Northland Pioneers: Spring 2017 Athletics Media Guide

PIONEERS #GOPIONEERS

NORTHLANDPIONEERS.COM

A T H L E T I C S

JOIN OUR TEAM! Digi-Key Electronics is an electronic component distributor located in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

With annual global sales exceeding $1.7 billion, Digi-Key is continuing to add to our workforce of 3,400+ employees.

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

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Accounting Applications Engineering Building Operations & Maintenance Human Resources Information Technology

DIGI-KEY TOTAL REWARDS In addition to competitive compensation, Digi-Key offers outstanding total rewards that are second-to-none. Career growth opportunities are available for employees choosing to continue their personal development.

Marketing Order Fulfillment Purchasing Sales/Customer Service and more!

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

888-671-1725 DIGIKEY.COM/CAREERS

HEALTH PLAN Digi-Key’s Health Plan has no deductible, modest co-pays on prescriptions, and includes a vision care benefit.

Single coverage is FREE to the employee, and it is $27 biweekly for family coverage.

401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN Employee contributions are matched

by Digi-Key dollar-for-dollar up to 3%.

Historically, Digi-Key has also made a profit sharing contribution of 4% of the employee’s annual earnings.

PERSONAL/VACATION TIME

DENTAL PLAN

VISION MATERIAL PLAN

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

Employees receive 10 days of vacation, 6 days of personal/medical time, and 6 holidays in their first year of employment.

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

This is a voluntary employee plan that features low co-pays and provides a $175 annual allowance on either frames/lenses or contact lenses. The employee cost is $2.61 biweekly for employee coverage and $6.98 biweekly for family coverage.

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

WORK ENVIRONMENT

ADDITIONAL REWARDS

COMPANY CULTURE AND GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Digi-Key is a family-oriented culture, grounded in small town values and quality of life.

Employees are recognized for their daily dedication through a wide variety of individual and company-wide recognition events, summer picnic, and holiday dinner.

Employees are encouraged to volunteer time and give back to our hometown community, supporting local charitable organizations through our Digi-Key Cares program or other outlets.

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

Additional rewards include a life insurance plan, a long term disability insurance plan, employee purchase discounts, and educational reimbursement through the Digi-Key University program.

©2016 Digi-Key Electronics. Digi-Key is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

TABLE OF CONTENTS NORTHLAND QUICK FACTS

Colors:

BASEBALL

National Junior College Athletic Association

Conference:

Region 13 Athletic Conference, Minnesota College Athletic Conference

Navy Blue and Scarlet

ATHLETIC STAFF RICHARD SPEAS Athletic Director ............................................................. 218-683-8547 ABDUL CHAMMA Head Volleyball Coach .................................................218-683-8680 SCOTT DCAMP Head Wrestling Coach ....................................................218-689-1014 BARRY DOWERS Head Baseball Coach ....................................................218-686-6433 JIM COX Head Football Coach ........................................................218-683-8554 SHANNON NELSON Head Women’s Basketball Coach ............................. 218-683-8696

PAUL PETERSON Athletic Coordinator & Head Softball Coach .........218-683-8556

10 11 12-13 14 15 16 18 20-22

SOFTBALL 2016 Pioneer Softball Results 2017 Pioneer Softball Schedule Coaching Staff - Softball 2017 Pioneer Softball Preview 2017 Pioneer Softball Roster 2015-2016 MCAC Standings Meet the Pioneers - Softball Softball History & Coaching Records

24 25 26 27 28 29 29-30 31

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

CREDITS

In the spring of 1938, following the NCAA’s rejection, those same 13 two-year colleges gathered again in Fresno to organize and form an association that would promote and supervise a national athletics program exclusively for junior and community colleges…and the rest is history.

Photography/Cover Design: Chad Sperling

On May 14, 1938, the first constitution of the National Junior College Athletic Association was accepted by its charter members and the organization held its first national championship event a year later in May 1939.

The 2016-17 Winter Media Guide is a publication of the Northland Community & Technical College Marketing & Communications Department.

Content/Advertising: Chad Sperling and Richard Speas

northlandpioneers.com

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

2017 Schedule Coaching Staff - Baseball 2017 Pioneer Baseball Roster 2017 Pioneer Baseball Preview 2016 Pioneer Baseball Schedule & Results Pioneer Baseball History NJCAA Baseball Championship History Meet the Pioneers - Baseball

2-3 4 5 6 8 9

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Nickname: Pioneers

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

National Affiliation:

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

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

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MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS

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

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

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

FOND DU LAC TRIBAL & COMMUNITY COLLEGE

2

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

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

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

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

HIBBING COMMUNITY COLLEGE

RAINY RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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

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

ITASCA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

RIDGEWATER COLLEGE

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

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

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

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

MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS VERMILLION COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Location: Rochester, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 415 miles Mascot: Yellow Jackets Arena: Regional Sports Center (1,500) Women’s Sports: basketball, golf, soccer, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, football, golf, wrestling

Location: Ely, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 277 miles Mascot: Ironmen/Ironwomen Arena: No Information Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball

ST. CLOUD TECHNICAL COLLEGE Location: St. Cloud, MN Distance from Thief River Falls: 254 miles Mascot: Cyclones Arena: No Information Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball

MCAC CONFERENCE MEMBERS

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

MCAC NORTH DAKOTA INSTITUTIONS: (FOOTBALL ONLY) DAKOTA COLLEGE

NORTH DAKOTA STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

Location: Bottineau, ND Distance from Thief River Falls: 245 miles Mascot: Lumberjacks/Lady Jacks Arena: Thatcher Hall (1,000) Football Stadium: No Information Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, baseball, basketball, hockey

Location: Wahpeton, ND Distance from Thief River Falls: 150 miles Mascot: Wildcats Arena: Bilkre Activities Center (3,500) Football Stadium: Bute Stadium (2,500) Women’s Sports: basketball, softball, volleyball Men’s Sports: football, basketball

northlandpioneers.com

800.856.3488BSNSPORTS.COM

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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME/HISTORY

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME & HISTORY

Thief River Falls Campus

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

4

Welcome to Pioneer Country! You will soon be witness to why athletics has such a prominent presence here at Northland Community & Technical College. Our commitment to developing these young men and women into competitive student athletes will be obvious in how they perform on the field, court or arena.

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

Pay close attention to the talent out there, as many of our athletes have gone on to compete at the NCAA D-1 level and we have had more than a handful elevate their game to the professional level. It’s also important to recognize that our student athletes excel off the field as well, as we insist that achieving their academic goals is a priority. Northland’s athletes are routinely among the NJCAA’s highest performing scholars and our goal is to achieve a graduation or transfer rate of nearly 100%!

So enjoy today’s event and feel good about being part of a great Pioneer tradition that’s been with us now for over 50 years!

