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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; an outstanding benefits program; a comfortable, stable, friendly work environment; and the many benefits of living in a smaller community.
888-671-1725 DIGIKEY.COM/CAREERS
ORDER FULFILLMENT
INBOUND SALES CUSTOMER SERVICE
ACCOUNTING TECHNICAL SUPPORT
PURCHASING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
MARKETING AND MORE!
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Relocation Incentive! Digi-Key is now offering up to $850 in relocation assistance to any newly hired full-time employee who resides outside of a 60-mile radius of Thief River Falls, MN, and relocates to within that 60-mile radius in conjunction with new employment. Competitive Compensation Digi-Key offers competitive compensation. Pay is reviewed annually. 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. Dental Plan 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. Flexible Spending Account Digi-Key’s Flexible Spending Account enables participants to pay for health plan premiums, unreimbursed medical and dental expenses, as well as dependent care expenses out of pre-tax funds. Vacation, Personal Time, and Paid Holidays Employees receive two weeks of vacation, 48-hours of personal/medical time, and six holidays in their first year of employment. Work Environment Digi-Key provides a clean, comfortable, climate-controlled work environment for its employees. Advancement Opportunities Digi-Key offers employees the ability to advance their careers through its internal posting system, acquiring positions that fit their individual talents and abilities or roles of greater responsibility. Additional Benefits Additional benefits include a life insurance plan, a long term disability insurance plan, employee purchase discounts, and educational reimbursement through the Digi-Key University program. ©2015 Digi-Key Electronics. Digi-Key is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
TABLE OF CONTENTS National Affiliation:
National Junior College Athletic Association
Conference:
Region 13 Athletic Conference, Minnesota College Athletic Conference
MCAC Conference Members President’s Welcome & College History Athletic Director Richard Speas Support Staff & All-Sports Standings Athletic Facilities
Nickname:
Pioneers
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Colors:
Navy Blue and Scarlet
2015-16 Season Preview Coaching Staff 2015-16 Schedule 2015-16 Team Roster Meet the Pioneers - Men’s Basketball Men’s Basketball History PIONEER INSIDER: John Jenkins
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 Travis Martin Head Football & Softball Coach................................218-683-8554
Rick Nikunen Head Men’s Basketball Coach..................................218-683-8707 Paul Peterson Athletic Coordinator.................................................218-683-8556
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.
p 12 p 13-14 p 15 p 16 p 18-19 p 20 p 21
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 2015-16 Season Preview Coaching Staff 2015-16 Schedule 2015-16 Team Roster Meet the Pioneers - Women’s Basketball Women’s Basketball History Women’s Basketball Records PIONEER INSIDER: Haley Gehrtz
p 24 p 25-26 p 27 p 28 p 30 p 31 p 32-33 p 34
WRESTLING 2015-16 Season Preview Coaching Staff 2015-16 Schedule 2015-16 Team Roster Meet the Pioneers - Wrestling PIONEER INSIDER: Nate Harms
p 36 p 37-38 p 39 p 40 p 41-42 p 43
FEATURES Northland Spotlight with Jason Pangiarella How Well Do You Know Allyson Dahl?
p 44 p 45
northlandpioneers.com
Shannon Nelson Head Women’s Basketball Coach...........................218-683-8696
p 3-4 p5 p6 p7 p9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NORTHLAND QUICK FACTS
CREDITS The 2015-16 Winter Media Guide is a publication of the Northland Community & Technical College Marketing & Communications Department.
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 Design/Layout/Content/Advertising: Katie Jones, Chad Sperling, Matthew Brenden, and Richard Speas association that would promote and supervise a national athletics program exclusively for junior and community colleges…and the Printed By: Amity Graphics - Bemidji, MN rest is history. A huge thank you to all of the faculty and staff at Northland for all of On May 14, 1938, the first constitution of the National Junior College their hard work and dedication to our students! Athletic Association was accepted by its charter members and the organization held its first national championship event a year later in May 1939. Northland Community & Technical College is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system and is an Equal Opportunity employer and educator.
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS
MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS
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Anoka Ramsey Community College
Minnesota West Community & Technical 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
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
Central Lakes College
Minnesota State Community & Technical 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
Location: Fergus Falls, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 150 miles Mascot: Spartans Arena: Spartan Gymnasium (1,000) Football Stadium: Spartan Field basketball, softball, volleyball Women’s Sports: Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, golf
Fond Du Lac Tribal & Community College
Northland Community & Technical College
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
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
Riverland Community 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
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
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS Vermillion Community College
Location: Distance from Thief River Falls: Mascot: Arena:
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
Rochester, MN 415 miles Yellow Jackets Riverland Gym (700)
Women’s Sports: basketball, golf, soccer, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, football, golf, wrestling
St. Cloud Technical College Location: St. Cloud, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 254 miles Mascot: Cyclones Arena: No Information basketball, softball, volleyball Women’s Sports: Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball
MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS
Rochester Community College
MCAC North Dakota Institutions: (Football Only) Dakota College
North Dakota State College of Science
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
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
northlandpioneers.com
d owne y l l a c ! Lo rated e p O &
CONVENIENCE STORE & TOUCHLESS CARWASH! 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!
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME/HISTORY
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME & HISTORY 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.
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME Welcome to Pioneer Country! You’re soon to discover 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 their effort 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. It’s also important to recognize that our student athletes excel off the field as well, making certain that achieving their academic goals is a priority. Northland’s athletes are routinely among the NJCAA’s highest performing scholars, boasting a graduation / transfer rate of nearly 100%! So enjoy today’s event and feel good about being part of a great Pioneer tradition that’s now entering its’ 50th year of competitive college athletics. Dennis Bona President
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Thief River Falls Campus
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
East Grand Forks Campus
HEADLINE MEET THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR TITLE RICHARD SPEAS
Director of Student Life & Athletics
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 21578 (.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, crosscountry coach of the year in 2004, and NAIA region cross-country coach of the year in 2004.
With family health issues, Speas returned to Iowa in 2012 to assume the position of Executive Director at Oskie Prep, a nonprofit 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. ■
northlandpioneers.com
A native of Union, Iowa, Richard Speas comes to Northland Community and Technical College with a wealth of experience in intercollegiate athletics. 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.
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 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, but 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
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.
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
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2015 PIONEER FOOTBALL
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
SUPPORT STAFF & STANDINGS
SUPPORT STAFF & ALL-SPORTS STANDINGS
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Richard Speas
Paul Peterson
Abdul Chamma
Barry Dowers
Director of Student Life & Athletics
Athletics Coordinator
Head Coach Volleyball
Head Coach Baseball
Scott DCamp
Travis Martin
Shannon Nelson
Rick Nikunen
Head Coach Wrestling
Head Coach Football Head Coach Softball
Head Coach Women’s Basketball
Head Coach Men’s Basketball
NJCAA ALL-SPORTS STANDINGS The National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) released the winners of the 2014-2015 NATYCAA 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. 2014-2015 NATYCAA Cup NJCAA Scholarship Final Standings:
2014-2015 NATYCAA Cup NJCAA Non-Scholarship Final Standings:
Standing
Institution
Score
Standing
Institution
Score
1
Iowa Central Community College
169.5
1
Herkimer County CC (NY)
152
2
Iowa Western Community College
160.5
2
Nassau County CC (NY)
148
3
Tyler Junior College (TX)
141.5
3
Suffolk County CC (NY)
135.5
4
South Plains College (TX)
129
4
Mohawk County CC (NY)
129.5
5
Central Arizona College
117.5
5
Rowan College at Gloucester (NY)
127.5
6
Monroe (NY)
100.75
6
SUNY Dehli (NY)
107.5
7
Darton College (GA)
100.5
7
Harper College (Illinois)
95
8
Coffeyville (KS)
96
8
Fashion Institute of Technology (NY)
93
9
Monroe Community College
90
9
Ocean County College (NJ)
83
10
Pima Community College (AZ)
89
10
Rock Valley College (Illinois)
78
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
PATRICK MORIARTY, MD
BRUCE PIATT, MD
KEVIN BALLARD, DNP
J. ADAM HAMILTON, MD
BRIAN DIX, DPM
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038029-00208 8/15
MARK YUSKA, DPM
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
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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.
