I had the privilege Thursday night to speak at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) meeting in Marshall, Minnesota. There is an active group of athletes at Southwest Minnesota State University.
These young adults are an attentive bunch that enjoys free food. It was a blessing after the meeting to visit with them. I heard stories of how the athletes want to go into fields such as medical and special education. Not once did I hear someone say they wanted to take a job that made them lots of money. That made the ‘ole heart feel good.
I didn’t know much about Southwest Missouri State University going into my talk. But I was impressed with the people and surroundings. The university has about 3,500 students and competes in Division II. The Mustangs have modern facilities in both basketball and football.
Overall, it was a real positive experience. Cold and rainy weather became the only negative aspect.
I want to thank Kevin and Karla Anundson for their hospitality. These folks are real winners.
And as I told the athletes Thursday night: go Mustangs!
Showing posts with label Division II football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Division II football. Show all posts
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Mel Tjeerdsma Tribute
Mel Tjeerdsma is one of the good guys I have met in college athletics.
Tjeerdsma retired from coaching Division II Northwest Missouri State last December after 17 years. He is a small-college football coaching legend.
And I was blessed to know the guy when we both were hanging around Northwestern College of Iowa in the 70s. Mel enjoyed teasing my football picks in the local paper when I served as sports editor.
Tjeerdsma had been a successful Iowa high school coach and then became an assistant at Northwestern. Little did I know then, Mel would rock the small college coaching world.
After a stint at Austin (TX) College, Mel moved to Northwest Missouri in 1994. He team was a perfect 0-11. But Mel was building and the Bearcats would later name their field after the coach.
Tjeerdsma guided Northwest to three national titles and four runner-ups. When the Bearcats weren’t in the national title chase and appearing on television (a rare thing in the lower divisions), they were still in the playoffs. His overall Northwest record was 183-43 and 131-21 in conference play.
Reports says that Mel and wife, Carol, have moved to Texas. I cannot see him retiring in the full sense of the word at age 64.
Mel is a faith, family and sport guy. He did his school proud. Yet, I imagine Mel is the same humble guy he was back when I knew him.
Congratulations coach!
Tjeerdsma retired from coaching Division II Northwest Missouri State last December after 17 years. He is a small-college football coaching legend.
And I was blessed to know the guy when we both were hanging around Northwestern College of Iowa in the 70s. Mel enjoyed teasing my football picks in the local paper when I served as sports editor.
Tjeerdsma had been a successful Iowa high school coach and then became an assistant at Northwestern. Little did I know then, Mel would rock the small college coaching world.
After a stint at Austin (TX) College, Mel moved to Northwest Missouri in 1994. He team was a perfect 0-11. But Mel was building and the Bearcats would later name their field after the coach.
Tjeerdsma guided Northwest to three national titles and four runner-ups. When the Bearcats weren’t in the national title chase and appearing on television (a rare thing in the lower divisions), they were still in the playoffs. His overall Northwest record was 183-43 and 131-21 in conference play.
Reports says that Mel and wife, Carol, have moved to Texas. I cannot see him retiring in the full sense of the word at age 64.
Mel is a faith, family and sport guy. He did his school proud. Yet, I imagine Mel is the same humble guy he was back when I knew him.
Congratulations coach!
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