Jeff Kaminsky, Head Men’s’ Basketball Coach at Valley City State University has announced that Jeff Romeus, a 6’2 guard from Boynton Beach, FL has signed a Letter of Intent to attend VCSU and continue his college basketball career as a member of the Viking basketball program beginning with the 2013-14 school year. Two seasons ago at Allen County Community College in Kansas, Jeff averaged 6.5 points and made 27 three-point field goals. This past season, Jeff had a breakout year at Rainy River Community College in International Falls, Minnesota scoring 19.6 points per game, pulling down 5.5 rebounds per contest, and making 93 three-point field goals in 26 games. Jeff’s best game came in a 108-104 double overtime win over Hibbing Community College when he scored 47 points, pulled down 9 rebounds, and had 5 steals. Jeff played his high school basketball at Santaluces Community High School in Lantana, Florida where as a senior he averaged 20.8 points per game for the District Champion Chiefs and was named to the Orlando Sentinel‘s All-State second team. Coach Jack Cook at Rainy River CC comments on Jeff, “Jeff is a fine young man and a very talented basketball player. He is very coachable and can have a big impact on a game. I really enjoyed coaching Jeff and getting to know him. I think he will have a positive effect where ever he goes.”Coach Jeff Kaminsky at VCSU adds, “It is exciting to have Jeff join our program. His versatility will be a great fit in our system. Jeff is an outstanding shooter and has the quickness and athleticism that will make him a difficult match-up for our opponents. Defensively, he uses his quickness and length to anticipate and disrupt opposing offenses. Jeff is a quality person and will have a positive impact in our program on and off the court.”

Valley City State University (VCSU) Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Jeff Kaminsky, has announced that Paxton Lloyd of Fargo, North Dakota has signed a Letter of Intent to attend VCSU and join the Viking Basketball program for the 2013-2014 season. Paxton averaged 14.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.1 steals for the Fargo South Bruins this past season. Paxton had a career night on January 11th in a 80-58 win at West Fargo, where he scored 34 points, pulled down 5 rebounds and dished out 4 assists while shooting 12 for 17 from the field and 10 for 11 from the free throw line. Paxton’s success this season was rewarded with him being named to the 2013 All-Eastern Dakota Conference team and being selected to play in the 2013 Lions All-Star Game. Coach Kaminsky comments on Paxton, “We are excited to have Paxton join our program. His skill level, athleticism, and explosiveness at the point guard position will translate well to the next level. Paxton’s character and work ethic will make him a great addition to Viking Basketball on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. ”

The Viking Football 12th Man Club celebrated its annual Senior Appreciation Supper on Friday, May 10, in the Skoal Room of the VCSU Student Center. Twelve Viking football players and their families were honored at the event the night before VCSU’s commencement. The 12 senior honorees were Aaron Freije, Tom Grossell, Chad Hjelmstad, Alex Hooey, Garrett Jackson, Tyler Kosel, Marshall Krebs, Kevin Murphy, Jake Olsen, Patrick Pirner, Troy Still and Charlie Wellman.In the last two seasons, this group of VCSU seniors played on teams that went 16–4, won the final DAC Championship, played in a national play-off game, and won an A.I.I. championship. Viking Football finished both seasons ranked in the NAIA national poll.Josh Kasowski, 12th Man board member, was the keynote speaker. Kasowski, a Valley City native, is a 2005 VCSU graduate and a former All-American linebacker for the Vikings. He is a commercial lender with Bank Forward in Valley City.“Absolutely one of the best things we do,” said Gregg Horner, Viking assistant head coach, of the 12th Man Supper. “The 12th Man Club does so many good things for these young men, and this is a great way to honor their careers and their families as they become proud Viking alumni.”

