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 2004-2005

June 16, 2005

(Dickinson, ND) -- The University of Mary is the winner of the 2004-05 Dakota Athletic Conference Commissioner's Cup, while South Dakota Tech has been recognized for their student-athletes' academic performance.

The Marauders, in their final season in the DAC, compiled 166.5 points to capture the Commissioner's cup. Jamestown College placed second with 139 followed by Dickinson State with 129.5, Minot State with 120 and Dakota State with 96.5.
The remaining standings have Black Hills State with 76 points, South Dakota Tech 74, Si Tanka University-Huron with 43, Mayville State with 41.5 and Valley City State with 39. Points are awarded based on the place each school finishes in conference sponsored sports.

South Dakota Tech is the recipient of the DAC Scholars Award. The Scholars Award goes to the school with the highest percentage of athletes honored as DAC Scholars. The Hardrockers placed 38% of their athletes on the academic honors list. As a whole, the conference had 628 of its athletes on the DAC Scholars list. Student-Athletes must earn a Grade Point Average of 3.25 or better to earn the conference academic recognition.

June 16, 2005

(Minot, ND) -- Minot State University has announced the hiring of a new head baseball coach and assistant football and track coach.


Randy Nelson has been named as the head baseball coach at Minot State University. Nelson replaces Dick Limke who led the Beaver Baseball program for the previous two years. Nelson served as an assistant baseball coach this during the 2004-'05 school year. He also serves as an assistant in the Beaver Football program. Prior to his time as MSU, Nelson held coaching stints at Bishop Ryan High School and Our Redeemers Christian School. Nelson coached baseball, football and basketball at the two high schools.

"We’re pleased that Randy is stepping into the head position with our baseball program," stated MSU Athletic Director Rick Hedberg. "Randy is an outstanding person with a great work ethic. He is well respected by the student-athletes and I’m excited that he is working for MSU Athletics. He will provide us with some stability within the program."

"I am very excited about the opportunity of taking over the baseball program at Minot State University", stated Nelson. "As a college head coach I realize there are many challenges that come with the position but I am very enthusiastic about meeting these challenges and having a successful program on and off the field."

Ryan Gatch has been hired as an assistant football and assistant track and field coach. Gatch replaces Jim Louis who recently took a position at Wartburg College in Iowa. Gatch joins MSU from Montana State-Northern in Havre where he served as a defensive line and strength coach for the Northern Lights during the 2004-'05 school year. Gatch spent two years as a linebacker coach at Chadron State College where he also assisted with the track and field teams. Ryan received his undergraduate degree at Dickinson State University while competing in football and completed his master’s degree at Chadron State College.


June 01, 2005

(Valley City, ND ) -- Valley City State has hired Jeff Kaminsky to head up their men's basketball team.

Kaminsky spent the last eleven years as the head men's coach at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. In his 18 years as a head coach, Kaminsky has compiled a 269-233 record.

Kaminsky received his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Grand Valley State and a Masters in Sports Psychology from Kent State. He replaces Adam DeHaan, who resigned to take a position with Ducks Unlimited in Nebraska.


May 28, 2005

(Louisville, KY) -- Dickinson State captured their second NAIA National Championship in men's outdoor track and field. The Blue Hawks won their first title in 2004 after finishing as the national runner-up the previous season.

DSU crowned five individual champions in compiling 99 points to defend their national title. Virginia Intermont was the runner up with 83 points, followed by Lindenwood, MO with 81, Okalohma Baptist with 76 and Azusa Pacific, CA with 46.

Senior sprinter Derrick Atkins capped off his career with a pair of individual national championships, winning both the 100 (:10.34) and 200 (:20.89). The other Blue Hawk individual champions are Aaron Cleare in the 400 (:46.20). Trevor Barry in the long jump (25'-02") and Ben Knight in the decathlon (6965 points).

Dickinson State's Pete Stanton was named the NAIA men's Coach of the Year for the third year in a row.

Other DAC schools in the men's team standings were the University of Mary in a tie for eleventh place with 18 points and Jamestown College in a tie for 35th place with seven points.

In the women's competition, three DAC athletes were crowned individual national champions. LeeAnn Pekovitch of Minot State won the javelin (163'-07"); Shawna Kern of the University of Mary won the 400 meter hurdles (1:00.08), and Black Hills State's Angi Axmann raced to the 3000 meter steeplechase championship (10:33.38).


April 30, 2005

(Dickinson, ND) -- Dickinson State wide receiver Adam Eckert was selected by the Montreal Alouettes in the fifth round of the Canadian Football League draft. Eckert was the 49th player selected and was one of only two NAIA players chosen in the six round CFL draft.

In his career, Eckert had 133 receptions for 2754 yards (20.7 yards/reception) and 31 touchdowns. He also served as the Blue Hawks main punt returner during his four year career, averaging 13.9 yards per return and scored three touchdowns.

The native of Winnipeg, MB helped league the Blue Hawks to three Dakota Athletic Conference championships and three appearances in the NAIA playoffs in his four years at DSU. Eckert was also a member of the Blue Hawks' track team that captured a national championship, a national runner-up, two outdoor conference crowns and an indoor conference title.


April 27, 2005

(Mayville, ND) -- Mayville State University has named Southwest Minnesota State assistant coach Dennis Hutter as their new women's basketball coach.

This is the first head coaching job for the Blaine, MN, native. He takes over a team that went 8-and-20 last season and has not had a winning season since 2001.


