JOIN OUR TEAM! Digi-Key Electronics is an electronic component distributor located in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. With annual global sales exceeding $1.7 billion, Digi-Key is continuing to add to our workforce of 3,400+ employees. In addition to world-class career opportunities, our employees receive competitive compensation; outstanding total rewards; a comfortable, stable, friendly work environment; and the many benefits of living in a smaller community. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Accounting Applications Engineering Building Operations & Maintenance Human Resources Information Technology
DIGI-KEY TOTAL REWARDS In addition to competitive compensation, Digi-Key offers outstanding total rewards that are second-to-none. Career growth opportunities are available for employees choosing to continue their personal development.
Marketing Order Fulfillment Purchasing Sales/Customer Service and more!
RELOCATION INCENTIVE Digi-Key offers up to $850 in relocation assistance to any newly hired full-time employee who resides outside of a 60mile radius of Thief River Falls, MN, and relocates to within that 60-mile radius in conjunction with new employment.
888-671-1725 DIGIKEY.COM/CAREERS
HEALTH PLAN Digi-Key’s Health Plan has no deductible, modest co-pays on prescriptions, and includes a vision care benefit. Single coverage is FREE to the employee, and it is $27 biweekly for family coverage.
401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN Employee contributions are matched by Digi-Key dollar-for-dollar up to 3%. Historically, Digi-Key has also made a profit sharing contribution of 4% of the employee’s annual earnings.
PERSONAL/VACATION TIME
DENTAL PLAN
VISION MATERIAL PLAN
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
Employees receive 10 days of vacation, 6 days of personal/medical time, and 6 holidays in their first year of employment.
Employees have the option of participating in Digi-Key’s Dental Plan, which features a low deductible. The employee cost is $5 biweekly for employee coverage and $15 biweekly for family coverage.
This is a voluntary employee plan that features low co-pays and provides a $175 annual allowance on either frames/lenses or contact lenses. The employee cost is $2.61 biweekly for employee coverage and $6.98 biweekly for family coverage.
Digi-Key’s Flexible Spending Account enables participants to pay for medical, dental, and vision plan premiums, unreimbursed medical, dental, and vision expenses, as well as dependent care expenses out of pre-tax funds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
ADDITIONAL REWARDS
COMPANY CULTURE AND GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Digi-Key is a family-oriented culture, grounded in small town values and quality of life. Employees are recognized for their daily dedication through a wide variety of individual and company-wide recognition events, summer picnic, and holiday dinner. Employees are encouraged to volunteer time and give back to our hometown community, supporting local charitable organizations through our Digi-Key Cares program or other outlets.
Digi-Key provides a clean, comfortable, climate-controlled work environment for its employees.
Additional rewards include a life insurance plan, a long term disability insurance plan, employee purchase discounts, and educational reimbursement through the Digi-Key University program.
©2016 Digi-Key Electronics. Digi-Key is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
TABLE OF CONTENTS NORTHLAND QUICK FACTS National Junior College Athletic Association
Conference:
Region 13 Athletic Conference, Minnesota College Athletic Conference
Nickname: Pioneers Colors:
Navy Blue and Scarlet
ATHLETIC STAFF RICHARD SPEAS Athletic Director ............................................................. 218-683-8547 ABDUL CHAMMA Head Volleyball Coach .................................................218-683-8680 SCOTT DCAMP Head Wrestling Coach ....................................................218-689-1014 BARRY DOWERS Head Baseball Coach ....................................................218-686-6433 JIM COX Head Football Coach ........................................................218-683-8554 SHANNON NELSON Head Women’s Basketball Coach ............................. 218-683-8696
PAUL PETERSON Athletic Coordinator & Head Softball Coach .........218-683-8556
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 2016-17 Season Preview 10 Coaching Staff 12 2016-17 Schedule 13 2016-17 Team Roster 14 Meet the Pioneers - Women’s Basketball 15 2015-16 Results 16 Team History 17 Records 18
MEN’S BASKETBALL 2016-17 Season Preview Coaching Staff 2016-17 Schedule 2016-17 Team Roster Meet the Pioneers - Men’s Basketball 2015-16 Results Team History
20 21 22 23 24-25 26 27
WRESTLING 2016-17 Season Preview Coaching Staff 2016-17 Schedule 2016-17 Team Roster Meet the Pioneers - Wrestling
30 32-33 34 35 36-37
FEATURE Northland Spotlight: Chet Engelman
40
HISTORY OF THE NJCAA The movement to form a unique sports association dedicated to America’s two-year colleges arose in 1937 when several track and field coaches gathered in Fresno, California. A year later, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rejected a petition from 13 two-year colleges in California to grant their teams and athletes permission to compete at the NCAA Track & Field Championships.
CREDITS
In the spring of 1938, following the NCAA’s rejection, those same 13 two-year colleges gathered again in Fresno to organize and form an association that would promote and supervise a national athletics program exclusively for junior and community colleges…and the rest is history.
Photography/Cover Design: Chad Sperling
On May 14, 1938, the first constitution of the National Junior College Athletic Association was accepted by its charter members and the organization held its first national championship event a year later in May 1939.
The 2016-17 Winter Media Guide is a publication of the Northland Community & Technical College Marketing & Communications Department. Content/Advertising: Chad Sperling, Matthew Brenden and Richard Speas
northlandpioneers.com
RICK NIKUNEN Head Men’s Basketball Coach ....................................218-683-8707
2-3 4 5 6 8 9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
National Affiliation:
MCAC Conference Members President’s Welcome & College History Athletic Director - Richard Speas Support Staff Athletic Facilities NJCAA All-Sports Standings
Design/Layout/Printing: Amity Graphics - Bemidji, MN A huge thank you to all of the faculty and staff at Northland for all of their hard work and dedication to our students!
Northland Community & Technical College is a member of the Minnesota State system. An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer & educator.
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS
MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS ANOKA RAMSEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Location: Coon Rapids, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 311 miles Mascot: Golden Rams Arena: Anoka-Ramsey Gymnasium Women’s Sports: basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, soccer
CENTRAL LAKES COLLEGE Location: Brainerd, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 194 miles Mascot: Raiders Arena: Central Lakes Gymnasium Football Stadium: no information Women’s Sports: basketball, golf, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, golf
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
FOND DU LAC TRIBAL & COMMUNITY COLLEGE
2
Location: Cloquet, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 234 miles Mascot: Thunder Arena: No Information Football Stadium: No Information Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball
MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE Location: Worthington, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 348 miles Mascot: Blue Jays/Lady Jays Arena: Minnesota West Gymnasium (1,000) Football Stadium: Worthington High School (3,000) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, wrestling
MINNESOTA STATE COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE Location: Fergus Falls, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 150 miles Mascot: Spartans Arena: Spartan Gymnasium (1,000) Football Stadium: Spartan Field Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, golf
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE Location: Thief River Falls, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 0 miles Mascot: Pioneers Arena: NCTC Gymnasium (1,549) Football Stadium: Lowell T. Swenson Field (2,200) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, wrestling
HIBBING COMMUNITY COLLEGE
RAINY RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Location: Hibbing, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 196 miles Mascot: Cardinals Arena: Activities Building (750) Women’s Sports: basketball, golf, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, golf
Location: International Falls, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 190 miles Mascot: Voyageurs Arena: Rainy River College Gym (500) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball
ITASCA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
RIDGEWATER COLLEGE
Location: Grand Rapids, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 188 miles Mascot: Vikings Arena: No Information Football Stadium: No Information Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball
Location: Willmar, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 250 miles Mascot: Warriors Arena: Swanson Gym (800) Football Stadium: Hodapp Field (3,500) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, wrestling
MESABI RANGE COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE Location: Virginia, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 218 miles Mascot: Norsemen/Lady Norse Arena: Activity Building (1,000) Football Stadium: Ewen’s Field (4,000) Women’s Sports: basketball, golf, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, golf
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE Location: Austin, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 415 miles Mascot: Blue Devils Arena: Riverland Gym (700) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, soccer
MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS VERMILLION COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Location: Rochester, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 415 miles Mascot: Yellow Jackets Arena: Regional Sports Center (1,500) Women’s Sports: basketball, golf, soccer, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, football, golf, wrestling
Location: Ely, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 277 miles Mascot: Ironmen/Ironwomen Arena: No Information Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball
ST. CLOUD TECHNICAL COLLEGE Location: St. Cloud, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 254 miles Mascot: Cyclones Arena: No Information Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball
MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS
ROCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MCAC NORTH DAKOTA INSTITUTIONS: (FOOTBALL ONLY) NORTH DAKOTA STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE Location: Wahpeton, ND Distance from Thief River Falls: 150 miles Mascot: Wildcats Arena: Bilkre Activities Center (3,500) Football Stadium: Bute Stadium (2,500) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, basketball
d owne y l l a Loc ted! a r e p &O
CONVENIENCE STORE & TOUCHLESS CARWASH!
northlandpioneers.com
DAKOTA COLLEGE Location: Bottineau, ND Distance from Thief River Falls: 245 miles Mascot: Lumberjacks/Lady Jacks Arena: Thatcher Hall (1,000) Football Stadium: No Information Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, hockey
Pennington Main
220 Main Ave S, Thief River Falls 218-681-8888 Open 24 Hours
Pennington Square
1st St & Pennington Ave, Thief River Falls 218-681-4552 Open 6 AM - 11 PM
ATM ATM Available!
