SPORTS FEEVER by Chris Fee of KROX Radio – email chrisjfee@yahoo.com
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UND Football signed 26 student-athletes to National letters of intent on Wednesday. Here are some highlights from that class.
By State: Minnesota (6), Wisconsin (4), Illinois (3), Nebraska (3), North Dakota (3), Florida (2), Iowa (2), Missouri (2), Texas (1)
By Position: Linebacker (5), Offensive Lineman (5), Defensive End (4), Wide Receiver (3), Cornerback (2), Defensive Lineman (2), Kicker (1), Long Snapper (1), Quarterback (1), Running Back (1),Tight End (1)
One of the signees is Crookston’s own Tate Hamre, a 6’4 230-pound defensive end and quarterback, will be a defensive end at UND. Hamre lettered three times, was named team MVP, and was named to the all-District and All-Academic teams this year. He had 28 tackles, intercepted six passes, had two sacks, and two fumble recoveries this year.
Tate is also a member of the Pirate Boys Hockey team and the golf team.
He will major in Kinesiology at UND and is the son of Troy and Stacy Hamre. Tate’s brother Ty just wrapped up his college football career at Bemidji State University this fall.
Besides Tate, there wasn’t a lot of immediate area players. Jakob Starcevic (6’2 255 pound linebacker) from Kindred, North Dakota flipped from Army to UND. Starcevic is the nephew of former UMC Football player Nic Starcevic.
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The Minnesota Golden Gophers have hauled in 31 signees and have the 16th-ranked recruiting class in the country in Division 1 football, the highest number in Coach PJ Fleck’s tenure.
The Gophers added three players from Minnesota and four each from Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Minnesota signed two players from Arizona, Georgia, Missouri and Texas and one each from Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee and Washington.
The three Minnesotans signing with the Gophers are the soon-to-be-announced Mr. Football – Roman Voss of Lakefield, Minnesota (Jackson County Central). They also signed offensive lineman Andrew Trout of Cold Spring, MN, and defensive lineman Howie Johnson of Forest Lake.
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Coming off a fall where the University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles Men’s Golf team is currently ranked 72nd in the nation and ninth in the region, they added a pair of local prep standouts to their 2026-27 roster.
Head Coach Brad Heppner announced the signings of Brody Johnson (East Grand Forks, Minn.) and Kolby Koerner (Grand Forks, N.D.). Both Johnson and Koerner have family ties to the University of Minnesota Crookston.
Brody Johnson (East Grand Forks, Minn.)
Johnson earned a varsity letter in four seasons for East Grand Forks High School…Was named the Most Valuable Player for his team…Collected a hole-in-one this past summer at Valley Golf Course in East Grand Forks…Was also named Most Improved Player.
Johnson is joining a legacy of Golden Eagles…His dad, Keith played golf and hockey for the Golden Eagles…His mom, Katherine played volleyball at Minnesota Crookston…His uncle, Kevin also played hockey for the maroon and gold.
Brody is the son of Katherine and Keith Johnson of East Grand Forks…Plans to major in Finance while a student-athlete at the University of Minnesota Crookston.
Kolby Koerner (Grand Forks, N.D.)
Another signee with Minnesota Crookston ties…Kolby will join his brother Ross on the Golden Eagles for the next two seasons…Koerner had a special 2025 for the Red River High School Roughriders…Finished as the State Runner-Up as an Individual…Was named the 2025 EDC Player of the Year and the EDC Champion.
His brother Ross is a member of the Golden Eagles…Kolby is the son of Kelly McLeod of Grand Forks and Brett Koerner of Fargo…Is undecided on his major at Minnesota Crookston.
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The University of Minnesota Crookston volleyball program, even though it doesn’t have a head coach, announced the signings of three future Golden Eagles to continue their collegiate career at Minnesota Crookston.
Bella Peters (MH, Altona, Manitoba), Ava Leingang (OH, Fargo, N.D.) and Hannah Nesdahl (DS, Sioux Falls, S.D.) will wear the colors in 2026.
Ava Leingang (OH, Fargo, N.D.)
Leingang will be a Golden Eagle after an outstanding career at Fargo Davies High School…Led the Eagles to the North Dakota State Class AA Championship Game, losing in five sets…Ranked as the 28th best player in the state of North Dakota, according to prepdig.com.
In the classroom, Ava was a member of the National Honor Society.
Ava is the daughter of Kary and LaShelle Leingang of Fargo, N.D…Plans to major in Business Finance while at Minnesota Crookston…Her mom, LaShelle played basketball at North Dakota State, while her cousin Jake Leingang ran track and field at both the University of Oregon and North Dakota State.
Bella Peters (MH, Altona, Manitoba)
Peters will join the Golden Eagles from the Province of Manitoba.
Bella is the daughter of Hollie Buhler and Steve Peters, both of Altona, Manitoba…Bella plans to major in Exercise Science and Wellness while a student-athlete at the University of Minnesota Crookston.
