SPORTS FEEVER by Chris Fee of KROX Radio – chrisjfee@yahoo.com
It is hard to believe it is 25 years since the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City, the Pentagon and the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania.
I say this every year, but if you haven’t been to the 9-11 Memorial in New York City…..You NEED to go.
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My Section 8A Volleyball rankings were a little off and I will do an updated rankings in a week or two, but one team that showed they are going a team to beat is the East Grand Forks Green Wave. They had a big win over Wadena-Deer Creek and Hawley already. Two big Section 8AA wins. Their cross-town rival Sacred Heart has proven they are the real deal and they are off to a great start including a dominating 3-0 victory over Ada-Borup-West. EGF has two pretty darn good volleyball teams this year and are the early favorites in both sections.
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The year keeps getting better for Jake Dykhoff (Wadena-Deer Creek High School and University of Minnesota-Crookston) as the Baltimore Orioles have assigned him to the Norfolk Tides in AAA, up from the Frederick Keys, on September 8.
Dykhoff was signed as a free agent on a minor league contract with the Orioles after an outstanding year with the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks last summer. He signed on May 29 and was assigned to the FCL Orioles on June 1.
On July 28, Jake was assigned to the Delmerva Shorebirds. On August 25, he was assigned to the Frederick Keys (High Class A).
On September 8, he was assigned to the Norfolk Tides (AAA ball). Dykhoff skipped AA and if he moves up again, it would mean a call-up to the big show and the Baltimore Orioles. If he is called up, he would be the first-ever UMC Golden Eagle Baseball player to play major league baseball. Dykhoff’s stats have been impressive along the way –
Dykhoff was 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA while pitching 34.2 innings. He struck out 30 while walking 8 before being called up.
At Delmerva, he was 2-1 with a 2.50 ERA in four games pitched while starting one of them for the FCL Orioles. He pitched 18 innings while giving up 19 hits and allowing 6 runs (5 earned). He struck out 13 while walking 6 batters.
For the Frederick Keys, he was 3-0 with a 4.60 ERA in 15.2 innings while striking out 16 and walking three batters.
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The University of Minnesota Crookston baseball program is hosting a prospect camp October 4 commencing at 1 p.m., for grades 9-12. It will be held at the Minnesota Crookston Baseball Field.
The camp is instructional and provides a college-level learning environment with guidance from the Golden Eagle coaching staff led by Head Coach Steve Gust. Camp activities include: 60-yard dash, position-specific arm-strength testing, batting practice, infield and outfield defensive instruction, and live game-play. Following the camp, participants and their families are invited to an informational session covering the University of Minnesota Crookston baseball program, academic opportunities, the admission process, and a guided campus tour.
The cost of the camp is $111 with $100 plus fees. To register for the camp visit baseball.umcsportscamps.com/prospect-camp.cfm. Reach out to Assistant Coach Cal Fougner at foug002@crk.umn.edu with any questions regarding the prospect camp.
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Below are some updates on a few Crookston High School graduates competing in college athletics.
Ava Martin started her collegiate golf career as a freshman on the Gustavus Adolphus Women’s Golf team and shot a first round 84 (12 over) and recorded an 80 for a two round total of 164, which was good for 20th place at the College of Saint Benedict Invite at Sartell’s Blackberry Ridge CC September 5-6. Ava’s score was the fourth best Gustavus score!
Ethan Boll is a 6’1 227 pound senior linebacker on the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawk football team that is currently ranked #6 and 7 in the two polls in the FCS. Ethan has played in both games and has 6 solo and 2 assisted tackles. He has one quarterback hurry and one forced fumble.
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KROX Radio and KROX TV will be video-streaming every Crookston Pirate Varsity Fall sporting event again this season. We have direct links to the streams for each home game. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel ((155) KROX Radio – YouTube) to get reminders when we go live with all our coverage.
