JOIN OUR TEAM! Digi-Key Electronics is an electronic component distributor located in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. With annual global sales exceeding $1.7 billion, Digi-Key is continuing to add to our workforce of 3,400+ employees. In addition to world-class career opportunities, our employees receive competitive compensation; outstanding total rewards; a comfortable, stable, friendly work environment; and the many benefits of living in a smaller community. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Accounting Applications Engineering Building Operations & Maintenance Human Resources Information Technology
DIGI-KEY TOTAL REWARDS In addition to competitive compensation, Digi-Key offers outstanding total rewards that are second-to-none. Career growth opportunities are available for employees choosing to continue their personal development.
Marketing Order Fulfillment Purchasing Sales/Customer Service and more!
RELOCATION INCENTIVE Digi-Key offers up to $850 in relocation assistance to any newly hired full-time employee who resides outside of a 60mile radius of Thief River Falls, MN, and relocates to within that 60-mile radius in conjunction with new employment.
888-671-1725 DIGIKEY.COM/CAREERS
HEALTH PLAN Digi-Key’s Health Plan has no deductible, modest co-pays on prescriptions, and includes a vision care benefit. Single coverage is FREE to the employee, and it is $27 biweekly for family coverage.
401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN Employee contributions are matched by Digi-Key dollar-for-dollar up to 3%. Historically, Digi-Key has also made a profit sharing contribution of 4% of the employee’s annual earnings.
PERSONAL/VACATION TIME
DENTAL PLAN
VISION MATERIAL PLAN
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
Employees receive 10 days of vacation, 6 days of personal/medical time, and 6 holidays in their first year of employment.
Employees have the option of participating in Digi-Key’s Dental Plan, which features a low deductible. The employee cost is $5 biweekly for employee coverage and $15 biweekly for family coverage.
This is a voluntary employee plan that features low co-pays and provides a $175 annual allowance on either frames/lenses or contact lenses. The employee cost is $2.61 biweekly for employee coverage and $6.98 biweekly for family coverage.
Digi-Key’s Flexible Spending Account enables participants to pay for medical, dental, and vision plan premiums, unreimbursed medical, dental, and vision expenses, as well as dependent care expenses out of pre-tax funds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
ADDITIONAL REWARDS
COMPANY CULTURE AND GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Digi-Key is a family-oriented culture, grounded in small town values and quality of life. Employees are recognized for their daily dedication through a wide variety of individual and company-wide recognition events, summer picnic, and holiday dinner. Employees are encouraged to volunteer time and give back to our hometown community, supporting local charitable organizations through our Digi-Key Cares program or other outlets.
Digi-Key provides a clean, comfortable, climate-controlled work environment for its employees.
Additional rewards include a life insurance plan, a long term disability insurance plan, employee purchase discounts, and educational reimbursement through the Digi-Key University program.
©2016 Digi-Key Electronics. Digi-Key is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
TABLE OF CONTENTS NORTHLAND QUICK FACTS National Junior College Athletic Association
Conference:
Region 13 Athletic Conference, Minnesota College Athletic Conference
Nickname: Pioneers Colors:
Navy Blue and Scarlet
ATHLETIC STAFF RICHARD SPEAS Athletic Director ............................................................. 218-683-8547 ABDUL CHAMMA Head Volleyball Coach .................................................218-683-8680 SCOTT DCAMP Head Wrestling Coach ....................................................218-689-1014 BARRY DOWERS Head Baseball Coach ....................................................218-686-6433 JIM COX Head Football Coach ........................................................218-683-8554 SHANNON NELSON Head Women’s Basketball Coach ............................. 218-683-8696
PAUL PETERSON Athletic Coordinator & Head Softball Coach .........218-683-8556
2-3 4 5 6 8 9
FOOTBALL Head Football Coach - Jim Cox Assistant Football Coaches / 2016 Schedule 2016 Pioneers Football Roster 2016 Pioneers Football Preview 2015 Pioneers Football in Review Meet the Pioneers - Football Football Team Picture Pioneers Football History Coaching Records
10 11 12-13 14 15 17-24 27 28 29
VOLLEYBALL 2016 Pioneers Volleyball Preview / Head Coach 2016 Pioneers Volleyball Roster MCAC Northern Division Conf. Standings Volleyball History / Coaching Records Volleyball Records Meet the Pioneers - Volleyball
32 34 35 36 37 38
FEATURES Northland Spotlight: Tiffany McMillan
40
HISTORY OF THE NJCAA The movement to form a unique sports association dedicated to America’s two-year colleges arose in 1937 when several track and field coaches gathered in Fresno, California. A year later, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rejected a petition from 13 two-year colleges in California to grant their teams and athletes permission to compete at the NCAA Track & Field Championships.
CREDITS
In the spring of 1938, following the NCAA’s rejection, those same 13 two-year colleges gathered again in Fresno to organize and form an association that would promote and supervise a national athletics program exclusively for junior and community colleges…and the rest is history.
Photography/Cover Design: Chad Sperling
On May 14, 1938, the first constitution of the National Junior College Athletic Association was accepted by its charter members and the organization held its first national championship event a year later in May 1939.
The 2016 Fall Media Guide is a publication of the Northland Community & Technical College Marketing & Communications Department. Content/Advertising: Chad Sperling, Matthew Brenden and Richard Speas
northlandpioneers.com
RICK NIKUNEN Head Men’s Basketball Coach ....................................218-683-8707
MCAC Conference Members President’s Welcome & College History Athletic Director - Richard Speas Support Staff Athletic Facilities NJCAA All-Sports Standings
TABLE OF CONTENTS
National Affiliation:
Design/Layout/Printing: Amity Graphics - Bemidji, MN A huge thank you to all of the faculty and staff at Northland for all of their hard work and dedication to our students!
Northland Community & Technical College is a member of the Minnesota State system. An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer & educator.
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
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MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS
MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS ANOKA RAMSEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Location: Coon Rapids, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 311 miles Mascot: Golden Rams Arena: Anoka-Ramsey Gymnasium Women’s Sports: basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, soccer
CENTRAL LAKES COLLEGE Location: Brainerd, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 194 miles Mascot: Raiders Arena: Central Lakes Gymnasium Football Stadium: no information Women’s Sports: basketball, golf, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, golf
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
FOND DU LAC TRIBAL & COMMUNITY COLLEGE
2
Location: Cloquet, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 234 miles Mascot: Thunder Arena: No Information Football Stadium: No Information Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball
MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE Location: Worthington, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 348 miles Mascot: Blue Jays/Lady Jays Arena: Minnesota West Gymnasium (1,000) Football Stadium: Worthington High School (3,000) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, wrestling
MINNESOTA STATE COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE Location: Fergus Falls, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 150 miles Mascot: Spartans Arena: Spartan Gymnasium (1,000) Football Stadium: Spartan Field Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, golf
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE Location: Thief River Falls, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 0 miles Mascot: Pioneers Arena: NCTC Gymnasium (1,549) Football Stadium: Lowell T. Swenson Field (2,200) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, wrestling
HIBBING COMMUNITY COLLEGE
RAINY RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Location: Hibbing, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 196 miles Mascot: Cardinals Arena: Activities Building (750) Women’s Sports: basketball, golf, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, golf
Location: International Falls, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 190 miles Mascot: Voyageurs Arena: Rainy River College Gym (500) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball
ITASCA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
RIDGEWATER COLLEGE
Location: Grand Rapids, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 188 miles Mascot: Vikings Arena: No Information Football Stadium: No Information Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball
Location: Willmar, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 250 miles Mascot: Warriors Arena: Swanson Gym (800) Football Stadium: Hodapp Field (3,500) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, wrestling
MESABI RANGE COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE Location: Virginia, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 218 miles Mascot: Norsemen/Lady Norse Arena: Activity Building (1,000) Football Stadium: Ewen’s Field (4,000) Women’s Sports: basketball, golf, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, golf
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE Location: Austin, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 415 miles Mascot: Blue Devils Arena: Riverland Gym (700) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, soccer
MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS VERMILLION COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Location: Rochester, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 415 miles Mascot: Yellow Jackets Arena: Regional Sports Center (1,500) Women’s Sports: basketball, golf, soccer, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, football, golf, wrestling
Location: Ely, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 277 miles Mascot: Ironmen/Ironwomen Arena: No Information Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball
ST. CLOUD TECHNICAL COLLEGE Location: St. Cloud, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 254 miles Mascot: Cyclones Arena: No Information Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball
MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS
ROCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MCAC NORTH DAKOTA INSTITUTIONS: (FOOTBALL ONLY) NORTH DAKOTA STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE Location: Wahpeton, ND Distance from Thief River Falls: 150 miles Mascot: Wildcats Arena: Bilkre Activities Center (3,500) Football Stadium: Bute Stadium (2,500) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, basketball
d owne y l l a Loc ted! a r e p &O
CONVENIENCE STORE & TOUCHLESS CARWASH!