DENNIS BONA

President

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East Grand Forks Campus

COLLEGE HISTORY Northland Community & Technical College has been in existence in one form or other since 1949, when the Minnesota State Board of Education approved an area vocational school for Thief River Falls. The school would later move to its present location and merge with two other institutions of higher learning: first with Thief River Falls State Junior College and later with the East Grand Forks campus of Northwest Technical College, to form Northland Community & Technical College. Each institution brought a long history of serving the needs of area students and employers, and with the advent of online education, expanding its reach far beyond the Red River Valley and northwestern Minnesota.

MEET THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

RICHARD SPEAS

Director of Athletics & Student Life

Speas spent nine years as a successful college coach at William Penn University in Iowa, where he served numerous roles in addition to coaching; assistant director of admissions, assistant athletic director, and HPER faculty. As the head assistant baseball coach, the Statesmen went 215-78 (.734) during his tenure, including nationally ranked teams that qualified for the NCAA and NAIA regional playoffs.

Assuming the role as the head men’s and women’s cross-country and track programs; Speas was named conference coach of the year in 2004 and 2005, cross-country

Moving into the NJCAA ranks as the Director of Athletics at Western Texas College in 2008, Speas oversaw 15 intercollegiate athletic programs in the highly competitive Western Junior College Athletic Conference.

The Westerners captured a national championship in men’s rodeo.

Making a change in a perennially week volleyball program, Speas hired Sheldon Carvalho who brought the volleyball program to the big dance in his second year in the program. In addition, the athletic program captured fourth place national finishes in women’s rodeo, women’s golf, and women’s track and field. Six teams held national rankings during the Speas tenure, including men’s cross country, men‘s golf, men’s soccer, and women’s soccer. The men’s cross country team was also named academic national champions of the NJCAA in 2007 and 2008. The community was energized when a $260,000 donation helped to

With family health issues, Speas returned to Iowa in 2012 to assume the position of Executive Director at Oskie Prep, a non-profit start up.

Oskie Prep focused on education, job creation and community service.

Speas earned a social science composite bachelor’s degree from William Penn University (IA) and a Master’s degree in athletic administration from Truman State University (MO). Richard and his wife Karma have eight children, Staci, Shawna, Jentrian, Tierney, Elijah, BrookeLyn, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Richard and Karma Speas reside in Thief River Falls, Minnesota with their six youngest children.

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

northlandpioneers.com

A native of Union, Iowa, Speas’ arrival at Northland brought a wealth of experience and success to the Pioneer’s athletic program.

Speas has over thirty years of experience in interscholastic athletics, sports marketing, and intercollegiate athletics. Assuming the role of Director of Athletics at Northland, Speas also serves as the Director of Student Life at the college.

Prior to his arrival into the juco athletic administration ranks, Speas served as the Director of Athletics at four year schools, Southern Virginia University and Peru State College in Nebraska. As the inaugural Director of Athletics at Southern Virginia University (1997-2000), he implemented 16 intercollegiate athletic teams. During this time, SVU witnessed a 400% percentage growth in enrollment. During his tenure at Peru State College (2006-2008) Speas oversaw a seven million dollar renovation to the Al Wheeler Activity Center which served as the hub for Bobcat athletics and student activities.

fund the renovations of the 4,000 seat indoor facility (The Coliseum).

In 2011, Speas took the helm of one of the premier NJCAA programs in the nation, Blinn College. The Buccaneers would capture a national championship in volleyball in 2011. The football program held the number 1 ranking in the nation during the 2011 season before falling to Mississippi Gulf Coast in the Mississippi Bowl. The softball program garnered fourth place finishes at the NJCAA Division I national championships in 2011 and 2012. Baseball also held top ten national rankings before being eliminated in regional play. Long noted for its athletic excellence; 26 national championships (four in football), 127 baseball players drafted since the inception of the baseball program in 1966, and 38 professional football players including Cam Newton, Blinn is widely recognized as one of the top academic junior colleges in the nation.

MEET THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

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

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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

SUPPORT STAFF

SUPPORT STAFF

RICHARD SPEAS Director of Athletics & Student Life

SCOTT DCAMP

Head Coach Wrestling

PAUL PETERSON

ABDUL CHAMMA

BARRY DOWERS

Athletics Coordinator Head Softball Coach

Head Coach Volleyball

Head Coach Baseball

JIM COX

SHANNON NELSON

RICK NIKUNEN

Head Coach Football

Head Coach Women’s Basketball

Head Coach Men’s Basketball

www.evergreenimplement.com

6

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PROUD SUPPORTER OF

Friendly, it’s in our name! am·i·ty [am-i-tee] noun : a friendly relationship

ADVERTISEMENTS

NORTHLAND PIONEERS

•Graphic Design Department •Offset & Digital Printing •Promotional Products

L-R: Connie Knutson, Kyle Schwartz, Dave Cabritit-Laing, Tina Larson, Brian Larson, Steve Hovila, Mike Connell, Gina Alianello

•Mailing Service & Variable Data

218.444.2526 • amitygraphics.com • 481 Mag Seven Court SW, Suite 8, Bemidji, MN

northlandpioneers.com

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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

ATHLETIC FACILITIES

ATHLETIC FACILITIES

8

LOWELL T. SWENSON FIELD

Lowell T. Swenson Field is home to Northland Pioneers football team. The field was dedicated in 2004. Seating capacity is 2,200.

PIONEER FIELD

NORTHLAND GYMNASIUM

The Northland Gymnasium is home to volleyball and both Men’s and Women’s Basketball. The gymnasium opened in 1990. Seating capacity is 1549.

MEC COMPLEX

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

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

WRESTLING ROOM

ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM

FITNESS CENTER

LOCKER ROOMS

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

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NJCAA ALL-SPORTS STANDINGS

2015-2016 NATYCAA CUP NJCAA SCHOLARSHIP FINAL STANDINGS:

2015-2016 NATYCAA CUP NJCAA NON-SCHOLARSHIP FINAL STANDINGS:

STANDING

INSTITUTION

SCORE

STANDING

INSTITUTION

SCORE

1

Iowa Central Community College

194.5

1

Suffolk County CC (NY)

172

2

Tyler Junior College (TX)

146

2

Rowan College at Gloucester (NJ)

166

3

Iowa Western Community College

142

3

Mohawk Valley CC (NY)

122.5

4

Butler Community College (KS)

126

4

Herkimer County CC (NY)

117

Nassau County CC (NY)

98.5

5

Pima Community College (AZ)

124.5

5

6

Mesa Community College (AZ)

113.5

6

Howard Community College (MD)

96

7

Central Arizona College

104.5

7

Harper College (Illinois)

91

8

Monroe Community College (NY)

97

8

Onondaga CC (NY)

87.5

9

South Plains College (TX)

96

9

Fashion Institute of Tech (NY)

73.5

10

Barton County College (KS)

93.5

10

Montgomery College (MD)

59

10

Oxford College of Emory Univ. (GA)

59

NJCAA ALL-SPORTS STANDINGS

The National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) released the winners of the 2015-2016 NATYCAA Cup and Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup. The NATYCAA Cup represents the most successful overall college athletic programs in the nation for two-year institutions. This program recognizes excellence in two-year college athletics based on success in championship competition.

northlandpioneers.com

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2017 BASEBALL SCHEDULE

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2017 BASEBALL SCHEDULE

DAY

10

DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

Tues.

