Contact: Mitch Bakken- Sports Information Director (218) 281-8414

(Crookston, Minn.) - The University of Minnesota, Crookston's Women's Softball team will hold a chili feed on Friday, February 18 at the UMC Sports Center. The event will be held in conjunction with the women's and men's basketball games that will be aired on Midcontinent Cable against Upper Iowa. The chili feed will run from 4:30 until 8 p.m. with the women's and men's games beginning at 6 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $3 and can be purchased from any Golden Eagle Softball team member or coach. For more information contact Head Coach Mitch Bakken at 281-8414 or bakke044@umn.edu.
 
"We held this event last year and it was a big success and we expect it to be even bigger this year with the basketball team playing on Midcontinent. It will be a great way for fans to come out and eat supper, fill the stands and possibly be on television," says Bakken. "The event is also a way for fans to meet the 2011 softball squad and to raise money for our spring training trip to the Cocoa Expo in Titusville, Fla. in March. The trip is crucial to our season as we can get several games in with little threat of bad weather and play quality programs that will help prepare us for the conference season," Bakken adds.
 
The Golden Eagles open the 2011 season on Saturday, February 26 when they travel to St. Cloud State for the Husky Dome Invitational. Minnesota, Crookston will play Southwest Minnesota State at 1 p.m. and Northern State at 3 p.m. UMC returns to the field on Sunday, February 27 to play host St. Cloud State at 3 p.m. and Valley City State at 5 p.m. The team will travel to the Cocoa Expo from March 11-17 for 10 games. The Golden Eagles open the NSIC season on April 2-3 when the team travels to Winona State and Upper Iowa. The double-headers are scheduled for 1 p.m. and noon respectively.
 
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
 
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
 
 
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Contact: Mitch Bakken- Sports Information Director (218) 281-8414

(Crookston, Minn.) - The University of Minnesota, Crookston's Women's Softball program announced today that Erin Fowle (P, 5-8, So, Winnipeg, Manitoba) has been selected by USA Athletes International to play in the 2011 Curacao Friendship Series on the island of Curacao from June 6- June 13, 2011. The team will play five games and have the opportunity to take part in several educational experiences during the event.
 
"This is a great opportunity for Erin to showcase her talents on an international stage," says Head Coach Mitch Bakken. "As a freshman last season, she was one of our top pitchers and hitters. With another season at the Division II level under her belt, I think she will not only be able to compete, but be very successful in the five games the team plays in Curacao."
 
Each player has to raise funds to pay for the cost of the trip. If you would like to help sponsor Erin, please contact Coach Bakken at 218-281-8414 or bakke044@umn.edu. Donations can also be mailed to Erin Fowle, c/o Golden Eagle Softball, 2900 University Ave., Crookston, MN 56716.
 
USA Athletes International, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving amateur athletes and coaches the opportunity to participate in international Olympic-style sporting events throughout the world, while also allowing them to broaden their educational and cultural knowledge of the world through the experience. For more information on USA Athletes International, visit their website at www.usaai.org.
 
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
 
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

Photo: Erin Fowle
 
 
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Contact: Mitch Bakken- Sports Information Director (218) 281-8414

(Crookston, Minn.)- University of Minnesota, Crookston head women's softball coach Mitch Bakken announced today the signing of Kelli Burns from Montrose, Minn. to a National Letter of Intent to play for the Golden Eagles during the 2010-11 season.
 
Burns is a 5-6, pitcher, who played her high school softball at Watertown-Mayer High School in the Wright County Conference. Following her junior season Burns was named to the KDUZ All-Area team and was an All-Conference Honorable Mention player. Following her senior campaign, she was named to the KDUZ All-Area team, the Wright County All-Conference team and was selected as the team MVP. Burns traveled with her club team to the 2010 Kansas City Softball World Series and was named a game MVP for her outstanding play.
 
"Kelli brings a strong work ethic and dedication to the Golden Eagle Softball program," says coach Bakken. "She will see time pitching as a freshman and I feel as she learns the Division II game she will become a very versatile player. I know she is excited to get started this fall and I look forward to watching her develop into a key player for the Golden Eagles."
 
Burns plans to major in natural resource management at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. She is the daughter of Carri and Dan Burns.
 
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
 
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
 
All signees are contingent upon admission to the University of Minnesota, Crookston and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center.
 
 
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Contact: Mitch Bakken- Sports Information Director (218) 281-8414

(Crookston, Minn.)- University of Minnesota, Crookston head women's softball coach Mitch Bakken announced today the signing of Paige Schaust from Delano, Minn. to a National Letter of Intent to play for the Golden Eagles during the 2010-11 season.
 