(Bismarck, ND) -- The University of Mary has tabbed Juno Pintar to lead their men's basketball team as the Marauders make their transition from NAIA into NCAA Division II.

Pintar, who spent 23 seasons as a Marauders' assistant, was the team's interim coach in 2004-05. He led the Marauders to an 18-and-12 mark and a fourth place finish in the DAC.


April 22, 2005

(Valley City, ND) -- Valley City State University men's basketball coach Adam DeHaan has announced his resignation to accept a position with Ducks Unlimited as the Regional Director for eastern Nebraska. His new duties will include the management of grassroots fundrasing within the region.

"I have many ambitions and interests. The time is right to begin a new chapter in our family's life. I will miss the collegiate atmosphere, but am excited about the prospects of the future," DeHaan stated. "I have declined other opportunities this spring. College basketball and this team remain very dear to my heart. However, this job is an opportunity to get back to me grass roots in biology and conservation."

During the 2004-05 season, DeHaan's Vikings had the best start in school history (4-0), posted their first .500 season in 18 years (14-14), led the DAC in free throw shooting (.785) and saw all conference player Tyrone Terry sign a professional contract with the Des Moines Heat of the International Basketball League.

I am excited for Coach DeHaan and his family," said VCSU Athletic Director Doug Peters. "It is an opportunity he can't pass up. Adam did an excellent job at VCSU and I am personally sorry to see him go. He is the type of dedicated, passionate person that exemplifies Viking athletics."

Valley City State will begin a national search to fill the position as soon as possible.


April 15, 2005

(Bismarck, ND) -- The University of Mary has announced that they will be leaving the NAIA and Dakota Athletic Conference to accept an invitation to join the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in the NCAA Division II.

The school announced it's departure in a memorandum to DAC commissioner LaVern Jessen and the presidents of the other conference institutions.

In the memo, Mary president Sister Thomas Welder stated that the university had "just completed a study of possible membership in NCAA-II." She went on to announce the school's departure by saying, "With this communication, I wish to inform you that the University of Mary board of trustees and university community have accepted the invitation to membership into the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and will begin the application process for membership into NCAA Division II."

The statement went on to say, "Throughout this exploratory period we have repeatedly stated that our experience as members of the Dakota Athletic Conference and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics has been positive through the years. Our student athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff have derived great benefit from the competition, the professional exchange, and colleagueship. We look forward to the 2005-2006 season as a continued opportunity for meeting the DAC teams who represent their schools with such pride and strength of character."

Mary will join Upper Iowa in making the jump into the NSIC. They will join currrent members Bemidji State, MN; Concordia-St. Paul; Minnesota-Crookston; Minnesota State-Moorhead; Northern State, SD; Southwest Minnesota State; Wayne State, NE and Winona State, MN.

The university will compete as an independent in the DAC in the 2005-06 academic year before moving to the NSIC in 2006-07. The Marauders will be ineligible for post-season play for the first four years in the NCAA as they serve their probationary period to meet the standards of Division II.


April 06, 2005

(Valley City, ND) -- Valley City State coach Cory Anderson has been honored by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as the 2005 Region III Coach of Character Award recipient.

Anderson is the inaugural winner of the award. The Coach of Character award is part of the NAIA's Champions of Character program and is given to coaches who have made an impact on student-athletes, universities and communities. The five core values of the program include respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.

Anderson, in his 14th year at VCSU, is the head baseball coach, offensive coordinator for the football team, Sports Information Director and is also active on the marketing committee, coordinator of the Viking Golf Scramble and baseball chairman for the Dakota Athletic Conference and Region III. Off campus, he is involved in Valley City youth sports programs and in his church.

"Coach Anderson exemplifies all of the core values in all that he does," said VCSU Athletic Director Doug Peters. "His work and involvement on our campus, in the DAC and the Valley City community is phenomenal."


March 30, 2005

(Spearfish, SD) -- Out of 83 applicants, Paul Sather was the man that Black Hills State selected to direct the Yellow Jackets' men's basketball program.

Sather, a native of Princeton, MN, is currently an assistant coach at the University of Colorado-Boulder. He also spent six years as an assistant at Northern State, SD, helping lead them to three Northern Sun Intercollegiate Titles.

Sather played college hoops at Northern State, earning a bachelor's degree in secondary education in 1995. After teaching and coaching in Sidney, NE, Sather served as a graduate assistant at Wayne State, NE, while earning his master's degree in sports administration.


March 23, 2005

(Rapid City, SD) -- South Dakota Tech's Hugh Welsh is stepping down as the Hardrockers' men's basketball coach, but will remain as the school's Athletic Director.

Welsh compiled a 268-273 record since taking over as the Hardrockers head coach in 1986. He is the winningest men's basketball coach in South Dakota Tech history while guiding the Hardrockers to a pair of conference titles and a trip to the 1997 NAIA National Tournament. Welsh also was named the conference Coach of the Year on two ocassions.

Assistant Jason Henry has been promoted to the head coaching position. Henry, who just completed his third season as Welsh's assistant, is a native of Minot, ND and graduated from Minot State in 1997.


March 16, 2005

(Dickinson, ND) -- One DAC women's player and one men's player have been named as NAIA Basketball All Americans and two women's players and three men's players received Honorable Mentions. The DAC also had seventeen others earned NAIA Scholar-Athlete recognition.

University of Mary forward Jessica Zundel, a senior from Jud, ND, was named to the NAIA 1st team and Minot State's Courtney Haley, a junior, guard from Chicago, IL, was a 3rd team selection.

