GRAND FORKS, N.D. - On Saturday, the North Dakota Fighting Sioux football team celebrated the 2009 season with its annual awards banquet. Eight athletic endowment scholarships and seven memorial scholarships were handed out. In addition, the team announced its 2009 Most Valuable Awards, as voted by the players and coaches.
2009 Athletic Endowment Scholarship recipients
Loyd & Verna Amick Scholarship: Senior OL Zach Keller
This scholarship is awarded to an individual who displays high character with solid academics and is a North Dakota native. Loyd was a UND letterwinner guard for three years: 1935, 1936 & 1937. He played with other UND greats such as Fritz Pollard and Jack Mackenroth. Together, they fueled the Fighting Sioux to conference championships two of Amicks' three varsity seasons. Amick was named to All NCC team in 36 & 37 and received honorable mention in '35. Loyd was also the team captain his senior year.
Evan Lips Athletic Scholarship: Senior DL Nick Farstveet
Evan Lips was a letterwinner at UND in 1937, 1938 and 1939 in both basketball and football. Evan began his football career at UND as an offensive center but was moved to the quarterback position during the '37 season. Evan received all-conference quarterback honors for the '37, '38 and '39 seasons. Evan was also a team captain in 1937. Evan passed away in 2005.
William Lloyd "Boots" Richmond Sr. Athletic Scholarship: Senior K Brandon Hellevang
In 1929, William "Boots" Richmond hitchhiked to Grand Forks from Watertown, S.D., to enroll at UND. He received his nickname from the Grand Forks Herald because of his abilities as a punter and kicker. Boots was a member of the NCC conference championship teams of 1929, 1930 and 1931 and earned all-conference honors all three seasons. In 1931, he received the Most Valuable Player in the NCC and led the nation in scoring. In 1971, Boots was inducted into the UND Athletic Hall of Fame.
This is the second-consecutive year that Hellevang has received this award.
Bill Ordway Athletic Scholarship: Senior WR Ryan Konrath
This scholarship is awarded annually to a UND student athlete who is uncommon in unselfish dedication to the success of the team. Allen William "Bill" Ordway grew up in Mandan, N.D., and graduated from Mandan High School in 1935. He enrolled at UND and became an outstanding athlete with the UND football team. Bill was also a "Stadium Rat" and lived in Memorial Stadium his first two years at UND. After UND, Bill played professional football for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Wilmington Clippers and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Joe & Averille Bourne Athletic Scholarship: Senior DL Link Gottbeheat
This scholarship is specified for an outstanding football player of good character and academic performance. Joe was a member of the 1930 and '31 conference championship teams. The 1930 team was rated as one of the top teams in the country, with the only loss coming to the future national champions, Army. UND was the only team to score upon the 1930 Army team. The 1930 team was later honored by receiving an invitation to the White House.
Havig-Heen Athletic Scholarship: Senior LB Ryan Pollow
This scholarship is specified for an outstanding male athlete of good character and academic performance. Henry Havig, born near Cooperstown in 1908, was a respected local businessman who became successful on the national level in clothing retail. Henry eventually sold his business to Straus Clothing. Desiring to provide for the future of UND student athletes, Henry and Lilah Havig established the Havig-Heen Scholarship within the UND Foundation.
John & Marcia Jarrett Athletic Scholarship: Senior LB Andrew Miller
Allocations from this endowment shall be used to provide scholarships to qualified student athletes on the UND football team. John Jarrett, son of Glenn "Red" Jarrett, played football at UND from 1958 to 1961. John was a member of the 1958 NCC championship team. Upon graduation from UND, John enrolled in med school and specialized in plastic surgery. After years of practice and research, John invented and perfected what is now a standard method for reconstructive breast surgery. John's accomplishments led to him to be recognized nationally and internationally in the medical field.
This is the second-consecutive year that Miller has received this award.
Fritz Falgren Memorial Scholarship: Senior LB Noah Dombrovski
This scholarship is awarded to an individual who displays high character with solid academics and is either a North Dakota or Minnesota resident. Fritz Falgren was a letterwinner of the UND football team from 1933 through 1935. Fritz was an all-conference end in 1934 and 1935 and served as team captain in 1935.