northlandpioneers.com
DAKOTA COLLEGE Location: Bottineau, ND Distance from Thief River Falls: 245 miles Mascot: Lumberjacks/Lady Jacks Arena: Thatcher Hall (1,000) Football Stadium: No Information Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, hockey
Pennington Main
220 Main Ave S, Thief River Falls 218-681-8888 Open 24 Hours
Pennington Square
1st St & Pennington Ave, Thief River Falls 218-681-4552 Open 6 AM - 11 PM
ATM ATM Available!
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME/HISTORY
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME & HISTORY
Thief River Falls Campus
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
4
Welcome to Pioneer Country! You will soon be witness to why athletics has such a prominent presence here at Northland Community & Technical College. Our commitment to developing these young men and women into competitive student athletes will be obvious in how they perform on the field, court or arena. We take great pride in how our players demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship and work ethic, giving it their all through the end of each contest. Pay close attention to the talent out there, as many of our athletes have gone on to compete at the NCAA D-1 level and we have had more than a handful elevate their game to the professional level. It’s also important to recognize that our student athletes excel off the field as well, as we insist that achieving their academic goals is a priority. Northland’s athletes are routinely among the NJCAA’s highest performing scholars and our goal is to achieve a graduation or transfer rate of nearly 100%! So enjoy today’s event and feel good about being part of a great Pioneer tradition that’s been with us now for over 50 years!
DENNIS BONA
President
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
East Grand Forks Campus
COLLEGE HISTORY Northland Community & Technical College has been in existence in one form or other since 1949, when the Minnesota State Board of Education approved an area vocational school for Thief River Falls. The school would later move to its present location and merge with two other institutions of higher learning: first with Thief River Falls State Junior College and later with the East Grand Forks campus of Northwest Technical College, to form Northland Community & Technical College. Each institution brought a long history of serving the needs of area students and employers, and with the advent of online education, expanding its reach far beyond the Red River Valley and northwestern Minnesota.
MEET THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
RICHARD SPEAS
Director of Athletics & Student Life
Speas spent nine years as a successful college coach at William Penn University in Iowa, where he served numerous roles in addition to coaching; assistant director of admissions, assistant athletic director, and HPER faculty. As the head assistant baseball coach, the Statesmen went 215-78 (.734) during his tenure, including nationally ranked teams that qualified for the NCAA and NAIA regional playoffs. Assuming the role as the head men’s and women’s cross-country and track programs; Speas was named conference coach of the year in 2004 and 2005, cross-country
Moving into the NJCAA ranks as the Director of Athletics at Western Texas College in 2008, Speas oversaw 15 intercollegiate athletic programs in the highly competitive Western Junior College Athletic Conference. The Westerners captured a national championship in men’s rodeo. Making a change in a perennially week volleyball program, Speas hired Sheldon Carvalho who brought the volleyball program to the big dance in his second year in the program. In addition, the athletic program captured fourth place national finishes in women’s rodeo, women’s golf, and women’s track and field. Six teams held national rankings during the Speas tenure, including men’s cross country, men‘s golf, men’s soccer, and women’s soccer. The men’s cross country team was also named academic national champions of the NJCAA in 2007 and 2008. The community was energized when a $260,000 donation helped to
With family health issues, Speas returned to Iowa in 2012 to assume the position of Executive Director at Oskie Prep, a non-profit start up. Oskie Prep focused on education, job creation and community service. Speas earned a social science composite bachelor’s degree from William Penn University (IA) and a Master’s degree in athletic administration from Truman State University (MO). Richard and his wife Karma have eight children, Staci, Shawna, Jentrian, Tierney, Elijah, BrookeLyn, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Richard and Karma Speas reside in Thief River Falls, Minnesota with their six youngest children.
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
northlandpioneers.com
A native of Union, Iowa, Speas’ arrival at Northland brought a wealth of experience and success to the Pioneer’s athletic program. Speas has over thirty years of experience in interscholastic athletics, sports marketing, and intercollegiate athletics. Assuming the role of Director of Athletics at Northland, Speas also serves as the Director of Student Life at the college.
Prior to his arrival into the juco athletic administration ranks, Speas served as the Director of Athletics at four year schools, Southern Virginia University and Peru State College in Nebraska. As the inaugural Director of Athletics at Southern Virginia University (1997-2000), he implemented 16 intercollegiate athletic teams. During this time, SVU witnessed a 400% percentage growth in enrollment. During his tenure at Peru State College (2006-2008) Speas oversaw a seven million dollar renovation to the Al Wheeler Activity Center which served as the hub for Bobcat athletics and student activities.
fund the renovations of the 4,000 seat indoor facility (The Coliseum). In 2011, Speas took the helm of one of the premier NJCAA programs in the nation, Blinn College. The Buccaneers would capture a national championship in volleyball in 2011. The football program held the number 1 ranking in the nation during the 2011 season before falling to Mississippi Gulf Coast in the Mississippi Bowl. The softball program garnered fourth place finishes at the NJCAA Division I national championships in 2011 and 2012. Baseball also held top ten national rankings before being eliminated in regional play. Long noted for its athletic excellence; 26 national championships (four in football), 127 baseball players drafted since the inception of the baseball program in 1966, and 38 professional football players including Cam Newton, Blinn is widely recognized as one of the top academic junior colleges in the nation.
MEET THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
coach of the year in 2004, and NAIA region cross-country coach of the year in 2004.
5
SUPPORT STAFF
SUPPORT STAFF LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED! BUZZ ON IN AND CHECK OUT OUR DAILY SPECIALS!
RICHARD SPEAS Director of Student Life & Athletics
PAUL PETERSON
Athletics Coordinator Head Softball Coach
ABDUL CHAMMA
BARRY DOWERS
Head Coach Volleyball
Head Coach Baseball
SHANNON NELSON
RICK NIKUNEN
1582 Highway 59 S Thief River Falls, MN 56701
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
(218) 683-5389 SCOTT DCAMP
Head Coach Wrestling
JIM COX
Head Coach Football
Head Coach Women’s Basketball
Head Coach Men’s Basketball
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2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
Friendly, it’s in our name! am·i·ty [am-i-tee] noun : a friendly relationship
•Graphic Design Team
•Offset & Digital Printing
•Promotional Products
•Mailing Service & Variable Data
KEM and AAD Shriners present 20th Annual
BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY Shrine Bowl
CHET ANDERSON FIELD Bemidji State vs. Wayne State (NE)
L-R: Connie Knutson, Kyle Schwartz, Dave Cabritit-Laing, Tina Larson, Brian Larson, Steve Hovila, Mike Connell, Gina Alianello
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Proud alumni & supporter of Bemidji State University and Shriners
512 Beltrami Avenue NW | Bemidji, MN 56601 218-751-1945
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
ATHLETIC FACILITIES
ATHLETIC FACILITIES
LOWELL T. SWENSON FIELD
Lowell T. Swenson Field is home to Northland Pioneers football team. The field was dedicated in 2004. Seating capacity is 2200.
