Northern State Athletics Hall of Fame
Barry Erickson earned three degrees in three decades at Northern State. After earning his bachelor's degree in 1967, Erickson continued to receive a master's in school administration degree in 1970 and in 1987, he returned to pick up another master's in guidance and counseling. All three degrees have helped him succeed in his current position as superintendent of Tulare High School.
Erickson's athletic achievements in track and field have also stood the test of time. He still holds the school indoor records for long jump at 23 feet, 5 inches and shares records for two now-defunct events: the indoor 60-yeard intermediate and high hurdles. While he competed, he broke many school, state and SDIC records. Northern garnered four SDIC track championships with Erickson's help in 1963-64 and 1966-67. NSU was also crowned District 12 NAIA champions in 1963 and 1964.
Erickson also competed in football and basketball while at Northern. He qualified for nationals twice in the high hurdles and made the finals both times and competed in the Drake Relays.
In 1997, he received the Tular Mason's Award for dedicated service to the community. Erickson is a 28-year member of the School Administrators of South Dakota organization, as well a charter member of the Tulare Lions and Tulare Sportsman's Club.
