HELENA, Mont. – Former Saints broadcaster John Lagerquist and Carroll College Director of Athletics Facilities Steve Jones have combined for more than half a century of service to Carroll College and the Frontier Conference. Their contributions were recognized Saturday during halftime of the men's basketball game when Frontier Commissioner Kent Paulson awarded Jones and Lagerquist with the Frontier Conference Service Award.

Lagerquist was the true "voice" of Carroll College Athletics for 25 years.  He  covered the Saints in eight national championship football games,  six of which resulted in national titles, as well as nearly 15 trips to the Men's and Women's NAIA National Tournaments in basketball.  He was a true professional and never lost sight of the fact that it is all about the "student-athlete."

Lagerquist was behind the mic when Helena Capital played Ft. Benton in its first-ever high school football game.  He was the "voice" of the Bruin home games from 1973-78 and again in the late 80's and early 90's, bringing us the play-by-play of many championship events.  Between high school and collegiate athletics, it would be safe to say that John Lagerquist broadcast as many games as any sports broadcaster in Montana.

Lagerquist has a genuine concern to "make things better" at Carroll College and in the Helena Community.  He served on the Board of Directors of the Carroll College Saints Athletic Association, a group that raises scholarship dollars for student-athletes.  But his efforts aren't limited to only athletic-related events; he also supports numerous other student groups and charities in the Helena Community.  John has assisted with the Helena Sports Hall of Fame activities for many years and currently is a member of the Carroll College Wendy's of Montana Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee.  He is always participating, always assisting.

Jones is currently the Director of Athletic Facilities but his contributions to Carroll go far beyond the responsibilities in any job descriptions.

After moving into the Helena Valley in 1976, Steve and his wife Pam Jones became active in the Saints' Athletic Association.  Steve would eventually serve as the organization's President in the early 1990's.  The Joneses spent many years planning and running the annual Carroll auction, which set the foundation for the athletic department's fund raising arm.  They have done it all at Carroll, whether it be running the successful Carroll swim program, the concessions and just about anything else that you can think of at the Carroll PE Center or Nelson Stadium, Pam and Steve Jones  have been loyal, hardworking members of the Carroll Community.

Jones began his Carroll career in 1985 as the school's strength coach and athletic trainer.  He moved into the football coaching ranks as linebacker coach in 1986 for Coach Bob Petrino and eventually went on to join Mike Van Diest's staff in 1999, helping the Saints to a pair of NAIA National Championships.  He moved to the school's fulltime Director of Athletic Facilities in 2004.
 
But when it is all said and done, the most admirable quality of Jones is his unending dedication to the student-athlete.  He is a tireless worker that does all the little things to help make this a special place.