PIONEERS #GOPIONEERS
NORTHLANDPIONEERS.COM
A T H L E T I C S
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
Colors:
BASEBALL
National Junior College Athletic Association
Conference:
Region 13 Athletic Conference, Minnesota College Athletic Conference
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
10 11 12-13 14 15 16 18 20-22
SOFTBALL 2016 Pioneer Softball Results 2017 Pioneer Softball Schedule Coaching Staff - Softball 2017 Pioneer Softball Preview 2017 Pioneer Softball Roster 2015-2016 MCAC Standings Meet the Pioneers - Softball Softball History & Coaching Records
24 25 26 27 28 29 29-30 31
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 2016-17 Winter Media Guide is a publication of the Northland Community & Technical College Marketing & Communications Department. Content/Advertising: Chad Sperling and Richard Speas
northlandpioneers.com
RICK NIKUNEN Head Men’s Basketball Coach ....................................218-683-8707
2017 Schedule Coaching Staff - Baseball 2017 Pioneer Baseball Roster 2017 Pioneer Baseball Preview 2016 Pioneer Baseball Schedule & Results Pioneer Baseball History NJCAA Baseball Championship History Meet the Pioneers - Baseball
2-3 4 5 6 8 9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Nickname: Pioneers
MCAC Conference Members President’s Welcome & College History Athletic Director Richard Speas Support Staff Athletic Facilities NJCAA All-Sports Standings
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 Colleges & Universities system and is an Equal Opportunity employer and educator.
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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
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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) 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
800.856.3488BSNSPORTS.COM
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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
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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.
2017 SPRING 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
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
SUPPORT STAFF
SUPPORT STAFF
RICHARD SPEAS Director of Athletics & Student Life
SCOTT DCAMP
Head Coach Wrestling
PAUL PETERSON
ABDUL CHAMMA
BARRY DOWERS
Athletics Coordinator Head Softball Coach
Head Coach Volleyball
Head Coach Baseball
JIM COX
SHANNON NELSON
RICK NIKUNEN
Head Coach Football
Head Coach Women’s Basketball
Head Coach Men’s Basketball
www.evergreenimplement.com
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2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
PROUD SUPPORTER OF
Friendly, it’s in our name! am·i·ty [am-i-tee] noun : a friendly relationship
ADVERTISEMENTS
NORTHLAND PIONEERS
•Graphic Design Department •Offset & Digital Printing •Promotional Products
L-R: Connie Knutson, Kyle Schwartz, Dave Cabritit-Laing, Tina Larson, Brian Larson, Steve Hovila, Mike Connell, Gina Alianello
•Mailing Service & Variable Data
218.444.2526 • amitygraphics.com • 481 Mag Seven Court SW, Suite 8, Bemidji, MN
northlandpioneers.com
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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
ATHLETIC FACILITIES
ATHLETIC FACILITIES
8
LOWELL T. SWENSON FIELD
Lowell T. Swenson Field is home to Northland Pioneers football team. The field was dedicated in 2004. Seating capacity is 2,200.
PIONEER FIELD
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.
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
FITNESS CENTER
LOCKER ROOMS
Wrestling started at Northland in 2013. Last year two national championship appearances came out of this room.
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
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
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2017 BASEBALL SCHEDULE
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2017 BASEBALL SCHEDULE
DAY
10
DATE
OPPONENT
LOCATION
TIME
Tues.
2/28/17
Century College
US Bank Stadium, Minn., MN
5:00 am
Tues.
2/28/17
Century College
US Bank Stadium, Minn., MN
7:00 am
Fri.
3/3/17
Northern Oklahoma Coll.
Enid, OK
1:00 pm
Fri.
3/3/17
Des Moines Area CC (IA)
Enid, OK
4:00 pm
Sat.
3/4/17
Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa
Tonkawa, OK
Noon
Sat.
3/4/17
Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa
Tonkawa, OK
3:00 pm
Sun.
3/5/17
Rock Valley CC
Dallas, TX
Noon
Sun.
3/5/17
Rock Valley CC
Dallas, TX
3:00 pm
Mon.
3/6/17
North Lake College
Irving, TX
Noon
Mon.
3/6/17
North Lake College
Irving, TX
3:00 pm
Tue.
3/7/17
Eastfield College
Mesquite, TX
Noon
Tue.
3/7/17
Eastfield College
Mesquite, TX
3:00 pm
Wed.
3/8/17
Mountain View College
Dallas, TX
6:00 pm
Thur.
3/9/17
Richland CC
Dallas, TX
Noon
Thur.
3/9/17
Brookhaven CC
Dallas, TX
4:00 pm
Thur.
3/23/17
Presentation College (JV)
Aberdeen, SD
TBA
Thur.
3/23/17
Presentation College (JV)
Aberdeen, SD
TBA
Fri.
3/24/17
Presentation College (JV)
Aberdeen, SD
TBA
Fri.
3/24/17
Presentation College (JV)
Aberdeen, SD
TBA
Sat.
4/1/17
Itasca CC
Worthington, MN
9:30 am
Sat.
4/1/17
MN West CC
Worthington, MN
4:30 pm
Sun.
4/2/17
MN West CC
Worthington, MN
9:30 am
Sun.
4/2/17
Rainy River CC
Worthington, MN
1:00 pm
Fri.
4/14/17
Ridgewater CC
Wilmar, MN
TBA
Fri.
4/14/17
Ridgewater CC
Wilmar, MN
TBA
Sat.
4/15/17
St. Cloud C & T College
St. Cloud, MN
3:00 pm
Sat.
4/15/17
St. Cloud C & T College
St. Cloud, MN
5:00 pm
Wed.