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
LOCKER ROOMS
rself u o Y e r u t alls! Pic F r e iv R f in Th ie ADVERTISEMENTS
Contact the Thief River Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau for a FREE Visitors Guide to plan your trip today!
www.visittrf.com | 218-686-9785
www.evergreenimplement.com
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2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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NORTHLAND AEROSPACE
northlandaerospace.com
2015 MEN’S BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Nikunen also looks to 11 newcomers to contribute to this year’s team. Freshmen guards Jake Joppru (Thief River Falls, MN) and Austin Moss (LaPorte, MN) come in with some glossy credentials. Joppru finished his high school career at Lincoln High School with over 1,200 points, while Moss finished with over 2,100 total points at the interscholastic level.
The Pioneers open the season on November 10th when they travel to Mayville, North Dakota to take on the Mayville JV squad. Following several road games, the Pioneers return home for their opener on November 17th when they host Minnesota State Fergus Falls.
DATE
OPPONENT
RESULTS
RECORD
11/1
Canadian Mennonite Univ.
W 86-65
1-0
11/2
University of Winnipeg
W 73-58
2-0
11/18
@ Minn. State FF
L 63-55
2-1
11/21
@ Dakota College
L 83-74
2-2
11/22
Turtle Mountain CC
W 83-66
3-2
11/25
Mayville State JV
W 91-45
4-2
12/3
Jamestown College JV
W 79-71
5-2
12/5
@ Western Tech
W 81-77
6-2
12/6
@ Rochester CC
L 97-66
6-3
12/12
St. Cloud Tech
L 78-75
6-4
12/13
Minn. State FF
W 82-69
7-4
1/2
Bismarck State
L 72-69
7-5
1/3
Dakota College
L 72-58
7-6
1/7
Itasca CC
L 81-72
7-7
1/10
Fond du Lac Tribal CC
W 70-67
8-7
1/14
@ Rainy River CC
L 77-54
8-8
1/17
Hibbing CC
W 86-62
9-8
1/23
@ Vermilion CC
L 81-71
9-9
1/24
@ Mesabi Range CC
W 78-77
10-9
1/28
Central Lakes CC
L 68-50
10-10
1/31
Mesabi Range CC
L 76-64
10-11
2/4
@ Hibbing CC
W 78-71
11-11
2/7
Rainy River CC
L 72-63
11-12
2/13
@ Fond du Lac Tribal CC
W 74-62
12-12
2/14
@ Central Lakes CC
L 73-63
12-13
2/18
@ Itasca CC
W 77-61
13-13
2/21
Vermilion CC
L 74-49
13-14
RECORD
PCT.
CONFERENCE
PCT.
AWAY
NEUTRAL
13-14
.462
6-8
.429
5-6
2-0
GAMES
PTS. PER GAME
FG%
3PT%
REB PER GAME
AST PER GAME
26
70.7
44.6
36.5
33.6
12.6
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
northlandpioneers.com
“We are a lot more talented then we have been for a while,” assessed Pioneer skipper, Rick Nikunen, “We are very athletic and have great depth.” The league favorites heading into 2015-2016 will be the previous year’s co-champs in the northern division, Central Lakes and Vermilion. Look for the Pioneers to continue to play hard-nosed man-to-man defense, and push the ball up the floor on offense. Perineal power Rochester, along with Anoka-Ramsey look to be the league favorites in the southern division of the MCAC.
2014-2015 Men’s Basketball Results
MEN’S BASKETBALL PREVIEW
The Pioneers look to improve on last year’s fifth place finish in the MCAC northern division standings (6-8). Back is last year’s leader scorer, Steve Clark, averaging 11.2 points per game. A 6’5” Forward from Romulus, Michigan, Clark also finished second on the team in rebounds with 123 caroms. Also back is all-conference performer Owen Ellefson (Argyle, MN). Elllefson, a 6’4” off guard averaged 10.4 points per game. Also returning are 6’ guard Seth Moise (Glendale, AZ), and 5’10” guard John Jenkins (Maplewood, MN). Both Moise and Jenkins saw considerable playing time last season.
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MEN’S BASKETBALL COACHING
MEN’S BASKETBALL COACHING STAFF Prior to arriving at Northland, Nikunen served as the head men’s basketball coach at McCook Community College (NJCAA, Division I) in McCook, Nebraska. Prior to Nikunens arrival, the men’s basketball program had not won a conference title in 15 years. The Indians captured a conference championship during the 19881989 season, then would go on to add another conference title, also under Nikunen’s tutelage, during the 1990-1991 campaign.
RICK NIKUNEN NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Head Coach
13
Versatile is the word that might come to mind when considering Rick Nikunen’s tenure at Northland Community and Technical College. Entering his 24th year at the college, Nikunen has served as an assistant football coach, head men’s golf coach, head women’s golf coach, head softball coach, and head women’s basketball coach. Nikunen assumed the role of head men’s basketball coach in 1998. In 17 seasons at the helm, Nikunen has recorded the second most wins (230) in the programs history. Nikunen’s capstone season at Northland came during the 20062007 season when the Pioneers advanced to the NJCAA Division III national championship game where they were defeated 74-68 by Sullivan County Community College (NY). The 2006-2007 team also set the school record for victories in a season, going 29-5 on the season.
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
Also included on Nikunen’s coaching ledger, was a stint as the assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Mary. Nikunen served in the role from 1984-1987. Nikunen’s first collegiate coaching experience came as an assistant at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota. An NCAA Division II institution during his tenure there, Nikunen held an assistant position in the program from 1981-1984.
Coach Nikunen received his bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Mayville State University in 1979. He would go onto earn a master’s degree in education from North Dakota State University in 1984. A native of Biwabik, Minnesota, Rick Nikunen resides in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. His wife, Shari Olson currently holds the president’s position at South Mountain Community College in Arizona. Rick and Shari, have one son, Willie. ■
CHRIS MCLEAN Assistant Coach
Chris McLean enters his fourth year as the assistant men’s basketball coach for the Pioneers. McLean, who works with the development of the post players at Northland, previously served as the head basketball coach at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls. During his 10 years as the head of the Lincoln High School boys’ basketball program, McLean enjoyed a significant amount of success. Capturing two section 8AA championships, he led the Prowlers to 21 consecutive wins during the 2003-2004 season, finishing with a 24-1 record on the campaign. A Northland graduate, the Grygla, Minnesota native served as a graduate assistant in men’s basketball at Northern State in Aberdeen, South Dakota. McLean earned a master’s degree in physical education and health while at Northern State.
M. BASKETBALL ASSISTANT COACH
MEN’S BASKETBALL COACHING STAFF
McLean, who earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Bemidji State University, lives in Thief River Falls, Minnesota with his wife Kelsey and children Chloe, Kora, and Owen.
northlandpioneers.com
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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2015-16 MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2015-16 M. BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
DATE OPPONENT LOCATION
TIME
11/19
Mayville State JV
Mayville, ND
7:00 PM
11/13
Lake Region State College
Devils Lake, ND
TBA
11/14
Lake Region State College
Devils Lake, ND
TBA
11/17
MN State Fergus Falls
HOME
8:00 PM
11/20
Jamestown University JV
HOME
8:00 PM
11/23
Concordia College JV
HOME
8:00 PM
12/1
MN State Fergus Falls
Fergus Falls, MN
8:00 PM
12/4
Ridgewater Comm. College
Willmar, MN
8:00 PM
12/5
MN West Comm. & Tech College
Worthington, MN
3:00 PM
12/11
Riverland Comm. College
HOME
8:00 PM
12/12
Anoka-Ramsey Comm. College
HOME
3:00 PM
1/2
Bismarck State College
HOME
7:00 PM
1/3
Gogebic Comm. College
HOME
5:00 PM
1/8
Itasca Comm. College
Grand Rapids, MN
8:00 PM
1/9
Fond du Lac Comm. College
Cloquet, MN
3:00 PM
1/13
Rainy River Comm. College
HOME
8:00PM
1/16
Hibbing Comm. College
HOME
3:00 PM
1/22
Vermilion Comm. College
Ely, MN
8:00 PM
1/23
Mesabi Range Comm. College
Virginia, MN
5:00 PM
1/27
Central Lakes Comm. College
HOME
3:00 PM
1/30
Mesabi Range Comm. College
HOME
5:00 PM
2/3
Hibbing Comm. College
Hibbing, MN
8:00 PM
2/6
Rainy River Comm. College
International Falls, MN
3:00 PM
2/10
Fond du Lac Comm. College
HOME
8:00 PM
2/13
Central Lakes Comm. College
Brainerd, MN
3:00 PM
2/17
Itasca Comm. College
HOME
8:00 PM
2/20
Vermilion Comm. College
HOME
5:00 PM
Celebrating 50 years of athletics!
