Go Dragons!!!

Enol Gilles in the Forum paper today

2009-10-09T09:40:00.001-05:00

The American dream: The son of immigrants from Haiti who found self-made success, MSUM's well-rounded running back is heart and soul of team

-Eric Peterson, In Forum

When Enol Gilles needs inspiration, he thinks about his parents. His dad, Cilas, and mother, Rosenie, both came to the United States from Haiti with little more than the clothes on their backs. “My dad came here with 20 American dollars,” Enol said. “Now he owns his own construction business. That’s my motivation right there.”

A senior running back at Minnesota State Moorhead, Enol Gilles is working on his own success story. He’s part athlete, part student and part entrepreneur. Gilles leads the Dragons in rushing with 217 yards and one touchdown on 80 attempts. MSUM hosts the University of Mary at 2 p.m. Saturday at Alex Nezmek Stadium.

“The way that he plays is with so much heart, you would think that he’s got the heart of an elephant inside of him,” MSUM senior nose guard Jon Swart said. “He brings everybody up and he’s a great leader.” Gilles is also driven off the field. A construction management major, Gilles finds time to design Web sites. He designed and maintains the official Web site for Indianapolis Colts receiver Pierre Garcon, pierregarconlive.com.

Gilles also runs Web sites that sell products ranging from NBA gear and books to infant clothing. Garcon and Enol have been friends since the two went to high school in Florida at John I. Leonard, which is located in the West Palm Beach area.

“He’s someone you want to be around,” Garcon said. “Whatever he focuses on, he’s going to do what it takes to get it done.”

In his fifth year with the program, Gilles is one of seven seniors on the MSUM roster. The 5-foot-6, 170-pound Gilles has led the Dragons in rushing in his three previous seasons. He rushed for a career-high 899 yards on 186 attempts his sophomore season.

“He kind of exemplifies, ‘The Little Engine That Could.’ ” Swart said. “He’s not a very big guy in stature, but he’s worked his butt off in the weight room to get as big as he can. No matter what the score is … he’s always trying his hardest. He’s always up at that level, bringing the team with him.”

Gilles said while some people may underestimate him due to his size, he uses that as motivation. “Even when I’m playing on the field I don’t feel small until I watch myself on film,” he said. “Then I’m like, ‘Damn, I am small.’ … It just makes you want to work harder.”

Gilles learned that drive from his parents. Enol started to appreciate what they had to overcome on one of his trips to Haiti. “When they actually brought me back to Haiti where they came from, it was shacks,” Enol said. “They brought me places like where their hometown was and like you couldn’t even get there sometimes because the roads were so bad.”

Cilas started working in the fields when he first came to Florida, Enol said. But that never prevented Cilas and Rosenie from providing. “Whenever I think I have it real bad, I’m like, ‘Man, my parents overcame way more than that.’ ” Enol said. “They worked hard to make sure we got clothes and they worked hard to make sure we got fed. You could never tell that we were struggling because whatever we needed, they provided for us.”

Cilas now has his own construction company. Enol designed the Web site for Cilas Concrete Construction, his father’s business. Enol, who has passed two of three sections of the general contractor test, is planning to work with his father when he graduates.

“He really has a good heart,” Cilas Gilles said. “He always tries to help people.”

Enol said when he graduates he will be the first male in his family to earn a college degree. His older sister, Mabelise, has earned her degree and is a grade school teacher in Orlando, Fla.

“He’s overcome being away from home for an extended period of time,” Dragons coach Damon Tomeo said. “He is truly an astounding young man. … He’s found a way to learn in the classroom, learn on the field and to develop and grow. He’s set himself up for the next phase and graduating.”

Dragons return home vs. U of Mary

2009-10-07T10:25:00.002-05:00

Saturday October 10th, 2009, 2:00pm Kickoff

Alex Nemzek Stadium @ MSUM

The Dragon enter the game 2-4 on the season coming off a road loss at defending national champ MN Duluth. Mary (3-3) visited CSP last weekend and came away with a 27-7 win.

This game named in 2006 the "Battle for the Paddle" by both schools, honors the winner the newest traveling trophy in Division II football. A rivalry that is only 3 years old, the University of Mary holds a 3-0 advantage over Moorhead. A missed Field Goal as time expired sent the game to overtime in 2008 and Mary came away with a victory.

Go Dragons!!!

Dragon Alum Ray Kavangh

2009-10-01T07:38:00.001-05:00

Ray Wayne Kavanagh, 75, of Bemidji and Tucson, Ariz., died Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the United Methodist Church in Bemidji with Rev. Eric Hucke officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bemidji and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Greenwood Cemetery in Bemidji, with military honors by the American Legion Post 14 of Bemidji.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gerald Abbott, Dave Anderson, Gary Breitag, Phil Buhn, Butch Froiland, Earl Gangness, Jim Grant, Roger Haire, Ron Krogsrud, DeWayne Kurpius, Jack Luoma, Don Meacham, William Okerman, Dave Pederson, Bruce Campbell and John Davies.

He was born July 7, 1934, to Emerson and Ellen (Johnson) Kavanagh in Appleton, Minn. He graduated from Appleton High School in 1952 where his basketball team went to the State BB Tourney in 1952. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Moorhead State Teachers College in 1996 and his master’s degree from Bemidji State University. He married Vera Jean Way June 9, 1957, in Hancock, Minn. He served with the US Army from 1957-1961. He was a teacher, activities coordinator and coach for Benson High School, Roseau High School and Bemidji High School. He was the District 29 Football Coach of the Year in 1975 and Minnesota Shriners North-South All-Star game coach in 1976. He coached the Bemidji High School football team for 14 years with a record of 94-41. In 2007, he was inducted to the Minnesota State University at Moorhead Athletic Hall of Fame as a football and baseball player.

He is survived by his wife of Bemidji; children, Debra (David) Holder of Richmond, Minn., Beth (Eric) Tollefson of Moorhead, Minn., Kent Kavanagh of Bemidji and John Kavanagh of St. Paul; five grandchildren; Melissa and Meagan Hertzog, three siblings, Vivian (LeRoy) Swenson of Appleton, Minn., Loren (Bonnie) Kavanagh of Appleton and Yvonne (Richard) Hagstrom of Alexandria, Minn.

Larry Scott in the Star Tribune

2009-09-30T20:34:00.001-05:00

Larry Scott was honored by MSU Moorhead for his 40 years as sports information director.

For the past 30 years, Minnesota State Moorhead has annually inducted new members into its athletic hall of fame.

But this year, the school did not have a new class for its hall of fame. Instead the school decided to honor Larry Scott.

The school chose to put the spotlight on Scott for his tireless behind-the-scenes work.

Scott, 63, who recently retired after serving 40 years as the school's sports information director, was honored last Saturday as part of the Dragons' homecoming weekend.

On his last official day of work, Scott was treated with a dinner at the 50-yard line of Alex Nemzek Stadium, the Dragons' home field. The stadium was an appropriate place for Scott's last meal as a Dragons employee. He attended every Dragons football game from 1967, when he was a student at Moorhead, through his retirement in June -- 427 consecutive games. Only four college sports information directors are believed to have surpassed 400 consecutive football games.

"Scotty's genuine interest in the thousands of student- athletes that he has covered over the past four decades will always stand out in my mind," MSU Moorhead athletic director Doug Peters said. "Even in retirement his focus continues to be on promoting our great university, outstanding student- athletes and the accomplishments of the Dragons."

University of Minnesota associate athletic director Marc Ryan said Scott deserves the praise.

"I am personally indebted for his leadership and guidance," said Ryan, a former Dragons student-athlete who interned under Scott. "I owe a lot to him. His loyalty to the school and Dragon athletics speaks for itself. It's neat that he is getting these accolades. He richly deserves them. It was never about him. Without a doubt, he is one of the best of the business."

Scott, who was elected to the College Sports Information Directors of America Hall of Fame in 1991, also served as the sports information director for the NIC (now NSIC) Conference for 25 years.

"In high school, Bob Peterson was my English and journalism teacher," said Scott, who was raised in Alexandria, Minn. "He went on to be the SID at the University of Minnesota. He was always so kind to me and was my mentor."

Despite his retirement, Scott will continue his association with the school.

"It's a blessing to still have a connection with the school," Scott said. "I'll volunteer and do what I can."

JOEL RIPPEL - Star Tribune

Conference Player of the Week Selections

2009-09-29T19:43:00.002-05:00

I was recently asked how we get a player selected for the NSIC Conference player of the week. After each game, our staff nominates an offensive, defensive, and special teams player. The conference compiles this information and selects the most eligible from all submissions. Most times, players are chosen for tremendous effort toward the team win.

We look forward to many more. . .

Go Dragons!!!

