Northland Pioneers: Spring 2016 Athletics Media Guide

THE OFFICIAL MEDIA GUIDE OF NORTHLAND PIONEER ATHLETICS

SPRING 2016

2015

MINNESOTA COLLEGE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

BASEBALL CHAMPIONS

northlandpioneers.com

Digi-Key Electronics is an electronic component distributor located in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. With annual global sales exceeding $1.7 billion, Digi-Key is continuing to add to our workforce of 3,400+ employees.

In addition to world-class career opportunities, our employees receive competitive compensation; an outstanding benefits program; a comfortable, stable, friendly work environment; and the many benefits of living in a smaller community.

888-671-1725 DIGIKEY.COM/CAREERS

ORDER FULFILLMENT

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MARKETING AND MORE!

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

JOIN OUR TEAM!

Relocation Incentive!

Digi-Key is now offering up to $850 in relocation assistance to any newly hired full-time employee who resides outside of a 60-mile radius of Thief River Falls, MN, and relocates to within that 60-mile radius in conjunction with new employment.

Competitive Compensation Digi-Key offers competitive compensation. Pay is reviewed annually.

Health Plan Digi-Key’s Health Plan has no deductible, modest co-pays on prescriptions, and includes a vision care benefit. Single coverage is FREE to the employee, and it is $27 biweekly for family coverage.

401(k) Profit Sharing Plan Employee contributions are matched by Digi-Key dollar-for-dollar up to 3%. Historically, Digi-Key has also made a profit sharing contribution of 4% of the employee’s annual earnings.

Dental Plan Employees have the option of participating in Digi-Key’s Dental Plan, which features a low deductible. The employee cost is $5 biweekly for employee coverage and $15 biweekly for family coverage.

Flexible Spending Account Digi-Key’s Flexible Spending Account enables participants to pay for health plan premiums, unreimbursed medical and dental expenses, as well as dependent care expenses out of pre-tax funds.

Vacation, Personal Time, and Paid Holidays Employees receive two weeks of vacation, 48-hours of personal/medical time, and six holidays in their first year of employment.

Work Environment Digi-Key provides a clean, comfortable, climate-controlled work environment for its employees.

Advancement Opportunities Digi-Key offers employees the ability to advance their careers through its internal posting system, acquiring positions that fit their individual talents and abilities or roles of greater responsibility.

Additional Benefits Additional benefits include a life insurance plan, a long term disability insurance plan, employee purchase discounts, and educational reimbursement through the Digi-Key University program. ©2015 Digi-Key Electronics. Digi-Key is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 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 TRAVIS MARTIN Head Football & Softball Coach .....................................218-683-8554 SHANNON NELSON Head Women’s Basketball Coach .............................. 218-683-8696

PAUL PETERSON Athletic Coordinator .......................................................218-683-8556

HISTORY OF THE NJCAA The movement to form a unique sports association dedicated to America’s two-year colleges arose in 1937 when several track and field coaches gathered in Fresno, California. A year later, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rejected a petition from 13 two-year colleges in California to grant their teams and athletes permission to compete at the NCAA Track & Field Championships.

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.

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.

2-3 4 5 6 8

BASEBALL 2016 Schedule Coaching Staff - Baseball 2016 Pioneer Baseball Roster 2016 Pioneer Baseball Preview 2015 Pioneer Baseball Schedule & Results Pioneer Baseball History NJCAA Baseball Championship History Meet the Pioneers - Baseball

10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18-19

SOFTBALL 2015 Pioneer Softball Results 2016 Pioneer Softball Schedule Coaching Staff - Softball 2016 Pioneer Softball Preview 2016 Pioneer Softball Roster 2014-2015 MCAC Standings Meet the Pioneers - Softball Pioneer Softball History

23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31

FEATURES Northland Spotlight: Lars Dyrud

32

CREDITS The 2016 Spring Media Guide is a publication of the Northland Community & Technical College Marketing & Communications Department.

Content/Advertising: Chad Sperling, Matthew Brenden and Richard Speas

northlandpioneers.com

RICK NIKUNEN Head Men’s Basketball Coach ..................................... 218-683-8707

MCAC Conference Members President’s Welcome & College History Athletic Director Richard Speas Support Staff & All-Sports Standings Athletic Facilities

TABLE OF CONTENTS

National Affiliation:

Design/Layout/Printing: Amity Graphics - Bemidji, MN A huge thank you to all of the faculty and staff at Northland for all of their hard work and dedication to our students!

Northland Community & Technical College is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system and is an Equal Opportunity employer and educator.

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS

MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS

2

Anoka Ramsey Community College

Minnesota West Community & Technical College

Location: Coon Rapids, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 311 miles Mascot: Golden Rams Arena: Anoka-Ramsey Gymnasium Women’s Sports: basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, soccer

Location: Worthington, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 348 miles Mascot: Blue Jays/Lady Jays Arena: Minnesota West Gymnasium (1,000) Football Stadium: Worthington High School (3,000) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, wrestling

Central Lakes College

Minnesota State Community & Technical College

Location: Brainerd, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 194 miles Mascot: Raiders Arena: Central Lakes Gymnasium Football Stadium: no information Women’s Sports: basketball, golf, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, golf

Location: Fergus Falls, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 150 miles Mascot: Spartans Arena: Spartan Gymnasium (1,000) Football Stadium: Spartan Field Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, golf

Fond Du Lac Tribal & Community College

Northland Community & Technical College

Location: Cloquet, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 234 miles Mascot: Thunder Arena: No Information Football Stadium: No Information Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball

Location: Thief River Falls, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 0 miles Mascot: Pioneers Arena: NCTC Gymnasium (1,549) Football Stadium: Lowell T. Swenson Field (2,200) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, wrestling

Hibbing Community College

Rainy River Community College

Location: Hibbing, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 196 miles Mascot: Cardinals Arena: Activities Building (750) Women’s Sports: basketball, golf, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, golf

