University of Minnesota Crookston Athletics

The 1997 UMC Football Team went 7-3 overall and 4-2 in the North Dakota Collegiate Athletic Conference, which was affiliated with the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). The 1997 team set countless records and included several individual achievements highlighted by three NAIA All-American selections including; Mark Olsonawski (Hallock, Minn.), who was named Second Team All-American RB; Cory Schreifels (Cold Spring, Minn.), who was named First Team All-American NG; and Jason Lindquist (Dalton, Minn.), who was First Team All-American LB/P. The Golden Eagles made their first-ever appearance in the NAIA playoffs and placed second in the NDCAC.

In addition to Olsonawski, the Golden Eagles were led by quarterback Scott Strohmeier, who is also a member of the 2014 Hall of Fame Induction class for this individual merits. Strohmeier threw for 1,288 yards and 12 touchdowns that season, a mark that remains third in the UMC record books. Olsonawski led the running game for the Golden Eagles with over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns, his yardage that season still ranks fifth in UMC's record books. while his touchdowns continue to hold as the school record. Carl Aho highlighted the receiving game with nearly 500 yards and six touchdowns.

Defensively, Lindquist led the way with 88 tackles, one sack, 11 tackles for loss and two interceptions while Schreifels added 52 tackles, nine tackles for loss and a sack. Lindquist's 14 unassisted tackles in the Jamestown College game still continues to hold as the school record, while his 60 in a season is No. 2 all-time. Schreifels' three sacks in the Valley City State game are tied for first for the most sacks in a game in school history.

Louie Sylvester highlighted the kicking game, his 48 yarder during that season still remains the third-longest field goal in school history behind his 50 yarder he kicked in 1998 and a 57 yarder he kicked in 2000.

The Golden Eagles' season was highlighted by victories over University of Minnesota Morris, Valley City State University, Mayville State University and current NSIC cohorts University of Mary and Minot State University. The Golden Eagles also had wins over Mount Senario and Martin Luther.