Friday, February 25, 2011

MSHSL adds wheelchair events

The Minnesota State High School League is adding three track and field events exclusively for wheelchair-bound athletes effective this upcoming season. “Wheelers” is the term that refers to the athletes that compete on the track. Wheelers will be able to compete in 800-meter and 1600-meter
events. Shot put will be the field event.

This new division of competition will be available to athletes with permanent physical disabilities. Competition can begin during the regular season and participation in a minimum of three meets to qualify for section meets. Section competition will qualify athletes to the state meet this
June.

There will be two classifications: Class 1 for athletes with disabilities of the lower extremities; Class 2 for athletes with disabilities that affect the lower and upper extremities.

“These new events will fill a void for a significant number of athletes confined to wheelchairs,” explained Associate Director Jody Redman who oversees track and field. “This expands the opportunities for athletic competition for wheelchair-bound students. We expect that our member schools will embrace this expansion of track and field to serve more student-athletes.”

There are some specific rules and specifications for the wheelchair competition on the track. For example, the wheelchairs will have only three wheels, two in the rear and one in the front. And, although it might seem obvious, the wheelchairs can be maneuvered only with the hands and arms.

For the shot put, the athletes have a little more flexibility in the type of chair that can be used, but scooters and “standing chairs” are not allowed. Assistance in holding the chair to limit excessive movement is allowed.

All of the competition for wheelchair racers must be separate from competition for able-bodied athletes. Shot-putters in chairs may compete alongside able-bodied athletes. Team points will not be awarded for participation in wheelchair division events.

“Adding these events speaks directly to one of the League’s belief statements,” Redman said. “That is, ‘Participation in school-sponsored activities must be inclusive, not exclusive.’”

Minnesota becomes the seventh state to offer wheelchair track and field competition.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

6th Annual Dragon Fire Walk for Athletics in April

The Minnesota State University Moorhead Athletics Department announced Thursday that the 6th annual Dragon Fire Walk for Athletics is scheduled for April 15-16, 2011.

The annual event will again benefit the Dragon Athletics scholarships general fund. This two-day event has become a feature celebration for friends, supporters and alumni of MSUM.

Dragon Fire Walk supporters can participate by creating or joining a team, registering for one of four competitive races, signing up for the Walk or donating to the scholarship fun.

The 2011 Walk Leaders are alumni Dr. John Haugo and Kerstin Kealy, and the 2010 Student-Athletes of the Year, Anthony Enyi and Ann Gusewelle.

Haugo, a 1957 graduate of MSUM and a member of the Dragon Hall of Fame, also received Distinguished Alumni Awards from MSUM, University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. Haugo and his wife, Sharon, reside in Hudson, Wis. and Green Valley, Ariz. They have three children and seven grandchildren.

“Having been away from the University for nearly 50 years, it is certainly interesting, refreshing, and inspiring to participate with alumni, students, faculty and coaches in this particular activity,” Haugo said. “I have been impressed with the commitment of President Edna Szymanski and Athletics Director Doug Peters. They are certainly doing all within their resource constraints to offer successful programs.”

Kealy, a 1997 graduate of MSUM, is co-anchor and producer of the 6 and 10 p.m. news for WDAY-TV in Fargo. Originally from Buffalo, Minn., Kealy was drawn to MSUM because of its broadcasting program and the opportunity to play softball.

“We enjoy going to the Dragon games and have enjoyed watching their successes,” Kealy said. “Being part of the Dragon Fire Walk is something little we can do to give back and help feel like we're part of the team and part of the MSUM community; it's great to have the chance to give these student-athletes a better shot at a great college career.”

Enyi, the 2010 Male Student-Athlete of the Year and a senior on the Dragon track and field team, is double majoring in Biology and Exercise Science with a pre-med health and medical emphasis.

“The donations people make in terms of scholarships to our Athletics Department and our athletes, goes a long way,” Enyi said. “These scholarships will allow student-athletes to focus more on school than work, and I know firsthand how much that benefits athletes."

Gusewelle, the 2010 Female Student-Athlete of the Year, was a four-year participant on the Dragon swimming and diving team. A four-time qualifier for the NCAA DII National Championship meet and three-time All-American, is currently training to qualify for the Olympics.

“My time at MSUM was an amazing experience, I wouldn't trade it for the world,” Gusewelle said. “The Dragon Fire Walk is a chance for us to build scholarships to give to these exceptional student-athletes who want to continue their athletic careers.”

The event will kick-off Friday, April 15 at Alex Nemzek Fieldhouse with a pasta dinner at 5 p.m. and the Opening Ceremonies at 6. The ceremonial walk and various forms of entertainment and activities, including a silent auction with door prizes, will also take place throughout the evening.

On Saturday morning the event continues with four races and a non-competitive walk. The races include a 5K, 10K, Dragon 10-Mile and the new Dragon 10-Mile Relay. The non-competitive walk will follow the 5K course.

A breakfast of champions is scheduled for Saturday morning, April 16. Race activities are set to begin at 9 a.m.

The Scorch's Kids Club Youth Fun Run and Youth Activity Area for young Dragons will return as well.

The afternoon events include lunch at the Dragon Grill and an Alumni Social gathering with family and friends.

“I believe that excellence cannot be achieved by a single person,” Athletics Director Doug Peters said. “For every individual or organization who has accomplished excellence, there is a network of support behind them. Dragon Athletics is no different and the Dragon Fire Walk for Athletics exemplifies this belief.”

“I encourage you to support our Dragon student-athletes by participating in the events, making a donation, and asking others to do the same.”

So get Ready…get Set… and register or donate today at www.dragonwalk.com! We invite you to create or join a team and be entered to win prizes for raising the most money. All funds raised by this event will benefit Dragon Athletic scholarships.

Bison Seek 10th Straight Win Over Jacks Friday in Final Game of Regular Season

The North Dakota State men's basketball team will try to snap a three-game losing streak and gain momentum for the Summit League tournament when the seventh-place Bison (13-14, 7-10) host fifth-place South Dakota Dakota State in the regular-season finale for both teams at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, at the Bison Sports Arena (5,830) in Fargo.

This is the 202nd meeting between North Dakota State and South Dakota State dating back to 1909-10. NDSU has won nine straight and 10 of the last 11 meetings to take a 108-93 lead in the series. SDSU's last win in the series was 67-65 in Brookings on Feb. 18, 2006.

North Dakota State won the first meeting this season 82-75 in Brookings on Dec. 4. TrayVonn Wright had 15 points and 15 rebounds off the bench in his best game as a Bison, and Eric Carlson added 14 points and 11 rebounds as NDSU snapped SDSU's seven-game winning streak to start the year. Nate Wolters had 36 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Jackrabbits.

The Jackrabbits are 18-10 overall and 10-7 in The Summit League after having a four-game winning streak snapped last Saturday with a 105-96 loss at Oakland. Sophomore guard Nate Wolters, the Summit League Player of the Week, ranks 40th nationally with 19.2 points per game and is 10th with 6.2 assists per game. Wolters ranks third in The Summit League in scoring with 20.5 points per league game. Clint Sargent is second on the team in scoring at 15.8 points per game and Jordan Dykstra is averaging 11.1 points and a team-high 5.1 rebounds for the Jacks, who rank second in the league-only stats in scoring offense (84.6 ppg) but eighth in scoring defense (74.8 ppg). SDSU, which has six players shooting at least 40 percent from the 3-point line, ranks fourth in the nation in 3-point shooting (.422) and sixth in 3-pointers made per game (9.2). The Jacks are also third in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.57) and fewest turnovers per game (10.0), and ninth in turnover margin (+4.4). Scott Nagy (Delta State, 1988) has a 288-188 record in his 16th season as head coach at South Dakota State.

Friday's game will be the school-record 119th in the career of North Dakota State senior forward Michael Tveidt, who will pass the career mark of 118 games set by Mike Nelson, Brett Winkelman and Ben Woodside from 2005 to 2009. It will also be the 104th start of Tveidt's career, which will put him in a four-way tie for sixth all-time at NDSU with Nelson, Jeff Askew and Ben Nemmers.

North Dakota State seniors Freddy Coleman and Michael Tveidt will play their final home game Friday against South Dakota State. Coleman has averaged 4.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game over his 84-game career. Tveidt has averaged 11.7 points and 3.9 rebounds over 118 games and enters Friday's game 10th all-time at NDSU shooting 39.1 percent from the 3-point arc.

NDSU baseball looks for first win of season

The North Dakota State baseball team (0-3) aims for its first win of the season this weekend in a four-game series at Lamar (2-3), an NCAA regional qualifier out of the Southland Conference last year. Game time is 3 p.m. Friday followed by a 12 p.m. doubleheader Saturday and the series finale at 10 a.m. Sunday at Vincent-Beck Stadium (3,500) in Beaumont, Texas. Live stats for all four games will be available on GoBison.com.

Lamar has a 2-1 edge in the series with North Dakota State. The teams had one game canceled due to weather last year. Lamar won 9-7 and 12-5 with the Bison taking the middle game 10-9. NDSU has not faced any other Southland Conference opponents since moving to Division I play in 2005.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Men's Ice Hocky Tickets available for BSU final home series

BEMIDJI, Minn. -- The Bemidji State University Department of Athletics
in conjunction with the Sanford Center Box Office today announced that
remaining tickets for the Beavers March 4-5 Western Collegiate Hockey
Association match up with University of Minnesota have been release for
purchase by the general public.

Limited tickets remain for each night of BSU’s final home series of
the 2010-11 campaign.

The series will get underway with a 7:37 p.m. opening face-off Friday
and will conclude with a 7:07 p.m. affair Saturday at Sanford Center.

For more information, call the Sanford Center Box Office at
218-441-4032 or ticketmaster 1-800-745-3000 or online at
http://www.ticketmaster.com.

Bemidji State, (11-14-4; 7-12-4 WCHA) packs its bags for its final road
trip of the 2010-11 regular season this weekend. The Beavers head west
to face No. 1 University of North Dakota in a rare Saturday-Sunday
series. The two-game WCHA set is scheduled for a 3:37 p.m. face-off
each afternoon at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Monday, February 21, 2011

NSIC Players of the Week

Junior forward, Angie Jetvig, of the Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragon women's basketball team has been named the Northern Sun Intercollegaite Conference Player of the Week. This was announced Monday by the league office.