4/19/17
Central Lakes CC
Thief River Falls, MN
TBA
Wed.
4/19/17
Central Lakes CC
Thief River Falls, MN
TBA
Sat.
4/22/17
Univ. of MN Crookston (JV)
Thief River Falls, MN
1:00 pm
Sat.
4/22/17
Univ. of MN Crookston (JV)
Thief River Falls, MN
3:00 pm
Sun.
4/23/17
MN State (FF)
Fergus Falls, MN
TBA
Sun.
4/23/17
MN State (FF)
Fergus Falls, MN
TBA
Tues.
4/25/17
Ridgewater CC
Thief River Falls, MN
TBA
Tues.
4/25/17
Ridgewater CC
Thief River Falls, MN
TBA
Sat.
4/29/17
St. Cloud C & T CC
Thief River Falls, MN
TBA
Sat.
4/29/17
St. Cloud C & T CC
Thief River Falls, MN
TBA
Sun.
4/30/17
Central Lakes CC
Brainerd, MN
TBA
Sun.
4/30/17
Central Lakes CC
Brainerd, MN
TBA
Tues.
5/2/17
Univ. of MN Crookston (JV)
Crookston, MN
3:00 pm
Tues.
5/2/17
Univ. of MN Crookston (JV)
Crookston, MN
5:00 pm
Sat.
5/6/17
MN State FF
Thief River Falls, MN
TBA
Sat.
5/6/17
MN State FF
Thief River Falls, MN
TBA
Th-Su.
5/18-5/21
Region XIII Tournament
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
St. Cloud, MN
TBA
BASEBALL COACHING STAFF Northland Head Baseball Coach
The Dowers coaching resume also includes serving as an assistant coach at Bemidji State University in 1998, where he focused on outfield play and hitting. As the head coach of the Bemidji American Legion program in 1997, Dowers led the team to a third place state finish. Also a noteworthy baseball camp instructor and clinician, Dowers has been a featured coach with Triple Crown camps in Omaha, Nebraska, the Elite Baseball Academy, and various local clinics and camps. An outfielder during his collegiate playing career, Dowers played for the Pioneers in 1994 before transferring to University of Wisconsin (Superior) where he played, then onto Bemidji State University where he finished his career as the leadoff hitter for the Beavers. Dowers hit .398 for the Beavers as he led them to the NIC conference championship. Coach Dowers and daughter Hallie Mae (10), reside in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Dowers is also an owner of Legends Sporting Goods in Thief River Falls.
CAREER COACHING RECORDS COACH
COREY POOLE
Assistant Coach
JOE KUSCHELL Volunteer Assistant
COLE LARSON Volunteer Assistant
XAVIER GONZALES
TERRY WISETH Volunteer Assistant
YEARS
RECORD WINNING %
Barry Dowers
2010-Current
104-158
.397
Brad Evans
2009
17-15
.531
Steve Gust
2005-2008
88-75
.540
Guy Fenstrom
2001-2004
48-80
.375
John Ott
1999-2000
6-45
.118
Chris Mills
1998
8-18
.308
Terry Wiseth
1988-1997
121-147-1
.452
Rick Nelson
1985-1987
14-46
.233
Chet Engelman
1973-1984
68-146
.317
Totals:
1973-2015
459-708-1
.393
northlandpioneers.com
NCTC head coach Barry Dowers enters his eighth season at the helm of the Pioneers baseball program. The 2015 season marked a major milestone in the Pioneers program when Dower’s club captured the first Minnesota Collegiate Athletic Conference (MCAC) title in school history. The Pioneers also reached the Region XIII championship game where they were defeated by Century College for the right to advance to the NJCAA Division III national championship series. Dowers enters the 2017 season as the head pioneer baseball coach with the second most career wins, trailing only former head coach, Terry Wiseth in that category. The Pioneers also completed back to back twenty plus win seasons in 2014 and 2015; the first time since 2008 and 2009 that the program featured back to back seasons with twenty or more wins. Dowers teams have been characterized by strong pitching and defense.
Prior to taking the reins of the baseball program at Northland, the Thief River Falls native served in the role of assistant softball coach at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, Minnesota for two years before taking the head varsity softball job during the 2008-2009 school year. As the head coach in 2008-2009, Dowers was named the conference Coach of the Year for softball.
