University of St. Thomas Athletics
Football
- Title:
- Defensive Coordinator/Outside Linebackers
- Email:
- kuchinski@stthomas.edu
- Phone:
- 651-962-5917
Wallie recruits the Minneapolis-St. Paul region.
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Wallie Kuchinski has been on board all 15 seasons of the Glenn Caruso era, guided a defense that earned a reputation among Division III's best and quickly placed it as one of the best in Division I FCS. His defensive athletes received 15 All-America honors in the last 11 seasons.
The Tommies continued its reign as the best defense in the Pioneer Football League during its 2022 league championship run, allowing a PFL-best 17.2 points per game and 290.5 yards per game. Kuchinski's unit ranked among the top five in the FCS in third down conversion (29.9%, 3rd), rushing defense (96.5 ypg, t-4th), scoring defense (4th), total defense (4th), and red zone defense (69.4%, 5th). Senior Luke Glenna earned the defense's 14th and 15th All-American honors under Kuchinski after being named to the Associated Press FCS All-America Second Team and the Stats Perform All-America Third Team.
The 2017 Tommie defense made national headlines. UST's 21.9 net rushing yards allowed per game were the fewest by any NCAA football team (all four levels) in one season in the last 16 years. That included an average 0.7 yards per rush stat -- a total that ranks with the best in the last 50 seasons at any NCAA level. St. Thomas' 157.6 total yards allowed per game were the fewest by any NCAA team in one season in the last 20 years.
In 2016, St. Thomas ranked second in Division III in third-down conversions (23.5%) and third in points allowed (12.3 ppg). The 2015 Toms ranked eighth nationally in yards allowed per game (246.9) en route to an NCAA runner-up finish. The 2012 Toms allowed under 15 ppg in a 14-1, NCAA runner-up finish.
Kuchinski was named FootballScoop.com’s Division III Defensive Coordinator of the Year in 2011 after UST held five opposing offenses without touchdowns and held five other teams under 11 points. The Toms allowed just three offensive touchdowns in four NCAA playoff games.
Kuchinski came to UST after four seasons at Truman State (Mo.), where he had roles as defensive coordinator, strength coach and recruiting coordinator. Prior to Truman, he coached defensive linemen one season at Concordia-St. Paul and was instrumental in its NSIC championship run and 2003 Mineral Water Bowl appearance.
He graduated from Bemidji State with a degree in Physical Education, and earned a Master's degree in Education from Concordia-St. Paul. A captain and four-year defensive starter at Bemidji State, he led the conference in sacks and was unanimous first-team all-conference his final season. His 2000 squad won a school-record nine games.
He lives in Eagan with his wife Alicia and sons Colton (14) and Claymore (12).