2009 Memorial Scholarship recipients
Dewayne "Dewey" Sundby Memorial Scholarship: Senior DL Nick Nolte
The scholarship is awarded to a defensive lineman who has demonstrated excellence in the classroom and on the field. A native of Columbus, N.D., Dewayne "Dewey" Sundby was an assistant coach at the University of North Dakota from 1959 to 1965. Prior to his time at UND, Dewey had several head coaching experiences in Minnesota high school football, and he developed the reputation of having excellent athletic teams as well as outstanding student-athletes. During his time at UND, the Fighting Sioux compiled a 31-19-2 record and won the North Central Conference title in 1964. A certified flight instructor, Dewey left coaching in the spring of 1965 to begin a successful career as a commercial airline pilot with United Airlines. Those who played for Dewey at UND remember his devotion to the game and to the players. His spirit and enthusiasm towards athletics and positively influence on student-athletes will always be remembered. The Dewayne "Dewey" Sundby Athletic Endowment has been established anonymously by a former UND football player.
Robb Berthiaume Memorial Scholarship: Senior DB Tyson Heiser
This scholarship is presented annually to the defensive back that has demonstrated a high level of achievement on the field and in the classroom. Robb Berthiaume's caring nature, intellectual prowess and passionate enthusiasm for sports were the hallmarks of this young University of North Dakota football player. A starter at corner as a sophomore, Robb was an integral part of the 1994 conference and Midwest Region championship team. In addition to his on-field achievements, Robb excelled in the classroom. A member of the UND Honors program, Robb was a marketing and pre-law major who had a grade point average above a 3.0. But it was his smile and personality that Robb was best known for. His ever-friendly and enthusiastic attitude made him a joy to be around. Robb's promising life was tragically cut short in the fall of 1995. The Robb Berthiaume Memorial Scholarship has been established to honor Robb and the ideals he stood for.
Todd Thomas Memorial Scholarship: Senior OL Kyle Bondy
The Todd Thomas Memorial Endowment/HOG Fund was established by the UND Foundation to honor Todd, who passed away in 2000 at the age of 40, and to keep his legacy of excellence alive. Originally set up as a memorial scholarship in 2000, the award was modified in 2003 as a way to support the priority needs of the UND offensive line (the "Hogs"). Each year's support gift is chosen by the award winner, the UND offensive linemen and offensive line coach. In support of this endowment, former Sioux lineman Jay Hilbert (1977-82) has helped form a HOG Executive Committee with more than 20 members to help in enhancing this endowment. Todd Thomas left his mark at UND as an outstanding athlete and an excellent student. Todd was an all-conference offensive tackle and graduated with cum laude honors in chemical engineering. Todd was drafted in the fifth round of the 1981 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. After playing four years in the NFL and the USFL, Todd fell back on his engineering degree. Todd eventually became the holder of seven patents and was considered a worldwide expert in under-balanced drilling techniques, which helped revolutionize underground oil and gas recovery.
Paul R Kubesh Memorial Award: Junior FB Curtis Dublanko
The Paul R. Kubesh Memorial Scholarship is presented annually to the linebacker who has accumulated the most defensive points during the season. Ron Kubesh established this endowment in honor of the memory of his son, who died when he was in junior high school. In 1954, Ron Kubesh received 1st team All-America honors both offensively and defensively. Ron was a 1st team All-America as an offensive guard and 1st team All-America as an inside linebacker. Ron was also a three-time All-Conference player and was voted as the Most Valuable Player in the North Central Conference in 1954. In 1979, Ron was elected into UND Athletic Hall of Fame and in 1995, Ron was voted to the All Century team at UND. The Paul R. Kubesh Scholarship is a combination of a father's love for his son and the loyalty of an Alumnus to his school.
David Williamson "Little Big Man" Award: Senior LB Jeff Tescher
David and Gay Williamson have remained close to their alma mater during their many relocations, travels and busy family schedules. The Little Big Man Football Scholarship Endowment was established to give back to the team that meant so much to David and to recognize a player whose determination and attitude, not size, gave him a large presence on the team. David was the "little guy with the big heart who played BIG." This scholarship honors others with that tremendous characteristic.
Contributions to this endowment may be made through the UND Foundation.