Honorable Mention recognition also went to Stacie Vedvei of South Dakota Tech; Andrea Ronderos of the University of Mary; Mayville State's Alexandros Anthis; Jonathon Castillo of Jamestown College and Dakota State's Sal Rapheal.

NAIA Scholar-Athlete honorees were: Renae Bottum and Robin Grinager of Dakota State; Sara Berglund and Sarah Long of Dickinson State; Minot State's Hallie Boyce and Jen Sundahl; Andrea Ronderos, Molly Merrigan and Nicole Meier of the University of Mary; Janae Larson, Darcie Engelby and Sarah Heringer of Valley City State; Mayville State's Justin Skjerven; Korey Kirschenmann, Brady Quayle and Jon Walder of South Dakota Tech and Alex Aldinger of the University of Mary.

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


March 11, 2005

(Sioux City, IA) -- The University of Mary saw their season come to an end with a 76-58 loss to Sterling, KS, in the second round of the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball Tournament.

The fourth ranked Marauders jumped out to an early 9-to-1 lead, but Sterling came back to take a 36-to-33 halftime edge. The Lady Warriors then shot 55 percent from the field in the second half to strech the lead to double-figures, while Mary shot just 35 percent in the second half and turned the ball over 21 times in the contest.

Andrea Ronderos led the Marauders with 17 points and Jessica Zundel had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

The Maraduers end their season at 29-4, while Sterling advances to the quarterfinals with a 28-5 mark.


March 10, 2005

(Sioux City, IA) -- DAC Tournament champion South Dakota Tech dropped a 64-60 decision to Holy Names, CA, in opening round play of the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball Tournament.

South Dakota Tech had three players in double figures led by senior forward Stacie Vedvei with 21 points, while Megan Barnes scored 16. Freshman guard Melanie Vedvei dished 7 assists as the Hardrockers had their nine game winning streak snapped. This is the eighth national tournament appearance for South Dakota Tech after falling in the second round in 2004. South Dakota Tech finished 21-11 on the season.

Holy Names had two players in double figures led by junior forward Devina Brooks who finished with 17 points.

Holy Name improves to 27-6 on the season with the win and advances to Friday’s second round.


(Sioux City, IA) -- Regular season champion University of Mary opened the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball Tournament with a 78-39 triumph over Warner Southern, FL.

Mary had three players in double figures led by senior forward Jessica Zundel who scored 14 points and pulled down 12 rebounds. Natalie Brunner contributed 15 points while junior guard Kara McGuinness scored ten for the Marauders. Mary shot 52% from the field on 35-for-68 shooting. This is the eighth national tournament appearance for University of Mary after falling in the Semifinals in 2004.

Warner Southern College was led in scoring by junior center Juanita Jurand had 12 points.

University of Mary improves to 29-3 on the season with the win and advances to Friday’s second round. The Marauders will face the Sterling College, game time is set for 7:30 p.m.


March 09, 2005

(Point Lookout, MO) -- Mayville State dropped their opening round contest at the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament, a 67-60 setbacck to defending national champion Oregon Tech.

The teams traded scoring runs in the opening half, with Mayville starting the game on a 5-0 run only to see the Hustlin’ Owls respond with their own 9-0 run. The Comets closed the half with 11-straight points to take a 33-27 lead at the break. Mayville was keyed by a 23-12 rebounding advantage and 11 points from Archie Weatherspoon.

The Owls slowly climbed back in, knotting the score with a three-pointer at the 12:44 mark. The rest of the half continued to bounce back and forth, with neither team gaining much of an advantage. Oregon Tech was up by one (61-60) with 1:25 left when Michael Nunes nailed a three to give the Owls a four-point edge. They added three free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Oregon Tech’s Andre Lawrence led all scorers with 20 points and added six assists, four rebounds, and four steals.

The Comets were led by Gilby Sanchez, who totaled 18 points and nine rebounds. Weatherspoon added 17 points and seven boards, while John Feggo finished with 12 points and a team-high four assists. Mayville, making their third national tournament appearance and first since 1998, finish the season with a record of 17-14.

Oregon Tech improves to 26-9 on the season and advances to Friday’s second round.


(Point Lookout, MO) -- DAC regular season and tournament champion Minot State fell 98-90 in double-overtime to Cedarville University, OH in the opening round of the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball tournament.

Cedarville forward Mugabe Thomas, who missed much of the second half with foul trouble, took over in the second overtime, hitting two key three-pointers to put away the Beavers. He finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds for his nation-leading 24^th double-double of the season.

Minot State led 43-37 at the half after closing the opening stanza on a 21-4 run. The second half and first overtime went back-and-forth with neither team gaining much of an advantage. The score was 79-79 at the end of regulation and 85-85 at the end of the first overtime. Cedarville outscored Minot State, 13-5, in the second overtime.

Cedarville converted 27-of-37 free throw attempts, while the Beavers were 5-for-6 from the line for the game.

The Beavers were led in scoring by Jordan Cooper’s 22 points. Cooper scored 13 points in the first half and finished with a game-high five three pointers. Courtney Haley added 19 points and six assists and T.J. Collins finished with 16 points. Qasim Ward rounded out the double-figures scorers with 11 points. The Beavers, playing in their second national tournament (1995), end their season with a 23-9 record.

Cedarville improves to 26-9 on the season and advances to Friday’s second round.


March 05, 2005

(Johnson City, TN) -- Dickinson State University finished fifth in the men's division and the University of Mary women placed sixth at the National NAIA Indoor Track and Field Meet in Johnson City, TN.

