By Cole Clementich
MINOT, N.D. – Beaver fans have been treated to an incredible array of athletic achievements over the past handful of seasons, but one familiar voice has broadcast those shining moments.
That is the voice of Minot State professional communication major Owen Patterson.
A native of Washburn, North Dakota, Patterson just completed his Junior year at Minot State and second year as the main broadcast play-by-play announcer for many of the Minot State Athletic programs.
On top of calling the action for the Beavers, he is an active member in the Minot sports community. You can hear him on the call for games at Minot High School, Minot North High School, the Minot Hot Tots and Honeybees of the Northwoods League, the 4 Bears Roar, and several North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) postseason tournaments.
On May 29, Patterson was recognized with a prestigious honor by the Sportscasters Talent Agency of America (STAA), which hosted the annual Jim Nantz award ceremony, named after the legendary CBS sports broadcaster. This year, the organization named Patterson a 1st Team All-American as one of the nation's most outstanding collegiate sports broadcasters for 2026.
Patterson was one of six 1st Team All-Americans and stands side-by-side with Division I student broadcasting talent from many of the nation's top-flight broadcasting schools. He is also the only student this year to receive an All-American nod representing the Division II level.
Aside from being home to the Jim Nantz award, the STAA is an establishment with the sole mission of developing the skills of young sports broadcasters around the country, as well as accelerating their careers within the industry's job market. Since 2006, it has been the hub for those driven individuals who can seek resources like critiques, inspiration, and connect with fellow STAA members, all in a community-based format.
Fans can catch Owen for another season commentating Beavers Athletics when tuning in to the NSIC Network on Midco Sports Plus starting in the fall of 2026.