Dale Greenlees Memorial Award: Senior LB Clayton Leith
The recipient of this of scholarship must be of high character and a strong contributor to the Fighting Sioux football team. In 1982, Dale came to the University of North Dakota and began his college and football careers. He majored in computer science with an emphasis in mathematics. He was a walk-on who wanted to play for the love of the game. On the football team, he quickly became respected by his teammates for his hard work and perseverance and was known for his speed and strength. In 1985, Dale was named to the North Central Conference All Academic Team and received All-NCC honorable mention recognition. Dale began his professional career as an information systems specialist for Altru Health Systems in Grand Forks. He became a leader in his department for 10 years, guiding United Hospital through new technologies. In 1996, Dale accepted a position with Northwest Airlines and quickly received the reputation as a computer genius for solving problems that were previously unsolvable. He is credited for the design of a computer program that helped make air traffic control considerably safer. In honor and recognition of all that Dale Greenlees accomplished in his lifetime, athletically, academically, and professionally, family and friends established the Dale Greenlees Football Scholarship Endowment.
Markus Bryant Memorial Scholarship: Marcus Tibesar and Andrew Miller
The recipient of this scholarship is chosen by the head football coach and coaching staff based upon teamwork, leadership, dedication, character and spirit. The scholarship was established by Markus' parents, Deb Oatman and Joe Bryant, to invest in the ongoing growth and development of UND. Markus Bryant was born in 1988 and grew up in Grand Forks cheering for the Fighting Sioux. He believed that through teamwork, dedication and spirit, each person can and will make a difference. At the age of 12, Markus was diagnosed with cancer. Throughout his courageous battle with the disease, he never lost his positive attitude or his passion for sports. His story and outlook on life intrigued and inspired many. He made such an impression, he was invited to be the 12th member of the 2001 UND football team as its made its run at the national championship. Markus passed away in 2002 after making a lasting impression on many within the Fighting Sioux football program and all of UND athletics.
This is the third-consecutive year that Tibesar has received this award.
2009 Fighting Sioux Most Valuable Award recipients
Offensive Scout: Redshirt freshman QB Seth Nichols
Defensive Scout: Freshman DL Brock Lundeen
Offensive Lineman: Senior OL Kyle Bondy
Offensive Back: Redshirt freshman RB Mitch Sutton
Receiver: Senior WR Ryan Konrath
Defensive Lineman: Junior DL Ty Boyle
Linebacker: Junior LB Curtis Dublanko
Defensive Back: Junior SS Joel Schwenzfeier
Rookie of the Year: Redshirt freshman RB Mitch Sutton
Most Improved: Junior LB Curtis Dublanko
Special Teams Player: Senior K Brandon Hellevang
Offensive Player: Redshirt freshman RB Mitch Sutton
Defensive Player: Junior LB Curtis Dublanko
Ira Frendberg Award: Senior WR Ryan Konrath
Ira Frendberg was born May 21, 1885 in Caledonia, N.D., and died March 10, 1979 in Grand Forks. He lettered in football in 1908 and 1909. After retiring from the ND Highway Department as a bridge engineer, he returned to Grand Forks and became a fixture at UND football games and practices. Up until the age of 92, he regularly took calisthenics with the football team. He willed his entire estate to UND. This award replaced the Sioux Oil Can Award. The Ira Frendberg Award is given to the UND football player who generates great enthusiasm among squad members, works hard day after day, and is dedicated to the game of football.
Martinsen-Kremeier Team Captain Award: Senior LB Andrew Miller, Senior FB Marcus Tibesar, Junior LB Ryan Kasowski, and Junior QB Jake Landry
The Dan Martinsen and Terry Kremeier Football Scholarship has been established within the University of North Dakota Foundation to recognize the positive athletic and academic experience Dan and Terry enjoyed while they were student-athletes at UND and the value that experience brought to their lives. Dan and Terry have requested that the recipients of this scholarship be members of the UND football team who have been recognized by their fellow teammates for their outstanding academic and leadership achievements by being selected as captains of the team. Contributions to the Dan Martinsen and Terry Kremeier Football Scholarship Endowment can be made through the UND Foundation.
-Go Sioux!-
