In 1948, Willy became coach for the University of Denver Ski Team. He won 13 of 18 National Championships (NCAA). He coached 100 wins out of 123 ski meets. His squads finished in the top three in 122 out of 123 times. Thirty-three of his racers were named to the NCAA All-American teams. He had 15 named to the Olympic Ski Teams and FIS championships.

“We are very pleased with the foundation that has been laid in the first year of our men's and women's alpine and snowboard programs,” said Shay Wyatt, director of Westminster’s Athletics. “Our student-athletes, along with ski coach Chris Hendrickson and his staff have worked very hard this year to establish quality programs.

“We are very pleased with the foundation that has been laid in the first year of our men's and women's alpine and snowboard programs,” said Shay Wyatt, director of Westminster’s Athletics. “Our student-athletes, along with ski coach Chris Hendrickson and his staff have worked very hard this year to establish quality programs.

When Denver University had a football team, a friend of mine, now a retired teacher in Webster, said Willy was a trainer who helped players rehab after an injury. He said the players hated to go anywhere near him because his rehab workouts were so tough. He said the football players were impressed with the ski team, how hard they worked and the terrific shape they were in.

Stenerud came to the United States on a ski jumping scholarship and had never played football. While attending Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, he joined the football team and in 1965 kicked a 59-yard field goal, then a college football record, against the rival Montana Grizzlies.[3]