Jetvig became the fourth Dragon all-time to hit the 1,000 point plateau in her junior season as she scored her 1,000th point on Saturday over the Upper Iowa Peacocks. She joins three other former juniors to reach 1,000 points and is the 19th Dragon women's basketball player to join the 1,000 point club.

She reached the historic mark in her 82nd game, while the current all-time points leader at MSUM, Kari Farstveet (1,624 points) reached the 1,000 point mark in her 72nd game as a Dragon. Jetvig continues to lead the league as she is averaging 19.0 points per game this season.

On the weekend, Jetvig went 17-for-28 from the field including 1-of-2 from long range, while hitting 4-of-5 attempts from the charity stripe. She grabbed 12 boards, had four blocks and three of each steals and assists. She led the field both Friday and Saturday nights as she tallied 20 over Winona State and 19 against the Peacocks. This is the second time this season Jetvig has been named NSIC Player of the Week (11/29/10).

* * * * * * *
Evan Forde was named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Wrestler of the Week on Monday. Forde was the catalyst for the Dragons' upset of No. 10 ranked Upper Iowa on Thursday night by a final of 25-17. Forde knocked off No. 4 ranked Kyle Pedretti in the 133-pound matchup by a final of 3-1.

The Dragons were down by six heading into the matchup with only three matches remaining and needing a win to give them a shot of a comeback. Forde and Pedretti studied one another in a scoreless first period, with Pedretti gaining an escape in the second to take a 1-0 lead.

With the Dragons needing a come from behind win, it was Forde who came from behind to tie the match with an escape in the third to send it into sudden victory overtime. Forde stunned Pedretti, the regions current No. 1 wrestler, in overtime just 30 seconds into the period with a big takedown that earned him the 3-1 win, propelling the Dragons to the 25-17 win.

Forde will lead the Dragons into the NCAA Division-II Super III Regional wrestling tournament on Sunday with the opening round scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on the Augustana College (S.D.) campus.

* * * * *
Sophomore Jessica Keesling of MInnesota Staet University Moorhead Dragon track and field team has been named the Northenr Sun Intercollegiate Conference Female Runner of the Week. This was announced Monday by the league office.

Keesling won the 60-meter hurdles in 9.03 seconds at the Snowshoe Open this past weekend at the University of Minnesota. She topped two NCAA DI athletes on her way to the top as she hit a pre-qualifying mark for the NCAA DII Championships.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Kujava and Carlin Honored as PtP Basketball Players of the Week

Taylor Kujava (Jr., Forward) from Ada-Borup High School and Garrett
Carlin (Sr., Forward) from Fosston High School have been selected as the
Pine to Prairie Conference Girls and Boys Basketball Players of the Week.
Taylor led the Courgars to a 3-0 record last week with wins over Norman
County West, Fertile-Beltrami and Red Lake County Central. Kujava led
her team with some outstanding stats in all categories for the week. Taylor
averaged 22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals per contest last week. The Ada-Borup team currently leads the South Division of the Pine to
Prairie Conference.

In three hard fought wins during last week, Garrett led the way both with his offensive skills and defensive presence on the floor. Against Mahnomen,
Garrett scored 29 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, added 2 blocks and 2 assists
in the 59-47 victory. In a 53-47 victory over Sacred Heart, Carlin had 16
points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 blocked shot. Against Ulen-
Hitterdal, Garrett scored 15 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, blocked 4 shots,
dished out 4 assists and added 2 steals as the Greyhounds won the hard
fought double overtime game.

Other outstanding performances for the week include: Alecia Stene (Jr.,
Center) from Norman County East and Andi Knudsvig (Jr., Guard) from
Lake Park-Audubon for Girls Basketball and Kris Skersick (Jr., Forward)
from Bagley, Chase Zeller (Jr. Guard) from Lake Park-Audubon, and Scott
Lampton (Sr., Center) from Norman County East for Boys Basketball. A
special mention also goes to junior guard Tate Mosher from Fertile-Beltrami
High School. Tate recorded his 1000th career point against Climax-Fisher
last week.

UND's Gregoire named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - University of North Dakota junior forward Jason Gregoire has been named Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Offensive Player of the Week, announced today by the league office.

Gregoire registered four points and a +3 plus/minus rating in UND's sweep of Alaska Anchorage last weekend, a sweep that enabled the Fighting Sioux to take over first place in the WCHA and clinch home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs.

A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Gregoire had a goal and an assist in UND's 6-1 win on Friday, then followed with another goal and an assist in Saturday's 3-1 victory. He also helped the Sioux kill all nine UAA power-plays in the series.

Gregoire is currently enjoying a six-game point streak, with six goals and four assists during that stretch. In eight games since returning from an injury in mid-January, Gregoire has eight goals and four assists.

Gregoire has 25 points in 24 games this season and ranks second on the team with 14 goals.

Nebraska Omaha sophomore goalie John Faulkner was named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week, and UNO freshman forward Johnnie Searfoss and St. Cloud State freshman defensemen Nick Jensen were named WCHA co-Rookies of the Week.

Gregoire and the second-ranked Sioux (21-8-2, 16-6-0 WCHA) travel to St. Cloud State for a WCHA series with the Huskies on Friday and Saturday.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Ticket packages for WCHA 1st Round playoff series on sale Wednesday

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Ticket packages for North Dakota’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association first round playoff series will go on sale to UND students and the general public at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16. Playoff ticket packages include tickets for all three potential games in the series.

The best-of-three series will be played at Ralph Engelstad Arena on March 11, 12 and 13 (if necessary). Game times are 7:37 p.m. Central on Friday, and 7:07 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (if necessary).

Ticket packages for the series are $40 for adults, $20 for youth and $14 for UND students with a valid UND student identification card.

Public playoff ticket packages can be purchased at the UND box office at Ralph Engelstad Arena, all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at (800) 745.3000 or online at Ticketmaster.com. Fighting Sioux men’s hockey season-ticket holders already have first round playoff series tickets included in their season ticket package.

Student playoff ticket packages must be purchased online at Tickemaster.com and will be held exclusively for UND students until the pre-sale ends on Monday, Feb. 28 at 10 p.m. Students are allowed to purchase up to four reserved seat tickets per UND student ID, and must present their UND student ID at the gate. Because UND spring break coincides with the first round of the playoffs, all unsold student tickets will be opened to the public at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1.

Single-game tickets will not go on sale until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1, subject to availability.

UND’s opponent for the first round of the WCHA playoffs has not yet been determined.

Sweep of Seawolves vaults North Dakota to No. 2 in national polls

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Following a convincing two-game sweep of Alaska Anchorage, North Dakota has jumped from fifth to second in both the USCHO.com and USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine polls released today.

UND climbed past Yale, Minnesota Duluth and Denver and now sits behind only top-ranked Boston College, which was the unanimous No. 1 in each of this week’s polls.

The Sioux defeated UAA 6-1 on Friday and 3-1 on Saturday to take over first place in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association standings. UND also became the first WCHA team this season to secure home ice for the first round of the league’s playoffs.

UND has faced seven of the top 20 teams in this week’s USCHO poll, as well as two others which received votes.

The Sioux (21-8-2, 16-6-0 WCHA) take to the road next weekend for a WCHA series at St. Cloud State. UND owns a one-point lead over Denver in the WCHA standings, and a two-point lead over third-place Minnesota Duluth and Nebraska Omaha.

USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts.

1. Boston College (50) 21-6-0 1000
2. North Dakota 21-8-2 956
3. Yale 20-5-0 889
4. Denver 18-7-5 814
5. Minnesota Duluth 18-6-5 774
6. Merrimack 19-5-4 739
7. Union 22-7-3 714
8. New Hampshire 17-7-4 606
9. Notre Dame 18-9-5 599
10. Miami 17-9-6 525
11. Michigan 19-9-4 517
12. Wisconsin 19-10-3 440
13. Nebraska Omaha 18-10-2 412
14. Rensselaer 18-8-4 387
15. Boston University 14-8-7 290
16. Dartmouth 15-7-3 250
17. Western Michigan 15-7-10 236
18. Colorado College 17-14-1 102
19. Maine 12-10-6 92
20. Ferris State 16-12-4 61

Others Receiving Votes: RIT 36, Princeton 35, Minnesota 15, Cornell 5, Robert Morris 5, Ohio State 1

UMC Women’s Basketball to Close Out Regular Season Home Games This Weekend

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Women’s Basketball team returns to Lysaker Gymnasium this Friday and Saturday to host Upper Iowa and Winona State in the Golden Eagle’s final two home games of the 2010-11 season. Game times are set for 6:05 p.m. on Friday and 4:05 p.m. on Saturday and will be shown on Midco Sports Net (Channel 27 in Crookston).

MINNESOTA, CROOKSTON – (11-11, 8-10 NSIC) The Golden Eagle Women's Basketball team hosted Bemidji State and Minnesota Duluth this weekend in NSIC play. UMC went 1-1 in the double-header and finished the weekend in 10th place in the NSIC. Minnesota, Crookston defeated BSU 84-63 on Friday but fell to UMD 65-78 on Saturday. It was a historic first half for the Golden Eagles against the Bulldogs as two team members each reached career milestones. Jamie Zelinsky (G, 5-11, Sr., Brooklyn Park, Minn.) set the all-time Golden Eagle Women’s Basketball scoring mark of 1,642 points previously held by Karna Plaine (2002-2006). Zelinsky broke the record with a good jumper with one second remaining in the first half. Bri Zabel (F, 6-0, Sr., Northfield, Minn.) scored her 1,000th career point in a Golden Eagle uniform with a basket at the 17:47 mark of the first half. Zabel has been with the Golden Eagles for three seasons after transferring from Florida Gulf Coast. Zelinsky led UMC offensively on the weekend averaging 17 points/game. She was 13-24 from the field and 6-8 from the free-throw line. She finished second on the team with 11 rebounds and four assists and tied a team-high with four steals. Zabel averaged 12.5 points/game and finished with four assists.

UPPER IOWA- (1-21, 1-17 NSIC) The Peacocks welcomed the Warriors of Winona State to Dorman Gym for their lone matchup of the week on Saturday. Winona State owned the first half thanks to their effort on the offensive boards, and second opportunities, but Upper Iowa outplayed their guests in the second half to give themselves an opportunity for the win in the closing minutes. UIU shot 70% in the second half, but fell in the end by an 84-77 count. Upper Iowa was led by Lana Otting’s 18 points, but she was joined by four other Peacocks in double figures. The group included Cassandra Deiters (14), Jen Herrick (11), Heidi McKean (10) and Jeri Jacobson (10). Jacobson had a game-high 8 rebounds, while Deiters pulled in 7. UIU also tallied 24 assists on the night including 7 by Herrick and McKean, 5 by Jacobson, and 4 by Otting.