PIONEER FIELD
MEC COMPLEX
The Pioneer Baseball Field opened in the Fall of 1974. It is home to the Northland Pioneer’s Men’s Baseball team.
The MEC Complex is home to the Northland Pioneer Women’s Softball. It opened in 2001.
WRESTLING ROOM
ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM
Wrestling started at Northland in 2013. Last year two national championship appearances came out of this room.
FITNESS CENTER
8
NORTHLAND GYMNASIUM
The Northland Gymnasium is home to volleyball and both Men’s and Women’s Basketball. The gymnasium opened in 1990. Seating capacity is 1549.
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
LOCKER ROOMS
NJCAA ALL-SPORTS STANDINGS
2015-2016 NATYCAA CUP NJCAA SCHOLARSHIP FINAL STANDINGS:
2015-2016 NATYCAA CUP NJCAA NON-SCHOLARSHIP FINAL STANDINGS:
STANDING
INSTITUTION
SCORE
STANDING
INSTITUTION
SCORE
1
Iowa Central Community College
194.5
1
Suffolk County CC (NY)
172
2
Tyler Junior College (TX)
146
2
Rowan College at Gloucester (NJ)
166
3
Iowa Western Community College
142
3
Mohawk Valley CC (NY)
122.5
4
Butler Community College (KS)
126
4
Herkimer County CC (NY)
117
Nassau County CC (NY)
98.5
5
Pima Community College (AZ)
124.5
5
6
Mesa Community College (AZ)
113.5
6
Howard Community College (MD)
96
7
Central Arizona College
104.5
7
Harper College (Illinois)
91
8
Monroe Community College (NY)
97
8
Onondaga CC (NY)
87.5
9
South Plains College (TX)
96
9
Fashion Institute of Tech (NY)
73.5
10
Barton County College (KS)
93.5
10
Montgomery College (MD)
59
10
Oxford College of Emory Univ. (GA)
59
NJCAA ALL-SPORTS STANDINGS
The National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) released the winners of the 2015-2016 NATYCAA Cup and Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup. The NATYCAA Cup represents the most successful overall college athletic programs in the nation for two-year institutions. This program recognizes excellence in two-year college athletics based on success in championship competition.
northlandpioneers.com
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
PIONEERS FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF
10
JIM COX
Northland Head Football Coach On July 25th, 2016, Jim Cox became the 10th head football coach in the history of the NCTC football program. Coach Cox brings a rich and diverse experience to Northland. A native of Bedford, Iowa, Cox assumes the role vacated by Travis Martin after a one year span at the head of the Pioneers football program. “Hopefully a veteran coach can bring leadership and direction to a program that was re-instated just over a year ago,” assessed Cox. Most recently, Cox worked with NFL great, Willie Shields, training high profile athletes. Prior to his training regimes with select athletes, Cox served as the head coach/director of operations for the indoor professional arena football team, the River City Rage, based in the St. Louis metro area. Prior to coaching arena football, Cox served as the linebackers coach at NCAA Division I, Southeast Missouri State University. The Redhawks compete in the Ohio Valley Conference. Cox served as the head football coach at William Penn University (IA) from 2001-2005. Inheriting the Statesmen’s struggling football program, Cox turned the program into a competitive force as Penn made the transition from NCAA Division III to the NAIA.
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
Successful runs as a defensive coordinator and track coach at the four year level characterized Cox’s years prior to taking the reins at William Penn. While at Missouri Valley College (Mo), an NAIA institution, Cox’s teams led the country in total defense and rushing defense, allowing just 150 yards per game, and only 50 yards rushing per contest. The Cox resume also includes a stint as an assistant at the NJCAA level. Ellsworth Community College (IA) was the NJCAA football national championship runner-up while Cox served as an assistant in the program. A coaching career that began at the interscholastic level, Cox captured consecutive undefeated state football championships in 1985 and 1986, while completing a 30-1 record over his final three years at Paton-Churdan High School in Iowa. Also serving as the track and field coach, Cox won a state team title, and added a state runner-up trophy as well. Over the course of his career, Cox has coached 16 NFL players, including all pro players, Dale Carter and Bryce Paup. Cox has also coached 5 track Olympians. As a collegiate player, Cox was a defensive back at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. During his senior year, Cox led the Buena Vista team to an appearance in the Boot Hill Bowl (1977), the team’s last bowl appearance. Cox holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education and history from Buena Vista University, and a master’s degree in physical education and driver’s education from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. Jim Cox and his wife, Jean, have two adult children, Brandon, and Lane.
ASSISTANT FOOTBALL COACHES
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
TODD GLASS
Offensive Coordinator RB
KENT JANICKE Defensive Coordinator
RAMON RAMIREZ Assistant Coach
2016 PIONEERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE
OPPONENT
LOCATION
TIME
8/20
Itasca CC (Scrimmage)
Lowell T. Swenson Field
1:00 pm
8/27
Vermilion CC
@ Vermilion, MN
3:00 pm
9/3
Mesabi Range CC
Lowell T. Swenson Field
1:30 pm
9/10
Dakota College (ND)
Lowell T. Swenson Field
2:00 pm
9/17
Minnesota West CC
@ Worthington, MN
12:00 pm
9/24
NDSCS
@Wahpeton, ND
1:30 pm
10/1
Ridgewater CC
Lowell T. Swenson Field
1:30 pm
10/8
Minnesota State (Fergus Falls)
Lowell T. Swenson Field
1:30 pm
10/15
Central Lakes CC
Brainerd, MN
1:30 pm
10/22
MCAC Playoffs
TBD
TBD
10/29
MCAC Playoffs
TBD
TBD
11/6
MCAC Championship Game
St. Cloud, MN
TBD
12/3
Graphic Edge Bowl
UNI Dome; Cedar Falls, IA
TBD
All home games are held at Lowell T. Swenson Field in Thief River Falls, MN. All games are Minnesota College Athletic Conference Contests (excluding the Graphic Edge Bowl).
