Name

Year
Inducted

2024

Despite being known as a fierce competitor on the mat, Keller’s teammates described him as a jokester and a happy-go-lucky guy off the mat. This recognition is a testament to his skill, dedication and sportsmanship during his time at BJC.

2023

Tom Kirchoffner

Basketball

Tom Kirchoffner coached the Bismarck State College men’s basketball team for seven seasons, compiling a 103-102 record and four junior college state titles, including three in. row. He led the Mystics to a berth in the junior college nationals Sweet 16 and was named Region XIII Coach of the Year in 1987. Kirchoffner coached two All-Americans in Bob Upgren and Dave Howell.

 Kirchoffner’s teams won 21 games twice (21-12 in 1986-87 and 21-8 in 1988-89). The 1985-86 team was 19-12. All three teams won state junior college championships. In 1986-87, BSC won the Region XIII championship and advanced to the NJCAA national tournament. Two years later the Mystics were region runners-up. Upgren was named second-team All-American after that season.

Twelve BSC players earned all-state or all-MonDak Conference titles under Kirchoffner, who is a member of the state amateur basketball Hall of Fame.

Volleyball

Staci Sprauer already was a decorated college athlete by the time she came to Bismarck State College, where she turned in an All-American season for the Mystics in 1994.

Sprauer, a native of Vancouver, Washington, played women’s played women’s basketball for four seasons at the University of Oregon. She left there as the school’s seventh-leading scorer and third in 3-point shooting percentage. She was an All-Pac 10 selection and named to the university’s All-Decade Team.

Sprauer had one year of eligibility to use and came to BSC to play volleyball. That team entered the postseason with a 28-9 record that included several matches against four-year schools. The Mystics were 19-4 against two-year schools.

Sprauer made the most of it by playing her way onto the NJCAA All-America team as an honorable mention selection.

Baseball

Woodmansee was Bismarck High graduate who excelled in basketball and baseball at BSC from 1962 to 1964 before pitching for two seasons at the University of Wyoming.

Before BSC, Woodmansee set pitching records in 1961 for the Bismarck Governors American Legion baseball team that still stand. He appeared in 24 games as a pitcher in 1961, starting 19 and tossing an incredible 17 complete games. His 162.2 innings is also still a record, as is his 173 strikeouts. His earned run average was 2.41.

At what was known then as Bismarck Junior College, Woodmansee starred in two sports. In baseball, he started 20 games in two years. He was 4-7 in two years and co-captain before heading to Laramie, Wyo., in 1964.

As a junior, Woodmansee started 10 games, and tied for the team lead with six wins (6-3) with three complete games. He had a 3.66 earned run average. As a senior, Woodmansee went 5-3 with a 2.90 ERA and wins over Arizona State, Colorado State and Brigham Young. He threw four complete games.

On a humorous note, Woodmansee points out he started his junior season at Wyoming with two losses in one day, one a completion of a delayed game, then getting in trouble early in the second game in a contest the Cowboys lost.

After graduation, Woodmansee taught school and served a stint in the military before returning home to teach and work at Woodmansee Book and Stationary before serving as president of the North Dakota Grocers Association for 32 years.  Meeting rooms at the North Dakota Heritage Center was named in his honor for his service to the NDGA in 2011.

Woodmansee was named to the North Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013 and his sports career continued as a radio announcer for 11 years with Jim Adelson, and for 28 years on KFYR and KBOM radio. His son, Scott, carries on the family radio broadcast tradition in Bismarck.

2022

A three-sport athlete originally from Sargent County, N.D., Deb Hoistad donned the Mystic uniform from 1975-77 for the volleyball, basketball and track teams.

During her time at BSC, the Mystics advanced to the NJCAA Region 6 Volleyball Tournament in Fergus Falls, Minn., and was crowned the NAAIAW JC/CC Region 6 Women’s Basketball champions, advancing to the NAIA tournament in Temple, Texas in

1976 and Vincennes, Ind., in 1977 with a first-round win. She was also named All-American in the high jump at the NJCAA Track Meet and qualified for the NAIA JC/CC National Track Meet. In 1977, Hoistad was one of 24 students selected to Who’s Who Among American Junior College Students.

Hoistad went on to play basketball for San Diego State University, where she was awarded the first major scholarship for an out-of-state recruit and was named the Most Outstanding Athlete for Women’s Basketball in 1979. She also played on the women’s North Dakota Amateur Basketball All-State team in 1982 and 1983, where she scored a career-high 43 points.

Hoistad has coached volleyball, basketball and track at the University of Mary in Bismarck and Center Public School in Center, N.D. During her coaching career, she was nominated for Female College Coach of the Year by the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association in 1980 and Region 8 Coach of the Year.

Originally from Bismarck, Jeff Schumacher graduated from Bismarck High School and attended both BSC and UND where he earned four-time All-American status in wrestling – twice at BSC and twice at UND. In 1984 he qualified for the NCAA Division I National Championships.

Schumacher began his wrestling coaching career at BSC in 1988 and was named National Coach of the Year in 1992. After coaching five years at BSC, he moved on to coach at Minot High School in Minot, N.D., and was also the head coach at UND in Grand Forks, N.D., for one season.

Since 1997, Schumacher has been coaching and teaching technical education at Bismarck Public Schools. He is currently the winningest coach in Class A High School with a 390-28-3 record and his teams have won 18 state team individual championships and 18 state dual team championships. Schumacher is a five- time finalist for the National High School Wrestling Coaches Award, a member of the North Dakota Wrestling Hall of Fame and a member of the ND State Coaches Hall of Fame.

A three-sport athlete, Hausauer played football, wrestled and competed in track and field for BSC from 1973-75. While on campus, he also played tuba, trombone and baritone for the concert and swing bands and sang in the concert choir.

After BSC, Hausauer continued his education at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) where he received his bachelor’s degree in history with minors in education, political science and business. While at MTSU, he threw shotput and discus. In 1992, Hausauer obtained his master’s degree in special education administration and supervision.

Hausauer began teaching and coaching in K-12 schools in 1978. At Bishop Ryan High School in Minot, he taught history, business and accounting and coached football, basketball and track. He also taught and directed special education and coached football and basketball at Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools in Clarksville, Tenn.

A Bismarck, N.D., native, Hausauer currently lives in Walling, Tenn.

2021

Masai Ujiri was an outstanding scorer and intense competitor for the Mystic basketball teams during the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons while playing for Coach Buster Gilliss. From Zaria, Nigeria, Masai helped lead the Mystics to Mon-Dak Conference and Region XIII Championships and a berth in the district championship game vs. Redlands Community College, Oklahoma, for a spot in the NJCAA National Tournament. He helped lead the Mystics to the nation’s best offensive team average of 107.2 points per game, second in the nation in team field goal percentage (59.6%), and team free throw percentage (73.6%) during the 1994-95 season while setting a school team win record of 24-8. 

