PRESS RELEASE

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference released the 2024 Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll today with Northern State University picked ninth in the league. The Wolves tallied 57 points in the voting. Hank Kraft and Luke Gunderson were selected as the Wolves’ players to watch heading into the 2024 season.

Here is the complete poll with pre-season players of the year, and each team’s players to watch:

https://northernsun.org/news/2024/8/3/2024-nsic-football-preseason-coaches-poll.aspx

Northern went 5-6 overall and 4-6 in the NSIC in the fall of 2023. They finished eighth in the league standings and produced four NSIC All-Conference players including AFCA All-American Dewaylon Ingram. In addition, Seven single game, season, and career school records were tied or broken and Dakota Larson was honored on hte CSC Academic All-America team. 

NSU COACH MIKE SCHMIDT’S THOUGHTS HEADING INTO 2024:

• On the team: “I am thrilled by the toughness and compete factor of the 2024 Northern State Football Team. Their dedication to NSU and Aberdeen is evident in the way they play and prepare. The team’s fresh energy ushers in a new era of Wolves Football. Facing our program’s first ever FCS opponent at the University of South Dakota marks a huge moment for our team to showcase NSU Football, Northern State, and the community of Aberdeen on a national stage.”
• On Hank Kraft: “Hank is a rising star in the NSIC after a record-setting performance last season. As a player who embodies the very essence of humility and positivity, Hank sets the bar high with his unwavering dedication to the game and his teammates. A true testament to his hard work and integrity, Hank is a throwback, old school, tough RB who has the ability to break big plays while also running hard between the tackles.”
• On Luke Gunderson: “Luke is a dynamic and unique force on the football field, showcasing his versatility as a standout special teams player and an OLB for the Wolves. He’s proven to be a game-changer by blocking punts, kicks, and even returning a kickoff for a touchdown in his career. Off the field, Luke’s exemplary work ethic and camaraderie make him a beloved among his teammates.”

In 2024, NSIC football will consist of 13 teams with each team playing 10 conference games over a 12-week schedule. The NSIC will award an overall champion based on win percentage in the 10 NSIC contests. Ties will not be broken for the overall champions. The season kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 29 with eight teams playing non-conference contests. Full composite schedule available, Here.