1946– 47 Men's Basketball Team (1989) – National runners-up in 1947...This MSU team overturned a number of the nation's best teams before being stopped by Marshall College (WVa) 73– 59 in the national championship game...12 players making the trip included: Forwards – – Don Olson, Dewey Nelson, Ken Swanson, Wally Spieman and Paul Hustad; Centers–– Henry Epp and Wally Eckman; Guards – – Bill Sperlich, Jack Hodapp, Wayne Young, John Knoff and Denny Kigin...Team took 16 – 3 record into tourney, ending season at 20 – 4 ...Epp received Second – Team All – American honors...All five starters named All – Conference –– Sperlich, Nelson and Epp first team; Olson and Hodapp second team; Coached by Jim Witham.
1957– 58 Wrestling Team (1990) – Won first-ever NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) Championship, having nine wrestlers place in the top four of their respective classes...Conference champions...Third straight state championship...Placed 9th in the NCAA Division I Championships...Competed against top ranked wrestling teams including Iowa St., Oklahoma St. and Pittsburg...Cornell Quadrangular champs...Jack Thamert, Captain Jack Anderson, Al Blanshan, Roy Minter, and Dick Kubes were NAIA individual champions...Anderson and Minter placed third and fourth, respectively, in the NCAA Division I Individual Championships...The line – up consisted of 115 lbs.– Thamert, 123 lbs.– Clyde Lundholm, 130 lbs.– Jerry Sharp, 137 lbs.– Don Davis, 147 lbs.– Anderson (Captain), 157 lbs.– John Kelly, 167 lbs.– Lowell Glynn, 177 lbs.– Blanshan, 191 lbs.– Minter, HW.– Kubes...Coached by MSU Hall of Famer Rummy Macias.
1958– 59 Wrestling Team (1990) – Won second consecutive NAIA Championship for MSU...Placed 7th in the NCAA Division I Championships...Won conference title...Won Cornell quadrangular...Team traveled 9,000 miles together...Largest crowd to watch them was 6,500...First athletic team of MSU to be sent by plane to their destination...Maynard Nelson and Lowell Glynn were NAIA Individual Champions...Al Blanshan and Jack Thamert took second and fourth, respectively, in the NCAA Division I Individual Championships...The line– up consisted of 115 lbs.– Thamert, 123 lbs.– Nelson, 130 lbs.– Dave Frame, 137 lbs.– Ron Youngbauer, 147 lbs.– Bill Lewis, 157 lbs.– Tom Block, 167 lbs.– Glynn, 177 lbs.– Gerry Slattery, 191 lbs.– B lanshan (Captain), HW.– Wayland Blake...Coached by MSU Hall of Famer Rummy Macias.
1964 – 65 Wrestling Team (1998)– Won NCAA College Division national championship...Had eight All– Americans – Mike McNamara (2nd), Howard Gangestad (1st), Doug Ebling (4th), John Alexis (6th), Al Russ (2nd), Gary Storm (2nd), Mike Pierro (6th) and Bob Wendel (4th). John Lewison and Dave Holmquist also contributed to national championship effort as MSU claimed title by one point over Cal. Poly – San Luis Obispo...Coached by MSU Hall of Distinction member and wrestling icon Rummy Macias.
1966 – 67 Wrestling Team (2002) – Finished second at NCAA national championships (college division) in Wilkes Barre, Pa....Team had six All– Americans including two members who claimed national individual titles – Bob Soulek at 130 and Bob Wendel at 145...Other All– Americans included Al Ogdie (4th at 115), Jim Soulek (4th at 160), Mike Howe (5th at 123), Tom Sowles (5th at 137)...Soulek (137) and Wendel (152) were Northern Intercollegiate Conference champions...Other members of the team included Dick Swalla (heavyweight), and Jim Riesselman (167)...Team went 11 – 2 – 1 during regular season and in addition to earning wins over the University of Utah, Illinois State and Northern Illinois, earned a tie with the University of Arizona...Led by legendary MSU wrestling coach Rummy Macias.
1971 Baseball Team (2006)– MSU claimed the 1971 NCAA Division II Midwest Regional title (played in Mankato) with an unblemished 3-0 mark with a win over Luther and two wins over Northern Colorado. The MSU team to appear at the Division II national championship baseball tournament, MSU went on to finish fourth at NCAA Division II national championship tournament in Springfield, Mo. This team was 22-12 overall and were North Central Conference champions with a 14-6 league mark. The Jean McCarthy-led squad boasted All-NCC performers Mike Vogel and Randy Heidman, along with NCC Pitcher of the Year Ken Wilson. Wilson (5-1 with a 1.43 earned run average) and Vogel were selected All-Region.
