By THOMAS A. KVAMME
The Scope in The Shopper January 17, 2008

Looking back 15 years we recall covering the scrappy basketball play of a young man from Minot by the name of Brett Vibeto, who came to the University of North Dakota-Williston from Minot High School.

Vibeto was recruited to the Williston State Tetons in 1992 by Terry Olson, men’s basketball coach at the time, and current Executive Director of the WSC Foundation. Vibeto was recruited again years later with the help of Olson – this time to Mercy Medical Center, as a general surgeon.

Attending Williston State was “the best decision I ever made,” said Vibetto.

Vibeto recalled his high school participation in basketball, baseball, and track and field events including high jump, long jump and hurdles. This multi-talented student athlete saw attending what was then known as UND-W as an opportunity to “continue playing basketball.” Seeing the Williston cage program as what he termed a “good fit,” Vibeto went on to say, “It was the best decision I ever made.” Let’s update you on the path that eventually led him back to Teton country.

TRANSFER PROCESS
Vibeto pointed out that he first obtained an Associate of Science degree while attending college in Williston. “I was able to transfer to a quarter system with no problem,” said Vibeto, about his transfer to the University of Minnesota.

FROM MINNESOTA BACK TO NORTH DAKOTA
While at the University of Minnesota, Vibeto served as a tutor for students in the men’s basketball program. This was when the Minnesota basketball program was going through changes. So were his career plans.

Vibeto attended Minnesota to be a part of the aerospace program, intending to become an engineer. But things changed in his senior year when he decided to pursue a career in medicine and transferred to the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks.

HELP WITH DECISION
Vibeto, who was influenced by his father’s (Mark) role as an anesthesiologist (CRNA), also credits the late Dr. Bernie Varberg for helping convince him to take up medicine. Between his year at Minnesota and the move to UND, the young Vibeto was able to spend some valuable time alongside Varberg. “He showed me the ropes and was pretty instrumental.”

UND MEDICAL SCHOOL
Being in Grand Forks put Vibeto in perfect position to both complete his initial schooling, and four years of medical school. He completed one year of residency in Dayton, Ohio, and four years at Texas Tech University in El Paso, Texas before beginning his private practice in Thief River Falls, Minn.

As a professional, Brett joins his father, an anesthesiologist, brother Bryan, an orthodontist, and brother Aaron, a lawyer, who all practice in the Minot area.

BACK TO WILLISTON
After two years in Thief River Falls, an opportunity to return to Williston was presented to him. “It took quite a bit of thought and recruiting, as it was like basketball all over again,” said Vibeto, in reference to relocating here. “I wanted to get back here as I always liked the college and a chance to be with Terry (Olson) and Phil (Rabon) and the whole crew,” said Vibeto. Simply put, “I wanted to be a part of Williston and the college once again,” said Vibeto.

UPON HIS RETURN
While busy with his medical work, Vibeto also finds time to serve as president of the Teton Booster Club. “It’s a lot of fun and I enjoy it,” said Vibeto. Now settled in, Vibeto tells us, “We like to take in as many athletic events as we can in Williston.”

PROFESSIONAL FAMILY
Vibeto, the son of Nancy and Mark Vibeto of Minot, is one of three sons this family is proud of. The two younger brothers, Bryan and Aaron, have also done well for themselves. Bryan, who also attended college in Williston, is becoming an orthodontist, and will return to Minot to begin his practice. Meanwhile, Aaron has set up practice as a lawyer in his hometown. Having Brett just a short distance away in Williston tends to make family reunions much easier to coordinate.

One thing for certain, having Brett back in Williston as a part of the Teton family is good medicine.