BASEBALL COACHING STAFF
BARRY DOWERS
Volunteer Assistant
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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2017 BASEBALL ROSTER
2017 BASEBALL ROSTER
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NO. 1 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 20 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30
NAME Drew Chesley Joey Koenig Austin Campos Josh Arriaga Dylan Storey Brock Saparto Joe Berberena Aaron Berzinski Blake Fetting Daniel Cortes Seth Desrosier Eddie Lefrooth Gregory Diaz Carolos Turpo Matt Howell Demetree Jest Henry Pesch Matt Lee Lucas Sandsmark Kade Nelson Kenneth Nieves
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
CLASS Soph Soph Fresh Soph Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Soph Fresh Fresh Fresh Soph Fresh Fresh
POSITION 2B/SS RHP/IF 2B RHP/IF 1B RHP/3B/OF RHP/OF OF RHP/SS LHP RHP/OF RHP/OF/C RHP/OF RHP/C/OF LHP OF RHP/OF RHP/OF RHP RHP/IF 1B/C
B/T R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/R L/R R/R R/L R/R R/R R/R R/R R/L R/R L/R R/R R/R R/R R/R
HT. 5’9” 6’ 5’10” 5’10” 5’10” 6’2” 5’10” 5’11” 6’1” 5’10” 6’ 6’1” 6’1” 6’ 6’ 5’10” 5’11” 6’2” 5’11” 6’2” 5’11”
WT. 160 180 230 170 190 215 145 150 230 175 150 200 180 150 195 155 140 170 190 170 200
HOMETOWN Lincoln, NE Crookston, MN East Grand Forks, MN San Antonio, TX Warroad, MN League City, TX Red Lake Falls, MN Thief River Falls, MN Ada, MN Aquadilla, PR Crookston, MN Strandquist, MN Santo Domingo, DR Juana Diaz, PR Badger, MN Ocala, FL Minneota, MN Gary, MN Thief River Falls, MN Thief River Falls, MN Dorado, PR
ADMINISTRATION
HEAD COACH: Barry Dowers
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Richard Speas
ASSISTANT COACH: Corey Poole
ATHLETIC COORDINATOR: Paul Peterson
INFIELD INSTRUCTOR: Zavier Gonzales
PRESIDENT: Dennis Bona
CATCHING & 1B INSTRUCTOR: Cole Larson PITCHING INSTRUCTOR: Joe Kuschell BASERUNNING, BUNTING, & OUTFIELD INSTRUCTOR: Terry Wiseth
northlandpioneers.com
GET A PATIENT GUIDE
2017 BASEBALL ROSTER
COACHING STAFF
R e h a b A u t h o r i t y. c o m
KIM ROSENDAHL
PT, MPT, ATC, CERT. MDT
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
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2017 BASEBALL PREVIEW
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2017 BASEBALL PREVIEW
The Pioneers experienced a disappointing season in many respects in 2016, considering they were coming off a 2015 season that captured the first conference baseball championship in school history. Northland will also be moving from the Northern Division into the Central Division of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC), which will also feature ST. Cloud Tech, Ridgewater Community College, Minnesota State (Fergus Falls), and Central Lakes Community College. Returning for the Pioneers in the pitching department is Matt Hill (Badger, MN), who tied for the team lead in wins last year, going 5-3 on the campaign. Other returners for NCTC include Josh Ariaga (San Antonio, TX), an infielder/pitcher who hit .238, Joey Koenig (Crookston, MN), an infielder who hit .219, and Thief River Falls native, Lucas Sandsmark, an outfielder/ pitcher who hit .231 on the year. Dowers looks to several new recruits to play a role in the Pioneers success this year. Gregory Diaz (Santa Domingo, D.R.) and Joe Berberena (Red Lake Falls, MN) should add depth to the pitching rotation. “Diaz should contribute heavily on the mound, with a lot of innings,” noted Dowers,” he is still a works in progress.” Dowers
1268844_15770
14
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looks for Brock Separto (League City, TX) to hit for power and average and fill the clean-up spot for Northland. Blake Fetting (Ada, MN), will be a major contributor at shortstop, and hit in the top of the order. Hastings College (NE) transfer Drew Chesley could contribute in the middle infield and will continue to upgrade his hitting skills. Catcher Carlos Turpo (Juana Diaz, PR) will anchor the catching position with the type of arm strength that could draw attention from professional clubs, with a 1.79-1.83 pop time. Dowers also looks for Thief River Falls players Kade Nelson and Aaron Berzinski to contribute, with Nelson, a utility infielder, moving to 1B, Berzinski will control centerfield for the Pioneers. “Berzinski has good speed, and some pop in his bat,” noted Dowers, “this will be a learning year for him as he adjusts to the college game.” Dowers looks for St. Cloud Tech and the Pioneers to be the top two competitors for the central division crown. “The key for the MCAC teams, will be to see if anyone can knock off perineal power Century College in the Region XIII playoffs,” speculated Dowers. The Pioneers open the season on March 2nd, when they travel to Enid, Oklahoma to take on Northwest Oklahoma in route to Dallas for a full contingency of games.
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2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
1730 3rd St. W • Thief River Falls, MN 8/10/15 2:47 PM
2016 BASEBALL SCHEDULE & RESULTS OPPONENT
