Evan Gagnon

     Evan Gagnon was an outstanding line coach for the Beaver Dam football teams for 13 years.  The Beavers won four consecutive championships in 1954 – 1957 during this time.

     In 1955 Evan was appointed assistant track/field coach.  The following year he became the head coach and continued in that position for 15 years.  His track teams won five Beaver Dam Invitational track meets, three Ripon Invitational track meets and one Little Ten Conference Championship.  Evan also helped the high school’s girls swim team for 22 years as a timer and judge at their home meets.

      After he retired from coaching track/field, Evan toured the state as an official starter for meets at the conference, regional and sectional levels.  The WIAA appointed him a head starter at the state track meet after 10 years of officiating. 

      Evan was the advisor of the high school’s Badger Girls State program which eventually led to 11 recipients in one year receiving the award to attend the state program.

      Evan Gagnon graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh in 1951.  While at the university he lettered twice in football and earned four letters in track/field.  As a senior he was the team captain, president of the university’s lettermen’s club and for two years was the conference shot put champion and discus runner-up.

      His teaching career started in Campbellsport High School in 1951 where he coached football, basketball and baseball.  He was the school’s Teacher of the Year in 1952.

     In 1954 he moved to the Beaver Dam Unified School District and taught history for 34 years.  In 1986 Evan was selected as the high school’s Teacher of the Year.

Dania Marie Douglas

      A determined athlete in high school, Dania Douglas received two letters in swimming, one in gymnastics and four in track/field.  Her honors include a school record in the discus, a three time Little 10 Conference Champion in the discus and once in the shot-put. Dania went to the WIAA state competition three times placing, second, third and sixth in the discus.  In   1994 she was selected the Beaver Dam Senior Female Athlete of the Year.  Dania attended the USA Track & Field Youth Athletic Championships, AAU National Junior Olympics, and Badger State Games where she successfully competed in discus, shot-put and javelin.

     In high school Dania was involved in the Mock Trial Team, Debate Team, Band & Marching Band, National Honor Society, American Field Service – Student Chapter and in 1994 won the Hartwig Scholarship for Excellence in History.

     Dania attended Wake Forest University and then the College & Mary graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in government in 1999.  She lettered in Track/Field at both schools and had great success in the discus and shot-put field events.  Dania received the Scholar Athlete Award in the Atlantic Coast Conference and Colonial Athletic Association.  Dania was the Colonial Athletic Association’s shot-put champion and runner-up in the discus. of William

     Dania is actively involved with the National Association of the Deaf in Washington, DC.  She has displayed humanitarian efforts in helping several organizations with legal advice and coached for several years at

Gallaudet in Track/Field events.  Gallaudet is the world’s only liberal arts university for deaf and hard of hearing students.  In 2004 she received the Gallaudet Athletic Department Award for Appreciation of Volunteer Service. University University

Jason Gonnion

     Jason Gonnion was a versatile three-sport athlete winning three letters in football as a quarterback.  He was selected 2^nd team all-conference in 1987, team captain and first team all-conference in 1988 and a South All-Star team member during the summer of 1989.  He played basketball for four years winning two varsity letters and one varsity letter in track/field.

     Jason was a member of the National Honor Society, a Special Olympics volunteer, a participant in the International Science Fair as a freshman, cast member of the Spring Musical (The Pajama Game) and attended Badger. Boys State

     Jason attended UW-Madison for two years and graduated from UW-LaCrosse in 1995 with a BS degree in Sports Management.  While at UW-LaCrosse he led the football team to a Division III National Championship in 1992.  In 1992 he was first team all-conference and first team All-American.  In 1993 Jason was a preseason All-American, selected team captain, conference player of the year and first team WIAC all-conference.  After graduation Jason played semi-professional football in Sweden and Germany.

     In 1998 Gonnion received a Masters Degree in Physical Education from the University of Minnesota.  While teaching at several different high schools after graduation, he coached football, Nordic skiing, and boys and girls golf.  

Arndorfer-McDonald

An all around athlete known for her hustle and determination, Arndorfer-McDonald lettered in volleyball, basketball, track, and cross country during her high school years. Her volleyball team won the regional championship in 1982; in basketball she won two letters. In 1984 she also was co-captain, defensive player of the year, team MVP, second team All-Conference and received the Ms. Hustle award.

