Northern State University introduced its newest boy’s basketball head coach to the media and community at large Tuesday.  Saul Phillips will replace departing head coach Paul Sather who has accepted the head coaching job at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. 

Phillips comes to Aberdeen as a veteran Division I basketball coach, coaching at North Dakota State in Fargo for seven season and most recently, the University of Ohio from 2014 to 2019.

Phillips coming in to the program is aware of its tradition and says he cannot wait to get going…

Phillips connections to the Northern Program are a surprising coincidence.  He was the outgoing graduate assistant at Wayne State, when outgoing Wolves head coach Paul Sather was the GA coming in, as an assistant, he coached against former Wolves head coach Bob Olson, and he was an assistant under former Wolves assistant and NSU alum Tim Miles. According to Phillips, only in the Dakota’s would things work out like that…

Phillips brings with him not just familiarity, but also a winning track record.  He has an overall record of 206-145, has won two Summit League tournament championships, two Summit League regular season championships and was a two time Summit League coach of the year.  Phillips also helped the Bison win a second round NCAA tournament game, upsetting #5 Oklahoma as a #12 seed in the 2014 NCAA tournament. 

Phillips said he doesn’t feel like he can change this program and doesn’t feel change is necessary because of the groundwork laid by people before him.  He hopes instead, members of the community will get to know him as a person and enjoy the energy he brings to his job day in and day out…  

The Minnesota Vikings have come to terms with tight end Kyle Rudolph on a four year contract extension.  The new deal is worth $36 million and will keep Rudolph in Minnesota through 2023.  Rudolph announced the deal on his social media account under a post titled “unfinished business.”  His year cap hit will now be at $7.625 million.  He is 29 years old. 

Aberdeen Wings 2019 NAHL entry draft selections: 

Round 1 8^th overall Jake Sibell G Isanti, Minn.

Round 1 24^th overall Jakob Breault C Acton Vale, Quebec, CAN

Round 3 65^th overall Sebestian Paquette RD Montreal, Quebec, CAN

Round 3 76^th overall Evan Goggins LW Braintree, Mass.

Round 4 102^nd overall Colton Friesen F Winnipeg, MB, CAN

Round 5 128^th overall Fletcher Anderson RW Thunder Bay, ON, CAN

Round 6 154^th overall Jason Ruszkowski F South Setucket, N.Y.

Round 7 180^th overall Noah Kiemel D Colorado Springs, Colo.

Round 8 206^th overall Tyler Leibl F San Diego, Calif.

Round 9 232^nd  overall Tyler Blanchard F San Jose, Calif.

The Brookings Blizzard has announced it will relocate to St. Cloud Minnesota.  The NAHL board of governors approved the relocation Monday.  The team will still go by the Blizzard and still compete in the NAHL’s Central Division.  The Blizzard will also retain head coach Moe Mantha who is entering his third season. 

Northern State head men’s basketball coach Paul Sather announced his resignation from the program Thursday and has been named the new head men’s coach at the University of North Dakota.  He will take over the Fighting Hawks program, replacing coach Brian Jones who stepped down after 13 seasons at UD this year.  Sather has a 162-82 record at Northern over the past nine years.  He was named the NSIC coach of the year the past two seasons and two years ago was a missed buzzer-beater away from winning a Division II National Championship.  Northern athletic director Josh Moon says a nationwide search for Sather’s replacement will begin immediately.    

Minnesota Wild General Manager Paul Fenton today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has acquired the rights to defenseman Fedor Gordeev from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a conditional seventh round selection in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The trade is conditional on Gordeev signing a contract with Minnesota prior to June 1, 2019. The seventh round selection was acquired by Minnesota from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for forward Matt Hendricks on Feb. 25, 2019.

Gordeev, 20 (1/27/99), recorded 32 points (7-25=32) and 79 penalty minutes (PIM) in 63 games in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) during the 2018-19 season. The 6-foot-7, 224-pound native of Omsk, Russia, set career highs in assists and points. He notched 19 points (3-16=19) and 49 PIM in 32 games with the Flint Firebirds before being traded to the Guelph Storm in January. Gordeev collected 13 points (4-9=13), 30 PIM and a plus-21 rating in 31 contests with the Storm. He tallied three points (2-1=3) and 21 PIM in 23 playoff games to help Guelph win the OHL playoff championship. Guelph lost to Rouyn-Noranda in the Memorial Cup semifinals.