SITE
RESULTS
3/4/16
North Arkansas
Harrison, AR
W,2-1
North Arkansas
Harrison, AR
L, 9-7
Rock Valley College
Dallas, TX
W, 5-4
3/6/16
Rock Valley College
Dallas, TX
L,5-4
3/7/16
North Lake CC
Dallas, TX
L, 15-0
3/7/16
North Lake CC
Dallas, TX
L, 9-3
3/25/16
Presentation College JV
Aberdeen, SD
W, 5-3
3/25/16
Presentation College JV
Aberdeen, SD
W, 9-3
3/25/16
Presentation College JV
Aberdeen, SD
W, 10-7
3/29/16
UM Crookston JV
Crookston, MN
L, 5-4
3/29/16
UM Crookston JV
Crookston, MN
L, 6-0
4/9/16
MN State FF
Fergus Falls, MN
W, 5-2
4/9/16
MN State FF
Fergus Falls, MN
L, 11-10
4/13/16
MN State FF
Thief River Falls, MN
W, 4-3
4/13/16
MM State FF
Thief River Falls, MN
L, 4-0
4/16/16
Minnesota West CC
Worthington, MN
L, 5-3
4/16/16
Minnesota West CC
Worthington, MN
L, 10-5
4/17/16
Minnesota West CC
Worthington, MN
L, 8-0
4/17/16
Minnesota West CC
Worthington, MN
L, 8-1
4/20/16
Itasca CC
Thief River Falls, MN
L, 11-0
4/20/16
Itasca CC
Thief River Falls, MN
L, 7-6
4/23/16
Vermilion CC
Thief River Falls, MN
W, 14-1
4/23/16
Vermilion CC
Thief River Falls, MN
W, 11-1
4/30/16
Rainy River CC
International Falls, MN
L, 5-2
4/30/16
Rainy River CC
International Falls, MN
L, 8-7
5/1/16
Hibbing CC
Hibbing, MN
W, 12-1
5/1/16
Hibbing CC
Hibbing, MN
W, 12-0
5/7/16
Mesabi Range CC
Thief River Falls, MN
L, 18-1
5/7/16
Mesabi Range CC
Thief River Falls, MN
W, 3-1
5/8/16
Mesabi Range CC
Thief River Falls, MN
L, 9-4
5/8/16
Mesabi Range CC
Thief River Falls, MN
W, 10-0
5/13/16
Mesabi Range CC*
Virginia, MN
L, 5-1
5/13/16
Mesabi Range CC*
Virginia, MN
W, 6-2
5/14/16
Mesabi Range CC*
Virginia, MN
W, 7-1
5/19/16
Century College#
St. Cloud, MN
L, 6-0
5/19/16
Anoka-Ramsey CC#
St. Cloud, MN
L, 5-1
northlandpioneers.com
3/4/16 3/6/16
2016 BASEBALL SCHEDULE & RESULTS
DATE
*MCAC Conference Tournament # Region XIII tournament ##Region XIII tournament championship game
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
15
MEN’S BASEBALL HISTORY 2016 MCAC NORTHERN DIVISION STANDINGS
BASEBALL HISTORY
MCAC Championships: 2015 - Coach Barry Dowers Region Runner Up: 2015 - Coach Barry Dowers 2009 - Coach Brad Evans
(Regular Season Standings)
SEASON SEASON WINS LOSSES
DIV. WINS
DIV. LOSSES
1. Itasca
25
23
8
2
2. Rainy River
25
18
7
3
3. Mesabi Range
18
22
6
4
3. Northland
15
21
6
4
5. Vermilion
8
25
3
7
6. Hibbing
1
31
0
10
TEAM
Best Single Season Record: Winning % .641 - Coach Barry Dowers: 2015 - (25-14) Most Wins in a Single Season: 27 - Coach Steve Gust: 2008 (27-18) Career Win Leaders: 121 - Terry Wiseth 104 - Barry Dowers 88 - Steve Gust 68 - Chet Engleman
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2015-2016 PIONEER BASEBALL RESULTS
16
OVERALL RECORD
%
CONFERENCE
%
HOME
AWAY
NEUTRAL
15-21
.417
6-5
.545
6-4
8-14
1-3
NORTHLAND PIONEERS BASEBALL HISTORY SEASON
RECORD
COACH
SEASON
RECORD
COACH
2016
15-21
Barry Dowers
1993
11-16-1
Terry Wiseth
2015
25-15
Barry Dowers
1992
13-13
Terry Wiseth
2014
21-24
Barry Dowers
1991
12-12
Terry Wiseth
2013
11-23
Barry Dowers
1990
14-10
Terry Wiseth
2012
13-27
Barry Dowers
1989
6-18
Terry Wiseth
2011
11-18
Barry Dowers
1988
9-17
Terry Wiseth
2010
8-30
Barry Dowers
1987
5-16
Rick Nelson
2009
17-15
Brad Evans
1986
6-13
Rick Nelson
2008
27-18
Steve Gust
1985
3-17
Rick Nelson
2007
20-18
Steve Gust
1984
2-14
Chet Engelman
2006
21-20
Steve Gust
1983
12-7
Chet Engelman
2005
20-19
Steve Gust
1982
6-14
Chet Engelman
2004
11-22
Guy Finstrom
1981
3-13
Chet Engelman
2003
11-22
Guy Finstrom
1980
12-8
Chet Engelman
2002
14-16
Guy Finstrom
1979
2-10
Chet Engelman
2001
12-20
Guy Finstrom
1978
5-9
Chet Engelman
2000
5-26
John Ott
1977
4-10
Chet Engelman
1999
1-19
John Ott
1976
2-18
Chet Engelman
1998
8-18
Chris Mills
1975
5-11
Chet Engelman
1997
14-17
Terry Wiseth
1974
6-5
Chet Engelman
1996
8-18
Terry Wiseth
1973
9-6
Chet Engelman
1995
13-15
Terry Wiseth
1973-2015
459-708-1
Nine Coaches
1994
21-11
Terry Wiseth
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
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2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
17
NJCAA CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE 18
NJCAA NATIONAL BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY DIVISION II Champion
Year
DIVISION I Champion
1992
Essex CC (MD)
1993
Yavapai College (AZ)
1993
Massasoit CC (MA)
1994
Galveston CC (TX)
1994
Lincoln Land CC (IL)
1995
Middle Georgia State (GA)
1995
Potomac State College (WV)
1996
Northeast Texas CC (TX)
1996
Grand Rapids CC (MI)
1997
Cowley CCC (KS)
1997
Grand Rapids CC (MI)
1998
Cowley CCC (KS)
1998
Jefferson Davis CC (AL)
Year
1999
Grayson CC (TX)
1999
Kishwaukee CC (IL)
2000
Grayson CC (TX)
2000
Lincoln Land (IL)
2001
North Central Texas (TX)
2001
Delaware Tech & CC (DE)
2002
Central Arizona (AZ)
2002
Parkland College (IL)
2003
Community College of So. Nevada (NV)
2003
Grand Rapids CC (MI)
2004
Dixie State College (UT)
2004
Grand Rapids CC (MI)
2005
New Mexico JC (NM)
2005
Grand Rapids CC (MI)
2006
Walters State CC (TN)
2006
Louisiana State Univ. (LA)
2007
Chipola College (FL)
2007
Longview CC (MO)
2008
Grayson CC (TX)
