Dakota Athletic Conference

The DAC is a member of the NAIA and promotes sportsmanship and well-rounded athletic programs that contribute to the total education process of each athlete.

News Archives 2003-2004

July 08, 2004

(Mayville, ND) -- Mayville State University has named Mike Moore its interim athletic director. Moore assumes his duties in the athletic department on August 1. He replaces Terry Layton, who announced his resignation as athletic director last week. "I am very pleased that Mike has accepted this very important position," said Mayville State University President Pamela Balch. "Mike brings a strong athletic background to this position as well as tremendous interpersonal skills. He is well known and respected by our regional high school coaches and administrators as well as DAC school personnel. He will also bring solid mentorship to our student athletes." In addition to serving as interim athletic director, Moore retains his current responsibilities as Mayville State's Assistant Director of Development and Executive Director of Comet Athletic Club. "One of the strong advantages is the logical connection between our Comet Athletic Club and the leadership of our coaches," added Balch. "We anticipate that Mike will be able to increase athletic fund-raising to levels never experienced at Mayville State University." Moore has been with the Mayville State University Foundation since January 2003. His association with Mayville State began as an assistant football coach for the Comets from 1986 to 1988. He was the Comets' head football coach from 1990-1993. Under Moore's guidance in 1990, Mayville State won its last football conference title, finishing the season 9-1. It is also the last winning season the Comets have experienced on the gridiron. Following his last season as coach, Moore went into private business until joining the MSU Foundation. No timeline has yet been set to find a permanent athletic director.


July 02, 2004

(Mayville, ND) -- Mayville State University athletic director Terry Layton announced that he will resign from his current position effective August 1, 2004. Layton has been the athletic director at Mayville State since June 2002.

"I want to thank you for all your help during the two years that I have been athletic director at MSU," Layton stated. "I have resigned effective August first to pursue other opportunities in the west close to our families. Good luck with all the projects and dreams here at MSU."

During Layton’s tenure, the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse was renovated to include a new wood floor, bleachers, scoreboards, sound system and other amenities, a Sports and Fitness Center recreational facility on campus will be completed in September, and a men’s and women’s soccer program was developed and will begin play this fall.

In addition to his duties as athletic director, Layton served as the men’s basketball coach for the Comets the last two seasons before resigning those duties at the end of the season.

Prior to his coming to Mayville State, Layton was head coach of the Billings (MT) Rimrockers of the International Basketball Association. He also served as head coach at other NAIA, NCAA Div. II and junior college teams and has coached numerous international teams.


June 22, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) – In it’s four years of existence, the Dakota Athletic Conference has become one of the most competitive and respected conferences in the NAIA, an organization with more than 300 schools in 27 conferences.

Since becoming a conference in the 2000-01 school year, the DAC has had four national champions and many teams competing at a high level in national competition. Dickinson State won the 2000 national championship in volleyball, Minot State captured back-to-back national crowns in men’s cross country in 2002 and 2003 and Dickinson State grabbed a national title in men’s outdoor track and field in 2004 after finishing as runner-up in 2003.

In the 2003-04 school year alone, the DAC had two national championship teams and several others competing for national titles. The DAC had two teams in the national football playoffs (Dickinson State and the University of Mary), two teams at the national volleyball tournament (Dickinson State and Si Tanka University at Huron), the national champion and runner-up in men’s cross country (Minot State and Black Hills State), one team in the top ten in women’s cross country (Black Hills State), three teams at the national tournament in women’s basketball (University of Mary, Minot State and Dickinson State), two teams at the men’s national basketball tournament (Jamestown College and Dickinson State), three teams in the top twenty of the national wrestling tournament (University of Mary, Dickinson State and Jamestown College), three teams in the top twenty in men’s indoor track (Black Hills State, Dickinson State and the University of Mary) and women’s indoor track (University of Mary, Black Hills State and Dickinson State), four teams in the regional tournament in both baseball (Jamestown College, Dickinson State, Dakota State and Mayville State) and softball (Unversity of Mary, Minot State, Dickinson State and Mayville State), the national champion and one other in the top ten at the men’s outdoor meet (Dickinson State and Minot State), one team in the top ten at the women’s outdoor track meet (University of Mary), one team in the fnal eight at women's soccer tournament (University of Mary), a men's soccer team in the final sixteen (Si Tanka University at Huron) and teams qualified for the national golf tournaments (Minot State men and Dickinson State women).

Along with quality competition on the national scene, the DAC has had balanced competition within the conference with every school capturing at least one conference title in the four years of the league’s existence. The University of Mary leads the way with twenty conference championships (2 women’s basketball, 4 women’s indoor track, 3 women’s outdoor track, 4 softball, 2 football, 4 men’s indoor track, 1 men’s outdoor track). Dickinson State is second with twelve (4 volleyball, 2 women’s golf, 1 women’s basketball, 2 football, 1 men’s basketball, 2 men’s outdoor track) followed by Black Hills State with eight (4 women’s cross country, 3 men’s cross country, 1 women’s outdoor track), Jamestown College with six (3 men’s basketball, 1 men’s outdoor track, 2 baseball), Minot State with five (1 football, 1 men’s cross country, 3 men’s golf), Si Tanka University at Huron (1 football, 1 men’s basketball) and Mayville State (2 baseball) with two apiece and Dakota State (women’s basketball), South Dakota Tech (women’s basketball) and Valley City State (football) each with one title.

The conference has also seen athletes excel in the classroom. In the 2003-04 school year, more than thirty percent of athletes in the conference were named DAC Scholar-Athletes by earning a 3.25 grade point average.

With a solid foundation of competitive programs, several schools are looking to the future with the consideration of adding sports. Conference schools are considering adding cross country, soccer, golf, track and field and swimming to their athletic departments.

Conference Commissioner LaVern Jessen is proud of the accomplishments of the conference, stating, "The DAC has earned a great deal of respect from other NAIA schools in the four years of its existence. The conference has ten members that all sponsor solid programs in several sports and I have confidence that the conference's schools will continue to be contenders for national championships in future years."


June 22, 2004

(Madison, SD) -- Dakota State University President Dr. Doug Knowlton has announced the selection of Gene Wockenfuss as Interim Athletic Director. He will fill the position created by the resignation of Dr. Tom Gioglio. Gioglio has accepted the role of Athletic Director at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. Nate Holtz will replace Wockenfuss as interim Head Football Coach.

A 1983 graduate of Dakota State, Wockenfuss has been Head Football Coach at DSU since 2002. “After twenty two years of coaching, I’m excited about trying something new,” Wockenfuss said of his appointment. “My passion is with all athletics, and always has been. Dakota State University is on the move, and I’m excited about being in a position to make a difference with all the sports programs.”

One of the transitions the department will face is the change in head football coaches during the interim period, but Wockenfuss is pleased with Holtz filling those shoes. “Coach Holtz shares many of my aspiration and goals for the team and for DSU. We have a very competent coaching staff within all our sports so I am confident it will be a smooth adjustment for all.”

Nate Holtz has been the Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator as well as the strength and conditioning coach for the DSU football program since 2002. He is also an instructor in the Fitness & Wellness program at DSU.

Coach Holtz graduated from Doane College in December, 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. He received his Master of Science degree from Bemidji State University in Sports Studies in May of 2000.

The goals Wockenfuss refers to include providing a quality experience for young people, which will ultimately guide their future endeavors. “I expect each program to create an environment that is built around integrity, a strong work ethic, and a continued pursuit of championship level of play,” said Wockenfuss. “I feel the time is ripe for more of our alumni to step forward and be involved with the building of our championship programs. My first responsibility will be to connect with our alums and let them know how they can be a part of this exciting path to success.”

Along with the changes in administrative and coaching staffs, Dakota State also announced the formation of the Athletic Strategic Planning Committee. This committee will be chaired by Dr. Judy Dittman, Associate Professor of Physical Education and Exercise Science at the university. The committee will be reviewing the entire structure of the athletic program at DSU and bring recommendations to President Knowlton.


