Belquist making history at UND

Bo Belquist continues to impress at the University of North Dakota.

Since graduating from New Rockford-Sheyenne in 2020 and moving to Grand Forks, Belquist has transitioned his success in 9-man football to even greater heights at the college level.

Following a recent game against Idaho State, he's now putting himself in the record books among the all-time great athletes at UND.

During their game against Idaho State on Sept. 14, Belquist caught his 217th pass as a Fighting Hawk, officially giving him the most receptions in UND's Division I era, which began in 2008.

The previous record holder was Greg Hardin, another great UND alum who had 216 career receptions with the Fighting Hawks.

That game against Idaho State was also remarkable for another reason, as Belquist finished the game with a career-high 165 yards receiving, the highest single-game receiving total since Hardin earned 179 yards during a game in 2013.

Belquist added three more receptions for 116 yards during the following game against the University of San Diego on Saturday, Sept. 21, bringing his total career receptions to 227.

The star receiver will undoubtedly grow that number throughout the season, one which UND has high hopes can end with success. They're currently ranked No. 8-9 in the country with a 3-1 record before their game against Murray State on Sept. 28.

UND's head football coach Bubba Schweigert had nothing but praise for Belquist when he spoke during his postgame press conference following the Idaho State game.

"He's very elusive," said Schweigert about Belquist. "He's got a great competitive spirit, so he's not satisfied to be short of the goal line. It's really a competitor's heart you see in those plays, and also some skill. He's very shifty and hard to tackle."

Belquist, who also spoke after the game, said the new record hasn't sunk in quite yet and that he's just happy to have helped his team earn another victory.

"It's pretty cool," he said. "Obviously, it hasn't really set in yet, and I don't think it really will until I'm probably done playing here and look back at it. But right now, it feels pretty good."

During his career as a New Rockford-Sheyenne Rocket, Belquist helped propel his team to playoff appearances and a region championship in 2018, not to mention his efforts on the basketball court.

He's continued to make his hometown proud ever since, and as his final season at UND continues, many in New Rockford will also be looking ahead to the NFL draft and wondering what, if anything, might happen as it relates to the hometown kid.