 

Having coached in Arizona, Colorado, and currently in his 4th season in Duluth, he has embraced diverse coaching environments and honed his skills to adapt to various playing styles and team dynamics. 

Clark's journey in football began as a collegiate player at the College of St. Scholastica, where he competed at a high level, participating in two NCAA Division III playoffs. That experience instilled in him a deep understanding of the game and the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. 

Throughout Clark's coaching career, he has served as both an offensive and a defensive coordinator. As he embarks on another season, he is committed to inspiring, motivating, and empowering players to reach their highest potential, both as athletes and individuals. He looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of those he has the privilege to coach.

Coach Clark lives in Duluth with his wife Andrea.

JARED HARTMAN, OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Level/Positions Coached: Varsity/Tight Ends

Coach Hartman brings a lifelong connection to the game of football and a sharp, analytical approach to coaching. A former player at the University of Minnesota and a state champion in high school, he grew up a coach's son and has been immersed in athletics his entire life. 

Hartman helped the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders win the 2009 state football championship. He then played for the Gophers with a highlight of playing in the 2015 Citrus Bowl.

His family's strong athletics pedigree includes his father, Chris, who serves as head strength & conditioning coach/assistant athletic director at Hamline University. Chris formerly served as head strength coach for the University of Minnesota football program and the San Diego Chargers. 

Hartman's brother, Kevin, is a strength coach for the Baltimore Ravens. His other brother, Steven, competed as a nationally-ranked speed skater. Additionally, his wife, Becky, received Minnesota's Ms. Hockey award in high school then won two national championships while playing for the University of Minnesota.

Off the field, Hartman holds a degree in civil engineering which fuels his attention to detail and strategic thinking. His experiences as both a player and coach help him develop smart, disciplined athletes who compete at a high level.

Coach Hartman lives in Duluth with his wife Becky, son Owen, and daughter Camille.

JON PETERSON, SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR

Level/Positions Coached: Varsity/Cornerbacks

Coach Peterson is entering his 25th year of coaching football and brings coaching experience from across multiple levels of high school football. Throughout his career, Peterson has coached teams ranging from 9-man squads at Carlton (MN) and Wrenshall (MN) to the top levels in North Dakota at Fargo Shanley and Grand Forks Red River.

Peterson also has coached at Two Harbors, Duluth Denfeld, Duluth Central, and Esko. In addition, he coached a year at Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College.

Peterson brings a disciplined, detail-oriented approach that earns the respect of players and peers alike. He’s coached every position on the field which brings a comprehensive understanding of the game.

Peterson’s journey into coaching was fueled by passion, hard work, and a deep-rooted love of the sport passed down from his father, Paul E. Peterson, whose love for the game inspired all three Peterson brothers to pursue coaching careers. 

Peterson's brother, Paul Peterson, is a celebrated high school coach with over 100 career wins while his brother Matt Peterson has also been a staple on the sidelines for more than 20 years. One of Peterson’s most memorable moments coaching was the year all three Peterson Boys coached together at Grand Forks Red River.

Off the field, Peterson is equally dedicated to education. He is a High School Business and Technology Teacher online for MNVA, along with many years of experience teaching in the brick-and-mortar environment. His dual career in teaching and coaching reflects his deep belief in the power of mentorship, discipline, and lifelong learning.

Coach Peterson lives in Duluth with his biggest supporter as well as big football fan, wife Liz, their son Jaymii, and their two dogs, Zoey and Zara.

CHAD BAKER, ASSISTANT OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Level/Positions Coached: Varsity/Quarterbacks

BEN PLZAK, ASSISTANT COACH

Level/Positions Coached: Varsity/Offensive Line; Hound Power Strength & Speed Head Coach

Coach Plzak is entering his 6th year of coaching in the 2025 season, working with the offensive line, and leading the Hound Power strength and conditioning program. He brings intensity and passion to everything he does on the field and in the weight room. 

Plzak was a 2018 graduate of Osseo Senior High School in Osseo, MN, where he was a member of the 2015 6A state championship team. Upon graduation, he immediately joined the strength and conditioning staff at Osseo as an assistant coach for two seasons. 

Meanwhile, he attended the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, playing and starting on the offensive line for 4 years while pursuing a bachelors degree in Biology. During this time, he became a leader in his position group and found a passion for educating/coaching. In 2021, he was given the opportunity to create the Strength and Conditioning program now known as Hound Power at Duluth East. 

Upon graduating college in 2022, he began his football coaching career as an assistant at Saint Scholastica, first as an assistant offensive line coach then as running backs coach. Here he learned the importance of unity and shared knowledge among players and staff of a football team. 

2024 was Plzak’s first season at East, working with running backs. Along with this, he began working at Duluth East in the Special Education department as a paraprofessional. 

Coach Plzak lives in Duluth with his wife Maggie, a 5th/6th grade teacher, and his 2 cats: Kissy and Lynyrd. 

NATE LABELLE, ASSISTANT COACH

Level/Positions Coached: Varsity/Wide Receivers

Coach LaBelle has been coaching various sports in the Duluth community for over 20 years.  The upcoming 2025 season will be his 7th year coaching football.  Primarily, LaBelle has worked with young athletes at the junior league level and this year will be his 3rd season coaching high school football.

Throughout his years coaching, LaBelle has focused on learning from staff around him and creating a positive experience for the players.  He is committed to continuing to improve his coaching abilities and communicating the expectations and schemes of the overall program in a manner that meets the athlete where they’re at. 

While emphasizing the importance of "the team above all else", his goal is to help guide each athlete to take advantage of their special talents on and off the field. He believes all athletes have at least one special skill that is incredibly valuable to accomplishing the overall goals of the team. Then working to inspire each individual to perform at their highest level in order to build the teamwork, confidence and resilience they can carry with them for a lifetime.

