MSUM Dragons Podcasts

6th year Senior Jacob Beeninga and NSIC Tournament MVP, Freshman, Carson Johnson talk about their bond as point guards, winning the NSIC Championship, the resiliency of the Dragons, and facing a difficult challenge in Fort Hays State in the NCAA Tournament. The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by:

Pedro Velazquez and Ryan Henningson chat with Nolan Schmidt about their leading a team as a transfer, easing nerves through team success, and putting Dragon Wrestling back on the map. The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by:  

Shavantae Roberts is a record breaking machine in the 60M and Jaiden Peraza is one of two Dragons to hit the 7' mark in competition in the high jump.  BOTH are heading to the NCAA National Championships in Indy this weekend.  I got to chat with them about they keep their minds and bodies continually dialed into getting better...and the coach that has them focused on something great.  Let's get into it RIGHT NOW! The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by:  

Hello everyone and welcome a special National Girls and Women in Sports Day episode of the MSUM Dragons Podcast.  Our Director of Communications Nolan Schmidt organized an incredible moment…joining the first dragon trailblazers in women's sports with current student athletes and staff for a discussion on women in sports you do not want to miss.  On the show you'll hear Student-Athlete Advisory committee president and current women's basketball player Natalie Jens…assistant women's basketball coach and alum Allison Swenson, former player/coach/now deputy athletics director Pam Gohl, and trailblazers and Hall of Famers Mary Ann Donnay and one of the 12 Minnesota National Girls and Women in Sports day featured stories…Karin Schumacher. Before we get into that…an apology.  We had some microphone issues with karin, Swen and Natalie…and I did my best.  Sorry to them and to you in advance…BUT…it's too important of a conversation not to share.   Let's get into it…RIGHT NOW! The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by:  

What happens when a football coach and a university president talk about culture, character, and human development....well...this.  These two face off and interview each other about how their worlds overlap, differentiate, and both aim to create supportive and transformational experiences on the field and in the classroom. The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by:  

The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by: It's Naitonal Signing Day for Dragons Football! Hello everyone and welcome to the MSUM Dragons Podcast where we believe the student-athlete experience here at MSUM is More Than a Game…I'm your host Jon 'Webbie' Wepking. We've got Head Football Coach Steve Laqua as he explains the process of getting to signing day which is a 13 month process for his staff and recruits.  You want the names of this year's signees, head to MSUMDragons.com/NSD24.  It's signing day…right now…let's go!  

The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by: It's signing day, it's signing day, it's signing day for Dragons Football! Hello everyone and welcome to the MSUM Dragons Podcast where we believe the student-athlete experience here at MSUM is More Than a Game…I'm your host Jon ‘Webbie' Wepking. We've got Head Football Coach Steve Laqua talking about recruiting for the Dragon football program and how he likens this day to Christmas as the gifts of new members to the Dragon Family come pouring in.  Get the pitch from the Laqua himself as he explains the process of getting to signing day which is a 13 month process for his staff and recruits.  You want the names of this year's signees, head to MSUMDragons.com/NSD23 that's MSUMDragons.com/NSD23.  It's signing day…right now…let's go!

The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by: Former MSUM Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President and Dragons track & field alum Rachel Schumacher was interviewed this week by the NCAA's Haydyn Gibson about the Joe's Heroes Make-A-Wish night which received the 2023 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence.  The NCAA and Gibson were kind enough to share their podcast with us.  The Award of Excellence is the highest non-athletic honor the NCAA bestows to an institution.  The award was presented to MSUM athletic director Chad Markuson at the annual NCAA convention in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday morning. MSU Moorhead was named a finalist, along with 22 other institutions, on January 4. The award is intended to celebrate, recognize and champion a school's community engagement efforts. "It was such an honor to be named a finalist.  To win the Award of Excellence is very humbling and exciting for our student athletes," said Markuson. "Their work in the community is both inspiring and aligns great with NCAA Division II core values." MSUM's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee put together a massive event to honor their friend and Dragon superfan Joe Keller. Through SAAC's work, MSUM helped raise $4,385 for Make-a-Wish North Dakota to honor their friend who had previously had his wish granted. Keller was an MSUM student, superfan and athletics intern with muscular dystrophy who passed away in the summer of 2021.  "I appreciate the NCAA's commitment to recognizing student athletes for their contributions outside of their sports. Our Dragon student athletes exemplify MSU Moorhead's core values of grit, humility, and heart—both on and off the playing field," said MSUM President Dr. Anne Blackhurst. "They inspire my Dragon Pride every day and I'm thrilled they've received national recognition for their extraordinary engagement with our community." FULL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE PRESS RELEASE  

The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by: MSUM Softball sophomore Grace Oeltjen joined the National Guard on "kind of a dare".  We asked her what the similarities and differences are between her two teams and how they've prepared her for life.    

