Minnesota Lynx Single-Game Tickets On Sale Saturday

 MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx today announced that individual game tickets for the team’s 2015 season will go on sale Saturday, May 2 at 10 a.m. Additionally, the team has announced a new partnership with ticketing provider, Veritix,  for the 2015 season.

Fans can purchase single-game tickets at Lynxbasketball.com/lynxtix, by phone at 612-673-8400 or by visiting the Target Center Box Office from 10 a.m.-noon this  Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. any Monday through Friday.

Through the partnership, the Lynx will utilize Veritix’s digital ticketing technology called Flash Seats, which gives fans added flexibility and convenience to purchase, transfer and safely and securely re-sell their tickets online or through the Flash Seats mobile app. With the new system, traditional paper tickets are eliminated. Instead, fans who arrive at Target Center will access the arena using their personal ID or credit card registered under their Veritix account or scan their mobile ticket through the Flash Seats mobile app.

The Lynx are the first WNBA team to adopt Flash Seats digital tickets.

“Our fans are the sole focus of our efforts as an organization, and we’re actively working to evolve as their behaviors and preferences  change,” said Lynx President Chris Wright. “Beyond providing them with world-class entertainment and athleticism, we need to provide them with world-class solutions that make their engagement with us easy and memorable. That’s why we decided to partner with Veritix.”

Veritix supports sports teams and live entertainment venues throughout the U.S., including Quicken Loans Arena and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Toyota Center and the Houston Rockets, the Pepsi Center and the Denver Nuggets, Ford Field and the Detroit Lions, the NCAA Final Four, and more. Veritix is well known for its digital and patented ID-based ticketing technology, Flash Seats®.

A highlight of Minnesota’s 17-home schedule includes the home opener against the Tulsa Shock on Friday, June 5 at 7 p.m. Other highlights include a rematch a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals when Brittney Griner 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).

The first chance fans have to see Minnesota’s new-look roster is the team’s preseason contest at Target Center on Monday, June 1 at 7 p.m. vs. the New York Liberty

AP MN Baseball poll

The Associated Press poll for Minnesota baseball, provided by Let's Play Baseball newspaper.

Class AAA – April 30, 2015

1. MOUNDS VIEW

2. Chaska

3. Cretin-Derham Hall

4. Lakeville North

5. Eden Prairie

6. Maple Grove

7. Chanhassen

8. Mahtomedi

9. Anoka

10. St. Michael-Albertville

11. Minnetonka

12. Wayzata

13. Totino-Grace

14. Bloomington Jefferson

15. Stillwater Area

16. St. Francis

17. East Ridge

18. Bemidji

19. Brainerd

20. Shakopee

Also receiving votes: Apple Valley, Northfield, Woodbury, North St. Paul, Hutchinson, Waconia, Champlin Park, Robbinsdale Armstrong, Sauk Rapids-Rice, South St. Paul, Centennial, Grand Rapids, Roseville Area, Rochester John Marshall, Elk River, Forest Lake, Mankato West, Red Wing

Class AA – April 30, 2015

1. ST. CLOUD CATHEDRAL

2. Rochester Lourdes

3. Fairmont

4. Marshall

5. Minnehaha Academy

6. Albany

7. Delano

8. Glencoe/Silver Lake

9. Perham

10. Blake

11. Aitkin

12. Kasson-Mantorville

13. DeLaSalle

14. Holy Angels

15. Holy Family Catholic

16. Minnewaska Area

17. New Ulm

18. Byron

19. Pequot Lakes

20. Little Falls

Also receiving votes: Rocori, Providence Academy, La Crescent, Norwood Young America, Litchfield, Ottertail Central, St. Croix Lutheran, Maple Lake, International Falls, Hawley, Belle Plaine, Albert Lea, Thief River Falls/Goodridge, Duluth Marshall, Cloquet, Cannon Falls, Detroit Lakes, Winona Cotter, Caledonia, St. Anthony Village, Luverne, Pierz

Class A – April 30, 2015

1. NEW LIFE ACADEMY

2. BOLD

3. Windom Area

4. Springfield

5. Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s

6. Hayfield

7. New Ulm Cathedral

8. Ely

9. Medford

10. Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton

11. Upsala/Swanville Area

12. ML-GHEC-Truman

13. Chatfield

14. Lac qui Parle Valley

15. Lewiston-Altura

16. Heritage Christian

17. South Ridge

18. Mankato Loyola

19. Randolph

20. Blackduck

Also receiving votes: Nevis, Badger-Greenbush-Middle River, West Central Area, Sacred Heart, New York Mills, Kenyon-Wanamingo, PACT Charter School, St. Agnes, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, Southwest Christian, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton, Norman County, Martin County West, Minneota, Hinckley-Finlayson, Wabasha/Kellogg, Ortonville, Red Lake County, Lyle/Austin Pacelli

NDSU Volleyball Adds Jennifer Lopez as Assistant Coach

FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State University head volleyball coach Kari Thompson announced Thursday, April 30, that former Bison standout Jennifer Lopez will join the NDSU staff as an assistant coach.