northlandpioneers.com
SETH JOHNSON
CODY GLASS
Special Teams Coordinator Offensive Line
ASSISTANT FOOTBALL COACHES 2016 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
DONNIE BOUETTE
Head Coach: Jim Cox Athletic Director: Richard Speas Athletic Coordinator: Paul Peterson Home Field: Lowell T. Swenson Field (Thief River Falls, MN) Seating Capacity: 2,200 Mascot: Pioneers School Colors: Scarlet & Navy 2015 Record: 2-6
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2016 FOOTBALL ROSTER
2016 FOOTBALL ROSTER NUMERICAL
12
NO. NAME
YEAR POS
HT
WT
HOMETOWN
ALPHABETICAL ROSTER
2
Duane Barnes
SO
CB
6’4”
198
Mount Dora, Florida
#
PLAYER
3
Quadarious Gordon
SO
CB
6’1”
200
Ocala, Florida
44
Ray Abraham
4
Kyalyn Strickland
FR
QB
6’1”
270
Orlando, Florida
72
Carlos Alvarez
5
Keontrae Starks
FR
RB
5’10”
175
Ocala, Florida
58
Davontea August
6
Tarik Davis
FR
CB
5’10”
158
Cecilia, Louisiana
21
Delvin Austin
7
Derrius Brown
SO
SR
6’1”
198
Groveland, Florida
24
Kevin Ballard
8
Jesse Dokes
FR
TE
6’6”
205
New Orleans, Louisiana
2
Duane Barnes
9
Isaiah Blackwell
FR
SS
5’11”
150
Kentwood, Michigan
78
Jaymarian Bass
10
Shammua Harold
FR
QB
6’4”
205
Atlanta, Georgia
60 Tre Bivens
11
Kevin Dawson
FR
OLB
6’1”
220
Tallahassee, Florida
9
Isaiah Blackwell
12
Peyton Kendrick
FR
QB
6’1”
240
Tucson, Arizona
34
Tanner Boes
13
Deion Hogan
FR
RB
5’10”
161
Tallahassee, Florida
7
Derrius Brown
14
Tyrique Jones
FR
FS
5’11”
150
Ocala, Florida
83
Carter Burks
15
Kewan Williams
FR
CB
5’9”
176
Chicago, Illinois
50 Willie Cannon
17
Clarence Williams
FR
WR
6’2”
175
Orlando, Florida
80 Jerry Cantave
18
Christian Vinson
SO
WR
6’5”
220
Anthony, Florida
36
Wyatt Carlson
19
JT Taylor
FR
WR
5’10”
190
Bushnell, Florida
74
Trenton Dartez
20
Selwny Kelly
FR
RB
5’6”
165
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
6
Tarik Davis
21
Delvin Austin
FR
SR
6’
160
Tampa, Florida
11
Kevin Dawson
22
Kevin Evans
SO
RB
6’
192
Groveland, Florida
8
Jesse Dokes
23
Anthony Priestley
FR
SR
5’7”
155
Lafayette, Louisiana
31
KJ Early
24
Kevin Ballard
FR
OLB
5’10”
210
Tampa, Florida
76
Brendan Edner
25
Dez Henderson
FR
RB
5’6”
161
Fort Worth, Texas
81
Pierre Elysee
28
Allen McMichael Roberts FR
SS
5’11”
172
Columbus, Ohio
22
Kevin Evans
30
Daniel Seawright
FR
MLB
6’
230
Fredericksburg, Virginia
33
Damien Francis
31
KJ Early
FR
CB
5’10”
170
Ocala, Florida
35
BJ Gardner
32
Brian Hudson
FR
CB
6’2”
183
Bushnell, Florida
87
Gabriel Gembala
33
Damien Francis
FR
FS
6’2”
186
New Iberia, Louisiana
3
Quadarious Gordon
34
Tanner Boes
FR
FB
5’10”
180
Bemidji, Minnesota
53
Raheim Granville
35
BJ Gardner
FR
CB
6’
175
Ypsilanti, Michigan
85
Joe Hagstrom
36
Wyatt Carlson
FR
MLB
6’1”
214
Finley, North Dakota
10
Shammua Harold
40
Kaleb Torgerson
SO
FB
6’
245
Thief River Falls, Minn.
25
Dez Henderson
42
Keenan Laidley
SO
OLB
6’1”
205
Goodridge, Minnesota
88 Matt Hill
43
Kulah Parker
FR
OLB
5’9”
205
Kentwood, Michigan
13
Deion Hogan
32
Brian Hudson
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
2016 FOOTBALL ROSTER CONTINUED HT
WT
HOMETOWN
ALPHABETICAL ROSTER
44
Ray Abraham
FR
MLB
6’2”
265
Chicago, Illinois
#
PLAYER
45
Tavolis Parker
FR
SS
6’2”
170
Berwyn, Illinois
57
Paul Jackson
47
Aaron Whitelow
FR
SR
6’1”
200
Grand Rapids, Michigan
14
Tyrique Jones
50
Willie Cannon
FR
OT
6’3”
265
Grand Rapids, Michigan
20 Selwny Kelly
51
Sammie Williams
FR
OT
6’5”
266
Chicago, Illinois
12
Peyton Kendrick
52
Dylan Oplinger
FR
DT
6’
260
Muskegon, Michigan
82
Rashidi Kikopa
53
Raheim Granville
FR
DE
6’1”
238
Tampa, Florida
75
Alex Labady
54
Kendall Melton
FR
OLB
6’3”
210
Chicago, Illinois
42
Keenan Laidley
55
Kendal Sylvester
FR
DE
6’
270
Opelousas, Louisiana
89 Ahmuri Manuel
56
Jon Pickette
FR
DE
6’3”
197
Minneola, Florida
54
Kendall Melton
57
Paul Jackson
FR
DT
6’1”
265
Mobile, Alabama
84
Ishmil Mitchell
58
Davontea August
FR
DT
6’3”
265
Lafayette, Louisiana
64
Derrick Newby
60
Tre Bivens
FR
OG
5’11”
315
Detroit, Michigan
71
Nashem Nyomba
64
Derrick Newby
SO
DE
6’
290
Orlando, Florida
52
Dylan Oplinger
69
Beehestone Stroot
FR
DE
6’
191
Roseau, Minnesota
43
Kulah Parker
71
Nashem Nyomba
FR
DE
6’4”
290
Toronto, Canada
45
Tavolis Parker
72
Carlos Alvarez
FR
OG
6’
275
Denver, Colorado
56
Jon Pickette
74
Trenton Dartez
FR
OT
6’3”
300
Cecilia, Louisiana
23
Anthony Priestley
75
Alex Labady
FR
OC
6’4”
270
Orlando, Florida
28
Allen McMichael Roberts
76
Brendan Edner
FR
OC
6’1”
300
Moorhead, Minnesota
90 Justin Scott
77
Tyler Senegal
FR
OG
6’1”
400
Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
30 Daniel Seaswright
78
Jaymarian Bass
FR
OG
6’
320
Muskegon, Michigan
77
Tyler Senegal
79
Diego Simpkins
FR
OT
6’1”
330
Ocala, Florida
79
Diego Simpkins
80
Jerry Cantave
FR
WR
6’1”
165
Orlando, Florida
5
Keontrae Starks
81
Pierre Elysee
SO
WR
6’2”
194
Orlando, Florida
4
Kyalyn Stickland
82
Rashidi Kikopa
FR
K
5’6”
160
Fargo, North Dakota
69 Beehestone Stroot
83
Carter Burks
FR
K/P
6’1”
235
Grygla, Minnesota
55
Kendal Sylvester
84
Ishmil Mitchell
FR
SR
6’2”
165
Chicago, Illinois
19
JT Taylor
85
Joe Hagstrom
FR
OLB
6’2”
220
Fargo, North Dakota
40 Kaleb Torgerson
87
Gabriel Gembala
FR
TE
6’4”
240
Stevensville, Michigan
18
Christian Vinson
88
Matt Hill
FR
SR
5’9”
185
Brainerd, Minnesota
47
Aaron Whitelow
89
Ahmuri Manuel
FR
QB
6’1”
247
Lehiah Acres, Florida
17
Clarence Williams
90
Justin Scott
FR
DT
6’2”
306
Chicago, Illinois
15
Kewan Williams
KEY: CB (Corner Back); FS (Free Safety); MLB (Middle Linebacker); OG (Offensive Guard); OLB (Outside Linebacker); SR (Slot Receiver); SS (Strong Safety); WR (Wide Receiver)
51
Sammie Williams
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
northlandpioneers.com
YEAR POS
2016 FOOTBALL ROSTER
NO. NAME
13
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
2016 FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW 2016 is a new year, and with the new year comes new beginnings. Looking to make continuous improvements under the guidance of a new head coach, with years of football expertise, the Northland Pioneers football team will strive to be a playoff contender this season. Utilizing the talents and leadership of returning players and the enthusiasm and energy of new players, the Pioneers will create a synergy on the field that hopefully will rival any other team in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference. Bringing a new perspective to Pioneers football and a wealth of knowledge enters veteran coach, Jim Cox. “I know that Jim Cox will embrace the challenge of a program that has only claimed 12 winning seasons in 40 seasons of play, and move our football program forward,” stated NCTC athletic director, Richard Speas. With experience at multiple levels, and a history of rebuilding weak programs, Cox assumed the reins of the NCTC program in late July. “We will be entwined in a transition period with a late coaching change, but we are excited about the kids who will be joining us,” assessed Cox. Cox will look to eleven returners for help in the transition phase. Returners on the offensive side of the ball include Thief River Falls product, fullback Kaleb Torgerson, running back Kevin Evans (Groveland, FL), and wide receivers Christian Vinson (Ocala, FL), Pierre Elysee (Orlando, FL), and Derrius Brown (Groveland, FL). Vinson led the team in receptions with 27 for 276 yards, while Elysee was second on the squad with 27 catches for 239 yards.