1979 – 80 Hockey Team (1992) – After finishing third in the national tournament in 1978 and second in 1979, the 1979–80 hockey team took on the slogan "Going For The Gold" and came back as the NCAA Division II National Champions. To bring home the title, the Mavericks knocked off Elmira College, 5 – 2 and thrashed the defending champion Lowell 8 – 1 and cruised to a 30 – 9 – 1 record. The championship team consisted of Grant Boisner, Mike Odenbach, Clark Johnson, Mike Johnson, Mike Weinkauf, Dave Hjermstad, Paul Larson, Steve Loomis, Greg Larson, Paul Mattson, Larry Long, Steve Forliti, John Passolt, Tom Kern, Chuck Wedin, Tom Hedrick, Tom Sanvik, Jim Follmer, Mike Hill, Carey Boldenow, Tim Hamrick, Rick Steblay, John Wilharm, Jeff Krensing, Brooks Adlin, Steve Carroll, Westy Graves and Jon Ahles. The team was coached by Don Brose with the assistance from Wayne Harris. Earning NAIA All– American honors were Carroll (goalie) and Weinkauf (defenseman). Coach Brose was named Division II Coach of the Year. The 1979 – 80 team set a record for most games in a season (40) and most victories in a season (30). This team holds the record in several seasonal categories including most goals (293), most assists (400), most total points (693), most shots on goal (1, 562), most goals per game (7.32).
1987 Softball Team (2005) – MSU finished third at NCAA Division II national tournament after capturing the 1987 North Central Conference and NCAA East Regional titles...Team went 49-10 for season and boasted two All-Americans in senior centerfielder Lori Doffing and senior third baseman Michelle Garrity...Besides Doffing and Garrity, sophomore pitcher Cari Tschida, senior first baseman Teresa Lenzen and sophomore pitcher Liz Scully were named All-NCC...Tschida, freshman Patty Otremba and Michelle Garrity were selected to national All-tournament Team...Tschida went 35-9-1 for the year and led the country in wins...Head coach Lori Meyer was named NCC Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season.. Along with a school-record 23-game winning streak, this team broke 14 individual MSU records and established 12 MSU team marks.
1988 Men's Cross Country Team (1999) – NCAA national co– champions...Tied for national title with Edinboro (Pa.) with 77 points...Had five All– Americans – Mike Schweizer (9th), Pete Bushman (15th), Mike Smith (18th), John Schuster (19th) and John Deremiah (25th). Dave Smisek (104th) and Dan Denardo (113th) also competed at nationals ...Captured regional and North Central Conference titles...Coached by Mark Schuck.
Name (Year inducted, Year competing, sport(s) played)
Larry Amundson (1989, 1965-68, WR) - Wrestled three years for MSU, earning 33 career victories...Three-time All-American from 1965-68...NCAA Champion in 1968 at the 177-pound class...Runner-up in the NCAA University Division meet...1968 Northern Intercollegiate Conference Champion...Member of MSU's 1965 National Championship team...Was a member of International Campus Crusade for Christ...Graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication.
Jack Anderson (1984, 1956-58, WR) - Captain of MSU wrestling team for the 1957-58 season...Three-time Northern Intercollegiate Conference champion under Hall of Fame coach Rummy Macias...Competed at 147 lbs... Four-time national place winner, taking fourth place in the 1957 NCAA national tournament and third at the 1958 tournament...Placed first at the 1958 NAIA National Tournament.
Tom Anderson (2005, 1971-72, Golf) – Two-time letterwinner was a member of North Central Conference championship team in 1971 and 1972...1972 team captain and team MVP...Two-time all-conference pick was an All-American in 1972 when he finished second at NCAA Division II tournament when he carded 72-72-78-71 for a 301 which was one stroke behind Jay Hillderbrand of Ashland's 300....Finished second in 1971 and third in 1972 at NCC tournament... Member of first MSU men's golf team to qualify for NCAA tournament in 1971 (tourney was held in Chico, Calif., and MSU finished 29th)...Forest City, Iowa native played at Waldorf CC for two years prior to enrolling in MSU.
Tom Anderson (2006, 1975-77, Hockey) --- Spent two seasons with St. Paul Vulcans junior team prior to enrolling in MSU in 1975...Played from 1975-1977 with MSU, scoring 63 points in 59 games...Had 10-21--31 in 31 games in 1975-76 and 7-25--32 in 28 games as a senior...Team captain as a senior...MSU built a 34-19-1 record in his two years with the program...St. Paul, Minn., native was named All-American in both years with MSU...Was a draft choice of the National Hockey League's California Golden Seals in 1974 and following college career played professionally in Austria and with the Phoenix Roadrunners of the Central Hockey League.