The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by: MSUM Softball sophomore Grace Oeltjen joined the National Guard on "kind of a dare".  We asked her what the similarities and differences are between her two teams and how they've prepared her for life.    

The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by: MSUM junior running back Tyson Powell had his first competitive season of college football ripped away by COVID and by an ACL tear.  Not the worst time for an injury like that but a long road to recovery laid ahead.  Then, when the new season brought football back...another devastating ACL tear in the other leg.  Faced with a difficult decision and a hard road either way, Powell decided to come back.  He decided it was worth it to go through all that work again for a shot at playing college football for the Dragons.   Then...after 2 years...it happened.  What did that feel like?  Was it worth it?  What'd he learn?  All that in this episode of the MSUM Dragons Podcast.  

The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by: MSUM junior running back Tyson Powell had his first competitive season of college football ripped away by COVID and by an ACL tear.  Not the worst time for an injury like that but a long road to recovery laid ahead.  Then, when the new season brought football back...another devastating ACL tear in the other leg.  Faced with a difficult decision and a hard road either way, Powell decided to come back.  He decided it was worth it to go through all that work again for a shot at playing college football for the Dragons.   Then...after 2 years...it happened.  What did that feel like?  Was it worth it?  What'd he learn?  All that in this episode of the MSUM Dragons Podcast.  

A ONCE IN A LIFETIME GAME FOR THE ICKERT TWINS (Apologies in advance for the mispronunciation from Jon Wepking) The Ickert twins, McKenzie Ickert and Alexa Ickert spent their youth playing soccer together…eventually they both succeeded at advancing to the collegiate level for different teams…Kenz with MSUM and Alexa with St. Scholastica.  Fast forward a few years, they're now both seniors…playing in their final seasons competitively…and look who popped up on the pre-season schedule.  A twin sister face-off.  On this episode we talk to the Ickert twins about the once in a lifetime game and how the game of soccer has forged a special bond between the two sisters... WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW

A ONCE IN A LIFETIME GAME FOR THE ICKERT TWINS (Apologies in advance for the mispronunciation from Jon Wepking) The Ickert twins, McKenzie Ickert and Alexa Ickert spent their youth playing soccer together…eventually they both succeeded at advancing to the collegiate level for different teams…Kenz with MSUM and Alexa with St. Scholastica.  Fast forward a few years, they're now both seniors…playing in their final seasons competitively…and look who popped up on the pre-season schedule.  A twin sister face-off.  On this episode we talk to the Ickert twins about the once in a lifetime game and how the game of soccer has forged a special bond between the two sisters... WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW

Who is Mike Armitage and why is he here at MSUM? Coming in hot with the tough questions so you can get to know our new Softball head coach, his coaching philosophy, ideal recruit, and why he loves the game.

Who is Mike Armitage and why is he here at MSUM? Coming in hot with the tough questions so you can get to know our new Softball head coach, his coaching philosophy, ideal recruit, and why he loves the game.

The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by: MSUM Dragons Men's Basketball junior Gavin Baumgartner came in with a class of freshman with high aspirations and now, after winning the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament Championship...those aspirations are now becoming a reality. Host Jon 'Webbie' Wepking and Baumgartner discuss what changed mentally within the team to go from an 11-11 record to an 8 game win streak leading to cutting down nets. What it feels like to do something MSUM has never done before. What really matters, the trophy or the memories? And of course, a little talk about the upcoming NCAA Tournament as the #DragonsMarchOn this Saturday.  

The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by: MSUM Dragons Men's Basketball junior Gavin Baumgartner came in with a class of freshman with high aspirations and now, after winning the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament Championship...those aspirations are now becoming a reality. Host Jon 'Webbie' Wepking and Baumgartner discuss what changed mentally within the team to go from an 11-11 record to an 8 game win streak leading to cutting down nets. What it feels like to do something MSUM has never done before. What really matters, the trophy or the memories? And of course, a little talk about the upcoming NCAA Tournament as the #DragonsMarchOn this Saturday.  