2/28/17

Century College

US Bank Stadium, Minn., MN

5:00 am

Tues.

2/28/17

Century College

US Bank Stadium, Minn., MN

7:00 am

Fri.

3/3/17

Northern Oklahoma Coll.

Enid, OK

1:00 pm

Fri.

3/3/17

Des Moines Area CC (IA)

Enid, OK

4:00 pm

Sat.

3/4/17

Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa

Tonkawa, OK

Noon

Sat.

3/4/17

Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa

Tonkawa, OK

3:00 pm

Sun.

3/5/17

Rock Valley CC

Dallas, TX

Noon

Sun.

3/5/17

Rock Valley CC

Dallas, TX

3:00 pm

Mon.

3/6/17

North Lake College

Irving, TX

Noon

Mon.

3/6/17

North Lake College

Irving, TX

3:00 pm

Tue.

3/7/17

Eastfield College

Mesquite, TX

Noon

Tue.

3/7/17

Eastfield College

Mesquite, TX

3:00 pm

Wed.

3/8/17

Mountain View College

Dallas, TX

6:00 pm

Thur.

3/9/17

Richland CC

Dallas, TX

Noon

Thur.

3/9/17

Brookhaven CC

Dallas, TX

4:00 pm

Thur.

3/23/17

Presentation College (JV)

Aberdeen, SD

TBA

Thur.

3/23/17

Presentation College (JV)

Aberdeen, SD

TBA

Fri.

3/24/17

Presentation College (JV)

Aberdeen, SD

TBA

Fri.

3/24/17

Presentation College (JV)

Aberdeen, SD

TBA

Sat.

4/1/17

Itasca CC

Worthington, MN

9:30 am

Sat.

4/1/17

MN West CC

Worthington, MN

4:30 pm

Sun.

4/2/17

MN West CC

Worthington, MN

9:30 am

Sun.

4/2/17

Rainy River CC

Worthington, MN

1:00 pm

Fri.

4/14/17

Ridgewater CC

Wilmar, MN

TBA

Fri.

4/14/17

Ridgewater CC

Wilmar, MN

TBA

Sat.

4/15/17

St. Cloud C & T College

St. Cloud, MN

3:00 pm

Sat.

4/15/17

St. Cloud C & T College

St. Cloud, MN

5:00 pm

Wed.

4/19/17

Central Lakes CC

Thief River Falls, MN

TBA

Wed.

4/19/17

Central Lakes CC

Thief River Falls, MN

TBA

Sat.

4/22/17

Univ. of MN Crookston (JV)

Thief River Falls, MN

1:00 pm

Sat.

4/22/17

Univ. of MN Crookston (JV)

Thief River Falls, MN

3:00 pm

Sun.

4/23/17

MN State (FF)

Fergus Falls, MN

TBA

Sun.

4/23/17

MN State (FF)

Fergus Falls, MN

TBA

Tues.

4/25/17

Ridgewater CC

Thief River Falls, MN

TBA

Tues.

4/25/17

Ridgewater CC

Thief River Falls, MN

TBA

Sat.

4/29/17

St. Cloud C & T CC

Thief River Falls, MN

TBA

Sat.

4/29/17

St. Cloud C & T CC

Thief River Falls, MN

TBA

Sun.

4/30/17

Central Lakes CC

Brainerd, MN

TBA

Sun.

4/30/17

Central Lakes CC

Brainerd, MN

TBA

Tues.

5/2/17

Univ. of MN Crookston (JV)

Crookston, MN

3:00 pm

Tues.

5/2/17

Univ. of MN Crookston (JV)

Crookston, MN

5:00 pm

Sat.

5/6/17

MN State FF

Thief River Falls, MN

TBA

Sat.

5/6/17

MN State FF

Thief River Falls, MN

TBA

Th-Su.

5/18-5/21

Region XIII Tournament

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

St. Cloud, MN

TBA

BASEBALL COACHING STAFF Northland Head Baseball Coach

The Dowers coaching resume also includes serving as an assistant coach at Bemidji State University in 1998, where he focused on outfield play and hitting. As the head coach of the Bemidji American Legion program in 1997, Dowers led the team to a third place state finish.

Also a noteworthy baseball camp instructor and clinician, Dowers has been a featured coach with Triple Crown camps in Omaha, Nebraska, the Elite Baseball Academy, and various local clinics and camps.

An outfielder during his collegiate playing career, Dowers played for the Pioneers in 1994 before transferring to University of Wisconsin (Superior) where he played, then onto Bemidji State University where he finished his career as the leadoff hitter for the Beavers. Dowers hit .398 for the Beavers as he led them to the NIC conference championship.

Coach Dowers and daughter Hallie Mae (10), reside in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Dowers is also an owner of Legends Sporting Goods in Thief River Falls.

CAREER COACHING RECORDS COACH

COREY POOLE

Assistant Coach

JOE KUSCHELL Volunteer Assistant

COLE LARSON Volunteer Assistant

XAVIER GONZALES

TERRY WISETH Volunteer Assistant

YEARS

RECORD WINNING %

Barry Dowers

2010-Current

104-158

.397

Brad Evans

2009

17-15

.531

Steve Gust

2005-2008

88-75

.540

Guy Fenstrom

2001-2004

48-80

.375

John Ott

1999-2000

6-45

.118

Chris Mills

1998

8-18

.308

Terry Wiseth

1988-1997

121-147-1

.452

Rick Nelson

1985-1987

14-46

.233

Chet Engelman

1973-1984

68-146

.317

Totals:

1973-2015

459-708-1

.393

northlandpioneers.com

NCTC head coach Barry Dowers enters his eighth season at the helm of the Pioneers baseball program.

The 2015 season marked a major milestone in the Pioneers program when Dower’s club captured the first Minnesota Collegiate Athletic Conference (MCAC) title in school history. The Pioneers also reached the Region XIII championship game where they were defeated by Century College for the right to advance to the NJCAA Division III national championship series. Dowers enters the 2017 season as the head pioneer baseball coach with the second most career wins, trailing only former head coach, Terry Wiseth in that category. The Pioneers also completed back to back twenty plus win seasons in 2014 and 2015; the first time since 2008 and 2009 that the program featured back to back seasons with twenty or more wins. Dowers teams have been characterized by strong pitching and defense.

Prior to taking the reins of the baseball program at Northland, the Thief River Falls native served in the role of assistant softball coach at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, Minnesota for two years before taking the head varsity softball job during the 2008-2009 school year. As the head coach in 2008-2009, Dowers was named the conference Coach of the Year for softball.

