Though North Dakota doesn’t have the number of athletes as some other states, some of the most legendary figures in American sports history came from the Peace Garden State.
Phil Jackson, who has 13 NBA rings between his time as an NBA player and coach, broke a North Dakota playoff record and tasted championship glory in high school. Roger Maris, a home run king, played multiple sports in high school in North Dakota. They are among many stars to come out of the state.
Who is the all-time greatest North Dakota high school athlete?
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY is launching its 250 for 250 series, looking to answer that question by celebrating the best athletes from each state.
From fans’ votes, five athletes will be selected to represent the state as legends who have defined high school sports.
Here are the 12 North Dakota high school athlete nominees, listed in alphabetical order.
Leelee Bell, Girls Basketball, Minot High School
One of the greatest basketball players in the state’s history, Leelee Bell broke the scoring record in North Dakota’s highest classification as a junior and finished her career with 3,159 points, second-most by any player, according to MaxPreps. She is a two-time Player of the Year and led Minot to two championships.
Darin Erstad, Baseball, Football, Hockey, Track & Field, Jamestown High School
Jamestown High School did not have a baseball team, but that didn’t prevent the future MLB player from making an impact on the field. He was a placekicker and punter, setting a school record with a 50-yard field goal; in hockey, he scored 60 points in 26 games; in track, he won state championships in the 110- and 300-meter hurdle; and in the American Legion Baseball league, he his .492, went 10-2 with a 2.18 ERA, and was named AP’s North Dakota Athlete of the Year.
Travis Hafner, Baseball, Boys Basketball, Track and Field, Sykeston High School
Similar to Erstad, Travis Hafner’s Skyeston High School did not field a baseball team. Instead, he was a basketball player who earned all-district honors and competed in track and field, according to SABR. He played American Legion baseball in a nearby town.
Virgil Hill, Football, Boxing, Red River High School (Grand Forks)
A future boxing champion, Virgil Hill was the North Dakota Non-School Athlete of the Year every year from 1983-85, according to the Red River Athletic Hall of Fame. He also played football.
Robin Huebner, Gymnastics, Dickinson High School
Robin Huebner wanted to do pole vaulting, so she signed up for vault. Wrong formula, right results. She led Dickinson to three straight championships and was named the 1975 Female Athlete of the Year, according to the Jamestown Sun News. Now, April 25 is Robin Huebner Day in North Dakota.
Phil Jackson, Boys Basketball, Football, Track and Field, Williston High School
The basketball legend’s career began in North Dakota, where he played several different sports. He stood out in basketball, leading Williston to a 1963 championship, where he scored 35 points in the title game and broke the tournament record with 96 total points.
Jim Kleinsasser, Football, Boys Basketball, Track and Field, Carrington High School
A two-time North Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year Award winner in football, tournament MVP and champion in boys basketball, and two-time champion in both shot put and discus, Jim Kleinsasser was one of the most dominant athletes in North Dakota history. He played 13 seasons for the Minnesota Vikings.
Roger Maris, Football, Baseball, Boys Basketball, Fargo Central and Bishop Shanley (Fargo) high schools
Like the aforementioned future MLB players, Roger Maris played for the American Legion rather than high school baseball, where he won MVP of the state championship team. At the high school level, though, he played basketball and is remembered for scoring four return touchdowns in a single football game — two kickoffs, one punt and one interception.
Lute Olson, Boys Basketball, Mayville and Grand Forks Central high schools
The legendary college basketball coach played multiple sports, including American Legion baseball, and helped lead Grand Forks Central to a championship victory as its center.
Palmer ‘Pete’ Retzlaff, Football, Track and Field, Ellendale High School
Five-time Pro Bowler Pete Retzlaff played football in high school, but his most notable accolade came in track and field: He broke the North Dakota discus throw record by over 25 feet with his heave of 162 feet, 5 inches in 1949, according to Inforum.
Laura Roesler, Track and Field, South High School (Fargo)
Laura Roelser is a 22-time high school champion, winning cross country state championships in 2006 and 2007 and taking home 20 individual track titles. She is unparalleled as a North Dakota runner. Roelser went on to become an All-American at Oregon and compete in three Olympic trials.
Carson Wentz, Football, Baseball, Boys Basketball, Century High School (Bismarck)
Carson Wentz got his start in North Dakota, where he played quarterback and defensive back — and had 14 receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown as a junior, a precursor for the Philly Special. He stayed in-state, attending North Dakota State, before getting to the NFL and winning a Super Bowl.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who’s the greatest North Dakota high school athlete of all time? Vote now in ‘USA 250’ poll
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