The Blue Hawks crowned three national champions enroute to a 37 point performance. Trevor Barry won national titles in the high jump and long jump, while Ross Walker won the weight throw. Other placers for DSU were Walker, sixth in the shot put; Aaron Cleare, fourth in 400 meters and Derrick Atkins, fifth in the 55 meters.

Jamestown College was the only other DAC men's team to score with six points, which placed them in a four way tie for 26th place. The Jimmies' points came from a fourth place finish in the 1000 meters by Ryun Hess; a sixth place performance in the pentathlon by Dan Stoudt and a sixth place showing by the 4x800 relay team.

Lindenwood, MO, won the men's team title with 100.25 points. Virginia Intermont was the runner-up with 82 points with Oklahoma Baptist and Azusa Pacific, CA placing third and fourth with 53 and 41 points, respectively. Forty-five teams scored in the men's division.

The Marauders scored 24 points to tie with Doane, NE, for sixth place in the women's competition. The Marauders points came from Femi Kehinde, who placed third in the 400 meters and fifth in the 200 meters; Ashley Colbrese was the national runner-up in the 1000 meters; Ann Marie Simonich placed fifth in the pole vault, and the Marauders placed fourth in the 4x400 relay and fifth in the distance medley relay.

Genevieve Binsfield scored all of Minot State's points as the national runner-up in the 3000 meters. The Beavers tied for 22nd place with eight points. Jamestown College placed 28th as a team with five points. The Jimmies' Erica Mois finished fourth and Alissa Andrus sixth in the long jump. Black Hills State and Dickinson State were among eight teams tied for 32nd place with two points. The Yellow Jackets points came in a fifth place finish in the 4x800 relay and Chioko Nakasone accounted for the Blue Hawks' points by placing fifth in the 600 meters.

Oklahoma Baptists won the women's team championship with 86.5 points. Rounding out the top five were McKendree, IL with 72; Simon Fraser, BC with 65; Azusa Pacific, CA with 55 and Missouri Baptist with 42.5. Forty-three teams scored in the women's division.

Complete results of the national meet can be found on the NAIA website.


March 02, 2005

(Dickinson, ND) -- The Minot State and Mayville State men's basketball teams and the women's basketball teams from the University of Mary and South Dakota Tech now know their opponents in the first round of the NAIA Division II tournaments.

The first round of the men's tournament is Wednesday, March 9 and Thursday, March 10 at the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO. The MiSU Beaavers (23-8), the regular season and post-season DAC champions, open the tournament at 8:30 AM Central Wednesday against sixteenth seeded Cedarville, OH (25-9). The MaSU Comets (17-13), the tournament runners-up, matchup with number six Oregon Tech (25-9), the defending national champions, at 1:45 PM Central on Wednesday.

The women's tournament first round is scheduled for Wednesday, March 9 and Thursday, March 10 at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, IA. The Mary Marauders (28-3), the DAC regular season champs, take on Warner Souther, FL (21-10) at 7:30 PM Central on Thursday. The Tech Hardrockers (21-10), the post-season conference champions, open tournament play at 9:15 PM Central against Holy Names, CA (27-6).

Complete pairings and tournament information can be found on the NAIA website.


February 20. 2005

(Spearfish, SD) - The Dickinson State men and University of Mary women were crowned conference champions at the Dakota Athletic Conference Indoor Track & Field Meet in Spearfish, SD. It is the first DAC Indoor title for the Blue Hawks, while the Marauders captured their fifth straight crown.

Dickinson State compiled 196 points to garner the top spot in the men's division. Mary was the runner-up with 180 points followed by Jamestown with 153 points, Black Hills State with 49, Dakota State with 32, South Dakota Tech with 16, Minot State with 13 and Si Tanka University at Huron with 4.

The Blue Hawks had ten individual champions with three athletes capturing two individual titles. Aaron Cleare won the 200 and 400 meters; Trevor Barry was first in the high jump and long jump and Ross Walker was the winner of the shot put and weight throw. Other Blue Hawk champions were Derrick Atkins in the 55 meters; Travis Norberg in the pole vault; Shayne Wittkopp in the triple jump and the Blue Hawks won the 4X400 relay.

Other individual men's champions were: Travis Bussey of Mary won the mile run and 3000 meters; Mario Czarnomski captured the 800 meters; Jesse Piper of Mary captured the title in the 55 meter hurdles; Dan Stoudt was the winner of the pentathlon; Mary won the 4X200 relay and Jamestown the 4X800 relay.

Mary collected 265.5 points to seize the women's indoor title. Jamestown College finished second with 162.5 points with Black Hills State third with 66. Dickinson State placed fourth with 60.5 points and Minot State with 37, Dakota State with 27, South Dakota Tech with 4.5 and Si Tanka University at Huron with 3 rounding out the eight team field.

The Marauders had two double winners among their eleven individual champions. Femi Kehinde won the 200 and 400 meters and Aubrey Baxter captured the shot put and weight throw championships. Other Marauder winners were Tasha Rudolpj in the 55 meters; Ashley Colbrese in the 800 meters; Marsha Knigh in the 55 meter hurdles; Kristen Schwehr in the pole vault; Destinee Keller in the triple jump and the 4X200 and 4X400 relays.

Other individual womens' winners were: Genevieve Binsfeld of Minot State won the mile runner and the 3000 meters; Nicole Cuppy of Jamestown captured the high jump crown; Erica Mois of Jamestown was the long jump winner; Kari Pankow of Jamestown won the pentathlon and Black Hills State was the winner of the 4X800 relay.