Running was her specialty winning five letters in cross country and track. In 1983 and 1984 her cross country team won the Little Tem Conference championship. She was the first team all conference, best first year runner and won the Spirit Award in 1983. In 1984 she qualified for state, made first team all conference, voted MVP, and again won the Spirit Award. In track, she won the 1 mile run (indoor), setting a new record as a sophomore. As a junior she was on a two mile relay team that set a school record. In 1985, the track team won the Little Ten Indoor Conference Championship.

Other awards she received in high school included the American Legion Auxiliary School Athlete Award, BDSHS Excellence in Athletics (senior female athlete) and the US Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award.

Arndorfer-McDonald graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL in 1989. She tried out and made the basketball team her sophomore year, also played as a junior, and was selected team captain her senior year.

Barbara, her husband Matt, and two children, reside in Northfield, Minnesota. She has been employed for 17 years by Fidelity National Information Service.

Mike's daughters accepting plaque

"Mike" Shaffer came to Beaver Dam from Richland Center where he successfully coached footbal, basketball, and track for six years. In 1929 his football team was the champion of the Southwestern Wisconsin Conference, and his basketball team took consolation honors at state. In 1930 his basketball team won the Southwestern Wisconsin Conference championship.

He came to Beaver Dam in 1932 as a physical education teacher. In Beaver Dam, he coached the football teams from 1932 to 1943, with the 1932 and 1934 teams winning the Little Ten Championship. He also coached the varsity track teams for 23 years where his teams were always a conference contender. In 1955 Shaffer was named the school district's Physical Education Director.

His proudest accomplishment was establishing the elementary school track program for boys and girls. He was honored in 1985 on the 50th anniversary of the grade school track program. He also worked for the community's summer recreation program for many years and he coordinated the activities which included crafts and competitions.

In 1921 he graduated from the Township High School in Pleasant Prairie, IL. From 1921-1923 he attended Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois where he participated in football and baseball. He then attended the University of Illinois where in 1926 he received his bachelor's degree. While at the university, he played basketball and was on the track team. He received his Master's Degree in 1945 from the University of Wisconsin.

Mr. Shaffer continued to live in Beaver Dam after his retirement and passed away in 1997. He was 95.

Floyd R. Henschel

Floyd R. Henschel taught in the Beaver Dam School district for 30 years and served as a role model and developer of young men and women. He had enthusiasm for coaching and coached several sports within the district: assistant High School Varsity Basketball; 8th grade girls basketball; 7th grade flag football, and for many years coached the 9th grade football team. He enjoyed teaching the fundamentals involved in athletics, stressing sportsmanship, and accountability to his teams. He also found it gratifying to observe the athletes as they matured and excelled in sports.

Henschel graduated in 1952 from Kiel High School and lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. His senior year he was the Eastern Wisconsin conference basketball scoring champion. In September of 1952 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country during the Korean Conflict. He received an honorable discharge in 1955. He graduated from Lakeland College in 1960 and lettered all four years in football, basketball, and baseball. In 1960 he held his first teaching position in Edgerton, WI where he taught science and coached football, volleyball, basketball, and tennis for three years. In 1968 he was inducted into Lakeland College's Hall of Fame.

Along with athletics, Henschel established high expectations in the classroom as a science teacher, and lead the school district's science fair for 25 years. In 1963-1966 he was selected to participate in a summer science institute at Illinois Wesleyan University which was supported by the National Science Foundation. Henschel was awarded a Master of Science degree in 1966. He also developed and taught an evironmental course for eighteen summers which allowed Beaver Dam students to have an appreciation for their surroundings.

Dave Berg

During Dave Berg's high school athletic career he received three varsity letters in football, two in basketball, and three in track and field. In football he was the team's co-captain and scored five touchdowns in a victory over Ripon. In track and field, he ran a 10 flat 100 yard dash, the 220 yard dash in 24.2 seconds, long jumped 20' 4", and helped set a school record in the 880 yard relay team with a time of 1:34.4. Dave also played center field for the Beaver Dam Legion team that won consecutive Rock River American Legion championships in 1962 and 1963.