Lopez most recently served as the head girls’ volleyball coach at Oak Grove Lutheran High School in Fargo for the 2013-14 season and as an assistant coach at West Fargo Sheyenne High School for 2014-15. She has also been highly involved in area instructional camps and club volleyball.

“I’m excited about the addition of Jen to our staff and eager to get her on the bench and back into the Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse,” said Thompson. “Jen is a competitor. She possesses a calling to teach and mentor and a passion for coaching volleyball. Her experience as a competitive student-athlete and her pride in Bison athletics make her a perfect fit for our program.”

Lopez was the Summit League Setter of the Year, Player of the Year and Tournament MVP in 2011 as a senior for the Bison. She was a three-time All-Summit League selection, leading NDSU to four straight regular season league titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances from 2008-11.

“I am extremely excited and humbled to be back at NDSU and to work with the volleyball program,” Lopez said. “I am grateful for Coach Thompson and the opportunity to pursue my passion for coaching volleyball and helping others further develop their skills on the court.”

“Being able to give back to the university that did so much for me as a student-athlete is very rewarding,” said Lopez. “The values and standards that NDSU upholds are a part of who I am, and I hope I can continue to instill the tradition of success and hard work in developing young women. The positive impact that NDSU has had on my life is one that I hope I am able to provide to our kids during their time spent at NDSU.”

Lopez will serve as NDSU’s offensive coordinator, overseeing the technical training and skill development combined with play calling and decision-making at the setter position.

“Jen knows what it takes to be successful here at NDSU, specifically in the setting position, and our student-athletes will benefit immensely from her as an assistant coach,” Thompson said.

Lopez, a Glyndon, Minn., native, ranks among the NDSU all-time top 10 in total assists, assists per set and digs per set.

She graduated from NDSU in 2014 with a degree in mathematics education and a minor in coaching.

MN Timberwolves' Andrew Wiggins Wins NBA Rookie of the Year Award

Becomes first Wolves player to win Rookie of the Year honors 

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The NBA today announced Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins is the recipient of the Eddie Gottlieb trophy as the winner of the Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He is the first Wolves player to win this award.

Wiggins, 20, received 110 of 130 first-place votes and 604 total points from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. The Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Mirotic finished second with 335 points (14 first-place votes), and Nerlens Noel of the Philadelphia 76ers was third with 141 points (three first-place votes). Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote.

"I am honored and humbled to be recognized by the media for this award," Wiggins said. "I'd like to thank our coaches and my teammates for all they have done to help me and support me this season. I'm looking forward to taking my game to an even higher level next year and helping our team make a significant improvement."

Wiggins led all qualified rookies in scoring with 16.9 ppg, and was 4th in steals (1.05 spg) and 5th in rebounding (4.6 rpg). He was the only rookie, and one of just 11 players, to start all 82 games this season and finished with a Wolves rookie record 2969 minutes played, second-most in the NBA (James Harden, 2981). Wiggins finished the season strong by averaging 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in April.

"Andrew's hard work and commitment to improving his game was evident by his production on the court this season," said Wolves head coach Flip Saunders. "We're thrilled to see him rewarded for this dedication. Andrew has proven that he is one of our key players and a main reason why we're excited about our future."

Wiggins was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month four times this season, becoming the first player in Wolves history to earn the honor multiple times. He tallied a rookie-leading 31 20+ point games this season, the most such games by a rookie since Damian Lillard in 2012-13.

The 6-8 forward filled the box score with 29 points, 10 rebounds and six assists April 10 at the Los Angeles Lakers. He scored a season-high 33 points Jan. 31 vs. Cleveland and added a season-high four steals in that game. Wiggins scored a game-high 31 points Jan 17 at Denver, while adding a season-high three blocks. He recorded his first career double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds Dec. 10 vs. Portland.

As part of its support of the Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Award, Kia Motors America (KMA) will donate on Wiggins’ behalf an all-new and more capable than ever 2016 Kia Sorento LX CUV to Rock of Faith Worship Centre in the Canadian province of Ontario, where Wiggins and his family are members. Kia Motors will present a Sorento to the charity of choice of each of five 2014-15 year-end award winners as part of the Kia NBA Performance Awards. After this season, Kia Motors will have donated a total of 38 new vehicles to charitable organizations since its support of the NBA’s prestigious honors began in 2008.

The 2014-15 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Award is part of the Kia NBA Performance Awards, a series of oncourt performance awards. The series, in its eighth season, is part of a multiyear marketing partnership between KMA and the NBA, and includes five of the league’s most prestigious year-end honors: Kia Most Valuable Player, Kia Defensive Player of the Year, Kia Sixth Man Award, Kia Most Improved Player and Kia Rookie of the Year. The series also includes the Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month and the Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month during the regular season. Kia Motors is the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA, and the Kia Optima is the league’s Official Vehicle. For more information, please visit www.kia.com/NBA.

