Photo credits: Olivia Gratz

.The 2026 Coyote Legends Banquet was held on October 8 at the Great Northern Event Center, bringing together alumni, families, and community members to celebrate Williston High School’s proud athletic tradition. This year’s honorees included Coach Dennis Healy, Wade Sundby, Emily Sell Lunak, Tyler Jundt, Coach Jack Olson, Donn Skadeland, and the 1999 WHS Wrestling Team. Each was recognized for outstanding achievements, lasting contributions, and a legacy of Coyote pride.

Photo credits: Olivia Gratz

A 1966 WHS graduate, Dennis Healy dedicated more than 40 years to coaching and supporting athletes in baseball, football, basketball, and golf. An accomplished collegiate athlete, he brought his experience and passion to generations of young players and helped establish the Coyote Booster Club. His commitment to students, athletics, and the Williston community reflects a lifetime of Coyote pride.

Photo credits: Olivia Gratz

A 1976 WHS graduate, Wade Sundby excelled in football, wrestling, and rodeo. He earned a state wrestling championship and won both the National High School All-Around and Steer Wrestling championships in 1975. Inducted into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2023, Wade also devoted many years to coaching youth wrestling and supporting Williston athletes.

Photo credits: Olivia Gratz

A 2007 WHS graduate, Emily Sell Lunak earned outstanding recognition in hockey and tennis, including the 2007 North Dakota Miss Hockey Award, record-setting hockey performances, and a state doubles tennis championship. She continued playing collegiate hockey at UND and Concordia College. Through coaching and her ownership of TREX Hockey Camps, Emily continues to develop and inspire young athletes.

Photo credits: Olivia Gratz

A 2006 WHS graduate, Tyler Jundt excelled in hockey and tennis, earning All-State honors in both sports and recording 143 career tennis victories. He continued his hockey career at the collegiate and professional levels while earning recognition for academic excellence and leadership. Tyler later returned to Williston to serve as the Coyote boys’ varsity hockey head coach and continues giving back through youth hockey and Coyote tennis.

Photo credits: Olivia Gratz

A 1964 WHS graduate, Jack Olson served Williston as an English teacher, championship tennis coach, and lifelong supporter of athletics. He guided the Coyote girls’ tennis teams to state championships in 1980 and 1981 and coached numerous individual state champions. His honors include two North Dakota Girls Tennis Coach of the Year awards, the Coyote Extraordinaire Award, and Williston State College’s Outstanding Alumni Award.

Donn Skadeland was an accomplished multisport athlete who helped the Coyotes win the 1975 state basketball championship. He also earned recognition in Legion baseball, tennis, collegiate basketball, and state and national racquetball competition. Although his life was tragically cut short in 2011, his athletic achievements, devotion to family, and lasting Coyote pride remain an important part of Williston’s history.

Photo credits: Olivia Gratz

The 1999 WHS wrestling team captured the North Dakota Class A state championship through strong senior leadership and contributions from the entire lineup. Eight wrestlers placed at state, including individual champions Jared Nichols and Dave Blonder. Head coach Chuck Michaelson earned Class A Wrestling Coach of the Year honors, and the team’s determination and teamwork secured a proud place in Coyote history.

Photos: Click HERE. Booklet: Click HERE.

We sincerely thank our Legend Sponsors, whose generous support made the 2026 Coyote Legends Banquet possible and helps carry on the proud tradition of Williston High School athletics.

Dennis Healy sponsored by Hugh Long

Donn Skadeland sponsored by Jan Skadeland and Huss Law

Jerry & Betty Hicks

Ranger Energy

Noon Lions

WHS Journalism Class

I have had a few calls wondering how to donate to our scholarship program. There are two ways to donate to a scholarship fund that is already established.

OPTION 1 - Credit Card

1. Go to www.willistoncoyotefoundation.org

2. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the first page.

3. You are able to change the amount that you want to donate by clicking in the box and entering the amount you would like to donate.

4. Scroll down and find the scholarship you would like to contribute to.

5. If you would like to donate in honor or memory of someone, you can check the box and attach a message to me about your donation.

