Minnesota Lynx Finalize 2016 Roster

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx have set their final roster at 11 players as they begin their 18th WNBA season on Saturday, May 14 vs. Phoenix at Target Center. Tipoff is slated for 6:30 p.m.

This year’s squad returns six players from the 2015 WNBA Championship roster, highlighted by four U.S. Olympians (Seimone Augustus, Sylvia Fowles, Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen). The holdovers also feature three-time All-Star forward Rebekkah Brunson and guard Renee Montgomery.

New faces on this year’s team include veterans Natasha Howard and Jia Perkins. The Lynx acquired Howard from Indiana on Feb. 2 in a sign-and-trade deal that sent Devereaux Peters to the Fever. The 6-2 forward comes to the Lynx with career averages of 5.7 ppg and 2.9 rpg. Perkins was acquired from San Antonio on Apr. 14 in exchange for Jazmon Gwathmey, who was selected with the 14th pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft. Perkins, a 5-8 guard, averaged 13.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg and 1.46 spg last season for San Antonio.

Joining Howard and Perkins in their first seasons with the Lynx are rookie forwards Bashaara Graves and Keisha Hampton. Graves, Minnesota's 2nd-round choice (22nd overall) in the 2016 WNBA Draft, is just the fifth Tennessee player to collect 1,500 points and 1,000 rebounds in her career. Hampton was chosen by Seattle in the 2nd round (22nd overall) of the 2012 WNBA Draft, but was sidelined that season while rehabilitating an injury to her right knee and was waived by the Storm prior to the 2013 campaign.

Janel McCarville returns to the Lynx this season after missing 2015. McCarville started all 34 games for Minnesota in 2014 and averaged 7.9 ppg and 4.8 rpg in 27.0 mpg, logging the second-highest minute total (919) of her career. She led all centers in assists (3.1 apg) and ranked 13th in blocks (0.85 bpg).

Minnesota’s coaching staff (Cheryl Reeve, Jim Petersen and Shelley Patterson) returns for its seventh season together, having guided the team to WNBA Championships in 2011, 2013 and 2015 among five consecutive trips to the Western Conference Finals.  

2016 MINNESOTA LYNX ROSTER

No	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt.	Birthdate	College/Year	Yrs
33	Seimone Augustus	G	6-0	169	04/30/84	Louisiana State '06	10
32	Rebekkah Brunson	F	6-2	185	12/11/81	Georgetown '04	12
34	Sylvia Fowles	C	6-6	212	10/06/85	Louisiana State '08	8
14	Bashaara Graves	F	6-2	200	03/17/94	Tennessee '16	R
24	Keisha Hampton	F	6-1	171	02/22/90	DePaul '12	R
3	Natasha Howard	F	6-2	171	09/02/91	Florida State '14	2
4	Janel McCarville	C	6-2	218	11/03/82	Minnesota '05	8
21	Renee Montgomery	G	5-7	143	12/02/86	Connecticut '09	7
23	Maya Moore	F	6-0	178	06/11/89	Connecticut '11	5
7	Jia Perkins	G	5-8	168	02/23/82	Texas Tech '04	12
13	Lindsay Whalen	G	5-9	166	05/09/82	Minnesota '04	12

Head Coach:                      Cheryl Reeve (La Salle)Assistant Coaches:            Jim Petersen (Minnesota), Shelley Patterson (Washington State)Athletic Trainers:               Chuck Barta (Wisconsin-La Crosse), Kate Taber (Iowa)

U.S. Bank Stadium to Host Flag Football Tournament

Minneapolis, MN—May 13, 2016— Ever dream of playing football in an NFL stadium?  How about at the brand-new home of the Minnesota Vikings?

Your dream can become a reality and it won’t even require a set of football pads or helmet to participate.  Minnesota Touch of Football presented by UnitedHealth Group will be the first charity event to take over the new U.S. Bank Stadium.  The event benefits the Minnesota Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding cures for digestive diseases. 

The event, hosted on Saturday, September 10, is a one-day, 7-on-7 flag football tournament.  Online registration opens to the general public at www.ccfa.org/football on Friday, May 13 and is limited to the first thirty-three teams.  Each team is guaranteed three games with both recreational and competitive divisions available.  Professional referees will officiate the games and prizes will be awarded to the champions of each division as well as the top fundraising team and individual.  All participants will receive a game-day shirt, complimentary lunch and access to an exclusive behind-the-scenes stadium tour. 