BASEBALL COACHING STAFF

BARRY DOWERS

Volunteer Assistant

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NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2017 BASEBALL ROSTER

2017 BASEBALL ROSTER

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NO. 1 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 20 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30

NAME Drew Chesley Joey Koenig Austin Campos Josh Arriaga Dylan Storey Brock Saparto Joe Berberena Aaron Berzinski Blake Fetting Daniel Cortes Seth Desrosier Eddie Lefrooth Gregory Diaz Carolos Turpo Matt Howell Demetree Jest Henry Pesch Matt Lee Lucas Sandsmark Kade Nelson Kenneth Nieves

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

CLASS Soph Soph Fresh Soph Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Soph Fresh Fresh Fresh Soph Fresh Fresh

POSITION 2B/SS RHP/IF 2B RHP/IF 1B RHP/3B/OF RHP/OF OF RHP/SS LHP RHP/OF RHP/OF/C RHP/OF RHP/C/OF LHP OF RHP/OF RHP/OF RHP RHP/IF 1B/C

B/T R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/R L/R R/R R/L R/R R/R R/R R/R R/L R/R L/R R/R R/R R/R R/R

HT. 5’9” 6’ 5’10” 5’10” 5’10” 6’2” 5’10” 5’11” 6’1” 5’10” 6’ 6’1” 6’1” 6’ 6’ 5’10” 5’11” 6’2” 5’11” 6’2” 5’11”

WT. 160 180 230 170 190 215 145 150 230 175 150 200 180 150 195 155 140 170 190 170 200

HOMETOWN Lincoln, NE Crookston, MN East Grand Forks, MN San Antonio, TX Warroad, MN League City, TX Red Lake Falls, MN Thief River Falls, MN Ada, MN Aquadilla, PR Crookston, MN Strandquist, MN Santo Domingo, DR Juana Diaz, PR Badger, MN Ocala, FL Minneota, MN Gary, MN Thief River Falls, MN Thief River Falls, MN Dorado, PR

ADMINISTRATION

HEAD COACH: Barry Dowers

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Richard Speas

ASSISTANT COACH: Corey Poole

ATHLETIC COORDINATOR: Paul Peterson

INFIELD INSTRUCTOR: Zavier Gonzales

PRESIDENT: Dennis Bona

CATCHING & 1B INSTRUCTOR: Cole Larson PITCHING INSTRUCTOR: Joe Kuschell BASERUNNING, BUNTING, & OUTFIELD INSTRUCTOR: Terry Wiseth

northlandpioneers.com

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2017 BASEBALL ROSTER

COACHING STAFF

R e h a b A u t h o r i t y. c o m

KIM ROSENDAHL

PT, MPT, ATC, CERT. MDT

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

13

2017 BASEBALL PREVIEW

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2017 BASEBALL PREVIEW

The Pioneers experienced a disappointing season in many respects in 2016, considering they were coming off a 2015 season that captured the first conference baseball championship in school history.

Northland will also be moving from the Northern Division into the Central Division of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC), which will also feature ST. Cloud Tech, Ridgewater Community College, Minnesota State (Fergus Falls), and Central Lakes Community College.

Returning for the Pioneers in the pitching department is Matt Hill (Badger, MN), who tied for the team lead in wins last year, going 5-3 on the campaign. Other returners for NCTC include Josh Ariaga (San Antonio, TX), an infielder/pitcher who hit .238, Joey Koenig (Crookston, MN), an infielder who hit .219, and Thief River Falls native, Lucas Sandsmark, an outfielder/ pitcher who hit .231 on the year.

Dowers looks to several new recruits to play a role in the Pioneers success this year. Gregory Diaz (Santa Domingo, D.R.) and Joe Berberena (Red Lake Falls, MN) should add depth to the pitching rotation. “Diaz should contribute heavily on the mound, with a lot of innings,” noted Dowers,” he is still a works in progress.” Dowers

1268844_15770

14

3.5x2 4C

looks for Brock Separto (League City, TX) to hit for power and average and fill the clean-up spot for Northland.

Blake Fetting (Ada, MN), will be a major contributor at shortstop, and hit in the top of the order. Hastings College (NE) transfer Drew Chesley could contribute in the middle infield and will continue to upgrade his hitting skills. Catcher Carlos Turpo (Juana Diaz, PR) will anchor the catching position with the type of arm strength that could draw attention from professional clubs, with a 1.79-1.83 pop time. Dowers also looks for Thief River Falls players Kade Nelson and Aaron Berzinski to contribute, with Nelson, a utility infielder, moving to 1B, Berzinski will control centerfield for the Pioneers. “Berzinski has good speed, and some pop in his bat,” noted Dowers, “this will be a learning year for him as he adjusts to the college game.”

Dowers looks for St. Cloud Tech and the Pioneers to be the top two competitors for the central division crown.

“The key for the MCAC teams, will be to see if anyone can knock off perineal power Century College in the Region XIII playoffs,” speculated Dowers. The Pioneers open the season on March 2nd, when they travel to Enid, Oklahoma to take on Northwest Oklahoma in route to Dallas for a full contingency of games.

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2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