2014-15 KIA NBA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD VOTING RESULTS

Rookie, Team		1st	2nd	3rd	Total
Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota		110	17	3	604
Nikola Mirotic, Chicago		14	81	22	335
Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia		3	22	60	141
Elfrid Payton, Orlando		3	8	40	79
Marcus Smart, Boston		--	1	3	6
Jusuf Nurkic, Denver		--	1	--	3
Jordan Clarkson, L.A. Lakers		--	--	2	2

UMC Men’s Basketball Adds Fosston Guard Viken

CROOKSTON, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Crookston men’s basketball program announced the addition of Fosston-native Darin Viken (G, 6-2 190, Fosston, Minn./Fosston H.S.) to a National Letter of Intent. Viken is the eighth signee for the Golden Eagles during both signing periods as Head Coach Dan Weisse puts together his first full signing class.

Viken has given the Golden Eagles even more presence in the state of Minnesota as UMC has now signed six in-state players. The class has been labeled by Northstar Hoops Report as one of the strongest in-state classes. Viken is also the second local athlete to sign with Weisse joining Crookston-product Aaron Hollcraft (G, 5-11 175, Crookston, Minn./Crookston H.S.).

"Darin is a very tough, smart basketball player," Weisse said. "He had a very successful high school season and was very well coached. He has the values and mindset that we are looking for in a student-athlete. Darin will bring a blue collar mentality to practice. We know Darin will show up every day and give his all. When guys do that they keep improving and keep raising the bar for the team. I’m excited Darin decided to stay close to home and be a Golden Eagle."

Viken joins high school signees Hollcraft, Chase Knickerbocker (F, 6-6 175, Annandale, Minn./Annandale H.S.), Kobe Critchley (G, 6-0 190, Roseville, Minn./Roseville Area H.S.), Connor Gamble (G, 6-0 155, Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater Area H.S.), Nate Lorenz (F, 6-7 210, Breckenridge, Minn./Breckenridge H.S.).

UMC has also added junior college additions C.J. Polk (G, 6-1 176, Milwaukee, Wis./North Platte C.C.) and Riley Rice (F, 6-6 230, Mullen, Neb./North Platte C.C.).

All signees are contingent upon admission to UMC and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Everyone released today has signed their National Letter of Intent prior to release ofinformation.

Darin Viken (G, 6-2 190, Fosston, Minn./Fosston H.S.)
Viken was named the Pine to Prairie Conference Player of the Year for the 2015 season. In addition, he was a three-time All-Conference pick during three seasons with Fosston H.S. Viken set the school record with 42 points in a game. He finished his career with 1,717 points. Viken helped lead his team to the Class A tournament during the 2011-12 season. He was a four-year letter winner in football and basketball. He was named Pine to Prairie Defensive Player of the Year for football in 2014 and was an All-Conference pick for three years. Viken was also a two-time All-Section pick for football. He was an Academic All-State pick for both sports. Viken averaged 20.1 points per game as a senior for the Greyhounds. He was a 76.7 percent field goal shooter on the season, a 56.7 percent three-point shooter and a 77.9 free-throw shooter. Viken averaged a near double-double with 9.4 rebounds per game.
He is the son of Les and Patti Viken and was born April 1, 1997. Viken plans to major in biology at UMC. His father Les Viken played football at Minnesota State University Moorhead, as did his brother Drew Viken. His cousin Tyler Gripentrog is a baseball player at Northern State University.
The eight newcomers will join six returnees, which includes senior

Derrick Redd, Jr. (G, Menifee, Calif./Sports and Rec Management), who led the team with an 11.4 points per game average as a junior. Redd will join Jim Warmack (So., F/C, East Grand Forks, Minn./Management) and Micah Hollowell (So., G, Owensboro, Ky.) as returnees, along with redshirts A.J. Walton (R-Fr., G, Oak Hills, Calif.), Gable Smith (R-Fr., F, Lodi, Wis.) and Ibrahim Cisse (R-So., F, Plymouth, Minn.).

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
Follow the Golden Eagles on Facebook at Golden Eagle Sports and on Twitter at @UMCAthletics.
The University of Minnesota Crookston is a NCAA Division II university located in the Red River Valley of Northwest Minnesota. UMC sponsors 11 intercollegiate athletic teams with membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate conference (NSIC) and the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). The NSIC is a 16-team conference with schools situated in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska.

Minnesota Lynx Signings

Minnesota Lynx Sign Second-Round Pick Reshanda Gray

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – Minnesota Lynx today announced the signing of second-round draft pick Reshanda Gray (16th overall).  

Gray, a 6-3 forward out of California, was named Pac-12 Player of the Year this season as well as being selected as a Wade Trophy and Wooden Award finalist after finishing the year averaging 17.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. She ranked 12th in the country in field goal percentage at .568 and finished her career as Cal’s all-time leader in career field goal percentage (.557). Gray was fourth in the Pac-12 in scoring and 10th in rebounding.