2008
Louisiana State U.-Eunice (LA)
2009
Howard College (TX)
2009
Parkland College (IL)
2010
Iowa Western CC (IA)
2010
Louisiana State U.-Eunice (LA)
2011
Navarro College (TX)
2011
Western Oklahoma State (OK)
2012
Iowa Western CC (IA)
2012
Louisiana State U.-Eunice (LA)
2013
Central Alabama (AL)
2013
Murray State College (OK)
2014
Iowa Western CC (IA)
2014
Mesa CC (AZ)
2015
Northwest Florida State (FL)
2015
Louisiana State U.-Eunice (LA)
DIVISION III
DIVISION III
Year
Champion
Year
Champion
1992
Gloucester CC (NJ)
2004
Richland College (TX)
1993
Gloucester CC (NJ)
2005
Gloucester CC (NJ)
1994
Joliet Junior College (IL)
2006
Eastfield College (TX)
1995
Madison Area Tech. C. (WI)
2007
Tyler Junior College (TX)
1996
Madison Area Tech. C. (WI)
2008
Joliet Junior College (IL)
1997
Madison Area Tech. C. (WI)
2009
Richland College (TX)
1998
Norwalk Comm. & Tech C. (CT)
2010
Gloucester CC (NJ)
1999
Gloucester CC (NJ)
2011
Eastfield College (TX)
2000
Gloucester CC (NJ)
2012
Joliet Junior College (IL)
2001
Eastfield College (TX)
2013
Gloucester CC (NJ)
2002
Richland College (TX)
2014
Tyler Junior College (TX)
2003
Richland College (TX)
2015
Tyler Junior College (TX)
2016
Tyler Junior College (TX)
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
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2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
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MEET THE PIONEERS
MEET THE PIONEERS - BASEBALL
6
13
Year: Soph. Height: 5’10” Position: RHP/IF Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’10” Position: LHP Hometown: Aquadilla, PR
10
14
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’10” Position: RHP/OF Hometown: Red Lake Falls, MN
Year: Fresh. Height: 6’0” Position: RHP/OF Hometown: Crookston, MN
11
20
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’11” Position: OF Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN
Year: Fresh. Height: 6’1” Position: RHP/OF Hometown: Santo Domingo, DR
5
12
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’10” Position: 2B Hometown: East Grand Forks, MN
Year: Fresh. Height: 6’1” Position: RHP/SS Hometown: Ada, MN
1
23
Year: Soph. Height: 5’9” Position: 2B/SS Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Year: Soph. Height: 6’0” Position: LHR Hometown: Badger, MN
JOSH ARRIAGA
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
JOE BERBERENA
20
AARON BERZINSKI
AUSTIN CAMPOS
DREW CHESLEY
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
DANIEL CORTES
SETH DESROSIER
GREGORY DIAZ
BLAKE FETTING
MATT HOWELL
MEET THE PIONEERS - BASEBALL
30
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’10” Position: OF Hometown: Ocala, FL
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’11” Position: 1B/C Hometown: Dorado, PR
4
26
Year: Soph. Height: 6’0” Position: RHP/IF Hometown: Crookston, MN
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’11” Position: RHP/OF Hometown: Minneota, MN
27
28
Year: Fresh. Height: 6’2” Position: RHP/OF Hometown: Gary, MN
Year: Soph. Height: 5’11” Position: RHP Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN
17
9
Year: Fresh. Height: 6’1” Position: RHP/OF/C Hometown: Strandquist, MN
Year: Fresh. Height: 6’2” Position: RHP/3B/OF Hometown: League City, TX
29
7
Year: Fresh. Height: 6’2” Position: RHP/IF Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’10” Position: 1B Hometown: Warroad, MN
DEMETREE JEST
JOEY KOENIG
MATT LEE
KADE NELSON
HENRY PESCH
LUCAS SANDSMARK
BROCK SAPARTO
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EDDIE LEFROOTH
KENNETH NIEVES
MEET THE PIONEERS
24
DYLAN STOREY
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
21
MEET THE PIONEERS
MEET THE PIONEERS - BASEBALL
22
Red shirt
Year: Fresh. Height: 6’1” Position: RHP/C/OF Hometown: Juana Diaz, PR
Year: Soph. Height: 6’2” Position: RHP Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Red shirt
Red shirt
Year: Fresh. Height: 6’3” Position: OF Hometown: Warroad, MN
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’9” Position: Catcher Hometown: Cavalier, ND
CARLOS TURPO
JARED RUSHING
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
TANNER CHRISTIAN
NOAH ZIMMERMAN
Red shirt COLTEN HICKS
Year: Fresh. Height: 6’2” Position: RHP/OF Hometown: Dunlap, IA
Thrifty White Pharmacy your local pharmacy for all your health and gift needs. Committed to healthy outcomes with these great services:
Red shirt
• Rx MedSync®
Year: Fresh Height: 5’9” Position: RHP Hometown: West Fargo, ND
• Specialty Pharmacy
COLTON IVES
Red shirt JOSH RIVERA
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’10” Position: LF Hometown: Tampa, FL
Synchronized Prescription Refill Service. A convenient way to have all your prescriptions filled on the same day.
Our Specialty Pharmacy Care Partners are dedicated to helping you with your specialty needs.
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• Immunizations
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Shop our extensive giftware department! Great gift ideas for Mother’s Day, graduation, birthdays or any occasion!
