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Athletics Home page Men's Sports MSU-Northern Home page MSU-Northern Admissions Booster Clubs: |
MSU-Northern Lights Mark Samson | Rick Wells | Scott Leeds | Kyle Samson Jake Eldridge | Jason Christenson |Danny Wirtzberger | Tyson Roe | Josh Glahn | Kennedy Anderson
Mark Samson
(406) 265-3746 Born and raised in Helena, MT. Graduated from the University of Montana in 1982 (History/Political Science) Coach Samson has been the head coach at Northern for 4 years. In 2007, the Lights finished with a 6-5 record. In 2006, the Lights posted a school best 9-3 record and earned their first ever NAIA national playoff bid. Samson’s overall record at Northern stands at 23-23. In 2007, a total of nine players were named to the Frontier All-Conference Team, and three players (Marc Samson, Josh Glahn, Don Saisbury) were named as All-Americans. Additionally, 20 Lights were named to the Frontier Conference All-Academic Team. In addition to his coaching duties, Samson also serves as Northern’s Athletic Director There were many hi-lights to the 2006 season, none more significant than a 10-3 win over #1 ranked Carroll College which ended the Saints 29 game win streak. A total of fourteen Lights were named to the Frontier All-Conference squad. Kyle Samson became the first Light to be named MVP within the Conference (QB) and Marc Samson became the first Light honored by the American Football Coaches Association as a 1st team All-American. Coach Samson was honored as Frontier Conference Co-Coach of the Year in 2006, as well as being named as AFCA Region 5 National Coach of the Year. Samson's first coaching job was at Helena High School in 1981 (running backs) under Mike Kramer, who is the current head football coach at Montana State University. The Bengals finished the season with a 5-4 record. Samson was hired at Broadwater County HS in Townsend, MT in 1983 and served as defensive coordinator under Chuck Harvey. In 4 seasons at BCHS, the Bulldogs achieved a record of 18-14 with one conference title in 1985. His first head coaching position was at Missoula Loyola HS (1987-89) and during that time, Samson turned around a losing program (1-7) to records of 5-3 and 6-2. Samson also served as head track coach at Loyola. In the Spring of 1990, Samson was hired at Carroll College as Receivers/Special Teams coach for Hall of Fame coach Bob Petrino. In 1992, Samson was promoted to Offensive Coordinator/QB’s Coach. In seven seasons, the Saints won two Frontier Conference titles (1990, 1993) and advanced to the NAIA national playoffs twice (1993, 1996). during his seven years with the Saints, Carroll was 41-24. In the Spring of 1997, Samson was hired at Helena Capital High School as Head Coach. The Bruins qualified for the State AA playoffs in six of his seven years as head coach and won three state titles (1999, 2000, 2002). Samson’s overall record at Capital High was 67-12. Samson and his wife Kellie (Petrino)
have been married for 26 years. Kellie is an
elementary school teacher. Mark and Kellie have
three children: Kyle, who is serving as offensive
coordinator-assistant
coach for the Lights. Marc, a 3 year All-American DB
for the Lights (2005-2007), is attending Physical
Therapy School in Missoula, and is married to Katie Polette;
and Tricia, who is a freshmen at the University of
Montana plans to major in Pharmacy.
Rick Wells (406) 265-3764 Coach Wells, an Oregon native, holds a BA degree in English Education and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Wyoming. He played for the Cowboys as an offensive lineman for two seasons after an All-American junior college career at Treasure Valley CC in Ontario, OR. This year marks coach Well's 36th season on the sidelines. He coached at high schools in Natrona County HS in Casper WY, Riverton WY, Dimond HS in Anchorage, AK and CMR in Great Falls MT. He coached the offensive line at his Junior college in 1977-79 before coming to Montana, traveling to Montana-Western in 1980--83. He spent fifteen season's (1984--98) at Carroll as defensive coordinator working along side the legendary Coach Bob Petrino, where the team amassed 8 conference championships and 7 playoff appearances. Wells then moved to Jamestown ND where he spent 2 season's as Defensive Coordinator for the Jimmies. He also coached the Bismarck Roughriders in the NIFL arena league, and spent a season in Kingsville Texas at Texas A & M-- Kingsville. Coach Wells came to Northern with Coach Samson in 2004 as the Defensive Coordinator, and this will be his 5th season for the Lights. There the defense has consistently marked high both in the Frontier Conference and Nationally. He and his wife, Mary-Jo, have been married for 23 years. She is a kindergarten teacher at Highland Park Early Primary. The couple has two children. Hanna is a freshmen at Montana State University- Bozeman where she plans to study nursing. She was a standout student-athlete at Havre High. Ted, an academic All-Conference selection for the past two seasons, he is a senior defensive back for the Northern Lights, he is a Health Promotion major, and was an All-State and Shrine pick at Havre HS.
