General | 02/06/20 | 2:51 PM

HELENA, Mont. -- The Frontier Conference honored Hall of Fame and former Carroll College football coach Mike Van Diest with the Distinguished Service Award. 

Carroll College President John Cech, Athletic Director Charlie Gross, Montana Tech Chancellor Les Cook and Athletic Director Matt Stepan presented Van Diest the award during halftime of Carroll's men's basketball game against the Orediggers on February 5.  

This is award is given to individuals who have contributed to the well-being of the league through their dedicated service. The Frontier Conference is in its 85th year, of which Carroll has been a member for 82 years. 

"Throughout the history of the conference, there have been outstanding student-athletes, memorable performances and incredible coaches" Athletic Director Charlie Gross said. "However, one individual, Mike Van Diest, through his leadership of the Fighting Saints Football program, created a model of competitive excellence, not only for football but for all athletic programs in the Frontier Conference to follow. We congratulate Mike on receiving this award and thank you for your willingness to share his passion for football, love of students, and positive energy with the Frontier Conference."

Van Diest became the most successful coach in Carroll College history. As the all-time winningest football coach at CC, he led the Saints to six national championships and posted a 203-54 record. His teams won 14 Frontier Conference championships, including 12 consecutive. He was selected as the NAIA National Coach of the Year twice and Frontier Conference Coach of the Year 10 times. The American Football Coaches Association selected him as the Coach of the Year three times. He coached four NAIA Players of the Year during his distinguished tenure. Van Diest was elected into the NAIA Hall of Fame.