June 22, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Jamestown College is the recipient of the 2003-04 DAC Academic Honor Award. The award is presented to the school with the highest percentage of athletes honored as DAC Scholar-Athletes.

In order to be honored by the conference, a student-athlete must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or better for a semester in which he/she participates in a conference sponsored sport.


June 16, 2004

(Minot, ND) -- Scott Simmons, Minot State University’s Head Track & Field and Cross Country Coach, has recently accepted the head track and cross country coaching position at Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, VA. Virginia Intermont is an NAIA school with an enrollment of approximately 1000 students and competes in the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

Simmons has served as the head track and cross country coach for the Beavers for the past three seasons. Simmons led the MSU men’s cross country team to back to back national titles the last two seasons.

"Scott will be greatly missed. He has great knowledge of track and field, especially in the distance areas. He always seemed to get his athletes to peak at the right time," stated MSU Athletic Director Rick Hedberg.

"It’s the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make but I think it’s the best for my family. As for Minot State, I really feel the programs will just continue to get better and better and that is very important to me," stated Simmons.

Other accomplishments for track and field and cross country included a 7^th place finish by the men’s outdoor track and field team this past year. The MSU women finished 22^nd overall. Simmons coached two NAIA Individual Champions and his athletes gained 45 All-American awards during his time at MSU. Simmon’s teams also performed well in the classroom as he coached 12 Academic All-Americans and the 2002 men’s cross country team was named as an Academic All-American team.

A search for a replacement for Simmons will begin immediately.


June 07, 2004

(Madison, SD) -- After four years at Dakota State University, Athletic Director Dr. Tom Gioglio has announced his resignation. Gioglio has accepted the Athletic Director position at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. East Stroudsburg sponsors nineteen teams and is a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. ESU is also affiliated with NCAA Division II and Division IA in wrestling.

During Gigolo’s tenure at Dakota State, the Trojans have enjoyed prosperity on and off the playing field. From fall 2000 to spring 2004, DSU produced 17 All Americans, 59 All Conference athletes, 235 All Conference Scholar athletes, and 31 Academic All Americans. In addition to the individual honors, DSU’s teams also achieved success. In 2004 the DSU Baseball team was nationally ranked (#22) for the first time in school history and finished as the DAC Conference Tournament runner-up. They also qualified for the Regional Tournament for the second year in a row. In 2003 the Baseball team won their first ever Region III Championship, finishing in the top 14 in the nation, completing their season with a school record 33 wins. In 2004, the DSU Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams qualified for the postseason DAC Conference Tournament. In 2001, the Women’s Basketball team captured the DAC Conference title and advanced to the Sweet 16 in Sioux City, Iowa. In 2003, the DSU Volleyball team finished second in the DAC Conference and advanced to the Region III Tournament. In the 2002 and 2003 seasons, the Softball team qualified for the Regional Tournament and broke the school record for wins at 27 in 2003.

Under Gigolo’s guidance, DSU athletics underwent a major facelift. The DSU Fieldhouse was renovated with new offices, locker rooms and training rooms. Gioglio was also instrumental in raising scholarship dollars including the creation of 24 new athletic endowments that have benefited numerous student athletes.

Prior to joining the DSU athletic staff, Gioglio spent 1998-2000 as Director of Athletics and Sport Management Chair at the University of Saint Mary in Kansas. He was Assistant Professor of Physical Education at Minot State University in Minot, ND from 1995-1998 and was an Assistant Professor, Head Wrestling and Assistant Football Coach at Northern State University from 1991-1995. He will begin his duties at East Stroudsburg July 5.


June 05, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- DAC softball and baseball players have been named NAIA All-Americans, while several other DAC athletes have earned NAIA Scholar-Athlete recognition.

Junior outfielder Nichole Seaver of the University of Mary was selected as a first team All-American in softball. Ashley Lantz of Minot State was the only other DAC player to be honored, being chosen for Honorable Mentions.

Receiving Honorable Mention recognition in baseball were: senior, first baseman Danny Schultz, senior outfielders Brent Krause and Sam Joseph, junior designated hitter Kyle Anderson, sophomore pitcher Josh Shaw and senior reliever Adam Walton of Jamestown College; senior catcher Travis Hodsdon and junior second baseman Greg Gabbani of Dickinson State; Mayville State junior third baseman Brent Wandler; Minot State senior shortstop Joe Engler and Valley City State senior pitcher Tom Klapp.

Receiving NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors from the DAC were:
- Samuel Webb, Deron Galston and Phillip Stokkeland from Jamestown College, Nolan Taylor and Eric Hanson of Minot State, George Anderson, Travis Bussey and Joey Barnett from the University of Mary for men's Track and Field.
- Sarah Long of Dickinson State, Kati Thornton, Eric Mois, Lisa Nayes and Christina Weidrich of Jamestown College, Amanda Borseth from Minot State, Sarah Farbere of South Dakota Tech and Kristen Schwehr, Katie Rau and Shawna Kern of the University of Mary for women's Track and Field.
- Sara Berglund of Dickinson State for women's golf and Jason Merck of Minot State for men's golf.
- Paul Christen, Daniel Keith, Victor Romero and Patrick Yatskis of the University of Mary for men's tennis and Kelly Routledge, Jayme Sundheim and Marie Woltanski from the University of Mary for women's tennis.
- Ben Andres, Mitchell Grave and Wade Reichmann of Mayville State, Nathan Burgard and Jedd Steiner from Jamestown, Travis Dressler, Justin Folley and Caleb Marx of the University of Mary and Casey Huntsinger, Tom Klapp, Josh Schriver and Nathan Turck of Valley City State for baseball.
- Brandi Donecker, Jen Buck, Jamie Coulter, Frances Hurtado, Claire Soulodre and Amanda Terrian of Si Tanka-Huron; Sabrina Bel and, Dana Gesner of the University of Mary, and Sarah Mihelish of Dickinson State for softball.

A complete list of All American teams and Scholar-Athletes can be found on the NAIA website.


May 29, 2004

(Louisville, KY) -- DAC Champion Dickinson State University has captured the 2004 men's outdoor track and field championship at the NAIA National Track and Field Championships in Louisville, KY.

The Blue Hawks collected 91 points to outdistance defending national champion Lindenwood, MO with 72 points. Azusa Pacific, CA was third with 59 points with British Colombia fourth with 42 and Doane, NE fifth with 34.

Dickinson State crowned four individual national champions enroute to their first ever national title. Junior Derrick Atkins defended his national title in the 100 meters (10.36) and also captured the championship in the 200 (20.97). Aaron Cleare won the 400 meters (46.61) and Trevor Barry was the national champ in the long jump (24-05.75).

Blue Hawks' coach Pete Stanton was named the NAIA Men's Coach of the Year for the second consective year.

Minot State was in a three-way tie for seventh with 30 points; the University of Mary scored 11 points and was tied for 25th; Black Hills State tied for 46th place with five points; Jamestown College was tied for 56th with three points and South Dakota Tech scored two points and tied for 59th.

Azusa Pacific won the women's team title with 104 points with Lindenwood, MO (76 points), Simon Frasier (59 points), Doane, NE (58.5 points) and Oklahoma Baptist (46.33 points) rouunding out the top five.

The University of Mary was the highest DAC team in seventh with 41 points. Minot State and Jamestown College tied for 22nd place with 14 points; Dickinson State was 30th with nine points and Black Hills State tied for 32nd with seven points.

Complete results can be found on the NAIA website.


May 28, 2004

(Daytona Beach, FL) -- Dickinson State University junior Sara Berglund earned All Tournament Team honors at the NAIA National Golf Championships at the LPGA International Course in Daytona Beach, FL.

Berglund shot a four day, 72 hole total of 314 to finish in a five-way tie for eleventh, which was good enough to garner All Tournament recognition. Berglund opened the tournament on Tuesday with an 80 and followed with rounds of 79, 76 and 79 to place in the top fifteen, which is the requirement for the tournament recognition.

