(Written: June 2012)
Roger N. Harring served as head football coach at UW-La Crosse for 31 years, from 1969 until his retirement after the 1999 season. He posted a 261-75-7 career record, while winning three national championships. His 261 victories are the most in WIAC history.
The Eagles won the NAIA Division II title in 1985 and their first NCAA Division III national championship in 1992 to become the first school in college football to win an NAIA Division II and an NCAA Division III title. The program added another NCAA Division III Championship in 1995. The Eagles made 14 playoff appearances, compiling a 23-11 record under Harring.
UW-La Crosse placed first or second in the WIAC 25 times under Harring, winning 15 conference titles. He was named the WIAC Coach of the Year seven times.
Harring was chosen as the Chevrolet Division III Coach of the Year in 1992 and 1995, and the American Football Coaches Association Division III Coach of the Year in 1995.
He has been inducted into the College Football, the NAIA District 14, the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association, the Wisconsin Rapids High School and the UW-La Crosse halls of fame.
In 2012, Harring was selected as the WIAC All-Time Coach in football in conjunction with the WIAC Centennial Celebration.
A letterwinner on the UW-La Crosse football team, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education.
Harring resides in La Crosse, Wis.