“We are literally rolling out the green carpet for this event and there’s no better way to experience the new stadium before the Vikings’ home opener,” said Eric Grenz, Construction Executive at Mortenson and volunteer event committee member.

The day’s festivities will kickoff with early round games and opening ceremonies hosted by WCCO’s Jason DeRusha.  After pool-play is complete in the morning rounds, athletes will enjoy an authentic stadium lunch experience while watching a “halftime” celebrity game featuring former Vikings players, ESPN radio talent, local media personalities and more. 

Players and spectators will have the opportunity to experience the 1500ESPN FanZone complete with kids football competitions, Vikings cheerleaders, crafts, games and more.  Spectator tickets are available online at www.ccfa.org/football and include options for exclusive stadium tours and a VIP lunch experience. 

The tournament is expected to sell out quickly.  Teams may register at no-cost and commit to raising $3,500 or $250 per person for a team of up to 14 players.  Corporate teams are available starting at $5,000.  All proceeds benefit CCFA, the leading non-profit on a mission to cure digestive diseases. 

“We are extremely excited to host this new charity event in the heart of Minneapolis, knowing the funds raised will have an immediate impact on the work we do at CCFA to one day find a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis,” says Aaron Castens, Executive Director of the Minnesota Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America.  

The event is made possible by generous support from UnitedHealth Group, Mortenson, Minnesota Vikings, Lucid Integrated Systems, 1500ESPN, Minnesota Flag Football League, Refresh Fitness Retreats, APi Group, Minnesota Gastroenterology, PA, Fairview Specialty Pharmacy, Health Partners Gastroenterology, Northland Concrete & Masonry, Ames Construction, and Egan.   

For more event information visit:  www.ccfa.org/football or follow the event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1081435548546623/ or contact Aaron Castens of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation at acastens@ccfa.org or 646-750-7100.

Lynx to Open Season with 2015 Championship Banner, Ring Ceremony

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx will tip off their 2016 season at home against the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday, May 14, but first will take a few moments to celebrate their 2015 Championship season.

Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 5:45 p.m. to witness the unveiling of the 2015 WNBA Championship banner and ring ceremony. The team is hosting a “white out” and asking fans to wear all white in celebration of both the Championship year and the season ahead. The game is already a near sell-out, with less than 200 tickets still available, as of the time of this press release. In the event the game sells out, Standing Room Only and Limited View tickets will be available the day of the game at the Target Center Box Office. Fans can also secure seats via lynx.flashseats.com to purchase tickets directly from other fans.

In addition, there will be a special halftime performance from 90’s hitmaker Montell Jordan, performing his chart topping song, “This is How We Do It.”

Game starts at 6:30 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets by calling the Lynx Front Office at 612-673-8400, by visiting www.lynxbasketball.com/lynxtix or in person at the Target Center box office.

Minnesota Lynx Waive Kaili McLaren

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has waived forward Kaili McLaren.

McLaren, a 6-2 forward, who signed with Minnesota on April 24, most recently played for Urla Eda in the TKBL (Turkey's 2nd division) in 2014-15, tallying 15.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 13 contests. She played collegiately at Connecticut, averaging 3.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 51.3% in four seasons (144 games) with the Huskies. McLaren was a teammate of Maya Moore and Renee Montgomery on UConn's 2009 NCAA Championship team and again with Moore on the 2010 title squad.

UMC Athletics to Help Former Baseball Player Ben Lazzari and His Family

CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston athletic department will be taking free will donations on Fri., May 6 and Sat., May 7 during the games at 2 and 4:30 p.m. The money raised will go toward helping former UMC baseball player Ben Lazzari and his family, who are going through the most difficult of situations.

Lazzari’s 16-day old daughter Everly Mae Lazzari passed away April 24 after being born April 8 with an irregular heart rate. The Golden Eagles are looking to help raise money for Ben and his wife Amber to help them with the medical costs and funeral expenses incurred.  A table will be set up at the games over the weekend. If you want to give to the Lazzari family and will not be at the game please visit their GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/angeleverly), which was set-up to assist Amber and Ben with their bills.