The first chance fans have to see Minnesota’s new-look roster is the team’s preseason contest at Target Center on Monday, June 1 at 7 p.m. vs. the New York Liberty. Tickets for the game are currently on sale for Lynx season members at their discounted member rate. Single-game tickets will be released for sale at a later date.

The Lynx will kick off their 17th season in the WNBA at home on Friday, June 5 against the Tulsa Shock at 7 p.m. A limited number of lower level full-season memberships are currently available by visiting Lynxbasketball.com or by calling 612-673-8400.

Minnesota Lynx Sign Third-Round Pick Shae Kelley

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – Minnesota Lynx today announced the signing of third-round draft pick Shae Kelley (35th overall).  

Kelley, a 6-1 forward from the University of Minnesota, was named to the All-Big Ten First Team in 2015 and was a three-time Big Ten Player of the Week honoree, while leading the Gophers in steals (56) and ranking second in points (578). She ranked sixth in the Big Ten in scoring, offensive rebounds and double-doubles, seventh in rebounds and defensive rebounds and 15th in steals.

Prior to transferring Minnesota, Kelley was named to the 2014 All-Conference USA First Team as a member of Old Dominion women’s basketball team. She surpassed 1,000 career points in just her second year at Old Dominion, becoming just the fifth Lady Monarch to do so.

The first chance fans have to see Minnesota’s new-look roster is the team’s preseason contest at Target Center on Monday, June 1 at 7 p.m. vs. the New York Liberty. Tickets for the game are currently on sale for Lynx season members at their discounted member rate. Single-game tickets will be released for sale at a later date.

The Lynx will kick off their 17th season in the WNBA at home on Friday, June 5 against the Tulsa Shock at 7 p.m. A limited number of lower level full-season memberships are currently available by visiting Lynxbasketball.com or by calling 612-673-8400.

Inaugural Green and Gold Gala Scheduled for April 27

FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State University Athletics will host the inaugural Green and Gold Gala at the historic Fargo Theatre on Monday, April 27, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Fox Sports North's Marney Gellner will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event.

During the gala, the athletics department will honor student-athletes for their athletic, academic and community service accomplishments throughout the 2014-15 athletic year.

"The purpose of the Green and Gold Gala is to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of the athletics program throughout the year," NDSU Director of Athletics Matt Larsen said. "We have many talented young men and women that excel in competition but also perform in the classroom and understand the importance of giving back to the community. It is important to pause and recognize these impressive achievements on an annual basis." 

Awards being distributed include:

• Female and Male Athlete of the Year
• Female and Male Rookie of the Year
• Bison Impact Award
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• SAAC Team Service Awards
• NDSU Student-Athlete Choice Award
• Female and Male Bison Pride Award

In addition, Buck Buchanan Award winner Kyle Emanuel, NCAA Elite 89 recipient Carson Wentz and NDSU All-Americans Lawrence Alexander, Kurtis Julson, Erin Teschuk and Hayden Zillmer will be recognized.

The event will also celebrate and recognize the academic achievements of North Dakota State's student-athletes.

Academic Awards include:

• Bison Academic Performance Award
• Bison Academic Achievement Award
• Bison Academic Excellence Award
• Bison Most Valuable Scholar Athletes
• National Consortium for Academics and Sports Student-Athlete Day Award
• Thundering Herd Female and Male Academic Award
• Presidential Most Improved Academic Award
• President Academic Team Award

Prior to the start of the gala, student-athletes will have the option of entering the theatre on the green carpet from 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Female Athlete of the Year Nominees

• Sierra Bonham, Women's Soccer
• Brooke LeMar, Women's Basketball
• Krista Menke, Softball
• Erin Teschuk, Women's Track & Field & Cross Country
• Maddie Van Beek, Women's Track & Field

Male Athlete of the Year Nominees

• Lawrence Alexander, Men's Basketball
• Kyle Emanuel, Football
• Carson Wentz, Football
• Hayden Zillmer, Wrestling

Female Rookie of the Year Nominees

• Brianna Rasmusson, Volleyball
• Natalie Roth, Women's Golf
• Jacquelyn Sertic, Softball
• Taylor Thunstedt, Women's Basketball

Male Rookie if the Year Nominees

• A.J. Jacobson, Men's Basketball
• Clay Ream, Wrestling
• R.J. Urzendowski, Football

Female Bison Pride Award Nominees

• Gaby Arnquist, Women's Soccer
• Jenni Fassbender, Volleyball
• Liz Keena, Women's Basketball
• Emma Kusick, Women's Golf
• Alyssa Reina, Softball
• Maddie Van Beek, Women's Track & Field & Cross Country

Male Bison Pride Award Nominees

• Mitch Friedman, Wrestling
• Paul Funk, Baseball
• Chris Kading, Men's Basketball
• Esley Thorton, Football

Vaughan Leaving NDSU Men’s Basketball Staff to Join University of Mary

FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State director of men’s basketball operations Josh Vaughan is leaving NDSU to become an assistant coach at the University of Mary, it was announced Friday, Apr. 24.