Returners on the defensive side of the ball include defensive end Derrick Newby (Orlando, FL), linebackers Jacob Bradford (Fredericksburg, VA), Kennan Laidley (Thief River Falls, MN), Fred Key (Groveland, FL) and defensive backs Duane Barnes (Mount Dora, FL) and Quadarious Gordon (Ocala, FL). Gordon led the team in return yardage with 179 yards on 6 returns while Bradford was a leader in a team category with 4.5 sacks. The Pioneers will look for some key newcomers in several positions. With no returning quarterbacks, the coaching staff will keep a watchful eye on prospects Khlyn Strickland, 6’2”, 215, from Orlando, Florida, and Payton Kendrick, 6’2”, 210, from Tucson, Arizona. The Pioneers will looking for Paul Jackson (Mobile, AL) to help anchor the defensive line at 6’2” and 265 pounds. Running back Dez Henderson, a 5 star recruit from Fort Worth, Texas should add some significant punch to the ground game. Jordon Bossier, a 5’7”, 160 lb wide receiver from Lafayette, Louisiana has the speed to turn some heads. On the defensive side of the ball, the staff expects help at the safety position from 6’2”, 220 lb linebacker Raheen Granville (Atlanta, GA). The Pioneers open the season on the road when they travel to Ely, Minnesota on August 27th, to take on MCAC Eastern Division foe Vermilion Community College in a cross-section contest.
2015 SCHEDULE AND RESULTS DATE
OPPONENT
SITE
RESULTS
RECORD
8/29
Vermilion
Thief River Falls, MN
W 31-18
1-0
9/5
Mesabi Range
Virginia, MN
L 34-10
1-1
9/12
Dakota College
Bottineau, ND
L 22-15
1-2
9/19
Minnesota West
Thief River Falls, MN
L 21-18
1-3
9/26
North Dakota SCS
Thief River Falls, MN
L 19-14
1-4
10/3
Ridgewater
Willmar, MN
L 44-14
1-5
10/10
Minnesota State (FF)
Fergus Falls, MN
W 2-0*
2-5
10/17
Central Lakes CC
Thief River Falls, MN
L 65-20
2-6
*44-0 loss became a 2-0 forfeit win 14
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
NORTHLAND FOOTBALL 2015 IN REVIEW SCHOOL
DIVISION RECORD
OVERALL RECORD
NDSCS
5-0
6-2
Dakota College
3-2
5-3
Ridgewater
3-2
4-4
MN West
3-2
3-5
Northland
1-4
2-6
Minnesota State (FF)
0-5
1-7
2015 FOOTBALL IN REVIEW
MCAC WESTERN DIVISION CONFERENCE STANDINGS
NORTHLAND OFFENSIVE STATS: YDS. PER GAME
RUSHING AVG PER GAME
PASSING AVG PER GAME
POINTS PER GAME
134.8
23.3
111.5
15.3
NORTHLAND DEFENSIVE STATS: YDS PER GAME
RUSHING AVG PER GAME
PASSING AVG PER GAME
POINTS PER GAME
334.4
174.9
159.5
33.4
MCAC WESTERN DIVISION STATS: GAMES
RUSHING
PASSING
TOTAL YDS
YARDS PER GAME
POINTS
Ridgewater
8
958
1270
2228
278.5
164
NDSCS
8
705
1374
2079
259.9
147
Minnesota West
8
890
935
1825
228.1
160
MN State (FF)
8
736
898
1634
204.3
115
Dakota College
8
1070
533
1603
200.4
142
Northland
8
347
867
1214
151.8
122
MCAC WESTERN DIVISION STATS: TEAM OFFENSE
GAMES
RUSHING
PASSING
TOTAL YDS
YARDS PER GAME
POINTS
NDSCS
8
373
915
1288
161
111
Dakota College
8
326
1268
1594
199.3
139
MN State (FF)
8
820
1151
1971
246.4
158
MN West
8
836
1292
2128
266
269
Northland
8
1247
1235
2482
310.3
267
Ridgewater
8
958
1615
2573
321.6
205
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
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TEAM OFFENSE
15
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2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
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MEET THE PIONEERS - FOOTBALL 2
Position: MLB Height: 6’2” Weight: 265 Year: Freshman Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Position: CB Height: 6’4” Weight: 198 Year: Sophomore Hometown: Mount Dora, Florida
RAY ABRAHAM
DUANE BARNES
72
78
Position: OG Height: 6’ Weight: 275 Year: Freshman Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Position: OG Height: 6’ Weight: 320 Year: Freshman Hometown: Muskegon, Michigan
58
60
Position: DT Height: 6’3” Weight: 265 Year: Freshman Hometown: Lafayette, Louisiana
Position: OG Height: 5’11” Weight: 315 Year: Freshman Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
21
9
Position: SR Height: 6’ Weight: 160 Year: Tampa, Florida Hometown: Freshman
Position: SS Height: 5’11” Weight: 150 Year: Freshman Hometown: Kentwood, Michigan
24
34
Position: OLB Height: 5’10” Weight: 210 Year: Freshman Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Position: FB Height: 5’10” Weight: 180 Year: Freshman Hometown: Bemidji, Minnesota
CARLOS ALVAREZ
DAVONTEA AUGUST
KEVIN BALLARD
JAYMARIAN BASS
TRE BIVENS
ISAIAH BLACKWELL
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DELVIN AUSTIN
MEET THE PIONEERS
44
TANNER BOES
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
17
MEET THE PIONEERS
MEET THE PIONEERS - FOOTBALL 7
74
Position: SR Height: 6’1” Weight: 198 Year: Sophomore Hometown: Groveland, Florida
Position: OT Height: 6’3” Weight: 300 Year: Freshman Hometown: Cecilia, Louisiana
83
6
Position: K/P Height: 6’1” Weight: 235 Year: Freshman Hometown: Grygla, Minnesota
Position: CB Height: 5’10” Weight: 158 Year: Freshman Hometown: Cecilia, Louisiana
50
11
Position: OT Height: 6’3” Weight: 265 Year: Freshman Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Position: OLB Height: 6’1” Weight: 220 Year: Freshman Hometown: Tallahassee, Florida
80
8
Position: WR Height: 6’1” Weight: 165 Year: Freshman Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Position: TE Height: 6’6” Weight: 205 Year: Freshman Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
36
31
Position: MLB Height: 6’1” Weight: 214 Year: Freshman Hometown: Finley, North Dakota
Position: CB Height: 5’10” Weight: 170 Year: Freshman Hometown: Ocala, Florida
DERRIUS BROWN
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
CARTER BURKS
18
WILLIE CANNON
JERRY CANTAVE
WYATT CARLSON
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
TRENTON DARTEZ
TARIK DAVIS
KEVIN DAWSON
JESSE DOKES
KJ EARLY
MEET THE PIONEERS - FOOTBALL 87
Position: OC Height: 6’1” Weight: 300 Year: Freshman Hometown: Moorhead, Minnesota
Position: TE Height: 6’4” Weight: 240 Year: Freshman Hometown: Stevensville, Michigan
BRENDAN EDNER
GABRIEL GEMBALA
81
3
Position: WR Height: 6’2” Weight: 194 Year: Sophomore Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Position: CB Height: 6’1” Weight: 200 Year: Sophomore Hometown: Ocala, Florida
22
53
Position: RB Height: 6’ Weight: 192 Year: Sophomore Hometown: Groveland, Florida
Position: DE Height: 6’1” Weight: 238 Year: Freshman Hometown: Tampa, Florida
33
85
Position: FS Height: 6’2” Weight: 186 Year: Freshman Hometown: New Iberia, Louisiana
Position: OLB Height: 6’2” Weight: 220 Year: Freshman Hometown: Fargo, North Dakota
35
10
Position: CB Height: 6’ Weight: 175 Year: Freshman Hometown: Ypsilanti, Michigan
Position: QB Height: 6’4” Weight: 205 Year: Freshman Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
PIERRE ELYSEE
KEVIN EVANS
BJ GARDNER
QUADARIOUS GORDON
RAHEIM GRANVILLE
JOE HAGSTROM
northlandpioneers.com
DAMIEN FRANCIS
MEET THE PIONEERS
76
SHAMMUA HAROLD
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
19
MEET THE PIONEERS
MEET THE PIONEERS - FOOTBALL 25
47
Position: RB Height: 5’6” Weight: 161 Year: Freshman Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Position: FS Height: 5’11” Weight: 150 Year: Freshman Hometown: Ocala, Florida
88
20
Position: SR Height: 5’9” Weight: 185 Year: Freshman Hometown: Brainerd, Minnesota
Position: RB Height: 5’6” Weight: 165 Year: Freshman Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
13