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2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
2015-16 MEN’S BASKETBALL ROSTER MEN’S BASKETBALL ROSTER
NAME
POS.
HEIGHT
HOMETOWN
YEAR
1
Terrell Crawford
G
6’4”
Detroit, MI
Freshman
2
Tracy Freeman
G
6’1”
Detroit, MI
Freshman
3
Christian Oakley
G
5’11”
Cleveland, OH
Freshman
4
Jujuan Johnson
G
5’9”
Southfield, MI
Freshman
5
Chandler Rigdon
G
5’9”
Savannah, GA
Freshman
10
Jordan Bellamy
G
5’11”
Phoenix, AZ
Freshman
11
Steven Clark
F
6’5”
Romulus, MI
Sophomore
20
John Jenkins
G
5’9”
Maplewood, MN
Sophomore
21
Emmanuel McCullough
F
6’7”
Canton, OH
Freshman
22
Seth Moise
F
6’4”
Glendale, AZ
Sophomore
23
Ryan Holthusen
G
5’10”
Red Lake, MN
Freshman
24
Raheim Page
G-F
6’3”
St. George, UT
Freshman
30
Austin Moss
F
6’3”
LaPorte, MN
Freshman
33
Jake Joppru
G
6’1”
Thief River Falls, MN
Freshman
40
Simone Simon
F
6’5”
Mt. Dora, FL
Freshman
41
Ed Brown
F
6’6”
Columbia, SC
Freshman
HEAD COACH Rick Nikunen ASSISTANT COACH Chris McLean
PHONETIC ROSTER Terrell Crawford Jordan Bellamy Jajuan Johnson Raheim Page Jake Joppru Seth Moise Ryan Holthusen Simone Simon Rick Nikunen
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(Te-rell Crawford) (Jordan Bell-a-me) (Ja-whan Johnson) (Ra-He-m Page) (Jake Jopp-RU) (Seth Moise- rhythms with noise) (Ryan Holt-a-sin) (Si-moan Cy-mon) (Rick Nick-a-nin)
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
16
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2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
MEET THE PIONEERS Position: F
41
20
John Jenkins Position: G
Height: 6’6”
Height: 5’9”
Year: Freshman
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Columbia, SC
Hometown: Maplewood, MN
Previous Schools: C. A. Johnson HS, Chabot College
Previous School: Tartan Senior HS
Steven Clark Position: F
11
04
Jajuan Johnson Position: G
Height: 6’5”
Height: 5’9”
Year: Sophomore
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Romulus, MI
Hometown: Southfield, MI
Previous School: Romulus HS
Previous Schools: Southfield Lathrup HS
Terrell Crawford Position: G
01
33
Jake Joppru Position: G Height: 6’1”
Year: Freshman
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN
Previous Schools: River Rouge HS, Albion College
Previous School: Lincoln Senior HS
Position: G
02
Emmanuel McCullough Position: F
21
Height: 6’1”
Height: 6’7”
Year: Freshman
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Hometown: Canton, OH
Previous School: River Rouge HS
Previous School: Crookston HS
Ryan Holthusen Position: G
23
northlandpioneers.com
Height: 6’4”
Tracy Freeman
MEET THE PIONEERS
Ed Brown
22
Seth Moise Position: F
Height: 5’10”
Height: 6’4”
Year: Freshman
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Red Lake, MN
Hometown: Glendale, AZ
Previous School: Red Lake HS
Previous School: Kellis HS 2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
18
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
MEET THE PIONEERS - MBB
MEET THE PIONEERS - MBB Austin Moss Position: F
30
40
Simone Simon Position: F
Height: 6’3”
Height: 6’5”
Year: Freshman
Year: Freshman
Hometown: LaPorte, MN
Hometown: Mount Dora, FL
Previous Schools: LaPorte HS, Bemidji State Univ.
Previous School: Mount Dora HS
Christian Oakley Position: G
03
10
Jordan Bellamy Position: G
Height: 5’11”
Height: 5’11”
Year: Freshman
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Previous School: Charles F. Brush HS
Previous School: Mountain Pointe HS
Raheim Page Position: F
24
05
Chandler Rigdon Position: G
Height: 6’3”
Height: 5’11”
Year: Freshman
Year: Freshman
Hometown: St. George, UT
Hometown: Savannah, GA
Previous School: Dixie HS
Previous School: Chickasaw HS
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2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
PIONEER MEN’S BASKETBALL HISTORY 1978
1991
2004
1966
1979
1992
2005
1967
1980
1993
2006
1968
1981
1994
2007
1969
1982
1995
Record: 0-11 Coach: Al Adams Record: 5-14 Coach: Al Adams Record: 8-14 Coach: Al Adams Record: 6-16 Coach: Al Adams Record: 6-16 Coach: Al Adams
1970
Record: 3-19 Coach: Chet Engelman
1971
Record: 13-12 Coach: Chet Engelman
1972
Record: 7-15 Coach: Chet Engelman
1973
Record: 20-5 Coach: Chet Engelman Record: 25-1 Coach: Chet Engelman
1975
Record: 19-5 Coach: Chet Engelman
Record: 17-9 Coach: Chet Engelman Record: 19-7 Coach: Chet Engelman Record: 13-10 Coach: Chet Engelman Record: 18-4 Coach: Chet Engelman
1983
Record: 14-9 Coach: Chet Engelman
1984
Record: 21-4 Coach: Chet Engelman
1985
Record: 22-3 Coach: Chet Engelman
1986
Record: 14-12 Coach: Chet Engelman
1987
Record: 6-16 Coach: Chet Engelman
1988
Record: 6-16 Coach: Chet Engelman
Record: 16-11 Coach: Chet Engelman Record: 4-18 Coach: Mark Danhoff Record: 8-14 Coach: Mark Danhoff Record: 7-15 Coach: Mark Danhoff Record: 15-10 Coach: Mark Danhoff
1996
Record: 10-12 Coach: Mark Danhoff
1997
Record: 1-21 Coach: Ted Krize
1998
Record: 0-22 Coach: Rick Nikunen
1999
Record: 6-16 Coach: Rick Nikunen
2000
Record: 8-18 Coach: Rick Nikunen
2001
Record: 14-10 Coach: Rick Nikunen
1976
1989
2002
1977
1990
2003
Record: 16-6 Coach: Chet Engelman Record: 13-9 Coach: Chet Engelman
Record: 16-9 Coach: Chet Engelman Record: 16-6 Coach: Chet Engelman
Record: 15-17 Coach: Rick Nikunen
Record: 18-11 Coach: Rick Nikunen Record: 9-16 Coach: Rick Nikunen Record: 17-12 Coach: Rick Nikunen Record: 29-5 Coach: Rick Nikunen (Region XIII Champs, National Runner-Up)
2008
Record: 16-12 Coach: Rick Nikunen
2009
Record: 22-7 Coach: Rick Nikunen
2010
Record: 19-9 Coach: Rick Nikunen
2011
Record: 18-12 Coach: Rick Nikunen
2012
Record: 5-22 Coach: Rick Nikunen
2013
Record: 12-17 Coach: Rick Nikunen
2014
Record: 13-14 Coach: Rick Nikunen
northlandpioneers.com
1974
Record: 16-7 Coach: Chet Engelman
M. BASKETBALL HISTORY
1965
Record: 10-13 Coach: Rick Nikunen
COACHING RECORDS COACH
YEARS
RECORD
WINNING %
Rick Nikunen
1998-2015
231-233
.497
Ted Krize
1997-1998
1-21
.045
Mark Danhoff
1992-1997
44-69
.389
Chet Engelman
1970-1992
330-195
.629
Al Adams
1967-1970
20-46
.303
Totals
1967-2015
625-564
.526
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
20
2015 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PREVIEW DATE
Nelson’s team returns three starters in Allyson Dahl (New Folden, MN), Tori Mekash (Greenbush, MN), and Haley Gehrtz (Ada, MN) along with Cheyenne Woods (Bemidji, MN) a part time starter who logged a significant amount of playing time. “Returning six of our top eight players from last season, we will lean heavily on our sophomores experience early in the season,” assessed Nelson. Dahl, a 5’10” shooting guard averaged 15.1 ppg last season and was named to the first team All-Northern Division MCAC team. A 5’8” guard, Mekash (Greenbush, MN) averaged 13.2 ppg for the Pioneers, and averaged 6 rebounds per contest while being named All-Northern Division Honorable Mention. Gehrtz, a 5’9” forward from Ada, Minnesota was second on the team with 6.1 rebounds per game while holding an 11.3 scoring average. Woods, a 5’6” guard from Bemidji, Minnesota, was second in the northern division with 5.36 assists per game, and also contributed 2.43 steals per game. The Pioneers will continue to stress defense. “We stress ball pressure on the perimeter and physical, active post defense,” lamented the Pioneer skipper. “Offensively, we focus on an up-tempo style of play and a balanced offensive attack.”