NSIC Player of the Week

2009-09-28T18:47:00.001-05:00

NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week - #35 Jimmie Mattson

(K/P, 6-1, 170, Fr., Eleva, Wis. / Eau Claire Memorial HS)

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Mattson drilled a 38-yarder field goal in the third quarter to put the Dragons up 17-13 on Minnesota, Crookston. He was also connected on all three extra point kicks for total of 6 points in the 24-13 win. On kickoffs, Mattson also kicked five times for 287 yards, averaging 57.4 yards per kickoff.

Go Dragons!!!

On-Line Auction is up and Running

2009-09-24T11:25:00.003-05:00

Click here to see the items on our Athletic Department on-line auction. All proceeds supports MSUM Athletic Scholarships.

Check out this item. . . you need this in your office!

Go Dragons!!!

Super Bowl Champion Speaks at MSU Moorhead

2009-09-21T19:42:00.000-05:00

Moorhead, Minn…Pat Richie owns three Super Bowl rings. But not for his contributions on the field. Instead, the San Francisco 49ers awarded him Super Bowl rings three times in recognition of his contribution to the team’s success after Super Bowls XXIII, XXIV and XXIX (23, 24, 29).

Richie served as chaplain of the San Francisco 49ers during the 1980s and 90s. He also served with the San Francisco Giants and San Jose Sharks.

He’ll talk to students, faculty and community members on ethical leadership and communication during Minnesota State University Moorhead’s homecoming celebration.

Richie, a 1978 MSUM public relations and advertising graduate, is president of SLG Corporate and the Sports Leadership Group, a teamwork and leadership consulting firm. He is also an official consulting partner of Patrick Lencioni’s The Table Group.

He’ll deliver three talks during his campus visit.

On Thursday, Sept. 24 he’ll speak to students in a “Student Leadership Workshop” at noon in the Center for Business 105, and at 3 p.m. he’ll talk on “Ethical Leadership and Communication” in the Center for Business 111. He’ll also receive the Distinguished Mass Communications Alumni Award at the afternoon event.

Richie will deliver a distinguished alumni lecture on “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 in the Center for Business 111.

All events are free and open to the public.

A Minneapolis native, Richie played varsity football at MSUM in the late 1970s. He attended graduate school at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago and the International School of Theology in San Bernardino, Calif. He is the author of two books, “Wisdom for the BusyLeader” and “Wisdom for the Busy SportsLeader.”

For over 25 years, Richie has presented on the subjects of teamwork, leadership and business ethics to corporate presidents, team owners, athletes, broadcasters and college educators. His experience encompasses a wide spectrum of athletic associations, including the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS AND NCAA. He’s also worked with clients such as Well Point, General Dynamics, Ardent Health, and the production company behind the children’s television show, VeggieTales. Richie has been quoted by The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, the BBC, and GQ Magazine.

Homecoming and Tailgating this Weekend!

2009-09-21T06:44:00.000-05:00

This weekend we will let the dining service do the cooking and enjoy tailgating with the students on the west side of the Nemzek Fieldhouse at 11am. Prices for Dragon Fire Members are $5 per person. Non-Dragon Fire Members (not sure why you aren't members) are $7 per person. They are working out a price for kids 12 and under.

Check out the website for more information on family day and homecoming events: https://appserv.mnstate.edu/homecoming/ If you don't have quicktime, just click no and you'll be able to see everything.

Check out the Dragon Fire Auction which is a great fundraiser of Athletic Scholarships for the student athletes. You can get there from the link near the bottom of the homecoming page. Be sure to bid early and often.

Go Dragons!!!

What do I do now. . .it is my senior year (Part II)

2009-09-18T09:17:00.002-05:00

Greetings from MSUM once again, I continue our plan on helping current seniors with their recruiting process. You can read my previous entry on September 9th in which the ACT and senior video are highlighted.

One of the most challenging hurdles to complete is the NCAA Clearinghouse. There are multiple steps to the process and it will take the next 9+ months to be considered certified by the NCAA for collegiate competition. You will want to start this process now by registering with the Clearinghouse, paying the fee, having your ACT test scores sent electronically, and speak with your counselor at school and get a preliminary transcript sent to the NCAA. The NCAA Clearinghouse can be found by clicking here. Get it started, let me know if you have questions so I want to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Go Dragons!!!

Homecoming Events, September 26th, 2009

2009-09-14T17:51:00.000-05:00

As a member of the athletic department I invite you to “Celebrate 40 Fabulous Years of Dragon Athletics!” In lieu of the traditional Dragon Hall of Fame, this year’s Homecoming celebration will focus on MSU Moorhead’s athletic accomplishments over the past 40 years. The change in the annual induction ceremony is centered around the retirement of Larry “Scotty” Scott.

A Dragon student and employee, Scotty served as the Dragons Sports Information Director for the past four decades after his graduation from MS. His long time involvement in Dragon Athletics offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the fabulous accomplishments of the Dragons for over the past 40 years and to recognize a Dragon legend.

The “40 Fabulous Years of Dragon Athletics” Celebration will be held at the Best Western Doublewood Inn on Saturday, September 26, 2009.

Tickets for the celebration are $35 and include dinner and admission to the dance. Pre-registration for the dinner is required due to limited space. The dance will be open to the public after the formal program with a cover charge of $10.

In addition, a 9-hole golf tournament “A Round with Scotty” is also scheduled on Saturday, September 26 at 8:30 a.m. at the Moorhead Country Club. Pre-registration and pre-payment of $60 is required due to limited space. Registration for both events is available online at www.dragonhomecoming.com or by calling Gloria Riopelle at 218-477-5824 for more information.

The 2009 Dragons Go Hollywood Homecoming runs September 18-26, 2009. Events for students, alumni and community members include the Dragon Fire Online Auction, Habitat for Humanity Building Project, theatrical productions of Rent, the Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards, a 5k Fun Run, a contest to come up with the lyrics for the Dragon Fight song and much more. A complete list of activities can be found at www.dragonhomecoming.com.

Go Dragons!!!

Tailgating at Bemidji this weekend

2009-09-14T12:41:00.000-05:00

Hello Dragon Fans!!! Hope everyone is hanging in there and gearing up for the first away game of the year.

Traditional Tailgating on Saturday, September 19th at Diamond Point Park in Bemidji. Bring your grills, bring your own meat, and bring a dish to share. We will have a grill to share as well as plates, napkins, and forks. We will also bring a bunch of hotdogs, ketchup, and mustard to share, but feel free to bring your own meat.

So, meet us at Diamond Point Park which is located just north of the BSU Stadium at Birchmont Dr. and between 16 St. NE and 19 St. NE in the Bemidji State University Campus. Tailgating begins at 11am. Look for the motor home and the Dragon flags.

Go Dragons!!!

Congrats Al Strandberg!

2009-09-11T10:08:00.001-05:00

From the Crookston Daily Times

Two alumni and a local radio personality will be inducted into the University of Minnesota, Crookston Athletic Hall of Fame during homecoming weekend. The 2009 inductees include Christina (Nettum) Cyr, ’97, Al Strandberg,ex.’79, and Frank Fee, president and general manager of KROX AM radio in Crookston. A recognition event will be held on Friday, October 2, 2009, in Bede Ballroom. The evening begins with a social at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. followed by a program recognizing the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees and the outstanding alumni for 2009.

Al Strandberg, ex.’79, played football for the U of M, Crookston Trojans. Named most valuable player, Strandberg was also named All American, All Region, and All Conference while playing with the Trojans. His remaining two years of eligibility he played for Minnesota State University Moorhead and was All Conference both years. He signed as a free agent in 1981 with the Dallas Cowboys and played two pre-season games with them before being released due to an ankle injury. Strandberg was picked up by the Arizona Wranglers of the United States where he played for a year for them and briefly for the Chicago Blitz.

Dragon Football this weekend vs. CSP

2009-09-11T09:31:00.001-05:00

Dragon Tailgating at Noon Saturday, September 12th on the North Side of the Stadium. Menu will be Burgers, Beans, Cole Slaw, Chips, and lemonade. You do not need to bring a dish to share this week--save that for Bemidji next week. A free will offering will be collected to cover costs with all proceeds going to Dragon Football.

Post-game activities for this Saturday will be back at Bennigan's. Half priced appetizers and happy hour drink specials when we arrive. And, I think you might even get your first drink free when you show your ticket stub to the server! Be sure to join the rest of the football families and their players for some fun!

I am a Senior in High School, what should I do now???

2009-09-09T10:02:00.002-05:00

I get asked this question all the time by recruits and parents of recruits, what should be doing right now to maximize my chances at a college scholarship. To help, I will bring you a few ideas at different times to help you move along the recruiting process.

--- Take (or retake) the ACT. There is a test this weekend, next date is October 24th. Low test scores or late test scores eliminate many student-athletes from being offered scholarships.

--- Send senior video. Now that your high school season is under way, get with your coach and figure out the best way to send video to the schools that you are most interested in. Early senior video leads to increased attention by schools.

Go Dragons!!!

Home Game #3, Dragons vs. Golden Bears

2009-09-08T07:34:00.002-05:00

Week #3 of the season is already upon us!

