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NDSCS is proud to announce that Lieutenant Whitney Link, NDSCS Police Officer, will be honored for her role as the first female police officer to lead the NDSCS Police Department. This distinction is being awarded by her peers in regional law enforcement agencies, including the Wahpeton Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, and NDSCS Police Department. The special recognition will take place during a ceremony on National Policewomen’s Day, September 12, at 3:30 p.m. on the NDSCS campus. 

Lt. Link is a trailblazer, overseeing a police agency that serves thousands of students, faculty, staff, and visitors daily. Her department is responsible for securing campus assets and buildings, as well as assisting other local agencies on joint operations or with support as needed. 

The ceremony will highlight the importance of Lt. Link’s service and her position as a role model for women pursuing careers in law enforcement. While the percentage of women in policing remains low—just 13% nationwide—Lt. Link exemplifies the leadership and dedication that continue to inspire change. 

National Policewomen’s Day, established on September 12, 1973, serves to recognize the contributions of female officers, many of whom have historically been limited to administrative roles. Today, women like Lt. Link are leading police departments, making meaningful strides in public safety and reshaping the role of women in law enforcement. 

“We are proud to celebrate Lt. Whitney Link’s service and recognize the impact she has made on our campus and our community,” said NDSCS President Rod Flanigan, Ph.D. “Her leadership represents a powerful example to future generations of women in law enforcement.” 

The event is free and open to the public. Media are invited to attend. 

Event Details: 
What: National Policewomen's Day Ceremony honoring Lt. Whitney Link 
When: September 12, 2024, 3:30 p.m. 
Where: Red River Valley Room | NDSCS Campus 
Who: Open to the public and media

North Dakota State College of Science proudly announces the appointment of Reggie Jackson as the new Athletic Director for Wildcat Athletics. With a dynamic career that spans over two decades in sports leadership, Jackson brings a wealth of experience and a fresh vision to the Wildcat community. 

Jackson replaces Stu Engen, who left in June to join Idaho State University as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach. During his tenure at NDSCS, Engen transformed NDSCS Athletics into a small-college powerhouse, with multiple National Championship appearances and Conference Championships. 

Jackson’s experience includes over 25 years in sports and business. A 1999 graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead with a degree in Health and Physical Education, Jackson’s journey in athletics is extensive and impactful. 

From 2021 to 2024, he helmed the Activities Department at St. John Paul II (St. JPII) Catholic Schools in Fargo, N.D., where he was responsible for the K-12 activities across three elementary schools, one middle school, and Shanley High School. His leadership was marked by the successful management of over 25 interscholastic programs, ensuring a vibrant and competitive atmosphere for students. Perhaps Jackson’s most notable achievement during this time was spearheading a $3.5 million project to overhaul Sid Cichy Stadium in 2023. Under his watch, the stadium saw the installation of a state-of-the-art track, new artificial turf, cutting-edge LED lights, and professional-grade goal posts. 

Before his tenure at St. JPII, Jackson was the owner and operator of Jackson Recognition, a business that supplied graduation items to more than 65 schools in North Dakota, South Dakota, and northwest Minnesota. 

Jackson’s coaching career includes serving as Head Girls’ Basketball Coach at Richland #44, Assistant Baseball Coach at Fargo South High School, and Director of Basketball Operations for the Fargo-Moorhead Beez. 

Officiating has also been a major part of Jackson’s career. For over two decades, he’s been a fixture in conferences like the Big Ten, Horizon, Summit, NSIC, and more. His roles on various boards and committees, including the NDHSAA and North Dakota American Legion Baseball, have added to his deep understanding of the sports world. 

Now, as he steps into the role of Athletic Director at NDSCS, Jackson’s appointment marks a new chapter for NDSCS Athletics, one defined by growth and moving NDSCS Athletics to the next level. 

“I am excited to join the NDSCS community and lead the Wildcat athletic program,” remarked Jackson. “This is a tremendous opportunity to work with talented student-athletes and a dedicated staff. I look forward to building on the strong foundation here at NDSCS.” 

“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Jackson to the NDSCS family as our new Athletic Director,” said NDSCS President Rod Flanigan, Ph.D. “Reggie’s extensive experience in athletic leadership and his passion for fostering excellence both on and off the field make him the perfect fit for our Wildcat community. We are confident that under his guidance, our athletic programs will continue to thrive and inspire our student-athletes to reach new levels of success.” 