The All Tournament team selection earns Berglund an automatic invitation to the 2005 national tournament.

Nicole Wildes of Berry College won the individual championship of the tournament with a 293 while the University of British Colombia won the team title with a four day total of 1249.


May 26, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- DAC and Region III champion Jamestown College and Region III runner-up St. Scholastica, MN lead the 2004 All Region III Baseball Team with six players each.

The Jimmies' selections are senior, first baseman Danny Schultz of Sacramento, CA; senior outfielders Brent Krause of Anoka, MN and Sam Joseph from Kent, WA; junior designated hitter Kyle Anderson of Bremerton, WA; sophomore pitcher Josh Shaw from Great Falls, MT and senior reliever Adam Walton of Quesnel, BC.

The St. Scholastica selections are led by Region III Player of the Year Josh Wettlaufer, a senior outfielder from Anoka, MN. Other Saints players on the region honor squad are junior infielder Ryan Bruns of Anoka, MN; junior outfielder Tom Simonson from Duluth, MN; senior catcher Kevin Ritsche of Superior, WI and pitchers Grant Schara, a senior from McHenry, IL and Jake Eiler, a junior from Morris, MN.

Other members of the All Region III Team are; Dickinson State catcher Travis Hodsdon, a senior from Coalinga, CA; Dickinson State second baseman Greg Gabbani, a junior from Pleasanton, CA; Mayville State junior third baseman Brent Wandler from Lethbridge, AB; Minot State senior shortstop Joe Engler of Ferndale, WA and Valley City State senior pitcher Tom Klapp of Elkford, BC.


May 24, 2004

(Valley City, ND) -- Valley City State University President Dr. Ellen Chaffee is pleased to announce that Doug Peters has been named the Athletic Director for the Vikings. Peters will begin his duties on July 1 and will replace Don Bauer, who is retiring after serving as the VCSU athletic director for nine years.

"Only an exceptional person can step into the footsteps of legendary athletic directors like W.E. Osmon and Don Bauer. Doug brings unique strengths and uncommon vision to the position, and I am predicting great things for the "Peters years," as well" stated Chaffee.

Peters is currently the Director of Development for Intercollegiate Athletics at Bemidji State University. Prior to his current position, he served in several capacities in both the Bemidji State athletic department and the Bemidji State Foundation Office.

A native of Fort Lupton, Colorado, Peters earned degrees in physical education and business management and his master’s degree in physical education at Bemidji State.

At VCSU, Peters will lead an Athletic Department, separate from the Health and Physical Education Division for the first time in university history. Peters is anxious to start his new duties.

"I am extremely proud to be part of the VCSU family. The excitement and enthusiasm I have encountered on campus and in the community give me a great feeling," Peters commented.

Peters also stated the commitment to Viking Athletics is prevailing. "I spent extensive time with President Chaffee and the coaches during the interview process and I was impressed. The passion for the university and the athletic program that I encountered was the deciding factor in my decision."

Peters and his wife Jennifer, have two daughters, Haley and Ally.


May 19, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) – Dickinson State University is the winner of the 2003-04 Dakota Athletic Conference Commissioner’s Cup.
Points are awarded according to the school’s finish in the conference race of DAC sponsored sports. The school with the highest point total is the winner of the award.

Dickinson State garnered 146 points to earn the honor. The University of Mary was second with 139, followed by Jamestown College with 136, Minot State with 121 and Black Hills State with 106.

Rounding out the standings are Dakota State with 83 points South Dakota Tech with 69, Si Tanka University at Huron with 55, Valley City State with 35 and Mayville State with 30.

Points are awarded in the following manner: in the four required sports (football, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball), 20 points for first, 18 for second, 16 for third, etc., and in the optional sports (baseball, softball, men’s and women’s indoor track, men’s and women’s outdoor track, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, wrestling and men’s and women’s soccer), 10 points for first, eight for second, six for third, etc. Only sports that have at least one half or more of the conference members participating will be included in the calculations.


May 15, 2004

(Jamestown, ND) -- Jamestown College Athletic Director and head men's basketball coach Brad Huse is resigning to take an assistant coaching job at the University of Montana.

Huse will be joining former NBA player Larry Krystkowiak, who reccently took the head position at Montana. Huse and Krystkowiak were teammates in high school.

The 37-year old Huse spent eight seasons at Jamestown, leading the Jiimies to four conference titles.


April 24, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Three Dakota Athletic Conference athletes competed in the prestigious Drake Relays, April 22-24. Sprinter Derrick Atkins and high jumper Trevor Barry of Dickinson State and distance runner Dennis Newell of Black Hills State took part in the 94th annual meet in Des Moines, IA.

Newell, a senior from Billings, MT, placed 8th in the 5000 meters in a time of 14:36.33. Jason Lehmkuhl of Team USA Minnesota won the event in 14:13.70.

Barry, a senior from Nassau, Bahamas, placed 4th in the high jump with a leap of 6'-10.75". Jimmy Baxter of South Florida won the high jump at 7'-01.75".

Atkins, a junior from Nassau Bahamas, was the runner-up in the 100 meters with a time of :10.49. The winner was Demi Omole of Wisconsin in a time of :10.29


March 16, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Jamestown College senior Brandon Wilkens was named the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball Player of the Year and is one of four DAC placers to earn first team All American honors in men's and women's basketball.

Wilkens is joined on the men's first team by Dickinson State senior Kasey Ulin. The two women's All Americans from the DAC are Jessica Zundel and Sarah Lear of the University of Mary.

Charles Jones of Jamestown was selected to the third team and Jeff Brandt of Minot State, Justin Vangraafschepe of South Dakota Tech and Nick Guidry and Lorenzo Trudo of Si Tanka University at Huron received Honorable Mentions.

Miaken Ziegler of South Dakota Tech was a second team selection, Staci Vedvei of South Dakota Tech was named to the third team and Dickinson State's Nikida McSween received Honorable Mentions.

A complete list of the All American teams can be found on the NAIA website.


March 15, 2004

(Dickinson, ND ) -- Home town favorite Morningside College (Iowa) defeated University of Mary (N.D.) 70-62 and advances to the championship game of the 2004 NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship held in Sioux City, IA..

The Mustangs of Morningside found themselves down by as many as nine points early in the game, but were able to pull away late in the game led by Brittany Carper’s 15 second half points. Carper, a junior finished the game with 23 points and dished out five assists. Megan Cloud and Kate Lokken each finished with a double-double as Cloud had 16 points and pulled down ten rebounds while Lokken finished with 14 points and had 11 rebounds. Morningside shot .328 in the game on 22-for-67, well below its season average of .450.

Senior guard Sarah Leer led the Lady Marauders of Mary with 19 points and tied a tournament record for most 3-point field goals made in a tournament with 17 and set a tournament record for most 3-point field goals attempted in a tournament with 40. Jessica Zundel and Andrea Ronderos each finished with a double-double as Zundel had 12 points and pulled down 12 rebounds, while Ronderos scored 12 points and had ten rebounds. Junior Molly Merrigan finished the season with eights points and ten rebounds.


March 13, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Hastings College (Neb.) defeated Minot State University (N.D.) 94-55 in the Quarterfinals of the 2004 NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship held in Sioux City, IA.

Tournament Cinderella Minot ran into two-time defending national champion Hastings and only scored 18 first half points and committed 17 turnovers in the half. Hastings led the game from start to finish scoring the first eight points until Leeann Pekovitch of Minot made two free throws to put the Lady Beavers on the board at the 17:19 mark in the first half. The Lady Broncos of Hastings shot .529 from the field on 18-for-34 shooting in the half and .523 on 34-for-65 shooting for the game.

Senior Guard Andrea Sebelius of Minot finished her career with 26 points to lead the Lady Beavers. Brenda Robinson finished with eight points and eight rebounds. Minot was making its third national tournament appearance and finished the season with a 18-16 record.