MSUM will face off in a NSIC Conference match up versus visiting Concordia St. Paul. Game start is at 2:00pm.

Concordia comes into the game off of a hard loss to Minnesota Duluth in week #1 and a narrow defeat by Minot St this past weekend.

Go Dragons!!!

Tailgating this weekend

2009-09-04T09:59:00.000-05:00

Join Dragon Fans at 11am on Saturday for Dragon Tail-Gating Inside the Stadium.

Enter through the North Gate. We will be in the Northwest Corner of the Stadium. The Chefs will be serving: Grilled Dragon Tail*, Corn on the Cob, and Lemonade.

Bring a dessert or salad to share. Free will offering will be taken (suggested student donation $2, suggested adult donation $4) with proceeds benefiting Dragon Football.

Post Game Gathering at the Sidestreet Grill (inside Howard Johnson Hotel) at 301 3rd Ave N, Fargo.

Parents, Fans, Players, Kids welcome.

Go Dragons! ! !

FM Athletics Invited this weekend

2009-08-31T12:00:00.001-05:00

Dragon Athletics invites all F-M Athletic participants to the Dragon Football game Saturday, September 5th at 1 p. m. on the MSUM Campus. All F-M Athletics participants wearing their game jersey to the game will be admitted free and receive 1 adult ticket as well. Players wearing jerseys and their accompanying adult need to go to any of the three ticket windows to receive tickets to the game.

“We want to welcome and encourage the kids that are participating in athletics to a college event,” said Peters. “My hope is that the kids that come to the game can see themselves someday attending college and playing football.”

Kick-off is at 1 p. m. in the football stadium behind Alex Nemzek Hall on the MSUM Campus. The Dragons take on NSIC foe Wayne State College. Both teams head into the game undefeated.

Congrats Dragons

2009-08-29T20:28:00.001-05:00

Great job Dragons, 16-6 win over the visiting Valley City State Vikings. Dragons 1-0 to start 2009!

Saturday, September 5th, Wayne St Wildcats will be visiting MSUM. Hope to see you in the stands.

Go Dragons!!!

Dragons vs. Vikings Tailgating

2009-08-28T06:59:00.000-05:00

MSUM Athletics and the Dining Service have teamed up and are hosting Tailgating on the WEST SIDE OF NEMZEK FIELDHOUSE!

This means: DO NOT BRING A DISH TO SHARE! That will have to wait. Cost to eat at tailgating is $5 if you are Dragon Fire members and $7 if you are not. (Another good reason to join Dragon Fire.) All food is provided.

So, meet us at 11am on the WEST SIDE OF THE FIELDHOUSE this Saturday.

Weather forecast for Saturday is mostly sunny with a high of 68. Sounds like great weather for Football.

POST GAME gathering. Please join us after the game at Bennigans (just NE of MSUM on Highway 10 in Moorhead). We will be gathering as fans, players, and family. Bring your son and your family to Bennigans immediately following the game (okay, immediately following a player's shower) on Saturday.

Go Dragons!!!

Scrimmage #2 ends, Close of Fall Camp

2009-08-23T19:17:00.002-05:00

Amazing how fast it goes! It was just the 4th of July, now we play Valley City this Saturday. Time goes so quickly. Great lesson to be learned by our guys, never take a day for granted, you blink and you may miss life.

I believe our guys took advantage of the last two weeks and improved not only as football players but as young men. Camp does present a bunch of situations that they can learn from and help their growth into future leaders.

Scrimmage yesterday saw some success by both our offense and defense; the 2 minute drill to end the day showed our offenses ability to drive the field (great Fry to Small toss and catch for 6 points). Defense made their share of plays, our team speed on defense is impressive, I believe that we are faster then we were last year.

Special Teams will be important for us this fall, I hope that they will be able to contribute to each win this season and never be the cause for us to be behind in a game. Jimmie Mattson has earned the starting job as a kicker and Pat Haynes as our punter. Both have improved the last two weeks and their consistency is getting more impressive.

Look forward to seeing everyone at Alex Nemzek this coming Saturday as we face Valley City State, kickoff is at 1:00pm. You can catch us on AM 1660 from the local FM area or on the Internet through www.northernsun.org.

Go Dragons!!!

New Team Pic, Scrimmage Saturday

2009-08-20T09:56:00.002-05:00

Check out the new team pictures on the right hand side of the page. We chose the stadium this year, this was the normal location for the Dragon Team Picture in years past. You can also see the away uniforms which are new this year.

This Saturday, August 22nd, 1:00pm, we will be having our second scrimmage of fall camp. Look forward to having you join us for our last open practice before we play Valley City State Saturday the 29th.

Go Dragons!!!

Scorch is looking for friends

2009-08-16T06:16:00.003-05:00

Our Dragon Mascot "Scorch" is on Facebook. You can become a fan/friend of Scorch here.

There are pictures from Saturday's scrimmage on the web page.

Thanks to all who attended; we will see you next Saturday at 1pm. Let's keep our fingers crossed for a dry day.

Go Dragons!!!

Media Day

2009-08-13T21:01:00.003-05:00

Great job by all who helped put our 41st annual media day together. Had to throw up the picture of our new interview backdrop, pretty sweet if you ask me. . .

Don't forget to make plans to join us this Saturday at 1pm for our intra squad scrimmage in the stadium. We will also be scrimmaging on Saturday the 22nd at 1pm.

Go Dragons!!!

Thanks Parents

2009-08-09T22:55:00.000-05:00

Special thanks to our Dragon Football Parents that cooked the team dinner on Friday. The meal was excellent and a great way to welcome the new team members to camp.

Go Dragons!!!

Rookies and Veterans have Returned

2009-08-09T06:12:00.002-05:00

Great to see the rookies and veterans return back to Moorhead for the start of fall camp. Blessed with a little rain and lightening, practice #1 was called a little short. For those that are in the know, Coach Bo left the field after about 35 minutes!

The team is already coming together nicely. Not only is there talent, I think this is a very good character group.

This morning, we will be doing a little testing. We will return to the field at 3:30 this afternoon for another (rainless!) helmet practice.

More updates to come. . .

Go Dragons!!!

Conference Golf Tournament

2009-08-05T20:58:00.003-05:00

Pictured from Left to Right:

Gregg Veldman, Larry Scott, Mark Reed, and myself.

Last Friday, we had an opportunity to get together some Dragon favorites from years past at the NSIC Golf Tournament. Even though we shot a gross 59, we did not place in the top 3. It was a great day and I already promised Veldman to golf next year if he made an eagle put on #11 which he sunk! We will be seeing you next year.

Go Dragons!!!

Rene Capo

2009-07-09T10:01:00.002-05:00

Two-time judo Olympian and former University of Minnesota and Moorhead St football player Rene Capo died yesterday of lung cancer at age 48. Capo was a defensive tackle from 1979 to 1982 at the U and 83 at MSUM where he garnered All American Honors, then went on to compete at the 1988 and 1996 Olympics.

40 Years

2009-07-02T15:50:00.004-05:00

Great BBQ yesterday to celebrate Scotty's retirement at MSUM. Even though it was just a small gathering of close friends and athletic department personnel, Scotty's words really hit home.

When a man talks about "loyalty" after putting in 40 years at one institution, you have to listen. A great example, Athletic Director Doug Peter's writes in his letter to Scotty that "Dragon lore has it that you missed your last Dragon Football game in 1967. For anyone that is keeping track, that was the year of the very first Super Bowl. Since then you worked an amazing 427 consecutive Dragon football games. You are one of only four SID’s at any level to have hit the 400 game mark. WOW!"

Make plans to join us this fall for the football Homecoming on September 26th for a 9 hole golf tournament, tailgate party, football game vs. Crookston, volleyball game, and celebration dinner and dance to honor Larry Scott.

Click here to read more about Scotty and this great event.

Metro vs Outstate All Star Football Game

2009-06-27T08:06:00.002-05:00

Congratulations and best of luck to Metro Team players and future Dragons this fall Jared Cross, Mike McNamee, and Steve Parks as they take on the Outstate Team. Game start is at 7pm tonight St. Cloud St Stadium.

You can get more information on the game by clicking here.

Go Dragons!!!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T06:16:00.003-05:00

Today I celebrate my first Father's Day, I have come to have a greater appreciation for fathers after I have become one. The last 7 months with Molly have been fantastic! Her and I are spending the day together today, no special plans but day 4 of the US Open can help the day go by just nicely.

Happy Father's Day to all of the Dragon Dads (and future dads). Special Happy Father's Day to my Dad Joe, thanks for being such a guiding presence and support in my life.

Kohl's Kicking & Punting

2009-06-17T08:58:00.005-05:00

Had a great meeting with Jamie Kohl of Kohl's kicking yesterday at his home in Ankeny, IA. Wow, what an impressive amount of knowledge Jamie has regarding kicking and punting. I have to admit, in a 6 hour session, I learned more about technique for kickers and punters then I have in 10 years. Thanks for the help!!!

If you are interested in learning more, click here.