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME/HISTORY
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME & HISTORY
Thief River Falls Campus
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
4
Welcome to Pioneer Country! You will soon be witness to why athletics has such a prominent presence here at Northland Community & Technical College. Our commitment to developing these young men and women into competitive student athletes will be obvious in how they perform on the field, court or arena. We take great pride in how our players demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship and work ethic, giving it their all through the end of each contest. Pay close attention to the talent out there, as many of our athletes have gone on to compete at the NCAA D-1 level and we have had more than a handful elevate their game to the professional level. It’s also important to recognize that our student athletes excel off the field as well, as we insist that achieving their academic goals is a priority. Northland’s athletes are routinely among the NJCAA’s highest performing scholars and our goal is to achieve a graduation or transfer rate of nearly 100%! So enjoy today’s event and feel good about being part of a great Pioneer tradition that’s been with us now for over 50 years!
DENNIS BONA
President
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
East Grand Forks Campus
COLLEGE HISTORY Northland Community & Technical College has been in existence in one form or other since 1949, when the Minnesota State Board of Education approved an area vocational school for Thief River Falls. The school would later move to its present location and merge with two other institutions of higher learning: first with Thief River Falls State Junior College and later with the East Grand Forks campus of Northwest Technical College, to form Northland Community & Technical College. Each institution brought a long history of serving the needs of area students and employers, and with the advent of online education, expanding its reach far beyond the Red River Valley and northwestern Minnesota.
MEET THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
RICHARD SPEAS
Director of Athletics & Student Life
Speas spent nine years as a successful college coach at William Penn University in Iowa, where he served numerous roles in addition to coaching; assistant director of admissions, assistant athletic director, and HPER faculty. As the head assistant baseball coach, the Statesmen went 215-78 (.734) during his tenure, including nationally ranked teams that qualified for the NCAA and NAIA regional playoffs. Assuming the role as the head men’s and women’s cross-country and track programs; Speas was named conference coach of the year in 2004 and 2005, cross-country
Moving into the NJCAA ranks as the Director of Athletics at Western Texas College in 2008, Speas oversaw 15 intercollegiate athletic programs in the highly competitive Western Junior College Athletic Conference. The Westerners captured a national championship in men’s rodeo. Making a change in a perennially week volleyball program, Speas hired Sheldon Carvalho who brought the volleyball program to the big dance in his second year in the program. In addition, the athletic program captured fourth place national finishes in women’s rodeo, women’s golf, and women’s track and field. Six teams held national rankings during the Speas tenure, including men’s cross country, men‘s golf, men’s soccer, and women’s soccer. The men’s cross country team was also named academic national champions of the NJCAA in 2007 and 2008. The community was energized when a $260,000 donation helped to
With family health issues, Speas returned to Iowa in 2012 to assume the position of Executive Director at Oskie Prep, a non-profit start up. Oskie Prep focused on education, job creation and community service. Speas earned a social science composite bachelor’s degree from William Penn University (IA) and a Master’s degree in athletic administration from Truman State University (MO). Richard and his wife Karma have eight children, Staci, Shawna, Jentrian, Tierney, Elijah, BrookeLyn, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Richard and Karma Speas reside in Thief River Falls, Minnesota with their six youngest children.
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
northlandpioneers.com
A native of Union, Iowa, Speas’ arrival at Northland brought a wealth of experience and success to the Pioneer’s athletic program. Speas has over thirty years of experience in interscholastic athletics, sports marketing, and intercollegiate athletics. Assuming the role of Director of Athletics at Northland, Speas also serves as the Director of Student Life at the college.
Prior to his arrival into the juco athletic administration ranks, Speas served as the Director of Athletics at four year schools, Southern Virginia University and Peru State College in Nebraska. As the inaugural Director of Athletics at Southern Virginia University (1997-2000), he implemented 16 intercollegiate athletic teams. During this time, SVU witnessed a 400% percentage growth in enrollment. During his tenure at Peru State College (2006-2008) Speas oversaw a seven million dollar renovation to the Al Wheeler Activity Center which served as the hub for Bobcat athletics and student activities.
fund the renovations of the 4,000 seat indoor facility (The Coliseum). In 2011, Speas took the helm of one of the premier NJCAA programs in the nation, Blinn College. The Buccaneers would capture a national championship in volleyball in 2011. The football program held the number 1 ranking in the nation during the 2011 season before falling to Mississippi Gulf Coast in the Mississippi Bowl. The softball program garnered fourth place finishes at the NJCAA Division I national championships in 2011 and 2012. Baseball also held top ten national rankings before being eliminated in regional play. Long noted for its athletic excellence; 26 national championships (four in football), 127 baseball players drafted since the inception of the baseball program in 1966, and 38 professional football players including Cam Newton, Blinn is widely recognized as one of the top academic junior colleges in the nation.
MEET THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
coach of the year in 2004, and NAIA region cross-country coach of the year in 2004.
5
SUPPORT STAFF
SUPPORT STAFF LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED! BUZZ ON IN AND CHECK OUT OUR DAILY SPECIALS!
RICHARD SPEAS Director of Student Life & Athletics
PAUL PETERSON
Athletics Coordinator Head Softball Coach
ABDUL CHAMMA
BARRY DOWERS
Head Coach Volleyball
Head Coach Baseball
SHANNON NELSON
RICK NIKUNEN
1582 Highway 59 S Thief River Falls, MN 56701
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
(218) 683-5389 SCOTT DCAMP
Head Coach Wrestling
JIM COX
Head Coach Football
Head Coach Women’s Basketball
Head Coach Men’s Basketball
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2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
Friendly, it’s in our name! am·i·ty [am-i-tee] noun : a friendly relationship
•Graphic Design Team
•Offset & Digital Printing
•Promotional Products
•Mailing Service & Variable Data
L-R: Connie Knutson, Kyle Schwartz, Dave Cabritit-Laing, Tina Larson, Brian Larson, Steve Hovila, Mike Connell, Gina Alianello
UD SUPPORTERS OF O R P
•ATHLETICS• 218.444.2526 • amitygraphics.com • 481 Mag Seven Court SW, Suite 8, Bemidji, MN
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
ATHLETIC FACILITIES
ATHLETIC FACILITIES
LOWELL T. SWENSON FIELD
Lowell T. Swenson Field is home to Northland Pioneers football team. The field was dedicated in 2004. Seating capacity is 2200.
PIONEER FIELD
MEC COMPLEX
The Pioneer Baseball Field opened in the Fall of 1974. It is home to the Northland Pioneer’s Men’s Baseball team.
The MEC Complex is home to the Northland Pioneer Women’s Softball. It opened in 2001.
WRESTLING ROOM
ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM
Wrestling started at Northland in 2013. Last year two national championship appearances came out of this room.
FITNESS CENTER
8
NORTHLAND GYMNASIUM
The Northland Gymnasium is home to volleyball and both Men’s and Women’s Basketball. The gymnasium opened in 1990. Seating capacity is 1549.
