MSU Presidents Column for Traill County Tribune

February 2, 2019


Comets football program is a priority

Mayville State’s head football coach, Sean Thom, resigned from his position at the university this week. Coach Thom became our head football coach late in December of 2016. His last day with us was Feb. 1. We wish Sean and his family all the best.

We are grateful to Coach Thom for the good work he has done to get Comet Football on the right track for our student-athletes. We are proud of these young men who have worked hard to be first and foremost good students and good people, and to also represent Mayville State well on the playing field.

Their commitment to showing respect and appreciation to our military veterans is outstanding. You may know that each of the players’ helmets this year displayed a representation of the branch of the military in which a local veteran served. A program where the veterans and players were able to meet and get to know one another was held last fall. Playing in honor of a local veteran was our players’ way of thanking the veterans for their service. This show of respect most definitely makes me Comet Proud.

The installation of turf at our football field, Jerome Berg Field, last summer is a testament to the commitment Mayville State, our alumni and friends, and the community have to Comet Football. This dream could not have been realized without the team effort of these entities. The dedication of this beautiful new and improved facility during Farmers Bowl festivities in September was not only historic, but a lifetime highlight for our players. For the game, the facility was packed with record numbers of fans cheering on the Comets. In addition, about 800 folks from around the world were streaming the game via the Internet. To top it off, the Comets won! It was a great day for the Comets family, far and wide.

The search for a new football coach is underway. The position has been posted and advertised and a search committee has been assembled under the leadership of MSU Athletic Director Ryan Hall. Hall intends to conduct a thorough search and hire a head football coach who will continue to improve the program and provide a winning culture. I never cease to be amazed by the tremendous interest in a fine academic institution like Mayville State University. Coaches from across the country are sending questions and expressing their interest in the head football coach position.

The administration of Mayville State University is committed to keeping the football program a priority, with the goal of having a winning program. We will continue to put forth our best efforts to recruit local and regional talent.

As we work through this time of transition, know that we will be working very hard to continue to take our football program to greater heights. We’ve got a good foundation and we are determined to support the positives that are already in motion. We truly appreciate the support of all of our Comet family, including the entire Mayville-Portland/Traill County community and beyond. Let’s continue to work toward the goal of more days that make us Comet Proud, as Farmers Bowl 2018 most certainly did!