The Passing of a Mentor and Friend

2009-06-15T23:20:00.004-05:00

Dr. Fred Sontag was a 57 year veteran of the Philosophy Department at Pomona College. He was a great mentor, teacher, and friend to me (and so many) while I was in college. Fred passed away on Sunday.

He hired me my first year to help with some office work and from this simple work study job, a relationship was formed that helped me get through the difficult college years, aided my transition into the 'real' world, and laid the groundwork for my belief that people are inherently good, they just often make bad decisions and need a little help and guidance.

A few memories that will always bring back a smile:

- He had the worst penmanship, yet I was trusted to translate hand written page after page when I typed his 1998 book Truth and Imagination. I still have a signed copy. I wonder how much of it I altered with my inability to read his writing!

- Anytime Fred asked you to move "a little something" at his house, make sure you understand that eventually he meant that you would be moving everything from his old house to his new house that would fit in your car!

- He always loved to eat at the Harvard Square restaurant in downtown Claremont, I have only eaten at this restaurant with him and he never let me pay the bill even after I had graduated

- He complained to the IT department that his computer was slow and he needed an upgrade, no matter what computer Fred had he will always be the slowest typist I have ever seen and no computer could help that

- My love for writing hand written notes came from Fred. Even after graduating, he would send me a note of a thought or something he wanted me to read. With email and instant communication, writing is a lost art but who doesn't like to get a hand written note in the mail?

Thanks Fred. . .

Spring Turns to Summer

2009-06-06T08:25:00.002-05:00

It is hard to imagine that we are very close to 2 months away from the start of fall camp. Definitely excited to get the fall started, but I do want to enjoy a little slower time in the sun before we start practice.

Congratulations to Coach Travis Anderson and new bride Sue Hanish. Wedding last night was fantastic, my wife and I had a great time. Both Travis and Sue attended Fargo North HS, as did my wife so there was lots of connecting with old friends.

Go Dragons!!!

Scotty to Retire

2009-05-27T15:32:00.000-05:00

Moorhead, Minn. (By: Eric Peterson, INFORUM) – The Larry Scott era will soon be over at Minnesota State Moorhead. The school’s longtime sports information director is set to officially retire at the end of June after 40 years on the job. “I’m convinced that I owe MSU Moorhead much more than they would ever owe me,” said Scott, who is 63 years old. Scott, who was inducted into the College Sports Information Directors Association Hall of Fame in 1991, said he hasn’t missed a day of work in that time and has attended the last 427 Dragons football games.

“So the emotions that come with that are sad to see him go … he’s been a great representative of the athletic department,” said MSUM Athletic Director Doug Peters. “He bleeds Dragon red. The guy is a walking history book of Dragon athletics.”

“I knew that time was coming,” Scott said. Scott said he accepted an early retirement incentive package offered through the school and his union.

Scott informed Peters of his decision in early May. “I firmly believe he is going to be a Dragon for life and he is going to be around,” Peters said. “He is not going to disappear on us.”

Scott said he plans to stay active with the athletic department and the school in a limited role in the coming years. “I won’t have to go cold turkey for too long,” said Scott, who lives near his Alex Nemzek Hall office. “It would be very difficult for me to close the door, get in the car and take off somewhere.”

Scott said he was hired as the first full-time SID for the Dragons in 1969 after President Roland Dille created the position and offered it to him.

Scott was ready to take an assistant SID job at the University of Minnesota that summer. “My heart was still here so I thought, ‘Well, maybe I’ll stay with the Dragons a little while and then head down the road,’ ” Scott said. “That was kind of neat. It was kind of like a laboratory experiment. I got to learn on the job.”

Coach Joel Beard invited by NCAA Coaches Academy

2009-05-21T10:52:00.001-05:00

The NCAA has invited 26 football coaches who one day hope to be head coaches at NCAA colleges and universities to its NCAA Football Coaches Academy, May 27-29, in Indianapolis. The Academy will be held in conjunction with the Black Coaches and Administrators Convention in downtown Indianapolis.

The Academy is designed to reinforce various aspects of securing, managing and excelling in head football coaching positions at the intercollegiate level. The participants are current football coaches at NCAA colleges and universities who have up to eight years of experience coaching football.

The NCAA Diversity and Inclusion department administers the program, which prepares coaches for many of the situations and issues they will experience at the head coaching level through targeted program sessions and networking opportunities with current head coaches and athletics administrators. The NCAA National Office does not have the authority to mandate hiring decisions at its member colleges and universities, but it provides the coaches with opportunities to further enhance their skills and exposes them to key decision makers at NCAA colleges and universities.

“We’re bringing 26 coaches to Indianapolis to reinforce specific areas of expertise that we know athletics directors and head coaches believe are critical when advancing through the coaching ranks,” said Charlotte Westerhaus, NCAA vice president for Diversity and Inclusion. “The coaches already have the Xs and Os under their belt and they are familiar with many of the skill sets we place emphasis on during the program. We’re simply going to enhance their skills by providing them with information and feedback from some of the most successful coaches and athletics administrators from around the nation during the various program sessions.”

The following are the football coaches invited to the 2009 NCAA Football Coaches Academy:

***Joel Beard, offensive coordinator, Minnesota State University Moorhead

NCAA staff, administrators in their respective fields of expertise and guest coaches lead all Academy sessions. The Academy sessions focus on media training, networking, professional conduct skills and the academic landscape. The Academy also links the coaches with athletics directors, current head coaches, athletics conference administrators, university officials and faculty, and business leaders, all of whom interact with head coaches at the university level.

The NCAA began its Football Coaches Academy Program in 2004. Of the current 119 Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) head football coaches, seven are African-American, one is Pacific Islander, and one is Latino. Out of a total of 582 football programs in Divisions I, II and III, only 3.9 percent are coaches are of color, excluding the historically black coaches and universities.

Summer Workouts

2009-05-13T08:15:00.003-05:00

The weight room will be open 6:30-10am and 2-8pm Monday through Friday. Workout cards will be available for those guys that are lifting here in the summer.

If you are not in Moorhead for summer workouts, there is a link to the work out materials on the right hand side of this page in the "links" section.

Go Dragons!!!

Finals and Graduation

2009-05-08T08:05:00.005-05:00

Best of luck to the guys as they start finals today. Testing will continue through Thursday 14th with graduation on Friday May 15th.

Congratulations to seniors BRUCE GREEN and CRAIG KUTZ on their graduation next week!

Go Dragons!!!

Pluta grabs spring snaps

2009-05-01T07:14:00.001-05:00

By: Eric Peterson, INFORUM

Bryson Pluta was the lone quarterback option for Minnesota State Moorhead on Thursday at Alex Nemzek Stadium.

The sophomore signal was the only quarterback on the roster as the Dragons concluded their spring practices with a scrimmage.

“He’s definitely improved, and that’s a huge thing,” MSUM coach Damon Tomeo said. “Going into spring, there was a lot of learning he had to do. … He has the heart and desire to do it.”

Pluta has yet to take a snap in college, but there is a strong chance he will be MSUM’s starter next fall. The Dragons have signed two high school quarterbacks, who will join the team in the fall.

“I got a lot of reps personally and it gave a good look of what to expect in the fall,” said Pluta, who was the Dragons long snapper last fall. “I found each day and each week the offense was getting better and better and we had a strong finish today.

“I haven’t had a snap in a game at the college level so I have to take advantage of all the reps I can get.”

MSUM started spring football with two QBs, but Alex Wilson left the team after the first week of spring drills for personal reasons.

Sophomore running back Tim Hanson had a strong scrimmage.

He ripped off a 48-yard touchdown run and added a 60-yard reception to set up another short touchdown run. On that long reception Hanson lined up in the slot, broke a tackle and zipped into the open field before he was hauled down inside the 5-yard line.

“We’ve got to find a way to get it to him as many ways as possible,” Tomeo said of Hanson.

“With the offense now, we’re kind of switching over to a running team,” Hanson said. “If we keep a nice little balance than we can keep the defense off guard. … I really want to be a factor and hopefully it will happen.”

The Dragons have been primarily a spread offense team in recent seasons. MSUM ran a number of plays out of two-back sets on Thursday.

Tomeo said he liked what he saw out of linebackers Jake Larsen and Jeff Schuette, safety Brandon Larson and his defensive line.

Larson looks to play a key role for MSUM next fall, especially with All-American free safety Josh Jones transferring to Harding University in Searcy, Ark., for his senior season.

“It’s nice that the scoreboard is not on because you get some real learning opportunities for everybody,” Tomeo said.

Scrimmage #2

2009-04-25T22:20:00.002-05:00

The Dragons finished up week two of three weeks with our second scrimmage in the Stadium.

The offensive running game came to play with several long bursts from both Enol Gilles and Tim Hanson. Ty Small caught an out route from QB Bryson Pluta, broke a tackle, and went up the sideline for 6. To end the day, senior Joe Johnson went up in the corner to catch a ball over good coverage to put the offense on the board.