“I am very excited about the 2015-2016 season and the team that we’ve put together,” stated Nelson. We are1268844_15770 projecting a balanced offensive attack with multiple players who can3.5x2 consistently put up some significant numbers on the point ledger.” 4C The Pioneers only two regular season losses last season came to NJCAA Division I scholarships programs, Bismarck State (North Dakota) and NDSCS (North Dakota). The Pioneers open the season on November 14th at Devil’s Lake North Dakota when they square off with NJCAA Division I opponent, Lake Region State College.
RESULTS
RECORD
11/15
Gogebic CC
W 73-54
1-0
11/18
@ Minn State FF
W 80-45
2-0
11/21
@ Dakota College
W 83-79
3-0
11/22
Turtle Mountain CC @ Dakota College
W 72-58
4-0
11/25
NDSCS
L 62-54
4-1
12/3
Jamestown College JV
W 90-45
5-1
12/5
@ Western Tech
W 70-42
6-1
12/6
@ Rochester CC
W 70-53
7-1
12/12
St. Cloud Tech
W 73-56
8-1
12/13
Minn State FF
W 88-57
9-1
1/2
Bismarck State College
L 83-59
9-2
1/3
Dakota College
W 75-73 (OT)
10-2
1/7
Itasca CC
W 69-50
11-2
1/10
Fond du Lac Tribal CC
W 75-30
12-2
1/14
@ Rainy River
W 76-49
13-2
1/17
Hibbing CC
W 61-38
14-2
1/23
@ Vermilion CC
W 91-82
15-2
1/24
@ Mesabi Range CC
W 80-61
16-2
1/28
Central Lakes CC
W 79-53
17-2
1/31
Mesabi Range CC
W 71-39
18-2
2/4
@ Hibbing CC
W 82-55
19-2
2/7
Rainy River CC
W 91-46
20-2
2/13
@ Fond du Lac Tribal CC
W 105-73
21-2
2/14
@ Central Lakes CC
W 58-48
22-2
2/18
@ Itasca CC
W 78-49
23-2
2/21
Vermilion CC
W 79-40
24-2
2/28
Fox Valley Tech (Regional)
W 84-62
25-2
3/1
Mesabi Range CC (Regional)
L 77-75
25-3
RECORD
PCT.
CONFERENCE
PCT.
HOME
AWAY
NEUTRAL
25-3
.893
14-0
1.000
13-3
11.0
1-0
GAMES
PTS. PER GAME
FG%
3PT%
REB PER GAME
AST PER GAME
28
76.5
44.2
32.8
44.8
22.0
northlandpioneers.com
Coach Nelson will look to some key newcomers to contribute to the Pioneer cause. Freshmen ShaRon Miller (Blaine, MN), Emily Hestekind (Newfolden, MN), and Myesha Caldwell (Mounds View, MN) all bring some impressive prep credentials to the scene. ShaRon, a 6’ post averaged 19 points a game for Blaine High School, and was named to the All-Northwest Suburban Conference team in the Twin Cities. A versatile athlete, Miller was also named all-state in track where she finished fourth in the state class 5-A shot put. Named to the All-North Border Conference team, Hestekind led her Northern Freeze team in assists, seals, and blocks last year. Caldwell, a four-time team defensive MVP, was selected to the All-Northwest Suburban Conference Honorable Mention list.
OPPONENT
2015 W. BASKETBALL PREVIEW
2014-2015 Women’s Basketball Results
Following the 2014 NJCAA Division III national championship, the Pioneers entered Region XIII B play in 2015 as the number one ranked team in the nation. An upset victory by Mesabi Range in the Region final leaves the Pioneers hungry for a return to the national tournament where they qualified for five consecutive appearances (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) prior to last season.
Always a winner
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2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
8/10/15 2:47 PM
24
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACHING
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACHING STAFF
SHANNON NELSON
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Head Coach
25
Shannon Nelson was named the ninth head basketball coach in the history of the women’s program in 2010. During the span of five seasons, the Marshall, Minnesota native has become the winningest coach in program history, in both total wins (116) and winning percentage (.794). Under Nelson’s guidance, the Pioneers reached the pinnacle of success in 2014 as they captured the school’s first national championship in any sport. Taking home the 2014 national championship trophy for the NJCAA (Division III) women’s basketball tournament, the Pioneers held the national ranking during the following season (2014-2015) before falling to Mesabi Range in regional play, 77-75, and finishing the season at 25-3. Nelson has received numerous coaching honors. She was named the MCAC Northern
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
Division Coach of the Year in each of her five seasons at Northland. In addition, Nelson was named Region XIII B Coach of the Year in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Nelson received the national NJCAA Division III women’s basketball Coach of the Year award in 2014.
defensive team her junior and senior seasons.
Also a clinician, Nelson has worked the Nike High School All-American camp. Nelson now operates the Northwest Minnesota Girls Basketball Skills Clinics in the area, providing quality instruction for players in grades 4 through 12.
Nelson earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Minnesota in 2006 and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Capella University in 2009.
Prior to her arrival at Northland Community and Technical College in 2007, Nelson served as an assistant coach in the girls’ basketball program at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis during the 20062007 season. The Islanders finished as the Minnesota state class 3-A runner-up in girls basketball during that season. A 2006 graduate of the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities, Nelson lead the Gophers to four straight NCAA tournament appearances, including three appearances in the Sweet Sixteen, and a final four appearance in 2004. A three-year starter and two time team captain for the Gophers, Nelson was the defensive stalwart on the Gophers, claiming the Defensive Player of the Year Award three times. In addition, Nelson was named to the Big Ten Conference all-
As a prep, Nelson won the coveted title of Ms. Basketball for Minnesota in 2002. A twotime class 3-A player of the Year, Nelson scored 2,143 points during her interscholastic career.
In addition to her duties as the head basketball coach, Shannon Nelson also serves as a business instructor at Northland Community and Technical College. She currently resides in Thief River Falls, Minnesota with her husband Travis. ■
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Americinn Lodge & SuiteS thief river fALLS 1920 Hwy 59 SE | Thief River Falls, MN 56701 | 218.681.4411
BETH TVEDT Assistant Coach Hometown: High School: College:
Thief River Falls, MN Lincoln High School, graduated in 2009 Associate degree from Northland (May 2012); Bachelor’s degree in University Studies from Mayville State University (Dec. 2015)
2009-2012 2009-2010 2010-2012
Played for NCTC Tore ACL and took a medical redshirt Two-year captain and starter; 2012 First Team All Northern Division; 2012 First Team All MCAC; Two-time National Tournament participant (5th in 2011, 7th in 2012); 438 career points, 269 career rebounds
Coaching:
Volunteer assistant coach during 2013-14 National Championship season; assistant coach starting in fall of 2014; 52-4 record as an assistant coach at Northland.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACHING
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACHING STAFF
Currently lives in Plummer, MN
KRISTA MARTIN Assistant Coach
Thief River Falls, MN Huron High School (SD), graduated in 2009 Associate degree from Lake Area Technical Institute (May 2011); Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting from Rasmussen College (December 2012); Masters of Business Administration from University of Phoenix (April 2015)
Coaching:
Women’s basketball assistant coach at Dakota College at Bottineau from 2013-2015; Volleyball assistant coach at DCB during 2013 and 2014 seasons.
