Harold Paulsen, the first coach of a reborn Michigan State program in 1950, died Tuesday in Mankato, Minn., the Mankato Free Press reported. He was 91.
Related link: Harold Paulsen coaching history
Paulsen played for Minnesota from 1938 to 1941, captaining the team in his final season. He helped the Golden Gophers win the AAU national championship in 1940.
Ten years later, he helped turn Demonstration Hall at Michigan State into the Spartans’ home.
He coached Michigan State for two seasons, going 0-14 in 1949-50 and 6-11 in 1950-51 before turning things over to Amo Bessone.
Bessone, who led the Spartans for 31 seasons, also passed away this year.