Defensively, Dan Meyer had a big play interception for a touchdown which capped a good day for the Dragon 'D'. The defensive unit is playing with some good chemistry with multiple guys contributing.

We conclude spring practice this week Thursday with our final scrimmage at 3:30pm. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather this week.

Go Dragons!!!

Scrimmage #1

2009-04-18T20:46:00.001-05:00

Our team had a spirited fall padded scrimmage today in Alex Nemzek Stadium. 58 total snaps, with no special teams counted, both the offense and defense showed off the work from the previous week.

Bryson Pluta connected with Nick Scharpf and Ty Small (both 20 yard scoring passes) and Tim Hanson added a third TD on the ground to put some points on the board.

Defensively, Senior Harrison Dotson stepped in front of one pass intercepting it and had a chance of taking it 99 yards (coaches whistled the play dead before he got running too far) and knocked down a few others. Sophomore linebacker Jeff Schuette and Junior Safety Brandon Larson both had nice tackles that got the crowd into the action.

This Friday, our signee class (after they complete Dragon Day Registration) and our team will be having a BBQ at 6pm on the practice field. Saturday, April 25th, 1:00pm, the team will be in the stadium for scrimmage #2. . .hope to see you there.

Go Dragons!!!

Spring Practice #1

2009-04-14T19:14:00.002-05:00

Good news from the Dragon Fields, spring ball has begun. Our first practice of the season, the NCAA mandates that the players can only wear helmets, turned out to be a spirited and fast moving event. We choose to go in the stadium rather then the practice fields, our practice fields are not quite ready for foot traffic yet.

Offensively, great shifting and motioning for day #1. We took more then the usual snaps from under center and our run game is coming together. Always hard for the first few days, our offense is already showing some great timing.

Defensively, our 3-4 defense remains in tact. For our first time out, the defense showed good communication and adjustment to the offensive formations.

We are heading out for #2 on Thursday.

Go Dragons!!!

News and Notes

2009-04-14T09:13:00.002-05:00

*** Today, the football team will be going outside for our first spring practice day. The fields are clear of snow, the temperatures are rising, and we definitely have the itch to get outside and put some gear on. Stay tuned for updates.

*** This weekend, Saturday April 18th, the football team will be having a scrimmage at 1:00pm. 7:00pm that evening, the alumni are invited to the Howard Johnson Hotel for a reception and social gathering. Contact me or Coach Shane Carter for tickets or more details.

*** April 24th, Friday, the team will be having our annual Spring BBQ for our current team in addition to our incoming recruiting class. Dragon Day registration is going on that day for the incoming Dragons Footballers and is set up through our admission's office. Practice will start at 3:30, BBQ will get under way around 6:00pm.

Some Game Time Changes

2009-04-10T11:11:00.002-05:00

Make sure to double check the schedule on the right side of the page for some updated game kickoff times.

We are playing @ Northern St at 6:00pm in addition to three of our home contests have start times of 2:00pm.

Go Dragons!!!

Flood Pictures

2009-04-08T20:35:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Bryson Pluta and family for the following flood pictures. Our team did a great job in the community lending some muscle. Keep the prayers coming as the National Weather Service is talking about a second crest next week.

Go Dragons!!!

Flood Slideshow

Updated Spring Ball Dates

2009-04-03T13:30:00.001-05:00

Below is an updated schedule for spring ball. With the weather, flooding, and school changes, we have modified a few dates. Hope too see you at a practice or scrimmage.

April 14th

April 16th

April 17th

April 18th - Dragon Fire Walk, Football Scrimmage, & Alumni Social

April 21st

April 23rd

April 24th - Team and Signee Class BBQ

April 25th - Football Scrimmage

April 27th

April 28th

April 29th

April 30th - Football Scrimmage

*UPDATED 04/09/09*

Living on the River

2009-03-28T09:26:00.006-05:00

The team has done a fantastic job all week fighting the flood, trying to help people keep their homes. I am very proud of their efforts. School has been canceled into next week, I am guessing for at least the first half of the week and there has not been any major decisions regarding adding class days, changing spring ball dates, etc. I will update when I know more.

I have been asked how my our house is, many of you know I live on the river. We above the 44' flood line so we are safe, just put out a few bags to keep the water away from the foundation. Here is a picture of the backyard in the fall, and another I just took the morning of 03/28/09 with the river at 40.82.

Team Sandbagging

2009-03-25T10:23:00.006-05:00

Our youngest flood fighter!

Here comes the Red River.

Sand Bag lines, efficient and fun :)

See the approaching river in the background.

Team work at its best.

As the Red River continues to rise, the team has spent the better part of the week helping out the community by sandbagging local houses. It is amazing to see how fast these guys can move hundreds of sand bags, each weighing in between 30-50 pounds.

Go Dragons!!!

News and Notes

2009-03-18T18:50:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their spring break. It was a busy end to last week for the players with winter weights wrapping up, grade checks coming in, and spring break travel planning. Here are some thoughts to get you through the week/weekend:

- The Team is selling Football embroidered Nike Gear with proceeds supporting both the team and Walk for Athletics. See previous Blog entry.

- April 18th is the Walk for Athletics. This is the largest annual fundraiser that athletics does to support scholarships. Dragon Football has a team and I would like for to join in and sign up. You don't have to be present or walk to support the cause. Again, see previous Blog entry.

- Thanks to Ed Meierkort and the entire football staff at the University of South Dakota. Our coaching staff is spending two days talking football with the Coyotes over the spring break. This is an excellent opportunity to do some professional development and get some new ideas and perspectives before we take the field for spring ball in April.

- The Locker room has had all of the major construction completed with only some aesthetic work remaining which will be completed over the next few weeks. The players will be moving into their lockers next week. Thanks to Brad and the crew in the physical plant for all their work on installation. It is a beautiful facility, will post pictures when it is all complete.

- Over the next three weeks, before we start on the field with actual practice, the players will be in the weight room 4 times a week, we will continue to run twice a week in the mornings, and we will begin installation meetings with the players by position groups. Our hope is to have the offense and defense installed before our first practice on April 14th.

- Keep track of our schedule as there will be some game start time changes over the next few weeks. Our home dates coincide with our soccer team so their is some juggling there. There are conversations on a few road games to play later in the evening under the lights. I will post when more official.

Go Dragons!!!

Dragon Football Gear

2009-03-09T07:48:00.006-05:00

Here is your chance to buy Dragon Football Gear in preparation for the coming fall. All proceeds from sales will support the MSUM Football Team and the Dragon Walk for Athletics. All orders must be received by March 23rd with delivery to your supplied address scheduled for the week of April 13-17th.

The Catalogue and Order form are on the right side of this page.

Dragon Fire Walk for Athletics

2009-03-04T11:58:00.005-06:00

Saturday April 18th, 2009

It is the concept that thousands of small steps by Dragon fans, friends, and alumni will add up to one giant, vital step for the program. It’s an annual effort organized by a group of loyal volunteers who have organized captains and teams who contact their family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and others to support Dragon Athletics by either joining the walk or sponsoring them as a walker. All contributions from these efforts go directly into the athletic scholarship fund at Minnesota State University Moorhead. This one-day event is quickly becoming one of the largest events for friends and alumni of MSUM.

To join the Dragon Football Team, click here.

Go Dragons!!!

Rock Gullickson Update

2009-02-18T07:30:00.001-06:00

Rams hire Fargo native and former MSUM graduate

The St. Louis Rams hired Fargo native and Minnesota State Moorhead graduate Rock Gullickson to serve as strength and conditioning coach.

By: Forum staff reports , INFORUM

The St. Louis Rams hired Fargo native and Minnesota State Moorhead graduate Rock Gullickson to serve as strength and conditioning coach.

Gullickson was among five hires made by new head coach Steve Spagnuolo.

Gullickson was on the Green Bay Packers coaching staff prior to being released last month.

Flipping Pancakes

2009-02-14T21:59:00.000-06:00

The Dragon Football Team joined in to lend a hand today with the Fargo Kiwanis Pancake Karnival. Slightly disappointed that we did not break the Guinness Record (established last year), it was still a great day to give back to the community, not to mention eat some pancakes.

Record effort falls short at Kiwanis Pancake Karnival

By: Sherri Richards , INFORUM

The people turned out for the pancakes, but the griddles just couldn’t keep up.

The Fargo Kiwanis Club fell short Saturday in topping its Guinness World Record for the number of pancakes served in eight hours, though a record number of people turned out for the 51st annual Pancake Karnival, held for the first time at the Fargodome.

With the switch in venue, the club used all electric griddles, instead of the gas grills at the Fargo Civic Center. The electric grills take longer to cook the pancakes, said Richard Solberg, a Kiwanis member and the Guinness coordinator.

So, volunteers put only two pancakes on each plate instead of four.

At the end of eight hours, they had served 32,667 pancakes.