The 2012-13 athletic seasons are nearly complete, and with another successful year the Valley City State University athletic department announced its annual athletic awards highlighting the many achievements throughout the year.The Athlete of the Year awards were earned by juniors Brittany Lehner and Darien Moore. Lehner is a two-sport athlete at VCSU, led the women’s basketball team in scoring averaging 13.4 points, five rebounds. She was an A.I.I. first team All-Conference selection as well as a 2013 Daktronics scholar athlete; she also plays 3rd base on the VCSU softball team where she hit .302 with 15 RBI’s in 23 games. Moore was the 2013 indoor national champion in the hammer throw. This is Moore’s second National title, as he won the 2012 NAIA National Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the Hammer throw. He finished in fifth place in the shot put as well at the 2013 NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships solidifying a 19th place finish for the Viking Men’s Track and Field team. He holds school records in the shot put, weight throw and hammer throw.Earning Senior Athlete of the Year awards were men’s basketball player Sekani Milligan and women’s basketball player Katie Ralston. Milligan led the Vikings to their first ever appearance at the NAIA DII National Tournament and was named 2nd-Team NAIA All-American and MVP of the A.I.I. Milligan led the team in scoring 18.3 ppg making 104 3-pt. field goals. Ralston, was the second leading scorer for VCSU averaging 10.2 ppg and 4.1 rebounds ppg. She shot 45% from the field and 38% from the 3 point line.

The 2012-13 athletic seasons are nearly complete, and with another successful year the Valley City State University athletic department announced its annual athletic awards highlighting the many achievements throughout the year.Honored with the Viking Award were seniors Courtney Titus and Patrick Rogers. Titus is a 4-year starter for the women’s basketball program. She has maintained a 3.9 gpa and honored as a 2-time Daktronics scholar athlete. In her senior season she was selected to the 2013 A.I.I. all-tournament team. She finished the season ranked #26 in steals in the NAIA and scored 734 career points while helping the program earn three trips to the NAIA National Tournament Courtney has been accepted into Creighton School of Law. Rogers, is the only player in the history of the program to play on three teams that won at least 20 games. He is a 2-time NAIA scholar athlete and academic All-American. In addition to varsity athletics, he has participated in the tennis club; served as an ambassador; worked as a night manager in the information desk; worked with intramurals; volunteered on the substance abuse task force and assisted with tax preparations for the elderly.VCSU Coaches of the Year awards were given to head women’s basketball coach, Jill DeVries and head men’s basketball coach Jeff Kaminsky. DeVries coached her team to their third consecutive NAIA National Tournament appearance and record 24 win season finishing the season rank 25th in the final poll. She earned her 200th career coaching victory during the 2012-13 campaign. Kaminsky led the Vikings to the programs first ever NAIA National Tournament and second consecutive 20-win season while earning his 400th career victory.

Valley City State Football is pleased to announce that Jake Thurston and George Trujillo have been selected as Viking Football captains for the 2013 season.Senior Jake Thurston is a two-time all-conference selection at linebacker (2011) and safety (2013). From Bottineau, N.D., Thurston is a VCSU exercise science major.Junior George Trujillo is an offensive lineman from El Paso, Texas, where he played football at Franklin High School. An all-conference selection at tackle for the Vikings last season, Trujillo is majoring in psychology at VCSU.“Jake and George were elected captains because they have been leading our team for some time,” said Dennis McCulloch, Vikings head coach. “Both are passionate about their teammates, football and VCSU. I’m proud of how both young men have grown into their respective roles within our team and have no doubt they will continue to provide a foundation of leadership for their teammates.”The Vikings open the 2013 season at Jamestown College on Saturday, August 31.

Victoria TX: The Women’s Viking team competed in the AII National Qualifier on April 29th-30th playing 18 holes each day while placing 6th. This was the first and only tournament the women played this spring due to three tournaments being cancelled because of weather. From day one to day two the team improved by 29 strokes with Senior Ashley Hinrichs (Harvey, ND)leading the team with scores of 83 and 84 placing 21st in the field. Rounding out the team was Freshman Haley Christofferson (Lisbon, ND) placing 28th, Junior Alyssa Tait (Valley City, ND) 29th, Freshman Michelle Holien (Cando, ND) 30th, and Senior Katie Paulson (Valley City, ND) 31st. The team greatly improved throughout the year and next year looks promising with three players returning.