FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State University softball head coach Darren Mueller and former NDSU Athletics public address announcer and equipment manager Lyle Hokanson have been selected for induction to the Fargo-Moorhead Softball Hall of Fame, the organization announced this week.
 
The induction ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 19, at 2:30 p.m. at the North Softball Complex in Fargo.
 
Mueller played outfield, first base and catcher in the Fargo-Moorhead fastpitch softball leagues for 24 years, spending time on the Moose Lodge II, AMVETS, Kegel Black Knights and Chub's Pub squads. Known as a strong fielder and power hitter, his teams won two state championships and played in 11 national tournaments and one ISC World Tournament. Mueller was named to the NAFA All World team.
 
As head coach of the NDSU softball program, Mueller has amassed 730 victories in 22 seasons. He has led the Bison to 10 Summit League Tournament championships over the past 14 years, and NDSU has won at least one NCAA Tournament game in five of its past six appearances. Under Mueller's direction, the NDSU coaching staff received the 2009, 2015 and 2016 NFCA Division I Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year awards.
 
Mueller logged seven seasons as an assistant coach at NDSU before being named head coach, helping guide the Bison to the NCAA Division II national title in 2000.
 
Hokanson (inducted posthumously) was a prominent figure in the Fargo-Moorhead fastpitch softball world in the 1970s and 1980s. He could be found at the diamonds at Mickelson Field every summer night as a team manager, pitcher and umpire. Hokanson managed and pitched for the Otto's Welding team, which finished runner-up in two state tournaments. He also served as an umpire and umpire-in-chief for the Fargo leagues, state, regional and national tournaments for 20 years.
 
Hokanson's talent included public address announcing for sporting events. He was the PA announcer for many national and local fastpitch tournaments held in Fargo, as well as for the Bison for many years. His signature "Everyone Up for the Kickoff" while announcing football is still used today.