Wisconsin Football Coaches Association

Dan was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan on September 11, 1954, to Bert and Beverly St. Arnauld.  Dan grew up in the close knit community of Niagara, Wisconsin and has always been an avid sports enthusiast. By the age of five, Dan was already involved in the local park and recreation program in Niagara playing baseball. Most refer to Dan as “Lefty," his lifelong nickname bestowed upon him that first year he played baseball (the only left-hander) by then head football coach of Niagara, Coach Marv Ropele. The nickname has remained all these years. Dan graduated from Niagara High School in 1973. He participated in football, basketball and golf.  Dan received All-Conference recognition as a lineman his senior year, and received the Marv Ropele Award presented to the most valuable lineman.  He was also voted the Most Valuable Player on his golf team his junior and senior seasons. Overall, he has had a passion for sports his entire life.

While attending the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Dan received his first coaching experience while assisting the freshmen team at P. J. Jacobs Middle School.  While student teaching at Marshfield Senior High, Dan also coached at the freshmen level.

In 1978, St. Arnauld took his first teaching position with the Brillion School District.  He became the head coach succeeding WFCA Hall of Fame Coach, Al Coenen.  In 1981, he became the head football coach at his alma mater, Niagara High School and continued his coaching career until his retirement in 2009. Upon his retirement, ‘Lefty’ continued to coach at Iron Mountain High School in Michigan’s upper peninsula.   

During his tenure at Niagara, Dan coached the Badger’s to three M&O Conference championships and as Head Coach of Northern Elite won four Northern Lakes Conference championships. His teams qualified for 11 playoff berths. Dan has been recognized on numerous occasions throughout his coaching career for his dedication to coaching and developing young athletes. These awards include Peshtigo Times Coach of the Year, three-time Northern Lakes Conference Coach of the Year, Green Bay Packers Coach of the Week and two-time District Coach of the Year.  Dan also was an assistant coach in the 2006 WFCA All-Star game. 

‘Lefty’ retired from full time coaching at the end of the 2019 season. He plans to coach part time with his son, Bret, who is the head football coach of the Mount Horeb-Barneveld Vikings.

Dan married his high school sweetheart Carol in 1978. They have four children Bret (Kayla), Dawn, Jennifer and Tim (Nikki). They have eight grandchildren, Everett, Braden, Hope, Aubree, Preston, Bexley, Kayden and Baylor.