6. Click "Pay with Paypal".

7. You DON'T have to pay with paypal. The next screen will let you pay with a credit card.

8. Done.Thank you so much!

OPTION 2 - Check

1. Write a note stating the name of the scholarship you wish to donate to. There is a list on www.willistoncoyotefoundation.org

2. Make sure to include if it is in honor/memory of someone.

3. Send it to:

Williston Coyote Foundation

PO BOX 1407

Williston, ND 58801

The Coyote Foundation is made up of a board of Williston High School graduates. I am so thankful for the Coyote Foundation Board Members that continue to donate their time to support the alumni of WHS. If you see these board members, give them a big "Thank You" for their time they give to our foundation.

President: Matt Glueckert, Class of 1998

Vice President: Scott Studsrud, Class of 1990

Secretary: Kristi Hildebrandt, Class of 2004

Treasurer: Mark McGinley, Class of 1977

Board Members: Taylor Olson, Class of 2001; Jess Bingeman-Vestal, Class of 2000; Abby Siewert, Class of 2004; Bekka Johnson, Class of 2010; Marilyn Olson, Class of 1976; Codi Austreim, Class of 1996; Carla Vannatta, Class of 1983

Executive Director: Tammy Rossland, Class of 1990

Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Facebook: Williston Coyote Foundation

Instagram: willistoncoyotefoundation

Keep following for more updates and Coyote information.

Giving back to alumni via scholarships is a big part of the Coyote Foundation. If you have been thinking about creating a scholarship through the Williston Coyote Foundation to honor a loved one or simply to make a difference for our future leaders,we can still set up YOUR scholarship today!  Just shoot me an email at tammy.rossland @ willistonschools.org and we will make it happen!

#givingbacktotheorangeandblack

Thank you to the following people for their donations to the Coyote Foundation:

Huss Law, Legends Sponsorship, in honor of Donn Skadeland
Coyote Booster, Coyote Booster Club Scholarship
Jerry & Betty Hicks Legends Banquet sponsors
Hugh Long,  Legends Sponsorship, in honor of Dennis Healy
Austin Alexander, Alexander Family Scholarships
Janet Skadeland, Legends Sponsorship, in memory of Donn Skadeland
Rolf Gjorven, George Amsden Teacher Grant, in memory of George Amsden
Diane Hagen, WHS Class of 1966
Nancy Boyd, WHS Class of 1961
  

Our deepest sympathy goes to the families of:

Elaine Kay Sommers, class of 1964, passed away on August 18, 2026, in Wahpeton, ND.

Bonnie MacMasters,  passed away on  April 20, 2026

Jason Esperum class of 1995, passed away on September 14, 2026, in Williston

Avis Williamson, class of 1966, passed away on September 2, 2026, in Minot, ND.

Kari Lee, class of 1969, passed away on August 23, 2026, in Williston, ND

George T. "Tom" Schmidt, WHS class of 1959, passed away on May 26, 2026 in Havelock, NC.

If you know of a WHS alumni that has passed, email tammy.rossland@willistonschools.org

Contacting the Williston Coyote Foundation - 

The Coyote Foundation

PO Box 1407

Williston, ND 58801

tammy.rossland@willistonschools.org

701-570-1463 or 701-770-6787

Did you Know???
 
 We do so much more than scholarships at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We also look for ways to help the schools through unrestricted funds donated to our Foundation, grants written on behalf of the schools, and donor-specific gifts. 
 
We currently have 5 qualified charitable endowments through the Williston Coyote Foundation:  The Nadine Sukut Bloomquist Memorial Endowment, the John and Cathy Schmitz Endowment for the Betterment of Williston Schools, the Noel and Geri Hanson Endowment, the Dave and Linda McAdoo Endowment, the Elvin and Minnie Njos Memorial Endowment, and the Tyler Fretland Memorial Aviation Endowment.  The State of North Dakota offers a tax credit for donations of $5000 or more to a qualified endowment, and we would be happy to discuss how your donation can be utilized in the best possible way for both you and the schools, students, and teachers at WBSD 7!  
 
​If you or your company would like to know more about ways you can help Williston Basin Schools, please feel free to contact us at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We would love to visit with you about how your donation can be used for the benefit of the schools, students, and staff of WBSD 7.  
 
As always, your donations are tax-deductible and very much appreciated. You can donate conveniently online through the link to our website below or you can mail any donations to our address listed below. We could not continue our mission of promoting and supporting Williston Basin School District 7 without the help of our generous donors! ​ ​​​​​​​