Tami Bealert (1995, 1980-83, GF) - Recipient of MSU Women's golf scholarship and John B. Hodapp memorial athletic scholarship...1982-'83 golf captain...'80-'81-'82-'83 Most Valuable Player...'80-'82-'83 State Champion...1982 All-Conference Honors...1981 All-American...Participated on basketball team in 1980-'81...Was Assistant golf professional at Hunter's Creek in Florida and Blythefield Country Club in Michigan...Grounds maintenance and golf instructor at Mankato Golf Club...First place in Pro-Am Mixed Scramble Tournament at Bent Tree Country Club in Miami and placed fourth at National American Cancer Society Golf Tournament at Doral Country Club in Miami.
Lori Bearson-Taimanglo (1996, 1979-83, CC-TF) - Seven-time All-American in cross-country and track & field was named MSU’s Senior Female Athlete of the Year in 1982-83...Set nine school records in indoor and outdoor track and field and still owns records for the indoor 1,500m (4:34.8 in ’82), indoor mile (4:56.6 in ’83) and the outdoor 1,500m (4:25.18)...Was also on three record-setting indoor relay teams...Finished third in the 1,500m at 1983 NCAA Division II outdoor meet with time of 4:27.35...Finished 11th at 1982 NCAA Division II cross country championships...Qualified for 1988 U.S. Olympic Trials in 3,000 and placed fourth at TAC Nationals in 1988...Ranked fourth on MSU's Female Athletes of the Century list.
Manny Beckman (1981, 1950-54, FB-BB-TF) - Eleven-time letterwinner including four each in basketball and football, and three in track...Of the 11 teams he played on, nine won conference championships...As a forward in basketball he won honorable mention as a sophomore and All-Conference as a junior...For tack he competed in the hurdles and competed in the weight events...As a quarterback on the football team won All-Conference honors as a sophomore and junior...As a junior he was named NIC's MVP...Set a 15 year school record for single season total yardage (1,300)...Named Outstanding Athlete in Mankato as a sophomore...Graduated with a B.S. Degree in U.S. History and Physical Education...Coached at Waseca High School and helped lay the groundwork for the Waseca Sports classic.
John Behrends (1984, 1956-59, FB-BB) -Lettered in football from 1956-59...Played both offensive and defensive end...Team captain for the 1959 season...Played one year as a guard on the basketball team (1956-57)...Taught at Mankato West High School...Coached football, basketball, track and baseball at Mankato West for more than 20 years...Worked as a high school basketball official for over 20 years having officiated ten state high school basketball tournaments.
Donald Benschoter (1964, 1930-37, FB-BB-TF) – Letterwinner in football, basketball, and track...Received Honorable Mention All-Conference Team Honors in football...Coached football, basketball, track, and baseball at Renville for five years...Coached track and assisted in football at Northfield for four years...Served as Guidance Director at Northfield for eleven years...At the time of induction was in his sixth year serving as the Director, Public Personnel Services at Alexandria Public Schools.
C.P. Blakeslee (1963, 1924-61, FB-BB-GF-GM Coach)# - MSU's first Athletic Director...Served as the dean of coaches at MSU...During his 37 years at MSU was responsible for expanding the athletic program from two sports to nine sports...Under his direction, MSU produced an excellent intramural program...Several Hall of Fame members played under Blakeslee...In 1962, the then new football stadium and athletic area was named in his honor.
Al Blanshan (1985, 1958/69, WR) - Four-time wrestling All-American...Member of two national championship teams in 1958 and 1959....Captured 1958 individual title at 177 lbs. and was named tourney's Most Outstanding Wrestler...Meet was the first NAIA national tournament and was hosted by MSU...Finished second at NAIA (177 lbs.) and NCAA (191 lbs.) meets in 1959...Came back to school in 1969 and finished second in the country competing as a heavyweight...Now retired, Mankato native was a teacher at Waconia High School for several years...Ranked fifth on MSU's Male Athletes of the Century list.
Jerry Bodelson (1981, 1954-58, FB-BB-BSB) - Competed in football, basketball, and baseball from 1954-58...As a junior he earned All-Conference honors in football and basketball...Bodelson returned to MSU in 1969 after earning both his Master's and Doctorate degrees...Served as a guidance counselor until 1973 when he became involved with MSU Athletics as the assistant coach under Hall of Famer Lloyd "Butch" Raymond...During his stint with the basketball team, he compiled a 121-94 (.563) record before taking the position as Coordinator of Intercollegiate Athletics in 1976.
