Hall of Fame
The Augustana football program has a tradition of producing terrific wide receivers. One of the best was John Bergdale.
The sure-hands of the Alcester, SD native were on full display during the 1980 and 1981 seasons. Each year John led the NCC in receptions. In 1980 he hauled in 29 receptions in conference action and in 1981 he followed up his previous great year with 37 catches. He was 3rd in the nation in NCAA Division II receptions in 1980 and 2nd in the nation with 58 catches in 1981.
For his efforts, John was named All-NCC second team in 1980 and All-NCC first team in 1981. In addition, the OmahaWorld Herald named him the offensive captain of the all conference team the same year. When his collegiate career was finished, he held Augustana career records for most receptions, most yards, and longest touchdown reception (80 yards). After graduation he signed and went through training camp with the Minnesota Vikings in 1982 and the Miami Dolphins in 1983.
With all the records, one game stands out for John. On Halloween 1981 the Vikings traveled to Brookings to face the Jackrabbits. He said,"We ran the spread offense and threw on almost every down (a receiver's dream). We set team and conference records for offense and won the game at their place."
