Dusty Birkenbuel (2010) - Hall of Fame - Montana State University Athletics

Dusty Birkenbuel

Induction:
2010
Class:
1974

On a defense with considerable star power, Dusty Birkenbuel shined brightly.

Referred to frequently as one of the best high school talents to ever come out of Great Falls and as Montana State's best linebacker ever, Birkenbuel earned All-Big Sky honors as a junior and second team all-league kudos as a senior, becoming known throughout the Big Sky as a fierce hitter, sure tackler, and playmaker.

Birkenbuel logged one of the finest games of the era in Montana State's contest against North Dakota State in 1973. The junior intercepted a pair of passes, caused one fumble, and recovered another.

One of the remarkable elements in such a performance - and in his outstanding career - was doing so behind a staunch defensive line that made many plays itself, anchored by future NFL standout Bill Kollar.

"Dusty had good size and really outstanding football sense," said former Bobcat head coach Sonny Holland. "He was a very versatile player, very coachable, and he helped us in a lot of different ways."

That versatility manifested itself often. Although primarily a linebacker, Birkenbuel played every position in Montana State's front seven at one time or another during his career.

Birkenbuel was a top-flight all-around athlete coming out of Great Falls High School, and was highly recruited.

"We were fortunate to have him join us," Holland said during Birkenbuel's career. He was a two-time all-state linebacker, and also won a state wrestling title, during his time at Great Falls High.