University of Mary (N.D.) defeated Dakota Wesleyan University (S.D.) 91-82 in double overtime of the Quarterfinals of the 2004 NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship held in Sioux City, IA

In one of the most dramatic games of the tournament that saw three tournament records fall and many outstanding performance such as Jessica Zundel of Mary who went 3-for-4 in the paint during the first overtime and 2-for-3 in the paint and 4-for-4 from the free throw line in the second overtime. Zundel, a junior finished the game with 36 points and pulled down 20 rebounds on 15-for-30 shooting which was a tournament record for field goal attempts in a game. Dakota Wesleyan senior Randi Morgan set a tournament record in pulling down 24 rebounds. The game saw 10 ties; however Mary led most of the way and had a largest lead of 12. With 1:21 left in the game the Tigers of Dakota were down eight, then Amanda Williams hit a three point basket at the 1:08 mark. Mary would then miss a field goal and Wesleyan senior Victoria Drefs would make a basket to bring the score to 67-64 with 22 seconds left in the game. After a Wesleyan foul, Zundel would miss the front end of a one and one, which set up a three pointer by Amanda Williams to send the game to overtime.

Zundel’s 12^th double-double on the season would lead the Lady Marauders of Mary as her 36 points were seventh on the top single game scoring performance list in the NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament and her 20 rebounds were fourth. Senior Sarah Leer finished the game with 25 points on 7-for-14 shooting and pulled down eight rebounds. Andrea Ronderos scored eight points and had 11 rebounds. Sophomore Nicole Meier came off the bench and added 10 points in the win.


March 12, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Minot State University (N.D.) who finished sixth in the Dakota Athletic Conference continued its march through the 2004 NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship held Sioux City, IA by defeating Sterling College (Kan.) 63-54 in a second-round game.

Minot State senior Andrea Sebelius led three Lady Beavers in double figures with 19 points. Jennifer Sundahl also finished in double figures with 14 points and pulled down 7 rebounds. Senior forward Leeann Pekovitch added 12 points. Minot shot .500 from the field in the first half on 15-for-30 shooting. The Lady Beavers out-rebounded Sterling 45-36 and are making their third national tournament appearance after falling in the first round in the 1998 and 1996 event.

University of Mary (N.D.) defeated Southwestern College (Kan.) 95-76 in a second-round game of the 2004 NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship.

Andrea Ronderos and Jessica Zundel each recorded a double-double for Mary. Ronderos, a sophomore scored 22 points and pulled down a tournament high 16 rebounds and Zundel a junior had 20 points and 13 rebounds. Two other Lady Marauders scored in double figures, Senior Sara Leer had 21, while Kara McGuinness had 14. Mary shot .862 from the free throw line going 25-for-29. Mary out-scored Southwestern 42-24 in the paint. Mary is making its seventh national tournament appearance after falling in the Quarterfinals in the 2003 event.


Sixteenth-seeded Oregon Institute of Technology upset top-seeded Jamestown College (N.D.) 73-66 in the second round of the 13^th Annual NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship. This is the fourth time in the tournament’s history that the number one seed has lost in the second round, the most recent being in 2000 when MidAmerica Nazarene University (Kan.) lost to Grand View College (Iowa). The 2004 event is being held at Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of College of the Ozarks (Mo.).
Senior forward Kevin Baker led Oregon Tech with 18 points and seven rebounds. Alex Carlson recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Dave Michaelis scored in double figures with 10 points. The Hustlin’ Owls were out-rebounded 43-to-32, but held Jamestown to less than 40% shooting from the field for the game. Oregon Tech is making their sixth national championship appearance and advance to the quarterfinals for the fourth time.

Senior forward Charles Jones led four Jamestown players in double figures with 20 points and eight rebounds. Randy Randle added 12 points, while Imran Sufi and Benny Fragela ended with 11 and 10 points each, respectively. The Jimmies were held to their second lowest point total of the season, 27 points less than their season average of 93. Jamestown spent the entire regular-season rated number-one in the in the country, and became the first team since the NAIA went to two divisions in 1991 to capture all of the first-place votes in the regular-season ratings. The Jimmies conclude their season with a 28-3 overall record.


March 11, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Minot State University upset the 4^th ranked NAIA Cardinal Stritch University, WI and snapping their 28 game win streak with a 59-56 victory in a first-round game of the 2004 NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship in Sioux City, IA

Senior guard Andrea Sebelius led the Lady Beavers of Minot State with 18 points on 5-for-8 shooting from the field and 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Senior Beth Quaintance also scored in double figures with 11 points. Minot State out-rebounded Cardinal Stritch 38-30 in the victory. This is the third national tournament appearance for MSU and their first tournament victory.

Junior forward Erin Benning led the Lady Wolves of Cardinal Stritch with 16 points followed by junior Sarah Gehring with 14. Ranked fifth nationally in scoring averaging 82.5 points-a-game, the Lady Wolves were held to their lowest point total of the season. This was the eighth national tournament appearance and Cardinal Stritch finished the season 31-2.

Minot State (17-15) advances to Friday’s second round action at 10:15 a.m. (Central) and will face will face the first-round winner of the Sterling (Ks.) / Ohio Dominican contest.

The University of Mary opens the tournament Wednesday at 5:45 against Northland, WI.


March 10, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- The Dickinson State men and women saw their seasons come to an end, while the top ranked Jamestown men advanced to the second round of the NAIA Division II Basketball Tournaments.

DAC tournament champion Dickinson State dropped an 85-67 setback to Sioux Falls, SD, in first round play at the NAIA Division II Men's National Tournament in Point Lookout, MO.

The Cougars jumped out to a 36-26 lead at the half and outscored the Blue Hawks 49-41 to post the 18 point win and send the DSU home with a 24-8 season record.

Kasey Ulin led Dickinson State with 24 points. Konrad Tota added 19 points and four rebounds and Scott Klaudt had 11 points and a team high five rebounds. Brett Moody led USF with 23 points and ten rebounds. The Blue Hawks end their season at 24-8

The Jamestown College men ran past Berea, KY, 98-81 to advance to the seond round.

Jamestown built a 24 point lead before halftime and maintained it during the second half. Brandon Wilkens led four Jamestown players in double figures with 22 points on 7-for-10 shooting from the field. Senior Charles Jones recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Eric Holmstadt and Jonathan Castillo each finished with 12 points. Jamestown leads the nation in scoring margin, averaging 20 point differentials and led by as much as 36 in the second half tonight.

The Jimmies improved to 28-2 on the season and will face the winner of Oregon Tech and Dominican, CA at 4:30 Friday afternoon.

At the women's tournament in Sioux City, IA, the Dickinson State Lady Blue Hawks fell behind by 17 in the second half before rallying to tie the game at 45 each. But Evangel, MO, outscored DSU 9-7 down the strech to post the 54-52 first round victory.

Sara Berglund led Dickinson State with 13 points and Dana Johnson came off the bench to chip in with ten. The Blue Hawks wrapped up the season with a 20-9 record.

On Thursday, the University of Mary and Minot State women open tournament play. The Marauders (29-2) face Northland, WI (15-12) at 5:45 and the Beavers (16-15) take on Cardinal Strich, WI (31-1) at 8:30 AM.


March 04, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Defending conference champion Jamestown College has been tabbed to repeat as conference champions in the DAC Preseason Baseball Coaches' Poll.

The Jimmies (34-16) received six of eight first place votes to top the 2004 coaches' poll. Dakota State (33-23) received the final two first place ballots to finish second in the poll. Valley City State (27-13), Mayville State (20-19) and Dickinson State (19-23-1) round out the top five with the University of Mary (17-18), Minot State (13-28) and Si Tanka University at Huron finishing out the balloting.

The poll was conducted by the Dakota Athletic Conference.


March 03, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- For the second consecutive year, the Dakota Athletic Conference will have five teams in the NAIA Division II National Basketball Tournaments.