12
Position: RB Height: 5’10” Weight: 161 Year: Freshman Hometown: Tallahassee, Florida
Position: QB Height: 6’1” Weight: 240 Year: Freshman Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
32
82
Position: CB Height: 6’2” Weight: 183 Year: Freshman Hometown: Bushnell, Florida
Position: K Height: 5’6” Weight: 160 Year: Freshman Hometown: Fargo, North Dakota
DEZ HENDERSON
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
MATT HILL
20
DEION HOGAN
BRIAN HUDSON
TYRIQUE JONES
SELWNY KELLY
PEYTON KENDRICK
RASHIDI KIKOPA
57
42
Position: DT Height: 6’1” Weight: 265 Year: Freshman Hometown: Mobile, Alabama
Position: OLB Height: 6’1” Weight: 205 Year: Sophomore Hometown: Goodridge, Minnesota
PAUL JACKSON
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
KEENAN LAIDLEY
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MEET THE PIONEERS
MEET THE PIONEERS - FOOTBALL 89
52
Position: QB Height: 6’1” Weight: 247 Year: Freshman Hometown: Lehiah Acres, Florida
Position: DT Height: 6’ Weight: 260 Year: Freshman Hometown: Muskegon, Michigan
AHMURI MANUEL
54
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
43
Position: OLB Height: 6’3” Weight: 210 Year: Freshman Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
KULAH PARKER Position: OLB Height: 5’9” Weight: 205 Year: Freshman Hometown: Kentwood, Michigan
84
45
Position: SR Height: 6’2” Weight: 165 Year: Freshman Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Position: SS Height: 6’2” Weight: 170 Year: Freshman Hometown: Berwyn, Illinois
64
56
Position: DE Height: 6’ Weight: 290 Year: Sophomore Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Position: DE Height: 6’3” Weight: 197 Year: Freshman Hometown: Minneola, Florida
71
23
Position: DE Height: 6’4” Weight: 290 Year: Freshman Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Position: SR Height: 5’7” Weight: 155 Year: Freshman Hometown: Lafayette, Louisiana
KENDALL MELTON
22
DYLAN OPLINGER
ISHMIL MITCHELL
DERRICK NEWBY
NASHEM NYOMBA
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
TAVOLIS PARKER
JON PICKETTE
ANTHONY PRIESTLEY
ALLEN MCMICHAEL ROBERTS
Position: SS Height: 5’11” Weight: 172 Year: Freshman Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
KEONTRAE STARKS
Position: RB Height: 5’10” Weight: 175 Year: Freshman Hometown: Ocala, Florida
90
4
Position: DT Height: 6’2” Weight: 306 Year: Freshman Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Position: QB Height: 6’1” Weight: 270 Year: Freshman Hometown: Orlando, Florida
30
69
Position: MLB Height: 6’ Weight: 230 Year: Freshman Hometown: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Position: DE Height: 6’ Weight: 191 Year: Freshman Hometown: Roseau, Minnesota
77
55
Position: OG Height: 6’1” Weight: 400 Year: Freshman Hometown: Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
Position: DE Height: 6’ Weight: 270 Year: Freshman Hometown: Opelousas, Louisiana
JUSTIN SCOTT
DANIEL SEAWRIGHT
KYALYN STICKLAND
BEEHESTONE STROOT
KENDAL SYLVESTER
79
19
Position: OT Height: 6’1” Weight: 330 Year: Freshman Hometown: Ocala, Florida
Position: WR Height: 5’10” Weight: 190 Year: Freshman Hometown: Bushnell, Florida
DIEGO SIMPKINS
northlandpioneers.com
TYLER SENEGAL
MEET THE PIONEERS
MEET THE PIONEERS - FOOTBALL 5 28
JT TAYLOR
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
23
MEET THE PIONEERS
MEET THE PIONEERS - FOOTBALL 40
17
Position: FB Height: 6’ Weight: 245 Year: Sophomore Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN
Position: WR Height: 6’2” Weight: 175 Year: Freshman Hometown: Orlando, Florida
18
15
Position: WR Height: 6’5” Weight: 220 Year: Sophomore Hometown: Anthony, Florida
Position: CB Height: 5’9” Weight: 176 Year: Freshman Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
KALEB TORGERSON
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
CHRISTIAN VINSON
24
CLARENCE WILLIAMS
KEWAN WILLIAMS
47
51
Position: SR Height: 6’1” Weight: 200 Year: Freshman Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Position: OT Height: 6’5” Weight: 266 Year: Freshman Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
AARON WHITELOW
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
SAMMIE WILLIAMS
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2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
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Business Hours:
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2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
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2016 PIONEERS FOOTBALL TEAM PHOTO
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27
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
PIONEERS FOOTBALL HISTORY
PIONEERS FOOTBALL HISTORY
28
SEASON
RECORD COACH
2015
2-6
Travis Martin
2014
0-0
NA
Program suspended
2013
7-3
Merle Johnson
Northern Division Champs
2012
6-4
Merle Johnson
MCAC State Semi-Finalist
2011
7-4
Merle Johnson
Northern Division Champs
2010
6-4
Guy Finstrom*
MCAC State Semi-Finalist
2009
3-6
Guy Finstrom
2008
0-9
Guy Finstrom
2007
6-4
Guy Finstrom
2006
7-3
Guy Finstrom
2005
4-5
Guy Finstrom
2004
1-7
Guy Finstrom
2003
4-5
Guy Finstrom
2002
9-3
Guy Finstrom
Northern Division Champs/Graphic Edge Bowl
2001
5-5
Guy Finstrom
MCCC Playoffs
2000
6-6
Dan Willoughby
Northern Division Champs
1999
6-3
Dan Willoughby
Northern Division Champs
1998
2-6
Dan Willoughby
1997
2-6
Gene Klinke
1996
2-6
Gene Klinke
1995
3-5
Gene Klinke
1994
5-3
Gene Klinke
1993
6-2
Gene Klinke
1992
5-3
Gene Klinke
1991
1-7
Rick Nelson
1990
4-4
Rick Nelson
1989
2-6
Rick Nelson
1988
4-4
Rick Nelson
1987
3-5
Rick Nelson
1986
5-4
Rick Nelson
1985
1-7
Rick Nelson
1984
1-7
Rick Nelson
1983
0-8
John Helley
1982
1-7
John Helley
1981
3-5
John Helley
1980
1-7-1
John Helley
1979
3-6
Irv Smith
1978
2-6
Irv Smith
1977
0-8
Chet Engleman
1976
2-6
Chet Engleman
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
NOTES ON SEASON
MCCC State Playoffs
Northern Division Champs
Northern Division Champs
COACHING RECORDS YEARS 2015 2011-2013 2001-2010 1998-2000 1992-1997 1984-1991 1980-1983 1978-1979 1976-1977 1976-2015
OVERALL RECORD 2-6 20-11 45-51 14-15 23-25 21-44 5-27-1 5-12 2-14 137-205-1
WINNING % .250 .645 .469 .483 .479 .323 , 166 .294 .125 .401
COACHING RECORDS
COACH Travis Martin Merle Johnson Guy Finstrom Dan Willoughby Gene Klinke Rick Nelson John Helley Irv Smith Chet Engelman Total Record
Northland College Bowl Appearances: 2002- Graphic Edge Bowl (Cedar Falls, IA); NDSCS (ND) 41- Northland CTC 22
northlandpioneers.com
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
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30
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
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2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
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2016 VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW/ HEAD VOLLEYBALL COACH
2016 VOLLEYBALL SEASON PREVIEW The 2016 Pioneers look to rebound following a 12-11 campaign that saw them finish 5th (7-7) in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference Northern Division. The conference finish was the lowest finish for Coach Abdul Chamma, the all-time winningest volleyball coach in NCTC history. Gone are Katelyn Howell, ShyLee Lehmann, and Cheyenne Woods who led the team in kills with 131, 108, and 104 respectively.