1730 3rd St. W • Thief River Falls, MN 8/10/15 2:47 PM

2016 BASEBALL SCHEDULE & RESULTS OPPONENT

SITE

RESULTS

3/4/16

North Arkansas

Harrison, AR

W,2-1

North Arkansas

Harrison, AR

L, 9-7

Rock Valley College

Dallas, TX

W, 5-4

3/6/16

Rock Valley College

Dallas, TX

L,5-4

3/7/16

North Lake CC

Dallas, TX

L, 15-0

3/7/16

North Lake CC

Dallas, TX

L, 9-3

3/25/16

Presentation College JV

Aberdeen, SD

W, 5-3

3/25/16

Presentation College JV

Aberdeen, SD

W, 9-3

3/25/16

Presentation College JV

Aberdeen, SD

W, 10-7

3/29/16

UM Crookston JV

Crookston, MN

L, 5-4

3/29/16

UM Crookston JV

Crookston, MN

L, 6-0

4/9/16

MN State FF

Fergus Falls, MN

W, 5-2

4/9/16

MN State FF

Fergus Falls, MN

L, 11-10

4/13/16

MN State FF

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 4-3

4/13/16

MM State FF

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 4-0

4/16/16

Minnesota West CC

Worthington, MN

L, 5-3

4/16/16

Minnesota West CC

Worthington, MN

L, 10-5

4/17/16

Minnesota West CC

Worthington, MN

L, 8-0

4/17/16

Minnesota West CC

Worthington, MN

L, 8-1

4/20/16

Itasca CC

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 11-0

4/20/16

Itasca CC

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 7-6

4/23/16

Vermilion CC

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 14-1

4/23/16

Vermilion CC

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 11-1

4/30/16

Rainy River CC

International Falls, MN

L, 5-2

4/30/16

Rainy River CC

International Falls, MN

L, 8-7

5/1/16

Hibbing CC

Hibbing, MN

W, 12-1

5/1/16

Hibbing CC

Hibbing, MN

W, 12-0

5/7/16

Mesabi Range CC

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 18-1

5/7/16

Mesabi Range CC

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 3-1

5/8/16

Mesabi Range CC

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 9-4

5/8/16

Mesabi Range CC

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 10-0

5/13/16

Mesabi Range CC*

Virginia, MN

L, 5-1

5/13/16

Mesabi Range CC*

Virginia, MN

W, 6-2

5/14/16

Mesabi Range CC*

Virginia, MN

W, 7-1

5/19/16

Century College#

St. Cloud, MN

L, 6-0

5/19/16

Anoka-Ramsey CC#

St. Cloud, MN

L, 5-1

northlandpioneers.com

3/4/16 3/6/16

2016 BASEBALL SCHEDULE & RESULTS

DATE

*MCAC Conference Tournament # Region XIII tournament ##Region XIII tournament championship game

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

15

MEN’S BASEBALL HISTORY 2016 MCAC NORTHERN DIVISION STANDINGS

BASEBALL HISTORY

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

(Regular Season Standings)

SEASON SEASON WINS LOSSES

DIV. WINS

DIV. LOSSES

1. Itasca

25

23

8

2

2. Rainy River

25

18

7

3

3. Mesabi Range

18

22

6

4

3. Northland

15

21

6

4

5. Vermilion

8

25

3

7

6. Hibbing

1

31

0

10

TEAM

Best Single Season Record: Winning % .641 - Coach Barry Dowers: 2015 - (25-14) Most Wins in a Single Season: 27 - Coach Steve Gust: 2008 (27-18) Career Win Leaders: 121 - Terry Wiseth 104 - Barry Dowers 88 - Steve Gust 68 - Chet Engleman

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2015-2016 PIONEER BASEBALL RESULTS

16

OVERALL RECORD

%

CONFERENCE

%

HOME

AWAY

NEUTRAL

15-21

.417

6-5

.545

6-4

8-14

1-3

NORTHLAND PIONEERS BASEBALL HISTORY SEASON

RECORD

COACH

SEASON

RECORD

COACH

2016

15-21

Barry Dowers

1993

11-16-1

Terry Wiseth

2015

25-15

Barry Dowers

1992

13-13

Terry Wiseth

2014

21-24

Barry Dowers

1991

12-12

Terry Wiseth

2013

11-23

Barry Dowers

1990

14-10

Terry Wiseth

2012

13-27

Barry Dowers

1989

6-18

Terry Wiseth

2011

11-18

Barry Dowers

1988

9-17

Terry Wiseth

2010

8-30

Barry Dowers

1987

5-16

Rick Nelson

2009

17-15

Brad Evans

1986

6-13

Rick Nelson

2008

27-18

Steve Gust

1985

3-17

Rick Nelson

2007

20-18

Steve Gust

1984

2-14

Chet Engelman

2006

21-20

Steve Gust

1983

12-7

Chet Engelman

2005

20-19

Steve Gust

1982

6-14

Chet Engelman

2004

11-22

Guy Finstrom

1981

3-13

Chet Engelman

2003

11-22

Guy Finstrom

1980

12-8

Chet Engelman

2002

14-16

Guy Finstrom

1979

2-10

Chet Engelman

2001

12-20

Guy Finstrom

1978

5-9

Chet Engelman

2000

5-26

John Ott

1977

4-10

Chet Engelman

1999

1-19

John Ott

1976

2-18

Chet Engelman

1998

8-18

Chris Mills

1975

5-11

Chet Engelman

1997

14-17

Terry Wiseth

1974

6-5

Chet Engelman

1996

8-18

Terry Wiseth

1973

9-6

Chet Engelman

1995

13-15

Terry Wiseth

1973-2015

459-708-1

Nine Coaches

1994

21-11

Terry Wiseth

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

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2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

17

NJCAA CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE 18

NJCAA NATIONAL BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY DIVISION II Champion

Year

DIVISION I Champion

1992

Essex CC (MD)

1993

Yavapai College (AZ)

1993

Massasoit CC (MA)

1994

Galveston CC (TX)

1994

Lincoln Land CC (IL)

1995

Middle Georgia State (GA)

1995

Potomac State College (WV)

1996

Northeast Texas CC (TX)

1996

Grand Rapids CC (MI)

1997

Cowley CCC (KS)

1997

Grand Rapids CC (MI)

1998

Cowley CCC (KS)

1998

Jefferson Davis CC (AL)

Year

1999

Grayson CC (TX)

1999

Kishwaukee CC (IL)

2000

Grayson CC (TX)

2000

Lincoln Land (IL)

2001

North Central Texas (TX)

2001

Delaware Tech & CC (DE)

2002

Central Arizona (AZ)

2002

Parkland College (IL)

2003

Community College of So. Nevada (NV)

2003

Grand Rapids CC (MI)

2004

Dixie State College (UT)

2004

Grand Rapids CC (MI)

2005

New Mexico JC (NM)

2005

Grand Rapids CC (MI)

2006

Walters State CC (TN)

2006

Louisiana State Univ. (LA)

2007

Chipola College (FL)

2007

Longview CC (MO)

2008

Grayson CC (TX)

2008

Louisiana State U.-Eunice (LA)

2009

Howard College (TX)

2009

Parkland College (IL)

2010

Iowa Western CC (IA)

2010

Louisiana State U.-Eunice (LA)

2011

Navarro College (TX)

2011

Western Oklahoma State (OK)

2012

Iowa Western CC (IA)

2012

Louisiana State U.-Eunice (LA)

2013

Central Alabama (AL)

2013

Murray State College (OK)

2014

Iowa Western CC (IA)

2014

Mesa CC (AZ)

2015

Northwest Florida State (FL)

2015

Louisiana State U.-Eunice (LA)

DIVISION III

DIVISION III

Year

Champion

Year

Champion

1992

Gloucester CC (NJ)

2004

Richland College (TX)

1993

Gloucester CC (NJ)

2005

Gloucester CC (NJ)

1994

Joliet Junior College (IL)

2006

Eastfield College (TX)

1995

Madison Area Tech. C. (WI)

2007

Tyler Junior College (TX)

1996

Madison Area Tech. C. (WI)

2008

Joliet Junior College (IL)

1997

Madison Area Tech. C. (WI)

2009

Richland College (TX)

1998

Norwalk Comm. & Tech C. (CT)

2010

Gloucester CC (NJ)

1999

Gloucester CC (NJ)

2011

Eastfield College (TX)

2000

Gloucester CC (NJ)

2012

Joliet Junior College (IL)

2001

Eastfield College (TX)

2013

Gloucester CC (NJ)

2002

Richland College (TX)

2014

Tyler Junior College (TX)

2003

Richland College (TX)

2015

Tyler Junior College (TX)

2016

Tyler Junior College (TX)

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

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2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

19

MEET THE PIONEERS

MEET THE PIONEERS - BASEBALL

6

13

Year: Soph.