Regular season champion Jamestown College and tournament champion Dickinson State will represent the DAC at the men's tournament in Point Lookouut, MO, March 10-16. The Jimmies (27-2) will open the tournament against Berea, KY (13-15) at 5:45 Central Time on Wednesday and the Blue Hawks (24-7) begin the tournament with a 12 Noon Central Time matchup with Sioux Falls, SD (23-11).

At the women's tournament, regular season and tournament champion University of Mary and tournament runner-up Minot State will be joined by Dickinson State, who received an at-large invitation for the second straight year. The women's tourney will be held in Sioux City, IA, March 10-16. The Marauders (29-2) take on Northland, WI (15-12) at 5:45 Central Time on Thursday. Minot State (16-15) opens the tournament against Cardinal Stritch, WI (31-1) at Noon Central Time Thursday and the Blue Hawks (20-8) opening round contest will be played at 5:45 Central Time Wednesday against Evangel, MO (27-6).

Complete tournament pairings are available on the NAIA website.


March 02, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- The Si Tanka University at Huron women's basketball team has forfeited three non-conference victories because of an ineligible player.

The Screaming Eagles will forfeit victories over Presentation College, SD on November 13, Trinity Bible College, ND on December 2 and Minnesota-Morris on December 9 after it was discovered that Ruth Dreamer was ineligible. Si Tanka's season record drops to 2-26.


February 29, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- The Dakota Athletic Conference had two All-Americans crowned at the National NAIA Wrestling Tournament in Great Falls, MT, while two others received Honorable Mentions. Top three placers in each weight class are honored as All-American and Honorable Mentions go to wrestlers who place fourth, fifth and sixth. Five DAC wrestlers also earned NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors.

Aaron Hartnell of the University of Mary placed third at 125 pounds and Gabe Harry of Dickinson State finished third at 174 pounds to earn All-American honors. Kyle Nay of Dickinson State was sixth at 149 pounds and Brandon Lemer of Jamestown was fourth at 285 to earn Honorable Mention recognition.

Montana State-Northern won the national championship with 169.5 points. The University of Mary placed twelfth with 39.5 points; Dickinson State was thirteenth with 38.5 points; Jamestown College was seventeenth with 27 points and Si Tanka University at Huron finished twenty-first in the twenty-two team field with five points.

Earning National Scholar-Athlete recognition were Jacob Esser, Thomas Iverson and Bryce Villa of Jamestown; Trent Kirchhefer of Dickinson State and Adam Monroe of Si Tanka University at Huron.

Complete results can be found on the NAIA website.


February 22, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- The Dakota Athletic Conference post-season basketball tournament pairings were completed following the final weekend of action. The tournament champions will join regular season champions, the University of Mary women and Jamestown College men, as representatives of the DAC at the NAIA Division II National tournaments. If the Mary women or Jamestown men capture the post-season title, the tournament runner-up will receive the second national tournament invitation.

First round action for women will take place on Tuesday, February 24. Pairings have top seed Mary at home to face Dakota State; South Dakota Tech travels Black Hills State; regular season runner-up Dickinson State plays host to face Valley City State and Jamestown College is at home to take on Minot State. Semifinals will be played on Friday, February 27 with the tournament title contest scheduled for Monday, March 1. The women's national tournament will be held March 10-16 in Sioux City, IA.

The men's tournament gets under way on Wednesday, February 25. First round pairings have conference champion Jamestown at home to battle Dakota State; Si Tanka University at Huron is on the road to face South Dakota Tech; second seeded Dickinson State will host Black Hills State and Minot State is at home to face the University of Mary. The semifinals are scheduled for Saturday, February 28 and the championship match-up will take pplace on Tuesday, March 2. The men's national tournament will be held in Branson, MO on March 10-16.


February 17, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Mayville State junior forward Robert Lawrence has been named the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball Player of the Week for the week of February 8-14.

Lawrence scored 48 points in a 107-82 loss at Dickinson State and then added 38 points in 115-99 setback at Minot State. The St. Michaels, ND native shot 65% from the field, 83% from the free throw line and hit 12 of 23 on three point field goal attempts.


February 6, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- The Dakota Athletic Conference post-season basketball tournaments get under way February 24 for women and February 25 for men. The top eight teams advance to the tournament with the higher seeds hosting.

In the event of a tie in the final conference standings, the following procedure will be followed:

1. Head to head competition. In cases involving more than two teams, the tied teams are considered to be in the same position and total record versus all teams involved will be used.

2. Head to head competition with all teams in conference play. Starting with the number one team in the final standings, compare records versus each team in descending order until the tie is broken. Tied teams are considered to be in the same positions and total record versus all teams involved will be used.

3. Win-loss percentage against all NAIA Division II Non-conference opponents. The higher winning percentage will break the tie, even if the number of games are unequal; in the case of a tied percentage versus the team or group of 1.000 or .000, the following shall apply: 2-0 is better than 1-0; 0-1 is better than 0-2.

4. Coin toss conducted by the commissioner.

The women's semifinals and championship will held on February 27 and March 1, while the men's semifinals and championship will be held on February 28 and March 2 at the home of the higher seed.

The tournament champion will join the regular season champion in representing the DAC at the NAIA Division II National Tournament. In the event that the regular season champion wins the post-season tournament, the tournament runner-up will receive the second invitation to the national tournament.


January 23, 2004

(Bismarck, ND) -- The University of Mary wrestling team has forfeited dual victories on January 9-10 after it was discovered that they had used an ineligible wrestler. John Madsen was declared ineligible when it was determined that he had wrestled in four seasons prior to the current season.


January 20, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Dickinson State's Kasey Ulin has been named the NAIA Division II national Player of the Week for his performance the week of January 11-17.

Ulin scored 68 points, grabbed eleven rebounds and handed out eight assists in leading the Blue Hawks to victories on the road against Valley City State and Mayville State. He was 24 of 40 from the field, including 12 of 24 from the 3-point line and hit 8 of 9 from the free throw line.

Ulin currently leads the DAC in scoring and is second in NAIA Division II, averaging 28.3 points per game.


January 18, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Twenty-four DAC players have received post-season honors from the Don Hansen Football Gazette. The conference placed one player on the first team, four on the second team, six on the third team with the remaining fourteen receiving Honorable Mentions.

The lone DAC player on the first team is Dickinson State senior offensive lineman Nicholas Dressler.

Second team selections include sophomore running back Larry Aldridge of Si Tanka University at Huron; Dickinson State senior defensive lineman Coly Rush; junior linebacker Josh Kasowski of Valley City State and senior defensive back Drew Wierson of Minot State.

Selections for third team honors are junior running back Jace Schillinger of Dickinson State; sophomore wide receiver Tommy Hofer of Dakota State; junior wide receiver Jake Pfau of the University of Mary; sophomore place-kicker Justin Lang of the University of Mary; Dickinson State junior linebacker Mike Staudinger and Black Hills State freshman defensive back Craig Tschetter.

Dickinson State junior Adam Eckert earned honorable mention recognition at three positions (wide receiver, return specialist and punter) and Minot State senior Harry Mills was an Honorable Mention selection at two positions (wide receiver and return specialist). Other DAC Honorable Mention selections are senior quarterback Tim Garcia of the University of Mary; Dickinson State sophomore offensive lineman Josh Epperly; Valley City State offensive lineman Tony Hart; sophomore center Dustin Quintus of Dickinson State; senior place-kicker Jeremy Fagerland of Dickinson State; senior defensive lineman Ian Best of Minot State; Dickinson State sophomore defensive lineman Ross Walker; Minot State senior linebacker Shawn Cozort; Quinton Robinson, a junior defensive back from Si Tanka University at Huron and Dickinson State sophomore defensive backs Marcus Davis and Aaron Johansen.

Quarterback Tyler Emmert, wide receiver Mark Gallik and head coach Mike Van Diest of national champion Carroll College, MT head the list of post-season awards. Emmert and Gallik were named the Offensive Back and Offensive Receiver of the Year, while Van Diest was honored as Coach of the Year.