Vaughan spent the last two seasons as the director of operations on David Richman and Saul Phillips’ staffs at NDSU. He played four seasons at North Dakota State from 2006-10.

“We would like to thank Josh for his time here as a player and more recently as an important member of our staff,” said Richman. “Josh has been a vital part in our recent back-to-back Summit League titles. We wish him and his fiancée Halie all the best as they team up with Bison alum Joe Kittell at the University of Mary.”

The Bison finished 23-10 this season, winning their second consecutive Summit League Tournament title after sharing the league's regular season crown. NDSU is one of only nine mid-major programs in the country to post at least 23 victories in each of the last three seasons.

UMC Volleyball Releases 2015 Schedule

CROOKSTON, Minn.-  The University of Minnesota Crookston volleyball team officially announced their 2015 schedule Tuesday. UMC’s slate will be highlighted by eight games against 2014 NCAA Division II Tournament participants. The Golden Eagles will play a 20-match Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) schedule, while also competing in two tournaments as they head to Bentley University in Waltham, Mass. and Augustana College (S.D.) in Sioux Falls, S.D. for eight matches prior to the start of the conference season.

“This year’s non-conference schedule is highlighted with a trip to Bentley University in Boston, Mass.,” said UMC Head Coach Lee Anderson. “We are scheduled to play a few of teams that made the NCAA tournament last year so it should be challenging. I try to give the athletes a great experience going to different regions of the country so visiting the Northeast should be fun.”

The Golden Eagles will begin the 2015 slate at Bentley University, located inside the Greater Boston area. UMC will get four matches at Bentley. UMC will open up the slate against Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, Pa., at 10 a.m. Sept. 4. The Griffins went 14-16 on the 2014 season. The Golden Eagles will then take on 2014 NCAA Tournament participant Florida Southern College out of Lakeland, Fla., at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 4. The Mocs went 25-6 on the season in 2014. UMC will continue the tournament Sept. 5 as they take on host Bentley at 10 a.m. The Falcons went 19-12 and were also a 2014 NCAA Tournament team. UMC will wrap up the tournament against New Haven University in West Haven, Conn. at 2:30 p.m. The Chargers went 24-9 in 2014 and also competed at the 2014 NCAA Tournament.

UMC will continue their non-conference schedule as they head down Interstate 29 to Sioux Falls, S.D. for the Augustana College (S.D.) Tournament. The Golden Eagles will get several tough matches prior to opening up conference play. UMC will open the tournament against regional foe Northwest Missouri State University out of Maryville, Mo., at 10 a.m. Sept. 11. The Bearcats went 11-19 in 2014. UMC will continue the day as they take on Black Hills State University out of Spearfish, S.D., at 4 p.m. The Yellow Jackets went 10-18 last season. The Golden Eagles will wrap up the tournament Sept. 12. UMC will take on NCAA Tournament participant Grand Valley State University out of Allendale, Mich., at 10 a.m. The Lakers posted a 27-6 mark overall in 2014. The Golden Eagles’ final match of the tourney will come against Southwest Baptist University out of Bolivar, Mo., another regional rival. The Bearcats went 10-20 during the 2014 slate.

“Our conference schedule will be very tough again this year,” Anderson said. “The NSIC is at an all-time high in terms of level of play, everyone improves every year. Every match is tough regardless if we are at home or on the road. You just do not get a night off, everyone is that good.”


UMC will open up an always difficult conference slate Sept. 17. The Golden Eagles will have four games against NCAA Tournament participants from the conference. In addition, they will have 10 matches at home and 10 on the road, getting to host NCAA runner-up Southwest Minnesota State University and seven-time National Champion Concordia University, St. Paul in the friendly confines of Lysaker Gymnasium.

UMC will open up the slate against University of Minnesota Duluth, the team that captured the regular-season NSIC crown in 2014 and went on to the NCAA Tournament. UMD went 33-2 on the 2014 season. The Golden Eagles will face the Bulldogs in Duluth, Minn. at 7 p.m. Sept. 17.

UMC will then hit return home for matches against St. Cloud State University and Bemidji State University. UMC will face St. Cloud State at 4 p.m. Sept. 19 at Lysaker Gymnasium. The Huskies posted a 7-21 mark in 2014. UMC split with St. Cloud State on the 2014 season. UMC will then take on Bemidji State at 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at Lysaker Gymnasium. UMC swept the Beavers last season, who finished with a 5-23 mark.

The Golden Eagles will hit the road the following weekend to take on University of Mary Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. in Bismarck, N.D. and Minot State University Sept. 26 at 3 p.m. in Minot, N.D. UMC defeated U-Mary last season. The Marauders went 4-25 on the season. The Golden Eagles split with Minot State last year. The Beavers went 11-18 on the season. Both programs will have new coaches for the season with Thais Franca taking over the Marauders and an as of yet unhired coach taking over Minot State.

