MSU President's Newspaper Column
March 21, 2026
Hosting high school hoops with heart and hospitality
We’ve had the great pleasure of welcoming high school students, coaches, and fans to Mayville State recently for some exciting basketball games. The impact of hosting high school tournament and state qualifier games extends far beyond the scoreboard. These events turn campus facilities into community gathering spaces as we welcome people from across the region. For a few days, the Lewy Lee fieldhouse became a hub of energy, competition, and connection.
Mayville State was the host site for the North Dakota High School Activities Association Division A girls basketball state qualifier games on Feb. 28. These games determined the final teams that advanced to the state tournament. Central Cass High School and Devils Lake played first, with Devils Lake advancing to the state tournament. In the Carrington versus Valley City game, Valley City won and advanced to the state tournament, eventually becoming the state champion.
On March 9, 10, and 12, the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse was the site for the postseason regional high school boys tournament, which featured Division A teams from Region 2A. The tournament champion, Devils Lake, won an automatic berth to the state tournament, and the third-place finisher, Four Winds/Minnewaukan, advanced to a state qualifier game. Teams from Four Winds/Minnewaukan, Harvey/Wells County, Devils Lake, Thompson, Grafton, Carrington, Hillsboro/Central Valley, and May-Port CG competed in the tournament.
The benefits of hosting these games ripple into the surrounding community as people visit restaurants, gas stations, and various local businesses, providing an economic boost to them. We extend our sincere gratitude to tournament manager Dave Nelson, Mayville State graduate and Hillsboro Public School Activities/Athletic Director. Dave’s experience and pristine organizational skills were critical in making everything run smoothly.
In addition, I commend Mayville State Athletic Director Rocky Larson and his staff, as well as Facilities/Physical Plant Director Bob Kozojed and his staff for pulling out all the stops to ensure that guests would have a positive experience. This is no easy feat, but these hard-working individuals made it happen, while making it look easy all the while. It was all hands on deck, since most students were away from campus for spring break, which greatly impacted the number of people available to help.
Mother Nature got into the tournament excitement on March 12 and blanketed the region in a blizzard that made travel extremely dangerous by the time the games ended around 9 p.m. The Traill County Sheriff’s Department came by the fieldhouse and highly discouraged anyone from leaving town at that point.
The Devils Lake team was able to book the Mayville Hometown Inn for the night, but there was not enough room there for everyone who needed a place to stay. The Grafton players, coaches, and many fans found accommodations at the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse.
Rocky Larson, his football coaching staff, and others rolled out the red carpet for about 70 overnight guests. They immediately began cooking hot dogs and pizzas so that there would be food for those who were hungry. Campus Security got involved and helped to round up cots with the help of Traill County Assistant Emergency Manager Ben Gates.
We were happy to have people safe and sound at the fieldhouse, and equally grateful for the respect and appreciation shown by our guests. Before leaving on Friday morning, they very nicely cleaned up and packed up everything, leaving the place in great shape. A kind email message I received from Grafton Public School Superintendent Darren Albrecht showed gratitude on behalf of the school. His message was heartwarming and very much appreciated.
Every now and then, we’re handed a curveball. Yet even in those moments, good things emerge. Through teamwork, adaptability, and the support of those around us, things come together and we’re thankful for the experience and how it all turned out.
In that spirit, I hope you will join the Mayville State Family in extending our very best wishes to one of our own, football player Hudson Stone. A standout on special teams and a native of St. Michael, Minn., Hudson was seriously injured in a snowboarding accident while on spring break. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hudson and his family as he begins the recovery process. We are hopeful for healing, strength, and brighter days ahead, and we look forward to the time when Hudson is back on his feet and enjoying life to the fullest.