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.