Dave received a football scholarship to play for the University of Wisconsion. In 1965 and 1966 he lettered playing as a defensive back. He was one of three captains chosen for Coach Milt Bruhn's last game at UW. He later played one season on a football scholarship at Tampa University in Florida.

Dave was a Little League coach in Beaver Dam for ten years. He also excelled as a high school basketball and baseball official including numerous state tournament appearances. In 1991 he was recognized as Wisconsin Umpire of the Year by the NFIOA.

Shirley Lunde

Jim was an outstanding high school football tackle for three years and played on Beaver Dam High School's conference championship team in 1944. He was an all conference and all state football player in 1945. That summer, he was chosen to play on the first North/South All Star High School football game.

Jim Lunde was a successful business owner and entrepreneur in Beaver Dam. Along with a small group of investors, he erected Campus Inn Best Western Motel, Walker's Restaurant, and Mr. Steak (now Benvenuto's). In 1956 he started in the gasoline service station business and continued until his retirement. He served as an alderperson for the city of Beaver Dam, and was a member of the city's Fire and Police Commission. Jim was a veteran having served in the US Army.

Jim was an advocate for the youth and provided support for their programs for many years. Since 2003 the Lunde family provides and annual scholarship for a Beaver Dam High School graduate.

Charles A. Hoch

Chuck Hoch was nine time letter winner in varsity football, basketball, and baseball. He was selected as the football and basketball team's co-captain and was all-conference in football and baseball his senior year. Besides being a star athlete, Chuck was an honor roll student and senior class president.

Chuck enrolled at St. Norbert College where he played varsity football and baseball. He lettered in both sports for four years and held the passing record for the hightest completion percentage and for the most passing yards in a season. He was the captain for the football team his senior year. He graduated from college in 1965 with a degree in business administration. After graduation, Chuck served as a Captain in the US Army for three years.

Since 1995, Chuck and his wife provide the Charles Mary Jane Ingraham Hoch scholarship for a graduating senior in Beaver Dam.

Susan White

 Susan White

Susan White participated in volleyball, basketball, and track and field while in high school. She was captain, MVP, and all conference in volleyball her senior year. She duplicated these honors in basketball as a senior, and was MVP in track and field as a junior and senior. She was chosen as the Prep Track & Field "Athlete of the Year" in 1975 where she was a member of the school record setting 440 and 880 relay teams. As the track team's captain in 1976, Sue set records in the 100 yard dash, 220 yard dash, and the discus.

Sue attended the University of Wisconsin River Falls where she lettered in volleyball and basketball her freshman year. A knee injury during the basketball season ended her college athletic career.

She graduated from UW-River Falls in 1980 and has been employed by UW-LaCrosse since 1985 as the school's director for their recreational sports department.

Reiny J. Maier

Reiny Maier played and lettered in basketball for two years and tennis for three years. As a talented tennis player, he was the #1 player for three years establishing a 43-6 career won-lost record, which helped lead the tennis teams to three consecutive Little Ten Conference championships. He was the Little Ten singles champion for two years and an all conference basketball player for one year.

Reiny attended the University of Wisconsin Whitewater where he lettered in basketball for three years and received four letters in tennis playing #1 singles and #1 doubles. In 1968 he helped his doubles team win the conference championship, qualified for the NAIA Nationals for a third time, and was named NAIA All American. In addition, Reiny was selected to UW-Whitewater's Male Athlete of the Year. He graduated UW-Whitewater in 1968.

He was a teacher and coach for thirty five years in the Manitowoc School District. Reiny continues his interest in tennis at Manitowoc's YMCA, and is currently the tennis director for the Amherst Tennis Camp in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Ken Schwartz

Ken was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball, and track and field receiving nine letters while in high school. He played tight end and defensive tackle and was selected co-captain, and all conference in 1970. In basketball, Ken was the team's MVP in 1970 and 1971, claiming all conference these same years. He received Honorable Mention All State honors in 1971. The 1971 team was undefeated in the Wisconsin Little Ten Conference. Ken held the record for most rebounds in a single game, season, and career upon his completion. In track and field, he was the conference shot put and discus champion in 1971, and established school records in both events. Ken also served on the student council, participated in chorus and solo ensemble, and attended Badger Boys State while in high school.