Currently works at DigiKey and lives in Thief River Falls with her husband Travis (NCTC football coach) and their daughter Khloey.
Come see the Verizon Experts!
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Hometown: High School: College:
Thief River Falls 1775 Hwy 59 SW (218) 681-7525
CONNECT to COMMUNICATE.
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
26
2015 W. BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
2015 PIONEER WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
DATE OPPONENT LOCATION
TIME
11/14
Jamestown Univ. JV
Devils Lake, ND
1:00 PM
11/15
Lake Region State College
Devils Lake, ND
3:00 PM
11/17
MN State Fergus Falls
HOME
6:00 PM
11/20
Jamestown University JV
HOME
6:00 PM
11/23
Concordia College JV
HOME
6:00 PM
12/1
MN State Fergus Falls
Fergus Falls, MN
6:00 PM
12/4
Ridgewater Comm. College
Willmar, MN
6:00 PM
12/5
MN West Comm. & Tech College
Worthington, MN
1:00 PM
12/9
NDSCS
Wahpeton, ND
6:00 PM
12/12
Anoka-Ramsey Comm. College
HOME
1:00 PM
1/2
Gogebic Comm. College
HOME
4:00 PM
1/3
Canadian Mennonite
HOME
3:00 PM
1/8
Itasca Comm. College
Grand Rapids, MN
6:00 PM
1/9
Fond do Lac Comm. College
Cloquet, MN
1:00 PM
1/13
Rainy River Comm. College
HOME
6:00 PM
1/16
Hibbing Comm. College
HOME
1:00 PM
1/22
Vermilion Comm. College
Ely, MN
6:00 PM
1/23
Mesabi Range Comm. College
Virginia, MN
1:00 PM
1/27
Central Lakes Comm. College
HOME
6:00 PM
1/30
Mesabi Range Comm. College
HOME
3:00 PM
2/3
Hibbing Comm. College
Hibbing, MN
6:00 PM
2/6
Rainy River Comm. College
Rainy River, MN
1:00 PM
2/10
Fond du Lac Comm. College
HOME
6:00 PM
2/13
Central Lakes Comm. College
Brainerd, MN
1:00 PM
2/17
Itasca Comm. College
HOME
6:00 PM
2/20
Vermilion Comm. College
HOME
3:00 PM
* Minnesota College Athletic Conference contest (MCAC)
Celebrating 50 years of athletics!
27
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
2015-16 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ROSTER 2015-16 wOMEN’S BASKETBALL ROSTER
NAME
POS.
HEIGHT
HOMETOWN
YEAR
3
Emily Hestekind
F
5’8”
Newfolden, MN
Freshman
10
Courtney Amirayan
F
5’10”
Thief River Falls, MN
Sophomore
12
Myesha Caldwell
G
5’5”
Mounds View, MN
Freshman
14
Kendra Brasel
G
5’6”
Pine River, MN
Sophomore
15
Rachel Lindsay
G
5’4”
Grand Forks, ND
Freshman
20
Tori Mekash
G
5’7”
Greenbush, MN
Sophomore
24
Cheyenne Woods
G
5’6”
Bemidji, MN
Sophomore
30
Haley Hovde
F
5’5”
Minto, ND
Freshman
31
Haley Gehrtz
F
5’9”
Ada, MN
Sophomore
32
Allyson Dahl
G
5’10”
Newfolden, MN
Sophomore
53
ShaRon Miller
C
6’0”
Blaine, MN
Freshman
HEAD COACH Shannon Nelson ASSISTANT COACHES Beth Tvedt Krista Martin
PHONETIC ROSTER Emily Hestekind Courtney Amirayan Myesha Caldwell Kendra Brasel Rachel Lindsay Tori Mekash Cheyenne Woods Haley Hovde Haley Gehrtz Allyson Dahl ShaRon Miller
northlandpioneers.com
#
(EH-mih-lee HEST-a-kin-d) (KORT-nee a-MARRY-in) (My-EE-shuh KALD-wel) (KEN-druh BRA-zil) (RAY-chull LIN-zee) (TOR-ee Me-KASH) (shy-AN Woods) (HAY-lee HUV-dee) (HAY-lee Gurts) (A-lih-suhn Dahl) (shay-RON MIH-lur)
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
28
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2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
MEET THE PIONEERS Position: F
10
Position: F
Height: 5’10”
Height: 5’5”
Year: Sophomore
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN
Hometown: Minto, ND
High School: Lincoln HS
High School: Minto HS
Kendra Brasel Position: G
14
30
Haley Hovde
15
Rachel Lindsay Position: G
Height: 5’6”
Height: 5’4”
Year: Sophomore
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Pine River, MN
Hometown: Grand Forks, ND
High School: Pine River-Backus HS
High School: GF Central HS
Myesha Caldwell Position: G
12
20
Tori Mekash Position: G
Height: 5’5”
Height: 5’7”
Year: Freshman
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Mounds View, MN
Hometown: Greenbush, MN
High School: Irondale Senior HS
High School: Greenbush-Middle River HS
Allyson Dahl Position: G
32
Position: C
Year: Sophomore
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Newfolden, MN
Hometown: Blaine, MN
High School: Marshall County Central HS
High School: Blaine HS
Position: F
31
24
Cheyenne Woods Position: G
Height: 5’9”
Height: 5’6”
Year: Sophomore
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Ada, MN
Hometown: Bemidji, MN
High School: Ada-Borup High School
High School: Bemidji HS
Emily Hestekind Position: F
northlandpioneers.com
Height: 6’0”
Haley Gehrtz
53
ShaRon Miller
Height: 5’10”
MEET THE PIONEERS - WBB
Courtney Amirayan
03
Height: 5’8” Year: Freshman Hometown: Newfolden, MN High School: Marshall County Central HS
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
30
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HISTORY
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HISTORY 1974
1985
1996
2007
1975
1986
1997
2008
1976
1987
1998
2009
1977
1988
1999
2010
1978
1989
2000
2011
1979
1990
2001
2012
1980
1991
2002
2013
1981
1992
2003
2014
1982
1993
2004
1983
1994
2005
1984
1995
2006
Record: 6-6 Coach: Deb Jacobson Record: 8-6 Coach: Deb Jacobson Record: 7-10 Coach: Deb Jacobson Record: 16-6 Coach: Deb Jacobson Record: 5-15 Coach: Deb Jacobson
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Record: 4-16 Coach: Deb Jacobson
31
Record: 5-15 Coach: Deb Jacobson Record: 5-15 Coach: Deb Jacobson Record: 8-11 Coach: Deb Jacobson Record: 7-12 Coach: Deb Jacobson Record: 4-12 Coach: Deb Jacobson
Record: 7-15 Coach: Tom Neibauer Record: 9-10 Coach: Tom Neibauer Record: 15-7 Coach: Tom Neibauer Record: 10-12 Coach: Kevin Stuckey Record: 4-15 Coach: Sue Barnd Record: 11-12 Coach: Sue Barnd Record: 9-13 Coach: Sue Barnd Record: 9-13 Coach: Rick Nikunen Record: 11-14 Coach: Rick Nikunen Record: 8-15 Coach: Rick Nikunen Record: 9-13 Coach: Rick Nikunen
Record: 16-8 Coach: Rick Nikunen Record: 10-12 Coach: Rick Nikunen Record: 8-14 Coach: Mike Zachow Record: 8-15 Coach: Mike Zachow Record: 9-15 Coach: Mike Zachow Record: 28-3 Coach: Mike Zachow Record: 11-15 Coach: Mike Zachow Record: 8-16 Coach: Mike Zachow
Record: 20-10 Coach: Guy Finstrom Record: 18-12 Coach: Guy Finstrom Record: 20-14 Coach: Guy Finstrom Record: 15-13 Coach: Shannon Nelson Record: 22-9 Coach: Shannon Nelson Record: 27-4 Coach: Shannon Nelson Record: 27-1 Coach: Shannon Nelson Record: 25-3 Coach: Shannon Nelson
Record: 16-12 Coach: Missy Majerus Record: 3-19 Coach: Missy Majerus Record: 15-18 Coach: Guy Finstrom
COACHING RECORDS COACH
YEARS
RECORD
WINNING %
Shannon Nelson
2010-2015
116-30
.795