Bonnie Boisner (1995, 1978-80, Gym) - First female MSU gymnast to qualify for a national meet when she competed in AIAW Division II Championship in every event (All-Around)...Top female MSU gymnast record-holder from 1979-'80 in the floor exercise (8.6), the balance beam (8.6), uneven bars (8.35) and all-around (33.20)...Placed fourth as a freshman at MAIAW in the all-around, fifth in the vault, fifth in the floor exercise and seventh on the balance beam...Qualified for Region 6 AIAW Championships...Held top score in each event for the MSU squad in the 1979-'80 season.
Cheryl (Rosenhammer) Bredenbeck (2002, 1978-81, TE) - Two-time team captain...Four-time team MVP...Four-year letterwinner...Played four years as MSU's #1 singles performer...Two-time MAIAW singles and doubles champion...Went 25-4 as a junior, was 27-1 as a senior, had overall career singles record of 95-17...Finalist at AIAW Region 6 tourney and captured three invitational tournament titles as a senior...Led team to third-place finish at MAIAW Division II state tourney as a senior, second-place finish as a junior...Student senate member as an undergraduate, graduated cum laude...1977 Mankato West High School grad.
Jerilyn Britz (1981, 1961-65, Golf) - Joined LPGA in 1974 and in 1979 became oldest first-time winner on the tour...Two-time winner on pro tour: 1979 U.S. Women's Open and 1980 Mary Kay Classic...Placed second at LPGA Championship in 1979 and in 1981...Luverne, Minn., native was named Golf Digest Most Improved Golfer of the Year in 1979...Has won nearly $600,000 in 25 years as a pro...Finished fifth in 1980 Women's Superstars Competition...Member of the Rock County Hall of Fame...Ranked sixth on MSU's Female Athletes of the Century list.
Lee Brockmeyer (1963, 1928, FB-TF)# - Ten-time letterwinner...Served as captain of both the football and track teams...Taught and coached at Benson for 35 years including 25 years as head coach in track and football...Retired from coaching in 1960.
John Brooks (1996, 1963-65, SW) - Two-time MSU Swimming team captain swam in every event and at one time held most of the MSU swimming records...Long-time YMCA swim coach following graduation in 1965 went on to serve as women’s volleyball coach at Midland College...Has served in current position as President /CEO of YMCA in El Paso, Tex., since 1987.
Ken Brown (1992, 1972-76, SW) - A four-year letterwinner at MSU...Conference champion in 100-meter freestyle, 400 relay (1973); 400 medley relay, 100 freestyle, 50 freestyle (1974), 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle (1975)...NCAA Division II All-American in 1975...Names NCC Outstanding Performer (1975) and was co-captain of team (1975-76)...Graduated Magna Cum Laude from MSU with a B.S. Degree in Industrial Technical Studies in 1976...Received a Master's Degree in Industrial Technical Studies from MSU in 1978...Was a graduate assistant and head women's swimming coach in 1976-77...Served as the dept chairperson of Industrial Technology at Westside High School in Omaha, Neb, and Rehabilitation Engineer at Craig Hospital in Denver, Colo.
Ron Brown (2001, 1960-64, TF) - Four-year letterwinner...Competed in seven events at conference track meet as a senior, scored 23.75 points - 1st in high jump, 2nd in 440 hurdles, 2nd in long jump, 3rd in 120 HH, 3rd in 220 low hurdles, 4th in triple jump (46 feet) and 3rd in mile relay...Four-time all-conference performer...Inducted into Illinois Coaches Hall of Fame - coached at high school level in Des Plaines, Ill.
Bob Bruer (1989, 1971-75, FB) - Four-year letterwinner in football (1971-75)...Played both wide receiver and tight end positions...Compiled 85 career receptions, 10 touchdowns and 1,271 yards for MSU...All-North Central Conference honors as a senior...Was the Houston Oilers' ninth-round selection in the 1975 NFL Draft...Played two years with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Canadian Football League...Went on to play in the National Football League for eight years beginning with the San Francisco 48ers in 1978...Joined Minnesota Vikings in 1980 and played six years...Instrumental in fundraising efforts for MSU.
J.R. Buckley (2003, 1986-89, Football) – Named to Associated Press Third Team and Football Gazette All-America Teams as a senior in 1989....Three-year starting linebacker owns school record for career tackles (426) and single-season tackles (158 in 1987)...Led MSU in tackles three consecutive years (1987, 1988, 1989)...Had eight career interceptions...Had career-high 22 tackles vs. North Dakota State junior season...Three-time All-North Central Conference selection..Two-time team MVP was team captain as a senior...Three-time NCC Player of the Week selection...Member of 1987 North Central Conference championship team that played in NCAA quarterfinals...Had free agent try-out with Ottawa of Canadian Football League following collegiate career.