Ben Lazzari, originally from Shakopee, Minn., was a four-year letter winner for the Golden Eagles from 2009-12. Lazzari’s biggest role for the Golden Eagles was a pitcher, while also playing in the outfield for UMC. He is second all-time in pitching appearances to current UMC assistant coach and his former Golden Eagle teammate, Ryan Paasch. In addition to Everly Mae, Ben and Amber have another daughter, Ella.

Golden Eagle athletics would like to thank one of Ben’s former teammates, Jordan Prill, for bringing the terrible situation Ben, Amber and Ella are going through to our attention. We would like to help the Lazzari family in any way possible as we look to help out one of our own. Thank you in advance to anyone who is able to help out the Lazzari family. 

Kyan Brown Joins NDSU Men’s Basketball Staff

FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State University head men’s basketball coach David Richman has announced that Kyan Brown will join the Bison staff as an assistant coach. Brown has spent the past eight seasons at Oral Roberts University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kyan, Suzanne and their family into our Bison Family,” said Richman. “Kyan’s genuine approach and positive spirit for life and basketball will be tremendous assets to our student-athletes and within our culture. With his understanding of our Summit League footprint, along with his recruiting experiences, Kyan will continue to help elevate our program.”

Brown started his tenure at Oral Roberts as the recruiting coordinator before being elevated to an assistant coach position prior to the 2012-13 season. He spent four years as an assistant coach at Missouri State under Barry Hinson from 2004-08. Brown began his collegiate coaching career as an assistant at Arkansas-Fort Smith from 2002-04.

Brown fills the position on the NDSU coaching staff vacated by Eric Henderson. A national search will continue to replace departing Bison assistant Freddy Coleman.

“My family and I are extremely blessed to be joining Coach Richman’s staff at NDSU,” Brown said. “I have always respected what NDSU basketball stands for. Their culture and family atmosphere are things we are really proud to be a part of.”

“I look forward to contributing to Coach Richman’s program, and to the NDSU athletic department as a whole,” Brown said. “It’s going to be hard work and a lot of fun. Go Bison!”

Brown played three seasons for ORU from 1998-2001, graduating in 2001. He and his wife, Suzanne, have three children: Khloe, Caleb and Sophie.

UMC Baseball Adds Three Student-Athletes to Signing Class

CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston baseball program announced the addition of three student-athletes to their signing class for next season. Owen Ellefson (RHP, 6-4 180, Argyle, Minn./Northland Community and Technical College), Scott Mortenson (OF, 5-11 185, East Grand Forks, Minn./St. Cloud Technical and Community College) and Adam Shykes (SS/2B, 5-8 155, Duluth, Minn./Duluth Denfeld H.S.) were signed by the Golden Eagles. The signees brings UMC’s class to 14 overall, including the 11 players they signed during the Early Signing Period.

“We’re excited to sign these three student-athletes,” said Head Coach Steve Gust. “They are all athletic and very projectable. These three guys fill needs of ours. With a lot of hard work, we fell they can continue to help build our program.”

The three signees join Gabriel Cavasos (RHP/3B, 5-9 210, San Antonio, Texas/Northland CTC), Travis Conoryea (C/IF, 5-7 170, Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Simley H.S.), Logan Felch (1B, 6-2 205, Canyon Lake, Texas/Northland CTC), Dalton Grose (LHP, 6-3 190, Waterville, Minn./Waterville-Elysian-Morristown H.S.), Griffin Fussy (SS/RHP, 5-11 180, Ham Lake, Minn./Blaine H.S.), Jayden Grover (RHP, 6-3, 205, Cooperstown, N.D./Griggs County Central H.S.), T.J. Hokanson (1B/3B, 6-0 205, Chanhassen, Minn./Chanhassen H.S.), Dakota Hoyt (1B, 6-2 230, Glenfield, N.D./Lake Region State College), Reece Johnson (OF, 5-11 170, Larimore, N.D./Larimore H.S.), Hunter Mutterer (1B/RHP, 6-2 245, Annandale, Minn./Annandale H.S.) and Justin Yutrzenka (C/RHP, 5-10 180, Stephen, Minn./Stephen-Argyle H.S.).

The 14 signees will help replace a strong senior class that is graduating in 2016, which includes 12 student-athletes, eight of which are either starters in the field or in the starting rotation. The 14 newcomers will look to help the Golden Eagles continue to build on the historic season they have put together in 2016, as they have set program-bests for season wins and conference wins and are closing in on their first trip to the NSIC Baseball Tournament since 2001. Minnesota Crookston is set to return 31 players from the current roster including eight seniors.