WINONA STATE- (16-6, 12-6 NSIC) Katie Wolff (G, 5-6, So., Marshfield, Wis. / Marshfield HS) scored a career-high 24 points in WSU’s win over Upper Iowa Saturday night. She was 7-of-12 from the field and hit four 3-pointers. She was also a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line. Wolff also handed out four assists, blocked a shot and had three steals.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at: www.goldeneaglesports.com.

Former NFL Player and Valley City Coordinator Named a Member of MSUM Football Staff

MOORHEAD, Minn. – Minnesota State University Moorhead Athletics Director Doug Peters and Head Football Coach Steve Laqua announced Monday that Rob Hunt has been named the Dragon’s Offensive Coordinator.

“We are excited to have Rob join our staff,” Laqua said. “His experience not only as coach in the area, but as a player, are going to be valuable assets in transforming our program.”

Hunt has served as the Offensive Coordinator at Valley City State for the past two seasons. At Valley City State, he was also the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, designing and implementing programs for the entire department.

“Creating a staff that is very talented and that can be locally recognized is a priority of mine,” Laqua said. “Rob is a great fit for our program and the direction we are going.”

Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Hunt played professional football in the Arena Football League, National Football League and NFL Europe. Hunt played collegiate football at North Dakota State where he was honored as the Rimington Award Winner, an honor given to the NCAA D-IAA’s top center.
“I am very honored to be joining Steve and Dragon Football as the Offensive Coordinator, as it is a great time to be joining the Athletics Department and University,” Hunt said. “Being able to take this program and turn it around will be a great challenge that I am looking forward towards.”

Hunt will join the Dragons staff beginning Monday, Feb. 7. He is the first addition to the Dragon football staff after Peters named Laqua the Head Coach on Jan. 28.

Friday, February 11, 2011

North Dakota State Sixth in Summit League Baseball Poll

ELMHURST, Ill. - The North Dakota State baseball team was picked to finish sixth in The Summit League according to a preseason poll of the league's eight head coaches released Friday, Feb. 11.

Thirteen-time defending champion Oral Roberts was the unanimous pick to win the league again with 49 points, South Dakota State was second (43) and got ORU's first-place vote, and Oakland and Southern Utah tied for third with 27 points each.

Western Illinois was fifth (24), North Dakota State sixth (23), Centenary seventh (17) and IPFW eighth (14) to round out the poll.

NDSU was 22-30 overall and tied for sixth in the league with an 11-16 record last year under head coach Tod Brown, who is beginning his fourth season.

The top returner for the Bison is Zach Wentz, a junior first baseman and right-handed pitcher from Bismarck, N.D. Wentz hit .389 with seven home runs and 42 RBIs last year and earned a spot on the All-Summit League second team as a starting pitcher with a 5-2 record and 4.21 ERA.

NDSU is scheduled to open the season Feb. 18-20 with a three-game series at Arizona. The home opener is scheduled for April 2 against North Dakota and the Summit League schedule begins April 7-9 with a four-game series at Southern Utah.

The top four teams in the regular-season standings will advance to the Summit League tournament May 26-28 at Sioux Falls Stadium in Sioux Falls, S.D., with the winner of the double-elimination bracket earning the league's automatic berth in the NCAA playoffs.

2011 Summit League Baseball Preseason Poll

Team (First-Place Votes) Points
1. Oral Roberts (7) 49
2. South Dakota State (1) 43
3. Oakland 27
Southern Utah 27
5. Western Illinois 24
6. North Dakota State 23
7. Centenary 17
8. IPFW 14

Thursday, February 10, 2011

21 Bemidji State scholar athletes selected for WCHA award

Madison , Wis. -- The Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) today announced recipients of its sixth annual WCHA Scholar-Athlete
Award. Student-athletes from Bemidji State University comprised 21 of the 90 recipients in 2010-11.

With 21 student-athletes recognized, BSU not only set the pace for all member institutions, none of its WCHA counterparts received more
than 12 selections.

The prestigious WCHA Scholar-Athlete Award was developed through Association member Faculty Representatives and approved by the
conference membership beginning with the 2005-06 season.

To earn recognition as a WCHA Scholar-Athlete, conference-member student-athletes must have completed at least one year of residency
at their present institution prior to the current academic year and must also have a grade-point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale for the
previous two semesters or three quarters, or may qualify if his or her overall GPA is at least 3.50 for all terms at his or her present institution.

Annie Bauerfeld** (Sr., F, Woodbury, Minn.) and Eric Cody** (Sr., F, Roseville, Minn.), who are both three-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete Award selections, headline a contingent of six repeat recipients. Bemidji State’s 10 picks was tops among the eight WCHA institutions that make up
the women’s league.

Other BSU players joining Bauerfeld and Cody as 2010-11 WCHA Scholar Athletes are: Molly Arola (So., F, Walker, Minn.); Emily Erickson*(So., F, Coleraine, Minn.); Sadie Lundquist (So., F, Cloquet, Minn.); Alana McElhinney* (Jr., G, Calgary, Alberta); Zuzana Tomcikova (Jr., G,
Bratislava, Slovakia); Montana Vichorek* (Jr., D, Moose Lake, Minn.); Marlee Wheelhouse* (Jr., D, Crookston, Minn.) and Abby Williams(So., F, Alexandria, Minn.).

The Bemidji State men’s team built a culture of excellence in the classroom as members of College Hockey America (CHA) and that tradition
continues in the team’s first season in the WCHA. Eleven members of the team’s 26-man roster were selected as recipients of the 2010-11 award nearly doubling the total of any other Association institution. Ryan Adams (Sr., D, Deloraine, Manitoba) and Emil Billberg (Sr., F,Stockholm, Sweden) represent BSU’s senior class on the list of recipients and are joined by: Jake Areshenko (So., D, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia); Dan Bakala (Jr., G, Calgary, Alberta); Mathieu Dugas (So., G, L’Assomption, Quebec); Darcy Findlay (Jr., F, Bristol, Quebec); Drew Fisher (Jr., F, International Falls, Minn.); Jamie MacQueen (Jr., F, London, Ontario); Aar

Six UND women's hockey players earn WCHA honors

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Six Fighting Sioux have been named recipients of the 2010-11 Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Scholar-Athlete Award, the most in UND women's hockey history.

UND honorees included Jocelyne Lamoureux (So., Grand Forks, N.D.), Monique Lamoureux-Kolls (So., Grand Forks, N.D.), Mary Loken (So., Roseau, Minn.), Allison Parizek (So., Minot, N.D.), Margot Miller (Jr., West Bloomfield, Mich.) and Jordan Slavin (So., Erie, Colo.).

All six are first-time recipients of the award.

Both Lamoureux and Lamoureux-Kolls are majoring in physical education, exercise science and wellness. Loken is a physical therapy major, Parizek is a pre-nursing major, Miller is a nursing major and Slavin is an elementary education major.

The prestigious WCHA Scholar-Athlete Award was developed through Association member team Faculty Representatives and approved by the conference membership beginning with the 2005-06 season.

To earn recognition as a WCHA Scholar-Athlete, conference-member student-athletes must have completed at least one year of residency at their present institution prior to the current academic
year and must also have a grade-point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale for the previous two semesters or three quarters, or may qualify if his or her overall GPA is at least 3.50 for all terms at his or her present institution.

UND's women's hockey team has boasted 19 recipients of the WCHA Scholar-Athlete Award since its inception in 2005-06. UND's six recipients this season surpasses the previous team record of five set in 2006-07 and 2007-08.

Five UND men's hockey players earn WCHA honors

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Senior defenseman Chay Genoway was named a four-time recipient of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Scholar-Athlete Award today, highlighting North Dakota's five recipients of the league's highest academic honor.

UND's other honorees included two-time recipients Brad Eidsness (Jr., Chestermere, Alberta) and Derrick LaPoint (Sr., Eau Claire, Wis.) and first-time recipients Brett Bruneteau (So., Omaha, Neb.) and Tate Maris (So., Denver, Colo.).

Genoway, a native of Morden, Manitoba, is only the second four-time recipient in men's WCHA history, joining Scott McCulloch of Colorado College (2005-09). Genoway is a management major and a three-time All-WCHA Academic selection.

In each of the previous three seasons, Genoway has received UND's Archie Krum Memorial Athletic Scholarship for leadership qualities, high academic standards and athletics excellence. He was named an ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American as a junior in 2008-09.

Eidsness is an entrepreneurship major who was named to the All-WCHA Academic team last season as a sophomore. LaPoint, a geography major, earned his first WCHA Scholar-Athlete Award last season while also earning his second straight All-WCHA Academic team selection.

Bruneteau majors in pre-entrepreneurship and Maris majors in accounting. Maris was an All-WCHA Academic selection last season.

The prestigious WCHA Scholar-Athlete Award was developed through Association member team Faculty Representatives and approved by the conference membership beginning with the 2005-06 season. To earn recognition as a WCHA Scholar-Athlete, conference-member student-athletes must have completed at least one year of residency at their present institution prior to the current academic year and must also have a grade-point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale for the previous two semesters or three quarters, or may qualify if his or her overall GPA is at least 3.50 for all terms at his or her present institution.

UND's men's hockey team has boasted 19 recipients of the WCHA Scholar-Athlete Award since its inception in 2005-06, including a team-record six in each of the last two seasons.

Golden Eagle Athletics Launches New Website

(Crookston, Minn.)- The athletic department at the University of Minnesota, Crookston announced today that a newly designed Golden Eagle Athletics website has been launched to provide the best fan experience possible. The website address is still www.goldeneaglesports.com and users will be automatically directed to the new website.

The dramatically redesigned website, created in conjunction with the University of Minnesota, Crookston and SIDEARM Sports offers a fresh new look, multimedia options, advertising opportunities as well as a future online store. Fans can also follow Golden Eagle Athletic updates on Facebook, Twitter, through email and SMS feeds to cell phones all from the new site. Live statistics and video streaming are still available and can now be found under multimedia or on each team’s season schedule. Other options and information available on the previous website will still be found on the new site.

“The new Golden Eagle Athletics website will enhance our fans experience and offer a variety of options that weren’t available prior,” says Director of Athletics Stephanie Helgeson. “With the availability of new web technology and the changing information wants and needs of fans, media outlets, students, prospective students, etc. the new website will enhance not only the visibility of Golden Eagle Athletics but the University of Minnesota, Crookston.”

