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Chuck Bentson

One of the greatest coaches of NDSU history to ever grace the university, Chuck Bentson left his impact on and off the basketball court.

Born on October 25th, 1917,  Charles “Chuck” Bentson grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He graduated of the University of Wyoming in 1935 with a degree in botany while playing basketball, baseball, and football. He then was in Marine Corps from 1941-1947 and was discharged as a Lieutenant Colonel. All this time overseas he still continued to play basketball

picture of Chuck Bentson, [3].

picture of Chuck Bentson, [3].

and basketball. During his tour in the Pacific Theatre, he met Martha Lampman, a lieutenant nurse stationed in a Navy hospital. They were married at a Naval Hospital in California in December of 1946. Instead of playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chuck decided to coach the freshman basketball team at his alma mater. It wasn’t until 1949 that Bentson ended up at NDAC, as the new head

coach of the basketball team. [1] [2]

Coach Bentson coaching, [4].

Chuck Bentson coaching, [4].

From 1949-1967, Chuck Bentson compiled a 174-204 record. This makes him the second winningest coach in NDSU history, losing to Erv Inninger’s 244-150 record. In 1952 he coached the team to winning the North Central Conference Championship. Then in 1954, they shared the NCC championship with the University of North Dakota. As well as being the head basketball coach, he helped out with the varsity baseball team as well as the Fargo American Legion. It was during 1952 that he coached future MLB star, Roger Maris. Chuck decided to retire from coaching in 1965 and moved to the counseling department at NDSU. Then he was promoted to the dean of men in 1968 and later became the Dean of Student Affairs. After 32 years at the university, he retired in 1981. Chuck Bentson impacted NDSU on and off the court in positive ways. [1] [2]

  1. “Longtime NDSU basketball coach Chuck Bentson dies.” Fargo Forum, January 22, 1994.
  2. NDSU Athletic Communications, “Charles ‘Chuck’ Bentson.” Accessed October 17, 2016.
  3. Photo by North Dakota State Athletics, http://www.gobison.com/hof.aspx?hof=168&path=&kiosk=.
  4. Photo by NDSU Archives, https://flic.kr/p/aZJ9iD.
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The Fargo History Project

The Fargo History Project began in Fall 2012 as part of a Digital History course at North Dakota State University. What started as a class effort to explore Fargo’s early history through archival research has grown into an ongoing, collaborative public history initiative. Students continue to work in libraries, archives, and the community to uncover and interpret the city’s past, contributing research that expands the project in new directions each year.

Over time, the project has moved beyond its original digital format to include a range of public-facing work. Students have produced original documentaries, conducted oral histories, and developed a Fargo history walking tour that invites people to experience the city’s past in place. These additions reflect a broader commitment to making history accessible, engaging, and relevant to public audiences.

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Angela J. Smith is Professor of History and Director of the Public History Program at North Dakota State University. Her work focuses on public history, digital history, and twentieth-century U.S. history, with an emphasis on community-engaged research and making the past accessible to broader audiences.

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