Gordeev collected 73 points (19-54=73), 232 PIM and 401 shots on goal during four seasons in the OHL with Hamilton, Flint and Guelph (2015-19). He was selected by Toronto in the fifth round (141st overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

South Dakota State will open the 2019 season on the road vs. the University of Minnesota.  Kick off will be August 29^th at 8:00 p.m.  Announced Thursday, the game will be nationally televised on Fox Sports 1.  Its been 10 years since these two teams met, the last time was in 2009 and the Gophers just edged the Jacks with a field goal, winning 16-13. 

The Minnesota Twins have announced plans to retire former Twins great and Minnesota native Joe Mauer’s number in June.  The event will be a weekend long celebration featuring more than 30 Twins alumni including 15 hall-of-famers.  Mauer’s number 7 will be retired officials Saturday June 15^th.   

The Minnesota Timberwolves named Gianluca (jan-LEW-cuh) Pascucci (puhs-coo-chee) as the team’s Assistant General Manager. With the Wolves, Pascucci will lead the team’s pro personnel efforts at all levels, including the NBA, G League and international, and be fully involved with all player personnel matters. 

“I’m excited to bring Gianluca Pascucci to the Timberwolves as our assistant general manager,” said Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas. “I’ve seen firsthand his drive, passion and knowledge of the game. Gianluca offers a diverse perspective from his time as an executive overseas and his experience on multiple professional platforms. He will bring a global perspective on how we will build our team and his experience with developmental programs will be a big asset as we look to fully maximize the Iowa Wolves as a natural extension of the Timberwolves. He will be a phenomenal asset to our franchise and another great partner as we build a world-class organization.”

Pascucci had been director of global scouting for the Brooklyn Nets since 2016. There he helped turn around a 21-win team in 2015-16 to a 42-40 regular season record and the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs this past season.  

“Thank you to Gersson and Glen Taylor for this opportunity to help them build a winning culture with the Timberwolves,” Pascucci said. “I’m looking forward to getting to work as we build the best roster and best basketball staff we possibly can.”

Before joining the Nets, Pascucci spent the previous four years as vice president of player personnel for the Houston Rockets. During his time in Houston, he also served as general manager of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the NBA G League affiliate of the Rockets. This marked Pascucci’s second stint in Houston, as he previously served as the team’s international scout for six seasons (2002-08). 

Prior to rejoining the Rockets, Pascucci spent four years in Italy with Olimpia Milano (2008-12), helping to lead the team to three appearances in the Lega Serie A finals. His most recent role with Olimpia Milano was as general manager and CEO. Pascucci also has more than 12 years of international coaching experience, including serving as an assistant coach with Scavolini Pesaro’s senior team in the Italian A-1 League and Euroleague. The Pesaro, Italy native also spent four years as the team’s scout. 

Pascucci and his wife, Michela, have a daughter, Veronica.

Northern State University head track and field and cross country coach Patrick Heckroth announced his resignation from NSU today, effective June 21. NSU will immediately begin a national search for a new leader of Wolves Track and Field.  

“I want to thank the student-athletes first and foremost, as they welcomed me from the beginning and gave everything they had for the program to be successful,” explained Heckroth. “We had some great success throughout the year, academic and athletic, which is a strong testament to the student-athletes and staff. I appreciate the administration for allowing me to the lead this program over the past year, and representing Northern State University.”

With Heckroth’s departure, Director of Athletics Josh Moon announced the promotion of assistant track and field/cross country coach Livia Mahaffie to head men’s and women’s cross country coach, effective immediately. Mahaffie will continue in her role as the lead distance Coach for Wolves track & field. Mahaffie and Assistant Track & Field/Primary Throws Coach Jon Evenson will lead Wolves track and field on an interim basis while the national search is conducted.

“We would like to thank Patrick for his efforts in elevating NSU track and field/cross country,” said Moon. “We know that this was a difficult decision for him and his family, and wish him and his wife Amanda all the best in the future.”

With Livia Mahaffie set to take on new responsibilities, Moon believes the future is bright for Wolves track and field/cross country.

“We are very excited to elevate Livia into the head coach position for Wolves cross country, while she maintains her role as lead distance coach for Wolves track and field. Livia has great energy and is passionate about developing student-athletes, and we think that she will continue to build on our 2019 class and ensure we keep raising the bar for these programs. We are also excited to retain Jon Evenson in his role as throws coach. Jon has done an awesome job developing student-athletes into high-level performers on the national stage, and we look forward to his continued leadership in this area.”

