D’Youville Adds Sprint Football as 22nd Varsity Sport; Johnsen Named Inaugural Head Coach

D’Youville University is proud to announce the addition of sprint football as its 22nd varsity sport, marking another milestone in the growth of Saints Athletics. The university has also named Graham Johnsen, a veteran coach with more than two decades of experience, as the team’s first-ever head coach. The program will take the field in fall 2026.

Sprint football is a distinctive version of the sport, requiring players to weigh 178 pounds or less. With its emphasis on speed, agility, and technique, the game delivers fast-paced action that prioritizes athleticism and strategy over size and strength. It has a long tradition at prestigious universities such as Army and Navy and is currently governed by the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL) and the Midwest Sprint Football League (MSFL).

“Sprint football is a unique sport, and its addition highlights the exciting growth of athletics at D’Youville,” said Ona Halladay, Vice President for Athletics and Planning. “This program will create new opportunities for student-athletes, enrich the student experience, and mark another step forward for Saints Athletics.”

Johnsen brings a wealth of experience to the role, having coached across NCAA Division I, II, III, and sprint football programs. Most notably, he served as head coach at Mansfield University, where he helped reestablish its sprint football program and guide its growth in the CSFL. His career also includes leadership roles at Alfred State, St. John Fisher, Central Connecticut State, Lamar University, and Keystone College.

“My family and I are excited to join the D’Youville community and to build the foundation of the Saints’ sprint football program,” Johnsen said. “Our focus will be on recruiting high-caliber student-athletes and investing in their growth—on the field, in the classroom, and as future leaders.”

A native of Geneseo, N.Y., Johnsen was a standout student-athlete at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he competed on two Conference USA Championship football teams and earned Academic All-Conference honors. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Tennessee, contributing to teams that reached both the Fiesta and Cotton Bowls.

“We are thrilled to have Coach Johnsen on board to lead us through the building process and execution of such a unique sport addition,” said Ona Halladay, Vice President for Athletics and Planning. “There is no question that Graham is the best person for the job. He is strategic, dedicated, and steady—qualities that will be critical to the success of our sprint football program.”

“I am honored to be chosen to lead D’Youville’s first sprint football team,” Johnsen said. “From the start, I was impressed by the people here—their values, vision, and passion for the university’s future. This is an incredible opportunity for me and my family, both personally and professionally.”

With Johnsen’s leadership and D’Youville’s investment in student success, the new sprint football program will bring energy, excitement, and opportunity to both campus and the Buffalo community. The addition reflects the university’s broader commitment to expanding athletic opportunities, enhancing campus life, and building school spirit—while competing at a championship level with the support of world-class facilities and nationally recognized academics.