Gustavus Adolphus College

A nose for the ball, deceptive strength and speed, and an intense passion for the game propelled Brian Bergstrom into the conversation as one of the greatest linebackers in Gustavus football history. Not a stereotypical inside linebacker by stature, Bergstrom instead used his smarts and instincts to become a defensive force in Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. The Burnsville, Minnesota native was the face of the Gustie defense from 1998-2001, leading the team in tackles each season during that span. Bergstrom fit the characteristics of what it meant to be a Gustie football player under head coach Jay Schoenebeck by performing at a high level at all times and being a servant leader. He finished his illustrious career holding school records for tackles in a career (406), tackles in a season (136), tackles in a game (20) and career games played (40). A three-time all-conference honoree, Bergstrom was also a two-time First Team All-District selection as well as an Honorable Mention All-America honoree his senior year. In addition to his football accolades, he was honored for his academic achievements earning First Team CoSIDA Academic All-America honors in his junior and senior seasons as well as being named a prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship winner his senior year.

After graduating from Gustavus in 2002 with a degree in health fitness, Bergstrom had coaching stints at Shakopee High School, St. Cloud State University, and Crown College, before returning to his alma mater in 2006, where he served as the defensive coordinator for five years. Bergstrom also coached at Minnetonka High School and Augustana University, and is currently the safeties coach at South Dakota State University. Brian and his wife Kate ’02 live in Brookings, South Dakota with their three children, Krayton, Beckett, and Berkley.