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Chamma will look to returning his single returning starter from last year, outside hitter Amber Froeber (Crookston, MN) to supply some firepower for the Pioneers. Froeber tallied 88 kills. “We had very hard working girls on the team, and expect the same from them this year,” assessed Chamma.
32
Coach Chamma looks for significant contributions from his newcomers. He will look for immediate results from libero Madison Magner (Newfolden, MN), middle hitter Shantel Verbout (Grygla, MN), middle hitter/ outside hitter Emerson Pavlik (Grand Forks AFB, ND) and outside hitter Haley Stephenson (Hutchinson, MN). Chamma also looks to middle hitter Jessica Vedbraaten (Newfolden, MN) to contribute to the team. Look for defending northern division champion Central Lakes and Mesabi Range as the league favorites in 2016. “This should be a very balanced league this year,” according to Chamma. New this year is the MCAC crossover tournament (10/21,10/22), where the northern division will match up with the southern division.
HEAD VOLLEYBALL COACH ABDUL CHAMMA ABDUL CHAMMA
Northland Head Volleyball Coach
The Pioneers head volleyball coach, Abdul Chamma, continues his ascent to the elite level of juco volleyball coaches on a national scale. Entering his seventh year as the skipper of the Northland volleyball program, Chamma is the all-time leader in wins (131-60) and winning percentage (.686) in the programs 41 year history. During his time as the head of the Pioneers, the program has captured two Region 13B championships, and one runner-up finish. The Pioneers qualified for the NJCAA Division III national championships twice under Chamma, finishing fifth in 2011 and third in 2012. Chamma was named MCAC Northern Division Coach of the Year in 2011 and 2012. He also was recognized as coach of the year by the NJCAA in District H in 2012.
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
Prior to his collegiate coaching experience, Chamma was active as a coach and player at the international level. Chamma completed his playing career at Friendship University in Moscow, Russia. Initially Chamma played club volleyball in Mihe Mihe, Lebanon, then competed at Sidon Technical College in Sidon City, Lebanon. While playing at Sidon Technical College, Chamma also coached girl’s club volleyball. In 1982, Chamma was selected for the Lebanese Olympic volleyball team, but was unable to compete in the 1984 Olympics due to the political climate in Lebanon. Under the guidance of Coach Chamma, the Pioneers have had numerous first team All-Americans, including: Tori Davidson (2013 and 2014), Tia Klein (2012), Ashley Lindgren (2012), and Jessica Fontes (2011).
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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2016 VOLLEYBALL ROSTER
2016 VOLLEYBALL ROSTER
NO.
NAME
POS.
HGT.
YEAR
HOMETOWN
1
Jessica Vedbraaten
OH/MH
5’9”
FR
Newfolden, MN
3
Hannah Rolf
RS
5’11”
FR
McIntosh, MN
5
Miranda Opdahl
OH
5’9”
FR
Thief River Falls, MN
7
Amber Froeber
OH
5’8”
SO
Crookston, MN
8
Haley Stephenson
S
5’8”
FR
Hutchinson, MN
9
Emerson Pavlik
OH/RS
5’11”
FR
Grand Forks AFB, ND
10
Lucy El-Saraf
RS
5’8”
FR
Grafton, ND
12
Shantel Verbout
MH
5’10”
FR
Grygla, MN
13
Shaelin Molskness
BR
5’7”
FR
Newfolden, MN
15
Alexia Olson
MH
6’2”
FR
Red Lake Falls, MN
6//2
Madison Magner
LI
5’7”
FR
Newfolden, MN
Head Coach: Abdul Nour Chamma
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2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
TEAM
OVERALL RECORD
WINNING % MCAC RECORD WINNING %
Central Lakes
26-2
.929
14-0
1.000
Mesabi Range
22-7
.759
11-3
.786
Rainy River
18-13
.581
9-5
.643
Itasca
16-12
.571
9-5
.643
Northland
12-11
.522
7-7
.500
Vermilion
8-22
.267
3-11
.214
Hibbing
6-23
.207
3-11
.214
Fond du Lac
0-14
.000
0-14
.000
2015 MCAC NORTHERN DIVISION CONVERENCE STANDINGS
2015 MCAC NORTHERN DIVISION CONFERENCE STANDINGS
Northland Community & Technical College
FOUNDATION nctcfoundation.com E A S T G R A N D F O R K S & T H I E F R I V E R FA L L S , M N
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2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
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Awarding scholarships to Northland’s students for 40 years.