February 20. 2005

(Dickinson, ND) -- The pairings are now set for the Dakota Athletic Conference post-season basketball tournaments. The men's quarterfinals will take place on Tuesday, February 22, while the women tip-off the post-season on Wednesday, February 23.

First round pairings for the men's tournament have regular season champion Minot State (14-4/20-8) hosting Si Tanka University at Huron (6-12/7-21); fifth seed Dickinson State (9-9/10-18) is on the road to face the University of Mary (9-9/17-11); seventh seeded Jamestown College (8-10/11-17) goes to regular season runner-up Dakota State (12-6/14-14), and third seed Mayville State (11-7/15-12) is at home to take on South Dakota Tech (9-9/12-16).

The men's tournament semifinals will be held on Friday, February 25 with the conference title tilt on Monday, February 28.

The women's first round pairings have regular season champion University of Mary (17-1/26-2) at home to face Si Tanka University at Huron (7-11/11-17); number four Black Hills State (10-8/17-11) hosts Jamestown College (10-8/16-12); regular season runner-up South Dakota Tech is at home to take on Valley City State (7-11/12-15), and sixth seed Dakota State (9-9/16-12) travels to Minot State (10-8/17-11)

The women's tournament continues on Saturday February 26 with the semifinals and the conference title matchup is on Tuesday, March 1.

The tournament champions will join the regular season champions at the men's division two national tournament in Branson, MO and the women's division two national tournament in Sioux City, IA. If the Minot State men and/or U-Mary women win the conference tournament, the tournament runner-up will receive the second automatic invitation to the national tourney.


February 17, 2005

(Dickinson, ND) -- The Dakota Athletic Conference placed nine players on the Don Hansen Football Gazette's All America teams and also had two players receive post-season honors.

Josh Kasowski of Valley City State was named the NAIA Linebacker of the Year and Josh Epperly of Dickinson State was recognized as the NAIA Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Kasowski, a senior from Valley City, ND, had 155 tackles with 26 tackles for a loss during the 2004 season. He broke the school records for tackles in a career with 337 and tackles in a game with 25 versus Minot State.

Epperly, a junior from Hettinger, ND, helped lead the Blue Hawks to their third straight conference championship. He also helped DSU top the conference in scoring at 31.6 points per game and rushing at 213.7 points per game.

Kasowski and Epperly also were named to the first team offense. Defensive lineman Ross Walker of Dickinson State; linebacker Dan Stoudt of Jamestown College and defensive backs Paul Mehle of Valley City State and Marques Tucker of Minot State were second team selections. Third team honorees were Dickinson State running back Jace Schillinger; University of Mary wide receiver Jake Pfau and offensive lineman Robert Spencer of Jamestown College.

Other post-season award winners are Cory Jacquay and Chris Van Horn of national runner-up St. Francis, IN, as Offensive Back and Defensive Lineman of Year, respectively. James Booth from MidAmerica Nazarene, KS, earned Receiver of the Year honors; Keeyon Howard from Central Methodist, MO, is the Defensive Back of the Year; Sioux Falls' T.C. Fraser is the Special Teams Player of the Year, and Adam Sherman from St. Francis was named the Rimington Award winner as the NAIA's top offensive center.

A complete list of All America teams can be found on the Don Hansen Football Gazette website (www.donhansen.com).


February 04, 2005

(Rapid City, SD) -- South Dakota Tech's search for a new head coach is finally over, and the wait might have landed them with one of the NAIA's top coaching commodities, Dan Kratzer.

Kratzer, who previously was an assistant head coach and wide receivers coach at Kent State, was named the new head coach of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology February 4th, 2005. Prior to his four seasons at Kent State, Kratzer spent 12 years coaching in the NAIA and 10 as a head coach. From 1990-1994 Kratzer was the head coach at Hastings College (NE) before moving on to Lindenwood from 1995 to 2000, where he also served as Athletic Director. While in the NAIA, Kratzer led his teams to four NAIA Playoff appearances (Hastings 91-93, Lindenwood '98). A native of Lathrop, Mo., Kratzer earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from Missouri Valley in 1971 and a master's in education from Central Missouri State University in 1976. South Dakota Tech went 3-7 in 2004. The Hardrockers best season in the last 10 years was 5-5 (1995) and the last winning season for Tech was 1985 (6-3). The best record the program has ever had in its history is 8-0 (1950, 1938). South Dakota Tech has never made the playoffs.

February 04, 2005

(Valley City, ND) -- Valley City State University Director of Athletics Doug Peters is pleased to name Kari Peterson as the 8th volleyball coach at Valley City State University. Peterson, a native of Moorhead, MN, was the top assistant at the University of North Alabama, a program that won the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2003. Peterson also received coaching experience at Texas A&M Kingsville and Minnesota State University-Moorhead. Peterson received her undergraduate degree at Augustana College where she was named the NCAA Division II National Player of the Year in 2000 while leading the Vikings to a runner up finish in the NCAA National Tournament. The two-time NCAA All-American brings a wealth of national and regional recruiting experience to a program that finished 6-18 in 2004 and only one conference win in the last two seasons.

January 18, 2005

(Dickinson, ND) -- The NAIA has announced the 2004 All America teams for football along with the NAIA Football Scholar-Athletes. The DAC had eleven players receive post-season honors, while 17 players have been recognized for their academic achievements.

