Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference

Don Niskanen retired as head men’s golf coach at Bemidji State University in 2010 after 17 successful seasons. A four-time NSIC Coach of the Year, Niskanen led the Beavers to seven conference runner-up titles and four NSIC Championships during his career. Niskanen coached five NSIC Individual Champions and 35 all-conference players. His teams qualified for district, regional and national competition on several occasions, including a 2010 regional meet where Niskanen ended his coaching career. In addition to his role on the course, Niskanen worked tirelessly to develop the program from the ground up. Most notably, his fundraising efforts have blossomed into several scholarships, including two that have since been endowed. A veteran of the United States Army and native of Sebeka, Minn., Niskanen served two years in the Korean Conflict before enrolling at Bemidji State where he graduated in 1959 and earned his master’s degree in 1979. Niskanen earned a letter in golf after his senior year, just two years after being introduced to the game. Don and his wife Janet have four children (Brenda, Eric, Monica and Stacey).