The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by: Dragons senior wrestler Cole Jones joins the podcast after senior day, but before MSUM hosts the NCAA Super Region V Championships. He discusses becoming a leader in the room, how to lead through adversity, and why he supports his Dragon Family.  

The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by: Dragons senior wrestler Cole Jones joins the podcast after senior day, but before MSUM hosts the NCAA Super Region V Championships. He discusses becoming a leader in the room, how to lead through adversity, and why he supports his Dragon Family.  

The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by: MSUM Head Tennis Coach Jason Thiner has been Isabel Resler's coach growing up and in high school at Fargo South...as well as her DAD!  This Saturday, his Dragons take on her UMD Bulldogs. They both join us on this episode of the MSUM Dragons Podcast to talk about the parent/coach relationship to a child/athlete as they prepare to compete against each other as well.  

The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by: MSUM Head Tennis Coach Jason Thiner has been Isabel Resler's coach growing up and in high school at Fargo South...as well as her DAD!  This Saturday, his Dragons take on her UMD Bulldogs. They both join us on this episode of the MSUM Dragons Podcast to talk about the parent/coach relationship to a child/athlete as they prepare to compete against each other as well.  

The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by: PODCAST INTRO: "I love it when a plan comes together…that's for our listeners who've can appreciate an A-Team reference…but our Dragon Basketball games this Saturday are an example of just that. Several plans coming together to do good in our community, to honor our friend, entertain the fans, feed our students, and celebrate the accomplishments and dedication of our seniors…and more. Here to talk about their personal ties to all that and a bag of chips, is a pair of point guards…please welcome Bryce Irsfeld and Natalie Steichen."  

The MSUM Dragons Podcast is sponsored by: PODCAST INTRO: "I love it when a plan comes together…that's for our listeners who've can appreciate an A-Team reference…but our Dragon Basketball games this Saturday are an example of just that. Several plans coming together to do good in our community, to honor our friend, entertain the fans, feed our students, and celebrate the accomplishments and dedication of our seniors…and more. Here to talk about their personal ties to all that and a bag of chips, is a pair of point guards…please welcome Bryce Irsfeld and Natalie Steichen."  

Coach Laqua joins us on Football National Signing Day 2022 to talk about the class as a whole, how his staff identifys athletes that are the right fit, and celebrating many new members of the Dragon Family finally making it official.  

Coach Laqua joins us on Football National Signing Day 2022 to talk about the class as a whole, how his staff identifys athletes that are the right fit, and celebrating many new members of the Dragon Family finally making it official.  

PODCAST INTRO: "Hello everyone and welcome to the MSUM Dragons Podcast where we believe that the student-athlete experience here at MSUM is 'More Than a Game'...I'm your host, Jon Webbie Wepking. How rare is it to have multiple family members play at the collegiate level...let alone for the same program?  The Beeninga brothers; Johnny, Jacob, and Eddie have made Dragon men's basketball their home.  What better group to feature during the holidays to talk about family, traditions, and of course a little basketball?  Here they are...right NOW!"   QUOTES FROM THE SHOW: JOHNNY: We actually have an older sister who's a teacher who is going to grad school at MSUM as well so there's 4 Beeningas going to school at MSUM right now. JACOB: It just feels like family here because I got to know the guys (on the team) watching Johnny play...so it made it easy to fit in here and with both brothers here it really feels like family up here. JACOB: You see my older brother I looked up to all through high school and stuff seeing him be successful here and be happy here...I think I wanted that for myself too.  EDDIE:  Having family here is big because my recruiting process was so difference because of COVID.  I thought (MSUM) was best for me because I saw the success both of them had and knew I could follow that path and be successful too. JOHNNY: Eddie really put in the work.  He wasn't on the radar very much but really did a good job and had a commitment to get better and get to this level too. JOHNNY: I wanted to try hockey but my dad didn't let me.  Glad he made me stick to basketball. JOHNNY: Eddie is the only one of us to get two state titles in football and basketball so he's got a leg up on us. JACOB: Most families would go out or go to the movies, and we'd grab a bat or a ball and play sports.  We've always loved sports and played and competed against each other and that brought us closer together. JACOB: I'd say Eddie (is the most competitive)...he HATES losing. JOHNNY:  I think they've done great so far up here and really proud of both of them on how they've handled it.  I think they're doing really well and it's fun to be able to help each other and be around each other still.  Not just to watch them play but to be able to go to lunch together or talk about classes because we're all business majors.  Proud of what they're doing and to be a part of it.  

