Bemidji State History

The Minnesota Vikings began in Bemidji before anywhere else. From 1961-65, the new NFL franchise used Bemidji as its training camp home.

Riding high on the heels of a Frozen Four appearance, the 2009-10 Beavers didn’t miss a beat. Bemidji State made its final season at the John S. Glas Fieldhouse one that holds a special place in program lore.

With over two dozen athletic programs and a century to work with, Bemidji State has had its fair share of oddities pile up.

David Park? Harry Bridgeman? Claude Hobson? Who are these people, and why are buildings at Bemidji State University named after them? Here’s a breakdown on the naming of campus buildings and facilities.

In honor of Bemidji State’s centennial celebration, longtime Beaver men’s hockey coach and athletic director Bob Peters explains what BSU athletics mean to him.

Hjalmer “Jolly” Erickson became a do-it-all coach for Bemidji State Teachers College after he first stepped on campus in the 1930s, earning the nickname “Mr. Athletics” with 17 years of experience on the Beaver sidelines.

Pioneers recall early hardships in their campaign to create a competitive athletic program for women at Bemidji State.

In the Bemidji winters of yesteryear, he pioneered the first Bemidji State Teachers College dynasty. And nine years later, he and the Rochester Royals were kings of the basketball world. Meet Arnie Johnson: the only Beaver in NBA history.

Bemidji State President Harry Bangsberg was looking for someone with a pioneering spirit in 1965 when he recruited the late Dr. Charles “Chuck” Holt to expand the biology department.