Last year, the Kiwanis Club served 34,818, setting the Guinness record and taking the title from its rival, a Lions Club in Lubbock, Texas. That club will try to reclaim the record next Saturday.

However the Kiwanis fundraiser set a different record Saturday with 13,998 people passing through the Fargodome doors by 3 p.m.

Last year, the total day’s attendance was 10,198.

On Saturday, lines wound around the concourse, down the escalator, a hallway and snaked across the dome floor. Pancake-goers reported waiting 30 to 90 minutes.

“It’s like Disney World, the lines keep going,” said Jamie Mattern of Fargo. “You think you’re almost there and then you go back again.”

But Mattern said the breakfast was “worth the wait.” It was her first time at the event.

Solberg said they wanted to apologize for the delays, and the club should have been more prepared for the crowd. But overall, he was happy with the move to the dome.

“We could never have gotten this number of people” into the Civic Center, Solberg said. “They would have been standing out in the cold.”

Arday Ardayfio, co-chairman of the event, was a bit surprised by the strong turnout, considering it was Valentine’s Day and President’s Day weekend.

“It’s a good problem to have,” he said. “We didn’t think this would happen.”

Attendance for the 12-hour event was 16,590, not counting the more than 500 volunteers. Ardayfio said that they don’t yet know how much money was raised, but he did say they set a record for the amount raised at the door and probably set a record for advanced ticket sales.

Richard and Liz Adamson of Fargo are yearly attendees of the Pancake Karnival. They don’t mind the lines.

“It’s a social event. And it helps the community,” Richard said.

“And I don’t have to cook,” Liz added.

Some came to the dome for a meal and a marriage. Four couples tied the knot during the event.

Denise Larsen and Cary Muscha were the first to exchange vows amid the aroma of sausage and syrup, with 1,800 additional guests applauding them.

The wedding was held on the concourse, while breakfast was served up on the dome floor. After the ceremony, the new Mr. and Mrs. Muscha, of Amenia, N.D., and their guests went down to eat pancakes.

“A different kind of wedding cake,” Larsen said.

Installation has started

2009-02-12T18:48:00.000-06:00

Physical Plant is doing a great job getting the lockers installed. It looks awesome!!!

Lockers are here

2009-02-11T13:37:00.000-06:00

99 New Lockers arrive for installation!

And 2 more added makes 27

2009-02-10T16:12:00.000-06:00

Nate Dykema (6' 3, 170 WR) Lisbon HS, ND

Phenix Colvin (6'5, 355 OL) Adams-Friendship HS, WI

Go Dragons!!!

Posting Time

2009-02-10T16:06:00.000-06:00

Now that we are passing out of signing day, I have been asked, what do coaches do with all their time. Being that Hawaii is too warm for my taste, and I am not fond of California, the coaches and players are getting into the groove of winter workouts. Four times a week in the weight room, twice a week running/conditioning leads to a large part of each day. This is also the time of year that the coaching staff reviews last year's games, looks to improve and plan (basically everything) for spring practices starting for us in April. Finally, this is also the time of year that coaches go home before the street lights come on. I know it is shocking! I know many of you think that we live in Nemzek but in actuality, it is nice to eat dinner with the family and spend time with them when they are awake. Never fears coaches wives, we will soon go back to working crazy hours!

Go Dragons!!!

2 More Added

2009-02-06T10:19:00.000-06:00

Anthony Briggs (5' 11, 160 Corner) Nicolet HS, WI

Antonio Hardy-Dundy (5'11, 170 Safety) Bay View HS, WI

Brings our count up to 25 total scholarship signings. We also have 8 student-athletes that have accepted walk on invitations with the Dragons. There are many NCAA rules on releasing their names, I am going to error on the side of not releasing so as to not break any rules.

Go Dragons!!!

4th Quarter

2009-02-04T10:37:00.000-06:00

Dustin Monroe (6'0, 150 WR) South Division HS, WI
Justin Lesnefsky (6'1, 225 FB) Prior Lake HS, MN
D'Andre Anya (6'3, 245 OL) Wayzata HS, MN
Barik Williams (5'11, 185 WR) Nicolet HS, WI

Ted Vogt (6'5, 225 TE) Armstrong HS, MN

23 and counting. . .

Round 3

2009-02-04T09:19:00.000-06:00

Eric Dallman (6'3, 240 OL) Jefferson HS, MN
Josh Larmay (6'6, 270 DL) West DePere HS, WI
Phil Mestrich (6'1, 285 OL) Andover HS, MN
Steve Parks (6'4, 220 DL) Apple Valley HS, MN

Batch II

2009-02-04T08:50:00.000-06:00

Jake Johnson (6'2, 255 DL) Champlin Park HS, MN
Jared Cross (6'2, 270 DL) Champlin Park HS, MN
Adam Neumann (6'5, 300 OL) Champlin Park HS, MN
Taylor Jahn (6'4, 255 OL) Baraboo HS, WI

Total Count as of 9:00am. . . 14!

Signing Day Part I

2009-02-04T08:35:00.000-06:00

First Group of the morning. . .

Lamont Anderson (6'1, 215 LB) Milwaukee Hamilton HS, WI
Cory Capra (6'3, 205 LB) Forest Lake HS, MN
David Cieplewski (5'7, 175 Corner) Milwaukee Hamilton HS, WI
Darrin Emmeck (6'0, 255 DL) Somerset HS, WI
Zach Fry (6'3, 225 QB) Milton HS, WI
Nick Logdahl (6'2, 240 DL) Rochester Mayo HS, MN
Jimmie Mattson (6'1, 175 K & P) Memorial HS, WI
Mike McNamee (6'1, 210 LB) Lakeville South HS, MN
Brett McWilliams (6'2, 215 RB) Hononegah HS, IL
Mike Michalovitz (6'0, 185 QB/P/Ath) Horicon HS, WI

Go Dragons!!!

Signing Day Updates Here

2009-02-04T05:57:00.000-06:00

I will blog today to update the confirmed list. We have to wait for the fax copies of documents for us to release the information.

MSUM Football will be having a press conference at 1:30 to release it's entire class and at 4:30-6:00 Dragon Fire will be hosting a Signing Party (see below).

Go Dragons!!!

Signing Party hosted by Dragon Fire

2009-01-29T15:18:00.000-06:00

Dragon Fire Is having a Party to Celebrate the 2009-2010 Recruits

Celebrate with Dragon Fire at the Speak Easy - Moorhead, MN
Wednesday, February 4^th 4:30 until 6:00 pm
Bring your friends!

Join Dragon Fire for an informal gathering to have FUN and socialize with Dragon Fans and coaches and to celebrate the signing of new Dragon Student-Athletes. Stop by for a few minutes and see your friends and say hello. Light appetizers will be provided with a cash bar.

Some Recruiting News on local WDAY TV

2009-01-28T17:38:00.000-06:00

Here is a local television story on recruiting from this year. I am not allowed to comment publicly until Wednesday the 4th when the guys sign the National Letter of Intent and Scholarship paperwork

MSUM verbal commitments

Go Dragons!!!

Comments Allowed

2009-01-22T12:37:00.001-06:00

For you regular readers, comments are now allowed without having to create an account.

Bring on the anonymous responses. . .

School and Football Starting

2009-01-21T07:47:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Spring (well Spring Semester that is!). . .

With classes and weight in full swing, the team is starting to get a bit more comfortable with the routine on the semester. There is great intensity in the workouts already, the senior leadership is starting to come out and it will make a difference this fall.

There were some good games this past weekend in the NFL playoffs. On ESPN Radio, they mentioned that the Arizona Cardinals would not be favored against something like other teams in the NFL right now even though they are in the Super Bowl. How can you not root for the underdog?! Then again, I do like Pittsburgh's defense. Should be a great game. I wonder if the NCAA Division I had playoff, who would have won?

I have to say thanks to several people that complained about the inability to comment easily on this Blog, they chose to email me instead. I will use the information in your emails for some topics in the coming days.

Our 2009 schedule is posted on the right hand side of the Blog if you do not have it yet. We are scheduled for a non-conference home game against Valley City for our season opener. It will be nice to have 3 home games to start the season, in comparison to the 3 aways we had in 2007. The first 5 games of the season line up well for us in terms of home and away locations, games 6-8 are a tough stretch for us as we have to travel to Duluth and Mankato and have a home with Mary whom is always a tough game for us. The final 3 games also line up well for us as the travel to Aberdeen is not a tough drive, a home game with St. Cloud, followed by an away game at SW Mn. We have never been to SW in my time, been playing them at the Metrodome most years, should be fun to travel with the team somewhere new yet play a familiar opponent.

Hope the new year is treating you well. . .we are already 3 weeks in, dare I ask about your New Year's resolutions?!

Go Dragons!!!

More Random Thoughts

2009-01-13T05:56:00.000-06:00

Here are some more random thoughts as we approach the spring semester:

- I hear of many people that read this blog, but there are still very few comments. So for you readers, does Blogger making you have an account to post a comment slow down your desire to respond? Of course, you would have to have an account to respond to the question. . .

