The FM Blaze has been one of the most successful girls fastpitch programs in North Dakota since its beginning in 2013. The Blaze have been in the ND USA Softball State Championship game of 18U 5 of the past 9 seasons including a 2nd AND 3rd place finish in 2022. The Blaze have also had successful finishes at the national level at NAFA Northern Nationals with finishes as high as Platinum 9th overall out of 112 teams (16U), and in various Gold/Silver/ Bronze brackets with 2nd and 4th (14U), 3rd (16U), and 2nd(18U) as well as and a 4th place finish at 14U USA Northern Nationals in a 30 team field. 

The Blaze had a banner year in 2024 adding to their previous success featuring a 16U State Championship and 16U NAFA Nationals Platinum Top 10 finish out of 112 teams! 14U Blue finished with a RRV League Championship and a NAFA Nationals Bronze 2nd place finish. 14 Orange also brought home hardware in 2024 by taking home a ND State C Runner-Up finish.

The Blaze are made up of players from North Dakota and Minnesota and has had a track record of developing and helping players move on to collegiate softball with over 55 players since 2014 joining college rosters.

Mike Skogen is a seasoned baseball and softball coach based in Fargo, North Dakota, with extensive experience across various levels of the sport. He is the owner and instructor at The Ball Yard, a premier training facility offering personalized instruction to players of all ages and skill levels.

Coaching Experience:

• Youth Level: From 1996 to 2009, Skogen directed and coached T-Ball, Cal Ripken, and Babe Ruth programs in Midway, North Dakota, emphasizing fundamental skills and achieving significant success, including a state championship and a 36-game winning streak over two seasons.

• College Level: He served as an assistant coach at North Dakota State University from 1998 to 2006, contributing to a North Central Conference Championship in 2004. From 2007 to 2012, he was the head coach of the Minnesota State University-Moorhead club baseball team.

• Professional Level: Skogen was an assistant coach for the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks during the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

Educational Background:

A native of Johnstown, North Dakota, Skogen graduated from Midway High School in Inkster, ND. He earned a degree in Physical Education with a minor in Coaching and a master's in Athletic Administration from North Dakota State University.

Philosophy:

Coach Skogen believes in tailoring fundamental mechanical principles to each player's unique style, emphasizing effort, understanding, and dedication to achieve their goals.

Through his comprehensive coaching career, Mike Skogen has significantly contributed to the development of baseball and softball in the Fargo-Moorhead area, nurturing players from youth to professional levels.