FB game header 09-12-2020.jpg

MSU President's Column for Traill County Tribune

September 19, 2020 

Reflecting on a special day at Mayville State University

Saturday, Sept. 12 was a great day at Mayville State University. It was the day of our much-anticipated first football game of the season. Anticipation was high for a number of reasons.

The coronavirus pandemic has kept many sports teams from playing. We were fortunate in that we were able to play and that our players and coaches are healthy. The Mayville State vs. Waldorf University game was the only college game in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota on Sept. 12. The spotlight was definitely on Jerome Berg Field. That was reflected in a great spectator attendance, as well as media attention.

Of course, keeping people safe was our top priority. Even though we were outdoors, use of masks or cloth face coverings was strongly encouraged as was social distancing of six feet between people.

Another factor that added to the anticipation was the fact that this was the first Comets football game with head coach Rocky Larson at the helm. People were very much waiting to see how the hard work and efforts of Coach Larson and his staff were going to come together.

Finally, it was 1 p.m. and the moment we’d all been waiting for had arrived. The Comets and their fans stood at attention as community member Buck Olson sang the national anthem. Following the coin toss, Comets wide receiver Darrel Wilson from Douglasville, Ga. approached the microphone and delivered a heartfelt message:

“Social injustice and the issues dealing with lack of equality in our nation today have had an impact on everyone here today. In our struggle to solve these issues, we encourage everyone to work together. We at Mayville State University value this community and the love and support the people have for this program. We realize how sacred the national anthem is to this community. We stood for the national anthem to show unity with our team and our country. At this time, we will take a knee for the recognition of social injustice and equity issues in our country. We invite you to join us at this time, if you wish.”

I am extremely Comet Proud of our team and our community for working together to see the issues from all points of view and for doing so with the utmost respect for one another.

At last, a kickoff started the long-awaited game. The Comets did not disappoint. In a hard-fought battle, the Comets were nearly successful in pulling off an upset. The game finished with a final score of 40-50. When the teams faced off last year, the Comets were blanked 0-63.

The White Hat Club, a group of Mayville State alumni and friends who support Comet Football met the morning of Sept. 12 and were honored at halftime of the game. Exciting news was announced at the meeting. For a second time, an anonymous donor has stepped up and will match dollar-for-dollar all gifts made to scholarships for football, up to a total of $20,000. Gifts must be received by Nov. 7, the date of the last Comets football game of the season. Wow! I continue to be amazed by the constant support of Mayville State alumni and friends.

I could not be happier about how everything came together and made for a memorable day for all on Sept. 12. I find myself reflecting on the day with a great deal of gratitude. We are fortunate to be a part of a little slice of heaven on earth, surrounded by students, employees, alumni, and community members who truly want the best for Mayville State University and its students and who value the wonderful attributes that make “The School of Personal Service” a very special place.

Please remember to support our volleyball, softball, and baseball teams in their fall season games. You can see the game schedules and more at www.msucomets.com.