Masai, a slasher-type player, averaged 12.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game his freshman season while leading the Mystics to a school record team wins of 23-8. The Mystics went back to back with team record wins as Masai scored 16.2 points, pulled down 5.0 rebounds, and handed out 5.5 assists his sophomore season while garnering All-Mon-Dak Conference First Team and All-Region XIII honors. Masai went on to play for Montana State University-Billings before playing overseas in Europe for six years with stops in Belgium, Germany, England, Greece, and Finland.

Masai went on to help coach both the Nigerian junior and senior national teams before becoming involved in the NBA in 2002 as a scout for the Orlando Magic and the Denver Nuggets. Masai worked his way up to assistant general manager for the Toronto Raptors in 2007, and in 2010 he became the first African born NBA general manager when he took over the operations of the Denver Nuggets. Masai returned to Toronto as the general manager and is responsible for assembling the Raptors first ever World Championship team in 2019. Masai is currently the President of Basketball Operations for the Toronto Raptors. Masai is involved with the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program and is the co-founder of the Giants of Africa organization. Ujiri was named 2012-13 NBA Executive of the Year as the general manager of the Denver Nuggets.

Steve Stacy was an outstanding scorer for the Mystic basketball teams during the 1981-82 and 1982-83 seasons while playing for Coach Bruce Meland. The Bismarck Saint Mary’s Central High School product averaged 24.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game his sophomore season and was selected North Dakota Junior College All-State Most Valuable Player, All-Region XIII First Team, and North Dakota Collegiate Athletic Conference First Team. Stacy, a team captain, led the four-year NDCAC league in scoring with 26.8 points per game, while pulling down 8.6 rebounds per contest, and shooting 84.4% from the foul line. His season high was 35 points, including six 3-pointers vs. Mayville State College. Stacy was named the Bismarck Quarterback Club Male College Athlete of the Year in 1982.

The 6’ 2” guard averaged 16.2 points per game as a freshman while shooting 51% from the field and 64% from the foul line. Stacy earned All-NDCAC Second Team and NDJC All-State Second Team honors his freshman season. After completing his AA degree in liberal arts, he went on to play at North Dakota State University for two seasons for Coach Erv Inniger and the Bison. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Oklahoma. Steve is employed with Great Western Petroleum Company in Denver as the Executive Vice President of Land and Business Development.

Albert Hairston Jr. was a dynamic guard on the 1981-82 and 1982-83 Mystic basketball teams for Coach Bruce Meland. The Dixmoor, Illinois, product was named to the NDJC All-State First Team and the North Dakota College Athletic Conference Second Team his sophomore season. Hairston, a team captain, was second in the NDCAC Conference in scoring with 22.8 points per game. He shot 46.5% from the field and 78% from the charity stripe while averaging 17.6 points per game on the season. The 5’ 9” sophomore point guard scored a season high 33 points in a conference win over Jamestown College.

Hairston averaged 16.2 points and 5.1 assists per game his freshman season while shooting 44% from the floor and 71% from the foul line. Hairston was named to the NDJC All-State Second Team. After completing his AA degree in liberal arts, Hairston transferred to play two seasons at North Dakota State University for Coach Erv Inniger and the Bison. 

Hairston, a resident of South Bend, Indiana, retired from the State of Indiana, where he was a reentry consultant in corrections, leading Indiana’s Reentry Program for job placements in 2012-2015. He received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award in 2007. A member of the Kiwanis International Club, he volunteers for the Corpus Christi School track program and the Project Impact Basketball Club Team. Albert was active in the North Dakota Special Olympics program while in college.

Wes Spotted Bear of Pryor, Montana, led the 2006-07 Mystic basketball team to the NJCAA Region 13 Championship and the district finals vs. Hamilton College, Nebraska. Hamilton College defeated the Mystics 120-92 advancing to the national tournament, later forfeiting the game to the Mystics for using an ineligible player. The 6’ 7” sophomore was named NJCAA All-American Second Team, Region 13 Most Valuable Player, and was selected First Team All-Mon-Dak Conference.

A crafty player, Spotted Bear helped lead the #11 nationally ranked Mystics to the top scoring position in the nation with a 102.1 points per game team scoring average. Wes averaged 18.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game his sophomore season, while starting all 33 games. Wes shot 49.3% from the field and 72.1 % from the foul line, while adding 105 assists, 42 block shots, and 40 steals. He scored 934 career points as a Mystic, averaging 10.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per contest his freshman season, starting 18 games for the Mystics. Spotted Bear received the Mystic Basketball Catalyst Award and was named Bismarck Quarterback Club Male Athlete of the Year in 2007.

Wes earned an AA degree in criminal justice from Bismarck State College before continuing his education at the University of Montana. His passion for basketball continued when he was named the head basketball coach at Little Big Horn College in Crow Agency, Montana, in 2015.

2019

Dave Clark was a two-sport athlete at Bismarck State College, participating in golf and basketball for the Mystics during the 1972-73 and 1973-74 seasons. 

The Bismarck St. Mary’s product played golf for Coach Ron Davy. The Mystics were the Mon-Dak Conference tournament champions both seasons. Dave was the medalist at the 1973 Mon-Dak Conference tournament as the Mystics claimed the Mon-Dak Conference Championship by 29 strokes. 

Dave played forward on the basketball team for Coach Bruce Meland, as the Mystics competed in the Mon-Dak Conference, as well as the always tough NDCAC Conference.  Dave had two solid seasons for the Mystics, playing in 53 games, scoring 427 points, and pulling down 150 rebounds. The Mystics won the Mon-Dak Conference and the ND State Junior College Championships in 1974 finishing 19-9 on the season. Dave earned an AA degree from Bismarck State College and transferred to University of Mary where he played basketball and earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

Dave began his 30-year career with Bismarck State College in the finance department in 1990 and worked his way up to the position of executive vice-president, the position he held at the time of his retirement. Dave is an avid supporter of Mystic athletics and has donated many hours working at the score table during basketball games. In addition, Dave was instrumental in the face lift of the Armory, securing the funding necessary to make improvements, which allows the Mystic teams to remain competitive within the conference and the region.

TJ McCauley was a prolific scorer for the Mystic basketball teams during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons, scoring 1348 points in two seasons for the Mystics. TJ is the current school record holder for points scored in one season – 886 points.

Recruited by Coach Buster Gilliss, the 6’ 2” combo guard helped lead the Mystics to an 8th place finish at the 2009 Division II National Basketball Tournament in Danville, IL, where he earned National All-Tournament Team honors. TJ was the first Mystic basketball player to receive back to back NJCAA All-American honors, earning First Team honors in 2009. In addition, he was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-American team and played in the 2009 NJCAA All-Star game in Odessa, TX.