Mahaffie joined the Wolves in the fall of 2018 as an assistant for both the cross country and track and field programs. In her first season, Northern State hosted a successful NSIC Cross Country Championships from Lee Park Golf Course in the fall. From the NSIC Indoor and Outdoor Championships the Wolves distance runners tallied two podium finishes, while the men’s and women’s distance medley relay teams took eighth at the NSIC Indoor Championships.

“I would like to thank university President, Dr. Timothy Downs, Director of Athletics, Josh Moon and Deputy Director of Athletics, Zach Flakus for the incredible opportunity to lead the Wolves cross country program in this new role as head coach,” explained Mahaffie. “I’m grateful for the mentorship of coach Heckroth this past year and all I have learned under his leadership. I’m excited to continue building upon the foundation established and look forward to elevating the program to new heights. Go Wolves!”

Prior to her time at NSU, Mahaffie was the assistant cross country and track and field coach at Loyola University New Orleans, where she coached three NAIA national cross country qualifiers, one NAIA national qualifier in track and field, one NAIA All-American, 12 school record holders, and the SSAC Female Cross Country Freshman Athlete of the Year. The women’s track and field team recorded podium finishes at the SSAC Outdoor Championships taking second in 2017 and third in 2018.

She graduated from the University of North Carolina Pembroke with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science in 2013 and from Seattle University with a Master of Art in Sport Administration and Leadership in 2017.

Mahaffie ran collegiately at UNCP, competing in both cross country and track and field. In 2011, she earned Peach Belt Conference Runner of the Year honors, and went on to win the conference championship in 2012, where she also qualified for the NCAA National Championships. She is the former school record holder in both the 5k and 6k distances. On the track, Mahaffie is a 7-time school record holder and USTFCCCA All-Region recipient.

Evenson is finishing up his seventh season with the track and field programs. He has made seven trips to the NCAA DII national meet and come home with five All-American awards; Yvonne Freeze twice in the discus (’12, ’13), who also owns the school record in that event, Breann Jackson twice in the weight throw (’15, ’16), and Tanner Berg in the weight throw this past season.

“Coach Heckroth did a great job during his time here,” added Evenson. “He will be missed as a coach and a friend. We will learn from what he brought to Northern’s track and field teams and we will grow and prosper in the future from it. I look forward to working with and learning from the next head coach.”

He has also coached five conference champions in the javelin; two-time NSIC champion Alex Webster who, qualified for the NCAA DII national meet in 2014 and owns the current school record, 2016 graduate Devin Olson, who also owns two individual NSIC titles in the javelin, David Murphy, who took home his first conference title in 2016, Michaela Schlecht who earned the honor as a senior in 2017, and Monte Meyerink who brought home top honors in 2018.

A Lisbon N.D. native, Evenson was a 3-time All-State performer in the discus and javelin. He then threw collegiately at Northern State. During his four years throwing for the Wolves, Evenson racked up three individual conference titles and two NCAA DII national provisional qualifying marks in the javelin. He was also a conference place winner in the discus and the shot put for the Wolves.

NSU finished with their highest finishes in a number of years at the NSIC Outdoor Championships in 2019, with both the men and women’s teams finishing sixth, with two NSIC Champions in the women’s pole vault and women’s 400m hurdles and four overall all-conference performers.

Presentaiton College has announced the addtion of Nicole Bullock to the coaching staff.  She will serve as the women's head basketball coach.  

Bullock replaces Eric Nelson who was forced to resign at the end of the season.  

Bullock comes to Aberdeen from Irondale High School in New Brighton, Minnesota.  She has spent the past three seasons as the school's head coach.

Bullock is a native of Sac City Iowa.  

Presentation College head volleyball coach Chelsey Albrecht announced the signing of 12 student-athletes to join the PC volleyball program this fall. The 12 include Ashley Alfonso, Mykcel Sprung, Cassidy Keller, Stevie Fremouw, Allie Sommerville, Leah Aigner, Carter Crispin, Katelyn Kotas, Katelyn Johansen, Alexis Begger and sisters, Andrea and Erin Jorgenson. The class features six transfers and six freshman from seven different states.

"We are excited to welcome our 2019 fall recruits to Presentation," explained Albrecht. "We are excited for them to arrive on campus and we look forward to this recruiting class helping our team towards success for our upcoming season."