Guy Finstrom
2006-2010
73-54
.575
Missy Majerus
2004-2006
19-31
.380
Mike Zachow
1998-2004
73-78
.483
Rick Nikunen
1992-1998
63-75
.457
Sue Barnd
1989-1992
24-39
.381
Kevin Stuckey
1988-1989
10-12
.455
Tom Neibauer
1985-1988
24-17
.585
Deb Jacobson
1974-1985
82-139
.371
Totals
1974-2015
484-475
.498
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RECORDS Leading Free Throw Percentage (minimum 2 attempts per game)
RANK
NAME
YEAR
GP
TOTAL
AVERAGE
RANK
NAME
YEAR
GP
FTM
FTA
FT%
1
Sarah Durand
2012-2014
59
1,131
19.2
1
Candice Solie
2000-2002
49
121
149
81.21%
2
Rhonda Rochschadal
1990-1992
45
946
21.0
2
Val Noel
1991
22
56
69
81.16%
3
Janelle Lundin
1987-1988
42
910
21.7
3
Crystal Amundson
2013-2015
56
174
215
80.93%
4
Whitney Langen
2008-2010
59
868
14.7
4
Brooke Conely
2007-2008
30
86
109
78.90%
5
Jenna Lundon
2012-2014
59
859
14.6
5
Bethany Tharaldson
2003-2004
19
44
56
78.57%
6
Crystal Amundson
2013-2015
56
833
14.9
6
Becky Perreault
1998-1999
22
50
65
76.92%
7
Casey Engelstad
2006-2008
60
813
13.6
7
Jackie Fossum
2006-2007
29
82
108
75.93%
8
Jody Pahlen
1986-1987
41
765
18.7
8
Sarah Durand
2012-2014
59
280
369
75.88%
9
Georgine Torska
1978-1979
41
732
17.9
9
Diane Anderson
1977-1978
39
69
91
75.82%
10
Kim Jenkins
1989-1990
41
731
17.8
10
Ashley Kujawa
2004-2006
35
60
81
74.07%
Leading Three-Point Percentage
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RECORDS
Leading Scorers
Leading Rebounders
(minimum 2 attempts per game)
RANK
NAME
YEAR
GP
3PM
3PA
3P%
RANK
NAME
YEAR
GP
TOTAL
AVERAGE
1
Candice Solie
2000-2002
49
98
224
43.75%
1
Whitney Langen
2008-2010
59
719
12.2
2
Kim Jenkins
1988-1990
41
93
221
42.08%
2
Karen Sovde
1984-1985
35
569
16.3
Susan Satre
2006-2007
29
33
80
41.25%
3
Casey Engelstad
2006-2008
60
540
9.0
Danielle Hernandez
2013-2014
25
53
131
40.46%
4
Jacki Nelson
1980-1981
39
534
13.7
5
Jodi Berdahl
2010-2011
28
55
140
39.29%
5
Sarah Durand
2012-2014
59
516
8.7
6
Alisa Costin
2004-2005
28
84
216
38.89%
6
Crystal Amundson
2013-2015
56
488
8.7
7
Jenny Weiss
2001-2002
28
53
145
36.55%
7
Shanna Keskitalo
1998-2000
45
479
10.6
8
Jenny Johnson
1998-1999
22
40
112
35.71%
8
Sara Rindahl
2006-2008
61
455
7.5
9
Tressta Ralston
2007-2009
56
100
285
35.09%
9
Julie Easton
1980-1981
40
447
11.2
10
Beth Burger
1999-2000
16
21
60
35.00%
10
Jenyne Beehler
1984-1985
33
409
12.4
Leading Field Goal Percentage
Leading Steals
(minimum 4 attempts per game)
RANK
NAME
YEAR
GP
FGM
FGA
FG%
RANK
NAME
YEAR
GP
TOTAL
AVERAGE
1
Janelle Lundin
1987-1988
42
369
562
65.66%
1
Tressta Ralston
2007-2009
56
214
3.8
2
Rayette Benke
1988-1989
40
180
294
61.22%
2
Misten Hoie
2000-2002
50
202
4.0
3
Sheila Jaeger
1987-1988
18
48
87
55.17%
3
Brenda Dahl
1984-1985
35
165
4.7
4
Kamae Larson
2004-2005
27
155
291
53.26%
4
Georgine Troska
1978-1979
41
165
4.0
5
Whitney Langen
2008-2010
59
337
638
52.82%
5
Eva Lampert
2011-2013
61
158
2.6
6
Crystal Amundson
2013-2015
56
321
618
51.94%
6
Shammara Christian
2013-2015
47
153
3.3
7
Angie Enerson
1987-1988
21
117
226
51.77%
7
Jacki Nelson
1980-1981
39
143
3.7
8
Sarah Durand
2012-2014
59
423
843
50.18%
8
Julie Easton
1980-1981
40
142
3.6
9
Shammara Christian
2013-2015
47
95
189
50.26%
9
Sara Gross
2001-2003
57
135
2.4
10
Jenna Lundon
2012-2014
59
325
650
50.00%
10
Casey Engelstad
2006-2008
60
133
2.2
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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RECORDS
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RECORDS Leading Assists RANK
NAME
YEAR
GP
Leading Blocked Shots TOTAL
AVERAGE
RANK
NAME
YEAR
GP
TOTAL
AVERAGE
1
Shawna Rogalla
2007-2009
60
378
6.3
1
Karen Sovde
1984-1985
35
91
2.6
2
Shammara Christian
2013-2015
47
369
7.9
2
Sara Jensen
2001-2003
57
85
1.5
3
Eva Lampert
2011-2013
61
340
5.6
3
Casey Engelstad
2006-2008
60
65
1.1
4
Paula Wilkens
1985-1986
57
289
5.1
4
Rhonda Rothschadl
1990-1992
45
57
1.3
5
Becky Jenson
1988-1989
40
263
6.6
5
Sarah Durand
2012-2014
59
53
0.9
6
Alicia Halvorson
2002-2004
44
214
4.9
6
Nicole Nordin
1999-2001
47
51
1.1 0.7
7
Whitney Langen
2008-2010
59
180
3.1
7
Whitney Langen
2008-2010
59
42
8
Brenda Dahl
1984-1985
35
176
5.0
8
Julie Anderson
1979-1980
38
41
1.1
9
Misten Hoie
2000-2002
50
176
3.5
9
Shanna Keskitalo
1998-2000
45
30
0.7
10
Tressta Ralston
2007-2009
56
155
2.8
10
Candice Solie
2000-2002
49
29
0.6
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
National Championship Appearances: 2013-2014 2012-2013 2011-2012 2010-2011 2009-2010 2006-2007 2001-2002
National Champions Seventh Place Finish Seventh Place Finish Fifth Place Finish Seventh Place Finish Seventh Place Finish Second Place Finish
Coach Shannon Nelson Coach Shannon Nelson Coach Shannon Nelson Coach Shannon Nelson Coach Guy Finstrom Coach Guy Finstrom Coach Mike Zachow
Regional Tournament Appearances: 2014-2015 2013-2014 2012-2013 2011-2012 2010-2011 2009-2010 2007-2008 2006-2007 2001-2002
Runner-up Regional Champions Regional Champions Regional Champions Regional Champions Regional Champions Regional Runner-up Regional Champions Regional Champions:
Coach Shannon Nelson Coach Shannon Nelson Coach Shannon Nelson Coach Shannon Nelson Coach Shannon Nelson Coach Guy Finstrom Coach Guy Finstrom Coach Guy Finstrom Coach Mike Zachow
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
Awarding scholarships to Northland’s students for 40 years. nctcfoundation.com
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2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
2015-16 WRESTLING SEASON PREVIEW
The Pioneers will look to replace the production of three 2015 national qualifiers. Craig Williams led the trio of national qualifiers by recording four wins by fall on his way to a seventh place finish at 197 pounds. Also qualifying were Sam Twistol, 149, and Austin Hjelle, 141. The 2015-16 Pioneer wrestling team features 22 new faces. Like other years, the roster is stocked with wrestlers from Minnesota (15) and North Dakota (4), but this year’s squad also features wrestlers from Florida, Iowa and Utah. Between them, the 2015 recruiting class qualified for 24 state tournaments and earned 14 state medals. The expanded roster will create competition for starting spots for the first time ever. The Pioneers filled all 10 weights for just three of the 13 duals last season, but never put more than nine wrestlers on the mat after Christmas break. The team’s depth was razor thin all year and in the end just six wrestlers made the trip to Worthington for the North Central District Tournament.