September 10 –
Crookston Pirate Volleyball vs Sacred Heart – https://youtube.com/live/ap-viXiADzs
September 11 –
Crookston Pirate Boys Soccer vs East Grand Forks – https://youtube.com/live/Mk1HunOs5UA
September 14 –
Crookston Pirate Volleyball vs Ada-Borup-West – https://youtube.com/live/2X1YEV7DA8Q
September 15 –
Crookston Pirate Girls Soccer vs East Grand Forks – https://youtube.com/live/1Yt871BKJ8o
September 17 –
Crookston Pirate Volleyball vs Norman County East/Ulen-Hitterdal – https://youtube.com/live/PovUI4mJfPc
September 18 –
Crookston Pirate Football vs Polk County West – https://youtube.com/live/XoHJiaB-u6o
September 26 –
Crookston Pirate Boys Soccer vs Hillcrest Academy – https://youtube.com/live/125XJaskplM
October 1 –
Crookston Pirate Volleyball vs Thief River Falls – https://youtube.com/live/SyFzCrTG4-Q
October 2 –
Crookston Pirate Boys and Girls Soccer doubleheader vs Mesabi East – https://youtube.com/live/SyFzCrTG4-Q
October 3 –
Crookston Pirate Boys and Girls Soccer doubleheader vs Hibbing – https://youtube.com/live/HT-KwnMRcEM
October 5 –
Crookston Pirate Volleyball vs Win-E-Mac – https://youtube.com/live/o_DJWRREuNc
October 6 –
Crookston Pirate Girls Soccer vs Hillcrest Academy – https://youtube.com/live/qGukPq8OUHM
Crookston Pirate Volleyball vs Warroad – https://youtube.com/live/h9i846k5H7s
October 8 –
Crookston Pirate Girls Soccer vs Walker-Hackensack-Akeley – https://youtube.com/live/1OvbRNo7usU
Crookston Pirate Volleyball vs East Grand Forks – https://youtube.com/live/7L4Y6cx91Ng
October 9 –
Crookston Pirate Football vs Red Lake County – https://youtube.com/live/purUdRsZ_xY
October 12 –
Crookston Pirate Volleyball vs Northome/Kelliher – https://youtube.com/live/EVXbjKHDWeA
October 21 –
Crookston Pirate Football vs Red Lake – https://youtube.com/live/NwlNvw1izos
October 22 –
Crookston Pirate Volleyball vs Climax-Fisher – https://youtube.com/live/dbH4RVra80Y
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The University of Minnesota Crookston announced the hiring of Mitchell Dekutoski as head strength and conditioning coach. Dekutoski arrives after spending a year as the assistant strength and conditioning coach at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas.
In his role at Baker, Dekutoski developed and implemented strength and conditioning programs. He also supported the head strength and conditioning coach with operational tasks and session scheduling to enhance team efficiency.
Prior to his arrival at Baker, Dekutoski spent two seasons as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach at William Woods University in Fulton, Mo. Dekutoski implemented conditioning drills to enhance speed and agility, and conducted fitness assessments to evaluate physical performance levels.
Dekutoski also completed a seven-month internship with the University of Minnesota during the 2022-23 season, and an internship with the University of Northern Iowa during the 2021-22 season.
He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in exercise science from the University of Northern Iowa in 2022. Dekutoski received his Master of Arts in athletic administration from William Woods University in 2025. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and is CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston announced the hiring of Mitchell Dekutoski as head strength and conditioning coach. Dekutoski arrives after spending a year as the assistant strength and conditioning coach at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kan.
In his role at Baker, Dekutoski developed and implemented strength and conditioning programs. He also supported the head strength and conditioning coach with operational tasks and session scheduling to enhance team efficiency.
Prior to his arrival at Baker, Dekutoski spent two seasons as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach at William Woods University in Fulton, Mo. Dekutoski implemented conditioning drills to enhance speed and agility, and conducted fitness assessments to evaluate physical performance levels.
Dekutoski also completed a seven-month internship with the University of Minnesota during the 2022-23 season, and an internship with the University of Northern Iowa during the 2021-22 season.
He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in exercise science from the University of Northern Iowa in 2022. Dekutoski received his Master of Arts in athletic administration from William Woods University in 2025. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and also holds his USAW L-1 Certification.
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The Minnesota Wild, Let’s Play Hockey, and Minnesota Hockey announced the organizations will partner for the annual Used Hockey Equipment Drive. AAA Movers will collect the drop-off boxes from select rinks on Wednesday, September. 30.
Thousands of pieces of donated equipment will be distributed free to hockey associations and individuals at Grand Casino Arena on Oct. 11. Goalie equipment, sticks and helmets are always the most in need.
Drop-off locations this year include Bloomington Ice Garden, Braemar Rink (Edina), Burnsville Ice Arena, CG Logistics Arena (Cottage Grove), Dakotah Sports and Fitness (Prior Lake), Eagan Civic Arena, Hastings Civic Center, M Health Fairview (Woodbury), Minnetonka Arena, Parade Ice Arena (Minneapolis), New Hope Ice Arena, Rogers Activity Center, St. Croix Valley Rec Center (Stillwater), St. Louis Park Rec Center, Tartan Ice Arena (St. Paul) and White Bear Lake Sports Center.