Location: International Falls, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 190 miles Mascot: Voyageurs Arena: Rainy River College Gym (500) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball

Itasca Community College

Ridgewater College

Location: Grand Rapids, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 188 miles Mascot: Vikings Arena: No Information Football Stadium: No Information Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball

Location: Willmar, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 250 miles Mascot: Warriors Arena: Swanson Gym (800) Football Stadium: Hodapp Field (3,500) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, wrestling

Mesabi Range Community & Technical College

Riverland Community College

Location: Virginia, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 218 miles Mascot: Norsemen/Lady Norse Arena: Activity Building (1,000) Football Stadium: Ewen’s Field (4,000) Women’s Sports: basketball, golf, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, golf

Location: Austin, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 415 miles Mascot: Blue Devils Arena: Riverland Gym (700) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, soccer

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

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)

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

Women’s Sports: basketball, golf, soccer, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, football, golf, wrestling

St. Cloud Technical College Location: St. Cloud, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 254 miles Mascot: Cyclones Arena: No Information 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

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d owne y l l a Loc ted! a r e p &O

CONVENIENCE STORE & TOUCHLESS CARWASH! Pennington Main

220 Main Ave S, Thief River Falls 218-681-8888 Open 24 Hours

Pennington Square

1st St & Pennington Ave, Thief River Falls 218-681-4552 Open 6 AM - 11 PM

ATM ATM Available!

2016 SPRING 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’re soon to discover why athletics has such a prominent presence here at Northland Community & Technical College. Our commitment to developing these young men and women into competitive student athletes will be obvious in their effort on the field, court or arena.

We take great pride in how our players demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship and work ethic, giving it their all through the end of each contest.

It’s also important to recognize that our student athletes excel off the field as well, making certain that achieving their academic goals is a priority. Northland’s athletes are routinely among the NJCAA’s highest performing scholars, boasting a graduation / transfer rate of nearly 100%!

So enjoy today’s event and feel good about being part of a great Pioneer tradition that’s now entering its’ 50th year of competitive college athletics.

Dennis Bona President

2016 SPRING 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 Student Life & Athletics

Speas spent nine years as a successful college coach at William Penn University in Iowa, where he served numerous roles in addition to coaching; assistant director of admissions, assistant athletic director, and HPER faculty. As the head assistant baseball coach, the Statesmen went 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 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

northlandpioneers.com

A native of Union, Iowa, Richard Speas comes to Northland Community and Technical College with a wealth of experience in intercollegiate athletics. Speas has over thirty years of experience in interscholastic athletics, sports marketing, and intercollegiate athletics. Assuming the role of Director of Athletics at Northland, Speas also serves as the Director of Student Life at the college.

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, but before being eliminated in regional play. Long noted for its athletic excellence; 26 national championships (four in football), 127 baseball players drafted since the inception of the baseball program in 1966, and 38 professional football players including Cam Newton, Blinn is widely recognized as one of the top academic junior colleges in the nation.

MEET THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

coach of the year in 2004, and NAIA region cross-country coach of the year in 2004.

5

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

SUPPORT STAFF & STANDINGS

SUPPORT STAFF & ALL-SPORTS STANDINGS

6

Richard Speas

Paul Peterson

Abdul Chamma

Barry Dowers

Director of Student Life & Athletics

Athletics Coordinator

Head Coach Volleyball

Head Coach Baseball

Scott DCamp

Travis Martin

Shannon Nelson

Rick Nikunen

Head Coach Wrestling

Head Coach Football Head Coach Softball

Head Coach Women’s Basketball

Head Coach Men’s Basketball

NJCAA ALL-SPORTS STANDINGS The National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) released the winners of the 2014-2015 NATYCAA Cup. The NATYCAA Cup represents the most successful overall college athletic programs in the nation for twoyear institutions. This program recognizes excellence in two-year college athletics based on success in championship competition.

2014-2015 NATYCAA Cup NJCAA Scholarship Final Standings Standing

Institution

2014-2015 NATYCAA Cup NJCAA Non-Scholarship Final Standings Score

Standing

Institution

Score

1

Iowa Central Community College

169.5

1

Herkimer County CC (NY)

152

2

Iowa Western Community College

160.5

2

Nassau County CC (NY)

148

3

Tyler Junior College (TX)

141.5

3

Suffolk County CC (NY)

135.5

4

South Plains College (TX)

129

4

Mohawk County CC (NY)

129.5

5

Central Arizona College

117.5

5

Rowan College at Gloucester (NY)

127.5

6

Monroe (NY)

100.75

6

SUNY Dehli (NY)

107.5

7

Darton College (GA)

100.5

7

Harper College (Illinois)

95

8

Coffeyville (KS)

96

8

93

9

Monroe Community College

90

Fashion Institute of Technology (NY)

10

Pima Community College (AZ)

89

9

Ocean County College (NJ)

83

10

Rock Valley College (Illinois)

78

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

PATRICK MORIARTY, MD

BRUCE PIATT, MD

KEVIN BALLARD, DNP

J. ADAM HAMILTON, MD

BRIAN DIX, DPM

DON’T ACCEPT PAIN AS PART OF LIFE. WE CAN HELP. At Sanford Thief River Falls, our dedicated team of experts all have the same goal in mind – find the best solution to eliminate your pain.

We have a large team of podiatrists, orthopedic specialists, surgeons and therapists that offer a wide-range of treatment options. Our entire team is focused on your needs, so you can start living the life you want.

Choose the Experts.

Choose Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.

Call (218) 681-4747 for an appointment.

038029-00208 8/15

MARK YUSKA, DPM

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

ATHLETIC FACILITIES

ATHLETIC FACILITIES

LOWELL T. SWENSON FIELD

Lowell T. Swenson Field is home to Northland Pioneers football team. The field was dedicated in 2004. Seating capacity is 2200.