Twistol is the only returning national qualifier but he returns in a different role as an assistant coach. He replaces Travis Peralta, who enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the conclusion of the 2015 season. Originally expected to return for a sophomore campaign, Twistol was forced to medically retire due to a knee injury that grew progressively worse during the 2014-15 season. Also joining the Pioneer wrestling staff this year is Kyle Jensen, Thief River Falls. Jensen brings more than a decade of coaching experience at the high school level to the Pioneers. He was a state place-winner for nearby Oklee High School and he wrestled collegiately at Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids, Minn., before embarking on a successful mixed martial arts career. Jensen is married to wife Teria and has three children, Kevin, Teagan and Connor.
LOCATION
OPPONENT
RESULTS
Jamestown
Univ. of Jamestown
24-15
Jamestown
Univ. of Regina
43-12
Home
Itasca CC
26-18
Rochester
Augsburg College JV
4-44
Rochester
Rochester CC
6-50
Itasca
Itasca CC
30-18
Home
Ridgewater College
39-11
Region Duals Mason City
Ellsworth
0-48
Region Duals Mason City
Iowa Central
0-60
Region Duals Mason City
Iowa Lakes
4-46
Region Duals Mason City
North Iowa Area CC
0-59
Region Duals Mason City
Iowa Western
0-53
Home
Minnesota West
30-16
North Central District at MN West, 8th of 9 teams, 45 points, three national qualifiers NJCAA Nationals, 24th of 39 qualified teams, 15.5 points 2014-15 STATS Win-Loss (win by fall) Sam Twistol 14-13 (2) Austin Hjelle 14-18 (2) Craig Williams 14-16 (5) Mathew Totay 8-13 (1) Blake Yensen 8-20 (2) Garrett Litzinger 7-16 (1) Chris Kucera 4-8 (4) Brendan Edner 4-17 (0) Logan Stiller 3-6 (0) Bennett Sauve 3-15 (0) Santos Reyes 1-1 (0) Kyle Sather 1-21 (0) Jon Erickson 0-2 (0) TAKEDOWNS 1. Sam Twistol 30 2. Mathew Totay 24 3. Austin Hjelle 21 4. Garrett Litizinger 17 5. Craig Williams 15 6. Logan Stiller 14 7. Blake Yensen 13 8. Brendan Edner 3 8. Jon Erickson 3 10. Chris Kucera 2
ESCAPES 1. Austin Hjelle 33 2. Blake Yensen 28 3. Sam Twistol 26 4. Craig Williams 25 5. Mathew Totay 21 6. Bennett Sauve 15 7. Brendan Edner 14 8. Garrett Litzinger 14 9. Chris Kucera 10 10. Logan Stiller 9 11. Kyle Sather 4 REVERSALS 1. Craig Williams 12 2. Austin Hjelle 10 3. Sam Twistol 7 4. Chris Kucera 5 5. Garrett Litzinger 4 6. Mathew Totay 4 2-POINT NEARFALLS 1. Craig Williams 6 2. Sam Twistol 6 3. Austin Hjelle 4 4. Garrett Litzinger 3 5. Brendan Edner 1 6. Blake Yensen 1
northlandpioneers.com
This year, the Pioneers will wrestle their most challenging schedule yet. In addition to their usual schedule, Pioneer wrestlers will be making the trek east to Nassau County, New York to compete in the Long Island Open and for a triangular meet that will include a head-to-head dual with defending NJCAA non-scholarship champion Nassau Community College.
2014-2015 Wrestling Results
2015-16 WRESTLING PREVIEW
Optimism is high within the Northland Community and Technical College wrestling room as the Pioneers gear up for their third season since the program was reinstated in fall 2013. Sophomore Garrett Litzinger is the lone returning starter from the 2014-15 Pioneer Wrestling squad that finished 6-7 overall in duals, 4-1 in MCAC duals (second place), recorded a seventh place finish among non-scholarship schools and 24th place overall finish at the NJCAA tournament in Des Moines, Iowa.
3-POINT NEARFALLS 1. Sam Twistol 8 2. Austin Hjelle 5 3. Craig Williams 4 4. Jon Erickson 3 5. Mathew Totay 3 6. Garrett Litzinger 2
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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WRESTLING COACHING STAFF
WRESTLING COACHING STAFF Entering the third year of the program with over twenty wrestlers, DCamp has seen steady progress in growing a quality intercollegiate program. The Iowa native has a rich background in wrestling. DCamp has been featured twice on nationally syndicated “Take Down Radio” during the past year. Active in the youth and amateur wrestling community, DCamp instructs in traveling clinics and also serves on the board of the Take Down Club in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.
SCOTT DCAMP NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Head Coach
37
Following a 43-year absence of a wrestling program, Scott DCamp was chosen to reinstate the wrestling program at Northland Community and Technical College during the 2013-2014 school year. A native of Altoona, Iowa, and graduate of Buffalo High School, Buffalo, Minnesota, DCamp opened the inaugural season of the restored wrestling program with eight grapplers. During that season, Craig Williams (184 pounder) and Jordan Engen (157 pounder) each qualified for nationals with Engen earning All-American honors for his seventh place finish. The 20142015 season saw the team grow to 13 wrestlers, with Sam Twistol (149), Austin Hjelle (141), and Craig Williams (197) qualifying for the national championships. Williams would finish seventh and capture All-American honors.
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
Prior to coaching intercollegiate wrestling, DCamp served as an assistant for 10 years at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, Minnesota (2003-2013). During his time at Lincoln, the team won the 2009 team championship of the individual state tournament, and featured three individual state champions, 26 state place winners, and thee section dual championships (2007, 2010, 2011).
DCamp wrestled collegiately at NCAA Division II Minnesota State University (Moorhead). Competing at the heavy weight division, DCamp wrestled for four years (1999-2003) for the Dragons. During his freshman year, DCamp came within one victory of qualifying for the NCAA Division II national championships. Success at the interscholastic level was also a trademark for DCamp, who competed for Buffalo High School in Buffalo, Minnesota. A three year letterwinner, DCamp was a state qualifier at heavyweight his senior year. Scott DCamp his wife April, and son Storm (4) live in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. DCamp also serves as a reporter for the Thief River Falls Times. ■
802 3rd Street West Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-2660
WRESTLING COACHING STAFF Assistant Coach
Kyle Jensen begins his first year as an assistant wrestling coach at Northland Community and Technical College. Prior to his coaching duties for the Pioneers, Jensen served as an assistant coach for 11 years at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. During his tenure at Lincoln High School, the Prowlers wrestling team qualified for state in 2007, 2009, and 2010. Originally from Goodrich, Minnesota, Jensen wrestled collegiately for Itasca as a 174 pounder. His scholastic wrestling experience includes wrestling for Oklee High School in Oklee, Minnesota. Jensen lives in Thief River Falls with his wife Teria and their children Kevin, Konner, and Teagan.
WRESTLING COACHING STAFF
KYLE JENSEN
SAM TWISTOL Assistant Coach
A NJCAA national wrestling qualifier in 2015, Sam Twistol now brings his wrestling expertise to the Pioneers as an assistant coach. Twistol, a national qualifier at 149 lbs, competed at the nationals in Des Moines, Iowa despite injuries that would have shut down many athletes.
Currently completing his degree at Northland, Twistol plans to enroll in the University of North Dakota and pursue Industrial engineering.