The signees also continue Gust’s quest to find the best talent in the area to help build the program. All three players are from Northern Minnesota, including two players from Northwest Minnesota. Gust has already found success in the region with his current squad, including East Grand Forks projects Reed Hjelle (Fr., OF/1B) and Ethan Mushitz (So., SS) and Karlstad-product Jarad Nelson (Sr., RHP).

Owen Ellefson/RHP/6-4 180/Argyle, Minn./Northland C.T.C.

A two-sport athlete in high school at Stephen-Argyle Central H.S. In high school, was an All-Section baseball pick as a junior and senior. Ellefson was an All-Conference basketball pick as a senior. In junior college, Ellefson is batting .412 as a sophomore with nine runs scored and five RBI’s. As a pitcher, Ellefson has appeared in seven games with two starts. He has a 3.65 ERA in 37 innings pitched with 26 strikeouts. As a freshman, Ellefson played

Ellefson is the son of DeAnn Ellefson. He was born May 12, 1996. Ellefson will major in sports and rec management at UMC. His cousin, Nick Hoffard, plays for NSIC rival Northern State University.

“Owen is a great athlete,” Gust said. “He played both basketball and baseball at Northland, which is extremely difficult to do. With his body type, he will see big gains as he further develops physically. He could be an extremely effective pitcher for us right away.”

Scott Mortenson/OF/5-11 185/East Grand Forks, Minn./St. Cloud Tech C.C.

Mortenson is batting .341 in 41 at-bats as a sophomore with 12 runs scored and 14 RBI’s. Mortenson is second on the team with nine stolen bases. As a freshman, he hit .238 with six runs scored, one home run and five RBI’s. Mortenson played high school baseball with current Golden Eagles Ethan Mushitz, Reed Hjelle and Clarke Peterson. Mortenson is a left-handed bat.

He is the son of Drew Mortenson and Kelly Sjoblom. Mortenson was born April 18, 1996. He plans to major in finance at UMC. His dad Drew played baseball at Mayville State University.

“I’ve seen Scott play since he was a young kid,” Gust said. “I really like the way he has matured, both physically and mentally. He will certainly be looked at to help us as a left-handed bat.”

Adam Shykes/SS-2B/5-8 155/Duluth, Minn./Duluth Denfeld H.S.

Shykes was five-year varsity baseball letter winner for Duluth Denfeld H.S. He served as captain as a junior and senior. Shykes was an All-Conference Honorable Mention pick as a junior. He also played hockey and soccer. Shykes was a three-year varsity member of the soccer and hockey team. He was named All-Lake Superior Conference hockey in 2016. He served as team captain of the hockey team as a senior. Shykes was coached in American Legion baseball by former UMC baseball player Travis Magdzas. Shykes is another left-handed bat.

He is the son of Adam and Dawn Shykes. Shykes was born Sept. 14, 1997. He plans to major in sports and rec management. His father Adam Shykes was a goalie for the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

“Adam has some solid skills and is a great athlete,” Gust said. “He is versatile where we feel he can play a lot of different positions. I’m excited to see how he develops.”

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 of information.

Four MN Lynx Players Make 2016 U.S. Olympic Roster

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – USA Basketball today announced that Lynx players Seimone Augustus, Sylvia Fowles, Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen were among 12 players named to the final 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team. This is the fifth consecutive Olympic year in which the Lynx have been represented on the final Olympic roster, with Augustus (2008, 2012), Maya Moore (2012), Lindsay Whalen (2012) and Katie Smith (2000, 2004) previously donning the red, white and blue. This summer, Team USA will look to earn a record sixth-straight gold medal in Rio.

“It’s extremely exciting to have another opportunity to play with the best players in the world,” said Lynx forward, Maya Moore. “It’s just a special time in the history of USA Basketball because of the level of talent, from top to bottom, that we have with the opportunity to continue to make history with our legacy of winning gold medals. It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s an exciting challenge.”

After winning the gold medal with Team USA in 2008 and 2012, Seimone Augustus (6-0, guard) is looking to repeat the success in Rio this year. She helped Team USA sweep their way through the Olympic Games in 2008, averaging 7.9 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in eight games and again in 2012, averaging 7.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in eight games.