The DAC placed two players on the NAIA first team, two on the second team and seven players received Honorable Mention recognition. University of Mary wide receiver Jake Pfau, a senior from Beulah, ND and Valley City State linebacker Josh Kasowski, a senior from Valley City, ND, are first team honorees. Dickinson State's Jace Schillinger, a senior running back from Baker, MT and Josh Epperly, a junior offensive lineman from Hettinger, ND, are second team selections.

Honorable Mention recipients are offensive lineman Phil Hohn from South Dakota Tech; wide receivers Tommy Hofer of Dakota State and Rob Lyke of South Dakota Tech; place kicker Shawn O'Brien of Dickinson State, and defensive linemen Matt Gwash of the University of Mary and Kylan Klauzer and Ross Walker of Dickinson State.

The 17 DAC players who earned NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors are: Philip Russell, Sam Campanella, Dustin Quintus and Tyler Greff of Dickinson State; Hassan Cohen, Rob Hummel and Brian Walsh from Jamestown College; Mitch Olson and Phil Hohn from South Dakota Tech; Doug Zinke, Jack Lindsley, Joel Stugelmeyer and Casey Rogstad of the University of Mary and from Valley City State, Shaun Williams, Jeremy Payne, Justin Messer and Greg Dobitz.

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


January 14, 2005

(Spearfish, SD) -- Black Hills State University will begin their first women’s golf season under the direction of Sarah Johnson, a certified golf professional.

BHSU is adding golf to its list of women’s sports this fall. Johnson, who is also manager and golf pro at the Spearfish Canyon Country Club, is looking forward to the challenge of building a team and becoming competitive in the Dakota Athletic Conference.

“I’m looking forward to building the BHSU team. We are hoping to get a lot of local students. I think we will have a very competitive team,” Johnson said.

Johnson brings several years of collegiate head coaching experience as well as many years of golf competition and experience as a golf professional to the newly created coaching position at BHSU. In the late 90s, Johnson coached the men’s golf team at Webber College in Babson Park, Fla. The team was nationally ranked in 1997 and 1998.

Johnson has a bachelor’s degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., and has completed several PGA and LPGA national training programs.
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BHSU announced several changes in their athletic program following a statewide Title IX review by the South Dakota Board of Regents in 2003. As a part of that plan, which is designed to increase opportunities for women in athletics, BHSU will add golf this fall and begin a women’s soccer program in the fall of 2006. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 is the landmark legislation that bans sex discrimination in schools both in academics and athletics.


December 22, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- NAIAFootball.net has announced their 2004 United State's Sports Academy All-American Football Teams. The DAC placed two players on the first team, five on the second team, three on the third team, three on the fourth team and six others received Honorable Mention recognition.

First team selections were senior, receiver Jake Pfau from the University of Mary and junior, offensive lineman Josh Epperly of Dickinson State. The five second team honorees were senior running back Jace Schillinger of Dickinson State; junior, receiver Tommy Hofer of Dakota State; junior, defensive lineman Matt Gwash from the University of Mary; Dickinson State senior, linebacker Mike Staudinger and Minot State senior, defensive back Marques Tucker. Named to the third team were sophomore, offensive lineman Robert Spencer from Jamestown College; junior, defensive lineman Ross Walker of Dickinson State; Valley City State senior, linebacker Josh Kasowski and freshman, kicker Shawn O'Brien of Dickinson State. The DAC fourth team players were junior, tight end Zach Alcorn of Black Hills State; senior, offensive lineman Tony Fugelberg of Minot State and Jamestown College junior, defensive back Jerome Jacobs.

The DAC Honorable Mention recipients were defensive lineman Kylan Klauzer of Dickinson State; defensive back Chad Fetzer of the University of Mary; Si Tanka-Huron running back Larry Aldridge; South Dakota Tech offensive lineman Phil Hohn and from Valley City State, receiver Rochenel Absolu and defensive back Paul Mehle.

Tyler Emmert of national champion Carroll College, MT was named the Offensive Player of the Year and Pedar Moore of Azuza Pacific, CA was honored as the Defensive Player of the Year. Patrick Ross of Lindenwood, MO and Steve Ryan of Morningside, IA shared the Coach of the Year award.

A complete list of the All-American teams can be found on the NAIAFootball.net website.


December 08, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Four DAC volleyball players received post-season honors from the NAIA, while 24 players earned NAIA Scholar-Athlete recognition.

Jennifer Lopes of Jamestown College, Nancy Nyongesa of Dickinson State, Flavia Siguiera of the University of Mary and Minot State's Lisa Webb were named NAIA Honorable Mention All-Americans.

The DAC players who were recognized for their academic achievements were: Sara Ann Goeden of Black Hills State; Ashley Brassfield and Amanda Vos-Keiser of Dakota State; Sarah Long and Jamie Rice of Dickinson State; Miranda Brown of Jamestown College; Kayla Aune, Nicole Schumacher, Margaret Thompson and Ayrin Wold of Mayville State; Nicole Durnin, Marcy Heaman and Lisa Webb of Minot State; Leslie Weber of South Dakota Tech; Suleika Berrios, Yesmarie Burgos, Luciola Figueroa, Rayma Figueroa, Samantha Kenner and Sarah Sandmeier of Si Tanka University at Huron; Anna Neubauer of the University of Mary and Kendall Campbell, Sheena Hamilton and Jackie Rohde of Valley City State.

