NSIC / US Bank All-Sports Award Standings (Through Winter Season)
March 9, 2010
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St. Paul, Minn. - Minnesota State University, Mankato moved to the top spot in the NSIC / U.S. Bank All-Sports Award competition following the winter sports season. The Mavericks moved from second place after winner the men's basketball and men's indoor track & field championships. Augustana College hopped up from third to second after they took home the women's indoor track & field championship as well as finishing second in wrestling, tied for second in women's basketball, and third in men's basketball and men's indoor track & field. Minnesota Duluth, the leader after the fall sports, dropped to third place.
Points are awarded by giving the winner of each title in a conference-sponsored championship points totaling the number of teams in that sport plus one. The next place finisher receives points totaling the number of teams less the number of places from first place. Ties at any level shall result in the totaling of points and distributed equally. The points for the indoor/outdoor track & field season are divided in half for the indoor and outdoor seasons. The NSIC All-Sports Award is presented annually at the NSIC Hall of Fame Banquet in July. Minnesota State won the award last year.
| RK | School | Points |
| 1. | Minnesota State | 90.5 |
| 2. | Augustana | 88.5 |
| 3. | Minnesota Duluth | 71.5 |
| 4. | St. Cloud State | 64 |
| 5. | Winona State | 63.5 |
| 6. | Wayne State | 58.25 |
| 7. | Concordia-St. Paul | 55 |
| 8. | U-Mary | 53.5 |
| 9. | MSU Moorhead | 48 |
| 10. | Northern State | 47.5 |
| 11. | Bemidji State | 36.75 |
| 12. | SMSU | 35.5 |
| 13. | Upper Iowa | 28.5 |
| 14. | Minnesota, Crookston | 10.5 |
NCAA DII Leadership Convention
February 19-21, 2010 | NCAA Site
NCAA DII Leadership Convention in Portland, Ore. Feb 19-21, 2010
12 NSIC Schools and the NSIC Office were Represented at the Convention
Portland, Ore. - The Central and West Regions hosted the 2010 Division II Leadership Academy, February 19-21, 2010. The conference took place at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront, Portland, Oregon. By attending the conference, NCAA student-athletes, coaches and administrators enhanced their leadership skills and formulated a strategy to positively affect their campus, conference and communities in the future. Attendees participated in numerous educational sessions which impacted the development and growth of student-athletes on campus or within their conference. Sessions offered at the conference allowed participants a greater understanding of the NCAA, the Division II governance and legislation process, and the Division II National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Other issues like; sportsmanship, diversity, nutrition, mental health, game environment allowed participants to explore how to play an active role, as an agent of change, in reference to these critical topics. Using the knowledge gained at the conference, participants will set out to create positive and lasting change throughout the NCAA structure, their communities and the world. Click Here for More Information
NSIC / US Bank All-Sports Award Standings (Through Fall Season)
December 2, 2009
St. Paul, Minn. - Minnesota Duluth holds a one point lead over Minnesota State following the fall sports season in the NSIC / U.S. Bank All-Sports Award competition. Minnesota Duluth earned 54.5 points after winning the football title and finishing second in soccer and women's cross country. Minnesota State earned 53.5 points after finishing second in football and volleyball (tied), and fourth in soccer. Augustana College was third with 48.5 points after winner both men's and women's cross country and coming in tied for third in football.
Points are awarded by giving the winner of each title in a conference-sponsored championship points totaling the number of teams in that sport plus one. The next place finisher receives points totaling the number of teams less the number of places from first place. Ties at any level shall result in the totaling of points and distributed equally. The NSIC All-Sports Award is presented annually at the NSIC Hall of Fame Banquet in July. Minnesota State won the award last year.
| RK | School | Points |
| 1. | Minnesota Duluth | 54.5 |
| 2. | Minnesota State | 53.5 |
| 3. | Augustana | 47.5 |
| 4. | Winona State | 39.5 |
| 5. | St. Cloud State | 37 |
| 6. | Wayne State | 34 |
| 7. | U-Mary | 31 |
| 8. | Concordia-St. Paul | 29 |
| 9. | Bemidji State | 27.5 |
| 10. | MSU Moorhead | 26 |
| 11. | Northern State | 25 |
| 12. | SMSU | 19.5 |
| 13. | Upper Iowa | 13 |
| 14. | Minnesota, Crookston | 4.5 |
CU golfers volunteer for Feed My Starving Children
November 13, 2009 | CU Release
ST PAUL, Minn. - The Concordia University men's and women's golf teams volunteered their time to the Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) organization this afternoon in Eagan, Minn. FMSC is a faith based nonprofit organization which strives to provide food for starving children throughout the world. FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN WEBSITE
The Concordia University golf teams spent an hour and a half this afternoon packing meals for children all over the world. In that time, they packed enough meals to feed 74 children for an entire year. The golf teams used this experience as a team bonding activity, while committed to helping others.
