Cory Bonstead returns for his 12th season in 2021 as the offensive line coach while also handling offensive coordinator duties. Bonstead is in his second coaching stint with the Prairie Fire after previously serving as the offensive line coach from 2006-2007, assistant defensive backs coach in 2005, and assistant offensive line/tight ends coach in 2004. He's spent 15 of his 17 years coaching football at Knox.
The offensive line has seen marked improvement during Bonstead's tenure. The line during the 2012 season paved the way for an offense that broke or tied 12 school records, averaged 31.0 points per game, and churned out an average 201.0 rushing yards per contest.
Bonstead previously served as the varsity offensive line coach at Lake Howell High School in Winter Park, Florida during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. During his time at Lake Howell, Bonstead coached four players that went on to play college football.
In his first stint as the Prairie Fire’s offensive line coach, Bonstead coached a line that finished as one of the top 10 rushing offenses in NCAA Division III in 2006. In 2006 and 2007 combined, Bonstead had two players named all-conference three times. Guard Brad Becque was a second team selection in 2006 and tackle Will Becque was an honorable mention pick in both 2006 and 2007.
During his playing career, Bonstead was a four-year starting offensive lineman at Knox. A captain his senior year, he was selected as an All-Midwest Conference performer three times: 2001, 2002, and in 2003. The 2004 Knox graduate majored in education with a specialization in social studies.
Cory is married to Katie Bonstead, also a 2004 Knox College graduate, and they reside in Alexis.
