Dickinson State dominates NSAA post-season awards, two athletes named 'All-American'

Dec. 28—DICKINSON — The Dickinson State University football team has enjoyed a dominant run in the North Star Athletic Association conference, finishing the season undefeated for the third year in a row with an overall record of 8-3. This success was recognized in the postseason, with 17 NSAA awards and two players being named to the American Football Coaches Association NAIA All-American list.

Head coach Pete Stanton praised his team for their hard work and dedication throughout the season.

"Our guys battled hard all year," Pete Stanton, DSU head football coach, said. "It was disappointing to lose the first two games, as they were key games for us and could have led to hosting a playoff game. However, our strong performance in the conference led to a lot of All-Conference honors and a couple of All-Americans, which was well-deserved."

Riley Linder is a stand-out running back who has consistently demonstrated a tenacious approach to the game. Over the course of his career, the senior racked up over 2,000 yards rushing, cementing his status as a workhorse on the field.

Linder's toughness and determination have made him a key player for the Dickinson State University football team, and his contributions have not gone unnoticed. Suffering a season ending injury in the final regular season game, Linder was unable to participate in his final postseason.

Despite this setback, Linder's impressive career statistics speak for themselves and was certainly one of the team's most impactful players. Linder was named offensive player of the year for the NSAA.

"Riley has been a workhorse his whole life," Stanton said. "He's rushed for over 2,000 yards in his career. He's just a tough, hard-nosed football player."

Krew Matthern is the standout defensive player at Dickinson State University who has over the course of his career consistently demonstrated the physical and mental attributes that have defined him as among the most solid defensive players in the NSAA.

The tenacious and determined senior is known for never giving up on a play and always striving to make an impact on the field. The Dickinson native's resilience and fearlessness in the face of adversity have made him a key player for the Blue Hawks and have earned him numerous accolades, including the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award and a spot on the All-American team.

Matthern ends his impressive career with the statistics to back it up, including a new school career record for tackles-for-loss with 54.

The All-American joins the highest of accolades with fellow teammate Dawson McGlothlin, who terrorized offenses his entire career. McGlothlin achieved 35 solo tackles on the season and tied for second in the nation with seven interceptions.

McGlothlin consistently demonstrates his speed and quickness, allowing him to keep up with receivers. His physicality and his willingness to mix it up in press coverage and run support earned the senior a spot on the All-American list. McGlothlin's ball skills, regularly defending passes and intercepting the ball when the opportunity arose, demonstrated a unique mental toughness and field instincts that made him a valuable asset to Dickinson State University.

"Krew is a relentless motor and a great teammate," Stanton said. "He's a hard worker and the offense had to account for him on every snap. Dawson was a team captain and was top five in the nation for interceptions with seven. His stats were impressive, but his leadership and abilities were even better. Both were very well-deserved honors."

In addition to the players' individual successes, the esteemed coaching staff at Dickinson State were equally recognized.

Stanton was named Coach of the Year for the seventh time in the past eight years and offensive coordinator Russel McMarvel was named Assistant Coach of the Year. Despite these accolades, Stanton credits his successes with the players and program he has built at DSU, as well as the constant support from boosters and the Touchdown Club.

2022 NSAA All-Conference First Team Defense:

Krew Mathern

JaQuawhann Booth

Keaton Meschke

Jayden Heartwell

Dawson McGlothlin

Javonte Oliphant

2022 NSAA All-First-Team All-Conference Special Teams:

Wade James

Isaiah Kludt

2022 NSAA All-Conference Second Team Offense:

Aaron White

Galen Brantley lll

Conor McCarvel

2022 NSAA All-Conference Second Team Defense:

Matt Anderson

2022 AFCA NAIA Coaches' All-America Team First Team Defense:

Krew Mathern

2022 AFCA NAIA Coaches' All-America Team Second Team Defense:

Dawson McGlothlin

NSAA Football Offensive Most Valuable Player:

Riley Linder

NSAA Football Defensive Most Valuable Player:

Krew Mathern

NSAA Football Coach of the Year:

Pete Stanton

NSAA Football Assistant Coach of the Year:

Russell McCarvel