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Store Hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm • Sat: 8:30am - 5:30pm • Sun: Closed
22
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
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201 E Third Street Box 639 Thief River Falls, MN 56701
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2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
23
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2016 SOFTBALL RESULTS
2016 SOFTBALL RESULTS DATE
OPPONENT
SITE
3/16
Rochester CC
Rosemount, MN
L, 23-0
3/16
Mesabi Range CC
Rosemount, MN
L, 33-0
3/16
Itasca CC
Rosemount, MN
L, 25-0
3/17
Mesabi Range CC
Rosemount, MN
L, 13-0
3/17
Rainy River
Rosemount, MN
L, 29-0
3/25
Riverland CC
Rochester, MN
L, 18-1
3/25
St. Cloud Tech
Rochester, MN
L, 16-0
3/26
Ridgewater CC
Austin, MN
L, 20-3
3/26
Minnesota West CC
Austin, MN
L, 17-0
4/13
Itasca
Thief River Falls, MN
L, 11-1
4/13
Itasca
Thief River Falls, MN
L, 18-2
4/16
Central Lake CC
Brainerd, MN
L, 12-3
4/16
Central Lakes CC
Brainerd, MN
L, 23-1
4/23
Mesabi Range CC
Thief River Falls, MN
L, 9-0
4/23
Mesabi Range CC
Thief River Falls, MN
L, 11-1
4/26
Vermilion CC
Thief River Falls, MN
L, 11-3
4/26
Vermilion CC
Thief River Falls, MN
L, 14-4
4/27
Hibbing CC
Thief River Falls, MN
W, 13-4
4/27
Hibbing CC
Thief River Falls, MN
W, 9-8
4/30
Mesabi Range CC
Grand Rapids, MN (Conference Tourney)
L, 20-1
4/30
Central Lakes CC
Grand Rapids, MN (Conference Tourney)
L, 11-0
Overall Record: 2-19 MCAC Record: 2-10 TEAM OFFENSIVE TOTAL Runs Scored: 49 (2.3 runs per game) TEAM DEFENSIVE TOTAL Runs Scored by Opposition: 348 (16.6 per game) Team Batting Avg.: .199 Team ERA: 19.00
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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
24
RESULTS
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
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2017 SOFTBALL SCHEDULE OPPONENT
SITE
TIME
Delta College (JC)
Orlando, FL
1:00 p.m.
3/8
Mercyhurst North East (JC)
Orlando, FL
9:00 a.m.
3/8
Mercyhurst North East
Orlando, FL
11:30 a.m.
3/10
Mesabi Range CC
Lakeland, FL
10:00 a.m.
3/10
Mesabi Range CC
Lakeland, FL
12:30 p.m.
3/11
Rowan College CC (NJ)
Orlando, FL
1:00 p.m.
3/11
Marshalltown CC
Orlando, FL
10:00 a.m.
3/24
St. Cloud Technical College
Rochester, MN
5:00 p.m.
3/24
Anoka Ramsey CC
Rochester, MN
7:00 p.m.
3/24
MN State (FF) CC
Rochester, MN
9:00 p.m.
3/25
Ridgewater CC
Rochester, MN
11:00 a.m.
3/25
Riverland CC
Rochester, MN
3:00 p.m.
4/9
Dakota College
Thief River Falls, MN 1:00 p.m.
4/9
Dakota College
Thief River Falls, MN 3:00 p.m.
4/15
Bill McBride Memorial Tourn.
Grand Rapids, MN
TBA
4/19
Itasca CC
Grand Rapids, MN
3:00 p.m.
4/19
Itasca CC
Grand Rapids, MN
5:00 p.m.
4/22
Central Lakes CC
Thief River Falls, MN Noon
4/22
Central Lakes CC
Thief River Falls, MN 2:00 p.m.
4/26
Rainy River CC
Thief River Falls, MN 3:00 p.m.
4/26
Rainy River CC
Thief River Falls, MN 5:00 p.m.
4/29
Vermilion CC
Ely, MN
Noon
4/29
Vermilion CC
Ely, MN
2:00 p.m.
4/30
Mesabi Range CC
Virginia, MN
Noon
4/30
Mesabi Range CC
Virginia, MN
2:00 p.m.
5/3
Hibbing CC
Hibbing, MN
3:00 p.m.
5/3
Hibbing CC
Hibbing, MN
5:00 p.m.
5/6
MCAC Northern Div. Tourn.
Brainerd, MN
TBA
5/11
Region XIII Tournament
TBA
TBA
5/185/20
NJCAA National Tournament
Rochester, MN
TBA
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3/7
2017 SOFTBALL SCHEDULE
DATE
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
25
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
SOFTBALL COACHING STAFF
SOFTBALL COACHING STAFF PAUL PETERSON
Northland Softball Head Coach
While entering his first year as the head softball coach, Paul Peterson is no stranger to Pioneer athletics. Serving as the assistant athletic coordinator from 2001-2008, Peterson has served as the athletic coordinator since 2008. Peterson also spent three years as an assistant women’s basketball coach. Playing an active role in recruiting, the Northland women’s basketball team qualified for the national tournament in 2006-2007. Peterson replaces Travis Martin who went 2-19 during his only year at the helm of the Pioneer program. Peterson will have a formable task ahead in generating a winning tradition at Northland, considering the program has only experienced nine winning seasons in their 43 year history.“ Peterson’s connection to the coaches in the region and his passion for Northland should fuel the kind of recruiting that is needed to build the Pioneer softball program into an MCAC Northern Division contender on a regular basis,” assessed Northland athletic director, Richard Speas. The Pioneers also competed in their first fall softball contests in 2016, breaking ground for a more competitive program.
CASSIE BERG
Assistant Coach
A former standout in basketball and softball for the Pioneers, Cassie (Gunderson) Berg enters her fourth year as an assistant for the Pioneer softball program.
