Gophers Nate Mason Named B1G Freshman of the Week

For the third straight week, the Big Ten Conference has recognized the University of Minnesota with a weekly award, as guard Nate Mason was named the Freshman of the Week on Monday. Mason is just the second Gopher to receive the honor since its inception in 2010.

A Decatur, Ga., native, Mason matched a pair of career highs in the Gophers’ only action of the week, a 92-57 win over Seattle University on Friday. Mason contributed 15 points and six steals to help lead Minnesota to its sixth straight victory. He also added three rebounds and an assist in 25 minutes of action against the Redhawks.

With that performance, Mason marked his seventh double-digit scoring effort in 11 games. The freshman is the Gophers’ fourth-leading scorer (9.7 ppg) and rebounder (3.9 rpg), is second in 3-point shooting (.457) and assists (3.4 apg), and third in steals (2.1 spg). His 3-point shooting percentage and steals rank fifth among all Big Ten players, while his assist/turnover ratio of 3.1 is sixth in the B1G.

In the last two weeks, the Gophers earned two Player of the Week nods in Andre Hollins (Dec. 8) and Maurice Walker (Dec. 15). Minnesota’s only other recipient of the Freshman of the Week honor was Joe Coleman, who won the award on Jan. 16, 2012.

The Gophers return to action tonight, hosting Furman at 7 p.m. at Williams Arena.

Gophers Add Diedhiou, Lukeshewich to Roster

Head men’s basketball coach Richard Pitino announced Thursday that freshman Gaston Diedhiou (Dakar, Senegal/Canarias Academy) has been admitted to the University of Minnesota and, effective immediately, has been added to the Golden Gophers roster.

Diedhiou , a 6-9 forward, has joined the team and is eligible to practice and compete right away, including Friday night’s game against Seattle University.

Additionally, Pitino announced that freshman Mike Lukashewich (Appleton, Wisc./Appleton North HS) has been added to the roster. Lukashewich, a 6-3, 180-pound walk-on guard, will also be able to practice and play immediately.

The Gophers return to action on Friday evening hosting the Redhawks at 7 p.m. at Williams Arena

NDSU’s Emanuel, Heagle Named to Walter Camp FCS All-America Team

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - North Dakota State defensive end Kyle Emanuel and strong safety Colten Heagle were named to the Walter Camp FCS All-America Team on Tuesday, Dec. 16, by a vote of head coaches and sports information directors from FCS schools.

It's the second All-America honor for both players this season.  Emanuel and Heagle were named to the FCS Coaches' All-America team by the American Football Coaches Association on Monday.  Emanuel also was named the Buck Buchanan Award winner as the top defensive player in the FCS.

No. 2 seed North Dakota State (13-1) hosts Sam Houston State (11-4) in an NCAA semifinal game at 7:10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome.  The game will be televised live on ESPN2.

2014 Walter Camp FCS All-America Team
Offense
WR - De'Andre Carter, Sr., Sacramento State
WR - RJ Harris, Jr., New Hampshire
TE - MyCole Pruitt, Sr., Southern Illinois
OL - Mike Coccia, RFr., New Hampshire
OL - Jack Rummels, Sr., Northern Iowa
OL - Colin Seibert, RJr., Eastern Illinois
OL - Jake Rodgers, Jr., Eastern Washington
C - Max Holcombe, Jr., Jacksonville State
QB - John Robertson, Jr., Villanova
RB - **Zach Zenner, Sr., South Dakota State
RB - Marshaun Coprich, Jr., Illinois State
PK - Michael Schmadeke, Jr., Northern Iowa

Defense
DL - Zack Wagenmann, Sr., Montana
DL - Kyle Emanuel, Jr., North Dakota State
DL - Javon Hargrave, Jr., South Carolina State
DL - James Cowser, Jr., Southern Utah
LB - Nick Dzubner, Sr., Cal Poly
LB - *Quinn Backus, Sr., Coastal Carolina
LB - Don Cherry, Jr., Villanova
DB - *Caleb Schaffitzel, Sr., Missouri State
DB - Colten Heagle, Sr., North Dakota State
DB - Jacob Hagen, Sr., Liberty
DB - Donald Payne, So., Stetson
P - *Kyle Loomis, Sr., Portland State
KR - Pokey Harris, Jr., Murray State