FMSC was founded as a Christian nonprofit in 1987 by a Minnesota businessman who felt compelled to help feed the starving children of the world. In time he developed a method to provide large-scale relief to starving children. In 1989, FMSC partnered with scientists from Cargill and General Mills and created a nutritional product especially for FMSC.
St. Cloud State Wrestler Also Serves His Country
St. Cloud State to Salute Veterans at Dec. 4 Basketball Games
St. Cloud State University Athletics will salute all members of the United State Armed Forces and veterans during Military Appreciation Night at the Husky men's and women's basketball games against Winona State on Friday, Dec. 4.
As a special recognition on Dec. 4, all curent and retired members of the military and their families will be admitted free to the SCSU basketball games that night. The games begin with the SCSU-Winona State women's basketball game at 6 p.m., with the men's game beginning at 8 p.m.
One of those dedicated members of the military serving the United States is St. Cloud State University senior wrestler Adam Minette, a resident of New Prague and 2004 graduate of New Prague High School.
In addition to his spot on the SCSU wrestling roster, Minette serves with the Army National Guard. A redshirt senior at SCSU, Minette missed the 2007-08 season while serving on a tour of active combat duty in Iraq. He returned to the SCSU roster in 2008-09 and gained a 7-8 record with four pins at 149- and 157-pounds.
“It is a pleasure and an honor having Adam Minette as a member of our wrestling program," SCSU head coach Steve Costanzo said. "He has been dependable, loyal and committed in every aspect to our program. I am very grateful for what he has given to the citizens of the United States."
The SCSU wrestling team will open its 2009-10 season on Nov. 14, with a trip to the Northwestern Duals in Evanston, Ill. SCSU is slated to compete against Division I opponents Northwestern and Eastern Michigan along with a match against Division III rival North Central College (Ill.).
At the upcoming SCSU Military Appreciate Night, all fans are encouraged to bring items for a veterans' food drive on Dec. 4, with all proceeds being donated to veteran families in need.
For complete information on Military Appreciation Night at St. Cloud State, please call John Lewis at 320-308-3102.
Former Marine Playing Baseball at UMC
November 11, 2009 | UMC Release
Crookston, Minn. - As we honor our country’s veterans on Veteran’s Day, the University of Minnesota, Crookston Baseball program and the NSIC would like to honor one of its own. Ryan Pauly (Jr, U, Osseo, Minn.) is a former Marine who is still in the inactive ready reserve after completing his four year active service commitment.
Pauly enlisted in the Marine Corps in January of 2002 after September 11. He graduated from recruit training in March of 2003 as the Company Honorman and received meritorious promotion to Lance Corporal. Pauly was attached to Delta Company, Third Amphibious Assault Battalion, First Marine Division where he served as an amphibious assault vehicle mechanic. He was promoted to Corporal in June 2004 and Sergeant in August 2005. Pauly was deployed twice to Okinawa, Japan attached to the Combat Assault Battalion, Third Marine Division. He served as platoon maintenance chief and was responsible for $24.4 million worth of vehicles.
Pauly has received numerous awards and commendations including the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons and two certificates of commendation. He is also a two-time rifle expert, has his first class Water Survival Qualification and his Gray Belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts program. He is proud the United States Marine Corps will celebrate its 234th anniversary on Tuesday.
“Having a young man of Ryan’s quality and background in our program is a tremendous honor,” says Golden Eagle Head Baseball Coach Chris Vito. “Everything that we hold as important in our program such as class, integrity and service, Ryan epitomizes all of these qualities with his selfless service to our country.”
A 2002 graduate of Osseo High School, Pauly was named All-Northwest Suburban Conference Honorable Mention. He served as team captain his senior year. Pauly transferred to the University of Minnesota, Crookston after two years at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, Minn. He was named All-Central Division and served as team captain. Pauly is majoring in natural resources laws enforcement at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.
