University of Minnesota Crookston Athletics

Dr. Stanley Sahlstrom was the "founding father" of the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Sahlstrom took the reins of UMC in 1965 when he was named provost. Sahlstrom built UMC from ground floor. He traveled throughout northwest Minnesota promoting the college. State Senator Roger Moe of Ada said that "the Provost's gregarious grand style and ability to meet and greet people [were] almost a guarantee of success." Under Sahlstrom's leadership, the athletic facilities at UMC were greatly enhanced. The addition of the Lysaker Gymnasium and Sports Center provided a first-class site for the UMC athletic program as well as numerous area high school volleyball and basketball tournaments.

Also during his administration, the entire outdoor sports complex was developed at the south end of the campus. Sahlstrom was a strong advocate of athletic competition. He believed it helped to give students a well-rounded educational experience at UMC. Dr. Sahlstrom remained as Provost until his resignation in 1984. With his vast knowledge of higher education, it was a natural that he was elected to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents during that same year.