Fowles (6-5, center) also earned gold with Team USA in 2008 and 2012. In Beijing, she helped Team USA sweep the tournament, averaging 13.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. In 2012, she averaged 6.0 ppg (61.1%) and 3.6 rpg in five appearances for Team USA in London.

Moore (6-0, forward), will make her second Olympic appearance with Team USA after earning gold at the London Games where she averaged 9.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in eight games.

Whalen (5-9, guard) is also making her second trip to the Olympic Games as a part of Team USA. As a member of the 2012 Olympic team, Whalen averaged 8.0 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in eight games with Team USA in London.

Joining the Lynx players on the final roster are: Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), Tina Charles (New York Liberty), Elena Delle Donne (Chicago Sky), Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury), Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream), Breanna Stewart (Seattle Storm) and Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury).

Team USA is seeking its sixth consecutive and eighth overall gold, as well as extending its 41-game Olympic winning streak. The 2016 Olympic basketball tournament will be held from August 6 - 20 in Rio de Janeiro at the Deodoro Youth Arena (preliminary round) and all remaining games will be played at Barra Carioca Arena 1.

NDSU's Jordan Harms Named Summit League Baseball Pitcher of the Week

ELMHURST, Ill. -- North Dakota State starter Jordan Harms and Omaha starter Tyler Fox were named Summit League Baseball Pitchers of the Week for their performances during the week of April 18-24.

JORDAN HARMS, NORTH DAKOTA STATE Fr. // RHP // Hitterdal, Minn. *Collected his first career Summit League Pitcher of the Week award. Pitched the first four innings against No. 22 Minnesota, allowing just two hits with no runs and a pair of strikeouts. Tossed six shutout innings with six strikeouts in game three vs. Western Illinois to earn his first collegiate win.For the week, allowed no runs with eight strikeouts and one walk in 10 innings pitched

TYLER FOX, OMAHA Sr. // RHP // Thornton, Colo. *Earned his fourth career Pitcher of the Week honor and second this season. Went the distance in Friday's 4-1 win over South Dakota State to capture his league-leading seventh win of the season.Recorded a season-high 10 punch outs in nine innings with no walks and just one earned run.The performance was Fox's second complete game of his career.  

Also nominated: Jake Weber, Fort Wayne; Landon Busch, South Dakota State

This Bison are scheduled to host No. 19 Minnesota on Tuesday, April 26, at 6:35 p.m. at Newman Outdoor Field.

UND Athletics announces Hall of Fame Class of 2016

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 2016.

Jason Blake (Hockey, 1996-99), Chris Gardner (Basketball, 1989-94), Jaime [Pudenz] Holmquist (Basketball, 1996-2000) and Paul Robson (Football, 1960-63) will be inducted as individuals, while Pudenz’s 1997-98 women’s basketball team will be inducted in the team category.

Additionally, longtime prep coach Terry Paukert will receive the Tom Clifford Award, while former WDAZ-TV Sports Director and UND Athletics play-by-play broadcaster Pat Sweeney will be recognized with the Honorary Letterwinner Award.

The 42nd annual Athletics Hall of Fame event will take place with a dinner and induction ceremony on Friday, Oct. 14. The Class of 2016 will be recognized the following day during halftime of UND’s Homecoming football game against Southern Utah.

“The UND Letterwinners Board has once again chosen an exceptional group of individuals, as well as a national championship team, as inductees into the Hall of Fame,” said Olson. “Chris Gardner, Jason Blake and Paul Robson all will be honored for their outstanding accomplishments. Jaime (Pudenz) Holmquist and her teammates from the 1997-98 national championship women’s basketball team will also be inducted. Terry Paukert will be recognized for his support of local tennis and hockey, and Pat Sweeney will be honored for his years as a UND play-by-play announcer and longtime WDAZ-TV sports director. Congratulations are in order to each of these individuals for their outstanding accomplishments.”

This year's four inductees bring the total number of individuals in UND's Letterwinners Athletics Hall of Fame to 247, while the 1997-98 women’s basketball team is the 37th team to be recognized.