SMSU's SmokeFest a Success
Marshall, Minn. - The third annual Southwest Minnesota State University Smokefest BBQ Contest was held on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19 at the Regional Event Center on the campus of Southwest Minnesota State. The festivities began on Friday night with the "Mustang Trail Street Dance" featuring food, beverage garden and music by Brandon Scott Sellner. On Saturday, the SMSU Smokefest continued from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the BBQ gates opening at 10 a.m. Music by the Tim Sigler Band started at 10:30 a.m. followed by the SMSU football 52-24 win over Upper Iowa. A total of 37 teams competed in the Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event. The team of Shiggin & Grinnin was named Grand Champion.
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NSIC TO SOLICIT POTENTIAL NEW MEMBERS FOR EXPANSION
Sept. 22, 2009 | Full
Release 
St. Paul, Minn. - The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Board of Directors met on Monday, September 21, 2009 and voted to consider expanding to 16 institutions in the 2012-2013 academic year. They have requested NSIC Commissioner Butch Raymond to solicit potential new members immediately. Those institutions wishing to be considered for NSIC membership must submit a letter of interest to the conference office by June 1, 2010.
The NSIC is a 14-team, 17-sport, NCAA Division II Conference with teams located in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
UIU "Fills the Boot" for MDA
September 12, 2009 | Fill the Boot
Logan Manderfield During the Opening Coin Toss
The Upper Iowa Peacock Athletics Department and the Fayette Firefighters teamed up for a fundraiser called “Fill the Boot” on Saturday, September 12th to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Fayette Firefighters were at the Upper Iowa football home opener with their boots so those in attendance could make a donation to help them in their fight against MDA. The Fayette Fire Deptartment announced that they raised $647 in donations at the game.
The Upper Iowa Athletics Department and the Peacock football team also hosted Logan Manderfield and his family for the day. Logan is a five-year old who is living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The Waucoma, Iowa native was on the sidelines for UIU’s home opener against Northern State and spent some time with the team in the locker room and was honored by flipping the coin prior to the game. Upper Iowa rallied from a 21 point deficit to win 42-35 in overtime.
At halftime of the UIU-NSU game, Upper Iowa recognized the Fayette Firefighters on the field. The Fayette Fire department is made up of volunteer firefighters that protect Fayette and the surrounding communities. For more information on “Fill the Boot” click here.
NSIC & Midcontinent Communications Join Forces to Air 36 Live Events in 2009-10
August 21, 2009 | Full Release
St. Paul, Minn. -NSIC Commissioner Butch Raymond announced today that the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and Midcontinent Communications (based out of Sioux Falls, S.D.) have agreed on terms to broadcast 36 live NSIC events in the upcoming year. The agreement will include two football games, four volleyball matches as well as 30 men’s & women’s basketball games. Midcontinent will produce all the events as well as work with the visiting team’s cable company to broadcast the events locally for the traveling teams.
“The NSIC is pleased to begin this new relationship with Midcontinent Communications, which will help showcase the NSIC athlete throughout the region. The emergence of the NSIC on the national scene in NCAA Division II, with three defending National Champions, will add plenty of excitement for all viewers”, commented Raymond.
The first NSIC event will be the Upper Iowa University Peacocks at the Augustana College Vikings football game on October 17, 2009. The game will be played at the newly build Kirkeby-Over Stadium on the campus of Augustana College. All 14 NSIC institutions will be featured in at least one event over the year. Subscribers to Midcontinent can watch the games on the Midcontinent Channel. For a full listing of events click here.
Midcontinent Communications is the Upper Midwest’s leading provider of cable television, local and long distance telephone service, broadband Internet access, and cable advertising services. Midcontinent’s service area includes over 240 communities with over 200,000 customers in North and South Dakota and in Minnesota.
Bemidji State Earns 2008-09 NSIC Sportsmanship Award
July 31, 2009
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St. Cloud, Minn. - NSIC Commissioner Butch Raymond presented Bemidji State University Director of Athletics Dr. Rick Goeb with its 2008-09 Sportsmanship Award July 31 at the leagues' annual Hall of Fame banquet. The award recipient is selected by NSIC head coaches and a Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) members based on the sportsmanship of players, fans, staff and coaches at each institution. Sportsmanship is defined as “a set of behaviors to be exhibited by student-athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and fans in athletic competition. These behaviors are based on values including respect, civility, fairness, honesty and responsibility”.