- Classes started yesterday, school is back buzzing. I always like this time of year, the excitement of the students on campus always energizes me. We have a team meeting this evening to get everyone together and on the same page as we start workouts later in the week. And for you insiders, platoon draft is tonight.

- We did get the grades back from last semester, 2.83 from the team for the semester. Our cumulative remains a 2.9. Not a bad semester but still short of our goal of a 3.0. Our staff will take a critical look into this and see if there are some areas that we can improve.

- Recruiting continues to move along well, thanks to the so many campus and local FM people that help us out with our efforts. Signing Date on February 4th quickly approaches.

- A few on our coaching staff are in Nashville, TN attending the American Football Coaches Association conference. This is a one time of year event in which coaches from around the country get together to share ideas and stories. The location varies each year, always seems to be somewhere in the south though. Our school (and state) does a good job of helping with professional development funds so that our coaches can go. I will miss not seeing many people that I know in the profession and hearing some great speakers, but the start of classes and an 8 week old are a much higher priority for me right now.

- As we are quickly running out of football games to watch, there are some good matchups this weekend on Sunday in the NFL. There is something about the NFL playoffs that makes them more enjoyable for me to watch, maybe it is the intensity that which they play, the sense of urgency you do not see in the regular season. My choice either Pittsburgh or Baltimore in the super bowl, too bad they have to play each other this week.

Go Dragons!!!

Happy Holidays

2008-12-30T12:34:00.000-06:00

A few thoughts as we approach the end of the year. . .

- Posting regularly on a blog takes time and effort, appreciate comments and responses. Sorry I have not spent the time recently to post new information.

- Taking care of a newborn is a whole new level of time commitment, Molly has been fun, I am so blessed to have my wife Carolyn, she does a great job with our daughter. We all enjoyed the holidays, time with family is always time well spent.

- If you live in the Fargo/Moorhead area and are looking for a professional photographer, try Jennifer Peters. She has taken pictures of our wedding and of our daughter and is fantastic. Her Website is here.

- I can't wait to see the grades from this fall, from preliminary conversations, our guys did well in the fall. Would like to see our team GPA hit a 3.0.

- We will have a team meeting on January 13th, I expect to see some new faces that are joining us. Some from local junior colleges, others from our campus that want to play.

- Our coaches continue to recruit, it is going very well. I am limited in what I can say about the guys coming in, but I will comment that our class is looking great. We will have more future Dragons visiting us in January. Signing Date is February 4th.

- Congrats to our women's basketball team. I watched their game vs. Mayville last night. The girl's are fun to watch and play some good basketball. Keep it up Coach Nelson.

- Congrats to the Vikings for making the playoffs. Adrian Peterson is fun to watch, if he wants to come back to college, please call me! I am looking forward to the Rose Bowl Game, USC vs. Penn St. I will lean toward USC, they play great defense.

- And for all of you in the upper midwest, the snow can stop at anytime :)

Go Dragons!!!

Greetings from the road

2008-12-08T22:04:00.000-06:00

Greetings to the Dragon Nation as I am on the road continuing my recruiting trek through the region. The assistant coaches have done a great job and I think that are recruiting class this year will be another step in the direction that our program is looking for. Checking the odometer, i have logged 1500 miles since last Monday!

Thanks to many of you for the birthday wishes. It was great to hear from so many people that I don't get to regularly get to speak with.

Avoid the snow, drive safe. . .and Go Dragons!!!

November rolls in December

2008-12-03T22:56:00.000-06:00

As the team returns from a much needed and deserved Thanksgiving break and time with family, classes have started back and the weight room is rocking again with the football team returning for workouts. Finals are quickly approaching, graduation is December 19th for some of our seniors that are finishing this December.

The coaching staff is all over the region meeting with high school coaches and seniors looking to bring in the best recruiting class in the school's history. We are doing very well on the road and have been well received by coaches. I can't share much about recruiting, the NCAA rules are strict on this.

Go Dragons!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T08:57:00.000-06:00

From the entire Dragon Football Family to your family, we would like to wish you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Team Awards 2008

2008-11-23T12:46:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to the following Dragons for the awards they received Saturday evening:

Scout Offensive Player – Matt Birr
Scout Defensive Player – Tanner Landin & Darren Dell
Special Teams Player of the Year – Joe Johnson
Finest Offensive Back – Jabari Taylor
Most Valuable Freshmen – Tim Hanson
Ken Herk Memorial Award (Best DB, LB) – Eric Schaumburg
Dr. Marvin Geib Memorial (Most Dedicated) – Jon Miller
Tim Londgren Memorial (Finest Defensive Lineman) – Zach Cahill
Steve Vaneps Memorial (Finest Offensive Lineman) – Ryan Chatterton
Vincent Yatchak Award (Team MVP) – Jon Miller
Team Captains – Eric Schaumburg, Jon Miller, Ryan Chatterton, Enol Gilles

News and Notes from this week

2008-11-21T17:33:00.000-06:00

- Congrats to our Men's Basketball team that opened the season with a Win last night!

- Our Football Team Banquet is this Saturday at 7pm in the CMU, from the RSVP's, looks to be another great crowd.

- The team worked out 3 times in the weight room this week, getting back in the groove of the off-season. The intensity is good for this time of year.

- I have met with almost all of the team members from 2008 individually, will finish up the last few on Monday and Tuesday of next week. I think that it is important to have some one on one conversations to reflect back on the last few months and to set some plans for the upcoming months. This time allows some great insight into our team and is very important to our future growth as a program.

-I am now a proud father to a 7.3 lb, 20.25 inch Molly Adele Tomeo. She joined us at 8:44pm Wednesday evening. My wife Carolyn and the baby are doing very well and are back home as of this afternoon. There is debate already if she will play Volleyball or Basketball at MSUM!?

Football Banquet 2008

2008-11-13T09:03:00.000-06:00

November 22nd 7:00-9:00pm
Comestock Memorial Union on the MSUM Campus

Please join us in honoring our graduating seniors in addition to entire Dragon Football Team at our year end banquet.

Dessert will be served and there is no charge for the event.

Please RSVP to Lonnie Carlson in the athletic office at 218-477-2622 so that we can have an accurate number attending.

See you next Saturday!

MSUM All Conference

2008-11-11T10:50:00.000-06:00

Congrats to the following Dragons who made the NSIC All Conference Team:

Jabari Taylor, Junior (1st Team) Wide Receiver

Eric Schaumburg, Senior (2nd Team) Safety
Ryan Chatterton, Junior (2nd Team) Offensive Line
Joe Johnson, Junior (2nd Team) Return Specialist

Jon Miller, Senior (Honorable Mention) Linebacker
Tyler Hagen, Senior (Honorable Mention) Defensive Back
Zach Cahill, Senior (Honorable Mention) Defensive Line

Go Dragons!!!

Thanks to our Parents

2008-11-08T00:23:00.000-06:00

Each Friday, we gather the team together for some team bonding. Tonight, a group of parents (unknown to their sons) got together and made banana splits for the whole team. I know our players appreciated the surprise and enjoyed the evening festivities.

The Dragon Family continues to widen and the contributions of the parents of our players is a valueable addition.

Go Dragons!!!

Scout Players this week

2008-11-06T18:19:00.000-06:00

Congrats and nice work to Drew Frohling, Torrey Wilson, and Tyler Hewson. Tyler is a linebacker from West Fargo, ND, Torrey plays running back and came to us from Apple Valley, MN, while Drew is an offensive lineman from Palmer, AK.

Great work Dragons!!!

Dragon Fire On-Line Auction

2008-11-04T11:16:00.000-06:00

Dragon Fire On-Line Auction

The 3rd Annual Dragon Fire On-line Auction is in full swing and with almost 150 items, there is something for everyone. It is a fun and easy way to get great stuff and support the Dragons!

Dragon Soup and Chili Cookoff Saturday at 11am before the Football Game!!

2008-11-04T07:46:00.001-06:00

Get those ladles ready and whip out those spices. We will have Dragon prizes for all entries.

For those of you submitting soup or chili:
1. Please bring your soup or chili in a crock pot (we will have power).
2. Don't forget a ladle.
3. Let us know by emailing vickidawson@cableone.net so we know you will be bringing an entry for the contest and whether it's soup or chili.
4. We will provide spoons and bowls.

This is our last tailgating event of the year. Let's make it great and go out with a bang!!!
As always, we will be taking a free will offering with all profits going to Dragon Fire. Speaking of Dragon Fire--It's time! Get signed up so we can get these guys some more help!

GO DRAGONS!!!

Pictures from St. Cloud State

2008-11-02T18:42:00.000-06:00

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T10:56:00.000-05:00

Scout Players this week

2008-10-30T19:50:00.000-05:00

Nice work to Ezra VanDenEinde (top) and Tanner Landin (bottom) for their work on the scout teams this week. Ezra is a red-shirt freshmen offensive lineman from Bejou, MN while Tanner came to us from Warroad, MN and is also a red-shirt freshmen. Tanner plays linebacker.