PIONEER FIELD

MEC COMPLEX

The Pioneer Baseball Field opened in the Fall of 1974. It is home to the Northland Pioneer’s Men’s Baseball team.

The MEC Complex is home to the Northland Pioneer Women’s Softball. It opened in 2001.

WRESTLING ROOM

ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM

Wrestling started at Northland in 2013. Last year two national championship appearances came out of this room.

FITNESS CENTER

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 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

LOCKER ROOMS

urself o Y e r u t ic P Falls! r e iv R f ie in Th ADVERTISEMENTS

Contact the Thief River Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau for a FREE Visitors Guide to plan your trip today!

www.visittrf.com | 218-686-9785

www.evergreenimplement.com

northlandpioneers.com

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2016 BASEBALL SCHEDULE

2016 PIONEER BASEBALL SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

3/4

North Arkansas College

Harrison, AR

1:00 PM

3/4

North Arkansas College

Harrison, AR

3:00 PM

3/6

Rock Valley College

Dallas, TX

1:00 PM

3/6

Rock Valley College

Dallas, TX

3:00 PM

3/7

North Lake College

Irving, TX

1:00 PM

3/7

North Lake College

Irving, TX

3:00 PM

3/25

Presentation College

Aberdeen, SD

12:00 PM

3/25

Presentation College

Aberdeen, SD

2:00 PM

3/25

Presentation College

Aberdeen, SD

4:00 PM

3/29

University of Minn (Crookston)

Crookston, MN

2:00 PM

3/29

University of Minn (Crookston)

Crookston, MN

4:00 PM

4/7

University of Minn (Crookston)

Crookston, MN

1:00 PM

4/7

University of Minn (Crookston)

Crookston, MN

3:00 PM

4/9

Minnesota State (Fergus Falls)

Fergus Falls, MN

1:00 PM

4/9

Minnesota State (Fergus Falls)

Fergus Falls, MN

3:00 PM

4/10

Minnesota State (Fergus Falls)

Thief River Falls, MN

1:00 PM

4/10

Minnesota State (Fergus Falls)

Thief River Falls, MN

3:00 PM

4/16

Minnesota West CC

Worthington, MN

1:00 PM

4/16

Minnesota West CC

Worthington, MN

3:00 PM

4/17

Minnesota West CC

Worthington, MN

1:00 PM

4/17

Minnesota West CC

Worthington, MN

3:00 PM

4/20*

Itasca Community College

Thief River Falls, MN

1:00 PM

4/20*

Itasca Community College

Thief River Falls, MN

3:00 PM

4/23*

Vermilion Community College

Thief River Falls, MN

1:00 PM

4/23*

Vermilion Community College

Thief River Falls, MN

3:00 PM

4/24*

Vermilion Community College

Thief River Falls, MN

1:00 PM

4/24*

Vermilion Community College

Thief River Falls, MN

3:00 PM

4/30*

Rainey River Community College

International Falls, MN

1:00 PM

4/30*

Rainey River Community College

International Falls, MN

3:00 PM

5/1*

Hibbing Community College

Hibbing, MN

1:00 PM

5/1*

Hibbing Community College

Hibbing, MN

3:00 PM

5/2

University of Minn (Crookston)

Thief River Falls, MN

1:00 PM

5/2

University of Minn (Crookston)

Thief River Falls, MN

3:00 PM

5/7*

Mesabi Range Community College

Thief River Falls, MN

1:00 PM

5/7*

Mesabi Range Community College

Thief River Falls, MN

3:00 PM

5/8*

Mesabi Range Community College

Thief River Falls, MN

1:00 PM

5/8*

Mesabi Range Community College

Thief River Falls, MN

3:00 PM

5/13

MCAC Northern Division Playoff

TBD

TBD

5/14

MCAC Northern Division Playoff

TBD

TBD

5/15

MCAC Northern Division Playoff Raindate (if needed)

5/19

Region 13 (Division III) Tournament

*MCAC Northern Division Games 10

TIME

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

TBD St. Cloud, MN

TBD

PIONEER 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 VFW team 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 (9), reside in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Dowers is also an owner of Legends Sporting Goods in Thief River Falls.

Prior to taking the reins of the baseball program at Northland, the Thief River Falls native served in the role

XAVIER GONZALES Assistant Coach

TERRY WISETH Assistant Coach

northlandpioneers.com

NCTC head coach Barry Dowers enters his seventh 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 2016 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.

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

CHRIS NELSON Pitching Coach

COREY POOLE Assistant Coach

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2016 BASEBALL ROSTER

2016 PIONEER BASEBALL ROSTER

12

NO.

NAME

POS.

B/T

HT.

YEAR

HOMETOWN

PREVIOUS SCHOOL

1

Dominick De La Cruz

OF/3B

R/R

6’1”

Soph

San Antonio, TX

John Paul Stevens HS

3

Josh Davila

C

R/R

5’8”

Soph

Lytle, TX

Lytle HS

4

Joey Koening

IF

R/R

6’0”

Fresh

Crookston, MN

Crookston HS

5

Gabe Cavasos

P/3B

R/R

5’8”

Soph

San Antonio, TX

John Paul Stevens HS

6

Josh Arriaga

IF/P

R/R

5’8”

Fresh

San Antonio, TX

John Paul Stevens HS

9

Zach Landman

IF/OF

R/R

5’8”

Soph

Red Lake Falls, MN

Lafayette HS

10

Jared Rushing

P

R/R

6’2”

Fresh

San Antonio, TX

John Paul Stevens HS

12

Peyton Mills

P

R/R

5’10”

Fresh

Stephen, MN

Stephen Argyle HS

13

Nick Vig

OF

R/R

5’10”

Soph

Fosston, MN

Fosston HS

14

Alex Erickson

OF

R/R

5’8”

Fresh

Red Lake Falls, MN

Lafayette HS

15

Brandon Harrell

3B/P

R/R

6’2”

