By John Orrell
Landmark Correspondent
HOLDEN – Even as far back as high school, there were signs that Holden’s Erik Bjorn was on the crest of launching something special following his basketball playing days at Wachusett Regional High.
The 6-foot-5, 2017 WRHS graduate was named Mid-Wach A Co-MVP and was putting on performances on the court that caught the attention of area scouts, who realized that potential was abounding. Those early days exhibited untapped talent that was on display whenever Bjorn took to the hardwood.
“Erik’s a great teammate first before being a really good player,” said WRHS boys’ varsity head coach Tom Gibbons in a 2017 interview with The Landmark. “The biggest thing about him is that he’s coachable and he works his tail off. His motor is really high. I’ve enjoyed coaching him very much.”
It would be Worcester State University where he would eventually choose to spend his collegiate years, and it wasn’t long before he began to record accomplishments in bunches.
Bjorn completed his career as a Lancer totaling 1,074 points and 1,013 rebounds, making him only the second player in school history to have accomplished such a feat. He was named 2022-2023 MASCAC Tournament MVP and MVP of the Wheaton Tip Off Classic. He was a three-time ALL MASCAC selection. Bjorn was a captain his junior and senior years at WSU, amassing a record of 38-18, which included a win streak of 14 games. He completed his career as a .506% shooter with more than 500 attempts.
Perhaps the most special accomplishment of all are Bjorn’s 24 rebounds, which led the Lancers to their first MASCAC Championship title since 1994. He was granted an extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19 disruptions, and vowed to make the season as meaningful as it could get.
“I tried to make the most of my time at Worcester State by working hard and hitting the gym to stay in shape,” said Bjorn. “Honestly, I couldn’t have written a better script as to how things worked it. It was amazing, especially getting the 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds, so I’m pretty excited about that.
“I’ll miss the competition for sure, but I have the chance to assist (coaching) for Worcester State, and I’m considering doing that, depending on whether I can make time for it. I think the younger guys really looked up to me, and that made me feel good that I can help them understand what it’s like playing college basketball.”
Bjorn, a WSU business administration major, owns his own lawn maintenance business, which is flourishing. He is also in training to become a lineman for National Grid, following in his dad Karl’s footsteps.
“It’s a really demanding job with lots to learn in the field and in the classroom,’” he says. “I’m looking forward to learning the job.”