KATHY HUSCHLE
Volunteer Assistant
Huschle brings a vast amount of experience with her to the Pioneer softball program. With eleven years at the helm of the Northland softball program, Huschle holds the record for most career wins with 137. Huschle also teaches in the natural sciences department at Northland Community and Technical College.
KENTON D. KAINZ, D.C.
A long time fixture in the Thief River Falls community, Peterson has served as the general manager for the TRF baseball association, and has been active in the Thief River Falls softball association for over 10 years. An active member of the Thief River Falls Booster Club, Peterson has been a key in helping to make improvements in the community and college baseball and softball facilities Coach Peterson earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bemidji State University (MN) in Sports Management with a business administration minor. Peterson, his wife Becky, and children Megan and Kayla reside in Thief River Falls.
1302 MAIN AVENUE N PO BOX 146 THIEF R IVER FALLS, MN 56701
218-681-5537
26
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
2017 SOFTBALL PREVIEW
Peterson looks to be solid defensively, but knows hitting is still a question mark with a lot of freshmen new to the college game. One of the biggest challenges for the Pioneers will be to develop some pitching. “Refining our control, and throwing strikes will enhance our opportunities for success,” noted Peterson. Key returners for the Pioneers include Avery Azure (Thief River Falls, MN), Julie Martinson (Thief River Falls, MN), Hanna Rolf (McIntosh, MN), and Megan Olson (Roseau, MN). Azure (.304) led the club in hitting last year and can play multiple positions, including both ends of the battery. Martinson has returned after playing in 2015, and should see some time at shortstop, third base, and the outfield. Rolf who was new to the game last year, has made significant strides and is a utility player. Olson, also returns as a utility player who gained valuable playing time last season. “All of our returners have an excellent work ethic and are very coachable,” assessed Peterson.
The Pioneers will focus on Peterson’s defensive mantra, always get an out. “We might give up runs at times, but we need to guarantee an out. A missed opportunity to get an out is like a turnover in basketball or football”, quipped Peterson. Last year’s Northern Division champion Central Lakes will be the front runner in the division race this year according to Peterson, with Mesabi Range, Rainy River, and Itasca in the hunt as well. “With Central Lakes competing in the national tournament last year, it give them a nice recruiting edge,” Peterson noted. On the national frond, look for Rock Valley CC (Illinois), who went 49-9 in 2016, and won its third consecutive national title to be the heads on favorite for the 2017 national crown. Rochester Community and Technical College in Rochester, Minnesota is slated to host the 2017 NJCAA Division III national championship May 18-20.
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
northlandpioneers.com
Newcomers to the Pioneer program include Emily Hestekind, Emily Anderson, Mattlyn Erickson, Jaden Dahl, Lauren Carter, Katie Steer, and Adrianna Vasek. Hestekind (Newfolden, MN), a slapper with some power was a medical redshirt last year and will be a major
contributor as a middle infielder. Anderson (Greenbush, MN), will most likely split time between shortstop and outfield and hit in the top portion of the order. Peterson also looks for Erickson (Thief River Falls, MN), a southpaw to contribute as a pitcher and see time at first base. Dahl (Baudette, MN) should contribute behind the plate and in the infield. Cather Lauren Carter (Thompson, ND) will add depth behind the plate for the Pioneers. East Grand Forks native, Katie Steer will handle middle infield chores, and Adrianna Vasek (Fisher, MN) will see time in the outfield.
2017 SOFTBALL PREVIEW
The Pioneers are coming off a 2-19 record for the 2016 spring campaign, and a sixth place finish in the MCAC Northern Division. The new Pioneer skipper, Paul Peterson is counting on some key returners and some new comers to move the program forward in 2017.
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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2017 SOFTBALL ROSTER
2017 SOFTBALL ROSTER
28
#
NAME
CLASS
POS.
B/T
HT.
HOMETOWN
PREVIOUS SCHOOL
3
Adrianna Vasek
FR
IF/OF
R/R
5’6”
Fisher, MN
Fisher HS
4
Katie Steer
FR
IF
R/R
5”5”
East Grand Forks, MN
East Grand Forks HS
5
Jaiden Dahl
FR
IF/C
R/R
5’5”
Baudette, MN
Lake of the Woods
6
Emily Anderson
FR
IF/Of
L/R
5’5”
Greenbush, MN
BGMR HS
7
Emily Hestekind
SO
IF
L/R
5’9”
Newfolden, MN
Marshall Co Central HS
8
Megan Olson
SO
OF
R/R
5’5”
Roseau, MN
Roseau HS
9
Hannah Rolf
SO
IF/OF
R/R
5’10” McIntosh, MN
Win-E-Mac HS
15
Julie Martinson
SO
IF
S/R
5’5”
Thief River Falls, MN
Lincoln HS
20
Miranda Opdahl
FR
IF/OF
L/L
5’9”
Thief River Falls, MN
Lincoln HS
21
Avery Azure
SO
P/Utility R/R
5’6”
Thief River Falls, MN
Lincoln HS
28
Lauren Carter
FR
C
R/R
5’3”
Thompson, ND
Thompson HS
30
Megan Swedberg
FR
3B/1B
R/R
5’11”
Ogema, MN
Ogema HS
34
Sydney Beaulieu
FR
IF/OF
L/L
5’4”
Red Lake, MN
Red Lake HS
Head Coach: Paul Peterson Assistant Coach: Cassie Berg Volunteer Assistant Coach: Kathy Huschle
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
2015-2016 MINNESOTA COLLEGE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE STANDINGS: NORTHERN DIVISION OVERALL LOSSES
DIVISION WINS
DIVISION LOSSES
1. Central Lakes
21
5
11
1
2. Rainy River
28
11
10
2
3. Mesabi Range
18
16
8
4
4. Itasca
11
21
7
5
5. Vermilion
6
18
4
8
6. Northland
2
19
2
10
7. Hibbing
1
24
0
12
(And a free, hot breakfast.) Our promise to you: a comfortable room, the amenities you want most—and the best overall value you can find.