Fresh

San Antonio, TX

St. Anthony HS

17

Landon Sanders

C/3B

R/R

5’10”

Soph

Thief Rivers Falls, MN

Lincoln HS

19

Owen Ellefson

P/IF/OF

R/R

6’3”

Soph

Argyle, MN

Stephen Argyle HS

22

Gilberto Rodriguez

IF/P

R/R

5’6”

Fresh

San Antonio, TX

John Paul Stevens HS

23

Matt Howell

OF/P

R/L

6’0”

Fresh

Badger, MN

BGMR HS

24

Gunnar Olson

OF/C

L/R

6’0”

Soph

Luverne, MN

Luverne HS

25

Logan Felch

1B/P

R/R

6’2”

Soph

Canyon Lake, TX

Clarendon College

27

John Haakenson

OF

R/R

5’9”

Soph

Oslo, MN

WAO HS

28

Lucas Sandsmark

Util/P

L/R

6’0”

Fresh

Thief River Falls, MN

East Grand Forks, ND

29

Matt Woodson

P

R/R

6’4”

Fresh

Newark, NJ

Home School

HEAD COACH: Barry Dowers ASSISTANT COACH: Corey Poole ASSISTANT COACH: Terry Wiseth

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

PHONETIC ROSTER Dominick De La Cruz Gabe Cavasos Josh Arriaga Brandon Harrell Owen Ellefson Gilberto Rodriguez Gunnar Olson John Haakenson Lucas Sandsmark

Dom-i-nick Del-La-Cruise Gabe Ca-Vos-Sos Josh Air-E-awe-ga Brandon Hair-L Owe-n L-F-Son Gilbert-O Rod-ree-gez Gun-er Olson John Hawk-en-son Luke-us Sands-mark

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2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

13

PIONEER BASEBALL PREVIEW

2016 PIONEER BASEBALL PREVIEW After winning the first Minnesota Collegiate Athletic Conference title in school history, Coach Barry Dower will have a lot of holes to fill on the 2016 edition of Pioneer baseball. Gone from the conference championship team are the entire infield and two outfield positions. The return of the battery will help give the NCTC squad a foundation upon which to build. The Pioneers return both catchers, Josh Davila (Lytle, TX) and Landon Sanders (Thief River Falls, MN) along with pitching aces Gave Cavahos (San Antonio, TX) and Owen Ellesfon (Argyle, MN).

Look for the Pioneer offense to be built around returning centerfielder Gunner Olson (Laverne, MN) and incoming

transfer Logan Felch. Felch, a transfer from Clarendon College in Texas, is projected to play first base and hit in the cleanup spot. The Pioneer defense still has a lot of question marks with new starters in seven of the nine positions on the field.

“Look for Itasca and Mesabi Range, a couple of perineal rivals, to engage in the struggle at the top of the northern division of the MCAC,” speculated Dowers.

“The southern division of the MCAC should match up ranked St. Cloud Tech against Riverland and Rochester for the top spot. The favorite division III program in Region XIII should still be Century College,” assessed Dowers.

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2015 NORTHLAND BASEBALL HITTING STATISTICS

14

Player

G

AB

R

H

2b

3b

HR

RBI

BB

K

SB

Avg

Chris Gonzales

36

108

34

49

19

0

2

44

16

14

0

.454

Preston Brown

36

105

50

47

12

1

5

35

13

15

38

.448

Easton Lopez

35

108

41

47

11

1

2

40

22

10

8

.435

Dominck De La Cruz

20

41

13

16

2

0

0

8

6

0

2

.390

Gunnar Olson

32

102

18

37

12

2

4

40

14

23

6

.363

Zack Spence

34

97

21

33

5

1

1

14

10

9

3

.340

Riley Soderstrom

32

105

28

34

2

0

0

17

12

17

6

.324

Gabe Cavasos

11

33

2

10

2

0

0

9

5

6

0

.303

Lars Brevik

16

50

10

15

1

0

0

5

4

8

0

.300

Landon Sanders

22

55

1

15

5

0

0

7

9

10

0

.273

Evan Kroke

11

19

3

5

1

0

0

1

2

4

0

.263

Josh Davila

20

52

4

13

2

0

1

11

7

13

0

.250

Zach Landman

23

31

15

7

0

0

0

4

7

8

12

.226

Nick Hoffard

12

15

9

3

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

.200

Taylor Cantrell

24

66

8

12

1

0

1

9

8

16

0

.182

Ian Lund

9

19

2

3

0

1

0

2

1

3

0

.158

John Haakenson

6

8

0

1

0

0

0

1

1

5

0

.125

Robert Lukkason

7

9

4

1

0

0

0

1

1

5

0

.111

Conner Brown

10

29

4

3

0

0

0

5

5

8

0

.103

Owen Ellefson

5

10

3

1

1

0

0

0

3

6

0

.100

Joseph Santos

5

11

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

5

0

.091

Nick Vig

7

14

2

1

0

0

0

1

1

4

0

.071

Cody Hess

6

4

1

0

0

0

0

0

2

3

0

.000

Totals

39

1091

273

354

77

6

16

255

152

190

79

.324

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

2015 PIONEER BASEBALL SCHEDULE & RESULTS OPPONENT

SITE

RESULTS

3/6/15

Southeastern CC (NE)

Beatrice, NE

L, 11-1

3/6/15

Southeastern CC (NE)

Beatrice, NE

L, 19-8

3/12/15

Northlake CC

Irving, TX

L, 11-1

3/14/15

Eastfield CC

Mesquite, TX

W, 8-6

3/14/15

Eastfield CC

Mesquite, TX

L, 12-6

3/14/15

Brookhaven CC

Dallas, TX

L, 6-1

3/20/15

Dakota Wesleyan JV

Mitchell, SD

W, 8-2

3/20/15

Dakota Wesleyan JV

Mitchell, SD

W, 2-0

3/30/15

Rainy River CC

Mitchell, SD

W, 15-2

3/30/15

Dakota Wesleyan JV

Mitchell, SD

W, 5-3

4/1/15

Lake Region State

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 11-3

4/1/15

Lake Region State

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 8-0

4/3/15

Moorhead State (Club)