Ashley Alfonso – Outside Hitter – 5-9 – Pueblo, Colorado – Transfer

Ashley Alfonso is a 5-foot-9, outside hitter out of Pueblo South High School. She is a three-time letter winner and a team captain for the Colts under head coach Greg Clark. In her two years as a starter, Alfonso earned All-Conference Honor Mention during her junior season and All-Conference First-Team during her senior campaign. She also was fourth in the state of Colorado in total kills during this past season. Alfonso is also a decorated athlete in the basketball and track teams at her high school. Most recently, Alfonso finished her associates degree at Otero Junior College in which her team was ranked 19^th in the nation. Alfonso will have two years of eligibility remaining. Ashley is the daughter of Don and Alisa Alfonso and plans to major in Nursing.

Mykcel Sprung – Middle Hitter/Right Side – 6-2 – Florence, South Dakota – Freshman

Mykcel Sprung is a 6-foot-2, middle hitter/ride side out of Florence High School. She is a three-time letter winner and three year starter for the Falcons under head coaches Tyler Grassel and Heather Dearing. Mykcel earned back-to-back All-Conference honors during her junior and senior campaigns and was named Falcon Rookie of the Year and Most Improved by her peers. She is also a decorated athlete in basketball as she slated Second-Team All-Conference honors, Defensive MVP and team captain during her senior year. She was also a part of the 2016-17 District 1B championship team and was voted the Falcon '6^th Man' award. Mykcel is also active in community outreach and was a 4-H character All-Star. She is the daughter of Tim and Lisa Sprung and plans to major in Nursing.

Cassidy Keller – Defensive Specialist – 5-0 – Canistota, South Dakota - Freshman

Cassidy Keller is a 5-foot, defensive specialist out of Canistota High School. She is a four-time letter winner for the Hawks under head coach Rebecca Smith. The three-year starter guided her team to a 22-8 finish – good for a conference championship – during her senior year. During her career with the Hawks, Keller dug her way into the 1,000 dig club with 1,633 digs and 148 aces. She is also a three-time All-Conference selection and is actively involved in basketball, track, golf, and is a cheerleader for the basketball and football teams. The two-time captain is also heavily involved in FBLA and FCCLA community service and was a vacation bible school mentor. She is the daughter of Chad and Mandy Keller and plans to major in Nursing.

Stevie Fremouw – Defensive Specialist – 5-7 – Park Forest, Illinois - Transfer

Stevie Fremouw is a 5-foot-7, defensive specialist out of Rich East High School. She is a four-year starter and three-time captain for the Rockets under head coach Viramontes. During her time at REHS, she was named Rich East MVP during her junior year and was a national qualifier in cross-country and track. After REHS, Stevie went on to play at Iowa Central Community College and was named captain this past season. She is the daughter of Lisa Fremouw and Jeff Chalmere and plans to major in Nursing.

Allie Sommerville – Defensive Specialist – 5-3 – Powell, Wyoming – Freshman

Allie Sommerville is a 5-foot-3, defensive specialist out of Powell High School. She is a two-time letter winner for the Panthers and was a starter during her junior and senior campaigns. She was also named a captain for her team during her senior year. She is the daughter of Billy and Ronnie Sommerville and plans to major in Radiologic Technology.

Leah Aigner – Middle Hitter/Ride Side – 5-11 – Shepherd, Montana – Transfer

Leah Aigner is a 5-foot-11, middle hitter/right side out of Shepherd High School. She is a three-time letter winner for the Fillies under head coach Chase Soennichsen. The three-year starter and senior captain then took her talents to Miles Community College after her high school graduation and guided her team to a 12-win season. She was named team captain for both years in a Miles City uniform and graduated with an associate's degree in arts. She is the daughter of Todd and Jenny Aigner and plans to major in Human Services.

Carter Crispin – Outside Hitter – 5-7 – Missouri Valley, Iowa - Freshman

Carter Crispin in a 5-foot-7, outside hitter out of Missouri Valley High School. She is a four-year letter winner and three-year starter for the Lady Reds under head coaches Kris Miller and Josie Esser. During her career at MVHS, Crispin complied 675 kills and 857 digs and earned All-Conference honors during her final three seasons. She was also a three-time Omaha World Herald All-Area selection and named to the Nonpareil All-Area Volleyball Team during her final three seasons with the Lady Reds. She helped her team to 84 wins during her four-year career at Missouri Valley. Crispin is also an active member in the softball, basketball and track teams at MVHS in which she garnered multiple All-Conference honors and holds the 4x200 school record in track. She is the daughter of Bruce and Kim Crispin and plans to major in Nursing.

