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It's a subjective call, claiming which of the week's developments was the best. For our money, NDSU T & F members going up against future Olympians and showing they belonged deserves first mention. The quartet's best was Benji Phillips as he took 16th in the javelin, with Kenmare's Jacob Rodin & Matt Kraft taking 17th while Trevor Otterdahl was a spot behind them after his final throws.
They each added to the oft-overlooked rich-history of the program and with Rodin breaking new ground as a North Dakota-grown runner even better things may lie ahead!
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Adding to a rich tradition wasn't limited to the action in Austin, TX as Ben Ellefson accepted a new role with the home-state Purple within days of calling it a playing career. While he will be very-much in a position to watch & learn, he could provide valuable advocacy for the next waves of players to come from the best Sub-division programs.
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The step-out onto biggest stages didn't stop there as Grant Nelson reportedly narrowed his list of schools to transfer to down to Arkansas & Alabama early in the week. Rumor has it that the Tide have the edge but the possibility of a Minnesota/North Dakota merger in Fayetteville remains.
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Redshirt freshman Zach Silvis took his own big step toward greatness as he qualified to compete in the U20 World Championships for Team USA! The event will be held in Poland in mid-August.
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Adding Ellefson to the staff was the first big move as far as Fargo goes but the long-expected release of Dalvin Cook is more immediately impactful for the club. With Kwesi's top objective being the straightening-out of the salary cap situation it was just the latest money move with the long-term ramifications to the game being that running back will become the least-desirable position to play for youths who can't be Derrick Henry or Christian McCaffrey.
As for the club, it opens up some of the dollars which will eventually be allocated to Justin Jefferson, Christian Darrisaw, The Norseman, etc.. The Roster Reformation will require the restructuring or releasing of several other stalwart members of the team before the team is really ready to compete for a Conference title again.
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The 2022/2023 school year is over but the last vestiges of the Spring seasons continued to unfold this past week. On the North Dakota side that came in the form of the State Boys A & B golf meets. For the fifth consecutive tee-off Region 2 (for golf only) got the best of the rest, this time with Central Cass claiming the team title while Northern Cass' Aidan Hall had the low individual score! There was also repetition in Class A action as Sheyenne made it three-straight and Nate Peyerl went back-to-back for the Mustangs! Peyerl was subsequently named Mr. Golf.
The week also included All-State team recognitions for baseball, softball & soccer.
To the East of the River came accomplishments that may well yield inclusions as well.
First and foremost, D/G/F taking their third shot at a state title - this time for AA softball. St. Charles (that's a place apparently) proved to be the final opponent and the girls were able to tie the bow on a year of competition which will not soon be surpassed by the school!
It didn't end there as Moorhead's boys made it back to the State tournament for the third time as Joel Eggerdahl netted three shots, including the game-winner in overtime, against St. Michael/Albertville after they cruised to a semi-final win against St. Cloud Tuesday. They will hook top-seeded Benilde/St. Margaret as they go for their first win at the main tourney Tuesday evening.
To do so they will need to find the same gear that Michael Haugo hit at the State Track Meet, finishing top-6 in every event that he was apart of and setting a school record in the long jump!
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Which left two topics for one spot
There will be plenty of time to talk about Summer Baseball so to put a wrap on this week's summary, the coaching carousel took a few more turns.
From the prep level Brock Ellingson stepped-down from his role as head boys & assistant girls golf coach for Shanley and into the lead role for Moorhead State!
Dave Richman also added a new member to his staff as Luke Strege will return to the Division 1 level following a sterling run at JUCO Mineral Area College in Missouri.
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Summer is just getting started but sports don't ever stop and it will be exciting to see what other developments take place during these Lake Months!
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