One was a Packer, a Gopher, a Dragon and a Cowboy in the 1970’s and 80’s. 

 

The other was a Raider and a Royal in the 90’s.

 

Today, they are loyal Bulldoggers — legendary gentlemen, coaches, mentors and friends to the hundreds of students, neighbors, strangers and opponents they’ve encountered over the years. 

 

In the last two months, Hokan Bengtson and Gregg Veldman have been honored by  their former high school’s into their Hall-of-Fames for their many successes they’ve enjoyed both on the field and off.

 

The Veldman name is a name that rings familiarity throughout the Becker community. Gregg and his wife of 32 years, Stacy had four children — each one playing significant roles in the Becker High School athletic and educational programs since the family moved here many years ago.

 

Gregg attended South St. Paul Sr. High School, played football  and graduated in 1978. He went on to attend the University of Minnesota for one year before transferring to Minnesota State University Moorhead to finish his education and to continue playing football. 

 

In 1981, Veldman — the team’s tight end — and the Dragons finished the season as the #1-ranked team in the NAIA Division I, but Veldman’s dream of a national championship evaporated in a 14-13 loss to Pittsburg (KS) State.

 

Veldman went on to sign a free-agent contract with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys but his dream of having a long career in the NFL evaporated when he suffered a leg injury during pre-season workouts.

 

On Friday, Sept. 25 in the South St. Paul High School cafeteria, Veldman returned to his alma mater — along with three other student/athletes just before the school’s homecoming game against Tartan. The festivities also included a tribute to the 1965 Packer football team that went undefeated that year.

 

At the event, Veldman was introduced by one of his assistant football coaches — Tom Ricker — and received a plaque and a watch. Veldman describes Ricker as being cut from the same cloth as Becker football coach Dwight Lundeen.

 

“Tom was a lot like coach Lundeen, he was always positive and encouraging,” Veldman said.  “He had a very positive impact on me.”

 

In his speech, Gregg thanked his parents and family and all of the coaches who coached him from seventh through 12th grade. He shared how much he appreciated growing up in South St. Paul and loved seeing some of the old, familiar faces.

 

“It was great to see some of my old coaches and friends there,” he said.

 

Gregg is currently a Senior Account Manager with Evonik Corporation headquartered in Germany. Gregg works through an Atlanta, GA office and his group sells amino acids to the animal agriculture industry.  He has been with Evonik for four years.

 

Gregg is an assistant coach for the Becker Bulldog football team under Lundeen. Veldman was also inducted into the Minnesota State University Moorhead Athletic Hall of Fame last year.

 

Gregg and Stacy have four children, Matt (27), Ryan (25), Lauren (20) and Michael (19).

 

Hokan is currently a sixth grade teacher at the middle school and he teaches science and language arts. He has been teaching since 1999 and is the football team’s defensive coordinator and also coaches the varsity boys tennis team. 

 

Bengtson attended Northfield High School and graduated in 1995. He went on to study elementary education and coaching at Bethel University and received his masters in education.

 

Just this past Monday, Bengtson’s former high school introduced six new members to its athletic Hall of Fame including Bengtson, Clay Anderson, Gregory Olson, Megan Daymont Thomas, Steve Paulson and Mike Berletic.

 

In high school, Bengtson was a three-sport athlete excelling in football, basketball and varsity tennis.

 

In football, he lettered three times and earned all-conference selections his junior and senior year. As a senior, he was selected as the MVP in football. Bengtson played in the Prep Bowl as a junior and senior.

 

He holds the second all-time record in career rushing yards (2,254) and the record for the longest punt of 75 yards back in 1996.

 

Bengtson played varsity basketball from 1993-1995 and lettered as a junior and senior. He earned all-conference one year and was the team's MVP.

 

In tennis, Bengtson lettered all four years, was all-conference three times and earned his third MVP award during his senior year. As a senior, he was named the MVP in football, basketball and tennis. He was also selected as the Team Sport Male Outstanding Student Athlete in the spring of his senior year.

 

At the HOF ceremony, Bengtson received a plaque from the Athletic Director at the school, Tom Graupmann, who introduced the athletes to the attendees. Bengtson appreciated the nomination and in front of his family and friends, gave many shout outs to the dozens of people who have influenced him through the years.

 

“ I am thankful for my parents and the faith that they brought me up in from a young age,” he said. “(I am thankful) for the friendships that I made during my career and the many teachers and coaches that have established the foundation that I build my career on.  Coaches like Mr. Esboldt, Coach Bubba Sullivan, Coach Plinske, Coach Johnson and now being able to learn from a legendary coach like Dwight (Lundeen) has been a huge blessing in my life.”

 

As a football coach, Bengtson was named Assistant Coach-of-the-Year in 2013-14 and as tennis coach was named section Coach-of-the-Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015.

 

Hokan and his wife, Dawn have a daughter Hannah (ninth grade), a daughter Julia (seventh grade), a son Ryan (fifth grade) and a son Zach (fourth grade)