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
LOCKER ROOMS
NJCAA ALL-SPORTS STANDINGS
2015-2016 NATYCAA CUP NJCAA SCHOLARSHIP FINAL STANDINGS:
2015-2016 NATYCAA CUP NJCAA NON-SCHOLARSHIP FINAL STANDINGS:
STANDING
INSTITUTION
SCORE
STANDING
INSTITUTION
SCORE
1
Iowa Central Community College
194.5
1
Suffolk County CC (NY)
172
2
Tyler Junior College (TX)
146
2
Rowan College at Gloucester (NJ)
166
3
Iowa Western Community College
142
3
Mohawk Valley CC (NY)
122.5
4
Butler Community College (KS)
126
4
Herkimer County CC (NY)
117
Nassau County CC (NY)
98.5
5
Pima Community College (AZ)
124.5
5
6
Mesa Community College (AZ)
113.5
6
Howard Community College (MD)
96
7
Central Arizona College
104.5
7
Harper College (Illinois)
91
8
Monroe Community College (NY)
97
8
Onondaga CC (NY)
87.5
9
South Plains College (TX)
96
9
Fashion Institute of Tech (NY)
73.5
10
Barton County College (KS)
93.5
10
Montgomery College (MD)
59
10
Oxford College of Emory Univ. (GA)
59
NJCAA ALL-SPORTS STANDINGS
The National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) released the winners of the 2015-2016 NATYCAA Cup and Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup. The NATYCAA Cup represents the most successful overall college athletic programs in the nation for two-year institutions. This program recognizes excellence in two-year college athletics based on success in championship competition.
northlandpioneers.com 2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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2016-17 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE 10
2016-17 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW The 2015-2016 version of the Pioneers women’s basketball program saw a return to the national championship game, following a one year absence from the national tournament. NCTC and Coach Shannon Nelson took a sterling 26-2 record into the NJCAA Division III national championships at Brookedale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey. After defeating Sullivan County Community College in the quarterfinals, NCTC disposed of Mohawk Valley Community College in the semifinals before advancing to the national championship game against Roxbury Community College where the Pioneers fell to the Lady Tigers, 61-57. The Pioneers open the 2016-2017 season ranked number one in the NJCAA polls. Nelson’s team returns two starters from the national runner-up team. Back are All-American post player ShaRon Miller (Blaine, MN) and guard Myesha Caldwell (Mounds View, MN). Miller, who led the nation in field goal percentage (61%), also led the Pioneers in scoring average per game, (17.3) and rebounds per game (8.8). Miller also earned 1st team All-American honors along with 1st team All Region XIII and 1st team all division MCAC. Caldwell, named to the MCAC northern division all defensive team, split time between the off guard and the point. Also back is Emily Hestekind, a guard/forward from Marshall County Central who was injured early in the season, and was out the remainder of the campaign. The Pioneers will have to replace some points with the departure of the second and third leading scorers on the team, Tori Mekash (Greenbush, MN) averaged 14.7 points per game while Allyson Dahl (Newfolden, MN), a 5’10” shooting guard chipped in with 14.1 a game. Also gone is the second leading rebounder, Courtney Amirayan, who averaged 5.8 caroms per contest. Mekash is now playing basketball at Northern State University (NCAA Division II) while Dahl competes for Bemidji State University (NCAA Division II). With three players at, or topping the six foot mark, this will be the most height a Nelson led team has featured. “This is the most height we have had during my time as the coach here,” noted the Pioneer skipper, “we will still want to play up tempo, and take advantage of match ups in transition.” On the defensive side, Nelson also looks to use the height featured on the squad, “Defensively we want to utilize our size, primarily in man-to-man defense; we believe that some of our bigs can defend on the perimeter as well.”
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
Coach Nelson will look to some key newcomers to contribute to the Pioneer cause. Transfer Alexia Olson (Red Lake Falls, MN), a 6’2” post player comes to NCTC after seeing significant playing time as a freshman at Mayville State University (NAIA) in North Dakota. Freshman Megan Swedberg (Ogema, MN), a 6’1” post possesses solid defensive skills. Madison Stenzel (Gonvick, MN), and Jessica Vedbraaten (Newfolden, MN) should add some depth at the forward positions. Newcomers in the guard court include Adrianna Vasek (Fisher, MN), Kelsey Kainz (Thief River Falls, MN), and Emily Anderson (Middle River, MN). Anderson could see some playing time at the point guard position. Look for Mesabi Range and Rainy River to challenge the Pioneers for the MCAC northern division crown. “ Mesabi Range will have depth, and is well coached,” assessed Coach Nelson, “ Rainy River is very athletic, while they don’t have a lot of size, they are very quick.” The Pioneers only two regular season losses last season came to NJCAA scholarships programs, Lake Region State College (North Dakota) and NDSCS (North Dakota). The Pioneers open the season on November 11th at Devil’s Lake North Dakota when they square off with NJCAA Division II opponent, Dakota College (ND).
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2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACHING STAFF
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACHING STAFF
12
SHANNON NELSON
Northland Women’s Head Basketball Coach Shannon Nelson was named the ninth head basketball coach in the history of the women’s program in 2010. During the span of six seasons, the Marshall, Minnesota native has become the winningest coach in program history, in both total wins (144) and winning percentage (.814). Nelson’s 2015-2016 squad featured a return to the national tournament, with the Pioneers taking home the runner-up trophy. Coach Nelson’s resume also features a national championship in 2014, the first national championship in any sport at Northland. Nelson has received numerous coaching honors. She was named the MCAC Northern Division Coach of the Year in each of her six seasons at Northland. In addition, Nelson was named Region XIII B Coach of the Year in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016 Nelson received the national NJCAA Division III women’s basketball Coach of the Year award in 2014. 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 5 through 8. She also initiated a summer girls basketball camp held at the college for grades 5-12 starting in 2016. 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 2006-2007 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
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
named to the Big Ten Conference all-defensive team her junior and senior seasons. As a prep, Nelson won the coveted title of Ms. Basketball for Minnesota in 2002. A two-time class 3-A player of the Year, Nelson scored 2,143 points during her interscholastic career. 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. In addition to her duties as the head basketball coach, Shannon Nelson also serves as a business instructor at Northland Technical and Community College. She currently resides in Thief River Falls, Minnesota with her husband Travis.
BETH TVEDT
Northland Women’s Assistant Basketball Coach Lincoln High School (Thief River Falls,) graduate, Beth Tvedt, begins her fourth year as an assistant coach in the Pioneer’s basketball program. During this span, Northland has recorded a glossy 81-7 record, including a national championship and a national runner-up. Tvedt’s collegiate career included serving as a starter and team captain for two years at Northland Community and Technical College. During this span, she also was named first team All Northern Division and first team ALL MCAC in 2012. Tvedt finished with 438 career pontes, and 269 career rebounds. Earning an associate degree from Northland, Tvedt transferred onto Mayville State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in University Studies. Tvedt currently resides in Plummer, Minnesota.
2016-17 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE LOCATION
TIME
Fri, Nov 11
Lake Region State College tourney
Devils Lake, ND
11:00 am
Sat, Nov 12
Lake Region State College tourney
Devils Lake, ND
6:00 pm
Fri, Nov 18
MN State (Fergus Falls)
NCTC
5:45 pm
Mon, Nov 21
Jamestown College JV
NCTC
5:45 pm
Wed, Nov 23
North Dakota State College of Sc.
NCTC
5:45 pm
Fri, Dec 2
Rochester Community College
NCTC
5:45 pm
Sat, Dec 3
Western Technical College
NCTC
1:00 pm
Fri, Dec 9
MN State (FF)
Fergus Falls, MN
5:45 pm
Sat, Dec 10
St. Cloud Technical College
St. Cloud, MN
1:00 pm
Fri, Dec 16
Gogebic CC Tourney (Madison College)
Ironwood, MI
2:00 pm
Sat, Dec 17
Gogebic CC Tourney (Milwaukee Tech)
Ironwood, MI
10:00 am
Tue, Jan3
Concordia College JV
NCTC
5:45 pm
Sat, Jan 7
Red River College (Winnipeg)
NCTC
1:00 pm
Fri, Jan 13
Fond du Lac TCC
Cloquet, MN
5:45 pm
Sat, Jan 14
Itasca
Grand Rapids, MN
1:00 pm
Wed, Jan 18
Rainy River Community College
NCTC
5:45 pm
Sat, Jan 21
Hibbing Community College
Hibbing, MN
1:00 pm
Fri, Jan 27*
Vermilion Community College
NCTC
5:45 pm
Sat, Jan 28*
Mesabi Range Community College
NCTC
1:00 pm
Wed, Feb 1
Central Lakes Community College
Brainerd, MN
5:45 pm
Sat., Feb 4
Rainy River Community College
International Falls, MN
1:00 pm
Wed, Feb 8
Hibbing Community College
NCTC
5:45 pm
Sat, Feb 11
Vermilion Community College
Ely, MN
2:00 pm
Fri, Feb 17
Fond du Lac Tribal & Comm College
NCTC
5:45 pm
Sat, Feb 18
Central Lakes Community College
NCTC
1:00 pm
Wed Feb 22
Itasca Community College
NCTC
5:45 pm
Sat Feb 25
Mesabi Range Community College
Virginia, MN
3:00 pm
Sat, March 4
Region XIII B (Northern) tournament
hosted by highest seed
TBA
Sun, March 5
Region XIII B (Northern) championship
hosted by highest seed
TBA
March 16-18
NJCAA Division III national championships
Utica, New York
TBA
Opponents in red are MCAC Northern Division games
northlandpioneers.com
OPPONENT
2016-17 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
DATE
*Alumni weekend
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
13
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2016-17 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ROSTER
2016-17 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ROSTER
14
NO.
PLAYER
YEAR
HT.
POS.
