LeRoy Boespflug (’63) was a pioneer in the sport of wrestling at both the high school and collegiate levels, competing on the first Dickinson High School as well as the first Dickinson State wrestling teams. As a college athlete, he earned two individual North Dakota College Athletic Conference (NDCAC) District titles and one North Dakota State College title at 167 pounds.
In 1968, LeRoy returned to Dickinson State as the head wrestling coach, guiding the team, then known as the Savages, to their first NDCAC wrestling title and defending it for three consecutive years. His coaching skills earned him the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) District 12 Wrestling Coach of the Year honor in 1970. He was inducted into the North Dakota Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2003.
Boespflug credits Dickinson State for his education, aided by a wrestling scholarship, and for introducing him to his wife of 62 years, Jean (’64). When asked what should never change about DSU, he answered: “The down-home atmosphere.”
A New Chapter
After retiring from the Dickinson Public School District in 2002, Boespflug began woodworking as a hobby. His favorite woods to work with are hardwoods: walnut, cherry, oak, and birch.
Using a lathe to turn raw wood into beautiful creations requires the same expertise, precision, and patience that Boespflug utilized throughout his 40-year career as a teacher, guidance counselor, coach, and administrator. Just as he carefully crafts his wooden masterpieces, he has helped shape the lives of thousands of students.
Giving Back
Renowned for his generous spirit and strong connection to his alma mater, Boespflug has donated a collection of his handcrafted wooden bowls, lamps, and chopping boards to the DSU Heritage Foundation’s Yuletyme Event, taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
For more information on attending Yuletyme, DSU Heritage Foundation's largest fundraising event for student scholarships, please visit 2024 YULETYME - Dickinson State University Alumni.
By: Debora Dragseth, Baker Boy Professor of Leadership | School of Business and Entrepreneurship Dickinson State University
Comments