UMC will return home to host Northern State University Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. in Lysaker Gymnasium and then will take on Minnesota State University Moorhead at 4 p.m. Oct. 3. The Golden Eagles lost all of their matches against the Dragons and Wolves in 2014. Northern State had a strong season, finishing 19-10 overall, while MSU Moorhead was 11-17 on the year.

The Golden Eagles will hit the road the following weekend as they take on Augustana College (S.D.) at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 and Wayne State College (Neb.) at 3 p.m. Oct. 10. Both the opposing schools were victorious against UMC last season. Augustana went 18-10 on the year, while Wayne State was an NCAA Tournament
participant and wnet 27-7 on the season.

UMC will host NCAA runner-up Southwest Minnesota State Oct. 16 at 7p.m., and will take on University of Sioux Falls Oct. 17 at 4 p.m. in a pair of games at the “Hersch”. Southwest Minnesota State finished the year with a 26-10 overall record, while Sioux Falls went 17-14. UMC lost all four games against the schools last
 season.

The Golden Eagles will hit the road for a three-game road stand Oct. 20-24, taking on
Bemidji State University at 7 p.m. Oct. 20, Winona State University Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. and Upper
Iowa University Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. Winona State went 19-8 on the year, while Upper Iowa was 12-16.

UMC will return home the following weekend to battle Minnesota State University, Mankato Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. They will also take on Concordia University, who was an NCAA Tournament participant despite finally being dethroned as NCAA Division II Champion after seven-straight titles. UMC defeated Minnesota State on the year. The Mavericks went 16-12 on the year. Concordia finished 27-6 on the 2014 season. The Mavericks will be under new leadership as Dennis Amundson retired from the post.

The Golden Eagles will have their final road trip of the season Nov. 6 against MSU Moorhead at 7 p.m. and Nov. 7 against Northern State at 4 p.m.

UMC will wrap up the 2015 slate with home matches against Minot State at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 and 4 p.m. Nov. 14.

The Golden Eagles return five starters from their 2014 team, along with several other players who played instrumental roles. The biggest task at hand for Coach Anderson and Associate Head Coach Heather Grieser will be replacing the production of 2014 All-NSIC First Team pick Brittany Looker, who takes her 4.16 kills per game with her. Playing major roles for UMC will be senior outside hitter Stephanie Pearson (Frankfort, Ill.)who averaged 1.88 kills per game, along with Kassi Green (So., RS, Anoka, Minn.), who averaged 1.90 kills per sent and 0.59 blocks per set. Adding to the outside hitter positions will be the return of Maggie Perrel (So., RS, New Germany, Minn.), who returns to the team after a year away. Perrel averaged 2.01 kills per set as a freshman in 2013. The Golden Eagles also return depth with Kali Erickson (Jr., OH, Fargo, N.D.)

In the middle, UMC returns starters Kelci Green (So., MH, Anoka, Minn.) and Erin Schwarz (Jr., MH, Eden Prairie, Minn.). Green came on late in the year and averaged 1.07 blocks per set, to lead the team. Schwarz added 0.95 blocks per set for the Golden Eagles. The Golden Eagles also return Alyssa Muelken (So., MH, Savage, Minn.), who saw time as a freshman.

At setter, UMC returns the two-pronged attack of Sierra Trost (Jr., S, Ham Lake, Minn.) and Kaycie Hagen (So., S, Savage, Minn.). Trost averaged 7.49 assists per set last season, while Hagen came on when UMC moved to a 6-2 system, finishing the year with 2.45 assists per set.

Defensively, UMC returns Becca Vandenheuvel (So., Lib., Cannon Falls, Minn.) and Casey Cashman (Jr., Lib., Ashland, Wis.). Vandenheuvel averaged 1.32 digs per set, while Cashman averaged 1.49 digs per set.

The Golden Eagles will also be adding in eighth players to the fray, who should help to push for time on the court as UMC looks to improve from their 11-17 mark during the 2014 season. Despite a down year from 2013, the Golden Eagles were very close in several matches, losing five matches in five-set thrillers. UMC will look to continue to show improvement on the 2015 season.

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

Follow the Golden Eagles on Facebook at Golden Eagle Sports and on Twitter at @UMCAthletics.

NDSU's Track & Field Rankings

NDSU Women’s Track & Field Ranked 4th in Midwest Region

The North Dakota State women’s track & field team is ranked fourth in the Midwest Region in the latest outdoor regional team rankings released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Monday, Apr. 20.

The Bison trail only Kansas and Kansas State of the Big 12 Conference and Nebraska of the Big Ten Conference in the latest rankings. Schools ranked behind NDSU include Oklahoma, Minnesota, Wichita State, Iowa, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Iowa State and Illinois.

The USTFCCCA calculates national and regional team rankings based on national and regional descending order lists. The Midwest regional team rankings include all Division I schools in the nine-state area of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, South Dakota and North Dakota.

NDSU junior Erin Teschuk owns the region’s top times in the 3,000m steeplechase and 1500m. The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native ranks second in the NCAA and seventh in the world in the steeplechase this year.