HOMETOWN/PREVIOUS SCHOOL
2
Adrianna Vasek
FR
5’6”
G
Fisher, MN/Fisher HS
3
Emily Hestikind
FR
5’8”
G/F
Newfolden, MN/Marshall County Central HS
12
Myesha Caldwell
SO
5’5”
G
Mounds View, MN/Irondale Senior HS
13
Megan Swedberg
FR
6’1”
C
Ogema, MN/Waubun HS
14
Kelsey Kainz
FR
5’6”
G
Thief River Falls, MN/Lincoln HS
20
Emily Anderson
FR
5’5”
G
Middle River, MN/Greenbush-Middle River HS
23
Jessica Vedbraaten
FR
5’9”
F
Newfolden, MN/Marshall County Central HS
31
Madison Stenzel
FR
5’10”
F
Gonvick, MN/Clearbrook-Gonvick HS
53
ShaRon Miller
SO
6’0”
F/C
Blaine, MN/Blaine HS
54
Alexia Olson
SO
6’2”
C
Red Lake Falls,MN/Mayville State University
PHONETIC ROSTER Adrianna Vasek Emily Hestekind Myesha Caldwell Megan Swedberg Kelsey Kainz Emily Anderson
A-dree-AW-nah VAW-sick EH-mih-lee HEST-a-kin-d My-EE-shuh KALD-wel MEH-guhn SWEHD-burg KEHL-see Kaynz EH-mih-lee AN-der-sun
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
Jessica Vedbraaten Madison Stenzel ShaRon Miller Alexia Olson
jEH-sih-kuh VED-BRAH-ten mAd-uh-suhn STEN-zuhl shay-RON MIH-lur uh-LEHK-see-uh OHl-suhn
HEAD COACH: Shannon Nelson (SHAN-uhn NELL-suhn) ASSISTANT COACH: Beth Tvedt (Beth Tweet)
MEET THE PIONEERS - WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
54
Year: Freshman Height: 5’5” Position: G Hometown/Previous School: Middle River, MN/Greenbush-Middle River HS
Year: Sophomore Height: 6’2” Position: C Hometown/Previous School: Red Lake Falls,MN/Mayville State University
12
31
Year: Sophomore Height: 5’5” Position: G Hometown/Previous School: Mounds View, MN/Irondale Senior HS
Year: Freshman Height: 5’10” Position: F Hometown/Previous School: Gonvick, MN/Clearbrook-Gonvick HS
3
13
Year: Freshman Height: 5’8” Position: G/F Hometown/Previous School: Newfolden, MN/Marshall County Central HS
Year: Freshman Height: 6’1” Position: C Hometown/Previous School: Ogema, MN/Waubun HS
14
2
Year: Freshman Height: 5’6” Position: G Hometown/Previous School: Thief River Falls, MN/Lincoln HS
Year: Freshman Height: 5’6” Position: G Hometown/Previous School: Fisher, MN/Fisher HS
53
23
Year: Sophomore Height: 6’0” Position: F/C Hometown/Previous School: Blaine, MN/Blaine HS
Year: Freshman Height: 5’9” Position: F Hometown/Previous School: Newfolden, MN/Marshall County Central HS
EMILY ANDERSON
MYESHA CALDWELL
EMILY HESTIKIND
SHARON MILLER
MADISON STENZEL
MEGAN SWEDBERG
ADRIANNA VASEK
northlandpioneers.com
KELSEY KAINZ
ALEXIA OLSON
MEET THE PIONEERS
20
JESSICA VEDBRAATEN
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
15
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2015-16 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RESULTS
2015-16 W0MEN’S BASKETBALL RESULTS DATE
OPPONENT
RESULTS RECORD
11/14
Jamestown College (JV) @ LR Tourney
11/15
@ Lake Region College
L 82-64
1-1
11/17
Minnesota State CC
W 88-38
2-1
11/20
Jamestown College (JV)
W 80-42
3-1
11/23
Concordia College (JV)
W 68-53
4-1
12/1
@Minnesota State CC
W 68-47
5-1
12/4
@ Ridgewater CC
W 92-49
6-1
12/5
@ Minnesota West CC
W 63-56
7-1
12/9
ND State College of Science
L 81-61
7-2
12/12
Anoka-Ramsey CC
W 84-69
8-2
1/2
Gogebic CC
W 81-64
9-2
1/3
Canadian Mennonite Univ.
W 68-37
10-2
1/8
@Itasca CC
W 75-51
11-2
W 73-45
1-0
1/9
@Fond du Lac Tribal CC
W 61-48
12-2
1/13
Rainy River
W 78-40
13-2
1/16
Hibbing CC
W 72-47
14-2
1/22
@ Vermilion CC
W 86-55
15-2
1/23
@ Mesabi Range CC
W 73-45
16-2
1/27
Central Lakes CC
W 75-50
17-2
1/30
Mesabi Range CC
W 78-50
18-2
2/3
@Hibbing CC
W 70-55
19-2
2/6
@Rainy River CC
W 73-58
20-2
2/10
Fond du Lac Tribal CC
W 91-54
21-2
2/13
@ Central Lakes CC
W 96-52
22-2
2/17
Itasca CC
W 91-61
23-2
2/21
Vermilion CC
W 83-34
24-2
2/27
Rainy River CC (Regional)
W 75-65
25-2
2/28
Mesabi Range CC (Regional
W 79-49
26-2
3/10-3/12: National Championships @ Lincroft, NJ 3/10
Sullivan County (NY)
W 57-49
27-2
3/11
Mohawk Valley (NY)
W 71-65
28-2
3/12
Roxbury (NJ); National Championship
L 61-57
28-3
2015-16 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RESULTS Record PCT. Conference PCT. Away Neutral Home 28-3 .903 14-0 1.000 10-2 3-1 15-0 Games 31
16
Pts/Game 75.2
FG% 3PT % 45.6 34.0
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
Reb/Game 43.4
Ast./Game 21.2
NCTC Women’s Basketball Camp
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM HISTORY SEASON
RECORD COACH
2015-2016
28-3
Shannon Nelson
1994-1995
8-15
Rick Nikunen
2014-2015
25-3
Shannon Nelson
1993-1994
11-14
Rick Nikunen
2013-2014
27-1
Shannon Nelson
1992-1993
9-13
Rick Nikunen
2012-2013
27-4
Shannon Nelson
1991-1992
9-13
Sue Barnd
2011-2012
22-9
Shannon Nelson
1990-1991
10-12
Sue Barnd
2010-2011
15-13
Shannon Nelson
1989-1990
4-15
Sue Barnd
2009-2010
20-14
Guy Finstrom
1988-1989
10-12
Kevin Stuckey
2008-2009
18-12
Guy Finstrom
1987-1988
15-7
Tom Neibauer
2007-2008
20-10
Guy Finstrom
1986-1987
9-10
Tom Neibauer
2006-2007
15-18
Guy Finstrom
1985-1986
7-15
Tom Neibauer
2005-2006
3-19
Missy Majerus
1984-1985
4-12
Deb Jacobson
2004-2005
16-12
Missy Majerus
1983-1984
7-12
Deb Jacobson
2003-2004
8-16
Mike Zachow
1982-1983
8-11
Deb Jacobson
2002-2003
11-15
Mike Zachow
1981-1982
5-15
Deb Jacobson
2001-2002
28-3
Mike Zachow
1980-1981
5-15
Deb Jacobson
2000-2001
9-15
Mike Zachow
1979-1980
4-16
Deb Jacobson
1999-2000
9-16
Mike Zachow
1978-1979
5-15
Deb Jacobson
1998-1999
8-14
Mike Zachow
1977-1978
16-6
Deb Jacobson
1997-1998
10-12
Rick Nikunen
1976-1977
7-10
Deb Jacobson
1996-1997
16-8
Rick Nikunen
1975-1976
8-6
Deb Jacobson
1995-1996
9-13
Rick Nikunen
1974-1975
6-6
Deb Jacobson
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACHING RECORDS COACH
YEARS
RECORD WINNING %
Shannon Nelson 2010-2016
144-33
.814
Guy Finstrom
2006-2010
73-54
.574
Misssy Majerus
2004-2006 19-31
.380
Mike Zachow
1998-2004
72-78
.480
Rick Nikunen
1992-1998
63-75
.457
Sue Barnd
1989-1992
24-40
.375
Kevin Stuckey
1988-1989
10-12
.454
Tom Neibauer
1985-1988
31-32
.492
Deb Jacobson
1974-1985
75-124
.377
Totals:
1974-2015
511-485
.513
NATIONAL TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES: 2015-2016- National Runner-Up: Coach Shannon Nelson 2013-2014- National Champions: Coach Shannon Nelson 2012-2013- Seventh Place Finish: Coach Shannon Nelson 2011-2012- Seventh Place Finish: Coach Shannon Nelson 2010-2011- Fifth Place Finish: Coach Shannon Nelson 2009-2010- Seventh Place Finish: Coach Guy Finstrom 2006-2007- Seventh Place Finish: Coach Guy Finstrom 2001-2002- Second Place Finish: Coach Mike Zachow REGIONAL TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES: 2014-2015- Runner-Up: Coach Shannon Nelson 2013-2014- Regional Champions: Coach Shannon Nelson 2012-2013- Regional Champions: Coach Shannon Nelson 2011-2012- Regional Champions: Coach Shannon Nelson 2010-2011- Regional Champions: Coach Shannon Nelson 2009-2010- Regional Champions: Coach Guy Finstrom 2007-2008- Regional Runner-Up: Coach Guy Finstrom 2006-2007- Regional Champions: Coach Guy Finstrom 2001-2002- Regional Champions: Coach Mike Zachow
