Four-Time All-American, Two-Sport Standout: The Legacy of Wayne Harvison

In the history of University of Mary athletics, few student-athletes have made an impact as immediate, sustained, and versatile as Wayne Harvison.

A four-time NAIA All-American in wrestling and a starting linebacker on a conference champion Marauders football team, Harvison not only helped power some of Mary’s most dominant wrestling squads—he embodied what it means to be a true multi-sport Marauder.

From Jackson Hole to Bismarck

Harvison arrived at UMary after graduating from Jackson Hole High School in Jackson, Wyoming, in 1993. Like many great collegiate wrestlers, he spent his first year redshirting, developing and learning behind an already-strong lineup.

By the following season, he was ready—and the impact was immediate.

1995: Making Noise as a Redshirt Freshman

Stepping into a powerful Marauders lineup, Harvison quickly proved he belonged among the best:

• Named the team’s Outstanding Freshman
• Won a conference title
• Advanced to the NAIA national tournament and finished 4th in the nation at 177 pounds
• Earned All-American honors for the first time

That same year, the Marauders finished 7th in the nation (1995), with Harvison already one of the team’s anchors.

1996–1997: Climbing the Podium, Elevating the Team

Harvison’s sophomore and junior years showcased both his consistency and his upward climb.

In 1996:

• He earned another All-American finish, placing 7th nationally, as Mary finished NAIA runner-up—second in the nation.

In 1997, he put together his best individual season:

• Finished 3rd in the nation at 177 pounds
• Helped the Marauders repeat as NAIA national runner-up
• Led the team in:
  • Wins (35)
  • Near falls (26)

In a room full of high-level competitors, Harvison was the one setting the pace.

1998: Joining the Four-Time All-American Club

By his senior year, Harvison was chasing more than just another podium finish—he was on the verge of rare company.

In 1998:

• Moved up to 184 pounds
• Finished 4th in the nation, helping UMary place 5th as a team
• Logged the most pins on the team (14)
• Named the team’s Most Valuable Performer

With that fourth All-American finish, Harvison became one of just six Marauders wrestlers in school history to earn All-American honors four times.

By the end of his wrestling career, his résumé was staggering:

• Four-time conference champion
• Two-time regional champion (twice winning two regional titles)
• Four-time NAIA All-American

He wasn’t just part of Mary’s wrestling tradition—he helped define one of its greatest eras.

More Than a Mat Warrior: Success on the Gridiron

Harvison’s athletic career didn’t stop on the wrestling mat.

In 1998, while wrapping up his wrestling journey, he also contributed on the football field:

• Served as a starting linebacker on the 1998 conference champion Marauders football team

Balancing two physically demanding sports at a high level is rare. Doing it while collecting All-American honors and contributing to championship teams is something even rarer.

Life After Competition: Coach, Leader, and Banker

Wayne graduated from the University of Mary in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His connection to Marauder athletics continued on the sidelines:

• Served as a UMary wrestling assistant coach for two seasons (1999–2000), passing along his experience and standard to the next generation.

Today, Harvison continues to lead in a different arena:

• A Bismarck resident, he serves as Vice President for Business Banking at BNC National Bank.

The same discipline, competitiveness, and work ethic that fueled his success on the mat and field now shape his work in the business world and his ongoing connection to the community.

A Standard for Future Marauders

For current and future Marauder student-athletes, Wayne Harvison’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible:

• Four-time All-American
• Four-time conference champion
• Two-sport athlete and conference champion linebacker
• Team leader in wins, near falls, and pins
• Graduate, coach, and community leader

He didn’t just make an immediate impact—he left a long-lasting legacy that still reflects what UMary athletics strives to be: tough, disciplined, and committed to excellence in every arena.