Last Friday, just before the Becker/Providence Academy football game, the Becker community gathered at the new artificial turf stadium at Becker High School to unveil the name of the new arena.

Dwight Lundeen Stadium was revealed at the top of the new scoreboard to  revere the only coach the Becker football program has had in their 54 years of existence.

Alumni, family and friends gathered near midfield Friday to commemorate the special occasion and to applaud as Dwight Lundeen and his family entered the field from the goal line. Numerous community members were on hand including former players who donned the Navy Blue, Columbia Blue and White uniforms since the inception of Becker football back in 1970.

Scott Helberg, COO of Northern Metals, was also given congratulations for the company’s generous gift of $300k to have the new scoreboard installed in time for Becker’s first home game of the year.

BHS Principal David Kreft gave a speech as the festivities began and Dillon Radunz — former Becker Bulldog and current Tennessee Titan — gave a video tribute to Lundeen and commended him on a much deserved honor.

Ben Cox, A U.S. Army Ranger with stints in Afghanistan and Iraq, was chosen to deliver a brand-new American flag to the Becker Legion Post Commander to have it raised for the first time on the new flag pole to the south of the stadium. Cox, who along with his brother Eli, enlisted in the military following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. Ben served in reconnaissance while Eli served as a sniper.

Entering his 54th year, Coach Lundeen has taken the Bulldogs to 18 state tournament appearances and brought home three state titles. 

Lundeen has earned many awards and honors over his 53 years in coaching. He has been inducted into the National Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2019), Minnesota Activities Directors Hall of Fame (2014), Minnesota High School League Hall of Fame (2014) and the Minnesota Football Coaches Hall of Fame (2009). He is a four-time Minnesota Football Coach of the Year and was named Minnesota Athletic Administrator of the Year in 2003 and Minnesota Football Coaches Association Man of the Year in 2015.

He was also awarded the FCA Branch Rickey Service Award just this past year, recognizing the man who demonstrates the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Values of Integrity, Serving, Teamwork and Excellence.

And now he has a gem of a stadium forever named after him. A distinguished honor for a Becker legend.