Height: 5’10” Position: RHP/IF Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’10” Position: LHP Hometown: Aquadilla, PR

10

14

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’10” Position: RHP/OF Hometown: Red Lake Falls, MN

Year: Fresh.

Height: 6’0” Position: RHP/OF Hometown: Crookston, MN

11

20

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’11” Position: OF Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN

Year: Fresh.

Height: 6’1” Position: RHP/OF Hometown: Santo Domingo, DR

5

12

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’10” Position: 2B Hometown: East Grand Forks, MN

Year: Fresh.

Height: 6’1” Position: RHP/SS Hometown: Ada, MN

1

23

Year: Soph.

Height: 5’9” Position: 2B/SS Hometown: Lincoln, NE

Year: Soph.

Height: 6’0” Position: LHR Hometown: Badger, MN

JOSH ARRIAGA

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

JOE BERBERENA

20

AARON BERZINSKI

AUSTIN CAMPOS

DREW CHESLEY

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

DANIEL CORTES

SETH DESROSIER

GREGORY DIAZ

BLAKE FETTING

MATT HOWELL

MEET THE PIONEERS - BASEBALL

30

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’10” Position: OF Hometown: Ocala, FL

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’11” Position: 1B/C Hometown: Dorado, PR

4

26

Year: Soph.

Height: 6’0” Position: RHP/IF Hometown: Crookston, MN

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’11” Position: RHP/OF Hometown: Minneota, MN

27

28

Year: Fresh.

Height: 6’2” Position: RHP/OF Hometown: Gary, MN

Year: Soph.

Height: 5’11” Position: RHP Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN

17

9

Year: Fresh.

Height: 6’1” Position: RHP/OF/C Hometown: Strandquist, MN

Year: Fresh.

Height: 6’2” Position: RHP/3B/OF Hometown: League City, TX

29

7

Year: Fresh.

Height: 6’2” Position: RHP/IF Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’10” Position: 1B Hometown: Warroad, MN

DEMETREE JEST

JOEY KOENIG

MATT LEE

KADE NELSON

HENRY PESCH

LUCAS SANDSMARK

BROCK SAPARTO

northlandpioneers.com

EDDIE LEFROOTH

KENNETH NIEVES

MEET THE PIONEERS

24

DYLAN STOREY

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

21

MEET THE PIONEERS

MEET THE PIONEERS - BASEBALL

22

Red shirt

Year: Fresh.

Height: 6’1” Position: RHP/C/OF Hometown: Juana Diaz, PR

Year: Soph.

Height: 6’2” Position: RHP Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Red shirt

Red shirt

Year: Fresh.

Height: 6’3” Position: OF Hometown: Warroad, MN

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’9” Position: Catcher Hometown: Cavalier, ND

CARLOS TURPO

JARED RUSHING

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

TANNER CHRISTIAN

NOAH ZIMMERMAN

Red shirt COLTEN HICKS

Year: Fresh.

Height: 6’2” Position: RHP/OF Hometown: Dunlap, IA

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Committed to healthy outcomes with these great services:

Red shirt

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Year: Fresh Height: 5’9” Position: RHP Hometown: West Fargo, ND

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Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’10” Position: LF Hometown: Tampa, FL

Synchronized Prescription Refill Service.

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Store Hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm • Sat: 8:30am - 5:30pm • Sun: Closed

22

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

218-681-0413

201 E Third Street Box 639 Thief River Falls, MN 56701

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2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

23

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2016 SOFTBALL RESULTS

2016 SOFTBALL RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

SITE

3/16

Rochester CC

Rosemount, MN

L, 23-0

3/16

Mesabi Range CC

Rosemount, MN

L, 33-0

3/16

Itasca CC

Rosemount, MN

L, 25-0

3/17

Mesabi Range CC

Rosemount, MN

L, 13-0

3/17

Rainy River

Rosemount, MN

L, 29-0

3/25

Riverland CC

Rochester, MN

L, 18-1

3/25

St. Cloud Tech

Rochester, MN

L, 16-0

3/26

Ridgewater CC

Austin, MN

L, 20-3

3/26

Minnesota West CC

Austin, MN

L, 17-0

4/13

Itasca

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 11-1

4/13

Itasca

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 18-2

4/16

Central Lake CC

Brainerd, MN

L, 12-3

4/16

Central Lakes CC

Brainerd, MN

L, 23-1

4/23

Mesabi Range CC

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 9-0

4/23

Mesabi Range CC

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 11-1

4/26

Vermilion CC

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 11-3

4/26

Vermilion CC

Thief River Falls, MN

L, 14-4

4/27

Hibbing CC

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 13-4

4/27

Hibbing CC

Thief River Falls, MN

W, 9-8

4/30

Mesabi Range CC

Grand Rapids, MN (Conference Tourney)

L, 20-1

4/30

Central Lakes CC

Grand Rapids, MN (Conference Tourney)

L, 11-0

Overall Record: 2-19 MCAC Record: 2-10 TEAM OFFENSIVE TOTAL Runs Scored: 49 (2.3 runs per game) TEAM DEFENSIVE TOTAL Runs Scored by Opposition: 348 (16.6 per game) Team Batting Avg.: .199 Team ERA: 19.00

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24

RESULTS

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

ATM ATM Available!

2017 SOFTBALL SCHEDULE OPPONENT

SITE

TIME

Delta College (JC)

Orlando, FL

1:00 p.m.

3/8

Mercyhurst North East (JC)

Orlando, FL

9:00 a.m.

3/8

Mercyhurst North East

Orlando, FL

11:30 a.m.

3/10

Mesabi Range CC

Lakeland, FL

10:00 a.m.

3/10

Mesabi Range CC

Lakeland, FL

12:30 p.m.

3/11

Rowan College CC (NJ)

Orlando, FL

1:00 p.m.

3/11

Marshalltown CC

Orlando, FL

10:00 a.m.

3/24

St. Cloud Technical College

Rochester, MN

5:00 p.m.

3/24

Anoka Ramsey CC

Rochester, MN

7:00 p.m.

3/24

MN State (FF) CC

Rochester, MN

9:00 p.m.

3/25

Ridgewater CC

Rochester, MN

11:00 a.m.

3/25

Riverland CC

Rochester, MN

3:00 p.m.

4/9

Dakota College

Thief River Falls, MN 1:00 p.m.

4/9

Dakota College

Thief River Falls, MN 3:00 p.m.

4/15

Bill McBride Memorial Tourn.

Grand Rapids, MN

TBA

4/19

Itasca CC

Grand Rapids, MN

3:00 p.m.

4/19

Itasca CC

Grand Rapids, MN

5:00 p.m.