NJCAA DIVISION III NATIONAL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS BY YEAR: YEAR
CHAMPION
YEAR
CHAMPION
Americinn.com | 800.634.3444
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YEAR
CHAMPION
Corning (NY)
2004
College of DuPage (IL)
2011
Gloucester County CC (NJ)
1998
College of DuPage (IL)
2005
Brookdale College (NJ)
2012
Gloucester County (NJ)
1999
Delta College (MI)
2006
Monroe CC (NY)
2013
Herkimer County (NY)
2000
College of DuPage (IL)
2007
Monroe CC (NY)
2014
Rock Valley College (IL)
2001
College of DuPage (IL)
2008
Monroe CC (NY)
2015
Rock Valley College (IL)
2002
Brookdale College (NJ)
2009
Tompkins Cortland (NY)
2016
Rock Valley College (IL)
2003
Anne Arundel College (MD)
2010
Brookdale College (NY)
MEET THE PIONEERS - SOFTBALL
6
34
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’5” Position: SS/P Hometown: Middle River, MN
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’4” Position: Utility Hometown: Red Lake, MN
21
28
Year: Soph. Height: 5’6” Position: P/1B Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’3” Position: C Hometown: Thompson, ND
AVERY AZURE
SYDNEY BEAULIEU
northlandpioneers.com
1997
EMILY ANDERSON
2015-2016 MCAC STANDINGS
OVERALL WINS
TEAM
Proud supporter of a vibrant community.
LAUREN CARTER
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
29
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
MEET THE PIONEERS - SOFTBALL
MEET THE PIONEERS - SOFTBALL
30
5
9
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’5” Position: 1B/C Hometown: Baudette, MN
Year: Soph. Height: 5’10” Position: OF Hometown: McIntosh, MN
7
4
Year: Soph. Height: 5’9” Position: 2B Hometown: Newfolden, MN
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’5” Position: Utility Hometown: East Grand Forks, MN
15
30
Year: Soph. Height: 5’5” Position: 3rd/SS Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’11” Position: 3rd/1st Hometown: Ogema, MN
8
3
Year: Soph. Height: 5’5” Position: OF Hometown: Roseau, MN
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’6” Position: CF Hometown: Fisher, MN
JAIDEN DAHL
EMILY HESTEKIND
JULIE MARTINSON
MEGAN OLSON
20
MIRANDA OPDAHL
Year: Fresh. Height: 5’9” Position: OF Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
HANNAH ROLF
KATIE STEER
MEGAN SWEDBERG
ADRIANA VASEK
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
SOFTBALL HISTORY
RECORD
COACH
YEAR
RECORD
COACH
2016
2-19
Travis Martin
1993
1-15
Rick Nikunen
2015
6-21
Kathy Huschle
1992
0-17
Sue Barnd
2014
12-16
Kathy Huschle
1991
6-16
Sue Barnd
2013
0-12
Kathy Huschle
1990
1-9
Sue Barnd
1989
No team due to lack of players
Jodi Bendickson
1988
16-11
Patty Chiodo
1987
13-9
Patty Chiodo
1986
10-8
Paul Williams
1985
No team due to lack of players
Deb Jacobsen
13-19
Merle Johnson
2011
13-20
Merle Johnson
2010
6-26
Guy Finstrom
2009
24-19
Kathy Huschle
2008
12-20
Kathy Huschle
2007
6-20
Kathy Huschle
2006
19-23
Kathy Huschle
2005
24-15
Kathy Huschle
2004
11-20
Kathy Huschle
1984
2-14
Deb Jacobsen
2003
16-15
Kathy Huschle/Dan Zubich
1983
3-15
Deb Jacobsen
2002
7-14
Kathy Huschle/Dan Zubich
1982
12-10
Deb Jacobsen
2001
8-19
Rick Nikunen
1981
9-10
Deb Jacobsen
2000
16-16
Rick Nikunen
1980
7-17
Deb Jacobsen
1999
11-17
Rick Nikunen
1979
3-5
Deb Jacobsen
1998
25-13
Rick Nikunen
1978
11-13
Deb Jacobsen
1997
17-15
Rick Nikunen
1977
12-10
Deb Jacobsen
No records
Deb Jacobsen
1996
12-14
Rick Nikunen
1976
1995
10-17
Rick Nikunen
1975
No records
Deb Jacobsen
1994
4-17
Rick Nikunen
1974
No records
Deb Jacobsen
SOFTBALL COACHING RECORDS HEAD COACH
YEARS
RECORD
WINNING %
Travis Martin
2016
2-19
.095
Kathy Huschle
2013-2105; 2002-2009
137-195
.413
Merle Johnson
2011-2012
26-39
.400
Guy Finstrom
2010
6-26
.188
Dan Zubich
2002-2003
23-29
.442
Rick Nikunen
1993-2001
104-143
.421
Sue Barnd
1990-1992
7-42
.143
Jodi Bendickson
1989
0-0
.000
Patty Chiodo
1987-1988
29-20
.592
Paul Williams
1986
10-8
.555
Deb Jacobsen
1974-1985
59-94
.386
northlandpioneers.com
2012
SOFTBALL HISTORY
YEAR
MOST WINS IN A SINGLE SEASON: 25- 1998- Coach Rick Nikunen MOST CAREER WINS: 137- Kathy Huschl HIGHEST CAREER WINNING % .592- Patty Chiodo (29-20)
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE
31
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32
2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE