Carroll College head football coach Mike Van Diest announced on Tuesday morning that he will apply for the same position at Montana State University.

"This is something I want to take a look at," Van Diest said from his office at Carroll. "I have confidence in my abilities. I'm aware of the winning tradition at MSU and it's a great place, one I've looked at for many years."

While Van Diest acknowledges his desire to get the position in Bozeman he's also very mindful of all he has in Helena.

"I'm not discounting Carroll at all," he said. "I'm happy here and may still be here come July 1st."

Van Diest is the first known applicant for the position, which is expected to draw eight to 10 initial applicants, which will be pared down to 3-5 before a final selection is made.

"There will be a number of qualified applicants," Van Diest said. "I'll send in a formal application, a letter of interest and resume and go from there."

Should Van Diest be offered and accept the position, Carroll would then be thrust into the difficult task of find a new head coach of its own.

"We're obviously all concerned, because of what he means to Carroll College," Director of Athletics Bruce Parker said of Van Diest. "He's an outstanding coach, he's great with college students, and he's a great ambassador. We admire his tremendous commitment and dedication to Carroll College."

While Parker acknowledges the loss would be tough, he also recognizes the opportunity for Van Diest.

"He deserves this," he said. "He has outstanding credentials and we all respect him for all that he stands for. But make no mistake about it we don't want to lose him."

Van Diest has an unparalleled run of national championships to his credit after leading the Fighting Saints to four straight NAIA titles from 2002-2005. Van Diest would be the third consecutive coach with ties to Helena High to work for MSU following Cliff Hysell, a HHS graduate and Mike Kramer, a former HHS head football coach. Van Diest graduated from HHS in 1970.

His career has included stops at his alma mater, the University of Wyoming, the University of Montana, the University of Massachusetts, and Big Ten representative, Northwestern University as an assistant coach.

Along with the four straight national titles, Van Diest's eight-year career at Carroll has included six straight national semi-final appearances and seven consecutive trips to the playoffs. The only time he missed the playoffs was his first season.

Another Helenan, MSU-Northern head coach Mark Samson, has also been mentioned as a possible applicant. Samson, however, said that isn't very likely.

"If I was more experienced, they might give me a look, but I know Peter (Fields) has others in mind," he said. "I think they want someone that's been around for awhile and has some NCAA experience."

As for Van Diest, Samson thinks his chances are very promising.

"I think he's got a great chance," Samson said. "He's highly thought of, has a background with the NCAA and has a tremendous track record."