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 7-6

Moorhead State (Club)

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 8-4

Concordia College JV

Moorhead, MN

L, 19-17

4/12/15

Concordia College JV

Moorhead, MN

L, 8-6

4/15/15

Rainy River CC

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 11-1

4/15/15

Rainy River CC

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 3-2

4/18/15

Vermilion CC

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 6-1

4/18/15

Vermilion CC

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 4-0

4/19/15

Vermilion CC

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 13-3

4/19/15

Vermilion CC

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 15-5

4/23/15

Bemidji State Univ. JV

Bemidji, MN (9 innings)

W, 9-8

4/25/15

Mesabi Range CC

Virginia, MN

W, 16-6

4/25/15

Mesabi Range CC

Virginia, MN

L, 10-0

4/26/15

Vermilion CC

Ely, MN

W, 15-1

4/26/15

Vermilion CC

Ely, MN

W, 12-5

4/29/15

Hibbing CC

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 10-5

4/29/15

Hibbing CC

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 7-2

5/2/15

Itasca CC

Grand Rapids, MN

L, 14-7

5/2/15

Itasca CC

Grand Rapids, MN

L, 18-4

5/3/15

Itasca CC

Grand Rapids, MN

L, 6-0

5/3/15

Itasca CC

Grand Rapids, MN

W, 10-9

5/8/15

Vermilion CC*

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 7-0

5/8/15

Vermilion CC*

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 8-6

5/15/15

Riverland CC #

St. Cloud, MN (Putz Field)

W, 3-1

5/15/15

Minnesota State FF#

St. Cloud, MN (Putz Field)

W, 5-3

5/16/15

Century College #

St. Cloud, MN (Putz Field)

L, 4-0

5/17/15

St. Cloud Tech#

St. Cloud, MN (St. Johns U)

W, 4-3

5/17/15

Century College ##

St. Cloud, MN (St. Johns U)

L, 13-3

northlandpioneers.com

4/3/15 4/12/15

2015 BASEBALL SCHEDULE

DATE

*MCAC Conference Tournament# Region XIII tournament ##Region XIII tournament championship game 2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

15

PIONEER MEN’S BASEBALL HISTORY BASEBALL HISTORY

MCAC Championships: 2015 - Coach Barry Dowers

2015 MCAC NORTHERN DIVISION STANDINGS (Regular Season Standings)

Region Runner Up: 2015 - Coach Barry Dowers 2009 - Coach Brad Evans

SEASON SEASON WINS LOSSES

TEAM

DIVISION LOSSES

Itasca

29

20

9

1

Mesasbi Range

25

15

7

3

Northland

25

15

7

3

Vermilion

13

23

3

7

Rainy River

18

24

3

7

Hibbing

1

31

1

9

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 89 - Barry Dowers 88 - Steve Gust 68 - Chet Engleman

DIVISION WINS

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2014-2015 Northland Community and Technical College Baseball Results

16

OVERALL RECORD

%

CONFERENCE

%

HOME

AWAY

NEUTRAL

25-15

.625

7-3

.700

10-1

11-10

4-4

SEASON

RECORD

COACH

SEASON

RECORD

COACH

20 15

25-15

Barry Dowers

1993

11-16-1

Terry Wiseth

2014

21-24

Barry Dowers

1992

13-13

Terry Wiseth

2013

11-23

Barry Dowers

1991

12-12

Terry Wiseth

2012

13-27

Barry Dowers

1990

14-10

Terry Wiseth

2011

11-18

Barry Dowers

1989

6-18

Terry Wiseth

2010

8-30

Barry Dowers

1988

9-17

Terry Wiseth

2009

17-15

Brad Evans

1987

5-16

Rick Nelson

2008

27-18

Steve Gust

1986

6-13

Rick Nelson

2007

20-18

Steve Gust

1985

3-17

Rick Nelson

2006

21-20

Steve Gust

1984

2-14

Chet Engelman

2005

20-19

Steve Gust

1983

12-7

Chet Engelman

2004

11-22

Guy Finstrom

1982

6-14

Chet Engelman

2003

11-22

Guy Finstrom

1981

3-13

Chet Engelman

2002

14-16

Guy Finstrom

1980

12-8

Chet Engelman

2001

12-20

Guy Finstrom

1979

2-10

Chet Engelman

2000

5-26

John Ott

1978

5-9

Chet Engelman

1999

1-19

John Ott

1977

4-10

Chet Engelman

1998

8-18

Chris Mills

1976

2-18

Chet Engelman

1997

14-17

Terry Wiseth

1975

5-11

Chet Engelman

1996

8-18

Terry Wiseth

1974

6-5

Chet Engelman

1995

13-15

Terry Wiseth

1973

9-6

Chet Engelman

1994

21-11

Terry Wiseth

1973-2015

459-708-1

Nine Coaches

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

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

Grayson CC (TX)

1999

Kishwaukee CC (IL)

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 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

northlandpioneers.com

1999 2000

NJCAA CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

NJCAA NATIONAL BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

17

MEET THE PIONEERS

MEET THE PIONEERS - BASEBALL

19

17

24

3

1

5

13

15

10

15

OWEN ELLEFSON Height: 6’3” Hometown: Argyle, MN High School: Stephen Argyle HS Position: P/IF/OF

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

GUNNAR OLSON Height: 6’0” Hometown: Luverne, MN High School: Luverne HS Position: OF/C

18

DOMINICK DE LA CRUZ Height: 6’1” Hometown: San Antonio, TX High School: John Paul Stevens HS Position: OF/3B

NICK VIG Height: 5’10” Hometown: Fosston, MN High School: Fosston HS Position: OF

JARED RUSHING Height: 6’2” Hometown: San Antonio, TX High School: John Paul Stevens HS Position: P

