Marv Rasmussen

Marv Rasmussen CLAREMONT ‘HONKERS’ – 1955

        An historic level of success was achieved by Claremont during the time Marv Rasmussen excelled for the Honkers.

        Claremont fielded outstanding basketball teams built around the 6-foot-3 forward. The Honkers reached the Class B state tournament when Rasmussen was a junior in 1954. They finished sixth and went 29-2.

       The following season Rasmussen averaged 30.3 points per game. That year for the first time South Dakota selected an all-state team and Rasmussen was a member. He totaled 1,991 points playing for Bill Welsh.

        In football Welsh coached Rasmussen and the Honkers into the history book. Claremont was simply unbeatable for several years. Rasmussen was a sturdy two-time member of the all-state team and his leadership helped Claremont set a national six-man record of 61 consecutive victories.

       Also a standout for the Honkers in track, Rasmussen’s specialties were the hurdle events and the shot put.

        Rasmussen was among the rare players to be a starter on four conference championship basketball teams in college. Northern State University ruled the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference from 1956 through 1959. As a senior Rasmussen averaged 14.9 points per game in 1959 and finished his Northern career with 1,102 points.

       The Wolves of Coach Bob Wachs went 86-14 during Rasmussen’s time on the roster and he was all-SDIC two years. Northern qualified for the NAIA National Tournament three times in that span. Rasmussen was inducted into both the Northern Hall of Fame and the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame.

        As a coach Rasmussen guided Alexandria to the Class B state championship in 1963. He also fielded successful teams at Webster, Aberdeen Roncalli and Langford. In addition Rasmussen spent time in banking and also managed a hardware company. He is now retired.

       Rasmussen and his wife Geri live in Langford. Children are Steven, Marc, David and Jean.

 

Comments (1)

  • Dave Wagner

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    I played basketball and football under Coach Rasmussen during the period from 1961 to 1963 when he was the athletic coach for Alexandria High School in Alexandria, SD. Coach Rasmussen was a tremendous coach and an even better human being. I will be forever grateful to him for the memories he created for me of my high school years. I wasn’t the most gifted athlete on the 1963 State B championship basketball team. As matter of fact, I was probably the 12th man on the twelve man team. But, Coach Rasmussen liked my “hustle” and “determination” when scrimmaging with the “starters” and I made the State B tournament team. The rest is history … we won the championship that year … and what a great memory for me! Thank you, Coach Rasmussen!

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