4/22

Central Lakes CC

Thief River Falls, MN Noon

4/22

Central Lakes CC

Thief River Falls, MN 2:00 p.m.

4/26

Rainy River CC

Thief River Falls, MN 3:00 p.m.

4/26

Rainy River CC

Thief River Falls, MN 5:00 p.m.

4/29

Vermilion CC

Ely, MN

Noon

4/29

Vermilion CC

Ely, MN

2:00 p.m.

4/30

Mesabi Range CC

Virginia, MN

Noon

4/30

Mesabi Range CC

Virginia, MN

2:00 p.m.

5/3

Hibbing CC

Hibbing, MN

3:00 p.m.

5/3

Hibbing CC

Hibbing, MN

5:00 p.m.

5/6

MCAC Northern Div. Tourn.

Brainerd, MN

TBA

5/11

Region XIII Tournament

TBA

TBA

5/185/20

NJCAA National Tournament

Rochester, MN

TBA

northlandpioneers.com

3/7

2017 SOFTBALL SCHEDULE

DATE

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

25

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

SOFTBALL COACHING STAFF

SOFTBALL COACHING STAFF PAUL PETERSON

Northland Softball Head Coach

While entering his first year as the head softball coach, Paul Peterson is no stranger to Pioneer athletics.

Serving as the assistant athletic coordinator from 2001-2008, Peterson has served as the athletic coordinator since 2008.

Peterson also spent three years as an assistant women’s basketball coach.

Playing an active role in recruiting, the Northland women’s basketball team qualified for the national tournament in 2006-2007. Peterson replaces Travis Martin who went 2-19 during his only year at the helm of the Pioneer program.

Peterson will have a formable task ahead in generating a winning tradition at Northland, considering the program has only experienced nine winning seasons in their 43 year history.“ Peterson’s connection to the coaches in the region and his passion for Northland should fuel the kind of recruiting that is needed to build the Pioneer softball program into an MCAC Northern Division contender on a regular basis,” assessed Northland athletic director, Richard Speas. The Pioneers also competed in their first fall softball contests in 2016, breaking ground for a more competitive program.

CASSIE BERG

Assistant Coach

A former standout in basketball and softball for the Pioneers, Cassie (Gunderson) Berg enters her fourth year as an assistant for the Pioneer softball program.

KATHY HUSCHLE

Volunteer Assistant

Huschle brings a vast amount of experience with her to the Pioneer softball program. With eleven years at the helm of the Northland softball program, Huschle holds the record for most career wins with 137. Huschle also teaches in the natural sciences department at Northland Community and Technical College.

KENTON D. KAINZ, D.C.

A long time fixture in the Thief River Falls community, Peterson has served as the general manager for the TRF baseball association, and has been active in the Thief River Falls softball association for over 10 years.

An active member of the Thief River Falls Booster Club, Peterson has been a key in helping to make improvements in the community and college baseball and softball facilities Coach Peterson earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bemidji State University (MN) in Sports Management with a business administration minor.

Peterson, his wife Becky, and children Megan and Kayla reside in Thief River Falls.

1302 MAIN AVENUE N PO BOX 146 THIEF R IVER FALLS, MN 56701

218-681-5537

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2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

2017 SOFTBALL PREVIEW

Peterson looks to be solid defensively, but knows hitting is still a question mark with a lot of freshmen new to the college game. One of the biggest challenges for the Pioneers will be to develop some pitching. “Refining our control, and throwing strikes will enhance our opportunities for success,” noted Peterson.

Key returners for the Pioneers include Avery Azure (Thief River Falls, MN), Julie Martinson (Thief River Falls, MN), Hanna Rolf (McIntosh, MN), and Megan Olson (Roseau, MN). Azure (.304) led the club in hitting last year and can play multiple positions, including both ends of the battery. Martinson has returned after playing in 2015, and should see some time at shortstop, third base, and the outfield. Rolf who was new to the game last year, has made significant strides and is a utility player. Olson, also returns as a utility player who gained valuable playing time last season. “All of our returners have an excellent work ethic and are very coachable,” assessed Peterson.

The Pioneers will focus on Peterson’s defensive mantra, always get an out. “We might give up runs at times, but we need to guarantee an out. A missed opportunity to get an out is like a turnover in basketball or football”, quipped Peterson.

Last year’s Northern Division champion Central Lakes will be the front runner in the division race this year according to Peterson, with Mesabi Range, Rainy River, and Itasca in the hunt as well. “With Central Lakes competing in the national tournament last year, it give them a nice recruiting edge,” Peterson noted.

On the national frond, look for Rock Valley CC (Illinois), who went 49-9 in 2016, and won its third consecutive national title to be the heads on favorite for the 2017 national crown. Rochester Community and Technical College in Rochester, Minnesota is slated to host the 2017 NJCAA Division III national championship May 18-20.

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

northlandpioneers.com

Newcomers to the Pioneer program include Emily Hestekind, Emily Anderson, Mattlyn Erickson, Jaden Dahl, Lauren Carter, Katie Steer, and Adrianna Vasek.

Hestekind (Newfolden, MN), a slapper with some power was a medical redshirt last year and will be a major

contributor as a middle infielder. Anderson (Greenbush, MN), will most likely split time between shortstop and outfield and hit in the top portion of the order. Peterson also looks for Erickson (Thief River Falls, MN), a southpaw to contribute as a pitcher and see time at first base.

Dahl (Baudette, MN) should contribute behind the plate and in the infield. Cather Lauren Carter (Thompson, ND) will add depth behind the plate for the Pioneers.

East Grand Forks native, Katie Steer will handle middle infield chores, and Adrianna Vasek (Fisher, MN) will see time in the outfield.

2017 SOFTBALL PREVIEW

The Pioneers are coming off a 2-19 record for the 2016 spring campaign, and a sixth place finish in the MCAC Northern Division. The new Pioneer skipper, Paul Peterson is counting on some key returners and some new comers to move the program forward in 2017.

27

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2017 SOFTBALL ROSTER

2017 SOFTBALL ROSTER

28

#

NAME

CLASS

POS.

B/T

HT.