* Walter Camp FCS All-America in 2013
** Walter Camp FCS All-America in 2012 and 2013

24 UMC Student-Athletes Selected to NSIC Fall All-Academic Team

BURNSVILLE, Minn.– The University of Minnesota Crookston had 24 student-athletes recognized on the 2014 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Fall All-Academic Team as released Tuesday afternoon by the conference office. The NSIC had 624 student-athletes earn NSIC All-Academic honors for the 2014 fall athletic season. UMC’s 24 student-athletes are an improved over 20 on the 2013 Fall All-Academic Team.

To be eligible for this honor, the student-athlete must be a member of the varsity traveling team and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or better. Furthermore, the student-athlete must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at her/his institution (true freshmen, red-shirt freshmen and ineligible athletic transfers are not eligible) and must have completed at least one full academic year at that institution.

The UMC football team had eight student-athletes recognized as NSIC Fall All-Academic performers including: Ben Bucholz (Jr., QB, Perham, Minn./Agricultural Business), Matt Borowicz (Sr., OL, Stephen, Minn./Health Science), Nathan Cole (So., QB, Aliso Viejo, Calif./Management), Tyman Hayashi (So., OL, Kalihi, Hawai’i/Environmental Science), Joe Machacek (So., OL, Eagan, Minn./Finance), Myint Maung (Sr., WR, St. Paul, Minn./Criminal Justice), Drew McDurmin (So., OL, Aiea, Hawai’i/Management) and Drew Selvestra (Jr., DL, Eagan, Minn./Criminal Justice). The Golden Eagle football team had six student-athletes recognized last season.

The Golden Eagle soccer team had 10 student-athletes recognized including Cayla Bendel (Sr., D/MF, Lakeville, Minn./Natural Resources), Samantha Deutsch (So., D, Lakeville, Minn./Accounting), Danielle Gau (So., D, Monticello, Minn./Health Science), Kallie Gau (So., MF/F, Monticello, Minn./Early Childhood Education), Lexie Gauger (So., GK, Green Bay, Wis./Criminal Justice), Delaney Kohorst (So., D, Cohasset, Minn./Marketing), Delaney McIntyre (Jr., MF, Flin Flon, Manitoba/Sports and Rec Management), Erin Mears (Sr., MF, Sioux Falls, S.D./Criminal Justice), Lindsey Paul (So., MF, Otsego, Minn./Communication) and Kary Sheppard (So., MF, Grand Rapids, Minn./Health Science). The UMC soccer team had seven individuals honored during the 2013 season.

The UMC volleyball team had six student-athletes honored including Casey Cashman (So., DS/Lib, Ashland, Wis./Natural Resources), Kali Erickson (So., OH, Fargo, N.D./Health Science), Brittany Looker (Sr., OH, Rochester, Minn./Health Science), Mary Mikutowski (Sr., Lib., Stillwater, Minn./Health Science), Stephanie Pearson (Jr., OH, Frankfort, Ill./Accounting) and Sierra Trost (So., S, Ham Lake, Minn./Biology). The Golden Eagle volleyball team had seven individuals recognized in 2013.

Minnesota Lynx to Open 2015 Season on June 5 vs. Tulsa

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team’s schedule for the upcoming 2015 season. The Lynx will kick off their 17^th season in the WNBA at home against Tulsa on Friday, June 5 at 7 p.m. The 2015 WNBA campaign includes 34 regular-season games, dating from June 5 to Sept. 11. Full-season memberships, which start as low as $18 per month, are still available by visiting www.lynxbasketball.com/memberships or by calling 612-673-8400. Memberships include tickets to all 17 home games, and provide year round benefits, including exclusive events featuring Lynx players and basketball staff, members-only merchandise, discounts, playoff priority and more.

The Lynx will play Western Conference teams Phoenix (three times on the road, twice at home) and Seattle (three times at home, twice on the road) five times this season, while facing off with Los Angeles, San Antonio and Tulsa four times each, twice at home and twice on the road. Minnesota will face six Eastern Conference teams twice, once at home and once on the road. The 2015 campaign also includes three nationally broadcast games on ESPN2 on June 14 at Phoenix, Aug. 4 at Los Angeles and Aug. 30 vs. Phoenix.