PODCAST INTRO: "Hello everyone and welcome to the MSUM Dragons Podcast where we believe that the student-athlete experience here at MSUM is 'More Than a Game'...I'm your host, Jon Webbie Wepking. How rare is it to have multiple family members play at the collegiate level...let alone for the same program?  The Beeninga brothers; Johnny, Jacob, and Eddie have made Dragon men's basketball their home.  What better group to feature during the holidays to talk about family, traditions, and of course a little basketball?  Here they are...right NOW!"   QUOTES FROM THE SHOW: JOHNNY: We actually have an older sister who's a teacher who is going to grad school at MSUM as well so there's 4 Beeningas going to school at MSUM right now. JACOB: It just feels like family here because I got to know the guys (on the team) watching Johnny play...so it made it easy to fit in here and with both brothers here it really feels like family up here. JACOB: You see my older brother I looked up to all through high school and stuff seeing him be successful here and be happy here...I think I wanted that for myself too.  EDDIE:  Having family here is big because my recruiting process was so difference because of COVID.  I thought (MSUM) was best for me because I saw the success both of them had and knew I could follow that path and be successful too. JOHNNY: Eddie really put in the work.  He wasn't on the radar very much but really did a good job and had a commitment to get better and get to this level too. JOHNNY: I wanted to try hockey but my dad didn't let me.  Glad he made me stick to basketball. JOHNNY: Eddie is the only one of us to get two state titles in football and basketball so he's got a leg up on us. JACOB: Most families would go out or go to the movies, and we'd grab a bat or a ball and play sports.  We've always loved sports and played and competed against each other and that brought us closer together. JACOB: I'd say Eddie (is the most competitive)...he HATES losing. JOHNNY:  I think they've done great so far up here and really proud of both of them on how they've handled it.  I think they're doing really well and it's fun to be able to help each other and be around each other still.  Not just to watch them play but to be able to go to lunch together or talk about classes because we're all business majors.  Proud of what they're doing and to be a part of it.  

Dragon women's basketball junior Natalie Steichen shares what it takes to lead her team after leaders graduate, why MSUM was the right fit for her, why she wants to become a nurse, and how the two leadership roles play into each other.  

Dragon women's basketball junior Natalie Steichen shares what it takes to lead her team after leaders graduate, why MSUM was the right fit for her, why she wants to become a nurse, and how the two leadership roles play into each other.  

Today is Veterans Day and one of the many things that I think about as we honor this holiday is how many of the first hand experiences we lose over time…and hopefully we helped capture a snapshot of one on today's show for you.  Larry MacLeod is considered one of the first ballot faces on the Mt. Rushmore of Dragon Athletics.  His years coaching, in administration, teaching, and all the people he influenced in his time have shared countless stories of his heart and kindness.   Larry is also a Veteran of World War II on both fronts and in two different branches of the military.  Today, he shares with us his story of service.  Larry Scott also created a great feature story on Dragon Veterans (including Larry MacLeod) that you can read by CLICKING HERE.

Today is Veterans Day and one of the many things that I think about as we honor this holiday is how many of the first hand experiences we lose over time…and hopefully we helped capture a snapshot of one on today's show for you.  Larry MacLeod is considered one of the first ballot faces on the Mt. Rushmore of Dragon Athletics.  His years coaching, in administration, teaching, and all the people he influenced in his time have shared countless stories of his heart and kindness.   Larry is also a Veteran of World War II on both fronts and in two different branches of the military.  Today, he shares with us his story of service.  Larry Scott also created a great feature story on Dragon Veterans (including Larry MacLeod) that you can read by CLICKING HERE.