Golden Eagle Twitter Account Name: UMCAthletics
Golden Eagle Facebook Account Name: Golden Eagle Sports

For more information, visit the NEW Golden Eagle Athletics Web site at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

North Dakota State 43rd in NCAA Volleyball Average Attendance

INDIANAPOLIS - North Dakota State ranks among the nation's Division I women's volleyball average attendance leaders in a report released by the NCAA this week.

North Dakota State drew 12,826 spectators to 13 home dates last season for an average of 987 that ranked 43rd among all Division I schools. It was NDSU's fourth straight year in the top 50.

Three crowds over a thousand filled the Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse during the year, including a season-high 1,638 for the three-set win over North Dakota on Sept. 16. It was the fourth-largest home crowd in school history.

North Dakota State was 20-11 overall and won its third straight Summit League regular-season title with a 14-4 record. NDSU was 11-2 at home with its only losses coming to a Tulsa team that went 31-3 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament, and Summit League regular season co-champion IPFW.

Hawaii, with an average of 6,169 fans for 20 matches, led the nation for the 14th straight season since the NCAA began tracking attendance records. Forty-one teams averaged at least 1,000 fans. NDSU was the only Summit League team in the top 50.

UMC Women host Bemidji State & MN Duluth in NSIC

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Women’s Basketball team returns to Lysaker Gymnasium this Friday and Saturday to host Bemidji State University and Minnesota Duluth in a pivotal NSIC weekend. The Golden Eagles will square off with the Beavers on Friday at 6 p.m. and with the Bulldogs on Saturday at 4 p.m. UMC is currently tied for ninth place in the NSIC and one game out of eighth place which would qualify the team for the conference tournament.

MINNESOTA, CROOKSTON – (10-10, 7-9 NSIC) The Golden Eagles are looking to make a run at post season play. This past weekend, UMC swept the University of Mary and Northern State to move into a ninth place tie with MSU Moorhead in the NSIC. Minnesota, Crookston was led by the consistent play of Jamie Zelinsky (G, 5-11, Sr, Brooklyn Park, Minn.). She led all players with 21 points at Mary. She was 7-13 from the field and a perfect 7-7 from the free-throw line. She dished three assists and grabbed two steals. Against Northern State, she followed Bri Zabel’s (F, 6-0, Sr, Northfield, Minn.) game-high 24 points with 19 points and seven rebounds in 39 minutes of play.On the weekend, she averaged 37.5 minutes/game and shot 55% (15-27) from the field. She shot a perfect 9-9 from the free-throw line and tied a team-high with 14 defensive rebounds. She finished second on the team with five assists, two blocked shots and four steals while averaging 20 points/game. She is now 27 points from becoming the Golden Eagle’s all-time leading scorer.

BEMIDJI STATE- (5-15, 2-14 NSIC) Colleen McKay (Sr., Barnum, Minn.) tallied 17 points, four rebounds, two blocks and three steals as the Beavers fell to University of Minnesota Duluth, 63-51 on Saturday in Bemidji, Minn. McKay helped the Beavers to as much as a 14 point lead in the first half but a 21-0 run late in the first was enough to do in the Beavers as they were unable to retake the lead from UMD and were put away on free throws late.

MINNESOTA DULUTH- (11-9, 9-7) The University of Minnesota Duluth women’s basketball team took its winning ways on the road Saturday afternoon, using a strong performance from freshman guard Katrina Newman to oust Bemidji State 63-51, completing a sweep of the season series. Newman led the Bulldogs (11-9 overall, 9-7 Northern Sun) with 16 points on 8-12 shooting, helping UMD disarm the Beavers in the regular season battle.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at: www.goldeneaglesports.com.

NDSU’s Phillips to Coach Barefoot Saturday for Samaritan's Feet

FARGO, N.D. - North Dakota State head men's basketball coach Saul Phillips will coach in his bare feet Saturday against IUPUI as part of the Samaritan's Feet "Barefoot for Bare Feet" initiative to raise awareness for the more than 300 million children worldwide without shoes.

Samaritan's Feet is a humanitarian relief organization whose goal is to provide 10 million pairs of shoes for 10 million impoverished people in 10 years. More than 3 million pairs have been distributed.

To donate, text the word "SHOES" to 85944 and a one-time $10 gift will be donated to Samaritan's Feet through your cell phone bill. Donations may also be made online at www.samaritansfeet.org/donation.

"Please join me in supporting Samaritan's Feet," Phillips said. "As I learned more about this program, becoming involved was an easy decision. This group has made an impact on the lives of some of the neediest children in the world."

Samaritan's Feet was founded in 2003 by Manny Ohonme, a Nigerian who played basketball at Lake Region State College in Devils Lake and later attended graduate school at NDSU.

IUPUI head coach Ron Hunter was the first to coach a game in his bare feet in January 2008. The organization raised over 140,000 pairs and $300,000 in less than six weeks and Hunter's team delivered the shoes to Lima, Peru.

Hunter, Phillips, and South Dakota State's Scott Nagy are three of more than 1,000 coaches nationwide going barefoot this year.

Saturday's NDSU-IUPUI men's game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. following the women's game at 5 p.m. at the Bison Sports Arena.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Kaster, Skersick and Lisoff Named PTP Basketball Players of the Week

Shelby Kaster (Fr., Center) from Win-E-Mac High School and Katie Skersick (Sr., Center) from Bagley High School have been selected as the Pine to Prairie Girls Basketball Players of the Week. On the boys side, Alec Lisoff (Sr., Center) from Win-E-Mac High School has been honored as the Pine to Prairie Basketball Player of the Week.

Shelby and Katie each lead their respective teams to 2-0 conference records last week. Shelby had 17 points, 16 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, and 3 assists against Fertile-Beltrami and then added 13 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 blocks in the Patriots victory over the Fosston Greyhounds.

Katie scored 24 points and pulled in 4 rebounds in the Flyers 53-33 win over Fosston. Skersick then added 25 points, 9 rebounds, 8 steals and 4 assists against Climax-Fisher. In a non-conference game against Crookston, Katie added 13 points and 9 rebounds as the Flyers were upended 81-57.

Alec Lisoff had a great week as he led the Patriots to a 2-1 record. Win-E-Mac recorded wins over Fertile-Beltrami and Clearbrook-Gonvick and then had a hard fought 3 point loss to Red Lake County. Alec led the team in scoring with tallies of 21, 21, and 35 points for an average of 25.7 points per game. Lisoff shot 53% from the floor and went 12/15 from the free throw line. Alec also added double digit rebounds for each of the games as well as averaging 2 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals.

Other outstanding performances for the week include: Tyler George (Jr., Guard) from Bagley, Bailee Bartunek (Fr., Post) from Lake Park-Audubon, and Katie Kolness (Sr., Forward) from Ada-Borup.

NDSU Men's BB hosts Western Illinois Thursday, IUPUI Saturday

The seventh-place North Dakota State men’s basketball team (12-11, 6-7) returns home to host ninth-place Western Illinois (7-16, 2-10) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, and second-place IUPUI (15-10, 9-3) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Bison Sports Arena (5,830) in Fargo.

Thursday will be the eighth meeting between North Dakota State and Western Illinois dating back to 2007-08. NDSU leads the series 5-2 after Western Illinois won 67-62 in Macomb last month. NDSU won 63-59 in overtime last year in Fargo. ... Saturday will be the eighth meeting between North Dakota State and IUPUI dating back to 2007-08. IUPUI has won three straight to take a 5-2 lead in the series, including a 67-64 victory in Indianapolis last month.

UMC Coaches Luncheon Friday, Feb 11

(Crookston, Minn.)- The UMC Teambackers will hold a Golden Eagle coaches luncheon on Friday, February 11 at the Crookston Eagles Club. Lunch will be served and coaches will give updates on their seasons to date, along with outlooks on their upcoming games. Selected student-athletes will speak about their season, upcoming games and opponents.

The Golden Eagles have two crucial home weekends coming up. UMC hosts Bemidji State and Minnesota Duluth on February 11 and 12. Game times are set for 6 p.m. and 4 p.m. On February 18 and 19 the team hosts Upper Iowa and Winona State. The games are set for 6 p.m. and 4 p.m. and will be carried on Midcontinent Cable.

The luncheon begins at noon and runs approximately one hour. The cost is $7.00. Everyone is invited to attend this event.

Upcoming Events for the University of Minnesota, Crookston:
February
February 11 W. Basketball Bemidji State* Crookston, MN 6:00 pm
February 11 M. Basketball Bemidji State* Crookston, MN 8:00 pm
February 12 W. Basketball Minnesota Duluth* Crookston, MN 4:00 pm
February 12 M. Basketball Minnesota Duluth* Crookston, MN 6:00 pm
February 18 W. Basketball Upper Iowa* Crookston, MN 6:00 pm
February 18 M. Basketball Upper Iowa* Crookston, MN 8:00 pm
February 19 W. Basketball Winona State* Crookston, MN 4:00 pm
February 19 M. Basketball Winona State* Crookston, MN 6:00 pm

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

WBCA “Pink Zone” Night on Friday, February 11 at UMC

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston’s (UMC) Athletic Department announced today that Friday, February 11 will be WBCA “Pink Zone” Night at the Golden Eagle Women’s and Men’s Basketball games at Lysaker Gymnasium.

WBCA “Pink Zone” Night is a promotion with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) to raise breast cancer awareness. The UMC women and men play Bemidji State University at 6 & 8 p.m. on Friday. Everyone wearing pink will get into the games for half price. Golden Eagle athletes will also be selling pink t-shirts with the M-Crookston logo on them during the event. There will be “Pink” games and prizes awarded at all time-outs and at other times throughout the night. Proceeds from the t-shirts, games and cookies will go to breast cancer awareness and research. The UMC teams will be wearing various pink accessories and shooting shirts in recognition of the events.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

Bemidji State goalie Bakala earns WCHA Defensive Player of the Week honor

Madison , Wis. -- The Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (WCHA) announced today that Bemidji State University goaltender Dan Bakala (Jr., Calgary, Alberta) has been selected WCHA Co-Defensive Player of the Week after stopping 81 of 84 shots on net in a series at Minnesota State University, Mankato Feb. 4-5.

