February 26, 2024
Tim Salmon, a junior at Mayville State University and quarterback for the Comets football team, has been awarded the Jerome and Shirley Berg Scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year. The Jerome and Shirley Berg scholarship endowment was established in 1981 by Jerome (‘51) and Shirley Berg (’50), longtime supporters of Mayville State. Jerome, a four-sport athlete at Mayville, coached the Comet football team from 1955 to 1967, winning six conference championships.
The scholarship recipient criteria were revised in 2022 to include the elements of leadership, teamwork, and work ethic.
“My family has chosen to celebrate and reward the qualities my parents valued and that Dad promoted on and off the field,” said the Bergs’ daughter, Kari Berg.
To be eligible, recipients must be in good academic standing and exemplify Comet pride as determined by the following:
Commitment (consistently going above and beyond); Leadership (demonstrating integrity, behaving respectfully, and leading by example); Teamwork (helping to establish a positive culture, fostering unity, and motivating others); Dedication (consistently showing initiative and setting a high standard for self and others); Determination (demonstrating perseverance when faced with adversity and inspiring others toward a common goal).
“Tim Salmon was our first commit for the Comets when I took this job four years ago,” said Mayville State Head Football Coach Rocky Larson. “We targeted Tim because we knew we could build our program around him, not only as a player, but also as a person. Tim represents everything this scholarship is about. I look forward to watching him and working with him as he plays out his senior season.”
Tim Salmon is from New Richmond, Wis. He’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a minor in coaching. He is very grateful for everything that Mayville has provided for him.
“It (Mayville State) has become such an important part of my life. I love the tight-knit community that makes this place feel like home. I am especially appreciative of the Berg family. Thanks to this scholarship, I am able to continue my education at Mayville State University.” said Tim.
“As a teacher and coach, Jerome Berg was a unique blend of leader, mentor, and friend to his players. His demeanor and behavior, whether in class, at football practice, or in the heat of battle in a tough game, was always consistent. He remained calm, respectful, and exhibited a sense of self-assurance and confidence that was contagious to his teams,” said former member of Jerome Berg teams Dr. Martin Johnson (‘66). “Jerome’s persona brought out extreme loyalty and dedication to him by players on his teams - no one wanted to ‘let the coach down’ by losing a game or exhibiting inappropriate behavior on or off the field.
Coach Berg’s success cannot be assessed based on his won-loss record alone. Of equal importance is the respect and admiration held for him by the countless Comets who were honored and proud to have played for Coach Jerome.”
Coach Berg teams will gather to celebrate their admiration for Coach Berg at a reunion to be held during Mayville State Homecoming festivities on Sept. 27 and 28. See more at www.mayvillestate.edu/BergTeamsReunion.