Remembering a SD coaching legend, who I called Grandpa Gordie
In between coaching Dakota Wesleyan University basketball teams to new heights, Gordie Fosness was a grandfather, a father and friend to many. Written By: Sam Fosness | ×
From left to right: Sam Fosness, Adam Fosness, the late Gordon Fosness and Sean Melmer, three of Gordon Fosness grandkids. (Laura Fosness / Republic)
To many, Gordie Fosness was a basketball giant in the state of South Dakota and beyond. But to me, he was my grandpa who taught me how to sneak into basketball games, eat way too much fast food and talk a speeding ticket down to a warning.
Photo Credit: South Dakota Hall of Fame
SIOUX FALLS – Presho native and former Dakota Wesleyan men’s basketball coach Gordie Fosness died Tuesday in Sioux Falls at age 85.
Fosness was the winningest coach in DWU history with 351 victories. He was the Tigers’ head coach from 1961 to 1982. Fosness’ teams won 11 conference championships, played in four NAIA regional playoffs and made the national NAIA tournament in 1964 and 1979.
Fosness played football and basketball for DWU, where he graduated in 1957 as South Dakota’s all-time leading collegiate scorer at the time with 1,805 points. He was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers, becoming the first South Dakotan to be drafted by an NBA team. After being cut by the Lakers, he returned to South Dakota, coaching at Cavour and Gregory before going to his collegiate alma mater.