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

LANDON SANDERS Height: 5’10” Hometown: Thief Rivers Falls, MN High School: Lincoln HS Position: C/3B

JOSH DAVILA Height: 5’8” Hometown: Lytle, TX High School: Lytle HS Position: C

GABE CAVASOS Height: 5’8” Hometown: San Antonio, TX High School: John Paul Stevens HS Position: P/3B

LOGAN FELCH Height: 6’2” Hometown: Canyon Lake, TX Previous School: Clarendon College Position: 1B/P

BRANDON HARRELL Height: 6’2” Hometown: San Antonio, TX High School: St. Anthony HS Position: 3B/P

MEET THE PIONEERS - BASEBALL

22

14

2

23

28

6

4

27

29

ZACH LANDMAN Height: 5’8” Hometown: Red Lake Falls, MN High School: Lafayette HS Position: IF/OF

ALEX ERICKSON Height: 5’8” Hometown: Red Lake Falls, MN High School: Lafayette HS Position: OF

JOSH ARRIAGA Height: 5’8” Hometown: San Antonio, TX High School: John Paul Stevens HS Position: IF/P

JOHN HAAKENSON Height: 5’9” Hometown: Oslo, MN High School: WAO HS Position: OF

PEYTON MILLS Height: 5’10” Hometown: Stephen, MN High School: Stephen Argyle HS Position: P

LUCAS SANDSMARK Height: 6’0” Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN High School: East Grand Forks, ND Position: Util/P

JOEY KOENING Height: 6’0” Hometown: Crookston, MN High School: Crookston HS Position: IF

northlandpioneers.com

MATT HOWELL Height: 6’0” Hometown: Badger, MN High School: BGMR HS Position: OF/P

GILBERTO RODRIGUEZ Height: 5’6” Hometown: San Antonio, TX High School: John Paul Stevens HS Position: IF/P

MEET THE PIONEERS

9

MATT WOODSON 6’4” Hometown: Newark, NJ High School: Home School Position: P

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

19

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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

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CONNECT to COMMUNICATE.

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

ATE: ROJECT NO.:

Š Hay Dobbs Architects

Exterior Improvements Option 2 11/25/2015 13013.001

Northland CTC Thief River Falls Student Housing

SK. 21

DEVELOPING HOUSING THAT CAMPUSES NEED Thief River Falls, MN

HAY DOBBS P.A. , ORB MANAGEMENT, CAMPUS ADVANTAGE

& BUILDING WHAT STUDENTS CAN AFFORD. As student housing development experts, we understand that your students need more than a pillow and mattress.

Colleges and universities or developers attempting to identify a housing solution independently can be futile. Today, institutions see value in developing student housing through collaboration. This past year the Northland Community & Technical College and Foundation collaborated with ORB to create a successful student housing project by delicately balancing the project cost and student needs. Together, we redeveloped an existing community asset into a financially feasible student housing complex as well as a pleasing and functional home for students.

Congratulations to the Northland Community & Technical College and Foundation for your forward-thinking approach in solving campus housing challenges!

320.762.2077 Alexandria, MN │ St. Paul, MN

orbmgmt.com

2015 PIONEER SOFTBALL RESULTS SITE

RESULTS

3/17

Southwestern (IA)

Orlando, FL

L, 10-0

3/17

Iowa Lakes CC

Orlando, FL

L, 13-5

3/18

Highland CC (IL)

Orlando, FL

L, 8-6

3/18

Oakton CC (IL)

Orlando, FL

W, 13-7

3/20

Waubonsee (IL)

Orlando, FL

L, 13-0

3/20

Muscatine CC (IA)

Orlando, FL

L, 26-4

3/21

Dakota County Tech (MN)

Orlando, FL

L, 11-0

4/9

Rainy River CC

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 11-7

4/9

Rainy River CC

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 5-2

4/11

North Dakota SCS

Whapeton, ND

L, 6-2

4/11

North Dakota SCS

Whapeton, ND

W, 7-2

4/13

Rainy River CC

International Falls, MN

L, 13-0

4/13

Rainy River CC

International Falls, MN

L, 24-0

4/16

Dakota College

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 4-0

4/16

Dakota College

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 8-7

4/18

Central Lakes CC

Brainerd, MN

L, 12-2

4/18

Central Lakes CC

Brainerd, MN

L, 6-4

4/19

Itasca CC

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 9-6

4/25

Hibbing CC

Hibbing, MN

W, 9-6

4/25

Hibbing CC

Hibbing, MN

L, 10-4

4/26

Vermilion CC

Ely, MN

W,11-9

4/26

Vermilion CC

Ely, MN

W, 9-8

4/28

Mesabi Range CC

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 5-4

4/28

Mesabi Range CC

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 9-1

4/30

Itasca CC

Grand Rapids, MN

L, 5-2

5/2

Hibbing CC

Virginia, MN (Conference Tourney)

L, 5-2

5/2

Central Lakes CC

Virginia, MN (Conference Tourney)

L, 11-0

OVERALL RECORD: 6-12, MCAC Record: 3-9 TOTAL RUNS SCORED: 114 (4.2 per game) TOTAL RUNS SCORED

BY OPPOSITION: 252 (9.3 per game)

northlandpioneers.com

OPPONENT

2015 SOFTBALL RESULTS

DATE

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

23

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2016 SOFTBALL SCHEDULE

2016 PIONEER SOFTBALL SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

SITE

TIME

3/7-3/12

Spring Break Trip

TBA

TBA

3/17

Minnesota Classic

Rosemont, MN (Dome)

TBA

3/18

Minnesota Classic

Rosemont, MN (Dome)

TBA

3/25

RCTC Crossover Tournament

Rochester, MN (Dome)

TBA

3/26

RCTC Crossover Tournament

Rochester, MN (Dome)