Other post-season award winners: Patrick Crayton of Northwestern Oklahoma State was the Special Teams Player of the Year; John Keeven of McKendree, IL was named Offensive Lineman of the Year; Nick Tavaglione of Azusa Pacific, CA was named Defensive Lineman of the Year; the Linebacker of the Year was Caleb Wittmer of MidAmerica Nazarene, KS; Alan Ganaway of St. Francis, IN was the Defensive Back of the Year and Dominic Miraglia of Northwestern Oklahoma State earned the inaugural NAIA Remington Award as the nation's top center.

A complete list of All Americans can be found on the Don Hansen Football Gazette website (www.donhansen.com).
January 12, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Seventeen DAC players are among the honorees on the NAIA All America football teams, while sixteen other DAC football players were named NAIA Scholar-Athletes.

Wide receiver Jake Pfau from the University of Mary was the lone DAC player named to the NAIA All American first team. Second team honorees include Minot State wide receiver Harry Mills; University of Mary placekicker Justin Lang; defensive linemen Ian Best of Minot State and Coly Rush of Dickinson State and University of Mary defensive back Chris Murdock.

DAC players who received honorable mention recognition are running backs Larry Aldridge of Si Tanka University at Huron and Jace Schillinger of Dickinson State; wide receivers Adam Eckert of Dickinson State and Tommy Hofer of Dakota State; offesnive linemen Nicholas Dressler and Josh Epperly of Dickinson State and Jarrod Strode of the University of Mary; defensive lineman Sam Fa'alepo of the University of Mary; linebacker Jason Avelar of the University of Mary; Minot State defensive back Drew Wierson and Jamestown College kick return specialist Emmanuel Cannady.

DAC players who earned NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors are Matt Fuhr of Black Hills State; Sam Campanella and Dustin Quintus of Dickinson State; Chris Poniatowski and Corey Rood of Jamestown College; Matthew Lonn, Chris Murdock and Doug Zinke of the University of Mary; Jesse Gross, Tyler Price and Andrew Wierson of Minot State; Brian Hook and David Neuman of Si Tanka University at Huron; Phil Hohn and Mitch Olson of South Dakota Tech and Brandon Bartsch; Gregory Dobitz, Justin Messer and Shau Williams of Valley City State.

Complete lists of the All America teams and Scholar-Athletes can be found on the NAIA website.


January 12, 2004

(Jamestown, ND) -- Jamestown College women's basketball coach Lawrie Paulson has announced his retirment following the 2003-04 season.

Paulson has been the Jimmies' head coach for 19 seasons, directing them to five conference titles and a trip to the NAIA national tournament following the 1999-2000 season. He has also been named conference Coach of the Year four times while compiling 273-222 record.

The school plans to begin a search for Paulson's replacement immediately.


January 06, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- The Si Tanka University at Huron men's basketball team has forfeited three victories for using an ineligible player.

The Screaming Eagles forfeited wins over Dordt, IA on November 13, Mount Marty, SD on November 15 and Sioux Falls, SD on November 18 after it was discovered that Corey Minnefield was ineligible. Their overall record drops to 4-12.


January 02, 2004

(Jamestown, ND) -- Jamestown College has hired University of North Dakota assistant coach Tom Dosch to be their new head football coach.

Dosch, a native of Strasburg, ND and a graduate of Dickinson State, finished his tenth season as an assistant at UND. He coached outside linebackers and defensive linemen for the Sioux.

Dosch also spent the 1995 season as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator at Jamestown.

Dosch replaces Curt Skotnicki, who was fired in November. Skotnicki recorded a 17-and-23 mark in four seasons as the Jimmies' head coach, including a 4-and-6 record in 2003.


December 22, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) -- NAIAFootball.net has named its 2003 NAIA All America teams. Three DAC players were named to the first team, four have been selected for the second team, five are on the third team and three others are on the fourth team.

DAC honorees on the first team are: senior offensive lineman Nicholas Dressler of Dickinson State; senior defensive lineman Sam Fa'alepo of the University of Mary and Dickinson State senior defensive lineman Coly Rush.

DAC players on the second team are: junior running back Jace Schillinger of Dickinson State; University of Mary senior offensive lineman Jarrod Strode; Minot State senior defensive back Drew Wierson and University of Mary sophomore place kicker Justin Lang.

DAC selections for the third team are: sophomore running back Larry Aldridge of Si Tanka University at Huron; senior wide receiver Harry Mills of Minot State; junior wide receiver Jake Pfau of the University of Mary; senior defensive lineman Bill Straily of the University of Mary and Minot State senior linebacker Shaun Kozort.

Fourth team selections from the DAC are: sophomore wide receiver Tommy Hofer of Dakota State; senior defensive lineman Ian Best of Minot State and Black Hills State freshman defensive back Craig Tschetter.

DAC players who received Honorable Mentions are: Mike Sonne of Dakota State; Frank Renner, Adam Eckert, Josh Epperly, MArcus Davis and Ross Walker of Dickinson State; Emmanuel Cannady of Jamestown College; Tim Garcia, Matt Dietrich, Jason Avelar and Chris Murdock of the University of Mary; Terrance Howard and Curtis Shaw of Mayville State; Louis Brown and Abner Lopez of Minot State; Quenton Robinson of Si Tanka University at Huron; Tyler Ferella, Phil Hohn and Derek Colling of South Dakota Tech and Tony Hart and Josh Kaasowski of Valley City State.

A complete list of the All American teams and Honoarble Mentions can be found at www.naiafootball.net.


December 14, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) -- The Dakota Athletic Conference had three players named to the NAIA All America volleyball teams, three more received honorable mentions and twelve players were recognized for their academic achievements.

Dickinson State senior outside hitter Yasemin Alpullu was selected as a second team All American, while Megan Barnes, a senior outside hitter from South Dakota Tech, and Dickinson State freshman middle blocker Marija Markovic were members of the third team. Receiving Honorable Mention recognition were: setter Pavla Dunham of Dickinson State; Black Hills State outside hitter June Engler-Thompson, and Luciola Figueroa, an outside hitter from Si Tanka University at Huron.

DAC players honored as NAIA Scholar-Athletes were: Amanda Vos of Dakota State; Sarah Long of Dickinson State; Mayville State's Kayla Aune; Lisa Webb of Minot State; Daisha Buckler and Becky Grosinske of Si Tanka University at Huron; Sarah Farber, Stephanie Randall and Leslie Weber of South Dakota Tech; Sabrina Bell and Kelly Reinhart of the University of Mary and Sarah White of Valley City State.

Complete lists of the All American teams and the NAIA Scholar-Athletes can be found on the NAIA website.


November 26, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) - The Dakota Athletic conference is represented by six players on the All Region III Volleyball first team and six DAC players were selected to the second team.

First team honorees are: Dickinson State senior outside hitter Yasemin Alpullu; South Dakota Tech senior outside hitter Megan Barnes; Dickinson State freshman middle blocker Marija Markovic; Si Tanka University at Huron sophomore outside hitter Luciola Figueroa; Dickinson State freshman setter Pavla Dunham and Black Hills State senior outside hitter June Engler-Thompson.

Selected to the second team are: Jamestown College senior middle blocker Maggie Asmund; Dickinson State sophomore outside hitter Gulhan Cak Cak; Si Tanka University at Huron sophomore outside hitter Rayma Figueroa; Minot State junior outside hitter Lisa Webb and from Dakota State, sophomore middle blocker Micah Tolzin and junior outside hitter Amanda Vos.

Player of the Year honors in the region went to Fernanda Vivancos of National American University and the Coach of the Year award winner is Todd Lowery of National American University.


November 25, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) -- For the first time in conference history, the Dakota Athletic Conference will have two teams at the NAIA National Volleyball Tournament to be held December 3-6 at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA.