Schaust is a 5-7, pitcher/outfielder from Delano High School in the Wright County Conference. She was named All-Conference Honorable Mention and was recognized as an All-Tournament team member following her senior season.
 
"Paige adds a left-handed pitcher to the Golden Eagle pitching staff which will add some depth to our rotation and to the options we have during games," says Bakken. "She injured her hand during her senior season and saw extensive time in the outfield which will also be an added benefit. She has a strong bat, competitive attitude and will be a great fit with Golden Eagle Softball."
 
Schaust plans to major in early childhood education at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. She is the daughter of Tammy Schmidt and David Schaust.
 
UMC Letter of Intent
Kindra Hoffman from St. Francis, Minn. signed a UMC institutional letter of intent to play for the Golden Eagles during the 2010-11 season.
 
Hoffman is a 5-8, utility player from Vermillion Community College. While at VCC, Hoffman earned MVP honors following the 2009 and 2010 seasons and was recognized as a team captain during the 2010 campaign.
 
"Kindra brings a Division II work ethic to the Golden Eagle Softball program. She is willing to tackle any task asked of her and that will be an asset going into the 2010-11 season," says Bakken. "She will be looked at to take reps at catcher, around the infield and in the outfield."
 
Hoffman plans to major in natural resources (park management) at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. She is the daughter of Tim and Jill Hoffman.
 
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
 
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
 
All signees are contingent upon admission to the University of Minnesota, Crookston and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center.
 
 
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Contact: Mitch Bakken- Sports Information Director (218) 281-8414

(Crookston, Minn.)- University of Minnesota, Crookston head women's softball coach Mitch Bakken announced today the signing of Randee Hanson and Sarah Johnson to a UMC Letter of Admission to play for the Golden Eagles during the 2010-11 season.
 
Hanson is a 5-3, infielder from Rogers High School in the Mississippi 8 Conference. She was named All-Conference in 2008 and 2009, was the Mississippi 8 Hitter of the Year and team offensive MVP following the 2008 season.
 
Hanson is the daughter of Thomas and Barbara Hanson. She plans to major in accounting at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.
 
Johnson is a 5-5, pitcher/outfielder from Wayzata High School in the Classic Lake Conference. She lettered in softball as a junior and is a Minnesota High School Equestrian Association (MHSEA) champion.
 
Johnson is the daughter of Steve and Pamela Johnson. She plans to major in equine science at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.
 
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
 
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
 
All signees are contingent upon admission to the University of Minnesota, Crookston and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center. 

Contact: Mitch Bakken- Sports Information Director (218) 281-8414

(Crookston, Minn.) -The University of Minnesota, Crookston Women's Softball team closed out one of the programs most successful seasons on Sunday with an NSIC split with the University of Mary. It was the first victory over the Marauders in program history and one that followed the programs first victory over Southwest Minnesota State University on April 25.
 
Team hitting records broken include most hits (248), most home runs (13), most total bases (330) and most stolen bases (40). Team pitching records included most strikeouts (165) and strikeouts per seven inning game (4.48). Team single game records broken were most homeruns (3 vs. Concordia- St. Paul) and most stolen bases (6 vs. Bemidji State).
 
Individual season hitting records were also eclipsed. Sarena Diederichs (C, 5-8, JR, St. Cloud, Minn.) set a new batting average record (.331), most hits (39), tied a season-high in triples (3) and set the mark for stolen bases (14). Kayla Bowar (SS, 5-4, JR, Moorhead, Minn.) earned the top spot in most runs scored (24), tied the record in homeruns (4) and set the record in hit by pitches (7). Micki Nogowski (3B, 5-3, SO, Twin Valley, Minn.) set the bench mark in doubles (9) and tied the record in homeruns (4).
 
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
 
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). 

Contact: Mitch Bakken- Sports Information Director (218) 281-8414

(Crookston, Minn.) -University of Minnesota, Crookston Women's Softball Coach Mitch Bakken announced today that the non-conference softball games with NDSU Bottineau scheduled for Friday, April 30 have been canceled due to weather concerns. The games will not be made up.

The NSIC softball games schedule for Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2 are still scheduled for their regular starts of noon on both days. The Golden Eagles will host Northern State on Saturday and the University of Mary on Sunday. If weather issues continue, the games can be pushed back to Sunday and Monday based on NSIC weather policies.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

Contact: Mitch Bakken- Sports Information Director (218) 281-8414

(Crookston, Minn.)- University of Minnesota, Crookston head women's softball coach Mitch Bakken announced today the signing of Rachel Schoenborn from Anchorage, Alaska to a National Letter of Intent to play for the Golden Eagles during the 2010-11 season.

