GRAND FORKS – The University of North Dakota (UND) football program is mourning the passing of former wide receiver Ron “Magic” Gustafson, who passed away on Friday, January 17. He was 72.

Gustafson was a standout receiver for the Fighting Sioux from 1971-74. While playing for UND, he lettered all four years and served as a team captain as a senior. He was named to the All-North Central Conference Team in 1973 and 1974 and earned All-America accolades both seasons.

During his time with the Fighting Sioux, he held the UND records in career receptions (141), career touchdown catches (19). In 1972, he helped North Dakota defeat Cal Poly, 38-21, in the 1972 Camilla Bowl and had three receptions for 38 yards in the game.

In UND’s all-time record book, Gustafson still ranks No. 6 in career receiving yards (2,281), is tied for No. 6 in career touchdown receptions (19) and is No. 9 in career touchdowns scored (31). He finished his career with four games of over 125 yards receiving.

He was drafted in the 1975 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints and also spent time with the Atlanta Falcons (1976) and Los Angeles Rams (1977).

Gustafson was inducted into the UND Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989 and also went into the Hall with the 1972 team in 2003.