Alumni Spotlight: Kylan Klauzer 06’

When Kylan Klauzer suited up for the Blue Hawks from 2002 to 2006, he became part of a stretch of seasons that helped shape Dickinson State football. Now, as the program celebrates its 100th year, Klauzer looks back on his time on the field and reflects on what the game has meant in his life.

Klauzer was born and raised on a ranch between Ekalaka and Baker, Montana, and has called Dickinson home for the past 23 years. He graduated from Dickinson State University in 2006 with a degree in Political Science and later earned his master’s in 2013. Klauzer spent nearly 18 years with the Dickinson Police Department before making a career change in the fall of 2023. He joined Oneok to spend more time with his family and to pursue opportunities made possible by his time at DSU.

In 2012, Klauzer met his wife, Jamie (Belluscio) Klauzer, who had just graduated from DSU. Sharing his appreciation for what Dickinson offered, Jamie built her career with the State of North Dakota. Together they are raising four daughters: Kamdyn, Kynslee, Karsynn, and Koltynn. They also remain active in the community through fundraisers, local events, and youth sports.

Klauzer suited up for the Blue Hawks as a middle linebacker his freshman year before moving to defensive end for the rest of his career. His decision to attend DSU was shaped by several meaningful influences. Former Baker High School teammate and DSU Hall of Fame running back Jace Schillinger encouraged him to consider Dickinson, telling Klauzer that if he carried the same mindset their Baker program had instilled, he would have a real opportunity to contribute early on. “And I wanted to have a chance to play right away,” Klauzer reflects. Proximity to his mother, Barb, was another deciding factor, as she could attend more games with Dickinson close to home. Finally, knowing Pete Stanton would be coaching his position sealed the deal.

Looking back, Klauzer recalls the “locker room shenanigans” as the foundation of the team’s brotherhood. “We had a lot of strong and whacky personalities that helped weave that rope. I think about the wins, losses, classic custom burned CDs, post-game songs, and constant bantering still to this day,” he says. On the field, he is especially proud of helping put together four straight conference titles by the end of his career, a run that gave both the players and coaches a sense of accomplishment even as they wished for deeper playoff success.

When asked about influences, Klauzer points to two people right away. “My mom was my influence because every time I was suited up, I wanted her to know that her son was going to make it for her. She had given my brother, sister, and me every second and dollar she ever had, and I wanted her to know it was not going to be wasted.” He continues, “Coach Stanton also, because he knew I was coming from a little bit of a troubled upbringing but never let me think he held that against me. He has always been a father figure and someone I hold very high in my life. He spent so much time fielding my young adult questions, making sure I had the answers I needed, and keeping me grounded whenever I would start getting carried away.”

Klauzer credits DSU football with helping open the doors to the life he has now. The opportunities he has built largely stem from the relationships he developed through the program and the support those relationships have provided throughout the years. They have led him to a successful career, a strong community network, and the family he always wanted.

If Klauzer could give today’s players one piece of advice, it would be this: “Do not waste a day not trying to get better at some aspect of your life. Whether that is in school, as a player, as a son, as a friend, or as an employee, you control the next chapter, so do not ever let anyone try to make you think otherwise.”

“Kylan had a hall of fame career as a Blue Hawk. It helped him and our team that he played right away in 2002 and that he got involved with the program as soon as possible. He had the amazing ability to make timely game changing plays on the field, and he did that several times throughout his career. He had a relentless work ethic and was willing to do whatever it took to help his teams succeed—which happened often when his teams won a conference championship every year he was here.

I am most proud of Kylan in how he has succeeded at such a high level outside of the playing field. People don’t realize all he has overcome in his life. His determination to be successful has helped him be an incredible son, husband, father, and friend. It has been gratifying watching him takes these steps in his life, and we are grateful for how he continues to support our program and athletic department.”

--Pete Stanton, DSU Athletic Director and Head Football Coach

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By Alician Parks, DSU HF Student Writer