October 22, 2026
   
MADISON, S.D. - Pat (Wagner) Bruinsma's Dakota State University track and field career was defined by perseverance, determination, and perhaps most importantly, having coaches who believed in her before she fully believed in herself.

After overcoming knee surgery in 1982, Bruinsma walked on to Dakota State's indoor track and field team in 1983, beginning a collegiate career that would eventually establish her as one of the top runners in the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference (SDIC).

A 1982 graduate of Hamlin High School, Bruinsma competed in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dashes at Dakota State, along with the 4 x 100-, 4 x 165- and 4 x 400-meter relays. The 400 meters, an event she had never competed in before college, developed into her signature event. 

Bruinsma captured three consecutive SDIC championships in the 400 meters from 1984 through 1986.  Remarkably, she won all three conference titles while running from lane eight. Her versatility was also instrumental in Dakota State's team success. At the SDIC Conference Track Meet, she placed eight events and contributed valuable team points as the Trojans captured the 1984 SDIC Conference Championship.

During her career, Bruinsma established Dakota State school records in three events. She set the school record in 400 meters with a time of 1 minute and was a member of the record-setting 4 x 400-meter relay team that posted a time of 4 minutes, 28.69 seconds.  She also helped establish a school record in the 4 x 165-meter relay (an event that is discontinued today).

Her accomplishments culminated during the 1986 conference meet when Bruinsma was named the SDIC Most Valuable Woman Track Athlete. She was also selected as Dakota State's Most Valuable Runner in both 1985 and 1986, highlighting her consistency and importance to the Trojan track and field program.

Pat had never run the event before college, and she certainly did not fall in love with it immediately.  In fact, she jokingly admits that the 400-meters 'really sucked'.  Yet, it turned out to be her best race.  Three consecutive conference championships later, the event had become a defining part of her athletic legacy.

Bruinsma credits Dakota State coaches Larry Traetow, Buzz Stevenson, and Dave Gottsleben with playing significant roles in her development. Their encouragement helped her build confidence and transform her athletic ability into a championship career and some of her most meaningful memories.  She graduated from Dakota State in 1986.

Her involvement in track and field continued long after her Dakota State career ended. Bruinsma and her husband, Alan, spent 10 years coaching track and field in Wessington Springs, S.D., with Alan serving as head coach and Pat as an assistant.

The couple also organized the Hershey Track and Field meet for many years, introducing elementary-age athletes to the sport and providing opportunities for young competitors to experience track and field.

Pat and Alan were married in August 1986 and have two children, Reina and Bo, and two grandchildren. Their passion for the sport remains strong, as they continue to follow track and field and attend events such as the South Dakota State Track Meet and Howard Wood Dakota Relays.

From walking on to the Dakota State track and field team following knee surgery to becoming a three-time SDIC 400-meter champion, conference Most Valuable Woman Track Athlete and multiple school-record holder, Pat (Wagner) Bruinsma built a Dakota State career distinguished by determination, championship success and lasting contributions to the sport of track and field.

Her records, championships, and eight-event performance at the conference meet are impressive accomplishments.  But perhaps her greatest contribution to track and field has been the passion she and Alan have shared with young athletes through coaching and community involvement. 

For Pat, track and field was never simply about running fast or winning races.  It challenged her, frustrated her, humbled her, and ultimately gave her some of her greatest memories. 
 

2026 DSU Athletics Hall of Fame Series
Tuesday, October 20	Rachelle (Lengbeek) DeBeer '97
Wednesday, October 21	Earl DeBates '65
Wednesday, October 21	Rick Alfson
Thursday, October 22	Pat (Wagner) Bruinsma '86
Thursday, October 22	Lynn Schuett '78
Friday, October 23	1977 DSC Men's Golf SDIC Championship Team