By Maryhelen Chadwick

At the Beaver Nation Celebration on April 30, 50 graduating student-athletes joined the Alumni B-Club. The event celebrated individual and team success, something every former athlete can appreciate.

Over the years, Bemidji State University teams have claimed national championships, conference-leading seasons and victories against some of the most competitive programs in the country. In addition, countless student-athletes have earned All-America, All-Conference and academic honors. This year was no different.

The newest B-Club members join a group formed in 2011 to connect the more than 4,000 former student-athletes who have proudly competed for BSU with each other and the university.

The organization’s first president, Joan (Campbell) Anderson ’76, was recognized for her service during the Alumni B-Club Athletics Hall of Fame in February. New president Randy Bowen ’73 commended Anderson and credited her with getting the group off the ground.

“If Joan was going to do it, you knew she was going to do it right,” Bowen said.

He and B-Club Vice President Dave Thomas ’80 join other advisory group members, who represent BSU’s athletics programs, in efforts to support former and current athletes. Their priorities include selecting inductees for the B-Club Athletics Hall of Fame (odd years), helping raise support for athletes and programs through the B-Club 100 Golf Marathon (odd years), and planning and attending The Green & White Dinner & Auction to Benefit BSU Athletics (even years, including 2016.)

The Alumni B-Club encourages alumni athletes to reach out to former teammates and reconnect with BSU. You can connect on social media and learn about alumni reunions  by liking the Bemidji State B-Club Facebook page, contacting an advisory board member or calling the Beaver Pride Office at (218) 755-2294. One way to get involved immediately is to sign up to golf, caddy or sponsor a golfer in the second B-Club 100 Golf Marathon taking place June 10 at Castle Highlands in Bemidji.

B-Club 100 Golf Marathon set for June 10 in Bemidji

The B-Club 100 Golf Marathon for BSU Athletics is an effort to raise financial support, especially for student-athlete scholarships. B-Club members know the importance of leveling the scholarship playing field so the school where they proudly played can continue to attract and retain top student-athletes and coaches.

The B-Club 100 will take place June 10 at Castle Highlands in Bemidji. Rain, snow, sleet or shine, up to 40 golfers and their caddies will take the challenge to complete 100 holes of golf in a single day. Prior to play, each participant will seek pledges from family, friends, former teammates, co-workers and local businesses to support their program of choice.

The goal is to raise $50,000. Supporters can get involved in a variety of ways. They can golf (and get pledges), caddy, sponsor a golfer or volunteer. Each of our 15 sports teams is allowed three participant spots in the Golf Marathon. Participants golf individually to raise money on behalf of their chosen team. There will be prizes for the fundraising teams that raises the most pledges.

To register, please contact event captain Amanda Kerkhoff with any questions. She can be reached by phone at (218)755-2294 or by email at akerkhoff@bemidjistate.edu.