A Lower Brule, S.D., product, TJ was named Region XIII player of the year for 2009, while averaging 23.9 points per game and was among the top five in the nation in points scored, assists, and steals. TJ helped lead the Mystics to back to back Region XIII Championships, the District 4 Championship in 2009, and the District 4 runner-up in 2008. TJ was twice named to the Mon-Dak All-Conference and All Region XIII teams. In addition, he was selected the Bismarck Quarterback Club Athlete of the Year for his two-year accomplishments.

2017

Mike Montgomery played basketball for the Mystics during the 1969-70 and 1970-71 seasons for Coach Bruce Meland. The Grand Forks, North Dakota, native set the school scoring record with 52 points during an 87-83 win over Northwest Community College of Powell, Wyoming. In setting that mark, Montgomery hit 23 of 40 field goals, while adding 6 of 6 free throws. Montgomery still holds four Mystic basketball records – most points in one game – 52, most free throws in one game – 21, most assists in one season – 278, and most career assists – 422. Montgomery helped lead the Mystics to the Mon-Dak Conference Championship, the North Dakota State Junior College Championship, and the NJCAA Region XIII Championship. Mike was a two-time All Mon-Dak Conference selection in 1970 and 1971 and earned NJCAA All Region XIII honors in 1971. 

The Mystics defeated Suomi Junior College, Michigan, 87-72 in the Region XIII title game to advance to the National Junior College Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. Montgomery led the Mystics over first round opponent, Hill Junior College of Texas, 88-76 while scoring 23 points. The Mystics finished an outstanding 22-12 season at the hands of Three Rivers Community College of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and finished ninth at the national tournament. Montgomery went on to play two seasons at University of North Dakota for legendary coach Dave Guenther. 

2016

Tanya Bullhead was an outstanding scorer and team player for the Mystics during the 1995-96 season. Tanya played for coach Janet Erhardt.

From Fort Yates, North Dakota, Tanya led the Mystics to a 15-15 record averaging 17.3 points, 6 assists, and 2.8 steals per game. The Mystics won the NDJC Title and the NJCAA Region XIII Championship by beating NDSU-Bottineau 88-69, while advancing to the district game where they were runners-up to Kankakee Community College.

Tanya’s awards included NJCAA All-American honors, NDJC All-State, All-Region XIII, Mon-Dak All Conference, Quarterback Collegiate Athlete of the Year, and the Mon-Dak Conference Academic Team.

Tanya went on to play for NCAA Division I Wright State University in Fairborn, Ohio.  Tanya was a two-year starter for the WSU Raiders of the Horizon League.

Basketball

The 1975-76 men’s basketball team was the third Mystic basketball team to advance to the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. Coach Bruce Meland’s squad finished with a 16-13 season record, despite playing for only the second season in the always tough North Dakota Collegiate Athletic Conference. The NDCAC was comprised of the five four-year NAIA teams – Jamestown College, Dickinson State, Mayville State, Minot State and Valley City State, along with Bismarck State and North Dakota State College of Science.

The Mystics defeated Williston State College 92-90 to claim the NDJC State Championship and Normandale (MN) Community College 79-75 in the Region XIII championship game to advance to the national tournament. The Mystics defeated Casper (WY) Community College 63-58 in the first round of the national tournament.

Columbia (TN) Community College defeated the Mystics 73-63 in the second round before the Mystics fell to Henry Ford (MI) College in their final game of the season.

Co-captains Dave Lawlor and Dave Albrecht were named to the All-Region Tournament Team, with Albrecht being named the Region XIII Tournament MVP.

2015

Jolene Lockwood was an outstanding scorer for the Mystic basketball teams during the 1996-1997 and 1997-1998 seasons. Jolene helped lead the Mystics to the Region XIII and District F Championships, and a berth in the 1998 NJCAA National Tournament in Hagerstown, Maryland, where the Mystics finished in 8th place. 

From New Town, North Dakota, Jolene led the Mystics to a 21-12 record averaging 17 points and 4.3 assists per game while earning Third Team All-American honors her sophomore season. Known for her long range shooting, Jolene set a NJCAA National Tournament record for three-point shots made in a single tournament game. She nailed 8 three-pointers while scoring 36 points in a consolation game victory 97-81 over Baltimore Community College.

Jolene was also named to the Mon-Dak Conference Team, NDJC All-State, and All-Region XIII Teams both her freshman and sophomore seasons. 

Wylee Bearstail was a prolific scorer for the Mystic basketball teams during the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons. Wylee helped lead the Mystics to the Region XIII and District 11 Championships and a berth in the 2001 NJCAA National Tournament in Danville, Illinois, where he received the Jack Cistriano Best Small Man MVP Award

From Mandaree, North Dakota, Wylee led the Mystics to a 20-13 season averaging 22.2 points per contest while earning First Team All-American honors his sophomore season.  Known for his long-range and consistent shooting, Wylee was one of the most versatile players to ever wear a Mystic uniform. He led the nation in scoring averaging 24.8  points per game his freshman season, while shooting 89% from the free throw line. Wylee scored 36 points, including 9 three-pointers in an opening game loss to eventual national champion Mott Community College at the 2001 National Tournament.

Wylee garnered NDJC and Region XIII honors his freshman and sophomore seasons, as well as Mon-Dak All-Conference First Team honors both years. He was named Region XIII MVP his sophomore season. Wylee finished his career at BSC scoring 1330 points in two seasons for the Mystics.

Harold Hammeren began his coaching career at Bismarck State College with the women’s basketball program during 1977-1978 and continued through 1987-1988. From Watford City, North Dakota, Harold graduated from Dickinson State University in 1965 while earning degrees in biology and physical education. He earned 12 varsity letters while competing for Dickinson State University in the sports of football, cross country, basketball, and track.

Harold led the 1977-1978 Mystic basketball team to BSC’s first ever North Dakota State Junior College State Championship by defeating Williston State College. The highlight of the 1978 season was a 75-65 victory over the University of North Dakota. During his tenure, two of Harold’s daughters, Fawn and Janelle, were key performers for the Mystics, as they competed in the always tough North Dakota College Athletic Conference.

Harold taught in California for one year before returning to Richardton, North Dakota, where he taught and coached football, basketball, and track for nine seasons. Harold moved to Bismarck in 1975 where he was the girls’ basketball and boys’ track coach and taught biology and physical education at Bismarck High School for 29 years.

He was inducted to the Dickinson State University Hall of Fame as Best Athlete of the Decade for 1960-1970 and also as part of three team inductions. 

2014

Doug Swenson was an outstanding scorer, rebounder, and prolific shot-blocker for the Mystic basketball teams during the 1995-96 and 1996-97 seasons.  Doug helped lead the Mystics to the Region XIII and District XI Championships and a berth in the NJCAA National Tournament in Danville, Illinois. He still holds the national tournament record of 30.5 points per game for the highest individual scoring average.

