By THOMAS A. KVAMME                                  ALUMNUS: Tom Suelzle, ’76, Bruce Anderson, ’69

February 14, 2008

One byproduct of the great basketball tradition established at Williston State College in the last 25 years has been the abundance of coaches who have taken their standard of excellence and winning ways far and wide.

The most visible player-turned-coach for current Williston State fans may be Hunter Berg, who took the mantle of the men’s basketball program at WSC passed to him by Terry Olson after Olson transitioned from 26 years of coaching to become Executive Director of the College’s Foundation in 2008.

Berg, a Zahl native and outstanding product of Grenora High School, was the Teton women’s basketball coach and WSC athletic director before being tapped as Olson’s replacement at the helm of the men’s cage program.

Berg’s former teammate Fred Fridley (Watford City) currently serves as head women’s basketball coach at the University of Mary, while Guy Fridley (Watford City) coaches women’s basketball and softball at Dickinson State University.

In addition to Watford City product Dave Leom, who is head coach of the boy’s basketball team at Milaca High School in Milaca, Minnesota, several others have taken what they learned on the court at WSC and have tried their hand at coaching. 

Among those is Mike Hendrickson of Williston, who just guided his Fargo South Bruins to a second place finish at the state Class A tournament. 

After 30 years with the Watford City girl’s basketball program, Watford City native Tom Suelzle will be charting new waters, too, replacing Berg as coach of Williston State’s women’s basketball program. “I’m not getting any younger and I decided, looking forward, this just might recharge the batteries,” said Suelzle. 

LEADING THE LADY TETONS
Suelzle, a 1974 graduate of Watford City, is no stranger to the college program here, as he attended what was then known as the University of North Dakota-Williston and played basketball for the Tetons for two seasons under Darrell Anderson. From Williston, he went on to Dickinson State University to continue playing hoops and to earn his credentials.

 Returning to his hometown, Suelzle worked as an assistant coach his first season, then spent 28 years as the head mentor. He also spent a year as junior varsity coach at DSU while he was a senior. All totaled, that’s an even 30 years of coaching experience.

IMPRESSIVE RECORD
During his illustrious career, Suelzle piled up a Class B win-loss record of 514-175. He took the WC squad to the state tournament 11 times, with the best finish being second place in 1998. Suelzle also served as an assistant coach of the boy’s program at Watford City for 21 seasons.

 “I enjoyed every one of my years and am very pleased,” said Suelzle, now looking forward. “I had decided to retire from teaching and considered reapplying as coach (when) this (WSC girls) opportunity came along,” Suelzle said. 

WILLISTON CONNECTIONS
For Suelzle, Williston offers a number of connections, with his wife Pam (Gludt) calling Coyote country home. Pam attended UND-W, while their son, Chris, spent his initial two years at UND-W before heading to NDSU in Fargo. He eventually attended the University of North Dakota and earned his law degree. Chris now practices law in Williston for the Nilles Law Firm. Suelzle will have plenty of company in Williston as the couple’s other son, Ben, works for T&K Inspection.

BRUCE ANDERSON RETIRING
From the Class A girl’s basketball ranks, Bruce Anderson of Minot has also tendered his resignation after a stellar career. With no plans to continue coaching, Anderson wraps up 31 years as the head coach at Minot, along with six seasons guiding Class B cagers in Grenora.

RECAPPING ANDERSON’S CAREER
Now the New Rockford native has decided 37 seasons on the bench is enough. The road to his coaching career ran through Williston as well, playing hoops for one season under Phil Rabon.

 However, his court time was cut short due to what he termed “jumper’s knee.” Staying on at UND-W for two years, it was during this time he met his bride of 38 years, Nancy (Shaw). After UND-W, Anderson continued his education at Minot State College, graduating in 1971 with his teaching credentials, along with degrees in physical education and business.

 FIRST STOP GRENORA
Anderson began his coaching career at Grenora, serving as the girl’s head coach for four seasons, and guiding the boys for five campaigns. Anderson recalled the 1972 District 6 boy’s title game held in Williston. His team topped the Watford City squad coached by Bob Waldahl, with Tom Suelzle as a point guard for the Wolves.

 MOVES TO MINOT
With the next move to Minot, Anderson has made numerous trips back to Williston over the years to do battle with the Coyotes. That run began in 1977, as Anderson explained, “We were looking to make a move and I came in as an assistant coach, while my second year Duane Carlson hired me.” He quickly added, “That was 30 years ago.”

SON PLAYS HERE
Anderson’s son Jason spent two seasons playing basketball at Williston under the tutelage of Olson. His brother, Darrell, coached the Tetons from 1970 to 1977, winning several conference crowns.

 Overall, Bruce Anderson boasts a record of 637-322, while taking one of his Grenora and 21 Minot teams to the state tournament. In 1978, his Minot team walked away with the state title.

 Bruce Anderson claimed seven regular season crowns during his time in the WDA, while capturing eight West Region titles. During his time at Grenora, his teams won four district, four conference and one region title, to go along with a state title in 1975. Honors included being named the state Coach of the Year three times, West Region Class A Coach of the Year nine times and a national Coach of the Year finalist three times.

TIME FOR FAMILY
Bruce now has more time to spend with family members. After college in Williston, Jason attended Louisiana State University. Jason now resides in Houston, Texas, where he manages power plants.

 His sister, Michelle, who played basketball at Minot under her father, graduated in 1991 and now lives in Boise, Idaho, where she tends to the duties of being a mother, while her husband is a pilot for UPS.

 The extra time will also allow Bruce and Nancy precious time to spend with their three grandchildren, including Jason’s son Christian, and Michelle’s daughters Livia and Katelyn. “We are proud grandparents,” said Anderson.