The Mayville State University Comet Athletic Club wrapped up a highly successful year Thursday evening, May 9, at the group’s annual meeting held at the Mayville Golf Club. The Comet Athletic Club board members hosted a time of socializing and a meal prior to a business meeting which was led by the club’s president, Shane Orr.

The Comet Athletic Club operates under the umbrella of the MSU Foundation to raise funds for scholarships awarded to Mayville State University athletes. The club’s annual activities include a membership drive and a number of fund-raising events. The Comet Athletic Club established and met their goal to provide $97,500 for Mayville State University athletic scholarships this year.

“The Comet Athletic Club is led by a fantastic group of volunteer board members,” said Mayville State University President Dr. Gary Hagen. “We are very fortunate to have this dedicated group of volunteers working together with alumni and friends from near and far to support Mayville State University Athletics. The success of the Comet Athletic Club is definitely a team effort and one that is extremely valuable, not only to the students as individuals, but to the university as a whole.”

Last fall, the Comet Athletic Club set out to enlist 225 members and raise $70,000 in the 2012-2013 membership drive. To date, 284 members have joined the club, raising $66,893 in membership dollars. This year’s membership drive will end June 30, with the 2013-2014 membership year beginning July 1. Much of the success of the membership drive can be attributed to a phonathon that was held last fall. Nearly 900 calls were made and more than $5,600 in pledges was committed. The phonathon served not only as a good fundraiser, but also as an opportunity to make connections with alumni and friends.

Election of board members for 2013-2014 was on the agenda for the Comet Athletic Club annual meeting. Individuals serving are Harlan Johnson, Neil Race, Mark Kloster, Jeff Braaten, Rick Harpestad, Shane Orr, Mike Carr, Matt Cordell, Tami Parker, Dave Johnson, Brian Halvorson, John Murphy, Steve Bensen, Mike Moore (ex-officio), Kim Meshefski, Tim Sorteberg, Chad Labine, Ross Amann, and Gary Hagen (ex-officio).

Throughout the past year, the Comet Athletic Club has sponsored a number of fund-raising events. They include the annual Sportsmen’s Raffle, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for girls and boys, and the Harvey McMullen Open Golf Tournament. In addition, they hosted the annual corn on the cob and hot dog feed held during Farmers Bowl festivities, as well as a supper for athletes and coaches held the week prior to Farmers Bowl.

A highlight for the 2012-2013 year was the sixth annual Sportsmen’s Raffle held September 8 in the National Guard Armory in Mayville. The event was an over-the-top success and netted about $39,000. The event featured a 55-gun giveaway. Those who purchased the $100 tickets had a one-in-ten chance of winning.

Finley Motorsports of Finley, N.D. sponsored the raffle of a 2012 Polaris 500 Ranger all-terrain vehicle. The drawing for the ATV was held at the Sportsmen’s Raffle event. Eight cash consolation prizes were awarded in this raffle as well. Hunter Equipment donated a 22-gun John Deere gun safe that was awarded at the event, and numerous other side raffles and games were held throughout the evening.

The Comet Athletic Club’s seventh annual Sportsmen’s Raffle event is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2013. This year, 600 $100-tickets will be sold and 60 guns will be given away. Finley Motorsports will again sponsor the raffle of a Polaris 500 Ranger ATV, and Hunter Equipment has donated a gun safe that will be raffled. Tickets for the 60-gun giveaway and ATV raffle will go on sale soon, and will be available online at www.mayvillestate.edu or from any Comet Athletic Club board member.

The Harvey McMullen Open Golf Tournament, sponsored by the Comet Athletic Club, will be held at the Mayville Golf Course, Friday, July 26, 2013. Registration information will be available soon at www.mayvillestate.edu. In addition, proceeds of the pre-MSU Golf Classic event, scheduled for Friday, June 7, at Forest Hills Golf Resort near Detroit Lakes, will go to the Comet Athletic Club. Information is available at www.mayvillestate.edu/golfclassic.

For more information on how you can get involved with the Comet Athletic Club, contact the MSU Foundation at 701-788-4687.