Valley City (VCSU) – Valley City State University (VCSU) is proud to announce the kickoff of a year-long celebration marking 100 years of Viking Athletics.

The official kickoff will be Homecoming 2025, the university will honor a century of Viking pride, competition, and tradition with special events, recognition, and alumni engagement opportunities spanning every athletic season.  Since 1925, Viking student-athletes, coaches, and fans have built a tradition of resilience, excellence, and pride that has shaped the identity of VCSU and its community.

A Year of Viking Pride
The celebration will span the 2025-26 academic year with special events across every season:

  • Volleyball – Sept. 26–27 vs. Dickinson State (Centennial Weekend)
  • Football – Oct. 11 vs. Mayville State (Centennial Game)
  • Men’s & Women’s Basketball & Cheer – Nov. 21–22 vs. University of Western Montana (Fri) and Montana Tech (Sat)
  • All other sports – Centennial dates TBD

In addition, every home game throughout the year will feature a ceremonial Game Ball Presentation, recognizing alumni, community leaders, and program supporters who have shaped the Viking legacy.

Culminating Celebration
The centennial year will culminate in the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Tharaldson Family Athletic Center, a state-of-the-art facility that represents the future of Viking Athletics. This milestone event will both honor the past and set the stage for the next century of success.

Unveiling a Centennial Viking Logo to Celebrate
To mark this historic occasion, VCSU is unveiling a Centennial Viking logo—a forward-facing design that symbolizes both a proud heritage and a bold vision for the future.

The Centennial Viking is a forward-facing design symbolizing the theme “Honoring the Past, Facing the Future.” Since 1925, the Viking has been a rallying point for student-athletes, coaches, and fans—a reflection of the resilience, determination, and unity that define VCSU Athletics.

“For 100 years, the Viking has been more than a mascot—it’s been a symbol of who we are as a community,” said Steve Olson, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Development. “The Centennial Viking honors that rich history while reminding us that the best is yet to come. It’s a celebration of both where we’ve been and where we’re headed.”

The special edition mark features design elements that tie together VCSU’s heritage and future:

  • Cardinal red as the primary color, with Arctic blue nodding to original Viking heritage colors and the lyric “red and blue” from the school song.
  • A chevron clocktower face integrated into the helmet, anchoring the design in VCSU’s iconic campus landmark.
  • Sail motifs within the helmet symbolizing progress and forward motion.
  • A commemorative “V” lettermark, inspired by typography from 1960s Viking uniforms, blending tradition with modern design.

The Centennial Viking will not replace the historic right-facing Viking but will be used throughout the 2025–2026 academic year as the emblem of the centennial celebration. It will appear on digital platforms, apparel, event branding, and commemorative merchandise.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our alumni, fans, and community to mark their spot in Viking history,” Olson added. “Whether it’s through attending events, reconnecting with teammates, or supporting the centennial through a commemorative shield, oar, or pride stone plate—everyone can be part of this historic moment.”

For more information on centennial events, updates, and ways to get involved, visit https://vcsuvikings.com/sports/2025/9/24/100-years-of-vikings.aspx.