The Halliday, N.D., native averaged 22.9 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 5.9 blocked shots per contest while earning NJCAA First Team All-American honors his sophomore season.  He is well known for his ability to draw the defensive charge in the open court.  Doug was named to the Mon-Dak Conference and Region XIII Teams both years, and received Mon-Dak Conference and Region XIII Most Valuable Player honors his sophomore season.  He is the current school record holder of the most blocked shots in a season (195) and for the most blocked shots in a career (366).

Doug went on to play for Creighton University while leading the Blue Jays to the NIT tournament in 1998 and the NCAA tournament in 1999. He was a two-time Missouri Valley All-Conference player, Missouri Valley 6th Man of the Year in 1998, and he earned two-time Missouri Valley All-Defensive Team honors. He was selected to the NCAA Final Four All-Star Game in Orlando, Florida, in 1999, where he was chosen Most Valuable Player.

Doug signed a professional contract with the Chicago Bulls of the NBA.

LeRoy Nayes was not only a dear friend of Bismarck State College and a supporter of the Mystic athletic programs for many years; he was also a true American hero.

A native of Fingal, North Dakota, Nayes attended North Dakota Agricultural College (now NDSU) where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Chi fraternity and played on the fraternity’s championship basketball and softball teams. When war was declared in December of 1941, during his junior year, he and 11 others in his social fraternity enlisted. LeRoy was selected for navigator-bombardier training and received his wings and commission June 1944.

He became a crew member of a B-24 heavy bomber and arrived in southern Italy in October. On his 3rd mission to Linz, Austria, his plane was disabled by anti-aircraft flak and it was only able to make it back to northern Yugoslavia on the remaining two motors before the crew had to parachute from the plane. Four of the crew that landed in the Sava River and evaded capture or drowning were brought together by Tito Partisan in the next two days. After hiding in various places until the river froze over, a partisan was able to lead them into the safer mountains to a partisan camp. On the 35th day, the four survivors of LeRoy’s crew and another crew of ten were able to reach an emergency airfield and be airlifted back to Italy. After six weeks of recovery in Italian hospitals, LeRoy was returned to his air base and volunteered to continue flying 12 more missions, until the end of the war. All his personal effects and clothing, except what he had been wearing, were shipped back to the USA while he was missing in action. LeRoy was discharged from the Air Force as First Lieutenant three years to the day when he enlisted.

He returned to NDAC in January of 1946 and graduated in June of 1946. He earned a Master’s Degree from University of Minnesota in 1947. LeRoy enjoyed a 27-year career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, working for the Farmers Home Administration, including the national office in Washington, D.C. 

Godwin Owinje was an outstanding scorer and rebounder for the Mystic basketball teams during the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons.  The Warri Delta State, Nigeria, native led the Mystics to Mon-Dak Conference and Region XIII Championships and a berth in the District Championship game vs Redland (OK) Community College, as well as back to back school record wins for the Mystics 23-8 and 24-8, respectively. He helped the Mystics to the nation’s best offensive team average of 107.2 points per game during the 1994-95 seasons.

Godwin averaged 24.9 points per game while leading the nation in rebounding with 15.7 rebounds per contest. He was named NJCAA Second Team All-American and earned Mon-Dak Conference MVP and Region XIII MVP honors. He was a two-time Mon-Dak Conference and Region XIII selection, along with the Mon-Dak Conference Academic Team. Godwin is the current school record holder for the most rebounds in an individual game (26).

Godwin went on to play for Georgetown University and the legendary Coach John Thompson. He played overseas for five years in Spain before becoming a global scout for the NBA Milwaukee Bucks in 2007 and 2008 and the Phoenix Suns 2008 to 2010. He continues to do freelance scouting for five NBA teams 

Godwin owns and operates a real estate investment company in Maryland called Apex Capital Group LLC.  Godwin has played on and coached the Nigerian National Teams and he founded and operates RadarHoops International LLC, a basketball scouting service, in the Washington, D.C. area.

2013

Al Kunick played baseball for two seasons for the Mystics and Coach Bruce Meland. The Bismarck, N.D., native attended Bismarck State College from 1972-74 and graduated in 1974 with an AA degree. Kunick was twice selected to the Mon-Dak All-Conference and NJCAA Region XIII baseball teams. As team captain and MVP, he led the Mystics to the 1974 Region XIII Championship against Normandale (Minn.) Community College.

Kunick led the Mystics for two seasons in most of the hitting and pitching statistics. He claimed the Triple Crown for the club when he led them in homeruns, runs batted in, and batting average. Kunick also tied for hits and walks, playing in every game for the Mystics. The pitching department was all Kunick’s as he led the team in every category
and had a perfect conference record. Kunick was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the second round of the 1974 winter draft.

Kunick continued his education at Mayville State University, playing baseball for the Comets for two seasons, and graduating with a BS degree in Business Administration in 1976.

Kunick has been in the appraisal business since 1976, and is the owner of Kunick Appraisal Services in Bismarck.

Pamela Carlen Ihmels attended Bismarck State College from 1976-78 and was a standout for the Mystic volleyball, basketball, and track & field squads.  The Havana, ND, native was named to the 1977 NJCAA All-American Track & Field Team, while leading the Mystics to a third place finish at the NJCAA National Meet in Dodge City, KS.  Ihmels competed in the javelin, shot put, and the mile relay team for Coach Nancy Stavn.  The Mystics claimed the NJCAA Region XIII Titles in 1977 and 1978 and NDJC Track & Field Championship in 1977. 

Known for her tenacious rebounding ability, Ihmels helped lead the Mystics basketball team to the 1977 National AIAW Tournament in Vincennes, IN. They finished their season with a 20-8 record under Coach Dennis Jacobs.  The 1978 team, under the leadership of Coach Harold Hammeren, won the State Junior College Championship over NDSCS and advanced to the Region XIII Tournament. A season highlight was a 75-65 victory over the University of North Dakota.

Ihmels continued her athletic and academic career at North Dakota State University where she competed for the Bison in cross country, volleyball, basketball, and track & field.  Ihmels received her Bachelors Degree in Physical Education from NDSU.

Ihmels began teaching physical education with Bismarck Public Schools in 1981. Ihmels coached volleyball, basketball and track and field for Bismarck High School and spent two seasons as the volleyball coach at Bismarck State College.  Ihmels coached the 1985 Bismarck High School volleyball team to the State Class A Volleyball Championship.

Frank Bavendick lettered in track and field while attending Bismarck State College in 1949-50. Frank was a four-year letter winner in track, with his combined years at Bismarck State College and the University of North Dakota. He was the runner-up at the 1950 NDIAC Track & Field Championships while competing for the Mystics and Coach Woody Wilson. Frank continued his success at UND where he claimed the conference championship in the 440 yard dash.

Bavendick, a successful landman, with a career in oil and gas exploration, has been a trustee on the BSC Foundation Board for many years. Bavendick received BSC’s Distinguished Service Citation in 1983. He has been a generous supporter of Mystic athletics, and has established numerous athletic scholarships, which has allowed the Mystic programs to remain competitive.

