In 1997 that award would have meant something.
Prior to UNC, NDSU, and SDSU leaving, we all know what the collective opinion was of UMD. That program didn't just become good. Our old league became winnable to a team from the NSIC.
Bubba was coach of the year? Great. I'm sure Roger would have liked to avoid trips to Greeley, Fargo, and Brookings every year.