Bakala posted back-to-back 40-save performances as the Beavers salvaged a road series split at Minnesota State. The junior turned away a career-high 41 shots in Friday’s 2-1 overtime loss before again hitting the 40-save plateau, stopping 40-of-41 shots to lead the Beavers to a 4-1 victory Saturday. In addition, the goaltender backstopped a penalty-kill unit that held the Mavericks scoreless on 10 power-play opportunities, which included a five-minute major and seven minutes in the third period alone Friday and a 70-second 5-on-3 chance Saturday.

Bakala finished the weekend 1-1-0 in 12:32 between the pipes with 81 saves and a .964 save percentage, allowing just three goals for a 1.47 goals against average.

The goaltender of record in 19 of the Beavers’ 26 games this season, Bakala is 9-9-1 with a 2.23 GAA and .925 save percentage. He is 5-3-1
since the first of the year posting a 2.03 GAA and .937 save percentage.
The WCHA laurel marks the third time the league has selected Bakala for the weekly honor. He also earned WCHA Defensive Player of the week nods Dec. 7 and Jan. 5.

The Calgary, Alberta native along with senior defenseman Ryan Adams (Deloraine, Manitoba), who was selected WCHA Defensive Player of the Week Jan. 18, and sophomore Jordan George (F, Madison, Wis.), who garnered individual honors Nov. 9, remain the only Beavers to gain league honors in the team’s inaugural season in the WCHA.

Bakala shares the league’s defensive honor with University of Alaska Anchorage defenseman Curtis Leinweber, while Mike Connolly of the
University of Minnesota Duluth was named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week and the University of Denver’s Nick Shore was selected WCHA Rookie of the Week.

Bakala, University of Nebraska Omaha defender John Kalkner and University of Denver goaltender are the only WCHA players that have been honored by receiving the league’s player of the week honor three times in 2010-11.
Bemidji State, now 10-14-2 overall and 6-12-2 in league play, completes its current four-game road swing this weekend (Feb. 11-12) with a trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for its first WCHA meeting versus Michigan Tech. The series gets underway Friday at 6:07 p.m. at John MacInnes Student Ice Arena in Houghton, Mich. The Beavers and Huskies wrap up the series with a 4:07 p.m. matinee Saturday.

Monday, February 7, 2011

UMC SAAC to Host Fundraiser for the Crookston Area Special Olympics

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston’s Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) is sponsoring a fundraiser for the Crookston Area Special Olympics basketball team on February 15th at 5:30 p.m. in Lysaker Gymnasium on the UMC campus. All proceeds raised will go towards the Crookston Area Special Olympics.

The event will consist of two 15 minute basketball games. In the first game, the Crookston Area Special Olympics basketball team will face a team of UMC student-athletes. In the second game, the Crookston Area Special Olympics basketball team will face the UMC Coaches and members of the Crookston community. There will be promotional games and giveaways throughout the duration of the event including a dunk contest with the UMC men’s basketball team. Admission is free and all proceeds from the event will be donated back to the Crookston Area Special Olympics.

SAAC is a group of UMC student-athletes that meet bi-monthly to discuss athletic and campus related issues and events. They also conduct several community service projects throughout the school year. There are two student-athletes from each athletic team on the UMC campus that are represented in SAAC.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics Web site at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

UMC's Jamie Zelinsky Named NSIC Player of the Week

The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) announced this morning that Jamie Zelinsky (G, 5-11, Sr, Brooklyn Park, Minn.) has been named NSIC Player of the Week for women’s basketball.

Minnesota, Crookston won a pair of road games with help from the consistent play of Zelinsky. She led all players with 21 points in a 70-65 win at U-Mary Friday night. She was 7-13 from the field and a perfect 7-7 from the free-throw line. She dished three assists and grabbed two steals. In a 75-66 win at Northern State, she added 19 points and seven rebounds in 39 minutes of play. On the weekend, she averaged 37.5 minutes per game and shot 55% (15-27) from the field. She shot a perfect 9-9 from the free-throw line and grabbed a team-high with 14 defensive rebounds. She finished second on the team with five assists, two blocked shots and four steals while averaging 20 points/game. She is now 27 points from becoming the Golden Eagle’s all-time leading scorer.

The Golden Eagles have two crucial home weekends coming up. UMC hosts Bemidji State and Minnesota Duluth on February 11 and 12. Game times are set for 6 p.m. and 4 p.m. On February 18 and 19 the team hosts Upper Iowa and Winona State. The games are set for 6 p.m. and 4 p.m. and will be carried on Midcontinent Cable.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at: www.goldeneaglesports.com.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

KRJB/KRJM Pick The Pros winners

THE KRJB-KRJM PICK THE PROS CONTEST CAME TO AN END WHEN THE GREEN BAY PACKERS DEFEATED THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS IN THE SUPERBOWL SUNDAY NIGHT. 105 PEOPLE ACROSS THE AREA AND THE U.S.A. COMPETED FOR A CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF THE TOP 5 PRIZES OFFERED BY KRJB AND KRJM RADIO. HERE IS HOW THE TOP 5 TURNED OUT-

1ST PLACE – AMANDA AUNE FROM GARY, MN. AMANDA HAD A TOTAL OF 184 POINTS, AND WINS THE TOP PRIZE OF A 26 INCH TOSHIBA HD TV FROM PROSYSTEMS IN DETROIT LAKES!

2ND PLACE *** HAD TO BE BROKEN IN A THREE WAY TIE*** - JAMES KNUTSON FROM LACEY WASHINGTON WON THE TIE BREAKER THAT HAD TO BE TRACKED BACK ALL THE WAY TO WEEK 1 OF THE NFL SEASON AND HE HAD 12 OF 16 PICK CORRECT. HE WINS AN AUTOGRAPHED FOOTBALL SIGNED BY FORMER NFL STAR JEROME BETTIS “THE BUS” FROM GNC IN THE PAUL BUNYAN MALL IN BEMIDJI!

3RD PLACE – NIKKI MCCOLLUM FROM MAHNOMEN WON THE 3RD PLACE PRIZE WITH THE TIE BREAKER FROM WEEK 1 WITH 11-16 PICKS CORRECT…SHE WINS A ONE NIGHT STAY AT THE HILTON GARDEN INN BLOOMINGTON.

4TH PLACE – BRENT SCHOENBORN FROM FARGO NORTH DAKOTA WON THE 4TH PLACE PRIZE WITH THE TIE BREAKER FROM WEEK 1 WITH 9 OF 16 CORRECT PICKS. HE WINS A PRIZE PACKAGE FROM KRJB-KRJM INCLUDING A T-SHIRT AND STOCKING CAP.

5TH PLACE - ***THREE WAY TIE BROKEN BY TIE BREAKER GOING ALL THE WAY BACK TO WEEK 1*** SARAH FLOAN FROM TWIN VALLEY MINNESOTA WINS THE 5TH PLACE PRIZE WITH 12 OF 16 CORRECT PICKS IN WEEK 1. SHE WINS A PRIZE PACKAGE FROM KRJB-KRJM INCLUDING A 2010 COOKBOOK AND CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENT.

THANKS TO ALL WHO PLAYED! JOIN US FOR MORE CONTESTS ON THE PROMOTIONS PAGE AT KRJBRADIO.COM AND KRJMRADIO.COM

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

NDSU Football signings

North Dakota State University head football coach CRAIG BOHL announced the signing of 20 high school athletes to National Letters of Intent to play football and continue their education at NDSU. That announcement came today on the first day student-athletes are allowed to sign Letters of Intent.
The list includes student-athletes from seven different states including North Dakota (2), Minnesota (5), Wisconsin (2), Arizona (4), Illinois (3), Iowa (2) and Kansas (2). There are nine offensive players, 10 defensive players and one specialist.

NORTH DAKOTA (2)

ANDREW OKLAND, WR, 6-3, 190, Fargo, N.D. (South H.S.)-- First-team Class 3A all-state selection for state champion Fargo South High School and head coach Troy Mattern ... Caught 31 passes for 728 yards and 10 TDs in seven games as a senior ... All-conference pick ... Three-year letterwinner and two-year starter for basketball team, averaging 13.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game ... Competed in cross-country for two seasons ... Member of superior state choir all four years ... Born April 29, 1993 ... Son of Douglas and Sheri Okland ... Has one sister, Megan ... Plans to major in music ... Mother, father and grandfather, Marv, attended NDSU.

CARSON WENTZ, QB, 6-5, 210, Bismarck, N.D. (Century H.S.)-- 2010 North Dakota Class 3A Player of the Year for Bismarck Century High School and head coach Ron Wingenbach ... All-state at-large pick ... All-conference at quarterback and defensive back ... Led team to 8-3 record, conference title and state semifinals ... Completed 91 of 149 passes for 1,285 yards and 12 TDs ... Rushed 85 times for 553 yards and 13 TDs ... Recorded 61 tackles and two interceptions ... Three-year starter for baseball team ... Played first base for 2010 American Legion and high school state runner-up teams ... Hit .386 with 26 RBI for Century as junior, batted .421 with 41 RBI for Bismarck Govs Legion ... Forward/center for the state's No. 1-ranked basketball team ... Class Valedictorian ... National Honor Society ... Born Dec. 30, 1992 ... Son of Doug Wentz and Cathy Domres, Bismarck ... Has two brothers, Zach Wentz and Luke Domres ... Brother, Zach, plays baseball at NDSU ... Father played linebacker at Northern State in the 1980s.
MINNESOTA (5)

JOSH COLVILLE, OG/OC, 6-2, 270, Deephaven, Minn. (Minnetonka H.S.)--Associated Press second-team all-state selection as a senior for Minnetonka High School and head coach Dave Nelson ... Two-time all-conference performer ... Second-team all-metro as a senior ... Three-year letterwinner and two-year starter on the offensive and defensive line for the Skippers ... Four-year starter fo the Minnetonka Rugby team Born Sept. 4, 1992 ... Son of Scott and Shari Colville ... Has one sister, Cally.

LYLE NORMAN, DE, 6-3, 230, Roseau, Minn. (Roseau H.S.)--First-team all-Heart O'Lakes selection for Roseau High School and head coach George Ziegler ... Four-year letterwinner and three-year starter at linebacker and fullback ... All-league baseball player ... Three-year letterwinner and two-year starter on hockey and baseball teams ... Hockey team advanced to the 2010 state tournament ... Born Oct. 22, 1992 ... Son of Brian and Shelley Norman ... Has one sister, Lisa.