northlandpioneers.com
RECORD COACH
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM HISTORY
SEASON
FACTS: First Women's Basketball Game: December 18, 1974 (54-26 Loss to Brainerd)
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
17
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RECORDS NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE 18
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RECORDS LEADING REBOUNDERS
LEADING SCORERS RANK
NAME
YEAR
GP
AVERAGE
TOTAL
RANK
NAME
YEAR
GP
AVERAGE
1
Sarah Durand
2012-2014
59
19.2
1,131
1
Whitney Langen
2008-2010
59
12.2
TOTAL
719
2
Rhonda Rochschadal
1990-1992
45
21.0
946
2
Karen Sovde
1984-1985
35
16.3
569
3
Janelle Lundin
1987-1988
42
21.7
910
3
Casey Engelstad
2006-2008
60
9.0
540
4
Whitney Langen
2008-2010
59
14.7
868
4
Jacki Nelson
1980-1981
39
13.7
534
5
Jenna Lundon
2012-2014
59
14.6
859
5
Sarah Durand
2012-2014
59
8.7
516
6
Allyson Dahl
2014-2016
58
14.5
842
6
Crystal Amundson
2013-2015
56
8.7
488
7
Crystal Amundson
2013-2015
56
14.9
833
7
Shanna Keskitalo
1998-2000
45
10.6
479
13.6
813
8
Sara Rindahl
2006-2008
61
7.5
455
8
Casey Engelstad
2006-2008 60
9
Tori Mekash
2014-2016
57
13.9
790
9
Julie Easton
1980-1981
40
11.2
447
10
Jody Pahlen
1986-1987
41
18.7
765
10
Jenyne Beehler
1984-1985
33
12.4
409
TOTAL
LEADING THREE-POINT PERCENTAGE
LEADING STEALS
(minimum 2 attempts per game)
RANK
NAME
YEAR
GP
3PM
3PA
3PT%
RANK
NAME
YEAR
GP
AVERAGE
1
Candice Solie
2000-2002
49
98
224
43.75%
1
Tressta Ralston
2007-2009
56
3.8
214
2
Kim Jenkins
1988-1990
41
93
221
42.08%
2
Misten Hoie
2000-2002
50
4.0
202
3
Susan Satre
2006-2007
29
33
80
41.25%
3
Brenda Dahl
1984-1985
35
4.7
165
4
Danielle Hernandez
2013-2014
25
53
131
40.46%
4
Georgine Troska
1978-1979
41
4.0
165
5
Allyson Dahl
2014-2016
58
175
441
39.68%
5
Eva Lampert
2011-2013
61
2.6
158
6
Jodi Berdahl
2010-2011
28
55
140
39.29%
6
Shammara Christian
2013-2015
47
3.3
153
7
Alisa Costin
2004-2005
28
84
216
38.89%
7
Jacki Nelson
1980-1981
39
3.7
143
8
Tori Mekash
2014-2016
57
64
173
36.99%
8
Julie Easton
1980-1981
40
3.6
142
9
Jenny Weiss
2001-2002
28
53
145
36.55%
9
Sara Gross
2001-2003
57
2.4
135
10
Jenny Johnson
1998-1999
22
40
112
35.71%
10
Casey Engelstad
2006-2008
60
2.2
133
LEADING FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE
LEADING ASSISTS
(minimum 4 attempts per game)
RANK
NAME
YEAR
GP
FGM
FGA
FG%
RANK
NAME
1
Janelle Lundin
1987-1988
42
369
562
65.66%
1
Shawna Rogalla
YEAR
2
Rayette Benke
1988-1989
40
180
294
61.22%
2
Shammara Christian
2013-2015
3
Sheila Jaeger
1987-1988
18
48
87
55.17%
3
Eva Lampert
GP
AVERAGE
2007-2009 60
TOTAL
6.3
378
47
7.9
369
2011-2013
61
5.6
340
4
Kamae Larson
2004-2005
27
155
291
53.26%
4
Cheyenne Woods
2014-2016
59
5.4
320
5
Whitney Langen
2008-2010
59
337
638
52.82%
5
Paula Wilkens
1985-1986
57
5.1
289
6
Crystal Amundson
2013-2015
56
321
618
51.94%
6
Becky Jenson
1988-1989
40
6.6
263
7
Angie Enerson
1987-1988
21
117
226
51.77%
7
Alicia Halvorson
2002-2004
44
4.9
214
8
Sarah Durand
2012-2014
59
423
843
50.18%
8
Whitney Langen
2008-2010
59
3.1
180
9
Shammara Christian
2013-2015
47
95
189
50.26%
9
Brenda Dahl
1984-1985
35
5.0
176
10
Jenna Lundon
2012-2014
59
325
650
50.00%
10
Misten Hoie
2000-2002 50
3.5
176
LEADING FREE THROW PERCENTAGE
LEADING BLOCKED SHOTS
(minimum 2 attempts per game)
RANK
NAME
YEAR
GP
FTM
FTA
FT%
RANK
NAME
YEAR
GP
AVERAGE
1
Candice Solie
2000-2002
49
121
149
81.21%
1
Karen Sovde
1984-1985
35
2.6
TOTAL
91
2
Val Noel
1991
22
56
69
81.16%
2
Sara Jensen
2001-2003
57
1.5
85
3
Crystal Amundson
2013-2015
56
174
215
80.93%
3
Casey Engelstad
2006-2008
60
1.1
65
4
Brooke Conely
2007-2008
30
86
109
78.90%
4
Rhonda Rothschadl
1990-1992
45
1.3
57
5
Bethany Tharaldson
2003-2004
19
44
56
78.57%
5
Sarah Durand
2012-2014
59
0.9
53
6
Tori Mekash
2014-2016
57
150
195
76.92%
6
Nicole Nordin
1999-2001
47
1.1
51
7
Becky Perreault
1998-1999
22
50
65
76.92%
7
Whitney Langen
2008-2010
59
0.7
42
8
Jackie Fossum
2006-2007
29
82
108
75.93%
8
Julie Anderson
1979-1980
38
1.1
41
9
Sarah Durand
2012-2014
59
280
369
75.88%
9
Allyson Dahl
2014-2016
58
0.6
34
10
Diane Anderson
1977-1978
39
69
91
75.82%
10
Shanna Keskitalo
1998-2000
45
0.7
30
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
Come see the Verizon Experts! ADVERTISEMENTS
Thief River Falls 1775 Hwy 59 SW (218) 681-7525
CONNECT to COMMUNICATE.
northlandpioneers.com 2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
19
MEN’S BASKETBALL PREVIEW
MEN’S BASKETBALL PREVIEW The Pioneers look to improve on last year’s fifth place finish in the MCAC northern division standings (6-8). After a slow start in conference play, the Pioneers played their best basketball down the stretch, going 5-2 in the final seven regular season conference games. Returners include MCAC All-Conference Northern Division player Jake Jopparu (Thief River Falls, MN). Jopparu, a 6’1” shooting guard, led the team in scoring with 15.2 points per game, and shot 39% from the three point arc. Also returning is part time starter, Ed Brown (Columbia, SC). Look for Brown, a 6’6” power forward/ post to be in the line-up against physical teams with size.
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Nikunen also looks to 14 newcomers to contribute to this year’s team. “Our newcomers are balanced, deep, and talented,” noted Nikunen, “we are, however still
20
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
freshmen, which means we are inexperienced at the collegiate level.” The class of freshmen include nine guards, and four forwards. “We must strive to be balanced,” assessed Pioneer skipper, Rick Nikunen, “We have depth, and need to play as a team.” The league favorites heading into 2016-2017 will be the previous year’s co-champs in the northern division, Central Lakes and Vermilion. “The league is young overall this year,” according to Nikunen. 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. The Pioneers open the season on Friday, November 11th when they host Mayville State JV at 7:00 p.m.
