Football | 4/29/2021 3:45:00 PM

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Long-time Minnesota State University Moorhead football coach Ross Fortier has been named the 2021 John Gagliardi Legacy Award winner, it was announced on Thursday by the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. Fortier will be honored during a television broadcast in early May.

"Ross Fortier has made a major impact on the lives of many student-athletes," said Todd Fultz, President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation in a release. "He is one of the most successful college coaches in the history of Minnesota football and we are thrilled to honor his excellent career accomplishments through this prestigious award."

Fortier is all-time leader in football coaching wins at MSUM with a mark of 152-80-4. He coached 23 seasons and led the Dragons to nine conference titles and seven postseason trips. The 1981 Dragon squad went undefeated in the regular season and was ranked No. 1 in the final NAIA Division I poll. He coached 13 athletes who signed professional contracts.

A native of Bemidji, Fortier was inducted into the NAIA Football Coaches Hall of Fame, MSUM Athletic Hall of Fame, NSIC Hall of Fame, North Dakota State Athletic Hall of Fame and the Minnesota High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. Fortier also served as President of the NAIA Football Coaches Association. 

The John Gagliardi Legacy Award honors the late John Gagliardi, one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. The former St. John's head coach made a difference in the lives of many former players, coaches and fans. This annual award carries on his legacy by honoring the top coaches in Minnesota football history.