Dragon Tailgating in St. Cloud

2008-10-30T19:48:00.001-05:00

Bring that leftover Halloween candy, we are getting together on Saturday for Sloppy Joe's and Hot Chocolate. . .and another Dragon Win Please bring a side dish to share! As usual, we will have a free will offering with all profits going to Dragon Fire! Speaking of Dragon Fire . . . it's not too late to sign up. Every little bit helps!

Hope to see you all at the big game on Saturday. SCSU gets big crowds, so we need everyone at the game to cheer on the guys! Look for the Dragon Flag!

Go Dragons. . .see you in St. Cloud!!!

Feedback, update

2008-10-28T11:13:00.001-05:00

For those of you wondering. . .this blog has had almost 8,000 hits since its creation!

Feedback from Readers

2008-10-27T20:19:00.001-05:00

Have spoken with several people about this blog and I am curious to know the number of people that visit. So I ask you, leave a "comment"... and let me know who is out there following the Dragons!

Pictures from Northern State

2008-10-26T10:26:00.000-05:00

Thanks again to Jon Lambert for the images. . .

Dragons win over Northern St

2008-10-25T16:35:00.000-05:00

Big win for the Dragon Family today as we won in the 4th quarter 29-26. Offense moved up and down the field today, kicking game was on as we made all three field goals we attempted today.

Working their comeback, Northern recovered an onsides kick with 46 remaining in the 4th quarter and had no timeouts. Our defense rose to the occasion and finished the game with a big play by Senior Eric Schaumburg on the Hail Mary pass as time expired. Go Dragons!!!

Game Day Today

2008-10-25T11:34:00.000-05:00

Dragons Game Day today vs. Northern St Wolves, game start at 1pm. You can catch the game live on www.northersun.tv or in the FM Area ESPN Radion AM 1660.

Go Dragons!!!

Scout Players of the week vs. Northern St

2008-10-23T22:34:00.000-05:00

Great job this week to Tyler Hewson, a freshmen linebacker from West Fargo, ND, and Wes Chatterton, a freshmen offensive lineman from Kenosha, WI, for their work in preparing the team to play Northern St on Saturday.

Football Banquet Scheduled

2008-10-22T10:11:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendars now for our Football Banquet to celebrate our 9 seniors and the 2008 Football Team. Saturday November 22nd, 7-9pm, Comestock Memorial Union located on the MSUM campus.

More information to follow.

Go Dragons!!!

Northern St this weekend, Tailgating starts at 11am

2008-10-21T10:10:00.000-05:00

11:00 am Tailgating on Saturday. Chili-dogs, cornbread, and root-beer floats. The usual free will offering will take place with all profits going to DRAGON FIRE. Don't forget to become a member today and support Dragon Athletics!

Pictures from Mankato

2008-10-19T16:20:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Jon Lambert for the images. . .Go Dragons!!!

Intense Focus

2008-10-17T17:41:00.000-05:00

Eric Peterson, The Forum
Published Friday, October 17, 2008

Growing up on a family farm near Goodridge, Minn., Jon Miller dreaded days when he had to shovel grain. "A day of shoveling grain, it was a tough day," said the Minnesota State Moorhead linebacker. While manually moving grain was among the jobs he disliked most, those types of chores prepared him well. "I knew I had to do my work and that kind of helped me in college," Miller said.

Using that workmanlike approach, Miller has become a fixture on MSUM’s defense for four years. The 6-foot, 205-pound senior leads the Dragons in tackles, heading into Saturday’s home game against Minnesota State Mankato, which re-joined the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference this season. Miller also led the team in tackles as a junior and sophomore and ranked fourth as a freshman.

"He plays with great intensity," Dragons head coach Damon Tomeo said. "He’s a great example for any young player on the team. He wants to be the best. He is very competitive. … It promotes that consistency that is so important." Miller has been a constant even when things have been inconsistent around him.

In his time at MSUM, he has played for three different head coaches, endured multiple losing seasons and rebounded from a number of heartbreaking defeats. Like his upbringing on his family farm taught him, Miller continues to show up ready for work. "Losing is not fun for me, but a challenge is," said Miller, who is a finance and accounting major. "I don’t regret it at all. I think it’s made all of us better people to go through this."

Dragons senior linebacker Dennis Oswald has been Miller’s roommate for the last four years. Oswald has witnessed Miller’s commitment, which he says is constant whether Miller is on the football field, in the weight room or classroom. "He probably studies more than anyone you know," said Oswald, who is out for the year hurting his back earlier this season. "He’s always in his room reading books. … He’s a pretty focused kid."

The one thing lacking from Miller’s career is more wins. The Dragons are 12-27 in his 39 varsity games. The most frustrating thing for Miller is how close the Dragons have come to being a winning program in the last two seasons. Last fall, MSUM went 4-7, but lost five games by a combined 13 points. The Dragons (1-6, 1-5 NSIC) have lost four games by a total of 16 points this fall, including a 24-17 overtime defeat against the University of Mary last Saturday.
"People just see your record and they don’t know how your games went," said Miller, a Minnesota Vikings fan. "It’s really disappointing to be 1-6, but we all feel that we are better than that."

Leggins named semi-finalist for national Draddy Trophy

2008-10-17T17:34:00.000-05:00

Bryce Leggins, a senior linebacker at Minnesota State University Moorhead, has been named a semi-finalist for the 2008 Draddy Trophy, presented annually by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. Candidates must be a senior or graduate student, maintain a grade point average of at least 3.2 (4.0 scale), have outstanding football ability and demonstrate strong leadership and citizenship. The award comes with a 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship. Fifteen finalists will be selected October 29, and the winner will be announced December 9 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. A native of West Liberty, IA, Leggins is a two-year starter for the Dragons.

Scout Players of the week vs. Mankato

2008-10-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Zane Ziebell, a freshmen defensive lineman from Lewiston Altura High School, MN.

Matt Birr, a freshmen wide receiver from Columbia Heights High School, MN.

Tailgating this weekend

2008-10-16T12:58:00.000-05:00

Tailgating this weekend
MSU Moorhead vs. MSU Mankato
October 18 2008

Tailgating begins at 11 AM in front of Nemzek:

At Saturday's tailgating we will be featuring the first ever Moorhead Spud Tailgating Special in honor of our Moorhead Spud Dragon FB Players.

Now, we know that some of you are thinking, "what is a Moorhead Spud?"

Well the locally famous Moorhead Spuds are the Moorhead High School Spuds. And yes, we are talking about the potato!

So, pack the cars, bring your warm clothes and get a hot spud with all the fixings to warm your tummy before the game.

As usual we will be taking a free will offering with all profits going to Dragon Fire...
Speaking of DRAGON FIRE
Get cracking and get signed up!

GO DRAGONS!!

Other Sports in Dragonville:

The Dragon Swimming/Diving
Open this weekend at home with a meet against Northern Michigan on Friday Oct 17 at 6:00 pm and St. Cloud State on Saturday at noon.

The Dragon Soccer and Volleyball teams travel to Crookston this weekend. Game times 1:00 and 4:00

For more information on athletics visit: http://www.mnstate.edu/athletic/

Tailgating this weekend vs. Mankato

2008-10-14T22:31:00.000-05:00

At Saturday's tailgating we will be featuring the first ever Moorhead Spud Tailgating Special in honor of our Moorhead Spud Dragon FB Players. Now, we know that some of you are thinking, "what is a Moorhead Spud?" Well the locally famous Moorhead Spuds are the Moorhead High School Spuds. And yes, we do are talking about the potato!

So, pack the cars, bring your warm clothes and get a hot spud with all the fixins to warm your tummy before the game. Tailgating begins at 11am out front! As usual we will be taking a free will offering with all profits going to Dragon Fire . . . SPEAKING OF DRAGON FIRE . . . Get cracking and get signed up! Go Dragons!!!

Pictures from Overtime loss in Bismack

2008-10-12T18:46:00.000-05:00

Dragon D bringing down Mary running back.

Nick Scharpf's 55 yard TD reception on the "Annexation of Puerto Rico" play right before half.

Another big stop by the Dragons Defense! Dragons allowed just 62 net yards rushing.

Bruce Green is not going down easy, he had catches for 80 yards.

Joe Johnson get yards on one of his 3 catches on the day.

Greetings from Bismarck, ND

2008-10-10T21:11:00.001-05:00

We have arrived in Bismarck safe and relatively dry after a 3 hour trip on the bus. The team enjoyed the Golden Corral buffet dinner (I think that I ate too much as well), just about to have a team meeting before bed checks.

We look forward to seeing you all at the Bismarck Community Bowl tomorrow for a 1pm kickoff vs. the University of Mary. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the precipitation stays away, we are looking at mid 40's for game time temperatures.

If you can't make the trip, you can catch us on the web through www.northernsuntv.tv or on ESPN Radio 1660 starting at 12:40.

Go Dragons!!!