Eight scholarships will be awarded to outstanding North Dakota State University female and male athletes during this year’s Harvest Bowl festivities Oct. 23-24. The NDSU Harvest Bowl program also recognizes the outstanding work of agriculturists in 53 counties in North Dakota and several in Minnesota.

A special agribusiness award goes to an individual who has a distinguished record in agriculture and business. This year’s award winner is Ron Offutt, businessman and farm owner.

“We are very grateful to all of the wonderful people who are so generous in supporting the Harvest Bowl scholarships,” says Gene Taylor, NDSU athletic director. “Their generosity assists our student athletes in pursuing their academic and athletic dreams.”

The 2009 Harvest Bowl Scholarship recipient is Matt Gratzek, defensive tackle on the NDSU football team. Gratzek is from Argyle, Minn. The recipient of a Harvest Bowl Scholarship in memory of Robert Johansen is Christine Bruins, member of the NDSU track and field team. Bruins is from Watford City.

The Bob and Darlene Yaggie Football Scholarship is awarded to Michael Arndt, offensive tackle on the NDSU football team. Arndt is from LaMoure. Receiving the Bob Lauf Memorial Scholarship is Nick Mertens, quarterback on the football team. Mertens is from East Grand Forks Minn.

The Ron and Karen Offutt Scholarship goes to Kenny Moenkedick, member of the wrestling team. Moenkedick is from Perham, Minn. The Red River Commodities Scholarship is awarded to Quin Ryan, member of the NDSU women’s soccer team. Ryan is from Moorhead.

The John Dean Scholarship is awarded to Cody Gronvold, member of the men’s track and field team. Gronvold is from Rugby. Keith Buckman, offensive guard on the football team, is the recipient of the Bob and Bruce Yaggie Father-Son Scholarship. Buckman is from Belfield.

“The Harvest Bowl Committee continues to make this a very special event, not only for all of the honorees, but also each of the student athletes who receive a scholarship,” says Lynn Dorn, NDSU women’s athletic director. “The student athletes are very proud to be named as a recipient and so are their families. This truly is the highlight of our fall season.”

The 36th annual Harvest Bowl festivities begin Friday, Oct. 23, at the Fargo Ramada Plaza Suites with a dinner, awards ceremony and games. On Saturday, honorees will participate in educational sessions on the NDSU campus and attend the Harvest Bowl football game.

For tickets and information on Harvest Bowl activities, visit the NDSU Alumni Association Web site at http://www.ndsualumni.com/, call the NDSU alumni office toll-free at (800) 279-8971 or locally at (701) 231-6808, or e-mail marilyn@ndsualumni.com.

NDSU Agriculture Communication