Many organizations have benefited from Bavendick’s leadership and vision. His generous support helped fund the Salvation Army building, the soccer complex at the Bismarck Community Bowl and he also made the lead gift for the new YMCA Wellness Center.

Bavendick is the recipient of numerous awards including ND National Leadership Award of Excellence, UND Sioux Award, Landman of the Year from the ND Landman Association, Bismarck High School Hall of Fame, and the Century High School Hall of Fame. 

2012

Enos Baker was an outstanding scorer and rebounder for the Mystic men’s basketball team during the 1992-93 season. The New Town, North Dakota, native was named NJCAA First Team All-American while leading the Mystics to the school’s highest finish, sixth place, at the 1993 NJCAA National Tournament in Bay City, Michigan.

The Mystics’ team captain averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds per contest as he led the Mystics to a 22-13 season record and a District 6 Championship over Brown Mackie College, Kansas, to advance to the national tournament. Enos was named Region XIII Most Valuable Player as the Mystics defeated Mid-State Technical College, Wisconsin, for the Region XIII Championship. Enos was also named to the All-Region XIII Team, the Mon-Dak Conference Team, and was the MVP of the NDJC League. 

2011

Nancy Hardy competed for the Mystic women’s track team in 1979 & 1980. The Bismarck, N.D., native graduated from Bismarck High School in 1978, where she was crowned the 1978 State Class A High Jump Champion.  Hardy competed in the high jump and long jump events, and was a two-time NJCAA All-American for Coach Cynthia Graham.

Hardy was the 1980 NJCAA Region XIII High Jump Champion (5-5) after claiming runner-up high jump (5-4) and third place long jump (15-2½) Region XIII honors her freshman season.  Hardy qualified for the 1979 NJCAA National Outdoor Track and Field Meet in Eugene, Ore., her freshman season, with a national qualifying leap of 5-7. Hardy earned All-American honors, finishing fourth in the competition, clearing the bar at 5-5.

Hardy claimed fourth place high jump honors at the 1980 NJCAA National Indoor Track and Field Meet held in Columbia, Mo. Hardy won the long jump and high jump (5-4) at the All College State Indoor Meet hosted by NDSU, her sophomore season. Hardy also set the Dickinson State University Fieldhouse Record (5-5) at the Dickinson State University Invitational Meet.  In addition, Hardy claimed top honors in the high jump event her sophomore season at the NDJC State Meet (5-2) while helping to lead the Mystics to the NDJC State Championship. Hardy competed in the NJCAA Outdoor National Track and Field Meet her sophomore season held in San Angelo, Texas. Hardy claimed third place high jump honors by leaping 5-6, which earned her All-American status for the second straight year. Hardy was co-captain and named Most Valuable Jumper of the 1980 Mystic track team.

Donna Wallin was a forward on the Mystic women’s basketball team from 1977-79.  The Noonan, N.D., native was a two-time NDJC All-State player for coach Harold Hammeren.

Wallin, the team’s two-time MVP, was also chosen as the 1978 NDJC State Tournament MVP while leading the Mystics to the 1978 NDJC State Championship. The State Championship was the first ever for BSC.  Wallin earned All-Region XIII honors while leading the Mystics to a 16-9 season record and a third place finish at the 1978 Region XIII Tournament held in Hibbing, MN.

Wallin averaged 18.8 points and 10 rebounds per contest her sophomore season while leading the Mystics to a 1979 NDJC State Tournament runner-up finish and a 12-9 season record.

Wallin transferred to Minot State University where she was a starter and leading scorer for the Beavers for two seasons.  Wallin was All-Conference and was captain of the 1980-81 MSU team which claimed the NDCAC Championship.

2010

Paul Swanson was a coach, instructor, and department chair at Bismarck State College from 1956-1987. The Sheyenne, North Dakota, native attended Concordia College where he played football and basketball for two seasons before transferring to Jamestown College. Paul played basketball for the Jimmies while pursuing a B.A. Degree in Mathematics, which he received in 1948. Paul earned his Master’s Degree in Mathematics with a Minor in Physical Education from the University of North Dakota in 1954.

Paul was the Mystics’ head football coach in 1956.  His team opened up that season with a 25-7 victory over the Minot State University Beavers. Paul coached the men’s basketball team from 1958-1960 and was also an assistant basketball coach under Coach Bruce Meland for 12 seasons. Paul was well respected for his coaching abilities and knowledge of the game. Paul served as the mathematics and engineering department chair and was well known as an outstanding mathematics instructor.

Don began his association with the Mystic football teams when he served as the offensive line coach from 1971-1976 and was the offensive coordinator from 1976-1978.  Don has continued his involvement with the athletic department since 1979, working the scorer’s table for football and basketball.  Don has donated numerous hours over the years as the Mystics’ official scorer for basketball games.  Don has been a mathematics faculty member at Bismarck State College since 1971 and he has received numerous teaching awards, including the Burlington Northern Teaching Award, BSC Faculty Achievement Award, Adjunct Faculty Award for Excellence, Crystal Apple Award for Higher Education, and the AMATYC Central Region Teaching Excellence Award.

Bruce Meland was a coach and physical education instructor at Bismarck State College from 1967-1983.  Bruce coached student-athletes in the sports of basketball, baseball, and golf during his 16-year career with Mystic athletics.  He is best known for his outstanding basketball teams, which reached national prominence.  The Driscoll, North Dakota, native graduated from Bismarck State College in 1957 and received his B.S. Degree in Physical Education from Valley City State University in 1959.  Bruce was a southpaw hurler on the first BSC baseball team before transferring to play two seasons for the Valley City State University Vikings.   Bruce received his Master’s Degree in Physical Education and Administration from the University of North Dakota in 1963.

Coach Meland’s 1970-71 basketball team finished in 8th place at the NJCAA National Tournament and was one of the three teams he led to the national tournament during his tenure.  Coach Meland was named NJCAA Region XIII Coach of the Year in 1975-76.

Among his honors, Bruce was named to the North Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame and he was also the recipient of the first Outstanding Coach in the Field Award from Valley City State University.  Coach Meland received recognition in 1976 from Valley City State University for reaching the Coaches 100 Club for 100 or more victories during his coaching career.

2009

Ed Hasche was an integral part of the Bismarck Junior College athletic programs from 1968-1979. The Hettinger, N.D., native graduated from Valley City State University in 1960, where he competed in football, baseball and wrestling for the Vikings.  Ed received his Master’s Degree in Physical Education from the University of North Dakota in 1967. Ed coached student-athletes in track, cross country, wrestling and football, while teaching in the Physical Education and Health Department.