Katelyn Kotas – Defensive Specialist – 5-5 – Emery, South Dakota - Freshman

Katelyn Kotas is a 5-foot-5, defensive specialist out of Bridgewater-Emery High School. She is a four-year letter winner and three-time starter for the Huskies under head coach Mary Ernster. During her career, she joined the 1,000 dig club with 1,459 total digs. The two-year captain guided her team to a 22-7 overall record during her senior campaign and earned All-Conference honors the past three seasons. She is also a member of the basketball and track teams at BEHS. Kotas is also an active role model in the community and her school as she is involved in FFA, FCCLA. HOSA, Student Council, 4-H, National Honor Society, Band, Yearbook, and School Play. She is the daughter of Angel Eddy and Greg Kotas and plans to major in Nursing.

Katelyn Johansen – Setter – 5-6 – Dolton, South Dakota – Freshman

Katelyn Johansen is a 5-foot-6, setter out of Marion High School. She is a four-year letter winner for the Bearcats under head coach Jennifer Pankratz. The three-year starter complied 393 assists, 32 aces, and 275 digs during her senior season. She is also active in basketball and track at MHS and is the daughter of Kara Johansen and Jason Johansen. Katelyn plans to major in Nursing.

Alexis Begger – Middle Hitter – 6-0 – Wilbaux, Montana – Transfer

Alexis Begger is a 6-foot, middle hitter out of Wilbaux High School. She is a four-time letter winner and two-year starter for the Longhorns under head coach Tiffany Llewellyn. During her four-year career, Begger has guided her team to three conference and district championships and was named to the All-Conference teams during her junior and senior seasons. Begger also landed All-State honors during her senior campaign and was a four-time Academic All-Conference recipient. After her four-year career with the Longhorns, Begger attended Dawson Community College in Glendive, Montana. She was a two-year starter and captain for the Buccaneers under head coach Dina Fritz. During her two-year stint at DCC, Begger was named All-Conference and All-Region both seasons and was an Academic All-Conference recipient during her freshman year. Furthermore, Begger was ranked 14^th in the nation in NJCAA in solo blocks with 69 during her senior campaign. Off the court, Begger complied over 150 community service hours while at Dawson and earned the Montana Athletes in Service honor for her efforts. She is the daughter of Curt and Patti Begger and plans to major in Business.

Andrea Jorgenson – Outside Hitter – 5-8 – Leeds, North Dakota - Transfer

Andrea Jorgenson is a 5-foot-8, outside hitter out of Leeds High School. Impressively, she is a six-time letter winner for the Wildcats under head coaches Doyle Scwhanke/Katie Marshall. The six-year starter and two-time captain complied an impressive stat line with 1,924 kills, 1,409 digs and 123 aces during her career with the Wildcats. She also earned All-District honors five times and All-Region during her final three years. Andrea also participated in basketball and track and field. Jorgenson shot her way into the 1,000 point club and was a two-time All-District and All-Region selection. She was also a ND state qualifier in the triple jump and was a part of the North Dakota Class B Track Championship team. After LHS, Andrea went off to college at Lake Region State College and Bismarck State College. During her three-years as a college volleyball player, she complied 508 kills and 447 digs. She is the daughter of Steve and Geri Jorgenson and plans to major in Nursing. She will have one year left of eligibility and is joining her sister, Erin to Presentation, in the fall.

Erin Jorgenson – Outside Hitter/Right Side – 5-9 – Leeds, North Dakota - Transfer

Erin Jorgenson is a 5-foot-9, outside hitter/right side out of Leeds High School. She is a four-time letter winner and two-year starter for the Wildcats under head coach Katie Marshall. During her career with the Wildcats, Jorgenson complied 768 kills and 919 digs and was named captain during her senior campaign. For her efforts, she was named an All-Region selection during her junior and senior seasons. After LHS, Jorgenson went off to play at Lake Region State College and complied 231 kills and 267 digs before graduating with an associates of science degree this May. She is the daughter of Steve and Geri Jorgenson and will join her sister, Andrea, in the fall. She plans to major in Nursing.

