Burnsville, MN – Neal Kalberer of the University of Mary is the Northern Sun's selection for the 2012 Noel Olson Volunteer of the Year Award for his many seasons as the public address announcer for Marauders football and basketball. A passionate advocate for U-Mary athletics, Kalberer was the man behind the microphone at Marauders football for 23 years and handled basketball for close to 17 years.   
 
The Noel Olson Award recognizes the singular commitment of former NSIC coach and Athletic Administrator Noel Olson to the advancement of NSIC visibility, credibility, and excellence throughout the nation during his tenure in the league. The award is intended to honor individuals who, as volunteers, have made significant contributions to the NSIC as a whole.
 
Kalberer, U-Mary's Vice President for Public Affairs, will be honored at the 13th annual NSIC Hall of Fame Banquet on Wednesday, July 11.
 
For more than three decades, Kalberer has been an enthusiastic supporter of and outstanding contributor to the U-Mary athletic program. His service and leadership in diverse capacities have boosted interest in and raised the profile of Marauders Athletics in the community and beyond and helped to grow and shape the program.
 
An exceptional athlete who participated in Class B football, basketball, track and baseball in high school, Neal was drafted by the Minnesota Twins, but opted to attend the University of Wyoming on a baseball scholarship. Neal brought his passion for athletics to Mary College in 1972, serving as assistant coach under Fritz Fell in the school's only sport, men's basketball. Over the following four years, he also served as director of student activities and intramural director, and was involved in the debut of women's basketball and the creation of Mary's first campus athletic facility, the McDowell Activity Center.
 
After leaving U-Mary in 1976 to serve as a coach, athletic director, teacher and administrator on the high school level, Neal returned to Mary in 1982. While serving in various administrative positions, he never lost sight of the role of athletics in providing opportunities for students, educating the whole person and helping to grow the university. When a replacement assistant men's basketball coach under longtime coach and athletic director Al Bortke was needed for a year, Neal added the job to his responsibilities. Maintaining close ties with the Athletics Department, he campaigned for the addition of football — and later, soccer — to U-Mary sports. In addition to collecting information to help shape the growth of the Marauders program, Neal played a major role in promoting and garnering support for U-Mary athletics in the surrounding community.
 
Along with Bortke, Neal helped create and build the Marauders Athletics Club, which evolved into the present-day Varsity Club, raising enthusiasm and funds for Mary sports. He provided hands-on support by organizing and leading the Marauders football “chain gang,” beginning with the team's first JV games in 1986. He also served as substitute, then full-time football public address announcer for 23 seasons, without any compensation, and in 1991 stepped up to serve as full-time P.A. announcer for women's basketball for close to 17 years, also without compensation. During this time, he also volunteered first as part-time, then as full-time announcer for men's basketball. As an announcer, Neal used his distinctive voice, energy and love of sport to present a positive image of both teams at every game. This exemplified and contributed to U-Mary's reputation for sportsmanship in the NSIC and the community.
 
Personally, Neal has been a fixture in the Bismarck, ND, amateur softball and basketball arenas for many years, and also coached American Legion Baseball throughout North Dakota. He currently keeps fit rollerblading. Now in his 22^nd year as vice president for Public Affairs, he continues to be a strong supporter of Marauders Athletics and an invaluable ambassador to the program and the University of Mary.
 
Neal and his wife Cheryl have three children, Jim, Erin and Greg, and six grandchildren, Emma, Caitlyn, Grace, Jake, Sophia and Cooper.
 
Kalberer becomes the second U-Mary selection for the Olson Award. Former women's basketball coach Roger Haug was honored in 2009 for his long-time efforts as official scorer at Marauders basketball games.
 
The 13th annual NSIC Hall of Fame Banquet is set for Wednesday, July 11, at the Best Western Kelly Inn in St. Cloud, MN. To attend the NSIC Hall of Fame Banquet go to www.NorthernSun.org and click on the “Hall of Fame Banquet Registration,” fill out the form and mail or fax it to the NSIC Office. The price to attend the banquet (including meal) is $25. Please register by July 1 as space is limited.
 
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