100 Years of DSU Football: A Sneak Peek into the Legacy-Chapter 2

SNEAK PEEK...Get ready for an exciting glimpse into 100 Years of DSU Football, a highly anticipated book set for release in Fall 2025. This comprehensive look at Dickinson State University’s football legacy will explore the program’s rich history—legendary coaches, standout players, intense rivalries, and unforgettable games. For the past century, DSU football has been more than just a sport; it has been a proud tradition of our community. Each month, readers can look forward to exclusive previews of the book’s chapters, offering a deep dive into the evolution and impact of Blue Hawk football.

Chapter 2: Echoes of the Past

Step back in time to the early years that shaped DSU football’s identity. Chapter 2 explores how major historical events like WWII, The Great Depression, and the Pandemic left their mark on the program, affecting team dynamics, resources, and the sport’s evolution.

• The Great Depression (1930-1939) – Amid economic turmoil, the program as well as the university fought to survive. (Written by Dr. Jeff Wells, Vaune and Dennis Johnson Endowed Professor of History)

  
  

• Wartime Football – How the V-12 Navy trainees brought discipline and dedication to the team. (Written by Dr. Debora Dragseth, Baker Boy Professor of Leadership)

  
  

• Interviews with Milo Dullum, Erv Kessel, and LaVern Jessen – Legends whose contributions shaped Blue Hawk history.

  
  

• The Pandemic Season – Football in an era of empty stadiums, masked sidelines, and uncertainty. (Written by Jim Dahl, KDIX Radio)