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northlandpioneers.com
Twistol left an impressive set of credentials at the interscholastic level. Wrestling for Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, he ranked 10th in the state at 119 pounds during the 2009-2010 season where he qualified for the state wrestling tournament as a freshman. A series of injuries cut Twistol’s high school career short during his sophomore season. He concluded his high school career with an impressive 59-8 record that still ranks as the sixth highest win-percentage in Thief River Falls wrestling history. Last year, Twistol returned to the mat for one final season after going four years between matches.. He also holds the sixth highest all-time winning percentage for the Prowlers.
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2015-16 WRESTLING SCHEDULE
2015-16 WRESTLING SCHEDULE
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
DATE OPPONENT LOCATION
TIME
10/17
Legends Dual
HOME
7:00 PM
11/1
Yellow jacket Open
Rochester, MN
9:00 AM
11/6
MN West Dual
Worthington, MN
6:00 PM
11/10
Univ. of Jamestown
HOME
6:00 PM
11/14
Bison Open
NDSU
10:00 AM
11/21
Finn Grinaker Open
Moorhead, MN
9:00 AM
12/5
Dragon Open
Moorhead, MN
9:00 AM
12/9
Itasca Dual
HOME
7:00 PM
12/11
Ridgewater Dual
Willmar, MN
7:00 PM
1/2
Nassau CC Triangular/Glouster CC
Garden City, NY
1/7
Rochester/ Concordia JV
HOME
6:00 PM
1/16
Minnesota West Open
Worthington, MN
9:00 AM
1/28
Itasca Dual
Grand Rapids, MN
7:00 PM
1/30
MCAC Conference
Willmar, MN
9:00 AM
2/14
Iowa Western
Council Bluffs, IA
2/26
NJCAA Nationals
Council Bluffs, IA
2/27
NJCAA Nationals
Council Bluff, IA
* Minnesota College Athletic Conference contest (MCAC)
Celebrating 50 years of athletics!
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2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
2015-16 WRESTLING ROSTER 2015-16 WRESTLING ROSTER
NAME
HOMETOWN
YEAR
125
Ryan Peters
Mound, MN
Freshman
125
Stephen Holecek
Thief River Falls, MN
Freshman
133
Kyle Caputo
Crookston, MN
Freshman
133
Kyle Michalek
Blackduck, MN
Freshman
141
Jacob Barton
South Jordan, UT
Freshman
149
Brett Jerome
Roseau, MN
Freshman
149
Jake Magnell
Oklee, MN
Freshman
149
Tanner Schreifels
Kimball, MN
Freshman
149
Blake Kaercher
Cavalier, ND
Freshman
149
Garrett Litzinger
Grand Forks, ND
Sophomore
157
Nate Harms
Des Mones, IA
Freshman
165
Alex Giese
Kenmare, ND
Freshman
165
Mitchell Zachman
Albertville, MN
Freshman
174
Eri Gonzalez
Plymouth, MN
Freshman
174
Trevor Smith
Blackduck, MN
Freshman
184
Hunter Durand
Buffalo, MN
Freshman
184
Brek Laducer
Belcourt, ND
Freshman
197
Tyshaun Brown
Thief River Falls, MN
Freshman
197
Phillip Jackson
Pembroke Pines, FL
Freshman
285
Nick Cervantes
Thief River Falls, MN
RS
285
Tanner Schreifels
Kimball, MN
Freshman
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
northlandpioneers.com
WEIGHT CLASS
40
MEET THE PIONEERS
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
MEET THE PIONEERS
Jacob Barton
41
Alex Giese
Weight Class: 141
Weight Class: 165
Year: Freshman
Year: Freshman
Hometown: South Jordan, UT
Hometown: Kenmare, ND
High School: Bingham HS
High School: Kenmare HS
Tyshaun Brown
Eri Gonzalez
Weight Class: 197
Weight Class: 174
Year: Freshman
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN
Hometown: Plymouth, MN
High School: Lincoln HS
High School: Robbinsdale-Armstrong HS
Kyle Caputo
Nate Harms
Weight Class: 133
Weight Class: 157
Year: Freshman
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Crookston, MN
Hometown: Des Moines, IA
High School: Crookston HS
High School: Urbandale HS
Nick Cervantes
Stephen Holecek
Weight Class: 285
Weight Class: 133
Year: RS
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN
Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN
High School: Lincoln HS
High School: Lincoln HS
Hunter Durand
Phillip Jackson
Weight Class: 184
Weight Class: 197
Year: Freshman
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Buffalo, MN
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, FL
High School: Buffalo HS
High School: West Broward HS
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
MEET THE PIONEERS Brett Jerome
Kyle Michalek Weight Class: 165
Year: Freshman
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Roseau, MN
Hometown: Albertville, MN
High School: Roseau HS
High School: Michael-Albertville HS
Blake Kaercher
Ryan Peters
Weight Class: 157
Weight Class: 125
Year: Freshman
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Cavalier, ND
Hometown: Mound, MN
High School: Cavalier HS
High School: Mound-Westonka HS
Brek Laducer
Tanner Schreifels
Weight Class: 184
Weight Class: 149
Year: Freshman
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Belcourt, ND
Hometown: Kimball, MN
High School: Turtle Mountain HS
High School: Kimball HS
Trevor Smith
Weight Class: 157
Weight Class: 174
Year: Sophomore
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Grand Forks, ND
Hometown: Blackduck, MN
High School: Grand Forks Central HS
High School: Blackduck HS
Jake Magnell
northlandpioneers.com
Garrett Litzinger
MEET THE PIONEERS
Weight Class: 149
Mitchell Zachman
Weight Class: 149
Weight Class: 165
Year: Freshman
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Oklee, MN
Hometown: Albertville, MN
High School: Red Lake County HS
High School: Michael-Albertville HS
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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NORTHLAND SPOTLIGHT NORTHLAND SPOTLIGHT
A native of Erskine, Minnesota, Jason Pangiarella has a rich background in higher education. Prior to his arrival at Northland, he served as a college recruitment specialist at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. Prior to his appointment at SMU, he worked in admissions at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Q: How did you end up becoming the Success Coordinator at NCTC?
A: My work is to assist students in realizing their academic goals, and in particular, assist students who have a gap between their performance and the expectations of their instructors. It’s one part coach, one part advocate, one part big brother, and one part compliance officer – all rolled into one.
A: Coming to Northland Community and Technical College was a bit of luck, I have to admit. I had been working in Dallas, TX for about 3.5 years before coming to NCTC. After several years away, I began to want to return to Minnesota. I grew up here, and graduated from WinE-Mac High School in 1997. This position opened just as I had returned to Minnesota, and it was a natural fit. I have been here since 2007 and have valued every minute here.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your position and what you do at NCTC?
A: In my line of work, you can get your heart broken a great deal. Working with students means having to deal with forces well outside both my and the student’s control. But every year at commencement, we see the fruits of our labor. Student success is very much a team effort but people should know that at Northland we are a top to bottom institution committed to helping our students achieve their professional goals. I am very fortunate to work in an atmosphere that is so studentcentric. Q: What do you find most challenging about your position?
A: In terms of challenges, there are so many forces outside our control that can negatively impact our students. In a rural area like ours, students find transportation and child care a substantial barrier. We have great partnerships with our local county and municipal stakeholders that help address that. But helping student negotiate these barriers can certainly be time-consuming.
Q: What do you see as the future of NCTC?
A: Northland certainly confronts some serious challenges in the future. The structural nature of Minnesota’s population is heavily weighted to the seven-county metro area surrounding the Twin Cities, which means in rural areas, the services we offer are often crafted with urban environments in mind. But we have some firepower of our own. Students who transfer to us often remark that our community at Northland is unlike anything they experience elsewhere – our faculty go more than an extra mile to help our students learn and grow, and our staff bring a sense of passion and dedication to each student with whom we work. Parents of students that arrive are often amazed at how welcoming and gracious Northland is. This is part of our niche, and if we are able to continue to offer that kind of learning environment, we will be wellpoised to confront the future challenges and thrive.
2015-16 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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Q: Tell us what a Success Coordinator is, and what a Success Coordinator does.
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Experience our warm and friendly atmosphere. We look forward to serving you whether you are in the Midwest on a family vacation or a business trip.
MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY AT www.cmoninn.com/thiefriverfalls 1586 Hwy 59 South • Thief River Falls, MN 56701 (800) 950-8111 or (218) 681-3000