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


December 07, 2004

(Valley City, ND) -- Don Bauer, former athletics director at Valley City State University, has been honored as the 2003-04 NAIA-ADA Region III Athletics Director of the Year. The award is selected annually from the 14 NAIA Regions. Bauer began work at VCSU in 1995 before retiring in June 2004. His tenure is marked by significant improvements to the VCSU athletics complex. Noteworthy among the improvements are a new outdoor track, new fieldhouse floor and lighting, chair-back seating at Lokken Field and numerous improvements to the W.E. Osmon locker rooms and facility as a whole. In 2000, Don received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Service for his personal commitment to public service and professionalism.


November 23, 2004

(Rapid City, SD) -- South Dakota Tech has announced that Darren Soucy will not return as the school's head football coach in 2005. The Hardrockers went 10-and-40 in Soucy's five years as head coach, including a 3-and-7 mark this season.


November 23, 2004

(Minot, ND) -- Former Minot State University men’s basketball standout Jeff Brandt secured a spot on the roster of the Bismarck, ND based Dakota Wizards of the Continental Basketball Association. The Minot native learned last Friday that he made the 10-man squad.

Brandt led the Beavers to a 19-11 record last year while leading MSU in scoring at a 21 point per game rate. Brandt was named to the DAC All conference first team and the NAIA Honorable Mention All American team.

Brandt survived the Wizard’s final cutdown while a handful of veteran pro players did not, including former first round NBA draft pick Eric Barckley.

Jeff was serving as an assistant coach for the MSU men’s basketball team this fall while finishing up school and has no trouble putting his coaching career on hold.

"No, I don’t have a problem doing that and (MSU) Coach (Mike) Hultz doesn’t have a problem with it either," Brandt said. "The coaches and players have been very supportive of me through this."

November 21, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Dickinson State University has been awarded a home contest in the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Football Quarterfinals on Saturday, October 27.

The Blue Hawks, who defeated Montana Tech 30-13 in the first round, will host the two-time defending national champions from Caroll College, MT at 12:00 noon Mountain Time at Whitney Stadium. The Fighting Saints won their first round matchup against the University of Mary 24-14.

Other quarterfinal contests have Sioux Falls, SD at Azuza Pacific, CA; Hastings, NE travels to St. Francis, IN, and Georgetown, KY plays host to MidAmerica Nazarene, KS.


November 14, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- DAC co-champions Dickinson State and the University of Mary will be at home for first round action in the NAIA National Football Playoffs on Saturday, November 20.

The Marauders, who received the automatic bid by virtue of their 14-12 victory over DSU, were ranked seventh in the final poll of the season and will play host to two-time defending national champion and ninth ranked Carroll College, MT at 1:00 Central Time at the Bismarck Community Bowl. The Blue Hawks, the recipients of an at-large invitation, were tied for fifth in the final poll and will take on number thirteen Montana Tech at 12:00 Mountain Time at Whitney Stadium.

Other first round pairings have #12 Monringside, IA at #2 St. Francis, IN; #14 Trinity International, IL is on the road to face #3 Georgetown, KY; #4 Northwestern Okalahoma State plays host to #10 Azuza Pacific, CA; #15 Tabor, KS goes to #1 Sioux Falls, SD; #8 McKendree, IL is at home to battle #11 MidAmerica Nazarene, KS and #5 Lindenwood, MO hosts #16 Hastings, NE.


November 09, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- University of Mary quarterback Tom Kirchoffner has been named the NAIA Offensive Player of the Week for his play in the Marauders' 52-38 road victory over Si Tanka University at Huron.

The junior from Bismarck, ND, was 11-of-27 passing for 303 yards and three touchdowns. He added 122 yards rushing and three touchdowns. The win clinched a tie for the DAC title with Dickinson State and an automatic berth into the NAIA national playoffs.


November 05, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- The pairings are set for the 2004 Dakota Athletic Conference Volleyball Tournament.

Regular season co-champions University of Mary and Dickinson State receive first round byes. Quarterfinal round matches on Saturday will have sixth seeded Si Tanka University at Huron on the road to face number three Dakota State and number five seed Minot State at fourth seeded Jamestown College.

The semifinal round matches will be played on Wednesday, November 10 with the Si Tanka-Huron/Dakota State winner on the road to face number two Dickinson State and the Minot State/Jamestown winner at the top seed, University of Mary.

The championship match will be played on Saturday, November 13 at the home of the highest remaining seed.


November 04, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Crystal Hostetter and James Hansen of Black Hills State have been named this week's DAC Cross Country Runners of the Week.

Hostetter, a junior from Thermopolis, WY, won the MSU-Billings Invitational in a time of 18:40, while Hansen, a sophomore from Sidney, NE, was the runner-up at the same competition in a time of 26:28.


October 23, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Dickinson State and the University of Mary represent the DAC in the NAIA Division II Preseason Men's Basketball Poll, while Mary and Jamestown College are ranked in the Preseason Women's Basketball Poll.

The Blue Hawks (24-8 in 2003-04) enter the 2004-05 season ranked 16th in the preseason poll, while the Marauders (16-14 in 2003-04) are 25th in balloting. Defending national champion Oregon Tech is the preseason number one.

The Lady Marauders (32-3 in 2003-04) enter the season ranked 9th in the national poll and Jamestown College (13-15 in 2003-04) start the new season rated 23rd. South Dakota Tech and Black Hills State also received votes. Morningside, IA, the 2003-04 national champions, are the preseason number one.

The complete polls can be found on the NAIA website.


October 23, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Katka Urbanova of Minot State and Jesus Chavez of the University of Mary are this week's DAC Cross Country Runners of the Week.

Urbanova, a sophomore from Bratislava, Slovakia, finished 2nd at the Minot State Invitational in a time of 18:20, while Chavez, a freshman from Yakima, WA, placed 4th at the Minot State Invite in a time of 26:47.


