As a three-sport letter winner (basketball, baseball & golf), Bruce Haroldson is considered one of the most accomplished student-athletes in Augustana history. On the hardwood, he was named All-North Central Conference twice (2nd team in ’58 & Honorable Mentioned in ’57) while being the second-leading team scorer in 1958. At the time, the 7-5 conference record was third-best in the NCC as Haroldson was the seventh-leading league scorer (13.9 points per game). During a matchup vs. Morningside College, Bruce and Augustana Hall of Famer Gerry Ihrke each lead the team in scoring with 27 points a piece. As a sophomore, Haroldson held UND star Don Augustine to just 14 points while tallying 21 points, himself.
On the diamond, Bruce received high praise for his pitching during his senior season, as he was considered the best pitcher in the North Central Conference by Argus Leader sports editor, Craig Stolz. One of best performances came during a battle with South Dakota State. Haroldson gave up just two hits and led the Vikings to a 3-2 victory over the Jackrabbits. He was also the second-best hitter for the Vikings during the 1958 season with a .369 batting average.
Haroldson was also a two-time men’s golf letter winner (1955-56) as he finished as a medalist at the 1956 dual vs. USD.
Aside from everything that Bruce accomplished at Augustana, there was a time in his life where becoming a Viking was almost in jeopardy.
“As a high school senior, I was diagnosed with Rheumatic Fever and spent three months in bed, not allowed to walk anywhere,” Bruce mentioned. “Augustana Athletic Director Lloyd (Pinky) Falgren gave me a basketball scholarship, even though I was still recovering in the fall and not allowed to climb stairs for the first month of college. I went on to letter in basketball, baseball and golf as a Viking. I will always be grateful for his faith in my athletic ability.”
Two other faculty members that influenced Bruce during college were Dr. Richard Solberg and Verlund Smith, Professor of Christianity. Solberg told stories of the past that never let Bruce lose interest, while Professor Smith gave him a deeper understanding of his Lutheran faith.
After graduating in 1958, Bruce signed a professional contract to play for the St. Louis Cardinals where he would spend two and a half years in their minor league system and be named to the Pioneer League All-Star team in 1959. He then played for the Kansas City Royals minor league system for another two years (1960-61) and was recognized by "The Sporting News" for a single pitch triple play 1961 in NW League.
After he finished his baseball career, Bruce went on to receive his Master’s in Education from the University of Oregon and was the head men’s basketball coach for over 20 years at Mesa College (Colorado), where he was named to their Hall of Honor in 1997. In 1985, he was the NAIA District 9 Coach of the Year, as well as honored with the Ole Odney Alumni Coach of the Year Award for Augustana.
Currently, Bruce is semi-retired while he serves as a private basketball trainer and is a member of the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Avondale, Arizona. He and his wife, Joan, reside in Goodyear, Arizona, and have a son, Brian, three daughters, Ann Marie, Jennifer and Katye, along with eight grandchildren.