MEN’S BASKETBALL COACHING STAFF Northland Men’s Head Basketball Coach Versatile is the word that might come to mind when considering Rick Nikunen’s tenure at Northland Community and Technical College. Entering his 26th 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 18seasons at the helm, Nikunen has recorded the second most wins (241) in the programs history.
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 1988-1989 season, then would go on to add another conference title, also under Nikunen’s tutelage, during the 1990-1991 campaign. Also included on Nikunen’s coaching ledger, was a stint as the assistant men’s basketball coach at Mayville State (NAIA), located in Mayville, North Dakota. Nikunen served in the role from 1984-1987.
A native of Biwabick, 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.
CHRISTIAN ERICKSON
Northland Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach Warren, Minnesota native Christian Erickson enters his first year as assistant men’s basketball coach at NCTC. Prior to coaching at Northland, Erickson spent the 2015-2016 year as the assistant girl’s high school basketball coach at Moorhead (MN) High School. Erickson also served as the assistant boys’ basketball coach at Hawley High School in Hawley Minnesota from 2012-2015. Competing in football at the collegiate level, Erickson was twice named MIAC all-conference at defensive back at Concordia College (Moorhead) in Minnesota. Erickson holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health. Erickson in engaged to be married to Danae Vansickle in April of 2017.
northlandpioneers.com
Nikunen’s capstone season at Northland came during the 2006-2007 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.
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.
MEN’S BASKETBALL COACHES
RICK NIKUNEN
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, where he worked as the big man positions coach.
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
21
2016-17 MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2016-17 MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
DATE
22
OPPONENT
LOCATION
TIME
Fri. Nov 11th
Mayville State JV
Mayville, ND
7:00 p.m.
Fri. Nov. 13th
Lake Region State College
Devils Lake, ND
TBA
Sat. Nov 14th
Lake Region State College
Devils Lake, ND
TBA
Tue. Nov 17th
MN State Fergus Falls
NCTC
8:00 p.m.
Fri. Nov 20th
Jamestown Univ JV
NCTC
8:00 p.m.
Mon. Nov 23rd
Concordia College JV
NCTC
8:00 p.m.
Tue. Dec 1st
MN State Fergus Falls
Fergus Falls, MN
8:00 p.m.
Fri. Dec 4th
Ridgewater Comm. College
Willmar, MN
8:00 p.m.
Sat. Dec 5th
MN West Comm. & Tech Co.
Worthington, MN
3:00 p.m.
Fri. Dec 11th
Riverland Comm. College
NCTC
8:00 p.m.
Sat. Dec 12th
Anoka-Ramsey Comm. College
NCTC
3:00 p.m.
Sat. Jan 2nd
Bismarck State College
NCTC
7:00 p.m.
Sun. Jan 3rd
Gogebic Comm. College
NCTC
5:00 p.m.
Fri. Jan 8th
Itasca Community College
Grand Rapids, MN
8:00 p.m.
Sat. Jan 9th
Fond du Lac Comm. College
Cloquet, MN
3:00 p.m.
Wed. Jan 13th
Rainy River Comm. College
NCTC
8:00 p.m.
Sat. Jan 16th
Hibbing Community College
NCTC
3:00 p.m.
Fri. Jan 22nd
Vermilion Comm. College
Ely, MN
8:00 p.m.
Sat. Jan 23rd
Mesabi Range Comm. College
Virginia, MN
3:00 p.m.
Wed. Jan 27th
Central Lakes Comm. College
NCTC
8:00 p.m.
Sat. Jan 30th
Mesabi Range Comm. College
NCTC
5:00 p.m.
Wed. Feb 3rd
Hibbing Community College
Hibbing, MN
8:00 p.m.
Sat. Feb 6th
Rainy River Comm. College
International Falls, MN
3:00 p.m.
Wed. Feb 10th
Fond du Lac Comm. College
NCTC
8:00 p.m.
Sat. Feb 13th
Central Lakes Comm. College
Brainerd, MN
3:00 p.m.
Wed. Feb 17th
Itasca Community College
NCTC
8:00 p.m.
Sat. Feb 20th
Vermilion Comm. College
NCTC
5:00 p.m.
*Opponents in red are MCAC northern division contests
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
2016 -17 MEN’S BASKETBALL ROSTER YEAR HT.
POS. HOMETOWN/PREVIOUS SCHOOL
1
Deshon Brown
FR
6’2”
G
Chicago, IL/Dixie HS (Utah)
3
Isaiah Moody
FR
6’1”
G
West Palm Beach, Fl/Poinciana HS
4
T.J. Gill
FR
5’10”
G
Kissimmee, Fl/Poinciana HS
5
Edwin Noel
SO
6’4”
F
Fort Lauderdale, Fl/Haines City HS
10
Ju’Wan Evans
FR
6’1”
G
Flint, Mi/Carman Ainsworth HSA
11
Cole Piatko
FR
6’1”
G
Massillon, OH/Perry HS
12
Jordan Saldana
FR
5’10”
G
McKinnon, WY/McKinnon HS
14
Damian Francis
FR
6’2”
G
New Iberia, LA/Westgate HS
15
Brandon Murat
FR
5’11”
G
Poinciana, FL/Poinciana HS
21
Emmanuel McCullough
SO
6’6”
F
Crookston, MN/Crookston HS
22
Jesse Dokes
FR
6’6”
F
New Orleans, LA/Edna Karr HS
24
Ayinde Blackman
FR
6’8”
F
Haines City, FL/Haines City HS
25
Chedonio Martin
FR
6’3”
G
Clearwater, FL/Dunedin HS
31
Jarquine Butler
FR
6’4”
F
St. Petersburg, FL/Gibbs HS
33
Jake Joppru
SO
6’1”
G
Thief River Falls, MN/Lincoln HS
41
Ed Brown
SO
6’6”
F
Columbia, SC/Johnson HS
HEAD COACH: Rick Nikunen ASSISTANT COACH: Christian Erickson
#
Basketball halftime activity - faculty/ staff and student dance contest
1 3 5 10 11 12 14 15 21 22 24 25 31 33
NAME PHONETIC ROSTER
Deshon Brown (Da-shon Brown) Isaiah Moody (Eye-say-ah Moody) Edwin Noel (Ed-win No-ell) Ju’Wan Evans (Juh-wan Evans) Cole Piatko (Coal Pee-ought-coe) Jordan Saladana (Jor-dan Sell-donna) Damian Francis (Day-me-ann Francis) Brandon Murat (Bran-done Murr-ought) Emmanuel McCullough (E-man-u-el Mc-Cull-ah) Jesse Dokes (Jess-E Doe-kes) Ayinde Blackman (I-N-dee Blackman) Chedonio Martin (Sha-doe-knee-O Martin) Jarquine Butler (Jar-quin Butler) Jake Joppru (Jake Jopp-RU)
northlandpioneers.com
NAME
2016-17 MEN’S BASKETBALL ROSTER
NO.