Ed coached the track team to six straight Mon-Dak Conference Championships and three NJCAA Region XIII Championships. Many of Ed’s track athletes qualified for the National Track and Field Championships and he coached numerous All-Americans. Ed was named Region XIII Track Coach of the Year in 1971 and 1979. Ed coached the cross country team to two Mon-Dak Conference Championships. Ed was the co-head wrestling coach for two seasons, claiming a Mon-Dak Conference championship. Ed also re-started the BJC football program in the fall of 1971, which he coached for seven seasons. 

Darrell Anderson, a Bismarck, N.D. native, was a stand-out cross country and track athlete for Bismarck Junior College during the 1973-74 and 1974-75 seasons.  Darrell was a two-time NJCAA national cross country and track qualifier, while twice earning All-Region XIII and All-Mon-Dak Conference honors in cross country. Darrell set school records in the indoor mile (4:20.5), the 3,000-meter steeplechase (9:36.0) and the 5,000-meter run (15:30.7).

Darrell was the head cross country and track coach at Bismarck Junior College from 1983-85. Darrell produced 14 individual national qualifiers, along with two relay teams. Darrell led his cross -ountry team to the NJCAA nationals and coached eight NJCAA All-Americans and one national champion. Darrell was twice named Region XIII Coach of the Year.

His teams have won 19 state track championships in cross-country (10) and track (9). He has been named North Dakota High School Track Coach of the Year 11 times and his cross country teams have claimed six state Class A cvhampionships. Darrell is a three-time National High School Track Coach of the Year finalist. In 2012, he was given the rare honor of being named national boys cross country coach and national boys high school track coach of the year. 

Susie Ekberg was an outstanding scorer and rebounder for the Mystic women’s basketball team during the 1979-80 season. The Bismarck, N.D., native was named to the NJCAA All-Region XIII and NDJC All-State Teams while averaging 24.1 points and 14.6 rebounds per game. Susie was selected to play in the 1980 NJCAA East-West All-Star Game in Hutchinson, Kans.  Susie currently holds Mystic basketball records for Most Rebounds in One Game (22), most blocked shots in a season (85) and most rebounds in a season (379). Susie was named the Bismarck Quarterback Club’s Outstanding College Female Athlete in 1980.

Susie went on to play for Concordia College where she helped lead the Lady Cobbers to the 1982 AIAW Division III National Championship her senior season. Susie averaged 15.5 points and 8.8 during her career at Concordia and was named to the AIAW All-America team in 1981 and 1982. Susie also was named to the 1981 AIAW All-Region team.  Susie was inducted into the Concordia College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.

2008

Dr. Kermit Lidstrom was president of Bismarck State College from 1977-1995. The Mandan, N.D., native received a B.S. Degree from North Dakota State University in 1954. He later obtained his M.A. Degree from John Carroll University in 1971 and his Doctorate of Education Degree from Nova University in 1976. Dr. Lidstrom’s achievements include the development of the BSC Foundation and reorganization of the BSC National Alumni Association. Dr. Lidstrom was instrumental in the expansion of the campus along with campus beautification projects. He played a leading role in securing private funding, initiating a capital campaign, and seeking state funding to build the Jack Science Center. During his tenure, Dr. Lidstrom worked closely with the athletic department giving of his administrative support. He still maintains his relationship with the Mystic Athletic Club and attends games regularly as an avid fan

Ed Kringstad retired as athletic director from Bismarck State College in 1999 after 33 years of service.  He coached hundreds of athletes in the sports of tennis, cross country, golf, and wrestling. Ed was also a faculty member, teaching dance with his wife, Faye, for more than 30 years. Coach Kringstad, as he was known, has won many, many coaching awards too numerous to mention. He was inducted into the NJCAA National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Valley City State University Hall of Fame. After leaving BSC, Ed continued to serve as a North Dakota state senator retiring from that position in 2006. Ed and Faye currently reside at Lake Isabel, south of Dawson, N.D.

Jim Kautzman, known to everyone as Katz, was the equipment manager for the Mystic athletic teams from 1972-2008. The Mandan, N.D., native graduated from Bismarck Junior College with an A.A. Degree in 1966. He went on to graduate from Dickinson State Teacher’s College in 1969 with a B.S. Degree in Secondary Education. Katz was involved with the Mystic and Savage athletic teams while in college. Katz worked with hundreds of student-athletes over the years, while becoming a legend at Bismarck State College. He is best known for his baseball glove repairing skills. His loyalty and dedication to Mystic athletics is second to none. In addition to his duties at BSC, Katz was a volunteer in the community with the youth football program for many years. 

2007

Don Prouty lettered in football, basketball and baseball while attending Bismarck Junior College during the 1956-57 and 1957-58 seasons. The Washburn, N.D., native was named to the NJCAA All-Region XIII team in basketball while averaging 18.5 points per game and leading the Mystics to a Region XIII runner-up finish.

Don scored 303 points his freshman year finishing as the fourth-leading scorer in the NDIC and scored 292 points his sophomore season to finish second in the NDIC scoring. He was third in the NDIC in scoring in football his freshman season and was twice named the Quarterback Club Most Competitive Athlete.

Don went on to play basketball for Dickinson State College from 1958-60. Despite a back injury, resulting in surgery, Don continued to play basketball and averaged 12.5 points per game for the Savages.

Ralph Werner was a man who wore many hats at Bismarck Junior College during his tenure. The Burlington, N.D., native received his BA degree from Minot State University and his MS degree from the University of North Dakota. Werner began his career at BJC in 1941 as a business education instructor. From 1943-46 he served in the U.S. Air Force, before returning to BJC to become registrar; and in 1948 the title of business manager was added to his duties.  Ralph Werner became the assistant to the dean in 1958, acting dean in 1961 and was named dean the following year.  His title was changed to president in 1967.  

Ralph was associated with the junior college movement on the regional level and was the first North Dakotan named to the executive committee of the Council of North Central Junior Colleges, serving from 1973-76. Werner’s other duties included athletic director and NJCAA District & Regional Vice President, representing Region XIII from 1954-56. He was a great supporter of the faculty, staff, students and athletics and traveled with the basketball team as one of the drivers and handled the meals for the squad. erner retired in 1977 after 36 years of association with Bismarck State College. 

 1953-1954 Men's
 Basketball Team

Basketball

The college’s 1954 basketball squad was the first Mystic team to advance to the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.  Coach Cliff Nygard’s squad finished with an impressive 17-5 record while claiming the NDIC Championship.  A season high-light included a Mystics upset victory over Northern State of Aberdeen.   NJCAA All-American Warren Arman led the Mystics in scoring and also finished as the NDIC Conference second leading scorer.

This successful season culminated in a Region XIII Championship that was a result of a win over Virginia Junior College of Minnesota.  The Mystics’ season ended in Hutchinson, Kansas, being defeated by Hannibal-LaGrange College of Missouri and Brewton-Parker College of Georgia.

