No defensive lineman terrorized opposing offenses like Brent Staples did during the late 1990s. Taking full advantage of his 6-3, 260-pound frame, Staples consistently demanded double teams and possessed the unique ability to dominate the line of scrimmage.
A two-time all-conference performer and a two- time member of the All-West Region First Team in 1997 and 1998, Staples graduated ranked third in school history in tackles with 258 (105 solo) and remains the program's top tackling defensive lineman. Staples was awarded the Mike Stam Award for MIAC Lineman-of-the-Year, was an honorable mention member of Don Hanson's Football Gazette All-America Team, and was selected to play on the NCAA Division III All-Star Team in the Aztec Bowl in Mexico. He is program leader in tackles for loss with 67 (totaling 292 yards) and also ranks second in sacks on the all-time list with 25. To go along with his impact made on the gridiron, Staples also played two seasons as a defenseman for the men's hockey team - suiting up in 45 games and recording seven points (3G, 4A).
After graduating cum laude with a degree in management in 1998, Staples moved back to his hometown of Windom, where he joined the staff of his family's business, Staples Oil Co., Inc. With its corporate office based in Windom and operations throughout Minnesota, South Dakota, and Iowa, Staples Oil Co., Inc. operates a chain of Express Way Convenience Stores,?runs wholesale business in jobber and bulk fuels, and manages transportation divisions and agricultural holdings. Brent is currently the president of Staples Oil Co., Inc. and lives in Windom with his wife, Nicole (Nesseth '04), and their children, Daniel, Will, and Olivia.