COACHES Rick Nikunen (Rick Nick-a-nin) 2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
23
MEET THE PIONEERS
MEET THE PIONEERS - MEN’S BASKETBALL
24
10
Year: Freshman Height: 6’8” Position: F Hometown/Previous School: Haines City, FL/Haines City HS
Year: Freshman Height: 6’1” Position: G Hometown/Previous School: Flint, Mi/Carman Ainsworth HSA
1
14
Year: Freshman Height: 6’2” Position: G Hometown/Previous School: Chicago, IL/Dixie HS (Utah)
Year: Freshman Height: 6’2” Position: G Hometown/Previous School: New Iberia, LA/Westgate HS
41
4
Year: Freshman Height: 6’6” Position: F Hometown/Previous School: Columbia, SC/Johnson HS
Year: Freshman Height: 5’10” Position: G Hometown/Previous School: Kissimmee, Fl/Poinciana HS
31
33
Year: Freshman Height: 6’4” Position: F Hometown/Previous School: St. Petersburg, FL/Gibbs HS
Year: Sophomore Height: 6’1” Position: G Hometown/Previous School: Thief River Falls, MN/Lincoln HS
22
25
Year: Freshman Height: 6’6” Position: F Hometown/Previous School: New Orleans, LA/Edna Karr HS
Year: Freshman Height: 6’3” Position: G Hometown/Previous School: Clearwater, FL/Dunedin HS
AYINDE BLACKMAN
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
DESHON BROWN
24
ED BROWN
JARQUINE BUTLER
JESSE DOKES
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
JU’WAN EVANS
DAMIAN FRANCIS
T.J. GILL
JAKE JOPPRU
CHEDONIO MARTIN
MEET THE PIONEERS - MEN’S BASKETBALL
12
Year: Sophomore Height: 6’6” Position: F Hometown/Previous School: Crookston, MN/Crookston HS
Year: Freshman Height: 5’10” Position: G Hometown/Previous School: McKinnon, WY/McKinnon HS
EMMANUEL MCCULLOUGH
JORDAN SALDANA
3
MEET THE PIONEERS
21
ISAIAH MOODY
Year: Freshman Height: 6’1” Position: G Hometown/Previous School: West Palm Beach, FL/Poinciana HS
15
BRANDON MURAT
northlandpioneers.com
Year: Freshman Height: 5’11” Position: G Hometown/Previous School: Poinciana, FL/Poinciana HS
5
EDWIN NOEL
Year: Sophomore Height: 6’4” Position: F Hometown/Previous School: Fort Lauderdale, FL/Haines City HS
11
COLE PIATKO
Year: Freshman Height: 6’1” Position: G Hometown/Previous School: Massillon, OH/Perry HS
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
25
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2015-16 MEN’S BASKETBALL RESULTS
2015-16 MEN’S BASKETBALL RESULTS
26
DATE
OPPONENT
11/14
Jamestown College JV
RESULTS RECORD W 95-87
1-0
11/15
Lake Region
L 83-68
1-1
11/17
at MN State FF
W 74-66
2-1
11/20
Jamestown College JV
W 80-76
3-1
11/23
Concordia College JV
W 68-56
4-1
12/1
at MN State (Fergus Falls)
L 66-63
4-2
12/4
at Ridgewater CC
L 80-71
4-3
12/5
at Minnesota West CC
L 86-84
4-4
12/11
Riverland CC
L 80-75
4-5
12/12
ST. Cloud Tech
L 78-75
5-4
12/13
Minn State FF
W 82-69
6-4
1/2
Bismark State
L 72-69
6-5
1/3
Dakota College
L 72-58
6-6
1/7
Itasca CC
L 81-72
6-7
1/10
Fond du Lac Tribal CC
W 70-67
7-7
1/14
at Rainy River CC
L 77-54
7-8
1/17
Hibbing CC
W 86-62
8-8
1/23
at Vermilion CC
L 81-71
8-9
1/24
at Mesabi Range CC
W 78-77
9-9
1/28
Central Lakes CC
L 68-50
9-10
1/31
Mesabi Range
L 76-64
9-11
2/4
at Hibbing CC
W 78-71
10-11
2/7
Rainy River CC
L 72-63
10-12
2/13
at Fond du Lac Tribal
W 74-62
11-12
2/14
at Central Lakes CC
L 73-63
11-13
2/18
at Itasca CC
W 77-61
12-13
2/21
Vermilion CC
L 74-49
12-14
2015-2016 MEN’S BASKETBALL RESULTS Record PCT. Conference PCT. Home Away Neutral 11-18 .379 6-8 .333 6-6 4-9 1-3 Games 29
Pts/Game 70.6
FG% 3PT % Reb/Game 41.9 29.7 27
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
Ast. /Game 9.6
MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM HISTORY COACH
SEASON
RECORD
COACH
2015-2016
11-18
Rick Nikunen
1989-1990
16-9
Chet Engelman
2014-2015
12-14
Rick Nikunen
1988-1989
6-16
Chet Engelman
2013-2014
12-17
Rick Nikunen
1987-1988
6-16
Chet Engelman
2012-2013
5-22
Rick Nikunen
1986-1987
14-12
Chet Engelman
2011-2012
18-12
Rick Nikunen
1985-1986
22-3
Chet Engelman
2010-2011
19-9
Rick Nikunen
1984-1985
21-4
Chet Engelman
2009-2010
22-7
Rick Nikunen
1983-1984
14-9
Chet Engelman
2008-2009
16-12
Rick Nikunen
1982-1983
18-4
Chet Engelman
2007-2008
17-12
Rick Nikunen
1981-1982
13-10
Chet Engelman
2006-2007
29-5
Rick Nikunen
1980-1981
19-7
Chet Engelman
2005-2006
9-16
Rick Nikunen
1979-1980
17-9
Chet Engelman
2004-2005
18-11
Rick Nikunen
1978-1979
16-7
Chet Engelman
2003-2004
10-13
Rick Nikunen
1977-1978
13-9
Chet Engelman
2002-2003
15-17
Rick Nikunen
1976-1977
16-6
Chet Engelman
2001-2002
14-10
Rick Nikunen
1975-1976
19-5
Chet Engelman
2000-2001
8-18
Rick Nikunen
1974-1975
25-1
Chet Engelman
1999-2000
6-16
Rick Nikunen
1973-1974
20-5
Chet Engelman
1998-1999
0-22
Rick Nikunen
1972-1973
7-15
Chet Engelman
1997-1998
1-21
Ted Krize
1971-1972
13-12
Chet Engelman
1996-1997
10-12
Mark Danhoff
1970-1971
3-19
Chet Engelman
1995-1996
15-10
Mark Danhoff
1969-1970
6-16
Al Adams
1994-1995
7-15
Mark Danhoff
1968-1969
6-16
Al Adams
1993-1994
8-14
Mark Danhoff
1967-1968
8-14
Al Adams
1992-1993
4-18
Mark Danhoff
1966-1967
5-14
Al Adams
1991-1992
16-11
Chet Engelman
1965-1966
0-11
Al Adams
1990-1991
16-6
Chet Engelman
MEN’S BASKETBALL COACHING RECORDS COACH
YEARS
RECORD
WINNING %
Rick Nikunen
1998-2015
241-251
.490
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
636-582
.522
NJCAA NATIONAL TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES: 2006-2007 National Runner-up: Coach Rick Nikunen REGION XIII CHAMPIONS: 2006-2007: Coach Rick Nikunen 2004-2005: Coach Rick Nikunen
northlandpioneers.com
RECORD
MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM HISTORY
SEASON
MCCC ACADEMIC TEAM OF THE YEAR 2001-2002: Coach Rick Nikunen
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
27
39
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
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2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
29
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2016-17 WRESTLING SEASON PREVIEW
2016-17 WRESTLING SEASON PREVIEW
30
Entering his fourth year as the head wrestling coach in a program that was re-instated four years ago, Scott DCamp looks for his best year for the NCTC wrestling program. “This should be our best dual meet team we have had,” noted DCamp, “We have 7-8 wrestlers that have a shot at nationals. The 2016-2017 edition of Pioneer wrestling will feature four returners, three transfers, and nine incoming freshmen. The roster is stocked with wrestlers from Minnesota (9), North Dakota (2), Florida (2), Georgia (2), and Michigan (1). Returning starters include 174 pounder Mitch Zachman (Albertville, MN), 157 pounder Alex Giese (Kenmare, ND), 157 pounder Tanner Schreifels (Kimball, MN), and 197 pounder Tyshaun Brown (Thief River Falls, MN). Zachman was a national qualifier at 165 lbs last season for the Pioneers. Tanner Schreifels provides leadership on the team and the college, serving as the President of the Thief River Falls campus student senate. Alex Giese, also actively involved in the campus, serves as the student senate treasurer. Tyshaun Brown who wrestled at heavyweight last season will look to move to 197 this season. Returning to Northland after a year’s absence is 285 pounder Brendon Edner (Moorhead, MN) who wrestled for DCamp during 2014-2015. The roster also includes three transfers. Cory Hasbrouck (Greenbush, MN) was a national qualifier at 141 for Itasca in 2016. Nathanael Holecek (Thief River
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
Falls, MN) transferred from North Dakota State College of Science where he played football last year. A.J. Wheeler (Moorhead, MN) who wrestled at Concordia College (Moorhead) last year should fill the 184 slot for the Pioneers. Freshmen newcomers include Anthony Vizcano (Miami, FL) and Wyatt Jacobson-Hanson (Buffalo, MN) at 125, Rashidi Kikopa (Fargo, ND) at 133, Cody Beauchane (Fertile, MN) at 149, Ethan Bryan (Augusta, GA) at 157, Mike Lambert (Traverse City, MI) at 174 or 184, Geovany Casco (Miami, FL) and Desmond Bradford (Augusta, GA) at heavyweight. The national qualifying format has been changed, with the Iowa colleges, which are nationally elite programs heading to a separate district by themselves. Formerly housed in the same district, the district meet will be a smaller venue, hosted by Northland on Sunday, February 12th at the NCTC gym. “This will be a change, since prior to the split, the district was the toughest wrestling we faced prior to the national tournament,” noted DCamp, “it did help us prepare for nationals.” The Pioneers lost some members of the squad last year due to several factors. “We failed to reach some of our goals last year,” assessed the Pioneers skipper, “we have made some adjustments on the academic side.” The Pioneers kicked off the wrestling season with the Legends Dual on October 15th at NCTC.