Team members: Warren Arman, Gene "Rusty" Cook, Ev Miller, John Campagna, Jim Anderson, Dick Addington, Jerry Schafer, Dean Koon, Gene   Koon, Neal Buechler, Perl Keys, Burt Siems, Head Coach Cliff Nygard and Assistant Coach Dick Karlgaard

2006

Marv Dutt lettered in both baseball and basketball while attending Bismarck State College from 1957-59. The Bismarck, N.D., native was selected to the 1959 NJCAA All-American Baseball Team as a pitcher

Marv went on to play baseball and basketball for the University of Arizona and lettered in both sports during the 1959-61 seasons and signed a professional contract in 1961 with the Houston Colt 45s and played in the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves systems from 1961-67.

Rob Ford played baseball for Bismarck State College during the 1992 season.

Rob was a catcher/shortstop and led the Mystics to the 1992 NJCAA World Series in Jamestown, N.Y. The Hazen, N.D., native led the Mystics”with four home runs and 20 RBIs while earning NJCAA All-American honors. He was also named to the NDJC All-State and NJCAA All-Region XIII teams. 

2005

Brock Lesnar wrestled for Bismarck State College during the 1996-1997 and 1997-1998 seasons. He was the 1998 NJCAA National Champion in 275-pound weight class and was a two-time NJCAA All-American before continuing his wrestling career at the University of Minnesota. Brock was twice named to the NJCAA All-Region XIII team and had a 56-3 record for the Mystics. He was a two-time NCAA All-American and posted a collegiate mark of 106-5.

After winning an NCAA Division I national championshi, Lesnar has competed in the World Wrestling Federation, fought in UFC's mixed martial arts, tried out for the Minnesota Vikings and returned to the professional wrestling ranks.

Brock is a native of Webster, S.D.

1995

Dave Albrecht played basketball and golf for the Mystic from 1974-76. He averaged 12.2 points per game as a freshman and 18.6 as a sophomore while helping the Mystics to NDJC state and Region XIII titles and a berth in the NJCAA national tournament.

The 1975-76 team, also enshrined in the BSC Athletic Hall of Fame, was the third Mystic basketball team to advance to the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. The team finished with a 16-13 season record, despite playing for only the second season in the always tough North Dakota Collegiate Athletic Conference. The NDCAC was comprised of the five four-year NAIA teams – Jamestown College, Dickinson State, Mayville State, Minot State and Valley City State, along with Bismarck State and North Dakota State College of Science.

Dave was named to the NDJC All-State team and was NDCAC honorable mention. He was named Region XIII Player of the Year in 1976. Dave holds the school record for most assists in a game with 13 against North Dakota State College of Science in 1976. He averaged 6.1 assist per game as a sophomore and was team captain. 

Dave was named to the All-Region XIII and All-NDCAC golf teams. He qualified for the NJCAA national golf tournament in 1976.

Bob Upgren played basketball and tennis for the Mystics from 1987-89. He was selected All-Mon-Dak Conference, All-NDJC, All-State and All-Region XIII in 1988 and 1989. Bob was named to the 1989 NJCAA All-America team. He was the NDJC tournament Most Valuable Player and the Region XIII Player of the Year. Bob was a team captain both seasons. He still holds seven school records: most points in a season and career; most free throws in a season and career; and most 3-pointers in a season and career and highest 3-point percentage in a season at 59 percent his sophomore year. Bob was a second-team All-American and named Bismarck Quarterback Club College Athlete of the year 1989.

Bob was a two-time All-Region XIII selection and a two-time Region XIII tennis champion. He advanced to the NJCAA nationals in 1988 and 1989. His career record was 30-2 with both losses at the national tournament where he was 3-2 in two years. Bob led the Mystics to the Region XIII tennis championships in 1988 and 1989. He was the regional doubles champion 1988

After BSC, Bob played basketball at Northern State University where he played in back-to-back national tournaments. He joined the Northern State University 1,000-point club in only two years and was named All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in 1990 and 1991.

Bob went on to play basketball internationally in Germany, Netherlands, Denmark and Thailand. He was in the second class to be induced into the NDABI Hall of Fame. He is the founder of the largest sports ministry in the Upper Midwest and now uses sports as a platform to mentor thousands of young people athletically and spiritually.

1994

Inducted into the BSC Hall of Fame in 1994 for cross-country (1977), volleyball (1976), basketball 1976-1978 and track and field (1976-1978).

In 1977, the women’s basketball team qualified for the NJCAA national tournament in Vincesnnes, Ind. In 1978, the women’s basketball team won the NDCAC state basketball championship and finished runner-up in the regional tournament.

Becky ran two years on the track and field team (1976-1978), finishing first as a team in the NDCAC for both years. Becky finished second in the 800 meter run, as well as fifth in the two-mile at the NJCAA national meet where the team finished third in the nation.

Becky continued her athletic career at NDSU from 1978-1981. She was inducted in to the NDSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996 for cross-country, basketball and track and field. She was the first women’s North Central Conference track and field champion from NDSU. She claimed the 3,000 and 5,000 meter titles in 1979. She also claimed three titles in the 1979 Minn-Kota Conference Championships. Becky was a two-time Minn-Kota Conference champion in Cross-country, she claimed top 25 national finishes in 1979 and 1980.

Becky has made several coaching and teaching stops in North Dakota, Montana and Minnesota. She coached Cross-country, and indoor/outdoor Track and Field at Mankato State University where her Women’s Cross-country team placed third in the nation in 1987. She acquired her masters degree in 1989 from Mankato State. In 1994, Becky was inducted in the North Dakota Athletic Hall of Fame in Jamestown, N.D.

Becky continues to teach at Bismarck State College. She resides in Bismarck with her family, all proud alumni of BSC. Becky thanks Bismarck State College for everything over the years.

John Campagna played basketball and football for the Mystics. He was co-captain for both sports. John played guard and was a key member of the 1953-54 basketball team that shared the NDIC championship and won the Region XIII championship, advancing to the NJCAA national tournament. He averaged 14.7 points and 6 rebounds a game.

John was named to the All-NDIC team, the North Dakota College All-State and Region XIII all-tournament teams. John also was an outstanding football player. John completed his collegiate athletic career at North Dakota State where he started at forward in basketball and earned all-North Central Conference honors in football.

Following college, John was named to two North Dakota Amateur Basketball all-state teams while playing for two state championship team. 

Al Lick played basketball for the Mystics and head coach Robert “Goose” Johnson from 1961-1963 after graduation from Bismarck High School. Lick averaged 14.2 points a game as a freshman and jumped to 23.1 points as a sophomore. Al was named to the NDIAC All-Conference team in 1963 after leading the Mystics to a third-place finish at the NJCAA Region XIII tournament. The Mystics team captain and Most Valuable Player in 1963 was named to the All-Region XIII and All-Region XIII tournament teams.