Bison senior Maddie Van Beek (5000m) and junior Melissa Kitching (400m hurdles) are both ranked No. 2 in the Midwest Region in their respective events. Ashley Heinze (400m hurdles) and Sierra Rosenau (javelin) hold No. 4 rankings in the Midwest.

USTFCCCA Midwest Regional Team Rankings – Women

1. Kansas

2. Kansas State

3. Nebraska

4. North Dakota State

5. Oklahoma

6. Minnesota

7. Wichita State

8. Iowa

9. Oklahoma State

10. Missouri

11. Iowa State

12. Southern Illinois

13. South Dakota

14. Illinois

15. Missouri State

Bison Men’s Track & Field Ranked 10th in Midwest Region

The North Dakota State men’s track & field team is ranked 10th in the Midwest Region in the latest outdoor regional team rankings released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Monday, Apr. 20.

The USTFCCCA calculates regional team rankings based on regional descending order lists. The Midwest regional team rankings include all Division I schools in the nine-state area of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, South Dakota and North Dakota.

Bison sophomore Matti Mortimore is ranked No. 1 in the Midwest in the javelin following his school-record performance on Friday at the Mt. SAC Relays. NDSU owns the top two javelin throwers in the region with junior Tyler Parker coming in at No. 2.

NDSU senior Brett Kelly and junior Brendan Skime are No. 5 and No. 7, respectively, in the Midwest in the 3,000m steeplechase. Sophomore Angus Stoudt is fifth in the decathlon.

NDSU’s 4x400m relay team of Matt Bedard, Aron Klos, Landon Jochim and Wesley DeLong is No. 6 on the Midwest Region list this season after running the fastest time by a Bison quartet since 2005 on Saturday at the Beach Invitational.

The Bison will compete at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa, on Apr. 24-25.

USTFCCCA Midwest Regional Team Rankings – Men

1. Nebraska

2. Oklahoma

3. Illinois

4. Iowa

5. Kansas

6. Minnesota

7. Wichita State

8. Missouri

9. Southern Illinois

10. North Dakota State

11. Oklahoma State

12. Kansas State

13. Loyola-Chicago

14. Tulsa

15. South Dakota

UND Athletics announces Hall of Fame Class of 2015

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota Director of Athletics Brian Faison and UND Letterwinners Association President Liz Olson announced today the UND Letterwinners Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2015.

Holly (Bonk) Corbin (softball, 1999-2002), Shelly (Ebbighausen) Van Dyne (swimming, 1990-94) and Rich Glas (men’s basketball coach, 1988-2006) will be inducted as individuals, while Glas’ 1990-91 men’s basketball team will be inducted in the team category.

Additionally, longtime tennis coaches Tom and Tim Wynne will be honored as co-recipients of the Tom Clifford Award, while former UND Director of Sports Medicine Jim Rudd will be recognized posthumously with the Honorary Letterwinner Award.

The 41st annual Athletics Hall of Fame event will take place with a brunch and induction ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 31 prior to UND's Big Sky Conference football game against Montana State. The Class of 2015 will also be recognized during halftime of the football game.

“The UND Letterwinners Board has chosen an exceptional group of individuals as inductees into the Hall of Fame Class of 2015,” said Olson. “Holly Corbin in softball, Shelly Van Dyne in swimming, as well as Rich Glas and his 1991 basketball team, have achieved extremely high levels of accomplishments. Tim and Tom Wynne are truly deserving of the Tom Clifford Award for all of their work in the advancement of tennis in the area. Jim Rudd, who served as UND’s Director of Sports Medicine and head athletic trainer from 1989-2003, will be an Honorary Letterwinner, awarded posthumously. All of these individuals should be congratulated on their achievements and their election into the Hall of Fame.”

This year's three inductees bring the total number of individuals in UND's Letterwinners Athletics Hall of Fame to 243, while the 1990-91 men’s basketball team is the 36th team to be recognized.

UND Hall of Fame Class of 2015:Holly (Bonk) Corbin | Softball | 1999-2002: Appeared in school-record 199 career games and hit .352, at the time second-highest career batting average in UND history (currently ranks third) … Also graduated as UND’s career leader in hits (210), runs scored (128), doubles (32), total bases, stolen bases (99), and walks (51) … Remains program’s career leader in games played and stolen bases … Earned All-North Central Conference honors in each of her last three years to become first three-time all-conference performer in program history … Earned NFCA All-Region honors in 2000 … An Academic All-American in 2002 … Set numerous single-season school records and still holds the UND single-season record for stolen bases (38 in 2001) … Currently resides in Buffalo, Minn.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Shelly (Ebbighausen) Van Dyne | Swimming | 1990-94: A 23-time All-American, making her the third-most decorated women’s swimmer in UND history …  Member of UND team that enjoyed top-6 national finishes in each of her four years, including three fourth-place showings … Three-time NCAA Division II individual or relay champion … Member of UND’s national championship 200 Medley Relay Team in 1991 … Also won back-to-back national titles in the 100 Butterfly in 1992 and 1993 … Set NCC record in the 100 Butterfly in 1992 … Also helped NCC relay records in 1992 (200 Medley Relay) and 1994 (200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay) … Helped lead UND to four straight North Central Conference titles during her career … The NCC’s Most Valuable Female Swimmer in 1992 … Named NCC Female Newcomer of the Year in 1991 … Member of UND’s 400 Free Relay team that set a school record in 1991 … Currently resides in Lakeville, Minn. … Married to former UND swimmer Steve Van Dyne.