DAC regular season and tournament champion Dickinson State received a wild-card invitation to the tournament, while Si Tanka University at Huron earned a berth with a second place finish in the Region III tournament.

Dickinson State is seeded seventh in the tournament. The Blue Hawks will open poll play at 11:15 AM on Wednesday, December 3rd against Olivet Nazarene, IL. DSU continues pool play on Thursday, December 4th against St. Thomas, FL at 9:00 AM and Lee, TN at 6:00 PM. They conclude pool play at 11:15 AM on Friday December 5th when they face second seeded Fresno Pacific, CA.

Si Tanka University begins pool play on Wednesday, December 3rd against third seeded St. Mary's, NE at 9:00 AM and then faces Biola, CA at 1:30 PM. The Screaming Eagles continue pool play on Thursday, December 4th at 9:00 AM versus number six Houston Baptist at 9:00 AM and concludes pool play at 3:45 facing Walsh, OH.

The quarterfinals will be played at 6:00 and 8:15 PM on Friday, December 5th. The semifinals at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM on Saturday, December 6th with the championship match at 7:30 PM.

Complete pairings and tournament information can be found on the NAIA website.
November 23, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) - The Dickinson State University Blue Hawks will be at home for the quarterfinals of the NAIA football playoffs, while the University of Mary will be on the road.

The Blue Hawks (11-0), who won their opening round playoff game, 12-6, over Lambuth, TN, will play host to Norwestern Oklahoma State at noon Mountain. NWOSU topped Tabor, KS, 63-21 in the first round.

The Marauders, who won their first round game 20-2 over Azusa Pacific, CA, will travel to topped ranked and defending national champion, Carroll College, MT, at noon Mountain. Carroll defeated McKendree, IL, 40-7 in the opening round.

Other quarterfinal round games have Northwestern, IA at Sioux Falls, SD and St. Ambrose, IA at St. Francis, IN.


November 22, 2003

(Louisville, KY) – Minot State University (N.D.) won its second consecutive NAIA men’s cross country national championship while Simon Fraser University (B.C.) reclaimed the women’s crown at the 2003 NAIA Cross Country National Championships held at Cardinal Park in Louisville, Kentucky.

Minot State recorded a team score of 162, ten points ahead of second place Black Hills State University (S.D.). MSU was paced by junior Nolan Taylor. Individual medalist honors went to Jerry Ziak of University of British Columbia who finished in a time of 24:22.6.

Simon Fraser won its sixth women’s title besting defending national champion Northwest College (Wash.) 93-114 points. Mirriam Kaumba of Oklahoma Baptist University took home individual honors with at time of 17:13.9.

This year marks the first time either championship has been run outside the state of Wisconsin in the last 23 years. Long time host University of Wisconsin-Parkside hosted both meets from 1981-2002.


November 16, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) - Conference champion Dickinson State and runner-up the University of Mary have been selected to host first round games in the NAIA football play-offs.

The Blue Hawks (10-0), who were ranked third in the final poll, will host #11 Lambuth, TN (9-2). Kick-off is at 12 noon Mountain Time at Whitney Stadium.

The Marauders (9-1), ranked seventh in balloting, will be at home to face #9 Azusa Pacific, CA (8-1). Game time is at 12 noon Central Time at the Bismarck Community Bowl.

Minot State, which was ranked number eighteen in the final poll of the season, missed the playoffs.

Complete pairings for the 2003 NAIAA playoffs can be found on the NAIA web-site.


November 11, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) -- The Dakota Athletic Conference has three teams ranked in the top twenty-five of the NAIA Football Poll and one team in the NAIA Volleyball Poll.

Dickinson State, the University of Mary and Minot State represent the DAC in the tenth football poll of the regular season. Dickinson State (10-0) remains third. The University of Mary (9-1) stays at number seven and Minot State (7-3) is tied with Campbellsville, KY for seventeenth.

In the volleyball poll, three time DAC champion Dickinson State is the lone DAC representative in the top twenty-five. The Blue Hawks (24-6) moved up one spot to number four. Si Tanka University at Huron received votes.

A complete list of the polls can be found on the NAIA web-site.

November 6, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) -- The parings are now set for the Dakota Athletic Conference post-season volleyball tournament.

Regular season champion Dickinson State and second seed Dakota State will receive first round byes. Third seed Si Tanka University at Huron will play host to the University of Mary, the sixth seed, at 7:00 Saturday and number four Black Hills State will be at home to face the fifth seed, Jamestown College, at 11:00 Saturday.

The semifinals will be played on Wednesday, November 12. The Si Tanka/Mary winner will travel to Dakota State and the Black Hills State/Jamestown winner is on the road to face Dickinson State.

The championship match will be held on Saturday, November 15 at the home of the higher seed.


November 4, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) -- Rafe Espinoza of Dickinson State University has been named the NAIA Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Blue Hawks' 56-20 victory over Jamestown College.

Espinoza, a six-one sophomore quarterback from Arlee, Montana, made his first career start a memorable one by tying the school record for touchdown passes in a game with 5 en route to Blue Hawks' win. Espinoza completed eight of 13 passes in the game, compiling 253 yards and just one interception, as Dickinson State improved their overall record to 9-0 on the year.

November 1, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) – Dickinson State University head football coach Hank Biesiot picked up his 200^th career victory on Saturday as the Blue Hawks defeated Jamestown College, 56-20, at Whitney Stadium in Dickinson. His overall record is now 200-68-1.

Biesiot took over as DSU’s head football coach in 1976 and has turned it into one of the most successful programs in the NAIA. Entering the 2003 season, Biesiot ranked third among active coaches in winning percentage (.737) and second in wins (191).

Since taking over the head coaching position, Biesiot has had only one losing season (4-5 in 1977) and is in the midst of a string of 26 consecutive winning seasons. Saturday’s victory also secured Biesiot’s 12^th conference championship and tenth berth into the NAIA playoffs. The Blue Hawks had a string of eight conference titles in ten years from 1986 through 1995.

Two of Biesiot’s more memorable seasons came in 1987 and 1991. The ’87 team captured their second straight conference crown with a perfect 9-0 mark and were ranked number one in the nation, the first North Dakota school to top the NAIA football rankings. The ’91 squad picked up their third consecutive conference title and then defeated Minot State (26-21) and Hastings, NE (42-10) to advance to the national semifinals, where they fell to eventual national runner-up Pacific Lutheran, WA (47-25).

Following the 1991 campaign, Biesiot was selected as the North Dakota College Coach of the Year and the Blue Hawks were chosen the North Dakota College Team of the Year by the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.

Biesiot has also seen several of his players receive national recognition. Since the 1976 season, Biesiot has coached thirty NAIA All-Americans, including his son Tony, who was a first team selection at linebacker in 1999.

The Blue Hawks will try to wrap up Biesiot’s fifth undefeated regular season and third ten win season when they play host to South Dakota Tech in their regular season finale on Saturday.


October 31, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) -- The Dakota Athletic Conference has three men's teams and four women's teams ranked in the latest NAIA Cross Country polls of the regular season.

Back Hills State is the highest ranked DAC men's team at number eight. Defending national champion Minot State remains at number eleven, the University of Mary is at number fifteen and Jamestown jumps into the poll at twentyfifth.

In the women's poll, Black Hills State is the top DAC team at number eight. Minot State is ranked fourteenth, Jamestown College is sixteenth and the University of Mary is at number nineteen.

Complete lists of the polls can be found on the NAIA web-site.


October 28, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) -- The Dakota Athletic Conference has two men's teams and three women's teams ranked in the NAIA Division II Preseason Basketball Polls.

Jamestown College (29-5 in 2002-03), who advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2002-03 national tournament, received eight of eighteen first place votes and tops the preseason men's poll. Minot State is the only other DAC in the men's poll. The Beavers (17-13) are sixteenth. Black Hills State (19-12) and Si Tanka University at Huron (14-16) also received votes.