Minnesota’s 17-home schedule includes 11 weekend games (5 Friday, 1 Saturday, 5 Sunday), two Tuesday, three Wednesday and one Thursday game. The team’s annual camp day game will tip off on Wednesday, July 22 at 12 p.m., as the Lynx host the Connecticut Sun. The Lynx have one four-game homestand this season (Aug. 30-Sept.8) and have three three-game road trips (June 14-19, Aug. 1-7 and Aug. 21-28).

Highlights of the home half of the schedule include a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals when Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury return to Target Center on Saturday, June 27 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 30, and a rematch of the 2013 WNBA Finals with Angel McCoughtry, Tiffany Hayes and the Atlanta Dream (July 31).

Minnesota’s preseason schedule will be announced at a later date.

Key Facts about the 2015 Lynx Regular Season Schedule

-       By month, the schedule breaks down as follows: June (4 home, 5 away = 9 total), July (6 home, 3 away = 9 total), August (4 home, 8 away = 12 total), September (3 home, 1 away).

-       By day, the schedule breaks down as follows: Monday (home 0, 0 away = 0 total), Tuesday (2 home, 3 away = 5 total), Wednesday (3 home, 0 away = 3 total), Thursday (1 home, 1 away = 2 total), Friday (5 home, 7 away = 12 total), Saturday (1 home, 2 away= 3 total), Sunday (5 home, 4 away = 9 total).

-       Minnesota's 17-game home schedule will feature three different starting times: 11 games tipoff at 7:00 p.m.; five games (Sunday) will commence at 6:00 p.m. and one game (Wednesday) will start at 12:00 p.m.

-       The Lynx will open their regular season slate at home against the Tulsa Shock on Friday, June 5, marking the 10th time in franchise history the club has opened the season on the road.

-       Minnesota has one homestand of at least four games this season, a stretch which includes games against Phoenix, Indiana, New York, and Seattle from Aug. 30 – Sept. 8. The most home-friendly section of the Lynx schedule is a 12-game stretch between June and July, when the Lynx play eight of 12 games at Target Center (June 21 – July 31).

-       The most consecutive road games this season for the Lynx is three strings of three: June 14 – 19 (Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Antonio), Aug. 1-7 (Tulsa, Los Angeles, Phoenix) and Aug. 21-28 (San Antonio, Phoenix, New York). The Lynx also have one stretch of two consecutive road games this summer: Aug. 14-16 (Atlanta, Washington).

-       Minnesota will play games in back-to-back nights twice this season: at home June 5 vs. Tulsa and at Indiana (June 6) and home July 31 vs. Atlanta and at Los Angeles (Aug. 1). The Lynx will also play the same opponent two games in a row twice in 2015: Washington (Aug. 16 - 19) and Seattle (Sept. 8 - 11).

Lynx 2015 Opponent Breakdown

Western Conference: Los Angeles (H: 7/29, 8/9; A: 6/16, 8/4); Phoenix (H: 6/27, 8/30; A: 6/14, 8/7, 8/23); San Antonio (H: 7/12, 8/11; A: 6/19, 8/21); Seattle (H: 6/11, 7/3, 9/8; A: 6/25, 9/11); Tulsa (H: 6/5, 6/21; A: 7/19, 8/1).

Eastern Conference: Atlanta (H: 7/31; A: 8/14); Chicago (H: 7/17; A: 7/10); Connecticut (H: 7/22; A: 7/14); Indiana (H: 9/4; A: 6/6); New York (H: 9/6; A: 8/28); Washington (H: 8/19; A: 8/16).