"The NSIC is very excited about the competitiveness in our league, but just as important is the 'game enviornment' that our student-athletes compete in. The NSIC Sportsmanship Award represents the highest honor a school can demonstrate to display this enviornment. Due to the fact that the award is voted on by all of our NSIC coaches and the SAAC member on their teams, it becomes all the more meaningful," said Raymond.
This marks the second year that the NSIC has presented the sportsmanship award with Northern State winning last year.
2009 NSIC Summer Kickoff Photos
July 31, 2009
St. Cloud, Minn. — The NSIC conducted several summer festivities on Friday, July 31, at the Best Western Kelly Inn St. Cloud and St. Cloud Convention Center. The weekend was highlighted by the Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on Friday, July 31. Since the merger of the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (former men’s) and the Northern Sun Conference (former women’s) in the spring of 1992, this will be the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference’s tenth Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The NSIC Hall of Fame has enshrined 135 individuals and one team in its brief history.
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NSIC Golf Tournament Winners
Troy Pfingsten, George Padjen, Brady Starkey, Bob Blackwood
Meyer Meets With Wooden Prior to Receiving Prestigious ESPY Award
July 15, 2009 | ESPY Release
NSU coach Don Meyer get a laugh out of the legendary former UCLA coach John Wooden as he and his family visit with Wooden at his home in Los Angeles, Calif. Tuesday, July 14, 2009. Meyer will receive an award at the ESPY awards in Los Angeles tomorrow night. (Northern State University Photo by Doug Dreyer)
Wooden and Meyer visit at Wooden's home Tuesday, July 14, 2009 in Los Angeles, Calif. Meyer will receive an award at the ESPYs tomorrow night. (Northern State University photo by Doug Dreyer)
Wooden and Meyer share motivational handouts that they give out to players at Wooden's home Tuesday, July 14, 2009 in Los Angeles, Calif. Meyer will receive an award at the ESPYs Wednesday night. (Northern State University Photo by Doug Dreyer)
NSU Head Men's Basketball Coach, Don Meyer, says goodbye to legendary UCLA Basketball Coach, John Wooden at Wooden's home Tuesday, July 14, 2009 in Los Angeles, Calif. Meyer received an award at the ESPYs July 15. (Northern State University Photo by Doug Dreyer)
NSIC Announces 2009 Hall of Fame Inductees
July 9, 2009 | Full NSIC Release
St. Paul, Minn. - The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) has announced their 2009 Hall of Fame Inductees. The induction ceremony will be held Friday, July 31, at the Best Western Kelly Inn/St. Cloud at the NSIC’s tenth annual Summer Kickoff event. A social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by the ceremony at 7:00 p.m.
The class of 2008 includes: Lee Ahlbrecht, Bemidji State University; Linda Larson, University of Minnesota Duluth; Dean Bowyer, Minnesota State University, Mankato; Frank Mosier, Minnesota State University Moorhead; Henry Schneider, Northern State University; Jeff Loots, Southwest Minnesota State University and David Ludy, Winona State University.
Founded in 1986, the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (NIC, former men’s conference) Hall of Fame was established to recognize and honor those who made significant contributions to the conference, to create favorable publicity and public relations for the league and to help preserve the history of the NIC, its member institutions, student-athletes, and other significant individuals affiliated with the league. For the first two inductions (1986 and 1990) each selection hailed from the NIC. In 1992-93, the Northern Sun Conference (NSC, former women’s conference) and the NIC merged, creating the current Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). After annual inductions since 2000, today’s NSIC Hall of Fame now boasts 134 members and one team.
The 23-member Class of 2000 was the first to include standout female student-athletes in the former NSC. The 2000 inductees entered the Hall at the inaugural NSIC Summer Kickoff Event in Becker, Minn. The distinguished class of 2001 was enshrined in Willmar, Minn., as the conference moved the annual Summer Kickoff Event. This year’s NSIC Hall of Fame includes seven prominent inductees that are being recognized at the tenth-annual NSIC Summer Kickoff Event, at its home for the past five years, in St. Cloud, Minn.
Each NSIC school (who has been a member for at least ten years or more) is asked to submit one candidate per institution for induction into the Hall. Each of the selectees are derived from individuals who have been affiliated with the NSIC, NIC, NSC and their member institutions.