His athletic ability was recognized nationally when he received a full scholarship to attend the University of Northern Iowa where he graduated in 1975. He received eight letters in football and track and field while attending UNI. In track and field, he threw the discus and hammer. He broke school records in both these events  in 1974 and 1975. He was named MVP at the Dickenson Relays in 1975.

Ken  is presently employed at Burgess-Norton Manufacturing in Beaver Dam.

Tim Scharfenberg

Tim was a talented athlete winning eight letters in football, basketball, and baseball during his high school career. In football, he made second team all-conference as a defensive back in 1981. The following year, he was named all-conference, all-state, and team captain, also at defensive back.

Following football, he duplicated his all-conference ability in basketball making the second team his junior year, and the first team in his senior year. Tim was the team's captain, ard received honorable mention all-state his senior year.

In baseball, the team was co-conference champion during his sophomore year and the conference champion in the Wisconsin Little Ten his senior year. He was recognized as a second team all-conference pitcher his junior year, and first team pitcher in his senior year. His senior year was highlighted with all-state recognition in baseball.

Tim went on to Minnesota State-Mankato to play basketball on a full scholarship and graduated in 1988. He lettered in basketball all four years and was selected team captain his junior and senior seasons. He was an all conference candidate his final two years. The school honored Tim his senior year when he received the distinguished student/athlete award.

Tim has been a head basketball coach for the past 16 years. He most recently coached at Hudson High School winning the Big Rivers Conference four times. He has made two appearances at the WIAA state tournament in Madison.

Mike Geniesse

Mike won eight letters in cross country, basketball, and baseball while in high school. In basketball, his honors included second team all-conference in 1968. In 1969, he made first team all conference, first team all area, and honorable mention all-state. While playing baseball, the team was Little Ten champions in 1969.

Mike was the starting basketball guard for three years at College of Great Falls, Montana. In 1972, he established the current school record for points scored in one game (40). In 1973 he was the team captain, MVP, and he received the McGauglin Award for his inspirational play. The following year he earned NAIA recognition as the District 5 most valuable player and received honorable mention honors as and NAIA All American. He graduated from College of Great Falls in 1974.

He played two years of professional basketball in Australia. In 1979 he received his Master of Arts degree form the University of Colorado, and in 1985 was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the College of Great Falls.

Mike has been a head coach in basketball for thirty years in Montana, Alaska, and Colorado. He is presently the head boy's basketball and track coach at Miami-Yoder High School in Rush, Colorado.

Mike Paitrick Jr.

Marv participated in football, basketball, and baseball at Beaver Dam High School. He was recognized as the team's football captain in 1957. He was also recognized as honorable mention all state. The "Sporting News" congratulated him on by selecting him as one of the members of its' 11th Annual National High School All American Football Team for 1957, as selected by the Wigwam Wisemen of America.

Marv was the basketball team's most valuable player in 1957, and the following year was chosen as the high school's athlete of the year.

He participated in football and baseball at UW-Whitewater in 1958-1961. Her earned four letters in football, was the team's co-captain in 1961 while playing both ways as quarterback and defensive back. He did the team's punting and kick return duties for four years. He also earned three letters playing baseball at UW-Whitewater. He was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1980.

For thirty years Marv worked at CUNA Mutual Insurance Group in Madison, WI. He retired as an assistant vice president in 1993.

Gwen Helbing Conner

One of the high school's most durable runners, Gwen earned ten varsity letters while participating in cross country, basketball, and track and field. Her excellent running ability allowed her to place seventh (highest Beaver Dam finish ever) at the state cross country meet earning her all state honors in 1985. She also was a part of the 3200m relay (1984) and 1600m relay (1985) teams that established school records. As the team captain in 1986 and 1987 she was selected as the team's most valuable runner and was first team all-conference for three consecutive years. In 1986 she was the indoor WLT conference champion in the 800m run. In the spring season she was a state qualifier in 1986 and 1987 in the mile run, as well as being the indoor and outdoor WLT conference champ in the mile.

In basketball she was the team's most valuable player and made WLT second team all-conference in 1987. That same year, Gwen was name the school's outstanding girl athlete of the year.

