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Two Rivers Hires Bruce Carpenter to Co-Lead Football Program

By Dustin Boll, 01/25/23, 12:00PM CST

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Two Rivers High School announced the hiring of a new face to the Warrior Football Program today. The hire creates a two-person leadership role for the future development of the program with long-time collegiate football coach, local resident and Two Rivers Student Support Specialist, Bruce Carpenter joining 34-year veteran Tom Orth as a co-head coach for the 2023 football season.

Carpenter was most recently the Offensive Coordinator at the University of Saint Thomas for 5 seasons, including their first season as a Division 1 program in 2021. With 16 years of collegiate coaching experience, 11 as a coordinator, Carpenter’s football and program development knowledge will be a valuable asset to the future of the Two Rivers football program. 

“I am thrilled for our current student-athletes at Two Rivers High School, as well as the youth of our School District 197 community,” Activities Director Prentice Smith shared regarding this hire. “The combination of Bruce and Tom leading our Warrior football program will provide the optimal environment for continued program developments that positively impact the growth and success of football for School District 197.”

After a record-setting performance as a captain and quarterback at Winona State University, Carpenter stepped into the coaching role immediately following his playing career. In his 19 years of coaching, he has coached at every level including High School, NAIA, Division 1, Division II and Division III – and is excited to expand Two Rivers presence at all levels of football in the School District 197 footprint.

“Coach Orth has worked tirelessly for the students of School District 197, and I am excited to partner with him, adding my knowledge and experience to help the Warrior football program be a transformational opportunity for our young student-athletes,” Carpenter said. “The game of football has the ability to affect entire communities in a positive way, and I look forward to helping create and sustain that mission.”

Carpenter's immediate goals will focus on program culture and expectations, youth development and sustainability, and helping the student-athletes find success through their commitment to the process.

“I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to lead the Warrior football family with Bruce,” Orth shared. “Bruce’s vast knowledge of the game and experience helping youth grow academically, athletically, and emotionally will have a positive impact on our students and our program.”

The Two Rivers Warriors finished the 2022 season 3-8 and competed for the Section 3AAAAA Championship, finishing as runner’s up.

Carpenter’s wife, Jennifer, is the head coach of the Warrior Softball program at Two Rivers High School, and their three children (ages 14, 11 and 7) are actively involved in athletics and activities within the district.