In order to be eligible for the NSIC Hall of Fame, candidates must have made their contributions in the following areas:
1) former student-athletes, 2) administrator/coach, 3) official/supervisor/coordinator, 4) contributor/supporter, and 5) team. Other worthy candidates that do not fall into the above categories are also considered. The conference provides two plaques, one of which will go to the inductee and one to the institution represented. A history of each inductee will be kept in the league office and each institution will prominently display the plaques of their respective NSIC Hall of Fame inductees.
2009 NSIC Hall of Fame Inductees
Lee Ahlbrecht, Bemidji State University
Lee Ahlbrecht is a 1966 graduate of Bemidji State University who returned in 1968 to begin an exemplary coaching career for the Beaver. In 23 years of coaching (1968-1991) his swim teams compiled a 150-49 record. He coached 151 All-Americans, four national champions and seven Olympic trial qualifiers. He had 56 student-athletes go on to become coaches. His teams finished in the top 20 nationally every year, including 12 top ten finishes and four fourth place finishes. In 1980 & 1990 he was honored by both the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) as the National Swimming Coach of the Year. He was inducted into the Minnesota State Swimming and Diving Coaches’ Hall of Fame in 1996 and then to the Bemidji State University Hall of Fame in 2000.
Ahlbrecht was also an active member in the American Red Cross for 30 years as a volunteer as a Water Safety Instructor and Lifeguard instructor from 1968 until 1998. He was also the World Games Diving Committee Member in 1978-79 and was the NAIA President of the Swimming & Diving Coaches Association in 1984.
Linda Larson, University of Minnesota Duluth
Linda Larson was a major driving force behind the growth and elevation of UMD women’s athletics as an administrator and a multi-sport coach. Larson coached volleyball in 1976-1981 and basketball from 1976-1980 and also coached one year of softball in 1977. In six seasons with the Bulldogs volleyball team, Larson guided her team to three straight AIAW Division II National Tournament appearances, including a fifth-place finish in 1980. The team captured five consecutive Minnesota AIAW state volleyball championships and three Northern Sun Conference titles from 1979-1981. Larson went 110-85 during her six year basketball coaching tenure and finished out the 1982-83 season with a 20-10 mark while placing second in the NSC race.
With all her success in athletics, Larson continued to impress others by becoming the Women’s Athletic Administrator at UMD from 1975-2002. Larson was involved several committees such as NCAA II Regional Softball and Soccer committee, and became one of the original members of the Northern Sun Conference in 1977.
In 1999 Larson received the President’s Award for Outstanding Service to the University of Minnesota system. Larson became the first to receive the Outstanding Woman of the Year Award given annually to a UMD faculty/staff member in 2002. In 2007 Larson was inducted into the UMD Athletic Hall of Fame. Larson retired from UMD in June 2002 following a 27-year career.
Dean Bowyer, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Dean Bowyer is a native of the small northwest town Ada, Minn. He received his B.S. degree in physical education and elementary education from Mayville State in 1966 and his Master’s from Mankato State in 1971. Prior to working on his master’s, Bowyer coached basketball and football at Barnesville, Appleton, and Benson High Schools. He also played professionally in the Baltimore Orioles organization for three seasons and was an all-conference and all-district football player at Mayville State, where he also played baseball and basketball. Bowyer was inducted into the Mayville State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984 and built a 74-51 record in four years as head coach at Minot State prior to joining MSU in 1977.
He completed his collegiate coaching career in 2008 with a 1064-538-7 overall record in 32 years. He ranks fifth on the NCAA Division II all-time coaching wins list and led the Mavericks to 20 NCAA postseason appearances.
Led by Bowyer, Minnesota State (formerly Mankato State) captured Northern Intercollegiate Conference baseball championships in 1979, 1980 and 1981. The Mavericks made three NCAA postseason tournament appearances during that time (1978, 1979 and 1980) and captured two NCAA regional titles (1979 and 1980). MSU went 3-0 in regional action in 1979 and went on to post a fourth-place finish at the NCAA national tournament. The 1980 team earned the regional title with a 4-1 mark and then went 2-2 at the national tournament to finish third nationally. Bowyer was a two-time NCAA Midwest Region Coach of the Year during this time (1979 and 1980) and guided the Mavericks to a 123-57-2 won-loss record in four seasons in the NIC (1978-81). He also was a graduate assistant coach with the 1971 MSU baseball team that captured the NIC and NCAA regional championships and went on to post a fourth-place finish at the national tournament.