October 22, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Minot State, the University of Mary and Jamestown College are represented in the Dakota Athletic Conference Post-Season Awards for men's golf, while Dickinson State swept the women's honors.

Jason Merck of Minot State was selected as the men's golf Most Valuable Senior, while Brad Shetler of the University of Mary was chosen as the Most Valuable Player and Jason McCloud of Jamestown College was awarded Coach of the Year honors.

The women's golf award winners were Sara Berglund of Dickinson State, Most Valuable Senior and Most Valuable Player and Tim Daniel of Dickinson State, Coach of the Year.

Jamestown College captured the men's conference title and Dickinson State took the women's championship at the conference tournament in Jamestown earlier this month.


October 20, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Kristal Wolf and Joey Barnett of the University of Mary are this week's DAC Cross Country Runners of the Week.

Wolf, a sophomore from Dickinson, ND, placed fifth at the Mount Marty Invitational in a time of 18:07.97, while Barnett, a senior from Moose Jaw, SK, finished fourth at the Maount Marty Invitational in a time of 25:27.19.


October 18, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- The Minot State University Athletic department teamed up with KMOT-TV, the local NBC affiliate, to assist Minot area food pantries in a time of great need. The MSU Athletic department requested all departments on the MSU campus to help with a food drive during the week of October 4^th-8^th. Food drive bags were placed in several departments on campus asking for nonperishable items to be donated to the cause. The MSU football team picked up all food drive bags on Friday afternoon and deliver them to the Salvation Army. .

"The food drive was a huge success," stated MSU Athletic Director Rick Hedberg. "We receive a lot of support from the Minot community and we are glad to be able to give something back. The student-athletes are already looking for other projects to help with."

Over 400 nonperishable items from MSU employees were donated to the Minot area food pantries


October 12, 2004

(Jamestown, ND) -- Jamestown College captured the men's team championship, while Dickinson State took the women's title at the DAC/Region III Golf Tournament in Jamestown.

The Jimmies won their second DAC crown and also won the Region III title with a two-day, 36 score of 622. The University of Mary finished second with a 637 followed by South Dakota Tech with a 643, Dickinson State with a 648, Minot State with a 656 and Northwestern, MN with a 674. Chase Grinsteiner of Jamestown won medalist honors with a 145.

Dickinson State grabbed their third straight conference crown and the Region III championship with a 676. Jamestown was the runner-up with a 718 with the University of Mary finishing third with a 748, Minot State fourth with an 824, South Dakota Tech placed fifth with an 824 and Si Tanka University at Huron rounds out the field with a 1244. Sara Berglund of Dickinson State was the medalist with a score of 158.

Jason McCloud of Jamestown was named the Region III Men's Coach of the Year and Tim Daniel of Dickinson State was chosen as the Region III Women's Coach of the Year.


October 12, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Lissa Danielson of Dickinson State was named the NAIA National Setter of the Week for her performance during the week of October 3-9.

Danielson, a senior from Stockton, CA, averaged 14.18 assists per game and 2.18 digs per game through 11 games. The Blue Hawks recorded victories against Dakota State University, Si Tanka University at Huron and Minot State University, improving their record to 12-8 on the season.


October 06, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Black Hills State sophomore Angie Axmann and Zach Kintzley, a junior from Black Hills State, have been named the DAC Cross Country Runners of the Week.

Axmann won the Dakota State Triangular in a time of 18:25, while Kintzley placed tenth at the prestigious Rocky Mountain Shootout in Boulder, CO, with a time of 26:47.


September 28, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- Genny Binsfield, a sophomore from Minot State, and Zach Kintzley, a junior from Black Hills State, have been named the DAC Cross Country Runners of the Week.

Binsfield captured the women's championship at the Yellow Jacket Invitational in Spearfish, SD, finishing the 4000 meter course in a time of 15:27. Kitzley won the men's division of the Yellow Jacket Invitational, completing the four mile run in a time of 21:16.


September 27, 2004

(Huron, SD) -- Si Tanka University at Huron has dismissed Athletic Director and head football coach Stan Rettew. Head men's soccer coach Brad Smith replaces Rettew as Athletic Director and Darin Hicks moves up from assistant coach to head football coach.


August 24, 2004

(Dickinson, ND) -- The Dakota Athletic Conference is well represented on the Don Hansen Football Gazette Preseason All America teams.

The DAC has three players on the preseason 1st team. They are junior running back Larry Aldridge of Si Tanka University at Huron; senior linebacker Josh Kosowski of Valley City State and Black Hills State sophomore defensive back Craig Tschetter.

DAC players on the 2nd team are senior running back Jace Schillinger, junior defensive lineman Ross Walker, senior linebacker Mike Staudinger and junior defensive backs Marcus Davis and Aaron Johansen of Dickinson State and senior receiver Jake Pfau of the University of Mary.

Third team selections from the DAC are junior receiver of Dakota State Tommy Hofer, junior offensive lineman Josh Epperly and Dustin Quintus of Dickinson State and junior placekicker Justin Lang of the University of Mary.

The DAC also had four players receive honorable mention recognition. They include junior defensive lineman Matt Gwash of the University of Mary, senior defensive back Quinton Robinson of Si Tanka University at Huron, junior defensive back Kevin McElvaney of Dickinson State and Dickinson State senior Adam Eckert as a receiver, return specialist and punter.

A complete list of the Preseason All America teams can be found on the Don Hansen Football Gazette website.