Bemidji State University

A four-year letter winner for the Bemidji State football team, Matt Wellumson completed his career with 153 total tackles with 31 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks. He added four forced fumbles and two interceptions, which he returned a total of 109 yards and two touchdowns. His accomplishments still place him second in single-season touchdown returns and sixth in single-season interception return yards. The defensive tackle remains second on BSU’s single-season sack list after posting with 13.5 in 1986, while his 20.5 career sacks place him third on the Beavers’ career sack list. An All-NIC pick in 1986, Wellumson was selected all-district in 1985 and 1986 and was an All-America Honorable Mention selection in 1986. He was a leader for a defensive unit that was among the NAIA’s leaders in scoring defense in 1985 and 1986, was fifth in the nation in rushing defense in 1986 and seventh in total defense that season.

Wellumson battled thyroid cancer during his collegiate football career and was an inspiration and example of hard work and dedication to his teammates. Cancer claimed the life of the husband and father of four March 4, 1995 at the age of 31.