Van Diest to stay at Carroll

After a confusing weekend of rumors, Carroll College head football coach Mike Van Diest isn't going anywhere and will be on the sidelines when the Saints come to Havre in less than two weeks.

Rumors that Van Diest was stepping down as Carroll's head coach started circulating over the weekend, and indeed, Van Diest was away from the Carroll team for the last few days.

However, Carroll athletic director Bruce Parker confirmed Monday evening that Van Diest will remain the school's head football coach, and a statement from the school said Van Diest talked to his players to reassure them of his commitment to the student-athletes and the program.

Earlier Monday, Parker told the Helena Independent Record regarding the speculation about Van Diest's future: "Mike had an opportunity to meet with all the upperclassmen on Sunday, the day after the scrimmage, and he indicated to the team that he was thinking about stepping away from his head coaching position. I had a chance to visit with Mike on the phone yesterday on my return from Arizona and today we met for an hour and a half."

No reason was given for Van Diest's original intention to possibly resign. A news conference has been scheduled for noon today in the Carroll College P.E. Center, and Van Diest will be addressing the media.

Carroll open the season Aug. 24 at Blue Pony Stadium against the Montana State University-Northern Lights.