EPISODE QUOTES FROM ABE ROEHRICH: "You could tell they're very genuine people...my mom even said, "You can tell they have good values." The values of the program matched who I wanted to be in the future." "It's 4-5 years of your life where you're basically making all the decisions. The biggest thing is deciding who you want to be and what values you have. It's the people that matter. If you're around good people and you're doing something kinda crappy or hard, it'll probably be fun. If you're doing something fun with crappy people, it's probably not going to be fun. Go somewhere with people you want to be like because you're going to become more like those people as you spend more and more time with them." "In high school I thought I had the 10 best friends I'd have forever. The guys that I'm gonna be friends with forever (the guys in my wedding) ended up being the guys I played with at MSUM." "You're gonna be valued as a person at MSUM. No matter what your role is or isn't, you matter in this program. Everybody cares about everybody." "As a player, Find A Way was the most important. Gotta find a way to bring that positive energy no matter what you're doing and push through. Now it's Be A Great Teammate...to Maren, my wife. Stepping up and doing the dishes even though I know she'll do them if I leave em. It's bled more into my life outside of football." "The area I changed the most in was Do What's Right. I wasn't a "bad" kid, but Laqua almost engrains it in ya. "Is this the right thing or not?" goes through your head on every decision. Make the decision that will make you happy a year from now not an hour from now. It's the cookie and the apple. Cookie makes you feel good now, but the apple will make you feel good tomorrow." "Hopefully I'm having as big of an impact on others as Coach Koch had on me."

EPISODE QUOTES FROM ABE ROEHRICH: "You could tell they're very genuine people...my mom even said, "You can tell they have good values." The values of the program matched who I wanted to be in the future." "It's 4-5 years of your life where you're basically making all the decisions. The biggest thing is deciding who you want to be and what values you have. It's the people that matter. If you're around good people and you're doing something kinda crappy or hard, it'll probably be fun. If you're doing something fun with crappy people, it's probably not going to be fun. Go somewhere with people you want to be like because you're going to become more like those people as you spend more and more time with them." "In high school I thought I had the 10 best friends I'd have forever. The guys that I'm gonna be friends with forever (the guys in my wedding) ended up being the guys I played with at MSUM." "You're gonna be valued as a person at MSUM. No matter what your role is or isn't, you matter in this program. Everybody cares about everybody." "As a player, Find A Way was the most important. Gotta find a way to bring that positive energy no matter what you're doing and push through. Now it's Be A Great Teammate...to Maren, my wife. Stepping up and doing the dishes even though I know she'll do them if I leave em. It's bled more into my life outside of football." "The area I changed the most in was Do What's Right. I wasn't a "bad" kid, but Laqua almost engrains it in ya. "Is this the right thing or not?" goes through your head on every decision. Make the decision that will make you happy a year from now not an hour from now. It's the cookie and the apple. Cookie makes you feel good now, but the apple will make you feel good tomorrow." "Hopefully I'm having as big of an impact on others as Coach Koch had on me."

EVAN MOORE QUOTES FROM THE EPISODE: “You have this group of guys from all over and at the end of the day we all have the same values.  The culture was everything I expected and more.” “It's everything that's presented to you in the recruiting process and probably more.  The coaches and the guys were the same guys I met on day one till my last day." “(HS) Senior me was selfish.  At MSUM, it was more about my role and being the best at it I could be whether is was scout team or whatever.  What can I do to help the young guys get ready.  The team first attitude changed significantly over my five years.”

EVAN MOORE QUOTES FROM THE EPISODE: “You have this group of guys from all over and at the end of the day we all have the same values.  The culture was everything I expected and more.” “It's everything that's presented to you in the recruiting process and probably more.  The coaches and the guys were the same guys I met on day one till my last day." “(HS) Senior me was selfish.  At MSUM, it was more about my role and being the best at it I could be whether is was scout team or whatever.  What can I do to help the young guys get ready.  The team first attitude changed significantly over my five years.”