Sponsors and partners for the program include Minnesota High School Hockey Coaches Association, Let’s Play Hockey, Minnesota Hockey, Minnesota Ice Arena Managers Association and the Minnesota Wild.
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JOKES
Jim was startled to see the nonchalant way Jon was taking the fact that his lady love was seen with another man. Funny video compilation
“You said you love her and yet you saw her with another man and you didn’t knock the guy down?”
“I’m waiting,” Jon said.
“Waiting for what?” asked Jim.
“Waiting to catch her with a smaller man.”
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John, a well-to-do bachelor, invited his mother over for dinner one night. During the meal, Mom couldn’t help notice how attractive and shapely the house keeper was, and wondered if there was more going on than meets the eye. John sensing what his mother was thinking said to her “I know what you’re thinking, Mom, but I assure you my relationship with the house keeper is purely professional.”
A week later, the housekeeper told John that ever since his mother’s visit a silver gravy ladle has been missing. John sent his mother a note which said, “Mom, I’m not saying you did take the gravy ladle, and I’m not saying you didn’t, but the fact remains one has been missing since you were here”.
A few days later he receives a note from his mother. “John: I’m not saying you sleep with your housekeeper, nor am I saying you’re not. But the fact remains that if she were sleeping in her own bed she would have found the gravy ladle by now. Love, Mom”.
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A man was walking down the street when he was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking homeless man who asked him for a couple of dollars for dinner.
The man took out his wallet, extracted ten dollars and asked, “If I give you this money, will you buy some beer with it instead of dinner?”
“No, I had to stop drinking years ago,” the homeless man replied.
“Will you use it to gamble instead of buying food?” the man asked.
“No, I don’t gamble,” the homeless man said. “I need everything I can get just to stay alive.”
“Will you spend this on greens fees at a golf course instead of food?” the man asked.
“Are you NUTS!” replied the homeless man. “I haven’t played golf in 20years!”
“Will you spend the money on a woman in the red light district instead of food?” the man asked.
“What disease would I get for ten lousy bucks?” exclaimed the homeless man.
“Well,” said the man, “I’m not going to give you the money. Instead, I’m going to take you home for a terrific dinner cooked by my wife.”
The homeless man was astounded. “Won’t your wife be furious with you for doing that? I know I’m dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting.”
The man replied, “That’s okay. It’s important for her to see what a man looks like after he has given up beer, gambling, golf, and sex.”
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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
Ava Martin is a freshman playing golf at Gustavus Aldolphus.
Matt Contreras is a Sophomore playing baseball at Concordia College in Moorhead.
Teagen Lubinski is playing Junior Hockey for the Badlands Sabers in the NA3HL.
Parker Kelly is playing Junior Hockey for the Badlands Sabers in the NA3HL.
Addie Fee is a Sophomore playing hockey at Wisconsin-Superior.
Kambelle Freije is a Sophomore playing hockey at Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Riley Helgeson is a Sophomore playing football at Northern State.
Emily Bowman is a Sophomore playing Softball at North Dakota State College of Science.
Halle Winjum is a Junior playing basketball at Minnesota Crookston.
Matt Contreras is a Sophomore playing baseball at Concordia College.
Naomi Johnson is a Sophomore playing soccer at Alexandria Tech
Reese Swanson is a Junior playing hockey at St. Olaf.
Carter Coauette is a Junior playing football at Minot State.
Isaac Thomforde is a Junior playing Tennis at Northwestern College in St. Paul.
Halle Bruggeman is a Senior on the University of Wisconsin-Stout Women’s Rugby team.
Ethan Boll is a Senior on the University of North Dakota Football team.
Breanna Kressin is a Senior the Hockey Cheer Team for THE University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Hockey team.
Jacey Larson is a Senior playing hockey at Dakota College at Bottineau.
Paul Bittner is an assistant coach on the University of Wisconsin-Superior Men’s Hockey team.
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.
Colton Weiland is an assistant Pirate Wrestling Coach
Jason Cassavant is a Jr. High Baseball Coach and Head American Legion Baseball coach
Sarah Reese is the Pirate Head Girls Soccer coach
Marley Melbye is an assistant girls golf coach
Connor Morgan is the Head Pirate Boys Hockey coach
Ben Trostad is the Pirate Boys Hockey assistant coach
Ethan Magsam is the Pirate Boys Hockey assistant 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 Lance Corporal in the Marines.
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..