TBA

4/9

McBride Tournament

Grand Rapis, MN

TBA

4/13

Itasca Community College

Thief River Falls, MN

4/16

Central Lakes CC

Brainerd, MN

4/17

Fond Du Lac CC

Cloquet, MN

4/20

Rainy River CC

International Falls, MN

4/22

Dakota College

Bottineau, ND

4/23

Vermillion CC

Thief River Falls, MN

4/24

Mesabi Range CC

Thief River Falls, MN

4/27

Hibbing CC

Thief River Falls, MN

4/30

MCAC tournament

Grand Rapids, MN

5/1

MCAC tournament

Grand Rapids, MN

5/6

Region XIII (North) Tourney

@ highest seed

5/7

Region XIII (North) Tourney

@highest seed

5/19

NJCAA Div. III National Championships

Rochester, MN

5/20

NJCAA Div. III National Championships

Rochester, MN

5/21

NJCAA Div. III National Championships

Rochester, MN

218-681-0413

802 3rd Street West• Thief River Falls, MN 56701 24

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

PIONEER SOFTBALL COACHING STAFF Northland Softball Head Coach

Travis Martin opens the 2015-2016 school year as the first year head coach for the Pioneers. Martin served as an assistant softball coach during the prior season at Northland.

Martin will have a formable task ahead in generating a winning tradition at Northland, considering the program has only experienced nine winning seasons in their 42 year history. “We will need to be aggressive on the bases this year, and force other teams into mistakes,� noted Martin on the upcoming season.

CASSIE GUNDERSON Northland Softball Assistant Coach

Prior to his arrival at NCTC, Martin assumed the reins of the baseball program at Dakota College in Bottineau, North Dakota during the 2013-2014 year.

Martin increased the squad size from 11 to 25 players, and tripled the wins from the previous season. While at Dakota College, Martin also served as an assistant football coach.

During the summer of 2015, Martin was also involved in the youth baseball programs in Thief River Falls, coaching a 15 year old in the Babe Ruth league. The team qualified for the Minnesota State Babe Ruth tournament.

In addition to serving as the head softball coach, Martin is also the head football coach at NCTC and teaches in the physical education program.

NORTHLAND SOFTBALL COACHES

TRAVIS MARTIN

Coach Martin, wife Krista, and daughter Khloe live in Thief River Falls.

KATHY HUSCHLE Northland Softball Assistant Coach

northlandpioneers.com

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

25

The Pioneer softball team comes off a 6-21 season in 2015. The good news is they hit an impressive .304 as a team; the bad news is, the opposition hit .412 against NCTC pitching. First year head coach, Travis Martin must replace pitcher Crystal Amundson and Kala Schmitz who figured in all decisions for the Pioneers last season.

The NCTC season opened with a seven game spring trip in Florida where the Pioneers were outscored 88-28, returning home with a 1-7 ledger. After returning home, the team would split doubleheaders with Rainy River, North Dakota State College of Science, and Hibbing. The highlight of the season came on April 26th where the Pioneers swept a doubleheader from Vermilion.

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2016 SOFTBALL PREVIEW

2016 PIONEER SOFTBALL PREVIEW

26

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

Returners for the Pioneers include Hannah Hoglo (New Folden, MN), Megan Hass (Grand Forks, ND), and Ruth Hjeldness (East Grand Forks, MN). Hoglo, a versatile player, filled in at multiple positions while Hjeldness and Haas played the outfield. Haas also spent time behind the plate with catching duties.

Martin looks to newcomers Alexis Folmer (Bismark, ND) to help at the third base position, and Thief River Falls (Lincoln High) product Avery Azure to contribute in the outfield. “Alexis Folmer is a solid defensive player,” noted Martin, “and Avery Azure gives us a player with excellent arm strength in the outfield.”

2016 PIONEER SOFTBALL ROSTER 2016 SOFTBALL ROSTER

NO.

PLAYER

POS

B/T

HEIGHT

YEAR

HOMETOWN

HIGH SCHOOL

2

Rachel Fleisher

3B

R/R

5’6”

FR

Waubun, MN

Waubun HS

3

Hannah Hoglo

SS/C

R/R

5’5”

SO

Newfolden, MN

Marshall County Central HS

5

Ruth Hjeldness

SS/OF

R/R

5’7”

SO

East Grand Forks, MN

East Grand Forks Sr. High

6

Torri Smithee

SS/OF

R/R

5’9”

FR

Rector, AR

Rector High School

7

Brittni Wellen

SS

R/R

5’7”

SO

Baudette, MN

Lake of the Woods HS

8

Megan Olson

OF

R/R

5’5”

FR

Roseau, MN

Roseau High School

9

Hannah Rolf

OF

R/R

5’10”

FR

McIntosh, MN

Win-E-Mac High School

21

Avery Azure

C/OF

L/R

5’6”

FR

Thief River Falls, MN

Lincoln High School

30

Brittney Bray

P/1B

L/R

5’5”

SO

Oklee, MN

Red Lake Country Central HS

northlandpioneers.com

Row 1 (L to R) Hannah Hoglo, Ruth Hjeldness, Megan Olson, Rachael Fleisher Row 2 (L to R) Kathy Huschle, Cassie Gunderson, Brittney Bray, Brittni Wellen, Torri Smithee, Hannah Rolf, Avery Azure, Travis Martin

Head Coach: Travis Martin Assistant Coaches: Cassie Gunderson, Kathy Huschle

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

27

Northern Division TEAM

OVERALL WINS

OVERALL LOSSES

Mesabi Range

28

20

10

2

Hibbing

15

16

7

5

Itasca

22

19

7

5

Central Lakes

8

20

6

6

Rainy River

17

18

6

6

Vermilion

8

28

5

7

Northland

6

21

3

9

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2014-2015 MCAC STANDINGS

2014-2015 MINNESOTA COLLEGE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE STANDINGS:

DIVISION DIVISION WINS LOSSES

Proud supporter of a vibrant community.

(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.