HOMETOWN

PREVIOUS SCHOOL

3

Adrianna Vasek

FR

IF/OF

R/R

5’6”

Fisher, MN

Fisher HS

4

Katie Steer

FR

IF

R/R

5”5”

East Grand Forks, MN

East Grand Forks HS

5

Jaiden Dahl

FR

IF/C

R/R

5’5”

Baudette, MN

Lake of the Woods

6

Emily Anderson

FR

IF/Of

L/R

5’5”

Greenbush, MN

BGMR HS

7

Emily Hestekind

SO

IF

L/R

5’9”

Newfolden, MN

Marshall Co Central HS

8

Megan Olson

SO

OF

R/R

5’5”

Roseau, MN

Roseau HS

9

Hannah Rolf

SO

IF/OF

R/R

5’10” McIntosh, MN

Win-E-Mac HS

15

Julie Martinson

SO

IF

S/R

5’5”

Thief River Falls, MN

Lincoln HS

20

Miranda Opdahl

FR

IF/OF

L/L

5’9”

Thief River Falls, MN

Lincoln HS

21

Avery Azure

SO

P/Utility R/R

5’6”

Thief River Falls, MN

Lincoln HS

28

Lauren Carter

FR

C

R/R

5’3”

Thompson, ND

Thompson HS

30

Megan Swedberg

FR

3B/1B

R/R

5’11”

Ogema, MN

Ogema HS

34

Sydney Beaulieu

FR

IF/OF

L/L

5’4”

Red Lake, MN

Red Lake HS

Head Coach: Paul Peterson Assistant Coach: Cassie Berg Volunteer Assistant Coach: Kathy Huschle

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

2015-2016 MINNESOTA COLLEGE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE STANDINGS: NORTHERN DIVISION OVERALL LOSSES

DIVISION WINS

DIVISION LOSSES

1. Central Lakes

21

5

11

1

2. Rainy River

28

11

10

2

3. Mesabi Range

18

16

8

4

4. Itasca

11

21

7

5

5. Vermilion

6

18

4

8

6. Northland

2

19

2

10

7. Hibbing

1

24

0

12

(And a free, hot breakfast.)

Our promise to you: a comfortable room, the amenities you want most—and the best overall value you can find.

NJCAA DIVISION III NATIONAL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS BY YEAR: YEAR

CHAMPION

YEAR

CHAMPION

Americinn.com | 800.634.3444

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

YEAR

CHAMPION

Corning (NY)

2004

College of DuPage (IL)

2011

Gloucester County CC (NJ)

1998

College of DuPage (IL)

2005

Brookdale College (NJ)

2012

Gloucester County (NJ)

1999

Delta College (MI)

2006

Monroe CC (NY)

2013

Herkimer County (NY)

2000

College of DuPage (IL)

2007

Monroe CC (NY)

2014

Rock Valley College (IL)

2001

College of DuPage (IL)

2008

Monroe CC (NY)

2015

Rock Valley College (IL)

2002

Brookdale College (NJ)

2009

Tompkins Cortland (NY)

2016

Rock Valley College (IL)

2003

Anne Arundel College (MD)

2010

Brookdale College (NY)

MEET THE PIONEERS - SOFTBALL

6

34

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’5” Position: SS/P Hometown: Middle River, MN

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’4” Position: Utility Hometown: Red Lake, MN

21

28

Year: Soph.

Height: 5’6” Position: P/1B Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’3” Position: C Hometown: Thompson, ND

AVERY AZURE

SYDNEY BEAULIEU

northlandpioneers.com

1997

EMILY ANDERSON

2015-2016 MCAC STANDINGS

OVERALL WINS

TEAM

Proud supporter of a vibrant community.

LAUREN CARTER

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

29

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

MEET THE PIONEERS - SOFTBALL

MEET THE PIONEERS - SOFTBALL

30

5

9

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’5” Position: 1B/C Hometown: Baudette, MN

Year: Soph.

Height: 5’10” Position: OF Hometown: McIntosh, MN

7

4

Year: Soph.

Height: 5’9” Position: 2B Hometown: Newfolden, MN

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’5” Position: Utility Hometown: East Grand Forks, MN

15

30

Year: Soph.

Height: 5’5” Position: 3rd/SS Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’11” Position: 3rd/1st Hometown: Ogema, MN

8

3

Year: Soph.

Height: 5’5” Position: OF Hometown: Roseau, MN

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’6” Position: CF Hometown: Fisher, MN

JAIDEN DAHL

EMILY HESTEKIND

JULIE MARTINSON

MEGAN OLSON

20

MIRANDA OPDAHL

Year: Fresh.

Height: 5’9” Position: OF Hometown: Thief River Falls, MN

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

HANNAH ROLF

KATIE STEER

MEGAN SWEDBERG

ADRIANA VASEK

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

SOFTBALL HISTORY

RECORD

COACH

YEAR

RECORD

COACH

2016

2-19

Travis Martin

1993

1-15

Rick Nikunen

2015

6-21

Kathy Huschle

1992

0-17

Sue Barnd

2014

12-16

Kathy Huschle

1991

6-16

Sue Barnd

2013

0-12

Kathy Huschle

1990

1-9

Sue Barnd

1989

No team due to lack of players

Jodi Bendickson

1988

16-11

Patty Chiodo

1987

13-9

Patty Chiodo

1986

10-8

Paul Williams

1985

No team due to lack of players

Deb Jacobsen

13-19

Merle Johnson

2011

13-20

Merle Johnson

2010

6-26

Guy Finstrom

2009

24-19

Kathy Huschle

2008

12-20

Kathy Huschle

2007

6-20

Kathy Huschle

2006

19-23

Kathy Huschle

2005

24-15

Kathy Huschle

2004

11-20

Kathy Huschle

1984

2-14

Deb Jacobsen

2003

16-15

Kathy Huschle/Dan Zubich

1983

3-15

Deb Jacobsen

2002

7-14

Kathy Huschle/Dan Zubich

1982

12-10

Deb Jacobsen

2001

8-19

Rick Nikunen

1981

9-10

Deb Jacobsen

2000

16-16

Rick Nikunen

1980

7-17

Deb Jacobsen

1999

11-17

Rick Nikunen

1979

3-5

Deb Jacobsen

1998

25-13

Rick Nikunen

1978

11-13

Deb Jacobsen

1997

17-15

Rick Nikunen

1977

12-10

Deb Jacobsen

No records

Deb Jacobsen

1996

12-14

Rick Nikunen

1976

1995

10-17

Rick Nikunen

1975

No records

Deb Jacobsen

1994

4-17

Rick Nikunen

1974

No records

Deb Jacobsen

SOFTBALL COACHING RECORDS HEAD COACH

YEARS

RECORD

WINNING %

Travis Martin

2016

2-19

.095

Kathy Huschle

2013-2105; 2002-2009

137-195

.413

Merle Johnson

2011-2012

26-39

.400

Guy Finstrom

2010

6-26

.188

Dan Zubich

2002-2003

23-29

.442

Rick Nikunen

1993-2001

104-143

.421

Sue Barnd

1990-1992

7-42

.143

Jodi Bendickson

1989

0-0

.000

Patty Chiodo

1987-1988

29-20

.592

Paul Williams

1986

10-8

.555

Deb Jacobsen

1974-1985

59-94

.386

northlandpioneers.com

2012

SOFTBALL HISTORY

YEAR

MOST WINS IN A SINGLE SEASON: 25- 1998- Coach Rick Nikunen MOST CAREER WINS: 137- Kathy Huschl HIGHEST CAREER WINNING % .592- Patty Chiodo (29-20)

2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE

31

ADVERTISEMENTS NORTHLAND COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

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2017 SPRING MEDIA GUIDE