Dwight Lundeen was voted into the MSHSL Hall-Of-Fame along with 11 other inductees from all across the State of Minnesota last weekend.

 

Lundeen was nominated by Activities Director, Dave Niemi, who happened to be one of the many family and friends who helped Dwight celebrate one of his biggest honors. The nomination was also kick-started by Dwight’s old friend and colleague from Cambridge, Mark Soberg.

 

“I was very honored,” said Lundeen. “I have been very involved with the MSHSL since I was 22 years old. I have always felt it was important to be involved and know about the policies and procedures that govern high school activities.”   

 

Dwight also received letters of recommendation from Ron Stolski, Luverne “Butch” Liestman and former Becker assistant principal, Mark Kolbinger.

 

Only two coaches enter the MSHSL Hall of Fame every other year,  a  small percentage of all the coaches in all sports.  

 

Lundeen had three full tables of supporters and 19 family members at the  St. Paul Riverfront Hotel last Sunday. Dwight’s good friend, Shooter Fredrickson paid for a table which included Hopkins AD Dan Johnson and his wife, former Staples AD  Glen Haselberg and his wife,  Niemi and his wife and former STMA AD Mike Beck.

 

Among the inductees were three athletes, two coaches, two administrators, three officials and two from fine arts.

 

Dave Stead, executive director of the MSHSL and a good friend of Dwights, presented the award to Lundeen and spoke on his behalf. Lundeen was interviewed prior to the ceremony giving his reasons for coaching for the last 48 years.

 

WCCO Radio Host Dave Lee was the program host and the 12 inductees were Lundeen, Richard Eldridge, Harry Kitts, Bill Miles, Darrell Thompson, Larry Gallagher, Marv Peters, Heather Van Norman, Todd Hering, Kevin Merkle, Bruce Phelps and Krissy Wendell. Past honorees include, Neal Broten, John Mayasich, Doug Woog, Bronko Nagurski, Terry Steinbach, Herb Brooks and Carol Ann Shudlick.

 

The HOF event first began in 2000.

 

Thompson, as most people know, was a star at Rochester John Marshall, the University of Minnesota and the NFL. Van Norman, a track and field athlete at Windom — is the mother of NFL star receiver, Odell Beckham, Jr.

 

Lundeen’s high school coaching record is 353-152 and ranks third in all-time victories — trailing just Mike Mahlen of Verndale and Ron Stolski of Brainerd. Lundeen’s teams have captured 22 conference championships, six section titles and played in seven Prep Bowls. His teams of 2005, 2014 and 2015 captured state titles.

 

He has also been honored as “Man of the Year” in 2015 by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and made the  MFCA Hall of Fame in 2009.

 

In 2014, Lundeen was one of three individuals selected to the Minnesota State High School Athletic Administrators Hall of Fame in St. Cloud.

 

“I thank God for the opportunity to coach and be activities director at Becker,” Dwight said in his pre-ceremony interview.

 

“I want to thank my wife, Pam, who is one of the nicest people to ever live, for her unconditional love. Thanks to my three children— Mike, Matt and Kristin — and their families. I am truly blessed.”

 

Lundeen is a graduate of Cokato High School in 1965 and earned his bachelor’s of science degree from St. Cloud State University in 1969. He majored in physical education with a minor in coaching and social studies. His goal was to become an athletic director somewhere in Minnesota.

 

Upon graduation Lundeen looked to find employment in the St. Cloud area and came upon the teaching and coaching job at Becker High School. 

 

Lundeen still works for the MSHSL as a site supervisor for the Class A state golf tournament held at Pebble Creek in Becker.