Americinn.com | 800.634.3444

Americinn Lodge & SuiteS thief river fALLS 1920 Hwy 59 SE | Thief River Falls, MN 56701 | 218.681.4411

Northland Community & Technical College

FOUNDATION nctcfoundation.com E A S T G R A N D F O R K S & T H I E F R I V E R FA L L S , M N

Awarding scholarships to Northland’s students for 40 years. nctcfoundation.com

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2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

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northlandpioneers.com

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2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

29

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

MEET THE PIONEERS - SOFTBALL

MEET THE PIONEERS - SOFTBALL

30

21

3

4

20

30

34

2

33

7

24

5

7

AVERY AZURE Height: 5’6” Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN High School: Lincoln High School Position: C/OF

KATIE BOHN Height: Hometown: Park River, ND High School: Position: OF

BRITTNEY BRAY Height: 5”8” Hometown: Red Lake Falls, MN High School: Red Lake Country Central High School Position: P/1B

RACHEL FLEISHER Height: 5’6” Hometown: Waubun, MN High School: Waubun HS Position: 3B

EMILY HESTEKIND Height: 5’8” Hometown: Newfolden, MN High School: Marshall County Central HS Position: INF

RUTH HJELDNESS Height: 5’7” Hometown: East Grand Forks, MN High School: East Grand Forks Sr. High Position: SS/OF

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

HANNAH HOGLO Height: 5’5” Hometown: Newfolden, MN High School: Marshall County Central Position: SS/C

KATIA KJELLAND Height: Hometown: Park River, ND High School: Position: INF

CHELSEY LIMESAND Height: 5’5” Hometown: Gatzke, MN High School: Goodridge-Grygla HS Position: OF

SHARON MILLER Height: 6’ Hometown: Blaine, MN High School: Blaine High School Position: P/3B

SARA RAMIREZ Height: 5’8” Hometown: St. Thomas, ND High School: St. Thomas HS Position: 3B/OF

BRITTNI WELLEN Height: 5’7” Hometown: Baudette, MN High School: Lake of the Woods HS Position: SS

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE RECORD

COACH

YEAR

RECORD

COACH

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

2012

13-19

Merle Johnson

2011

13-20

Merle Johnson

1989

Jodi Bendickson

2010

6-26

Guy Finstrom

No team due to lack of players

2009

24-19

Kathy Huschle

1988

16-11

Patty Chiodo

2008

12-20

Kathy Huschle

1987

13-9

Patty Chiodo

2007

6-20

Kathy Huschle

1986

10-8

Paul Williams

2006

19-23

Kathy Huschle

1985

Deb Jacobsen

2005

24-15

Kathy Huschle

No team due to lack of players

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

1996

12-14

Rick Nikunen

1976

No records

Deb Jacobsen

1995

10-17

Rick Nikunen

1975

No records

Deb Jacobsen

1994

4-17

Rick Nikunen

1974

No records

Deb Jacobsen

1993

1-15

Rick Nikunen

PIONEER SOFTBALL COACHING RECORDS HEAD COACH

YEARS

RECORD

WINNING %

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

MOST WINS IN A SINGLE SEASON: 25- 1998- Coach Rick Nikunen MOST CAREER WINS: 137- Kathy Huschl

northlandpioneers.com

YEAR

NORTHLAND SOFTBALL HISTORY

SOFTBALL HISTORY

HIGHEST CAREER WINNING % .592- Patty Chiodo (29-20)

2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

31

NORHTLAND SPOTLIGHT

NORTHLAND SPOTLIGHT The Director of the TRF campus foundation,

LARS DYRUD

What do you do at Northland?

I’m the Director of Foundation Operations. I run the foundation’s scholarship program and keep track of the foundation’s day-to-day operations.

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

What is the Northland Community & Technical College Foundation?

The NCTC Foundation was established in 1975 to “support the college by providing opportunities for contributors to invest in and enhance the educational experience of Northland’s students.”

Student housing was an early goal of the foundation, but due to obstacles at that time, the focus soon shifted to student scholarships.

This year, the foundation is pleased to return to its original goal of providing student housing for Northland students. On May 2, 2016, the foundation finalized the purchase of the Foxtail Townhomes just behind (northeast) of the TRF campus. Renovation will take place over the summer, and students will move in this August.

What else does the foundation do?

In addition to running the scholarship program and student housing at Northland, the foundation also organizes fundraising and community engagement events throughout the year.

How does the foundation support athletics at Northland?

Under NJCAA rules for Division III athletics, student athletes cannot be recruited with athletic scholarships.

However, student athletes are still eligible to receive scholarships like any other student at Northland, and many do.

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2016 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

The foundation also holds the Klemisch-NASA Endowment for Northland athletics.

An annual distribution of funds from this endowment is divided among all of Northland’s athletic teams to supplement their college budget. By growing this fund, Northland athletics will be stronger.

Special projects funds for athletic projects can also be set up with the foundation.

Why should I support Northland athletics through the foundation?

Because the foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in the state of Minnesota, we can issue tax-deductible receipts and year-end donation statements.

I’m a student. How can I apply for scholarships and student housing?

Information on scholarships can be found at nctcfoundation.com. Information on student housing is available at northlandhousing.com. Applications for scholarships and student housing are exclusively available online.

How can I donate to the foundation?

You can mail a check to: NCTC Foundation 1101 Highway One E Thief River Falls, MN 56701 You can also donate online at nctcfoundation.com/donate.

If you are interested in a planned gift or major gift, feel to call Sheila Bruhn, Executive Director (218) 793-2467 or Lars Dyrud, Director of Foundation Operations (218) 683-8616.

Experience our warm and friendly atmosphere.

We look forward to serving you whether you are in the Midwest on a family vacation or a business trip.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY AT www.cmoninn.com/thiefriverfalls 1586 Hwy 59 South • Thief River Falls, MN 56701 (800) 950-8111 or (218) 681-3000