In the classroom she was an honor roll student for four years and was accepted into the National Honor Society in 1986 and 1987.

Her college athletic participation included running cross country and track at Minnesota State-Mankato for three years. She competed in the Drake Relays and was part of the 4x800 relay team that set a school record. In 1990 she attended Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington where she ran the 1500m run and set a school record.

Gwen graduated magna cum laude from the University of Portland, Oregon with a BA degree in psychology. In 1993, at the same school, she received her MA degree in Counseling.

Following graduation she continuted to run and was part of the 1994 Hood to Coast Relay race with 12 people on each team to run the 197 mile race - from the top of Oregon's Mt. Hood down to the Pacific Ocean. With over 12,000 runners participating, Gwen was part of the first place team.

She has been employed since 1992 with Providence Health System in Portland and is the project manager in ambulatory services.

Class of 2005

Tara participated in swimming, gymnastics, and track and field where she was a reliable and dedicated athlete. She was the swim team's captain for two years, and the gymnastic team's captain for one year. Tara accumulated twelve (12) letters during her high school career. Tara was a state qualifier in swimming and gymnastics and went to state four times. For her academic efforts, she was the class valedictorian and was selected as a WIAA Wisconsin Scholar Athlete. Tara earned the Wisconsin Little Ten Conference and BDHS Athlete of the Year awards.

Tara attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison on an academic scholarship. After graduating from the University, she participated in two European Ironman competitions and won the Chicago Triathlon for her age group in 2005.

Presently she is the project manager for the "Live Strong Ride", a Lance Armstrong foundation.

Coach Kotinek served as a social studies teacher from 1955-89 and was the varsity boy's tennis coach from 1957-78. He also coached football and basketball during his 30 years of coaching at Beaver Dam High School.

His tennis teams earned twelve (12) Wisconsin Little Ten Conference Championships, including undefeated seasons in 1963 and 1964. His dual tennis match record was 170 wins, 53 losses, and 3 ties.

He started the Beaver Dam recreational tennis program in 1957, directing the program from 1957-67. This program continues today. Gordie served as tennis coordinator for the Nick Bollettieri Summer Tennis Camp at Wayland Academy from 1968-83.

Coach Kotinek represented Beaver Dam High School in serving on the WIAA Tennis Board from 1973-75. One of his proudest moments in athletics occurred when he was inducted into the Wisconsin High School Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame in 1983.

The owner of Flynn Motors since 1978, Jim has been a steady contributor to Beaver Dam athletic teams since that time. He was the first president of the Beaver Dam Athletic Booster Club and served for two years. He has sponsored the Flynn Motors Christmas Classic Wrestling Tournament since 1991. He has also helped maintain the "Wrestler of the Week" radio program on WBEV-WXRO.

In addition, Jim continues to support area sports teams and is active in AFS, Church Health Services, Community Library, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, and Beaver Dam's Chamber of Commerce.

An exceptional athlete in football, basketball, and track and field. Bob received a statuette for earning eight varsity letters while in high school. He received the American Legion Award for outstanding senior male athlete in 1962.

Bob attended Lawrence University where he played football, basketball, and ran track. He was elected co-captain and MVP for the 1965 football team.

Upon graduation from Lawrence University in 1966, he has served as a teacher and football coach at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, Ill. for 37 years. He was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1997, and Glenbrook South High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2004.

A remarkable basketball coach, Augie only had one losing season during his tenure in Beaver Dam. He won four Little Ten Conference titles, and took two teams, 1941 and 1946, to the state tournament held in the Field House in Madison.

He finished his educational career in the Madison School District serving as an assistant principal and then was chosen to be the new principal at the new LaFollette High School. He later served on the Madison School Board.

Augie was a prominent member of the professional basketball team, the former Oshkosh All-Stars, for six years. he was a nominee for the James Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Augie passed away in 1993.

A natural athlete, Dale participated in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field, receiving (16) letters in his high school career. His versatility was best demonstrated in track and field where he ran the 100 yard dash, threw the shot put and discus, plus competing in the high jump and pole vault events. Dale was a member of the basketball team that went to state in 1941. He was also known in the area as an outstanding bowler and golfer. Dale was the junior and senior class president, prom king, a member of the Glee Club, Mixed Chorus, and played the violin in the school's orchestra.

