Chase Gruening begins his second year as a Blue Devil assistant coach in 2013, coming to UW-Stout as a graduate assistant and will work again with the running backs.

Gruening was a two-time all-CCIW defensive lineman at Millikin University in Decatur, Ill. After receiving his bachelor's degree in Fitness and Sport from Millikin in 2011, Gruening stayed on with the Big Blue as an assistant coach, working with the linebackers and defensive backs. A power lifter, Gruening was also the team's strength and conditioning coach throughout the 2011-12 school year.

A 2007 Illinois High School Coaches Association all-state selection from Williamsville High School, Gruening is a native of Sherman, Ill. Grueining will pursue a masters degree in education.