Al went on to play for two seasons at Dickinson State University where he was captain of the North Dakota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference co-championship team. After his collegiate plying career, Al continued to compete and excel in basketball at the amateur level. He played more than 20 State Amateur Basketball Tournament state championship teams and was named to many all-state teams and earned several Most Valuable Player Awards. He was inducted into the North Dakota Amateur Basketball Hall of Fame. Al also is a member of the North Dakota Officials Hall of Fame for his 20-plus years officiating basketball and football.

Kent Ness competed for the Mystics wrestling team from 1976-78. Kent was a two-time All-American, winning the NJCAA championship at 112 pounds in 1978. Kent carried a 57-4-2 career record and was 25-0 during the 1977-78 season. He was the team captain and voted the team’s Outstanding Wrestler for two seasons.

Kent was a two-time NDCAC and Region XIII champion. He holds the team record for takedowns in a match with 11.  After his BSC career, Kent wrestled at North Dakota State where he won a North Central Conference championship. He is a member of the North Dakota Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Russ Anderson was an assistant coach at Bismarck State College for nine years under Robert “Goose” Johnson and Bruce Melland. Anderson was a two-time All-North Central Conference player (1936-37) for North Dakota State University. A conference scoring champion, he was the high-point man in NDSU’s 33-29 basketball win over the University of Minnesota Gophers in the 1936-37 season. Some media accounts claim Anderson played high school basketball at age 7. 

Amderson played semi-pro basketball with the Bismarck Phantoms, which defeated the Harlem Globetrotters. He scored a team-high 10 points for the Phantoms in a 48-30 loss to the Philadelphia Sphas in the 1940-41 World Basketball Tournament.

Anderson also played with the touring House of David team in the U.S. and Mexico. He was inducted into the NDSU Hall of Fame in 1973. After a brief stint of coaching and military service, he owned G.P. Sporting Goods in Bismarck. 

Robert “Goose” Johnson coached the Mystics basketball team from 1961-67. His teams won four straight Mon-Dak Conference titles, while winning a school record 45 straight games. Robert’s coaching record was an impressive 106-35. His teams were Region XIII runners-up three times. He also coached BSC baseball for four seasons, during which the Mystics won four championships.

Robert was the Fargo Parks and Recreation director for 25 years from 1970 to 1996. A memorial in his honor was placed was place in Lindenwood Park on his retirement honoring his dedication to the Fargo Park District.

In 2010, as NDSU prepared to host its first NCAA Division I Football Championship Series playoff game at the Fargodome, The Forum newspaper published an editorial detailing the important role Johnson, the “Father of the Fargodome” had played in the getting the Fargodome built, saying the parks director was “the visionary” behind the Fargodome. Johnson’s believed a facility like that would change the city and his frenetic enthusiasm energized city leaders to get it done.

Robert played baseball and basketball at Valley City State University, graduating in 1958. He was a three-time letterman as a pitcher and was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a three-time all-conference selection in basketball and was team captain his senior year. Robert was inducted into the Valley City State Hall of Fame in 1990.

Dick Karlgaard was the football coach at Bismarck State College for nine seasons and coached baseball for six years. He served as the assistant basketball coach for five years and in his spare time, he coached baseball at the North Dakota State Penitentiary.

Dick was athletic director at Bismarck Public Schools from 1962 to 1990 and served as athletic interim director at Bismarck State College in 1995 and athletic director at Dickinson State beginning in 1996. He was inducted into the North Dakota State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

The Fargo native and son of Norwegian immigrants is a member of the North Dakota Athletic Directors Hall of Fame, North Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame and North Dakota High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

He earned the National High School Athletic Coaches Association National Athletic Director of the Year Award, North Dakota Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Special Achievement Award, National Council of Secondary Schools national Athletic Director of the Year award and the National Federation of State High School Associations Award of Merit.

Dick was an all-state player in football and the American Legion Baseball state tournament MVP in 1945. After his retirement in 1995, Dick stayed busy as a public address announcer at hundreds of football and basketball games and track meets.

Cliff Nygaard coached the Bismarck State College men’s basketball team from 1952-58 and started the school’s baseball team in 1958. Nygaard’s 1954 basketball team shared the NDIAC title with North Dakota State College of Science and won the Region XIII 13 championship. The Mystics advanced to the NJCAA national tournament where it lost 83-81 and 80-76. His overall coaching record at BSC was 73-79.

Cliff also is in the North Dakota State, North Dakota Officials and American Legion Baseball halls of fame. He served as Legion Baseball state chairman for 24 years and officiated football and basketball for 33 years. He was elected to the Officials Hall of Fame in 1970 and the NDSU Hall of Fame in 1984.

A native of Edinburg, N.D., Cliff was a three-year basketball letterwinner for the Bison in 1939-42. He played on three consecutive North Central Conference champion teams and earned All-NCC honors as a guard in 1942. He also lettered for three years in track and was the school’s student body president his senior year.

Cliff served as an associate scout for the New York Yankees and was prominent in American Legion baseball in North Dakota. He organized and ran every state tournament and six regional tournaments during his tenure.

1993

Rick Patchen wrestled for legendary Bismarck State College coach Ed Kringstad for two years, 1973-74 and 1974-75.

A Bismarck native, Patchen came through the Bismarck High Demons wrestling program before becoming a Mystic. He was inducted into the BSC Athletic Hall of Fame with two other BSC wrestlers in 1993. After his career, Patchen was a longtime employee at Sherwin Williams in Bismarck.

Patchen's brother, Mark, was a Mystic football player and his uncle, Russ, was on the track and field and football teams.

Michael Blaske posted a 54-9 career record while wrestling for the Mystics from 1981-83. Mike was 32-1 as a sophomore when he won the NJCAA 190-pound national championship. He was the NDCAC and Region XIII champion both years and set school records for team points in a season (160.75), season near falls (43) and career near falls (65).

Mike was a two-time NJCAA and two-time NCAA II All-American. After his BSC career, Mike went 61-19-1 at Cal State-Bakersfield, including two runner-up finish at the NCAA II national tournament.

Gary Hoffman wrestled for the Mystics from 1972-74, compiling an impressive 66-1 record. Gary won two NJCAA national championships and was named to the NJCAA All-America first team. Gary became the first junior college athlete to win the North Dakota Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association College Male Athlete of the Year award after his sophomore season.

Gary set school records in most consecutive wins (41), career takedowns (135) and tournament victories (34). Gary won his weight class in every tournament he entered while competing for the Mystics. He was inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 1990. Gary set the North Dakota high school pin record of 60 while wrestling for Ashley High School. He won high school state title at 145 and 155 pounds and collegiate titles at 150 and 158 pounds. He coached high school wrestling in Ashley.

Gary was inducted into the North Dakota Wrestling Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. 

1992

Warren Arman was the first inductee intoi the Bismarck State College Athletic Hall of Fame. He was an All-NDIAC performer, North Dakota College All-State Team member and was selected to the NJCAA Region XIII Team and the Region XIII All-Tournament Team. Warren also was BSC's first NJCAA All-American selection.