The Minnesota Timberwolves has announced interim head coach Ryan Saunders will be retains as the full-fledged head coach next season. He will be the youngest head coach in the NBA at 33-years-old and the first millennial to hold that job.  Saunders took over on an interim basis during the 2018-19 season after the firing of head coach Tom Thibodeau and during that time he went 17-25.  Players unabashedly endorsed his leadership according to the Associated Press.  This was one of the first big decisions made by new president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas.  Saunders in the son of former Wolves head coach, the late Flip Saunders. 

The Minnesota Vikings have come to terms with Garrett Bradbury, the team’s first round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.  Bradbury is a center from North Carolina State who the Vikings selected 18^th overall.  With the signing of Bradbury, the Vikings have just one of their 12 draft picks left unsigned from the 2019 draft.  That player is seventh round long snapper Austin Cutting.  Cutting played for the Air Force and has two years of military service required, complicating his NFL career.

The Vikings also successfully renegotiated linebacker Eric Kendrick’s contract to help the team get under the salary cap and sign the team’s draft picks. 

The annual NBA draft lottery took place last night from Chicago.  14 teams had a shot at the top overall pick.  The Minnesota Timberwolves ended up drawing the 11^th overall pick, one pick worse than their record placed them at 10^th overall. 

The follwing is the 2019 NBA draft order: 

1. New Orleans 
2. Memphis
3. New York         
4. Los Angeles Lakers     
5. Cleveland
6. Phoenix           
7. Chicago
8. Atlanta 
9. Washington
10. Atlanta (from Dallas)
11. Minnesota
12. Charlotte         
13. Miami 
14. Boston (from Sacramento via Philadelphia)

The Aberdeen Wings defeated the Fairbanks Ice Dogs last night in Blaine Minnesota to win the franchises first ever Robertson Cup national championship.  The game was one-game only winner take all.  Scoring for Aberdeen in the win included John Sladic and Joe Strada.   Wings goaltender Matt Vernon was awarded the Robertson Cup Most Valuable Player Award.  In the championship game, Vernon managed 27 of 28 saves to seal victory.  The Wings become the 17^th franchise to win the Robertson Cup since it was first awarded in the 1970s. 

Following the victory, the NAHL released the Robertson Cup All-tournament team which featured Aberdeen Wings forward Jonathan Bendorf and goaltender Matt Vernon. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to hire Houston Rockets executive Gerrson Rosas to serve as the team’s president of basketball operations according to Adrian Wojnarowski at ESPN.  Rosas is a native of Bogota Columbia and will be the NBA’s first Latino top basketball executive.  He replaces Tom Thiobdeau who served as both head coach and head of basketball operations. 

For the first time in her career, Northern State junior Kennady Thompson was named to the NSIC All-Conference first team as released by the league. Thompson was one of three at-large selections on the first team.
 
The Omaha native started 48 of 49 games this season as a first baseman, third baseman, and designated player. She led the Wolves hitting .382 on the year, with a team high 58 hits, 33 RBI, 11 home runs, and .638 slugging percentage. Thompson added 15 runs scored and six doubles as well. She broke the Northern State single season home runs record, as well as the career home runs record as just a junior with 17. Thompson ranked top-20 in the NSIC in batting average and top-10 in home runs.
 
Thompson was previously named to the NSIC Gold Glove team as a freshman and sophomore.
 

Just two days out from the most famous horse racing event in the country, Kentucky Derby favorite Omaha Beach has been scratched from the race.  According to the Associated Press, the scratch is in relation to a breathing problem.  The Southern California colt was going in as the 4-1 favorite.  It is likely now the new favorite is a horse named Game Winner who was coming in at a 5-1. 

University of Sioux Falls offensive tackle Trey Pipkins was selected in the third round 91^st overall by the Los Angeles Charges.  He is the first ever position player out of Sioux Falls drafted into the NFL. 

North Dakota State quarterback Easton Stick was drafted in the fifth round, 166^th overall by the San Diego Chargers.  Three other Bison including running back Bruce Anderson, Jalen Allison and Tanner Volson were each offered undrafted free agent contracts. 

South Dakota State cornerback Jordan Brown was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round.  He becomes the second Jackrabbit drafted in two years, with Dallas Goedert taken in the second round in 2018.  Jackrabbits quarterback Taryn Christion and offensive lineman Sepesitiano Pupungatoa were each awarded undrafted free agent contracts.  Christion was signed by the Seattle Seahawks while Pupungatoa signed by the Minnesota Vikings. 