CJ SMITH, CB, 5-11, 175, Savage, Minn. (Burnsville H.S.)--South Suburban Confernece Offensive Player of the Year for Burnsville High School and head coach Mark Riggs ... Minnesota Vikings All-State selection ... All-conference pick after rushing for 1,700 yards and 16 TDs ... Three-year starter on football field, two-year starter at guard for basketball team ... Born May 10, 1993 ... Son of Charles Smith, and Jackie McQuerry, Savage, Minn. ... Has two sisters, Jasmine and Chasity.

JOEY SONNENFELD, FS, 6-3, 190, Maple Grove, Minn. (Osseo H.S.)--Second-team all-State and all-Metro selection for Osseo High School and head coach Derrin Lamker ... Three-year starter at wide receiver and free safety ... Caught 35 passes for 520 yards and eight TDs ... Made 67 tackles and had an interception on defense ... Two-time all-conference selection and preseason all-state ... Honorable mention all-conference selection in basketball ... Born Sept. 23, 1992 ... Son of Randy and Elizabeth Sonnenfeld ... Has one brother, Taylor ... Father played tight end for Minnesota from 1976-80.

FRANK VELDMAN, SS, 6-4, 205, Eagan, Minn. (Eastview H.S.)-- Finalist for Minnesota's Mr. Football and South Suburban Conference Defensive Player of the Year at Eastview High School, coached by Kelly Sherwin ... Two-time all-state, all-metro and all-conference selection ... Four-year letterwinner, three-year starter at free safety, wide receiver, punter and kicker ... Finished with 179 career tackles and averaged 26.1 yards per reception ... Averaged 38.6 yards per punt during career ... Three-year starter in basketball ... All-state and all-conference performer in track and field, setting school records in the high jump (6' 7") and the triple jump (46' 5") ... Born Nov. 21, 1992 ... Son of Steve Veldman, Eagan, and Michelle Veldman, Apple Valley ... Has one brother, Anthony, and one sister, Kayla ... Father and uncle, Mark, played football for UND (Mark with Miami Dolphins); uncle, Greg Veldman, played football for Moorhead State and the Dallas Cowboys; uncle, Bruce Veldman, played basketball for Augustana College, and grandfather wrestled for Minnesota ... Cousin of current NDSU tight end Matt Veldman.

WISCONSIN (2)

LUKE ALBERS, TE, 6-5, 220, Amherst Junction, Wis. (Iola-Scandinavia H.S.)--All-state game selection at tight end for Iola-Scandinavia High School and head coach Scott Erickson ... All-conference performer at tight end and defensive end including first-team honors as a junior ... Had 44 career receptions for 816 yards and seven TDs ... Recorded 71 tackles, eight sacks and had three interceptions over last two years on defense ... Also punted for the Thunderbirds as a senior ... Second team all-area and all-conference forward as a junior, leading team in scoring, rebounds, blocked shots and field goal and free throw shooting ... Part of two conference champion track and field teams ... Member of 400 meter relay team that placed fifth at state ... Born May 23, 1993 ... Son of David Albers, Iola, Wis., and Jan Anderson, Amherst Junction, Wis. ... Has three sisters, Andrea, Emily and Kiaya ... Plans to major in civil engineering with an emphasis on the environment.

JOE HORVATH, DT, 6-2, 250, Stevens Point, Wis. (Stevens Point Area Senior H.S.)--Wisconsin Football Coaches Association all-state defensive lineman for Stevens Point Area Senior High School and head coach Pete McAdams ... All-Wisconsin Valley Conference first team performer ... Led SPASH to the state playoffs for the first time in 33 years, advancing to championship game ... Eligible to play in all-star game this summer ... Started for 2-1/2 seasons and earned three letters ... Three-sport athlete, who also lettered in wrestling and track and field ... Born June 4, 1993 ... Son of Stephen and Justine Horvath ... Has three sisters, Eleanor, Nina, Chande.

ARIZONA (4)

JORDAN CHAMPION, CB, 5-9, 195, Avondale, Ariz. (Westview H.S.)--First-team all-State and all-Desert West Region running back for Westview High School and head coach Jeff Bowen ... Rushed for 1,167 yards and 16 TDs for the 10-3 state Class 5A Division II semifinalists ... Three-year starter for Westview ... Rushed for 1,053 yards and earned all-region second-team honors at defensive back as a junior ... Starter at defensive back as a sophomore for the 2008 team that went 12-2 and played in state championship game ... Born Aug. 10, 1993 ... Son of Darryll and Vicky Dorce'us ... Has one brother, Jared Champion, and one sister, Courtney Champion.

MATT JONES, RB, 5-9, 195, Scottsdale, Ariz. (Horizon H.S.)-- Honorable mention all-state selection for Horizon High School and head coach Steve Casey ... Three-year starter at running back ... Finished with 1,200 all-purpose yards and 19 TDs as a senior, and 1,100 all-purpose yards and 11 TDs as a junior ... Finished as the school's all-time leader in rushing attempts, also holds single-game record for TDs ... Second-team all-region in 2010, honorable mention all-region in 2009 ... Born Nov. 9, 1993 ... Son of Major and Linda Jones ... Has three brothers, Eric, Nathan and Chris ... His grandfather, Major Sr., was a professional boxer in the 1930s.

DANELL MILES, FS, 6-0, 190, Litchfield Park, Ariz. (Desert Edge H.S.)--Class 4A first team all-state selection by the Arizona Republic for Desert Edge High School and head coach Rich Wellbrock ... Had 86 tackles including 50 solos, one forced fumble, a fumble recovery and four interceptions as a senior ... Rushed for 683 yards and 8 TDs ... Made 84 tackles and had four interceptions as a junior ... Two-time all-region and all-conference pick ... Member of Class 4A Skyline Region championship team and state semi-finalists ... Born Feb. 24, 1993 ... Son of Donald and Roshonda Miles ... Has two brothers, Donald Miles and Lyndon Slusher, and one sister, Quinn ... Family member Dorell Wright plays for Golden State of the NBA.

RYAN STANFORD, QB, 6-3, 180, Phoenix, Ariz. (Horizon H.S.)-- Arizona Republic, East Valley Tribune and Rivals.com all-State quarterback for Horizon High School and head coach Steve Casey ... Holds numerous records including career passing yards (6,353), attempts (956), completions (500) and TDs (57) ... Had 13 games of 200+ passing yards in career and four games of 300+ yards ... Completed 130 of 243 passes for 1,989 yards, 18 TDs and only five interceptions as a senior ... Holds single-game records for passing yards (346), attempts (51) and completions (28) ... Selected as top QB at 2010 Five Star Pro Combine ... Named the A.I.A. Male Athlete of the Month ... Ranked No. 2 at QB in Arizona by MaxPreps.com as junior and senior ... Completed 167 of 331 passes for 2,285 yards, 21 TDs and 14 interceptions as a junior ... Completed career-high 203 of 382 passes for 2,079 yards and 18 TDs as a sophomore ... Born April 16, 1993 ... Son of Stephen and Deborah Stanford ... Has two brothers, Robert and Logan ... Brother, Robert plays for the University of Redlands (Calif.).

IOWA (2)

ANDREW BONNET, FB, 6-3, 230 Council Bluffs, Iowa (Underwood H.S.)--Second-team all-Western Iowa, and first-team all-district and all-area as a senior for Underwood High School and head coach Loaren Lintner ... Four-year letterwinner and three-year starter ... Academic all-district ... Rushed 107 times for 771 yards and 10 TDs as a senior, and added three receptions for 118 yards and two TDs ... Recorded 37 tackles including 17 solos and nine tackles for loss ... Led Underwood to 6-4 record and state playoffs ... Played fullback, tight end, defensive tackle, linebacker and defensive end during career ... Second-team all-district and all-Southeast Iowa as a junior ... Rushed 70 times for 493 yards and five TDs, and also caught eight passes for 182 yards and one TD ... Made 42 tackles including ... State qualifier in shot put (48' 10") and discus (145' 2") ... Part of school record-setting shuttle hurdle relay team as a junior ... Captain for football, basketball and track and field teams ... Born Dec. 27, 1992 ... Son of Michael and Melinda Bonnet ... Has one brother, Matt, and one sister, Emma ... Plans to major in engineering.

BERKLEY GRIMM, FB, 5-11, 225, Iowa City, Iowa (Regina H.S.)--First-team all-state linebacker for Regina High School and head coach Marv Cook ... Part of defense that allowed zero points in Class 2A ... Led the Regals to 14-0 record and 2010 Class 2A state championship ... First undefeated season in school history ... Also played fullback ... Played first three seasons for Iowa City West and head coach Brian Sauser ... Three-time Iowa state Freestyle and Greco wrestling champion ... Two-year member of Iowa's national dual team ... Placed 5th at folkstyle wrestling nationals and 8th at freestyle nationals ... Wrestled at 160 and 189-pounds at West, competing at 215 at Regina ... Born April 17, 1993 ... Son of Kevin and Shiela Grimm ... Has two sisters, Keeley and Lainey.

ILLINOIS (3)

BEN LeCOMPTE, P, 5-11, 185, Barrington, Ill. (Barrington H.S.)-- A Daily Herald All-Area selection for Barrington High School and head coach Joe Sanchez ... First-team all-Mid-Suburban West pick ... Barrington advanced to the 8A playoffs and finished 7-2 ... Handled the punting and kicking duties, along with playing cornerback and wide receiver ... Went 5-for-7 on field goals (Long 43 yards) and punted for a 36-yard average ... Forty-five of his 55 kickoffs (81 percent) were touchback ... Set single-game school average records for punting (51.0) and kickoffs (56.9) and interceptions (3) ... Earned Illinois high school Defensive Player of the Week honors during week three after recording three interceptions, a fumble recovery and five tackles ... Pitcher and centerfielder on Barrington's 2010 IHSA baseball playoff team ... Also played basketball ... Born Feb. 1, 1993 ... Son of Benjamin and Cathleen LeCompte ... Has one brother, Bart, and three sisters, Ashlee, Nichole and Michelle ... Plans to major in business administration.

JOSH LISENBY, DT, 6-2, 245, Chicago, Ill. (De La Salle High School)--First-team all-conference performer for De La Salle High School and head coach Dan O'Keefe ... Made 62 tackles, and had a pair of fumble recoveries and an interception ... Academic all-state .... Member of team that advanced to state quarterfinals as a junior ... Three-year starter and four-year letterwinner at defensive end, tight end, offensive line and punter ... Born Oct. 3, 1992 ... Son of James Lisenby and Brenda Lisenby, Chicago ... Has two brothers, Chris and Nick.

