MSUM Dragon Men’s Basketball Has A New Head Coach

     On Monday afternoon Minnesota State University Moorhead athletic director Chad Markuson announced that top assistant Tim Bergstraser has been named the Dragon head men’s basketball head coach. Bergstraser has spent the past six seasons as an assistant at MSUM, including being the program’s top assistant coach since 2018.

     He came to MSUM as a graduate assistant in 2015 and served in the role through the 2017 season, before leaving to become an assistant coach at Quincy University in the 2017-18 season. In 2018 he returned to MSUM as a full-time assistant coach. While serving under former head coach Chad Walthall, Bergstraser helped guide the Dragons to a 112-53 record. MSUM also made four NCAA Tournament appearances, two NSIC championships, and the programs first ever NSIC Tournament Championship in 2022.

     "He has played a vital and significant role in the recruitment and development of our basketball team over the past few years. He was overwhelmingly endorsed by the student-athletes, search committee and department. He shares the university core values and has the heart of a teacher. He wants to lead the men of the program in basketball but also in life. I am excited for the future of the men's basketball team and the athletic department with Tim as our head men's basketball coach," said Markuson.

     Bergstraser played college basketball at St. Cloud State, including helping the Huskies to the 2009-10 NCAA Division II Final Four. He was also an All-NSIC second team honoree in the 2011-12 season before injuries ended his playing career early. Bergstraser earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation and sports management from St. Cloud State and a master’s degree from MSUM in educational leadership.

     Bergstraser is all in on the Dragon men’s basketball program saying, "This university is an easy sell to recruits and families with the community that surrounds us. The foundation of the program is strong and I am confident on how we can continue to build a respectable team to compete for championships. To my family, Chad Walthall, personal mentors, current and former players- I owe you everything. I understand how big of a job this is in our league. I am driven to make sure we continue to have success and represent our university the right way with a first-class approach."