Jackson invites the Wildcat community to attend the upcoming athletic contests held at NDSCS, including a Football game on Saturday, September 7th at 1:30 p.m. at Frank Vertin Field, and a Volleyball game on Friday, September 13th at 3 p.m. at the Blikre Activities Center. Subscribe to the NDSCS Athletics calendar to stay up to date with event information: NDSCS.edu/Calendar.

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bryant Friskop as the new Head Women’s Basketball Coach. Friskop, a Wahpeton native, brings a wealth of experience and success from his previous roles at the University of Minnesota Crookston (as Assistant Basketball Coach/Head Women’s Golf Coach) and the University of North Dakota (as a Student Manager). 

Friskop enters this position after an impressive tenure as the assistant women’s basketball coach at University of Minnesota Crookston, where he was instrumental in leading the Golden Eagles to three NSIC/Sanford Health Quarterfinal appearances and a school-record 18 wins during the 2015-16 season. Under his guidance, the team also saw eight players earn All-NSIC honors, including four First Team selections. 

In addition to his basketball coaching expertise, Friskop has a distinguished background in coaching women’s golf, having led the Golden Eagles to multiple low rounds and improving team averages consistently over his seven seasons as head coach. Friskop also coached the first-ever all-conference selection in Crookston’s history (Anaka Lysne from Wahpeton). 

Friskop’s appointment comes as the NDSCS Women’s Basketball program continues to build on the strong legacy left by former Head Coach Park Masterson. Masterson led the Wildcats to multiple championships and a national tournament appearance, setting a high standard for the program. The Wildcat community is excited to welcome Friskop as he aims to continue and expand upon this success. 

NDSCS President Rod Flanigan expressed his enthusiasm about the new appointment, saying, “We are so excited to have Coach Friskop on our team. His enthusiasm for student success both in the classroom and on the court is contagious. As a Wahpeton native, and having spent many, many days during his youth playing basketball at the BAC, he has fond memories of NDSCS. He is a great fit for NDSCS and for our athletics program. I have no doubt that Bryant will take our women’s basketball program to new heights.” 

Bryant Friskop shared his excitement about joining the Wildcats, stating, "It’s an honor to be named the next Women’s Head Basketball Coach here at NDSCS. I would like to thank Dr. Flanigan and the entire search committee for believing in me and offering this opportunity. To come home and have the chance to be a leader in my hometown has always been a goal of mine. I’m thrilled, and proud, to help lead NDSCS Athletics.” 

Friskop’s local high school career included being named 1st Team All-State and the 2009 EDC Senior Athlete of the Year. Friskop was part of the team that won the EDC Conference Tournament that same year. 

Friskop earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of North Dakota and later received his Master of Science degree in Kinesiology from the same institution. His deep roots in Wahpeton, combined with his extensive coaching experience, position him as an ideal leader for the NDSCS Women’s Basketball program. 

Gach Named Interim Men’s Basketball Coach for 2024-2025 Season 

Interim Coach Gach Gach will lead the men’s basketball team this season. Gach was named Interim Head Coach on June 24, 2024, following the departure of Stu Engen, who took a position joining the coaching staff at Idaho State University. As NDSCS continues its search to replace Engen as Athletic Director, Gach will remain a stable presence leading the Men’s Basketball Program. 

A 2017 graduate of NDSCS, Gach Gach (pronounced GOTCH GOTCH) brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. During his time as a player for the Wildcats, Gach was instrumental in leading the team to a remarkable 59-9 overall record, securing two Mon-Dak Conference Championships, two Region XIII Championships, a District Championship, and a National Tournament appearance. Gach’s individual contributions were recognized with numerous Conference and Regional honors. 

Following his tenure at NDSCS, Gach transferred to West Texas A&M where he continued to excel, helping his team to a 66-8 record and leading them to back-to-back Elite Eight and Final Four appearances. His stellar performance earned him Lone Star Conference honors. Over his four-year college career, Gach amassed an outstanding overall record of 125-17. 

An Austin, Minnesota native, Gach earned his bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M University and returned to NDSCS in 2022 as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach. 

For more information about NDSCS athletics, please visit NDSCSwildcats.com.