2023 Blue Hawk Booster Club Award winners announced

DICKINSON, N.D. – Dickinson State Athletics announced the 2023 Blue Hawk Booster Club award winners on Thursday, with Steve Kleinjan, Nic Stevenson, and Mandie Erickson being honored this year. Kleinjan will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award, Stevenson will receive the Honorary Letterman Award, and Erickson will be honored with the Loyalty Award.

"We are very excited to honor these three outstanding individuals," said athletic director Pete Stanton. "Mandie and Nic have been loyal and hard-working Booster Club members who have made significant contributions to the success of the athletic department scholarship and fundraising efforts. Steve has been a long-time successful coach who has established an incredible program at New Salem, including winning the state football championship in 2022. All three candidates have made a huge impact in their respective communities and their efforts are much appreciated."

The award winners will be honored at halftime of the Blue Hawk football game against Valley City State on November 4th, and at the Dickinson Eagles Club starting at 6:30 pm that night.

STEVE KLEINJAN – OUSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Steve Kleinjan has been the head coach at New Salem-Almont for 27 seasons. Kleinjan is a graduate of Dickinson State University with a B.S. in secondary education. He has been teaching for 33 years. 31 of those in New Salem; where he teaches Social Studies, history, and civics. Steve has been selected as football regional coach of the year on nine different occasions and was the 2016, 2018 and 2022 Nine-Man Coach of the Year. Kleinjan's teams have won nine Region championships, and one State title. Kleinjan's overall record is 163-92. Steve and his wife Lisa have been married for 33 years and have one daughter Harlee who is currently a senior in high school.

NIC STEVENSON – HONORARY LETTERMAN AWARD

Nic Stevenson moved to Dickinson in 2005 after finishing his all-conference playing career at Montana State University in 2004. He has served on the Blue Hawk Booster Club board for a number of years while working at the family business, Stevenson Funeral Home, in Dickinson. He is active as a volunteer in the community, especially in the youth sports scene. Stevenson currently resides in Dickinson with his wife, Theresa, and his children, Sadie, Nathan, Ali, Patrick, and Delaney.

MANDIE ERICKSON – LOYALTY AWARD

Mandie Erickson is from Dickinson and attended DSU from 2003-2006. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Business Administration with a minor in Management. She participated on the women's golf team during her time at Dickinson State. Erickson has had her real estate license for almost 9 years and has also been employed in the oil and gas industry. She has two children, Addison (12) and Brody (10). Her parents are also DSU alumni. She has been a part of the Blue Hawk Booster Club for 11 years and in her free time enjoys spending time with family and friends and watching her kids play sports.