The Minnesota Vikings made a total of 12 picks during the 2019 NFL Draft which began last Thursday and ended Saturday. The picks included:

1st Round (18^th overall) Garrett Bradbury C, North Carolina State
2nd Round (50th overall) Irv Smith Jr. TE, Alabama,
3rd Round (102nd overall)  Alexander Mattison RB, Boise State,
4th Round (114th overall) Dru Samia G, Oklahoma,
5th Round (162nd overall) Cameron Smith LB, USC 
6th Round (190th overall ) Armon Watts DT, Arkansas
6th Round (191st overall) Marcus Epps CB, Wyoming
6th Round (193rd overall) Olisaemeka Udoh 193^rd OT, Elon University
7th Round (217th overall) Kris Boyd CB, Texas,
7th Round (239th Overall) Dillon Mitchell WR, Oregon
7th Round (247th overall) Olabisi Johnson WR, Colorado State
7th Round (250th Overall) Austin Cutting LS, Air Force 

Northern State University head coach Paula Krueger announced today the addition of Ellie Gess (Shakopee, Minn.), Shariah Smith (Fort Dodge, Iowa), and Avery Terwillinger (Humboldt, Iowa) to her 2018-19 signing class. The trio will join Katie Entzi (Edgeley, N.D.), Kennedy Harris (Mandan, N.D.), and Laurie Rogers (Aberdeen, S.D.) who signed with the program back in November, as well as Kailee Oliverson (Cardwell, Mont.) who joined the team at the semester break.

“We are very excited about Avery, Ellie, and Shariah,” explained Krueger. “They bring experience, three point shooting, and depth to our perimeter. Their addition will also bring improved quickness to our guard spots.”
 

Ellie Gess •  Shakopee, Minn. •  Jefferson HS •  Concordia-St. Paul

Ellie Gess is a 5-foot-8 guard out of Jefferson High School and Concordia-St. Paul. She was a 4-year starter and 2-year team captain as a prep, averaging 15.0 points per game in her senior season. Gess recorded 1,260 career points at Jefferson High School, finishing her career second in career points and the all-time leader in 3-pointers made. She was a 3-time all-conference selection and a 3-year member of the Metro West All-Defensive team. In her two seasons with the Golden Bears, Gess averaged 6.2 points per game. She is the daughter of Jim Gess and will join the Wolves with two years of eligibility.
 

Shariah Smith •  Fort Dodge, Iowa •  Fort Dodge •  Iowa Central

Shariah Smith is a 5-foot-1 guard out of Fort Dodge Senior High and Iowa Central. At Fort Dodge, Smith was a 3-year starter and 2-year team captain under head coach Julius Michalik. She averaged 12.0 points and 3.0 assists per game, earning all-conference first team honors. Smith averaged 8.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game at Iowa Central. She was named to the all-region third team. She is the daughter of La Donya Chaney and will join the Wolves with two years of eligibility.

Northern State University head coach Paul Sather announced this morning the addition of Tommy Chatman to the Northern State men’s basketball signing class. Chatman joins the class made up of Jaden Graham (Lewistown, Mont.), Jaylen Robinson (Hamilton, Ohio), and Brady Danielson (York, Neb.).

“Tommy played in a highly competitive high school league in the twin cities on one of the best teams in the state of Minnesota,” noted Sather. “We identified Tommy early in the recruiting process as a potential impact player on both sides of the ball that can guard multiple positions on defense and has the skill set to play all three guard spots on offense.”

Tommy Chatman is a 6-foot-4, 190-pound guard out of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and Park Center High School. He was a 2-year starter and team captain for the Pirates under the direction of head coach James Ware. Chatman averaged 13.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game as a senior. He shot 62.6 percent from the floor and 73.8 percent from the free throw line, notching a career high 26 points in 2019. Chatman was named to the Minnesota Mr. Basketball top-30 and was a finalist for the MBCA McDonald Award. He was named to the Northwest Suburban All-Conference team and the Pirates finished in third place at the MSHSL 4A State Tournament. He is the son of Thomas and Christine Chatman.

“His size, strength and quickness, combined with his feel for the game made him a prime target in our recruiting and someone that will compete next season for the Wolves. He’s an unselfish player that makes everyone around him better and that really loves to compete… the best fans in D2 will love watching him play!”