Frank Mosier, Minnesota State University Moorhead
Frank Mosier is one of the most celebrated wrestlers in the rich tradition of Minnesota State University Moorhead. A native of Washington, Pa., Mosier captured the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) 167-pound championships in 1964 and the 177-pound title in 1967. He placed fourth in 1966. He helped the Dragons claim their lone NAIA Team National Championship in 1964. He won the NIC Conference Champion at 167 pounds in 1964 and 1967.
Mosier earned his undergraduate degree from MSU Moorhead and Master’s Degree from West Virginia University. He was elected to NAIA Hall of Fame in 1984 and enshrined in the Dragon Hall of Fame in 1990.
Mosier was the co-founder of The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, NJ Chapter in 1999 & is still its only President, serving from 1999-2009.
Henry Schneider, Northern State University
Henry Schneider, a native of Farmington, Minn., attending Northern State University and participated in football and track. He still holds multiple NSU track records in both the indoor and outdoor venues. He was captain of the NSU track team in 1989, 1990, 1991, and team MVP in 1989 and 1990. In 1991 he was voted Clark Swisher Outstanding Male Athlete. In 2000 he was voted the NSU male track athlete of the century. He was honored by his alum mater in 2006 when he was enshrined in the NSU Hall of Fame.
During four years of indoor and outdoor track competition in the NSIC Schneider was a 18-time all-conference performer, a 12-time conference champion and a 3-time conference meet MVP (indoor 1989, 1990, and outdoor Co-MVP 1989). He was a 4-time NAIA All-American and the 1990 National Champion in the indoor 1000m. During this time he was also a 16-time District Champion.
Schneider returned to his hometown as Varsity Track Coach at Farmington High School from 2000-2006. There he coached six athletes to the Minnesota State Track Meet with six place winners and one individual winning a state championship. In 2007 was inducted into the FHS Hall of Fame as both an athlete and coach.
Jeff Loots, Southwest Minnesota State University
Jeff Loots, a native of St. Paul, Minn., was a three-year letterwinner for SMSU and finished his career completing 703 of 1,224 pass attempts for 10,116 yards and 102 touchdowns, all of which are school career records following his career.
Loots was a first team NAIA All-America in 1992, a second team NAIA All-America in 1991 and an honorable mention NAIA All-America in 1990, while also earning second team AP Little All-America honors in 1992.
A three-time first team all-conference quarterback, Loots was named conference most valuable player in both 1990 and 1992, becoming the first player in conference history to earn the award twice. The Mustangs were 22-5 with Loots starting at quarterback.
Loots, who currently holds over 20 school records, had one of the best seasons a quarterback could have during the 1991 season. He led SMSU to a 9-1 record, the best in school history, completing 272 of 464 passes for 4,111 yards, 50 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions. He threw five or more touchdowns in six games that season while also passing for more than 330 yards in eight games.
In 1990, he helped lead SMSU to the program’s only conference championship while also leading the squad to the NAIA national playoffs before losing in the first round to Carson-Newman (Tenn.).
During his senior season in 1992, Loots passed for 2,927 yards and 29 touchdowns in the first seven games before suffering a career-ending injury in week eight.
Following his collegiate career, Loots was ranked the nation’s 11th best passer headed into the 1993 NFL draft and ended up signing with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League before he ended up playing in the Arena Football League for eight seasons including being part of two Arena Football League Championship teams.
David Ludy, Winona State University
David Ludy, a native of Turtle Lake, Wis., is the Winona State career record holder with 324 career points. Nationally, Ludy still holds the NCAA record with eight career kickoff returns for touchdowns and career kickoff return yards (2,630 on 89 returns). Ludy rushed for 39, caught six and ran back eight kick-off returns for a career total of 53 touchdowns. He was a member of the Conference Championship Football team (1993 and 1994) and helped led his school to their first NAIA Playoff game in 1994. Ludy ranks 8th all-time in scoring in the NSIC with 220 points and is 13th in rushing with 2083 yards in NSIC contests.
Ludy was also the recipient of many awards, including All-American (1992-1994), All-Conference (1992-1994) and was named Conference MVP in 1993 & 1994. In 1994 the Winona Daily News named him the Sportsman of the Year and he was nominated for the Harlon Hill Award.
Ludy graduated in 1996 and went on to earn his master’s degree from Winona State as well. He is currently working on his superintendent certification from there as well. Ludy was inducted into the Winona State Hall of Fame in September of 2007.