NICK SCOLIERE, LB, 6-2, 205, St. Charles, Ill. (Marmion Academy)--Conference Defensive Player of the Year for Marmion Academy and head coach Dan Thorpe ... Marmion Academy advanced to the state playoffs, placing second with a 12-2 record ... Had 75 tackles including 10 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions ... Rushed for 890 yards and four TDs, and caught 28 passes for 470 yards and 6 TDs ... Three-year starter at point guard on basketball court ... Born Feb. 11, 1993 ... Son of Mark and Laura Scoliere ... Has two sisters, Erika and Nina ... Plans to major in business management ... Father and uncle, Joe Scoliere, played college basketball at Pitt-Johnstown, and cousins, Danielle and Megan Scoliere played soccer at Ohio State.

KANSAS (2)

DeSHAWN DINWIDDIE, LB, 6-2, 210, Hutchinson, Kan. (Hutchinson, H.S.)-- Two-year starter and three-year letterwinner for Hutchinson High School and head coach Randy Dreiling ... Second team all-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division I selection in 2010 ... Played linebacker, safety and fullback for the Salt Hawks ... Member of two undefeated state championship football teams in 2008 and 2009 ... As a senior, had 60 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception ... Rushed 105 times for 530 yards ... Returned 15 punts for an average of 14 yards and one TD ... Three-year letterwinner on basketball court, earning two more in track and field ... Born July 12, 1993 ... Son of John and Sherri Hastert ... Has two brothers, Devron Dinwiddie and Bryan Morris.

DEREK LEE, TE, 6-4, 235, Wichita, Kan. (Maize H.S.)--First-team All-state tight end and linebacker for Maize High School and head coach Craig Broadbent ... Will play for the West squad in the Kansas Shrine Bowl this summer ... Caught 31 passes for 350 yards and five TDs ... Made 78 tackles including 28 tackles for loss and added an interception ... All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division I, all-Metro pick at tight end and linebacker ... Rivals.com all-State linebacker ... All-league basketball selection, averaging 18.8 points this season ... Maize advanced to the state playoffs in 2009, placing seventh ... Born May 21, 1993 ... Son of David and Donna Lee ... Has one brother, Alex ... Father played basketball for Bethany College (1978-79) and mother played volleyball for Iowa State (1979-82

The following student-athletes have been admitted to North Dakota State and are recruited walk-ons to the program:

Brandon Chrest, LB/S, 6-3, 195, Cavalier, N.D. (Cavalier H.S.)
Dylan Dunn, WR, 6-3, 200, Fargo, N.D. (Shanley H.S.)
Joe Haeg, OT, 6-5, 245, Lake Shore, Minn. (Brainerd H.S.)
Alex LaVoy, LB, 6-1, 210, Naytahwaush, Minn. (Mahnomen H.S.)
Jacob Lesar, OG, 6-6, 310, Hermantown, Minn. (Hermantown H.S.)
Leighton Talmadge, DE, 6-6, 220, Bismarck, N.D. (Bismarck H.S.)
Dan Wood, DT, 6-4, 250, Pelican Rapids, Minn. (Pelican Rapids H.S.)

North Dakota State went 9-5 and reached the NCAA Division FCS quarterfinals before falling to No. 1-ranked Eastern Washington 38-31 in overtime in Cheney, Wash., on Dec. 11. It was a dramatic turnaround for the Bison, who went 3-8 in 2009. NDSU is scheduled to open the 2011 season against Lafayette College on Sept. 3 in the Fargodome.

Sioux captain Genoway a national finalist for Lowe's Senior CLASS Award

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - University of North Dakota senior defenseman and team captain Chay Genoway has been named one of 10 national finalists for the 2011 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award in men's hockey.

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence - community, classroom, character and competition.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School(r), the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

Genoway, a fifth-year senior from Morden, Manitoba, is a three-time All-Western College Hockey Association performer and was named the WCHA Defensive Player of the Year in 2008-09. That same season, Genoway was named a second team All-American by the American Hockey Coaches Association. The leading active scorer among NCAA Division I defensemen, Genoway is one of only nine defensemen in UND history to score 100 career points.

In the classroom, Genoway is a three-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete and a three-time All-WCHA Academic Team selection. He was an ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American in 2008-09 and is a three-time recipient of UND's Archie Krum Memorial Scholarship, which recognizes the men's hockey player who demonstrates leadership qualities, high academic standards and athletic excellence.

One of UND's most active student-athletes within the community, Genoway has already logged a team-leading 68.5 hours of community service during the 2010-11 academic year. He has donated his time to numerous organizations, including Special Olympics, Altru Health System, Grand Forks Youth Hockey, the Grand Forks Public Library and several area elementary schools.

Genoway and the other nine finalists were chosen by a media committee from the list of 20 candidates announced in October. Nationwide fan voting begins immediately to determine the winner. Fans are encouraged to vote via the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award website or on the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award Facebook fan page through March 20. Fan votes will be combined with media and coaches votes to determine the winner.

Lowe's, an official corporate partner of the NCAA, will announce the winner on April 7 at the NCAA Frozen Four(r) in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

For more information on all the finalists, visit http://www.seniorCLASSaward.com.

MSUM track signing

MOORHEAD, Minn. – Head Coach Keith Barnier and the Minnesota State University Moorhead track & field program announced the signing of Mary Tanoe, a senior sprinter from Hopkins High School, on Wednesday.

Tanoe was the Minnesota State Champion in the 100-meter dash in both 2009 and 2010. She also is a member of the State record holding 4x100-meter and 4x200-meter relay teams, that won the event at the 2010 State Championship. Tanoe was a critical member of Hopkin's True-Team State Championship in 2010. She has a personal best time of 12.13 in the 100-meter dash.

Tanoe was also recruited by the University of Minnesota, Iowa State and Minnesota Duluth.

MSUM football signings

MOORHEAD, Minn. – Head Football Coach Steve Laqua and the Minnesota State University Moorhead football team are pleased to announce the signing of two future Dragons to National Letters of Intent.

The Dragons add Myles Montplaisir and Jalen Ham as the first members of the 2011 recruiting class.

“I feel that Myles and Jalen are both great additions to our program,” Laqua said. “We are just starting the process of recruiting but feel that adding these two players is a great start to transforming Dragon football.”

Montplaisir (6'1”, 195, QB) will join the Dragons after a decorated prep-career at Shanley High School, where he played for Laqua for four years. While at SHS, he played both quarterback and defensive back and led the Deacon's to back-to-back North Dakota State Championship titles. En route to the title, Montplaisir passed for nearly 1,800 yards and had 28 touchdowns. He also had 850 yards rushing with 11 touchdowns.

Montplaisir was honored as the North Dakota AA Senior Athlete of the Year after being selected the All-State team for the second consecutive season. He was also a two-time All Conference selection and served as both the football and basketball captain. A three-sport athlete at SHS, Montplaisir earned seven letters during his tenure.

Ham (6'0”, 180, ATH) is a 15-time letterwinner at Central Cass High School where he played quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back for the Squirrels. During his senior season, Ham had 25 receptions for 485 yards and eight touchdowns as a receiver, 17 rushes for 200 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. He also had 23 tackles and three punt returns for touchdowns.

After the 2010 season, Ham was selected to the North Dakota All-State first. He was also honored in both 2010 and 2009 on the All-Region first team. As one of the teams quarterback's in 2009, Ham threw for 1,122 yards and had eight touchdowns, while rushing for five touchdowns. He is also a four-time letterwinner in both basketball and baseball, while tallying three letters in track & field. This past summer, Ham led the Cass County legion baseball team to the State Championships.

Bison Men Take Five-Game Road Losing Streak to Centenary, Oral Roberts

This week, the North Dakota State men's basketball team looks to snap a five-game road losing streak this week when the seventh-place Bison (11-10, 5-6) play last-place Centenary (0-23, 0-11) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Gold Dome (3,000) in Shreveport, La. NDSU also is scheduled to play fourth-place Oral Roberts (9-14, 6-5) at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Mabee Center (10,575) in Tulsa, OK.

North Dakota State plays four of its next six games on the road beginning this week before closing out the regular season at home against South Dakota State on Friday, Feb. 25.

THE SERIES: Thursday will be the ninth meeting between North Dakota State and Centenary dating back to 2007-08. NDSU leads the series 8-0 after winning 76-60 in Fargo on Jan. 8. The Bison won 73-62 in Shreveport last year. ... Saturday will be the 11th meeting between North Dakota State and Oral Roberts dating back to 1967-68. The series is tied 5-5 after NDSU's 80-74 win in Fargo on Jan. 6. NDSU is 1-3 in Tulsa. The Bison beat ORU 75-72 to win the 2009 Summit League title in the final game of the regular season.

UMC football signings

The University of Minnesota, Crookston Golden Eagle Football program announced today that 16 players have committed to play for the Golden Eagles during the 2011 season.

This is the inaugural recruiting class for Coach Moller and his coaching staff. Moller states, “We have had a tremendous start to the 2011 season with the commitment of these student-athletes. Our players and assistant coaches have done a great job recruiting and representing the University of Minnesota, Crookston.” He adds, “We are able to attract such talented individuals because this university, OUR UNIVERSITY, has the right people reaching out to help at every turn. The staff would like to send a special thank you to all the faculty, athletics directors, food service members and admissions staff that freely gave up their weekends in support of our recruiting efforts. The recruiting process is never-ending at the Division II level and we will continue to search for additional student-athletes to join this fine group of recruits.”

Brody Davidson #61
Davidson is a 6’1, 210 lb, linebacker from Crookston High School in Crookston, Minn. He was recognized as an All-State selection as a junior and senior. Brody broke the Pirate record for career tackles being involved in 130 stops over the course of his career at Crookston High School. He was a two-year captain for Head Coach Chris Trostad’s Pirates, and the first athlete at Crookston to start as a freshman. In wrestling, he is currently undefeated at 27-0. Brody will play linebacker and plans to major in psychology at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He is the son of Mike and Vicky Davidson.

Justin Emmerich #4
Emmerich is a 6’2, 175 lb, outside linebacker from Andover High School in Andover, Minn. He was an Honorable Mention All-Conference selection as a junior and senior. The Huskies reached the Section Finals in 2010 finishing with 8-2 season mark under Head Coach Rich Wilkie. Justin will play outside linebacker and plans to major in biology or business at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He is the son of Larry and Karen Emmerich.

Ryan Emmerich #42
Emmerich is a 6’0, 210 lb, outside linebacker from Andover High School in Andover, Minn. where he was a three-year starter. In 2010, Ryan was voted Defensive MVP by his teammates and was also recognized as an All-Conference selection. As a junior, Ryan, captured Honorable Mention All-Conference honors. He was part of the eight win campaign at Andover being selected as Defensive Player of the Game on three occasions where the Rich Wilkie led Huskies reached the Section Finals before falling to Blaine High School. Ryan ranks among the Career Sack Leaders for the Huskies at Andover. Rated by Rivels.com as one of the top 20 Linebackers in Minnesota, he will play outside linebacker and plans to major in business or health sciences at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He is the son of Larry and Karen Emmerich.

Greg Lofquist #33
Lofquist is a 6’1, 220 lb, defensive end from South St. Paul High School in South St. Paul, Minn. In 2010, he was voted team captain by his teammates and also earned All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State honors. He was three-year starter for Head Coach Chad Sexauer. Greg finished as the runner-up for Classic Suburban Conference Defensive Player of the Year based on a vote of league coaches. South St. Paul won the Classic Suburban Conference title this fall finishing with a 10-1 mark. The school’s last conference championship had been in 1966 a span of 44 years. Greg will play linebacker and plans to major in health sciences at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He is the son of Walter and Deb Lofquist.

Drew Selvestra #91
Selvestra is a 6’2, 230 lb, defensive lineman from Eagan High School in Eagan, Minn. where he played for Head Coach Rick Sutton. He was one of the statistical leaders of an outstanding Eagan Wildcat defense this fall with 58 tackles, three fumble recoveries, and two deflected passes. Drew was selected as the player of the game in Eagan’s Section win over Henry Sibley. The Wildcats reached the Section Finals before losing to Cretin-Derham Hall. A member of the National Honor Society at Eagan, Drew will play defensive line and plans to major in biology or criminal justice at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He is the son of John and Jennifer Selvestra. His Father, John, played football for the Gophers at the Twin Cities campus.

Sam Smith #75
Smith is a 6’3, 265 lb, offensive lineman from South St. Paul High School in South St. Paul, Minn. A three-year starter for the Packers he was voted team captain by his teammates this fall and also earned All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State honors. South St. Paul won the Classic Suburban Conference title this fall finishing with a 10-1 mark. The school’s last conference championship had been in 1966 a span of 44 years. Sam was a three year fixture in the middle at Center for the Packers under the direction of Head Coach Chad Sexauer. Sam will play offensive line and plans to major in communication at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He is the son of Dennis and Peggy Smith.

Grant Lokken #81
Lokken is a 6’4 210 lb, wide receiver from North High School in Eau Claire, Wis. In 2009, he earned All-City and Honorable Mention All-Conference honors competing in the Big Rivers Conference featuring many of the top football schools in western Wisconsin. Grant played for Head Coach Ben King at North. He will play wide receiver and plans to major in criminal justice at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He is the son of Paul and Carla Lokken.

Antonio Baker #37
Baker is a 6’1, 205 lb, linebacker from Carrollton High School in Carrollton, Ga. In 2010, he received the team’s Outstanding Linebacker Award and Iron Trojan Award. Antonio also earned 2nd Team All-Area honors for Head Coach Rayvan Teague’s Trojans. Baker’s team finished as the state runner up in Georgia, Class AAA in 2010. He recorded 73 tackles this past fall including 26 unassisted stops. In addition, Antonio had eight tackles for loss and recovered a fumble in 13 games. He missed two games with a high ankle sprain. Antonio will play linebacker at the University of Minnesota, Crookston and is undeclared on his major. He is the son of James and Tijuana Cooley.

A.J. Barge #6
Barge is a 6’3, 190 lb, quarterback from Carrollton High School in Carrollton, Ga. In 2010, he was named Permanent Team Captain and received the team’s Iron Trojan Award. He also earned All-Area MVP and Honorable Mention All-State honors. Barge’s team under the guidance of Head Coach Rayvan Teague reached the State Class AAA Championship Game in 2010 and finished the season with a 14-1 record. This past fall he completed 70 % of his throws. A.J. threw for 1,168 yards and 17 touchdowns while throwing for only four interceptions in 15 ballgames. MAXPreps had A.J. ranked 6th in Total Offense in Class AAA in Georgia. He will play quarterback and plans to major in software engineering at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. A.J. is the son of Cindy Barge.

Myint Maung #3
Maung is a 5’9, 170 lb, running back/kick returner from St. Paul Highland Park. He is two-time St. Paul City Conference selection and was named to several All-State Honorable Mention teams last fall. The Scot’s under the direction of Head Coach Dave Zeitchick have enjoyed considerable success in the St. Paul City Conference including capturing the City Championship in Myint’s junior season. He had 1,152 yds in Total Offense last fall. A great kick returner Maung had four touchdown returns as a senior. Possessing great speed he placed 2nd last spring in the finals of the 100 meter dash at the Large School Minnesota State Track Meet, and placed in the finals as a freshman and sophomore. Myint will play running back and receiver along with being involved in the kick return game, and plans to major in software engineering at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He is the son of Patrick and Cho Hmwe Aung.

Lethzee Calderon #11
Calderon is a 6’0, 185 lb, defensive back from Eastview High School in Apple Valley,Minn. He was an Honorable Mention All-Conference Selection in the “new” South Suburban Conference last fall. The Lightning directed by Head Coach Kelly Sherwin finished with a 7-4 record in 2010 placing 2nd in the South Suburban and as the Section runner-up losing to eventual state runner-up Rosemount High School. Lethzee recorded 48 tackles along with three interceptions during the 2010 Lightning campaign. He will play cornerback, and plans to major in marketing at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Lethzee is the son of Iris Baez.

Tyler Hansen # 21
Hansen is a 6’0, 195 lb, running back from Morris High School where he was a three-year starter. The Tigers under the direction of Head Coach Jerry Witt enjoyed an outstanding seven win season in 2010. Tyler was the West Central Conference “Player of the Year” last fall. He is the all-time Career Rushing leader at Morris High School with over 2,700 yards. In addition, Tyler is the first running back in Tiger history to rush for over a 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. He was selected to the West Central All-Area Team as a junior and a senior. Tyler served as the Tiger’s team captain last fall. He will play running back at the University of Minnesota, Crookston and plans to major in pre-veterinary medicine. Tyler is the son of Gary and Marie Hansen.

Tanner Dahlen #24
Dahlen is a 6’1, 205 lb, linebacker from East Grand Forks High School. He was coached by Scott Oliver at East Grand Forks. The Green Wave under Oliver’s direction reached the State AAA Play-offs this fall and finished with an 8-3 record. Tanner was named the 2010 Most Valuable Defensive Player in the Heart O’ Lakes Conference. In addition, he was named to the All-Grand Forks Area Team along with several All-State Teams in Minnesota. This summer Tanner has been selected to play in the North Dakota State High School All-Star game. He will play linebacker at the University of Minnesota, Crookston and is undeclared on a major. Tanner is the son of Jim and Jody Dahlen.

Dalton Hurn
Hurn is a 5’9, 155 lb, wide receiver/defensive back from Blue Earth High School. He was coached by Randy Kuchenmeister at Blue Earth. As a senior, he was named a team captain and Defensive Back of the Year. Dalton plans to major in golf & turf management at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He is the son of Elaine and Dave Hurn.

Chris Marsh
Marsh is a 5’10, 175 lb, running back/ defensive back from Anoka Ramsey Community College (Anoka High School). He was coached by Jeff Buerkle at Anoka. Chris plans to major in health sciences at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He is the son of Diane Marsh.

Ethan Olson
Olson is a 6’2, 295 lb, offensive/defensive lineman from Cook High School. He was coached by Mark Fabish at Cook. He was named All-Conference in 2009 and 2010 and was an All-Conference Lineman MVP following the 2011 season. Ethan plans to major in wildlife management at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He is the son of Deb and Dan Olson.

Laura Taylor NAIA Div II WBB Player of the Week

Laura Taylor of Mayville State (N.D.) has been named the NAIA National Division II Women’s Basketball Player of the Week, the national office announced Tuesday. Taylor was selected based on her performances from Jan. 24 - 30 and was chosen out of a pool of conference /independent /unaffiliated groupings.

In the Comets’ 80-75 victory over Dakota State (S.D.) on Jan. 26, the 6-1 center poured in 24 points on 6-of-15 shooting and grabbed 18 boards. Eleven of her rebounds came on the offensive glass, leading to crucial second-chance points in Mayville State’s win. With only six active Comet players for the matchup against NCCAA’s Trinity Bible College (N.D.) on Jan. 29, Taylor stepped up big with 32 points, 24 rebounds, five steals, three blocks and two assists.

The sophomore from Maddock, N.D., finished the week averaging 28 points and 21 rebounds per game, shooting 50 percent from the floor and 76 percent from the free-throw line.

Taylor has positioned herself among the Dakota Athletic Conference’s best, ranking first in offensive rebounds per game with 3.6, third in rebounds per game with 6.8 and seventh in scoring with 13.2 points per game.

Lundon and Pavek Selected as Pine to Prairie Girls and Boys Basketball Players of the Week

Jenna Lundon (Jr., Guard) from Waubun High School and Jacob Pavek (So., Forward) from Mahnomen High School have been voted as the Girls and Boys Basketball Pine to Prairie Players of the Week.

Jenna scored 15 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and added 10 steals in the Bombers victory over Norman County West. Lundon than had a game high 38 points against Ada-Borup. She also added 11 rebounds and had 4 steals in the loss to the Cougars. This is the second conference Player of the Week award for Jenna. She earned her first one in December.

Jacob scored 26 points on 11 of 14 shooting and added 12 rebounds in a hard fought loss to Bagley. He then contributed a 19 point and 16 rebound effort in a win against Win-E-Mac. Pavek has now recorded six consecutive double digit scoring and rebounding games. This is Jacob’s first Player of the Week honor.

Special mention this week goes to Garrett Carlin (Sr., Forward) from Fosston High School who reached the 1000 rebound mark in his career.

Other outstanding efforts for the week were turned in by Kyle Arneson (Jr., Point Guard) from Fosston High School, Kris Skersick (Jr., Forward) from Bagley High School, Megan Kolness (So, Forward) from Ada-Borup High School, Kari Skersick (Fr., Forward) from Bagley High School and Alyssa Schmidt (Sr., Guard) from Fosston High School.