UND Hall of Fame Class of 2016:
Jason Blake | Hockey | 1996-99: Played three seasons at UND from 1996-97 through 1998-99 … Amassed 71 goals and 100 assists for 171 points in only 119 career games … Member of UND’s 1997 NCAA championship team and three straight WCHA championship teams … Hobey Baker Award finalist in 1996-97 and 1998-99 … A two-time All-American, earning first-team accolades as a senior and second-team honors as a junior … Named WCHA Player of the Year as a senior and was a first-team All-WCHA pick all three seasons at UND … Went on to enjoy a 13-year NHL career with Los Angeles, the New York Islanders, Toronto and Anaheim … Won the NHL’s Bill Masterton Trophy in 2007-08 for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication … Represented the United States at the 2006 Winter Olympics, the 2004 World Cup, and the 1999, 2000 and 2009 World Championships.

Chris Gardner | Basketball | 1989-94: Helped lead UND to the NCAA Division II Tournament in each of his four years, including Elite Eight appearances in 1990 and 1991 … UND went 103-28 (.786) during his four seasons and won a pair of North Central Conference championships … Played in 131 career games, tied for third-most in program history, and remains UND’s all-time leader in career field goal percentage (.609) … Owns three of the top 10 single-season field goal percentages in UND history … Ranks third all-time at UND in career field goals made (736), fourth in career points (1,829) and fifth in career rebounds (797) … Earned NABC All-America honors as a senior … A two-time All-NCC performer.

Jaime (Pudenz) Holmquist | Basketball | 1996-2000: Played on all three of UND’s NCAA DII championship squads (1997, 1998, 1999) … Graduated as UND’s career and single-season leader in both assists and steals … Had 645 career assists and 259 career steals … Also graduated as the fourth-leading scorer in program history with 1,614 points (now ranks ninth) … Earned All-American second team honors in 1998-99 and was an academic All-American in 1999-2000 … NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient in 2000 … A three-time All-NCC selection and two-time all-region performer … Named NCC Freshman of the Year in 1997.

Paul Robson | Football | 1960-63: Lettered as an offensive lineman and linebacker in 1960, 1962 and 1963 for legendary coach Marv “Whitey” Helling … Went on to enjoy a 9-year professional career in the Canadian Football League … Later served as general manager of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Ottawa Rough Riders … Amassed a record of 44-21-1 as GM of the Blue Bombers and won a Grey Cup championship in 1984 … Inducted into the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Hall of Fame in 1991 … Former Chair of the CFL’s Board of Governors … Sons Kevin (1990-93) and Scott (1984-85) also lettered in football at UND.

1997-98 Women’s Basketball Team: The second of three straight NCAA DII women’s basketball national championship teams under legendary coach Gene Roebuck … Team went 31-1 overall and 18-0 in the North Central Conference … Won its five NCAA DII Tournament games by an average of 16 points … Team scored 90-plus points 19 times on the season and 100-plus points eight times … Junior C Jenny Crouse was named WBCA DII Player of the Year and NCC MVP and was joined on multiple All-America teams by senior G Tiffany Pudenz … Crouse, Pudenz and sophomore G Jaime Pudenz were named All-NCC and Daktronics All-North Central Region … Roebuck was named NCC Coach of the Year.

Thomas J. Clifford Award
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.

Terry Paukert: Has coached youth and prep hockey and tennis in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks since graduating from UND in 1976 … Began his coaching career with the Grand Forks Park District and later enjoyed teaching and coaching stints at Grand Forks Red River High School, Grand Forks Central High School and East Grand Forks Senior High … The 2006 recipient of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Ward C. Burton Junior Development Award ... Named Minnesota Class A Coach of the Year in 1991-92 … Inducted into Grand Forks Central High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.

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.

Pat Sweeney: Popular broadcaster worked at WDAZ-TV in Grand Forks from 1982 to 2014 and was named sports director in December 1983 … Called television play-by-play for UND hockey, football and basketball for 28 years for WDAZ-TV (ABC) in Grand Forks and the Fighting Sioux Sports Network … Also served as producer and host of UND football coach’s show and was UND’s football radio voice in 1992 and 2015 … Three-time North Dakota Sportscaster of the Year … Worked in news and sports at KUMV TV in Williston and KQCD TV in Dickinson prior to joining WDAZ … Now works in the UND Division of University & Public Affairs as videographer/community relations coordinator.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony, proudly sponsored by the UND Letterwinners Association, will be held on Oct. 14 in the Alerus Center ballroom. For ticket information, please contact UND Athletics at (701) 777-2234.