Larry Scott in the Star Tribune

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

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

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

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

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!

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)

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

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

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!

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

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???

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

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

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! ! !