Outside of football, LaBelle works full time, raises his children with his wife Jen and is an outdoor enthusiast.  He works as a Field Auditor and has held this position for the past 20 years.  In this role, he works closely with business owners and manufacturer customers within the commercial distribution finance industry throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

During his tenure, he has gained valuable skills and experience in navigating customers through the ups and downs of the economy as well as performing in diverse and dynamic team-oriented work environments. This professional experience allows him to communicate more effectively as well as translate real world work scenarios to the field.

Coach LaBelle lives in Duluth with his wife, Jennifer, and two children, Brennan and Maya.

AUSTIN JOHNSON, JUNIOR VARSITY HEAD COACH/DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Level/Positions Coached: Junior Varsity & Varsity/Linebackers

Coach Johnson is entering his second year of coaching and has dreams to continue coaching for many years to come. He was a 2009 Duluth Central High School graduate where he played outside linebacker, defensive end, and tight end. Football is his passion and has been since as far back as he can remember.

After finishing high school, Johnson decided to pursue his dream of working in film and television in Los Angeles. He spent a few years in California then traveled the West Coast and Rocky Mountains before landing in Olney, Montana. That is where he started careers mushing dogs in the winter and building homes and decks in the summer.

Johnson had the honor and privilege to work under and live with his mentor Jeff Ulsamer, "The Dog Man", where he helped care for 150 dogs. He further explored his mushing career in Fairbanks, Alaska, for a short period of time. There, he learned from Iditarod legend Lance Mackey before retiring from the sport and lifestyle in 2018 after sustaining multiple injuries. At that time, he met his wife Andrea then they decided to make starting a family their priority.

Johnson brings his life lessons and experiences mushing, working with teams of champion dogs and world class touring dogs, to help build the foundation of hard work, team building, and being the best version of yourself. His goal is to help ensure all young men harness their inner greatness and have a good foundation to lead a successful and prosperous life.

Coach Johnson resides in Duluth with his wife Andrea and sons Henryk and Royce, where they own and operate a small dog kennel and social center, "The House of Dog LLC", continuing his love and appreciation for dogs.

KELLY HANNA, JUNIOR VARSITY OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Level/Positions Coached: Junior Varsity & Varsity/Running Backs

Coach Hanna is the Junior Varsity Offensive Coordinator and Varsity Running Backs Coach for the Duluth East Greyhounds football program. With over a decade of coaching experience in both football and baseball in the Duluth community, he brings leadership, consistency, and a deep commitment to the growth of student-athletes.

A graduate of Proctor High School, Hanna was a multi-sport athlete who excelled in both football and baseball. During his high school career, he helped lead his teams as a captain to multiple state tournament appearances and captured several conference championships in football. He continued his playing career at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he was a defensive back and a member of multiple NSIC conference championship teams.

In addition to coaching, Hanna serves as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Ordean East Middle School, where he is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for students while building strong relationships throughout the school community.

He is proud to serve the Duluth East and Ordean East school communities through both education and athletics.

Coach Hanna resides in Duluth with his wife, Anita, and their four children: Keltan, Moraya, Scotlyn, and Roxtan. 

HARRISON DUDLEY, C-TEAM HEAD COACH

Level/Positions Coached: C-Team/Offense

Coach Dudley’s athletic journey began on the football fields of Garland, Texas, where he first discovered his passion for the game. It was there that he developed a strong work ethic, a competitive spirit, and a natural sense of leadership—qualities that continue to define his approach to coaching today.

After relocating to Duluth, Dudley transitioned into amateur boxing, where he cultivated discipline, mental toughness, and a deep understanding of physical conditioning. His time in the ring added a new dimension to his athletic background and helped shape the grit and resilience that characterize his coaching style.

Eventually, the love of football called him back. Dudley began coaching youth football, spending two years mentoring young athletes and helping them build confidence, fundamental skills, and a sense of teamwork. His ability to connect with players and motivate them quickly stood out.

Now entering his second year as a high school football coach, Dudley continues to invest in the growth of his athletes both on and off the field. Drawing from his diverse athletic experience, he brings intensity, heart, and strategic insight to every team he leads—always aiming to build not just better players, but stronger individuals.

Coach Dudley lives in Duluth.

LUKE KONIETZKO, ASSISTANT COACH

Level/Positions Coached: C-Team/Defense

Coach Konietzko is entering his fourth year of coaching, first on the Greyhound staff. The previous three years were spent at the middle school, C-team, JV, and Varsity levels at Cloquet High School.

During his playing career, Konietzko was part of an offensive line that led Cloquet to a 2017 state championship game appearance. Due to that experience, he emphasizes the importance of athletes being in the weightroom and coming together as a team.

As both a teacher and a coach, Konietzko recognizes the importance of every athlete or student having a role and a place on a team. He also believes athletes and students should set high standards for themselves and work hard to achieve any goal set out for them.

Konietzko also serves at the 148th Fighter Wing as a member of the Air National Guard. His military experience has instilled discipline that translates into his coaching philosophy.

Coach Konietzko lives in Cloquet.

CHARLES KAMARA, ASSISTANT COACH

Level/Positions Coached: C-Team/Offense

ERIC WITZMAN, ASSISTANT COACH

Level/Positions Coached: Head of Technology

NICK CARIOLA, OFFENSIVE ANALYST

Level/Positions Coached: Junior Varsity & Varsity/Assistant Offensive Line

PARKER ANDERSON, DEFENSIVE ANALYST

Level/Positions Coached: Junior Varsity & Varsity/Assistant Defensive Line