Athletics Hall of Fame
Bill Wagner
| SPORT(S) | Basketball, Track and Field |
| PLAYED AT BSU | 1956-1960 |
| YEAR INDUCTED | 2006 |
Bill Wagner graduated from Bemidji State University in 1960 with a Bachelors degree in mathematics and physical education and returned to complete a Masters in 1967. While
an undergraduate at the university, Bill was a four year letter winner
in both basketball and track and also participated in cross-country the
fall of 1957. He was a member of the NIC
Championship basketball teams in 1956-57 and 1959-60 and earned the BSU
top rebounder honors in the 1958-59 season. Bill
also excelled in track where he placed first in the high jump in 1957
and posted a 24.9 second time for the 220 yd low hurdle. To this day Bill still holds this top low hurdles record for the Bemidji State University track and field. Following graduation in 1960, Bill began his teaching career at Warren High School, where he not only educated students in the classroom but on the court and the track as well. From
1960-1963 Bill was the head track and field coach, as well as the
assistant boy?s basketball coach. When Bill made his move to Roseau High School
in 1963 he made his mark as a mathematics teacher, assistant and then
head boy?s basketball coach, as well as the head girl?s basketball
coach. Bill was recognized for his outstanding
performance as a teacher by receiving the Roseau Teacher of the Year
award in 1993 and being inducted into the Bemidji State University
Education Hall of Fame in 2005. Aside from teaching and high school athletics, Bill was a member of several organizations including the Bemidji State University alumni board, the Roseau Teachers Association, School Board, MEA, and NEA. Furthermore, Bill has been a devoted member of the Messiah Lutheran Church since 1964, holding many leadership positions over the years. After teaching for 38 years, Bill retired in 1997. In
his spare time Bill enjoys farming, photography, reading, and his
grandchildren. Bill and his wife, Helen ?59, continue to reside in Roseau, Minnesota and have two adult children, Alan and Suzanne, and two granddaughters.