He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and then joined the military service.

Dale passed away in 2005.

Dick was a Little Ten All-Conference safety in 1966. He was the team captain, conference scoring leader and first team All-Conference in basketball in 1966 and 1967. Dick was selected second team All-State his senior year. He also lettered for two years in baseball. In 1967, Dick received the American Legion Outstanding Senior Athlete Award.

Dick graduated from Lakeland College in 1972, lettering four years in basketball. He was the team's co-captain and co-MVP when he set the conference scoring record during the 1969-1970 season. He ended his basketball career at Lakeland College scoring a total of 1,215 points.

Presently he is an elementary teacher in the Oostburg School District and has taught for 33 years. In 2004, he was chosen as "the most influential teacher" by graduating seniors.

Hank was a remarkable athlete earning (12) letters in three sports: football, basketball, track and field. He was a member of the football team that went undefeated in 1954 and 1955 which was coached by his father, Henry H. Derleth. In 1956, he was selected as an All-State end and was named High School All-American. In 1957, he qualified in high hurdles, discus, and the shot put, for the state track meet.

Hank received a football scholarship from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he received three letters. He was a member of the 1960 Rose Bowl team and was selected team co-captain  for the following season. He received recognition as an Academic All-American end in 1959 and 1960.

Currently, he is the president of the Ripon Athletic Company and has held that position since 1984.

Wade lettered in football, wrestling, and track and field during hes high school career. He was a member of the 1973 Little Ten Conference Co-Championship team in football, won numerous tournament championships in wrestling, and qualified for the 1974 State Wrestling Tournament. An intense competitor, he received the American Legion Senior Athlete Award in 1974.

Wade graduated in 1978 from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he had a very successful wrestling career. He was a NAIA All-American in 1978, as well as the WSUC Champion at 190 pounds in 1977 and 1978. Wade was selected to the First team All District 14 wrestling squad for the 1977 and 1978 seasons. In 1988, he received the UW-Whitewater University's Outstanding Recent Alumni Award. Wade was inducted into the University's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994.

"Pete" was one of those special athletes that could play varsity sports for four years in football, basketball, track and field. He also played baseball for 2 years earning a total of (14) varsity letters. His fondest memory occurred in 1946, when as a starting guard, the BDHS basketball team won the regional and sectional tournaments and was one of the eight teams that went to state. The team suffered a tough loss when Madison East beat them in double overtime.

Before and after his retirement in 1989, "Pete" has enjoyed being the "fix-up person" for the school district's athletic department and the Beaver Dam Athletic Club. Somthing always has to be built or repaired and "Pete" is the person that can handle the situation and get the job done. His efforts are noticeable and very much appreciated.

"Physical size does not determine the athlete" is a statement that describes Michelle. One of the finest female runners to ever graduate from Beaver Dam High School, she won eight varsity letters while competing in cross country, and track. Michelle was a four time Wisconsin Little Ten Conference Champion, receiving the honor once in cross country, and three times in track. She was a two time state competitor in cross country and received the MVP award her sophomore and junior years.

Michelle continued running after high school while attending the University of Wisconsin-Parkside for four years. She won eight letters and was two-time NAIA National Champion for indoor track. She was selected the number one runner in 1986 on the NAIA National Championship Team and was also selected to the NAIA National Hall of Fame.

Michelle's success did not stop after college as she was a three time member of the USA team and participated in the World Summer Olympics in 1992, 1996, and 2000 in the Women's 10K Race-Walk. In 1992, she was the first North/South American finisher.

The hard working Doug Lloyd lettered in three sports, football, basketball, and track and field during his high school career. He participated on two football championship teams and made first team all-conference in both his junior and senior years. His senior year he was selected the Little Ten Conference Running Back of the Year, first team All-State, and played in the North/South Shrine game. Doug received two letters in basketball. In track and field he qualified for the state track meet in both his junior and senior years.

Doug attended North Dakota State University, graduating in 1989. He was the star running back on three National Championship teams at NDSU. During that time he was selected to the All-Conference team in 1986-87-88 and was an All-American player his senior year.

In 1989, he was drafted in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Raiders and played three years in the NFL, concluding his pro career with the Green Bay Packers.