Bolger Caps Decorated Postseason

Article reprinted courtesy of Fargo Forum and reporter Eric Peterson.

MOORHEAD – Even though Concordia didn't make the NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament, senior Jordan Bolger had a historic postseason for the Cobbers.

Bolger capped his college career Saturday, March 19, playing in the Reese's NABC Division III All-Star game at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, Va.

NABC All-Star Game Picture Gallery

"The final bow is a great way to describe it," Bolger said. "It was a really fun time. ... It was a nice cap to my career. I got to wear my Concordia jersey one last time and got one last practice."

His all-star game appearance came soon after he was named to the NABC All-American first team. Bolger became only the fourth player in Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference history to be named to the NABC All-American first team.

"It's been kind of a whirlwind the past few weeks," Bolger said. "I really wasn't expecting all these awards."

Only three previous MIAC players made the NABC first team.

Bethel's Kyle Zimmerman made first team last season. Isaac Rosefelt of St. Thomas earned first-team honors in 2006 and 2007. Carleton's Gerrick Monroe made the first team in 1993.

The 6-foot-6 Bolger played for the West All-Stars on Saturday, scoring seven points and grabbing six rebounds in 21 minutes. The East All-Stars snagged a 129-120 victory in the game that preceded the Division III men's national championship game.

"A lot of the guys were joking before (the game) if we were going to play (defense) or not," Bolger said with a laugh. "Everyone had the green light to shoot."

Bolger, from Apple Valley, Minn., also enjoyed being in the stands for the Division III national championship game, too.

St. Thomas (Minn.) defeated Benedictine (Ill.) 82-76 for the national title. The Tommies are a MIAC rival for the Cobbers.

"I was cheering for (St. Thomas)," Bolger said. "I've been playing against those guys since high school. It was pretty special to watch them win it."

Bolger finished his Concordia career with 1,268 points, ranking fifth on the school's all-time scoring list. He also grabbed 679 career rebounds, good for second in program history. In his final season, Bolger averaged 18.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game and was named the MIAC most valuable player. In addition, Bolger was named NABC West All-District player of the year, becoming the first player in school history to win that honor. He was also the first player in program history to be named to the D3hoops.com All-West Region first team.

"I can't believe it," Bolger said. "It's been a great four years for me at Concordia. It was everything I expected and more."