Minot State University track & field dates back to the 1920s and is one of the original sports on campus. The men's program got its start in 1922 under the direction of legendary MSU coach Carl Bublitz. The women's program traces its origin to 1973-74 under Carol Lavia.
But both programs are deeply rooted in the Wiley Wilson years. Minot State Athletic Hall of Famer Wilson coached the men's program from 1969 until 1997 and was the head coach of the women's program from 1983 to 1997. In all, he won 17 North Dakota Collegiate Athletic Conference and District team championships, producing 10 All-Americans. During his time at Minot State, Wilson coached 240 conference or district title winners.
In its history, the Beavers have 38 All-Americans beginning with Donna Bumann's sixth-place finish at the 1981 AIAW National Championships. Along with the individual All-Americans, MSU has produced eight All-American relay teams, six indoors and two outdoors.
Five individuals have earned National Championships for Minot State in track & field. Donelle Carter finished with impressive six national titles during her MSU and National Hall of Fame career. She capped a stellar career with two titles at the 1999 NAIA Outdoor National Championship, winning the shot put and discus. Her heave of 50-feet-4 in the shot put was a national record. She added an indoor title in the shot put in 1999 and doubled up in the shot in both indoor and outdoor in 1998.
Genevieve Binsfeld added a track & field title to her cross country championship, winning the 2007 NAIA Indoor 3,000-meters. LeeAnn Pekovitch was the 2005 Outdoor National Champion in the javelin, Travis Hanson won the 2003 Indoor triple jump title and Brad Tighe finished the 2002 indoor season as the national champion in the indoor 3,000.
Carter leads the way with nine All-America honors during her stellar career, while Mike Tighe racked up eight All-American honors during his career, finishing second in the country four times over four years. Brother Brad Tighe also finished with eight All-American honors. Nolan Taylor placed second in the 3,000 meters for his highest finish among his five All-American races.