In the women's preseason rankings, the University of Mary is the highest ranked DAC team. The Marauders (26-6) open the season ranked fourth. Dickinson State (28-6) is at number thirteen and South Dakota Tech (19-11) is seventeenth. Minot State (13-16) also received votes.

The complete preseason polls can be found on the NAIA web-site.


October 28, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) -- Valley City State linebacker Josh Kasowski has been named the NAIA Defensive Player of the Week.

Kasowski, a five-ten junior from Valley City, registered ten solo tackles and assisted on ten more as Valley City State defeated South Dakota Tech by a score of 35-22. Kasowski had two tackles for loss and a quarterback sack in the victory. The Vikings improved to 4-3 with the win.


October 21, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) -- Larry Aldridge of Si Tanka University at Huron was one of four players honored as NAIA Offensive Players of the Week by Don Hansen's Weekly Football Gazette.

Aldridge carried the ball 35 times for 284 yards and two touchdowns as the Screaming Eagles’ defeated Dakota State 34-28. He also caught one pass for seven yards.

Aldridge currently leads the DAC in rushing with 155.7 yards/game (1090 yards in seven games) and is third in scoring with 8.86 points/game (10 touchdowns and a two point conversion in seven games).


October 17, 2003

(Valley City, ND) -- A friendly rivalry is about to get more intense. The presidents of Mayville State University and Valley City State University have agreed to compete for the Mayors Cup in football and the Presidents Cup in basketball. The awarding of the Mayors Cup will begin Saturday, October 18 as the Comets host the Vikings in MSU’s homecoming game. The Presidents Cup will be awarded in Mayville after the basketball games on February 19. The Mayors Cup will be awarded annually to the mayor whose team wins each year’s football game. The mayors of Mayville and Portland will alternate with each other every year on behalf of Mayville State. The mayor of Valley City will represent Valley City State. This year, Mayville’s mayor Jim LeClair, a former Comet head football coach, and Riley Rogers, mayor of Valley City, will be on hand for the post-game ceremony. Portland’s mayor Sven Mickels will represent MSU next season. Kick-off for this Saturday’s game is set for 2:00 p.m. at Jerome Berg Field on the campus of Mayville State University. This will be the 73rd meeting between the two schools in a football rivalry that began in 1912. The Presidents Cup is won by the college that wins the majority of the basketball games played between the colleges each year during the regular season. Each season, the men’s and women’s basketball teams play each other twice, once at home and once on the road. Whichever school wins at least three of the four games will win the Presidents Cup. Should the schools split the four games and a tiebreaker be needed, the Presidents Cup shall be awarded to the college in possession of the Mayors Cup (i.e. the school that won the football game). “Because of our close geographic proximity, similar missions and histories, and new leadership at Mayville State University, the establishment of the Mayors Cup and the Presidential Cup will add an extra element of fun and competition to our football and basketball seasons,” said Mayville State University President Pam Balch. "For nine years, I just hoped for non-injury games between the two universities,” said Ellen Chaffee, president of Valley City State University. “I still have that hope, but the new cup matches are a great way to celebrate each university's identity and aspirations. Go Vikings!" From 1993 to 2002, the two universities shared a president and several other top administrators, although they remained autonomous institutions. President Ellen Chaffee remained as president of Valley City State University, and this is Mayville State University President Pam Balch's first year in office. The two colleges share several bonds. Located 70 miles apart in eastern North Dakota, both were established in 1889 as “normal schools,” which was jargon then for colleges of teacher preparation. Both colleges now offer a wide range of academic offerings, with VCSU having 74 programs of study and MSU 67. The enrollment of VCSU is 1,005 and MSU is 817.

October 14, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) -- Dickinson State defensive lineman Ross Walker has been named the Don Hansen Football Gazette Co-defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Blue Hawks' 20-7 win over Valley City State.

In the contest, Walker had six tackles, including 1.5 tackles for a loss and one quarterback sack. He also forced a fumble, broke up a pass and returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown.
October 8, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) – The Dakota Athletic Conference will host two "Champions of Character" seminars in October for coaches, athletes, student leaders and administrators of the conference schools.

"Champions of Character" is an NAIA initiative. The mission statement of the program is to "create an environment in which every NAIA student-athlete, coach, official and spectator is committed to the true spirit of competition through respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership and sportsmanship."

The first seminar will be held on Monday, October 27 at 9:00 AM (MT) at Dickinson State University for representatives from Dickinson State, Minot State, the University of Mary, Black Hills State and South Dakota Tech. The second conference will take place on Tuesday, October 28 at 9:00 AM (CT) at Valley City State University for delegates from Valley City State, Si Tanka University at Huron, Mayville State, Jamestown College and Dakota State.

Rob Miller, the director of the "Champions of Character" initiative, and Bruce Brown of the NAIA National Staff will conduct the seminars.


October 1, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) -- Dickinson State linebacker Mike Staudinger has been honored by the Don Hansen Football Gazette as one of three National Defensive Players of the Week for his play in the fifth ranked Blue Hawks 31-21 win over the eighth ranked University of Mary.

Staudinger totaled 17 tackles, including three tackles for loss of 14 yards with one sack for minus –10 yards. He also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble that secured the victory with less than a minute remaining in the game.


September 23, 2003

(Olathe, KS) - Minot State University senior linebacker Shawn Cozort, from Dowoney, California, has been named the NAIA Defensive Player of the Week.

Cozort recorded six solo tackles and assisted on seven more in Minot State’s 37-15 win over Jamestown College. He also registered four sacks and broke up a pass as the Beavers limited Jamestown to just 16 rushing yards for the game. Minot State improved to 2-1 and 2-0 in the DAC with the victory.


August 27, 2003

(Spearfish, SD) -- Bud Synhorst, athletic director at Black Hills State University, has resigned to take a position as executive director of the Metropolitan Community College Foundation in Omaha, Neb.

Synhorst, who has been at BHSU for just over a year, was hired as athletic director in July 2002. He was previously the development officer in the athletics department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In his new position, Synhorst, 31, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the foundation and be in charge of all annual and capital fund-raising for Metro College which includes five campuses.

Steve Meeker, vice president for institutional advancement at BHSU, will serve as interim athletic director in addition to his other duties at the university. This will be Meeker’s second stint as interim athletic director; he previously held that position during the fall of 1993.


August 21, 2003

(Bismarck, ND) -- Former University of Mary track star Jamey Mulske has been elected to the N-A-I-A Hall of Fame.
The native of Ashley becomes the first Marauder ever to be elected.
Mulske was an eight-time national champion and earned 21 All-America certificates during her five-year college career in the 1990s. She was also named the outstanding performer at the 1997 national indoor meet and the 1997 and 1998 outdoor meets.

She will be enshrined next spring.

August 1, 2003

(Dickinson, ND) -- The Dakota Athletic Conference is well represented on Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette Preseason All-America teams. Three players were named to the first team, three to the second team, four to the third team and an additional seven received Honorable Mentions.

DAC players on the first team are Minot State, senior, wide receiver Harry Mills; Dickinson State, junior, return specialist Adam Eckert and Minot State, senior, defensive lineman Ian Best.

Second team, honorees are Dickinson State, junior receiver Adam Eckert; Minot State, junior, placekicker Cody Saunders and Dickinson State, senior, linebacker Coly Rush.

Third team selections include junior, running back Jace Schillinger of Dickinson State; Nicholas Dressler, a senior, offensive lineman from Dickinson State; senior, offensive lineman Nick Johansen of Mayville State and Dickinson State, sophomore, defensive back Aaron Johansen.

The seven Honorable Mention selections are University of Mary, senior, quarterback Tim Garcia; Dickinson State, senior running back Frank Renner; Mayville State's Curtis Shaw, a senior, wide receiver; senior defensive back Drew Wierson of Minot State; Dickinson State, junior, return specialist Satrone Boyd and placekickers Jeremy Fagerland, a senior from Dickinson State and sophomore Justin Lang of U-Mary.

A complete list of the Preseason All-America Teams can be found at www.donhansen.com .