Without a doubt, the single most valuable day to give to MSUM is Giving Day...which is October 28th.  Why you ask?  Because a $25,000 matching gift from Bob & Candice Bowlsby doubling your gift AND $10,000 in "high-fives" will be split up between the sports based on how many donations over $5 (a "high-five", get it) they receive.  So...$5 could help your team earn a larger share of the $10,000 and will at least be doubled by the Bowlsby's.   Breaking all that down, how to give, and more is MSUM Foundation's Cindy Bailey joining the MSUM Dragons Podcast. **HINT** - You can donate by CLICKING HERE

Without a doubt, the single most valuable day to give to MSUM is Giving Day...which is October 28th.  Why you ask?  Because a $25,000 matching gift from Bob & Candice Bowlsby doubling your gift AND $10,000 in "high-fives" will be split up between the sports based on how many donations over $5 (a "high-five", get it) they receive.  So...$5 could help your team earn a larger share of the $10,000 and will at least be doubled by the Bowlsby's.   Breaking all that down, how to give, and more is MSUM Foundation's Cindy Bailey joining the MSUM Dragons Podcast. **HINT** - You can donate by CLICKING HERE

EPISODE QUOTES FROM JAKUP SINANI: "We're worried about having great people in the program...that's what makes a program special. [Other teams] may have more flashy things that they show off...we're more worried about having the best people in the conference." "Laqua always says...It's not always as bad as you think, it's not always as good as you think. My senior season got cancelled, yeah that sucked. But there's things bigger things in life." "I grew as a person. When you come to play college football, we were all the star on our high school team. Everyone is just as good as you or better. I had to be the backup and be supportive and embrace that role. Just started a new job, just gotta slowly make your way up and do your role to the best of your ability." For those of you who don't know what THE DRAGON WAY is, simply it's four things Dragon Football focuses on to create men of character. Do What's Right, Find A Way, Be A Great Teammate, and Keep Getting Better! That's THE DRAGON WAY.  

EPISODE QUOTES FROM JAKUP SINANI: "We're worried about having great people in the program...that's what makes a program special. [Other teams] may have more flashy things that they show off...we're more worried about having the best people in the conference." "Laqua always says...It's not always as bad as you think, it's not always as good as you think. My senior season got cancelled, yeah that sucked. But there's things bigger things in life." "I grew as a person. When you come to play college football, we were all the star on our high school team. Everyone is just as good as you or better. I had to be the backup and be supportive and embrace that role. Just started a new job, just gotta slowly make your way up and do your role to the best of your ability." For those of you who don't know what THE DRAGON WAY is, simply it's four things Dragon Football focuses on to create men of character. Do What's Right, Find A Way, Be A Great Teammate, and Keep Getting Better! That's THE DRAGON WAY.  

Dayla Miller and Anna Steadland both transferred to MSUM, but for different reasons.  They join us on the MSUM Dragons Podcast today to talk about how the move to Moorhead has impacted them and how they're impacting others on their youthful team who didn't get to compete last season.  

Dayla Miller and Anna Steadland both transferred to MSUM, but for different reasons.  They join us on the MSUM Dragons Podcast today to talk about how the move to Moorhead has impacted them and how they're impacting others on their youthful team who didn't get to compete last season.  

EPISODE QUOTES - Mike Mann "My first 3 years at school I had 3 different head coaches...It was very clear that first morning (Laqua started) that it was, okay, we're not going to do things the way they've been done here before. We're gonna implement a system...hop on board or get out the way." "[What amazed me] we how clear expectations were and how little he could care about little things. The things he cared about he cared about 100%." "My 10 best friends are all from Dragon Football....Dragon Football is truly a family." "When I was there we had an underdog mentality. We always bonded together to overcome with what we had." "[Doing what's right], that applies to my everyday life. One of the coach's examples...walking the hallway, seeing something on floor and pick it up. Even today I get so mad at myself if I ever pass up that opportunity." "I was never the biggest, the fastest, or the strongest guy. I always tried to show up and to the right thing and eventually I got quite a bit of playing time...In my life, there's people a lot smarter than me, a lot more talented than me. But I think showing up, nose to the grindstone everyday and just be willing to outwork people is something I'll carry with me for the rest of my life." "Those cold winter mornings going to conditioning in January are brutal, but that's when you decide if you really love football or not. You figure out why you're doing it because no one wants to go morning conditioning at 5am on a Tuesday. Figure out your why, what's driving you to do the work." "When I got to Moorhead I was a kid. When I left I was closer to being a man. Laqua and the coaches gave us a lot of opportunities to become adults and gave us responsibility and earn their trust." For those of you who don't know what THE DRAGON WAY is, simply it's four things Dragon Football focuses on to create men of character. Do What's Right, Find A Way, Be A Great Teammate, and Keep Getting Better! That's THE DRAGON WAY.  