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PIONEERS VOLLEYBALL HISTORY NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE 36
PIONEERS VOLLEYBALL HISTORY SEASON
RECORD
COACH
2015
12-11
Abdul Chamma
2014
23-4
Abdul Chamma
2013
23-8
Abdul Chamma
2012
27-8
Abdul Chamma
2011
25-4
Abdul Chamma
2010
4-16
Abdul Chamma
2009
17-9
Abdul Chamma
2008
24-5
Lisa Handley
2007
16-13
Lisa Handley
2006
14-14
Lisa Handley
2005
1-21
Missy Majerus
2004
18-10
Missy Majerus
2003
14-14
Mike Zachow
2002
15-15
Mike Zachow
2001
22-11
Mike Zachow
2000
22-9
Mike Zachow
1999
13-12
Mike Zachow
1998
2-19
Mike Zachow
1997
9-16
Sheri Olson
1996
10-13
Sheri Olson
1995
6-13
Sheri Olson
COACHING RECORDS COACH
YEARS
Abdul Chamma 2009-Present
RECORD WINNING % 131-60
.636
Lisa Handley
2006-2008
54-32
.627
Missy Majerus
2004-2005
19-31
.380
Mike Zachow
1998-2003
88-82
.517
Sheri Olson
1995-1997
23-35
.396
Deb Jacobson
1974-1989 1991-1994
108-244
.306
Sue Barnd
1990
0-33
.000
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
SEASON
RECORD
COACH
1994
No team due to lack of numbers
Deb Jacobson
1993
10-23
Deb Jacobson
1992
5-20
Deb Jacobson
1991
10-14
Deb Jacobson
1990
0-33
Sue Barnd
1989
3-23
Deb Jacobson
1988
9-18
Deb Jacobson
1987
3-18
Deb Jacobson
1986
7-21
Deb Jacobson
1985
1-14
Deb Jacobson
1984
No records available
Deb Jacobson
1983
No records available
Deb Jacobson
1982
11-10
Deb Jacobson
1981
7-8
Deb Jacobson
1980
5-13
Deb Jacobson
1979
1-10
Deb Jacobson
1978
8-16
Deb Jacobson
1977
7-12
Deb Jacobson
1976
9-11
Deb Jacobson
1975
4-7
Deb Jacobson
1974
8-6
Deb Jacobson
HITTING EFFICIENCY: Christel Berube - .463 CAREER KILLS: Christel Berube (2001- 2002) 695 KILLS PER GAME: Leah Salvhus - 3.95
NATIONAL TOURNAMENT: 2012 Division III national volleyball championships qualifier; Third place finish 2011 Division III national volleyball championships qualifier; Fifth place finish
CAREER BLOCKS: Christel Berube (2001-2002) - 327
REGION 13B TOURNAMENT: 2014 Region 13B Qualifier 2013 Region 13B Qualifier: Runner-up 2012 Region 13B Qualifier: Region Championship 2011 Region 13B Qualifier: Region Championship 2008 Region 13B Qualifier: Runner-up
BLOCKS PER GAME: Kylie Rogalla - 1.62
NORTHERN DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2011, 1981
SEASON BLOCKS: Christel Berube (2002) - 180
NJCAA ACADEMIC TEAM OF THE YEAR: 2006
SEASON KILLS: Christel Berube (2002) - 400
PIONEERS VOLLEYBALL RECORDS
PIONEERS VOLLEYBALL RECORDS
CAREER ASSISTS: Amie Salvhus (2006-2007) - 1,762 ASSISTS PER GAME: Amie Salvhus (2007) - 10.5 SEASON ASSISTS: Amie Salvhus (2007) - 1,113 CAREER ACES: Jackie Ostenaa - 112
SEASON ACES: Jackie Ostenaa (2002) - 73
®
CAREER DIGS: Leigha Curfman (2007) - 334 DIGS PER GAME: Alisa Costin (2006) - 4.20 SEASON DIGS: Leigha Curfman (2007) - 334 CAREER SERVE PERCENTAGE: Kelsey Johnsrud - 98.9
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ACES PER GAME: Britta Berube - .831
*Some products and services not available in all areas. State Farm Bank, F.S.B. Bloomington, IL
2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
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MEET THE PIONEERS - VOLLEYBALL
MEET THE PIONEERS - VOLLEYBALL
10
9
Height: 5’8” Hometown: Grafton, ND Position: RS
Height: 5’11” Hometown: Grand Forks AFB, ND Position: OH/RS
7
3
Height: 5’8” Hometown: Crookston,MN Position: OH
Height: 5’11” Hometown: McIntosh, MN Position: RS
6-2
8
LUCY EL-SARAF
AMBER FROEBER
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
MADISON MAGNER
Height: 5’7” Hometown: Newfolden, MN Position: LI
HANNAH ROLF
HALEY STEPHENSON Height: 5’8” Hometown: Hutchinson, MN Position: S
13
1
Height: 5’7” Hometown: Newfolden, MN Position: BR
Height: 5’9” Hometown: Newfolden, MN Position: OH/MH
15
12
Height: 6’2” Hometown: Red Lake Falls, MN Position: MH
Height: 5’10” Hometown: Grygla, MN Position: MH
SHAELIN MOLSKNESS
ALEXIA OLSON
5
MIRANDA OPDAHL
Height: 5”9” Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN Position: OH
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EMERSON PAVLIK
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JESSICA VEDBRAATEN
SHANTEL VERBOUT
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CONNECT to COMMUNICATE.
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NORTHLAND SPOTLIGHT
NORTHLAND SPOTLIGHT TIFFANY MCMILLAN
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
HOW DID YOU END UP BECOMING A STUDENT AT NCTC? As a senior in high school I knew that I wanted to attend college but I was unsure where I wanted to go or what I wanted to go to college for. I took a tour of Northland and met with an advisor and that really helped me with my decision after seeing it in person and having my questions answered while I was there. After meeting with the advisor I decided I wanted to go to college for administrative work and Northland had the perfect program for that, Administrative Assistant. I ultimately chose Northland because it was close to home, affordable, and Northland had the program I wanted so it was a natural fit for me. WHAT LED YOU TO THE PATH OF BECOMING A FINANCIAL AID ADVISOR AT NCTC? As a student at Northland I was a work-study student at the front desk at the East Grand Forks campus and found that I really enjoyed the work I was doing. After graduating from Northland I applied for and was offered the Student Services Specialist position. It was a great starting position and set me up for a successful transition when the financial aid advisor position opened up. Knowing I wanted to stay at Northland, I applied for the financial aid advisor position and was offered the job. I am happy I was offered and accepted the position as I enjoy the work I do and enjoy helping students! WHAT DOES A FINANCIAL AID ADVISOR DO AT NORTHLAND? Every day is different. We cannot plan our day out and expect it to go as planned. It is always interesting and makes the day go by quickly, you just need to be flexible. We usually spend our day discussing options and advising students and parents of detailed and specific information concerning financial aid programs, policies and procedures, guidelines, and eligibility requirements to help them better understand which options may be best for them. Essentially, we break down barriers for students and help make college a financial reality for them. Each student comes to us with different financial issues and concerns, and we work to help them find as many resources as possible to help make college affordable. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PARENTS & POTENTIAL STUDENTS ABOUT APPLYING FOR NCTC? Northland is an excellent value for your college education, and we offer a wide variety of programs. It gives you the option to get your two-year degree and go right out into the workforce or you can
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2016 FALL MEDIA GUIDE
transfer to a university to get your four-year degree. Class sizes are smaller so you get to know your classmates and instructors. With the smaller class size, instructors are more accessible to you and that was really helpful. Our technical programs are closely aligned with the latest in industry standards, so students will be able to enter their professional careers promptly after graduation. The best way to learn about NCTC is to take a tour. We can arrange tours based around the student/parent schedules, and help you learn all about the programs and services we offer. It really is the best way to understand how NCTC can help you realize your goals and aspirations. DESCRIBE YOU FONDEST MEMORIES OF NORTHLAND AS A STUDENT. I was a student-athlete at NCTC, and so I had the opportunity to learn both how to balance my academics with the demands of athletics, and be a representative for NCTC. Wearing the jersey as a women’s basketball athlete made me really understand how our student-athletes are ambassadors for our college and for our student body. When my team was fortunate enough to make the national playoffs, being able to show my pride in NCTC on that level was amazing and an experience I will never forget. The friends I made during this time I still hold close and will have for a lifetime; the athletic experience is one that any student so inclined should pursue. It’s fantastic and I still am grateful for being able to be a part of the athletic traditions of NCTC. As an employee – Being able to help students understand financial aid and watch students succeed is a hugely satisfying part of my job. I often work with students who’ve never had any experience with college before, or who come from cultural traditions that shy away from any kind of loan debt. Helping guide students from all walks of life through the financial aid world and translating it into terms they can understand is one of the best parts of my job.