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Contact the Thief River Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau for a FREE Visitors Guide to plan your trip today!
www.visittrf.com | 218-686-9785
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
31
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
WRESTLING HEAD COACH
WRESTLING HEAD COACH
32
SCOTT DCAMP
Northland Head Wrestling Coach
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 2014-2015 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. The 2015-2106 season opened with 21 wrestlers, before injuries and other issues reduced the squad numbers later into the season. Entering the fourth year of the program with over twenty wrestlers, DCamp has seen steady progress in
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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�. 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. 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 (Morehead). 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 (5) live in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. DCamp also serves as a reporter for the Thief River Falls Times.
WRESTLING COACHING STAFF An NJCAA national wrestling qualifier in 2015, Sam Twistol brought his wrestling expertise to the Pioneers as an assistant coach last season. Twistol qualified at 149 lbs and competed at the nations in Des Moines, Iowa in 2015 despite injuries that would have shut down many athletes.
Following 15 years as an assistant wrestling coach at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, Mark Davis joined the Pioneers staff in the fall of 2016. As the assistant coach in the Lincoln High Prowlers program, Davis was named Section 8A assistant coach of the year on two occasions. Davis is also involved in youth wrestling in Thief River Falls, serving as a coach in the Take Down Club. Davis wrestled collegiately at Jamestown University (NAIA) in Jamestown, North Dakota where he also earned his degree in physical education. Davis and his while Jennifer live in Thief River Falls with their three children, Josie (16), Jake (14) and Lincoln (8).
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 winning percentage in Thief River Falls wrestling history. Twistol returned to the mat in college for one final season in 2015. He also holds the sixth highest all-time winning percentage for the Prowlers.
MARK DAVIS
Northland Assistant Wrestling Coach
WRESTLING COACHING STAFF
SAM TWISTOL
Northland Assistant Wrestling Coach
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2016-17 WRESTLING SCHEDULE
2016-17 WRESTLING SCHEDULE DATE
OPPONENT
LOCATION
TIME
10/15
Legends Dual (scrimmage)
Thief River Falls
6:00 pm
11/5
@YellowJacket Open
Rochester, MN
9:00 am
11/10
Minnesota West CC
Thief River Falls
7:00 pm
11/12
@Bison Open
Fargo, ND
10:00 am
11/19
@Finn Grinaker Open
Moorhead, MN
9:00 am
11/22
@MSU Moorhead Dual
Moorhead, MN
7:00 pm
311 3rd Street E Thief River Falls, MN 56701
12/4
@Dragon Open-MSUM
Moorhead, MN
9:00 am
12/7
Itasca Dual
Thief River Falls
7:00 pm
218-681-3722
12/10
@Triton CC Open
River Grove, IL
9:00 am
1/6
Rochester CTC Dual
Thief River Falls
9:00 am
1/14
@ Ridgewater Open
Willmar, MN
9:00 am
1/18
@Univeristy of Jamestown Dual Jamestown, ND
6:00 pm
1/21
@MN West CC Open
Worthington, MN
9:00 am
1/25
Ridgewater CC Dual
Thief River Falls, MN
7:00 pm
1/28
@Harper Open
Palatine, IL
9:00 am
2/1
@Itasca Dual
Grand Rapids, MN
7:00 pm
2/12
North District/MCAC
Thief River Falls
10:00 am
2/23-2/25 NJCAA National Championships Council Bluffs, IA
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2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
2016-17 WRESTLING ROSTER YEAR
WT.
HOMETOWN
Wyatt Jacobson-Hanson
FR
125
Buffalo, MN
Anthony Vizcaino
FR
125
Miami, FL
Rashidi Kikopa
FR
133
Fargo, ND
Cory Hasbrouck
SO
141
Greenbush, MN
Cody Beauchane
SO
149
Fertile, MN
Alex Giese
SO
157
Kenmare, ND
Tanner Schreifels
SO
157
Kimball, MN
Ethan Bryan
FR
165
Augusta, Ga
Nathanael Holecek
FR
165
Thief River Falls, MN
Mike Lambert
FR
174
Traverse City, MI
Mitchell Zachman
FR
174
Albertville, MN
A.J. Wheeler
FR
184
Moorhead, MN
Tyshaun Brown
SO
197
Thief River Falls, MN
Desmond Bradford
FR
285
Augusta, GA
Geovany Casco
FR
285
Miami, FL
Brendan Edner
SO
285
Moorhead, MN
2016-17 WRESTLING ROSTER
NAME
northlandpioneers.com 2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
35
MEET THE PIONEERS - WRESTLING
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
MEET THE PIONEERS WRESTLING
CODY BEAUCHANE
36
Year: Sophomore Weight: 149 Hometown: Fertile, MN
DESMOND BRADFORD
Year: Freshman Weight: 285 Hometown: Augusta, GA
TYSHAUN BROWN
Year: Sophomore Weight: 197 Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN
ETHAN BRYAN
BRENDAN EDNER
Year: Sophomore Weight: 285 Hometown: Moorhead, MN
ALEX GIESE
Year: Sophomore Weight: 157 Hometown: Kenmare, ND
CORY HASBROUCK
Year: Sophomore Weight: 141 Hometown: Greenbush, MN
NATHANAEL HOLECEK
Year: Freshman Weight: 165 Hometown: Augusta, GA
Year: Freshman Weight: 165 Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN
GEOVANY CASCO
WYATT JACOBSONHANSON
Year: Freshman Weight: 285 Hometown: Miami, FL
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
Year: Freshman Weight: 125 Hometown: Buffalo, MN
MEET THE PIONEERS - WRESTLING RASHIDI KIKOPA
MITCHELL ZACHMAN
Year: Sophomore Weight: 157 Hometown: Albertville, MN
MEET THE PIONEERS WRESTLING
Year: Freshman Weight: 133 Hometown: Fargo, ND
MIKE LAMBERT
Year: Freshman Weight: 174 Hometown: Traverse City, MI
TANNER SCHREIFELS
Year: Sophomore Weight: 157 Hometown: Kimball, MN
northlandpioneers.com
ANTHONY VIZCAINO
Year: Freshman Weight: 125 Hometown: Miami, FL
1268844_15770
A.J. WHEELER
Year: Sophomore Weight: 157 Hometown: Moorhead, MN
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2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
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NORTHLAND SPOTLIGHT NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE 40
NORTHLAND SPOTLIGHT CHET ENGELMAN Many people in the community identify Chet Engelman as a very successful men’s basketball coach with an extensive tenure at NCTC. We sat down with Chet to reach a little more in-depth with the gentleman who spent twenty-two years at the helm of the men’s basketball program. During his tenure, Chet Engelman would record a 330-195 record, including sixteen consecutive winning seasons, and eighteen winning seasons overall during that time. In addition to his prominent role as the head men’s basketball coach, Chet shared his insight into what Northland means to him.
There are an awful lot of fond memories. I’ll never forget the year (1974) that we went undefeated in the regular season, losing our only game in the tournament (25-1). Also, in 1992, we won the state tournament, it was our last year in NJCAA Division I. Following that season, all the Minnesota junior colleges went non-scholarship at the time, since the Minnesota schools weren’t competitive at the Division I level. It was a good move, as we could be more competitive at the Division III level.
HOW MANY YEARS WERE YOU AT NCTC?
WHAT ROLES DID YOU HAVE AT NCTC?
I started in the fall of 1970 on a two year contract, and retired on May 13th, 1999. I did however come back to serve as an assistant basketball coach to the women’s program in 2006-2007 and 2007-20008. My last season as the head men’s basketball coach was 1991-1992.
Wow, I held a lot of different positions. Initially, in addition to coaching men’s basketball, I was the head of the psychology department. I served as the head baseball coach for the first twelve years of the program. Later I would also serve as the head track coach for two years. Asked to serve as the first head football coach in 1976, I was reluctant, but coached football the first two years of the program. The highlight of my football coaching career at Northland was winning the first game we played, beating Minnesota State (Fergus Falls) 6-2, in a high powered shoot-out! One of the things I will always remember is serving on the original committee that established our nursing program at Northland.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO NORTHLAND? Prior to arriving at Northland, I was coaching high school basketball in California. Born and raised in Howard Lake, Minnesota, I was interested in interviewing for junior college basketball positions in Minnesota. When the principal refused to let me go interview, I resigned and headed to Minnesota to do my graduate work. Following interviews at three different junior colleges in Minnesota, I called back to Northland and said I would really like to coach here…I was told that when I called, the secretary was typing up a contract and I was going to be offered the job. It was a great decision, and one I have never regretted. Thief River Falls is a great town with wonderful people.
2016-17 WINTER MEDIA GUIDE
DESCRIBE SOME OF YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES AT NORTHLAND (TO DATE).
WHAT WAS THE MOST SATISFYING PART OF WORKING WITH STUDENTS AT NCTC? Being involved in coaching in six decades has been a great experience. Our students at NCTC are good people and fund to be with. What more can you say?