Minnesota Lynx 2015 Regular Season Schedule

Jun.		Fri.	5	Tulsa	7:00 p.m.
		Sat.	6 at	Indiana	7:00 p.m.
		Thu.	11	Seattle	7:00 p.m.
		Sun.	14 at	Phoenix	12:00 p.m.*
		Tue.	16 at	Los Angeles	7:30 p.m.
		Fri.	19 at	San Antonio	7:00 p.m.
		Sun.	21	Tulsa	6:00 p.m.
		Thu.	25 at	Seattle	7:00 p.m.
		Sat.	27	Phoenix	7:00 p.m.
July		Fri.	3	Seattle	7:00 p.m.
		Fri.	10 at	Chicago	7:30 p.m.
		Sun.	12	San Antonio	6:00 p.m
		Tue.	14 at	Connecticut	7:00 p.m.
		Fri.	17	Chicago	7:00 p.m.
		Sun.	19 at	Tulsa	3:30 p.m.
		Wed.	22	Connecticut	12:00 p.m.
		Wed.	29	Los Angeles	7:00 p.m.
		Fri.	31	Atlanta	7:00 p.m.
Aug.		Sat.	1 at	Tulsa	7:00 p.m.
		Tue.	4 at	Los Angeles	7:00 p.m.*
		Fri.	7 at	Phoenix	7:00 p.m.
		Sun.	9	Los Angeles	6:00 p.m.
		Tue.	11	San Antonio	7:00 p.m.
		Fri.	14 at	Atlanta	7:30 p.m.
		Sun.	16 at	Washington	4:00 p.m.
		Wed.	19	Washington	7:00 p.m.
		Fri.	21 at	San Antonio	7:00 p.m.
		Sun.	23 at	Phoenix	3:00 p.m.
		Fri.	28 at	New York	7:30 p.m.
		Sun.	30	Phoenix	6:00 p.m.*
Sept.		Fri.	4	Indiana	7:00 p.m.
		Sun.	6	New York	6:00 p.m.
		Tue.	8	Seattle	7:00 p.m.
		Fri.	11 at	Seattle	7:00 p.m.

All times local to host city

*Nationally telecast on ESPN2

NDSU’s Keller Finalist for Fred Mitchell Award

FARGO, N.D. - North Dakota State kicker Adam Keller is one of 10 finalists for the Fred Mitchell Award, which is presented annually to one kicker in all of college football that excels on the football field and in the community.

The winner will be announced Dec. 18 and the award will be presented Feb. 16 at the National Football Foundation Chicago Chapter Awards Ceremony at Halas Hall in suburban Chicago.

Keller, a senior from Lewisberry, Pa., broke NDSU's career records for PAT kicks (180) and field goals made (52) in last week's second round playoff win over South Dakota State.  He is also the NDSU record holder for PAT attempts (186) and ranks second in field goal attempts (65) eight shy of tying the record.

He is 47 of 47 on PATs and has converted 106 straight PAT kicks over the past 25 games, a streak which is third longest in MVFC history.  Keller has made a school-record 25 field goals this year, two shy of the FCS record of 27 set this year by Northern Iowa's Michael Schmadeke, another finalist for the award.

Keller made a school-record five field goals in the 22-10 home win over Montana and booted a career-long 50-yarder against Indiana State.  He has made eight straight field goals entering the FCS quarterfinal game with Coastal Carolina, and is 9-for-11 this season from 40 yards and beyond.

2014 Fred Mitchell Award Finalists
Jonah Bowman, Colgate
Paul Graham, Wayne State (Mich.)
Conner Hollabaugh, West Texas A&M
Adam Keller, North Dakota State
Michael Marando, Fordham
Ryan McCrum, Southeast Missouri State
Scott Miller, Indianapolis
Tom Obarski, Concordia St. Paul
Michael Schmadeke, Northern Iowa
Mike Self, Cumberland

UMC's Lofquist Named Beyond Sports Network All-Super Region 3 Second Team

CROOKSTON, Minn. – University of Minnesota Crookston football player Greg Lofquist (Sr., LB, South St. Paul, Minn./Criminal Justice) was selected to the Beyond Sports Network Division 2 Football All-Super Region 3 Second Team for his performance on the field for the 2014 season. Lofquist is now eligible to be named to the Beyond Sports Network Division 2 All-America Team.

Lofquist, an All-NSIC North Division All-Conference First Team pick, led the Golden Eagles with 160 tackles, which was the most tackles a player has ever had in a single-season at UMC. He surpassed the previous mark set by Neil Austin in 2001. Lofquist’s 98 tackles were also a single-season record, as were his 62 solo tackles. Lofquist led the NSIC in tackles on the season and was third in the nation in total tackles.

The senior was moved to linebacker from defensive end prior to the start of his senior campaign due to injury and far exceeded expectations with his performance. Lofquist had nine-straight games with 10 or more tackles and ended his season with 20 tackles against Minnesota State University Moorhead, which ranks third all-time in a single game. Lofquist had 13.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and one interception on the season.

Four teams were selected for Super Region 3, which includes the NSIC, the Great American Conference (GAC) and the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).

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

Martin to Seek Transfer from U of M

University of Minnesota head men’s basketball coach Richard Pitino announced Monday that freshman forward Josh Martin has decided to transfer from the team, effective immediately.

“While we are disappointed in Josh’s decision to transfer, we wish him nothing but the best in the future,” said Pitino.

Martin had appeared in seven games with the Gophers in a reserve role, recording nine points, seven rebounds and three blocks in 38 minutes of action.

Minnesota (6-2) returns to the court tonight, hosting the University of North Dakota at 8 p.m. at Williams Arena

North Dakota remains on top of national hockey polls

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The University of North Dakota will enter its final series before the Christmas break as the No. 1 team in NCAA Division I men’s hockey, according to both national polls released on Monday.

UND claimed the top spot in both the USCHO and USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine polls for the second straight week following a non-conference sweep of Lake Superior State. UND received 38 of 50 first-place votes in the USCHO poll and 29 of 34 first-place nods in the USA Today rankings.

UND’s next opponent, Denver, was ranked No. 11 in both polls. The Pioneers will host UND on Friday and Saturday in UND’s final action prior to the Christmas break.

Boston University, Minnesota, State, Michigan Tech and Harvard rounded out the top five in both polls.

USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll

Rk.      School (First place votes)       Record           Pts.         PR

1.         North Dakota (38)                     12-3-2           983            1

2.         Boston University (1)                     10-3-2            900            3

3.         Minnesota State (1)                        12-4-0            818            2

4.         Michigan Tech (1)                            12-2-0            784            5

5.         Harvard (6)                                        9-1-2            752            9

6.         Miami                                               11-5-0            752            9

7.         Minnesota                                          9-4-1            715            6

8.         Massachusetts-Lowell                    10-3-3            707            7

9.         Minnesota Duluth (3)                      11-5-0            677            8

10.       Vermont                                           11-3-1            548          11

11.       Denver                                               9-4-0            478          10

12.       Omaha                                                8-4-2            435          12

13.       Bowling Green                                 11-3-2            419          14

14.       Colgate                                              9-5-1            377          13

15.       Quinnipiac                                        10-5-1            256          15

16.       Boston College                                 8-7-1            177          17

17.       Robert Morris                                  10-1-3            170          20

18.       Providence                                         8-6-1            161          16

19.       Merrimack                                        10-5-2            138          18

20.       Union                                                 9-6-1              66         NR

Others receiving votes: Penn State 56, Northern Michigan 51, Yale 29, St. Cloud State 28, Michigan 18, St. Lawrence 7, Ferris State 3, Dartmouth 2, Holy Cross 1, Mercyhurst 1.

USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Poll

Rk.      School (1^st place)                      Record           Pts.         PR

1.         North Dakota (29)                     12-3-2           502            1

2.         Boston University (1)                     10-3-1            449            2

3.         Minnesota State                              12-4-0            379            4

4.         Michigan Tech                                  12-2-0            375            6

5.         Harvard (4)                                        9-1-2            360            8

6.         Minnesota                                          9-4-1            336            3

7.         Miami                                               11-5-0            330            5

8.         Massachusetts-Lowell                    10-3-3            296            7

9.         Minnesota Duluth                            11-5-0            255            9

10.       Vermont                                           11-3-1            207          10

11.       Denver                                               9-4-0            152          11

12.       Omaha                                                8-4-2            135          13

13.       Colgate                                              9-5-1            119          12

14.       Bowling Green                                 11-3-2              93          14

15.       Quinnipiac                                        10-5-1              29          15

Others receiving votes: Merrimack 18, Robert Morris 11, Providence 9, Michigan 7, Boston College 6, Yale 3, St. Cloud State 2.