Hannah Nesdahl (DS, Sioux Falls, S.D.)
Hannah will be in the back row for the Golden Eagles for the next four seasons…Helped lead her Sioux Falls Washington Warriors to two State Championship appearances…Is also an AAU All-American.
Her sister played volleyball in the state of South Dakota at Mount Marty University. Hannah is also a 4.0 student and is a member of the Honor Roll.
Hannah is the daughter of Charlie and Melissa Nesdahl of Sioux Falls and plans to major in Exercise Science while at the University of Minnesota Crookston.
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Kittson County Central’s Kellen Johnson recorded the 1,000th point of his career this week. The junior is an outstanding multi-sport athlete and was the leading rusher on the Bearcat football team that made it to the state semi-finals this fall.
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The University of Minnesota Crookston soccer team had six student-athletes named to the Academic All-District Team selected by the College Sports Communicators (CSC). Emmah Burnes (Jr., Tulare, Calif.), Sydney Christopherson (So., Sioux Falls, S.D.), Julia Finch (Sr., Woodbury, Minn.), Marsia Green (Jr., Waconia, Minn.), Elise Lefers (So., Brookings, S.D.), and Tessa VanOverbeke (Jr., Hartford, S.D.) earned the prestigious honor.
The accolade is bestowed to student-athletes with a 3.5 GPA or higher, and student-athletes who are at least a sophomore academically and athletically. In soccer, the student-athlete must compete in at least 90 percent of the institution’s matches played or start in at least 66 percent of the institution’s matches.
Burnes started all 18 games in the midfield for the Golden Eagles, and notched All-NSIC Second Team honors. She scored her first career goal in the season finale with MSU Moorhead. Burnes has a 4.00 GPA in communication.
Christopherson appeared in all 18 games, starting nine. She played mostly as an attacking midfielder, and finished with an assist on a goal against UMary. Christopherson has a 3.83 GPA in exercise science and wellness.
Finch appeared in all 18 games, starting 17 at outside back. She scored her first goal of her career in a tilt with Black Hills State, and had an assist versus UMary. Finch has a 3.68 GPA in elementary education.
Green appeared in 17 games, with five starts playing mostly as an outside midfielder or wing player. She secured a goal in the season finale victory over MSU Moorhead. Green has a 3.95 GPA in biology.
Lefers led the team with two goals, scoring against MSU Moorhead and UMary. Lefers played in all 18 games, starting four. Lefers has a 3.96 GPA in exercise science and wellness.
VanOverbeke started all 18 games as an outside back, and tallied three shots, with two on goal. She has a 4.00 GPA in accounting.
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The NSIC All-Sports standings after the fall sports season has been released and there is some rare good news for the UMC Golden Eagle Fall male sports (AKA cross country and golf) and it is the highest UMC has been after the fall sports season! They are currently tied for ninth in the mens division after a solid year for cross country and men’s golf had an excellent fall too.
2025-26 NSIC All-Sports Standings (Fall)
| Rank | Overall | Points |
| 1 | Minnesota State | 68.0 |
| 2 | Augustana | 59.0 |
| 3 | Minnesota Duluth | 51.0 |
| Winona State | 51.0 | |
| 5 | Wayne State | 42.0 |
| 6 | Sioux Falls | 41.5 |
| 7 | Concordia-St. Paul | 40.0 |
| University of Mary | 40.0 | |
| 9 | MSU Moorhead | 38.5 |
| 10 | Northern State | 35.5 |
| 11 | Bemidji State | 31.5 |
| 12 | St. Cloud State | 29.5 |
| 13 | Minot State | 26.5 |
| Jamestown | 26.5 | |
| 15 | Minnesota Crookston | 22.0 |
| 16 | SMSU | 20.5 |
| Rank | Men’s Standings | Points |
| 1 | Augustana | 28.0 |
| 2 | MSU Moorhead | 24.0 |
| 3 | Minnesota State | 23.0 |
| 4 | Minnesota Duluth | 21.0 |
| 5 | Winona State | 17.0 |
| 6 | Sioux Falls | 16.0 |
| 7 | University of Mary | 15.5 |
| 8 | Wayne State | 15.0 |
| 9 | Concordia-St. Paul | 10.0 |
| Minnesota Crookston | 10.0 | |
| 11 | Northern State | 9.0 |
| 12 | Minot State | 7.5 |
| 13 | Jamestown | 6.5 |
| 14 | Bemidji State | 6.0 |
| 15 | SMSU | 3.5 |
| 16 | St. Cloud State | 0.0 |
| Rank | Women’s Standings | Points |
| 1 | Minnesota State | 45.00 |
| 2 | Winona State | 34.00 |
| 3 | Augustana | 31.00 |
| 4 | Minnesota Duluth | 30.00 |
| Concordia-St. Paul | 30.00 | |
| 6 | St. Cloud State | 29.50 |
| 7 | Wayne State | 27.00 |
| 8 | Northern State | 26.50 |
| 9 | Sioux Falls | 25.50 |
| Bemidji State | 25.50 | |
| 11 | University of Mary | 24.50 |
| 12 | Jamestown | 20.00 |
| 13 | Minot State | 19.00 |
| 14 | SMSU | 17 |
| 15 | MSU Moorhead | 14.50 |
| 16 | Minnesota Crookston | 12.00 |
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JOKES
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How are former Crookston Pirates athletes doing in college or elsewhere?