Rich Glas | Men’s Basketball Coach | 1988 -2006: The winningest coach in UND men’s basketball history … Amassed a 335-194 (.633) record in 18 years as head coach … Led the program to eight NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, including consecutive NCAA DII Elite Eight berths in 1989-90 and 1900-91 … Went 170-163 (.556) during conference play and won North Central Conference championships in 1989-90, 1990-91 and 1994-95 … Two-time North Central Region Coach of the Year … Coached 10 All-Americans and six NCC Most Valuable Players while at UND … Enjoyed eight 20-win seasons and set an NCC record with 17 conference victories in 1990-91 … Recently completed his seventh year as head men’s basketball coach at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn.

1990-91 Men’s Basketball Team: Rich Glas-led team went 29-4 and advanced to the NCAA DII Elite Eight just two years after an 8-20 season … Outscored opponents by an average of 13.1 points per game … Won the North Central Conference championship (17-1) and set a conference record for wins … Senior center Dave Vonesh was named first-team All-America and NCC Most Valuable Player … Vonesh and Scott Guldseth earned All-NCC honors … Rico Burkett was named NCC Defensive Player of the Year … Vonesh graduated as program’s all-time leading scorer, a record broken two years later by Guldseth … Four members of the team rank in the top 10 on UND’s career scoring list: Guldseth (1st), Vonesh (2nd), Chris Gardner (5th) and Todd Johnson (7th) … Vonesh (2002) and Guldseth (2008) were previously inducted into UND Athletics Hall of Fame as individuals.

Thomas J. Clifford Award (co-recipient)
The Clifford Award, established to honor former UND President Thomas J. Clifford, recognizes the UND alumni who serve as athletics coaches at the high school or collegiate level and have been notably successful in their sport.

Tim Wynne (Tennis, 1974-77): Member of North Dakota Tennis Association’s inaugural North Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame class in 2014 … Four-year letterwinner at UND … Currently serves as Tennis Coordinator and Head Teaching Professional at Choice Health and Fitness in Grand Forks … Has served as head tennis pro in Grand Forks for more than 30 years … Has served as head tennis coach at both Red River High School and Central High School … Won 10 straight state championships at Red River as well as 10 state singles titles and eight state doubles titles … Also won a state title as Central head coach … Finalist for National High School Coach of the Year in 2010 … Named co-recipient of 2000 USTA Northern Ward C. Burton Junior Development Award … 2008 Grand Forks Herald Co-Sportsperson of the Year … Has served on USTA Community Tennis Association Board.

Thomas J. Clifford Award (co-recipient)
Tom Wynne (Tennis, 1974-77): Member of North Dakota Tennis Association’s inaugural North Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame class in 2014 … Four-year letterwinner at UND … Currently serves as head tennis coach at his alma mater … First became UND’s men’s and women’s tennis coach after graduating in 1978 … Led men’s program to 1979 North Central Conference title, the program’s first in 42 years … Won NCC women’s titles in 2004, 2006 and 2008 and earned NCAA DII postseason appearances in each of the program’s final

seven seasons at the DI level … Four-time conference coach of the Year in the NCC and Great West Conferences … Named co-recipient of 2000 USTA Northern Ward C. Burton Junior Development Award … 2008 Grand Forks Herald Co-Sportsperson of the Year.

Honorary Letterwinner Award
The Letterwinners Association Honorary Award is given upon official action by the club's Executive Committee to persons who, in the opinion of the committee, have contributed significantly to the furtherance of UND athletics.

Jim Rudd: Will be honored posthumously after passing away in August 2014 … Served as UND’s Director of Sports Medicine and head athletic trainer from September 1989 through June 2003 … Instrumental in developing the Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training degree within the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences in the early 1990’s  … Was still an active professor and academic advisor within the BSAT degree program at the time of his passing … A 2009 inductee into the North Dakota Athletic Trainers Association (NDATA) Hall of Fame … Received his bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Lawrence University in 1973 … Earned his master’s degree in physical education from UND in 1981 … Career in sports medicine began in 1973 when he served as an assistant athletic trainer for the National Football League’s (NFL) Philadelphia Eagles … Spent the previous four years in the same position at Valdosta (Ga.) State University prior to returning to UND in 1989.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony, proudly sponsored by the UND Letterwinners Association, will be held on Oct. 31 in the Memorial Union ballroom on the campus of the University of North Dakota. For ticket information, please contact UND Athletics Director of Special Projects Amy Stroup at (701) 777-2713.