(406) 265-3750
A native of Havre Montana, Scott attended Carroll College in Helena Montana. Coach Leeds was a member of Bob Petrino’s Saints football team from 1991 – 1994, earning a Frontier Conference championship in 1993. Scott was an All-Conference selection in 1994 leading the Frontier Conference in receiving yardage. Scott earned his degree in business finance from Carroll College in 1995. Scott and his wife Kimberly have 4 children Brittany, Kayley, Justin, and Taylor. Scott is employed by Triangle Telephone.
Kyle Samson (406) 265-4184 kyle.samson@msun.edu Kyle is a native of Helena, MT. He graduated from Capital High School in 2003, where he was the starting quarterback for two years earning all state honors as both a junior and senior. Samson was a member of the 2002 State Championship team and was named the AA Offensive MVP for the State of Montana. After graduation, Kyle attended the University of Montana on a football scholarship. He played quarterback for the Grizzlies as a true freshman. Kyle then transferred to MSU-Northern in the Spring of 2004 after his dad was named the new head football coach. Kyle has been Northern's starting quarterback from 2004-2006 as well as a three year captain. Kyle was a three time all conference selection (2004-2006) and two time All American selection (2005,2006). He was also named the Frontier Conference's Most Valuable Player in 2006. This will be Kyle's second year on staff for the Lights and will be his first year as the offensive coordinator. Kyle has a degree in Health/Physical Education. Kyle got married this past summer to the former Brooke Schwan of Havre.
Jake Eldridge (406) 265-3750
Jason
Christenson (406) 265-3750 Jason comes to us from Havre High School where he was an Assistant Football coach for the past five seasons. Coach Christenson began as the Offensive and Defensive Line coach for two years, in his third years Jason took over the responsibilities as Defensive Coordinator. In Jason's three year stint as coordinator the Blue Ponies advanced to the Class "A" semifinals all three years, making the championship game twice and winning the Class "A" Championship in 2004. A native of Ft. Peck, Montana, Jason graduated from Havre High, where, as a Blue Pony offensive lineman he earned All-Conference and All-State honors. Jason was also selected to play in the 45th annual Montana East-West Shrine Bowl. Jason was also a member of the inaugural Northern Light Football program. Jason has earned his B.A. in Physical Education/Health. He is now the Line Backers coach for Northern. He is currently on his 4th year as a lights coach.
Danny Wirtzberger A Havre native, Danny graduated from Havre High in 2002. Danny was the starting quarterback for Havre High for two years, where he earned all-conference and all-state honors. After graduation Danny attended Jamestown College in ND for two years, starting as quarterback his second year. Danny then decided to transfer to MSU-Northern in 2004. Danny started at receiver for the Lights in 2004 and 2005, where he was an Offensive Co-Captain. This is Danny's third year coaching for Coach Samson. He is now working with the Tight Ends and Wide Receivers for the Lights. Danny is holds a degree in Physical Education, as well as Elementary Education. He now teaches 4th grade for Sunnyside Elementary and is married to the former Katie Miller of Havre. He and his wife, Katie, are expecting a baby boy this October.
Tyson Roe Assistant Offensive Line - 2nd year Tyson, is a 2003 graduate of Havre High were he played football, hockey, and baseball earning All-State honors in football, he then went to the University of Mary to play football for four years, he was a three year starter on the offensive line. Tyson, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Behavioral Science, he returns to Northern for his 2nd year as assistant coach for the offensive line, and plans on earning a teaching degree in Social Science Broad-field Secondary Education in the Spring.
Josh Glahn Defensive Line / 1st year Josh was a 2002 graduate from Capital High School in Helena Montana, where he played defensive end on two class AA state championship teams in 1999 and 2000 for the Bruin, his senior year he earned All-Conference honors, he also played baseball for the Helena Senators and won the AA American Legion state championship his senior year. Josh attended the University of Montana for 1 year before transferring to MSU-Northern, he was a four year starter at defensive end from 2004-2007 for the Lights, earning 2nd team defensive end in 2006, in 2007 he earned 1st team defensive end and honorable mention All-American, he currently holds the single season(11.5) and career (28) sack record at MSU-Northern. Josh is currently studying Graphic Design at MSU-Northern.
Kennedy Anderson Linebackers / 1st year Kennedy is a 2004 graduate of Fort Benton High School, he played football, basketball, and track, earning two All-Conference and All-State center/middle linebacker football honors, he participated in the 2004 Class B All-Star game, the 2004 Mon-Dak All-Star Game, and the 2004 East West Shrine All-Star game. Kennedy joined the MSU-Northern Lights football team in 2004 as a linebacker, he played from 2004 to 2007 as a middle linebacker, becoming the starter in 2005 thru 2007, in 2006 he received 2nd team All-Frontier Conference honors. He is continuing his studies to earn a degree in Health Promotion. His younger bother, Khalin, is a senior defensive back and captain for the Lights football team.
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2005 Updated: 04/16/2009 |
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