****LET ME KNOW OF OTHERS TO ADD TO THE LIST. Email me at chrisjfee@yahoo.com
Teagen Lubinski is a freshman playing football at St. Scholastica
Addie Fee is a freshman playing tennis and hockey at Wisconsin-Superior.
Kambelle Freije is a freshman playing hockey at Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Riley Helgeson is a freshman playing football at Northern State.
Emily Bowman is a freshman playing Softball at North Dakota State College of Science.
Halle Winjum is a sophomore playing basketball at Minnesota Crookston.
Blake Melsa is a sophomore playing soccer and baseball at Alexandria Tech
Jackson Reese is a sophomore playing soccer at Alexandria Tech
Matt Contreras is a freshman playing baseball at Concordia College.
Naomi Johnson is a freshman playing soccer at Alexandria Tech
Paul Bittner is an assistant coach on the University of Wisconsin-Superior Men’s Hockey team.
Reese Swanson is a sophomore playing hockey at St. Olaf.
Carter Coauette is a sophomore playing football at Minot State.
Isaac Thomforde is a sophomore playing Tennis at Northwestern College in St. Paul.
Halle Bruggeman is a Junior on the University of Wisconsin-Stout Women’s Rugby team.
Ethan Boll is a Sophomore on the University of North Dakota Football team.
Breanna Kressin is a Junior on the Hockey Cheer Team for THE University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Hockey team.
Jacey Larson is a Junior playing hockey at Dakota College at Bottineau.
Aleah Bienek is a Senior playing hockey at Trine University in Indiana.
Ty Hamre is Senior playing football at Bemidji State University.
Seth Heppner – Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Golf at Jessup University
Brady Heppner – Head Coach of Women’s Golf at UMC and Assistant Hockey Coach
Crookston School District Coaches
Blake Bergeron is the head Pirate Wrestling Coach.
Jason Cassavant is a Jr. High Baseball Coach and Head American Legion Baseball coach
Amy Boll is the head Pirate Girls Track head coach
Sarah Reese is the Pirate Head Girls Soccer coach
Marley Melbye is an assistant girls golf coach
Connor Morgan is the Pirate Boys Hockey assistant coach
Ben Trostad is the Pirate Boys Hockey assistant coach
Ethan Magsam is the Pirate Boys Hockey assistant coach
Chris Dufault is a youth wrestling Coach
Non-Crookston High School coaching/Admin/etc
Elise Tangquist is the Head Girls Golf Coach at Horace High School in Fargo, ND.
Carmen (Kreibich) Johnson is the head Little Falls Volleyball coach.
Tim Desrosier is an Assistant Coach for Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Pony Boys Basketball
Pat Wolfe is the head wrestling coach for Fosston/Bagley.
Austin Sommerfeld is an Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Communication at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.
Collin Reynolds is the head baseball coach for the University of Colorado Buffalo Club Baseball team.
Trent Stahlecker is a School Security Specialist & he works for the Brevard Public Schools, Florida.
Cody Weiland is an assistant wrestling coach at Proctor/Hermantown.
Josh Edlund is the head football coach and phy ed teacher at Flandreau, South Dakota.
Allison Lindsey Axness is Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach at Champlin Park
Jeff Olson is the Head Wrestling Coach and Head Baseball coach at Delano.
Jake Olson is an Assistant Football Coach and Head Boys Tennis coach at Delano.
Matt Harris is an Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Marty Bratrud is the Superintendent and High School Principal at Westhope High School.
Gordie Haug is an assistant football coach at the University of North Dakota.
Mike Hastings is the Wisconsin Badgers Men’s head Hockey coach.
Mike Biermaier is the Athletic Director at Grand Forks Schools.
Stephanie (Lindsay) Perreault works with the North Dakota State stats crew for Bison football, volleyball, and basketball in the winter. Stephanie’s husband, Ryan, is the assistant director for Bison media relations.
Jason Bushie is the hockey athletic trainer at Colorado College.
Chris Myrold is the Director and Fitness at Mission Ranch and Fitness in Camel, California.
Kyle Buchmeier is a Tennis Pro at the Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center in Minneapolis
Jaren Bailey is serving our country and is currently in the Marines’ Boot Camp.
Ben Andringa is serving our country in the Army and is now a Ranger.
Philip Kujawa class of 2004, from Crookston High School. He is an Army recruiter in Rochester.
Rob Sobolik is the General Manager of the Fargodome
That’s it for this week. Thanks for the comments, and if you have anything to add or share, please e-mail chrisjfee@yahoo.com or call. Thanks for reading and listening to KROX RADIO and kroxam.com.