From the Gridiron to the Diamond to the Hall of Fame: The Story of Jason Salz

Some athletes leave their mark in one sport. Jason Salz did it in two—and still found room to serve his country and come back home to teach and coach.

An early member of the University of Mary football program and the first baseball player inducted into the Marauders Hall of Fame, Salz helped launch UMary baseball while also suiting up on Saturdays for the Marauders. His story is one of versatility, leadership, and a deep commitment to North Dakota.

Early Days: Football First

A graduate of St. Mary’s Central High School in Bismarck, Salz arrived at the University of Mary in 1992 and began his athletic career on the football field:

• Redshirted in 1992, his freshman year
• Played Marauder football for the next four seasons, contributing to the growing foundation of the young program

But while he made an impact on the gridiron, his greatest legacy would emerge a few yards away—on the baseball diamond.

1996: Launching Marauder Baseball

In 1996, UMary fielded its first varsity baseball team, competing in the North Dakota College Athletic Conference (NDCAC). Salz was there from the very beginning.

Under Coach Bill Sharp, Jason immediately stood out:

• Emerged as an outstanding all-around player
• Contributed as a pitcher, hitter, and leader on a brand-new program

When Coach Steve LeGrand took over, Salz’s role only grew. His pitching, hitting, and leadership helped:

• Turn the Marauders into conference co-champions
• Earn the program a spot in the NAIA Great Plains Regional Tournament

For a start-up team, that kind of rapid success was remarkable—and Salz was at the heart of it.

Honors, Records, and a Hall of Fame Career

Over his Marauder baseball career, Jason collected a long list of accolades:

• Team captain
• NDCAC All-Conference selection in 1996 and 1997
• 1997 NDCAC Player of the Year
• Member of the 1997 Great Plains All-Region Team
• Marauders Most Valuable Player in 1996 and 1997

He also left his name in the record book as a pitcher:

• Fewest hits allowed per 7-inning game in school history
• Fewest walks allowed—just 10 walks in two years on the mound

Those numbers reflect a competitor who combined command, composure, and competitiveness every time he took the ball.

In recognition of his impact, Jason became the first baseball player ever inducted into the University of Mary Hall of Fame—a fitting honor for someone who helped define what Marauder baseball could be.

Service, Education, and Coaching

Salz’s success wasn’t confined to athletics.

• He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1997 from the University of Mary.
• Later completed a Master of Education in 2007.
• Served overseas in the U.S. Army as part of the 1st Ranger Battalion, a testament to his courage and commitment to service.

After his military service, Jason returned to his roots in education and athletics:

• Now teaches and coaches in Mandan, North Dakota, continuing to invest in the next generation of students and athletes.

The son of Rick and Bernie Salz of Bismarck, Jason’s life reflects the full arc of what it means to be a Marauder: student-athlete, soldier, teacher, coach, and community leader.

A Legacy That Still Shapes Marauder Athletics

For current and future Marauders, Jason Salz’s story carries several powerful lessons:

• You can help build something from the ground up, as he did with UMary baseball.
• You can lead in multiple arenas—football, baseball, the military, and the classroom.
• Excellence isn’t just about stats and awards; it’s about service, leadership, and giving back.

From launching a new program to becoming its first Hall of Famer, Jason Salz is a reminder that sometimes the people who help start the story end up being some of its most important characters.