EPISODE QUOTES - Mike Mann "My first 3 years at school I had 3 different head coaches...It was very clear that first morning (Laqua started) that it was, okay, we're not going to do things the way they've been done here before. We're gonna implement a system...hop on board or get out the way." "[What amazed me] we how clear expectations were and how little he could care about little things. The things he cared about he cared about 100%." "My 10 best friends are all from Dragon Football....Dragon Football is truly a family." "When I was there we had an underdog mentality. We always bonded together to overcome with what we had." "[Doing what's right], that applies to my everyday life. One of the coach's examples...walking the hallway, seeing something on floor and pick it up. Even today I get so mad at myself if I ever pass up that opportunity." "I was never the biggest, the fastest, or the strongest guy. I always tried to show up and to the right thing and eventually I got quite a bit of playing time...In my life, there's people a lot smarter than me, a lot more talented than me. But I think showing up, nose to the grindstone everyday and just be willing to outwork people is something I'll carry with me for the rest of my life." "Those cold winter mornings going to conditioning in January are brutal, but that's when you decide if you really love football or not. You figure out why you're doing it because no one wants to go morning conditioning at 5am on a Tuesday. Figure out your why, what's driving you to do the work." "When I got to Moorhead I was a kid. When I left I was closer to being a man. Laqua and the coaches gave us a lot of opportunities to become adults and gave us responsibility and earn their trust." For those of you who don't know what THE DRAGON WAY is, simply it's four things Dragon Football focuses on to create men of character. Do What's Right, Find A Way, Be A Great Teammate, and Keep Getting Better! That's THE DRAGON WAY.  

The all-time leader in points scored for MSUM Swimming & Diving, Erin Sullivan, has returned to the Dragons as an assistant coach.  Hear how her first couple months on the job are going, making the shift from athlete to coach, and how she plans to help future Dragons erase her name from the record books.    

The all-time leader in points scored for MSUM Swimming & Diving, Erin Sullivan, has returned to the Dragons as an assistant coach.  Hear how her first couple months on the job are going, making the shift from athlete to coach, and how she plans to help future Dragons erase her name from the record books.    

"They (MSUM football coaches) didn't necessarily talk about talent in the recruiting process.  They talked about you have the character, work ethic, the intangibles of men of character...and that's why you get recruiting to play at MSUM," Dan Grande For those of you who don't know what THE DRAGON WAY is, simply it's four things Dragon Football focuses on to create men of character. Do What's Right, Find A Way, Be A Great Teammate, and Keep Getting Better! That's THE DRAGON WAY.

"They (MSUM football coaches) didn't necessarily talk about talent in the recruiting process.  They talked about you have the character, work ethic, the intangibles of men of character...and that's why you get recruiting to play at MSUM," Dan Grande For those of you who don't know what THE DRAGON WAY is, simply it's four things Dragon Football focuses on to create men of character. Do What's Right, Find A Way, Be A Great Teammate, and Keep Getting Better! That's THE DRAGON WAY.

Here to talk about his experience playing for Dragon Football and living THE DRAGON WAY in episode 6 is JP Mortenson who talks how a focus on leadership in Dragons football helped JP land a dream job with Carson Group...saying his gut choice of going to MSUM was "one of the best decisions of my life". For those of you who don't know what THE DRAGON WAY is, simply it's four things Dragon Football focuses on to create men of character. Do What's Right, Find A Way, Be A Great Teammate, and Keep Getting Better! That's THE DRAGON WAY.

Here to talk about his experience playing for Dragon Football and living THE DRAGON WAY in episode 6 is JP Mortenson who talks how a focus on leadership in Dragons football helped JP land a dream job with Carson Group...saying his gut choice of going to MSUM was "one of the best decisions of my life". For those of you who don't know what THE DRAGON WAY is, simply it's four things Dragon Football focuses on to create men of character. Do What's Right, Find A Way, Be A Great Teammate, and Keep Getting Better! That's THE DRAGON WAY.

It is homecoming week here in Dragonland…a time to come back to this place many once called home, engage with alumni, and the community. Our show does just that today…connects with an alum who is connecting with fellow alums to promote Dragons Football on THE DRAGON WAY Podcast. Yup, crossover episode time as we welcome former athlete, former coach, and current host of THE DRAGON WAY Podcast…the man whose loves are simply his family and BDubs…please welcome Wade Youngblom!!!