Schoenborn is a 5-4, infielder from East Anchorage High School in the Cook Inlet Conference. She is a two-time All-Conference First Team selection and a two-time state tournament All-Tournament team selection. Schoenborn was the leading hitter in the 2008 and 2009 state tournament and was selected as a 2009 state tournament player of the game. Following the 2008 season she was selected as a Triple Crown Sports All-American USA selection.

"Rachel brings a great attitude and a lot of potential to the Golden Eagle Softball program. She will add depth to our middle infield and add another left-handed bat to the lineup," says coach Bakken. "I look forward to working with Rachel and helping her develop into a solid Division II softball player at the University of Minnesota, Crookston."

Schoenborn plans to major in health sciences (pre-professional) at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. She is the daughter of Paul and Janene Schoenborn.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

All signees are contingent upon admission to the University of Minnesota, Crookston and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Contact: Mitch Bakken- Sports Information Director (218) 281-8414

(Crookston, Minn.) -University of Minnesota, Crookston Women's Softball Coach Mitch Bakken announced this morning that the NSIC softball games against Southwest Minnesota State and Minnesota State- Mankato scheduled for Saturday, April 24 and Sunday April, 25 have been moved to a Sunday/Monday series due to potential weather issues. The games will start at noon on Sunday and 2:00 p.m. on Monday depending on the weather.
 
The Golden Eagle Softball games at Valley City State on Tuesday, April 27 have been cancelled due to the team's late arrival back in Crookston on Monday night.
 
The team will travel to Minnesota Duluth on Wednesday, April 28 to play the Bulldogs in an NSIC double-header starting at 2:00 p.m. Minnesota, Crookston closes out the 2010 season at home with an exhibition game against Dakota-State Bottineau on Friday, April 30 starting at 3:00 p.m. and NSIC contests on Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2 against Northern State and Mary. Both double-headers are scheduled to start at noon.
 
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
 
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). 

Contact: Mitch Bakken- Sports Information Director (218) 281-8414

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Athletic Department held its annual athletic awards program on Monday, April 12 in Kiehle Auditorium on the Minnesota, Crookston campus. The event honored the 2009-2010 senior class, recognized the Outstanding Male and Female Athlete of the Year, Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year and individual team award recipients.  

Earning Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year honors were Cody Brekken (Jr., Linebacker, Crookston, Minn.) and Kayla Bowar (Jr., SS, Moorhead, Minn.). Brekken led the Golden Eagle defense with 60 total tackles, 32 of which were solo tackles. He was tied for the team lead with two fumble recoveries and is the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President. Bowar currently has a .270 batting average in 20 games played. She leads the team in runs scored and total bases. She is tied for the team lead in hits, homeruns and RBI. She is a three-year starter and a member of SAAC. To be eligible for the Student-Athlete of the Year Award, an athlete must have a minimum of a 3.2 GPA and be a letterwinner in their respective sport for at least two seasons.

The 2009-2010 Male and Female Outstanding Athletes of the Year were Keith McBride (Fr., Runningback, Lodi, Wis.) and Jamie Zelinsky (Jr., Guard, Brooklyn Park, Minn.). McBride played in all 11 games this season. He rushed 247 times for 960 yards, an 87.3 yards per game average which was good for fourth in the NSIC. He scored a team-high seven touchdowns and was named NSIC All-Conference Honorable Mention. Zelinsky started in all 27 games and averaged 31 minutes per game. She led the team with 16.4 points per game good for third in the NSIC. She led the team in rebounds with 146, assists with 70 and was named NSIC All-Conference Second Team. She is second in career scoring in Golden Eagle history, was named NSIC Player of the Week and is a SAAC member.

The 2009-2010 Male and Female Newcomer of the Year nominees were announced at the awards program. Male finalists include Keith McBride, and Mike Larsen (Jr., Bluffdale, Utah). Female finalists include Andrea Lariviere (Fr., Crookston, Minn.), Krista Kenyon (Fr., Sanford, Manitoba), Brittani Wiese (Fr., Albertville, Minn.) and Jessica Charles (Fr., Belgrade Lakes, Maine). The winners of the Male and Female Newcomer of the Year Award will be announced at halftime of the Golden Eagle Football homecoming game on Saturday, September 25 against MSU Moorhead.

Other distinguished awards presented:

Justin Knebel Memorial Award (Men's Basketball): Jason Servaty (Jr., St. Michael, Minn.)

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

Top- Kayla Bowar and Cody Brekken, Middle- Keith McBride and Jamie Zelinsky, Bottom- Jason Servaty.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).