Valley City ND – Valley City State University mourns the passing of Darrell Anderson, former Athletic Director and men’s basketball coach, whose leadership and dedication helped shape Viking athletics for nearly two decades. He was 87 years old.
 
Darrell served VCSU with distinction for 18 years, impacting the university as a coach, administrator, and mentor. During his tenure, Viking teams earned three conference championships in men’s basketball, five consecutive NDCAC titles in tennis, and a conference championship in golf. His influence extended far beyond competition, as he played a key role in establishing the Vikings Booster Club Board of Directors, the VCSU Coaches Hall of Fame, and early athletic training programs.
 
Anderson’s basketball teams won conference titles in 1979-80, 1980-81, and 1981-82. Tennis championships won 1979, 80, 81, 82, and 83. The golf championship came in 1979. He was inducted into the Viking Hall of Fame in 2006.
 
Known for his steady leadership and genuine care for student-athletes, Darrell believed deeply in the power of athletics to teach discipline, teamwork, and character. His legacy lives on through the countless students, coaches, and colleagues he guided along the way.
 
Dr. Alan Olson, a Professor and Assessment Coordinator in the Department of Education at VCSU, played basketball and baseball at VCSU from 1980-84. Olson said this about his former coach, “Darrell Anderson was an outstanding person, teacher, coach, and athletic director. He set high expectations. Coach Anderson was an excellent strategist who taught basketball skills in meticulous detail and demanded disciplined execution of fundamentals, plays, and defenses as a team.” Olson continues “Darrell Anderson was an outstanding role model who positively influenced many VCSU student-athletes and future coaches. His influence on teachers and coaches continues to benefit players and teams today.”
 
Olson coached basketball while Anderson was the athletic director. Olson said, “I remain grateful to have learned valuable lessons about coaching and life from Coach Darrell Anderson and Coach Jim Dew.”
 
 The VCSU community extends its heartfelt sympathy to Darrell’s family and all who were fortunate to know him. We honor his life, service, and lasting impact on Valley City State University.