Mike Hollett, the head coach of the North Pole Patriots, covered more than 2,700 miles from Alaska to Valley City State University in North Dakota this June, bringing his entire squad and family along for a week‑long football camp.
The visit was more than a recruiting stop; it was a homecoming for Hollett, who once wore the same colors as a 2005 championship player for the school and later reconnected with longtime Coach Mac, sparking a nostalgic reunion that underscored his personal ties to the campus.
Deep Roots in Alaska
Among the prospects on the field were sophomore offensive lineman Caiden Olson and freshman wide receiver Michael Putnam, both eager to meet the university’s coaching staff and showcase their talents in front of a program that has cultivated Alaskan talent for over three decades.
Hollett emphasized that the camp was designed to give his players a glimpse of Valley City’s player‑development philosophy, a factor that made the university a natural fit for his Alaskan recruits.
The trip also doubled as a family affair; Hollett’s wife, a Valley City State alumna, joined him, turning the journey into a celebration of past and future connections to the university.
The camp reflects a broader pattern of Valley City State’s commitment to scouting and supporting Alaskan athletes, a tradition that Hollett hopes to continue by sharing his experience and resources with the next generation.