Luonna (Van Meveren) Burns (2000, 1984-88, TF, VB) - Four-year member of both MSU track and volleyball teams...Three-time track All-American...Finished fourth at 1988 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships in heptathlon with 5,003 points...Two-time indoor track All-American in 55m hurdles (sixth in 1987 and 1988)...1988 NCC heptathlon champion...Also captured 1988 NCC 100m hurdles and 400m intermediate hurdles titles at outdoor meet and 55m hurdles title indoors...Holds school records for 55m hurdles (8.16 (1988), 100m hurdles (14.21, 1984) and outdoor high jump (5-8.5, 1988)...1988 NCC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year...Team captain on both volleyball and track teams...Wabasso, Minn., native was a Maverick Achievement Award recipient and Academic All-NCC pick...Ranked tenth on MSU's Athletes of the Century list...Is an optometrist and lives in Savage, MN.
Patricia Burns (1997, 1982-86, Basketball) - Four-year starter... All-Conference selection ... Co-captain on 25-4 team in '85-'86, the first MSU women's basketball team to win the conference title and the first team to make it to NCAA post-season action ... No. 3 on the MSU all-time points list with 1,524 ... No. 3 in field goals made with 662 ... No. 1 in field goals attempted with 2,477 ... No. 5 in free throws made with 203 ... No. 6 in points per game with 14.1 ... No. 3 in steals with 244 ... No. 5 in rebounds with 802 ... No. 2 in assists with 444 ... No 2 in single season assists with 162 ... Scored 539 points her freshman season...Ranked eighth on MSU's Female Athletes of the Century list.
Vonda (Scholtz) Carnell (2003, 1983-87, Cross Country/Track & Field) – MSU's Outstanding Seniior Female Athlete in 1987.....Two-time cross country All-American when she finished 22nd as a freshman in 1983 and 14th as a junior in 1985.....Finished 39th as a senior in 1986 in leading team to fourth-place national finish.....Led team to North Central Conference championship in 1986 where she finished 11th individually....Qualified for NCAA track meet three times - 1983, 1985 and 1986.....Member of 1987 NCC outdoor track and field championship team (the Mavericks finished third at the conference indoor meet in 1987).....Team captain in cross country and track senior year....Maverick Achievement Award recipient as a senior scholar-athlete.
Pat Carroll (2001, 1981-85, H) - Holds school record for single-season points (88 in 1982-83)...Ranks second all-time at MSU in career goals (123) and career points (224)...Earned Titan All-America honors in 1983-84...Led Mankato State in scoring three consecutive years...At one point held Northern Collegiate Hockey Association records for single-season goals (23) and points (49) set in 1982-83...Led the NCHA in scoring in 49 points...Two-time All-NCHA pick was 1984-85 team MVP.
Steve Carroll (1995, 1977-81, H) - Four-year letterwinner...Led Mavericks to four NCAA national tournaments where they finished first once (1979-80), second once (1978-79) and third twice (1977-78 and 1980-81)...Invited to try out with Minnesota North Stars...Two-time All-American (1979-80 & 1980-81)...Two-time Maverick MVP...One of three brothers to play for the Mavericks, the goaltender was a finalist for Hobey Baker Award (1980-81) as top collegiate hockey player in the country...1979-80 national tournament MVP...Holds MSU records for games played by a goaltender (104), most career victories (82), most career saves (3,570), most saves in a season (1,090, 1979-80) and most victories in a season (29, 1979-80)...Ranked first on MSU's Male Athletes of the Century list.
Ralph Coggeshall (1966, 1921-23, BB-FB) – Letterwinner in both basketball and football...Member of the 1922 football team which is the only undefeated football in MSU history and the first football team in MSU history...Senior class president in 1923...Responsible for maintaining interest in athletics during the early twenties when very few men were enrolled at MSU...After receiving a Master’s Degree from Minnesota, he continues to pursue post-graduate work...Taught at various high schools in Minnesota.
Tom Conlin (1987, 1948-52, BB, Bb, GF) - Participated on Maverick basketball, baseball, and golf teams from 1948-52...JV basketball team recorded 23-1 record as a freshman...During three seasons with MSU varsity basketball squad, team recorded 48-21 mark...Played for Hall of Fame Coaches C.P. Blakeslee (golf), Bud Myers (basketball) and Jim Withman (Baseball)...Served on MSU Alumni Board...Initiated MSU Twin Cities Alumni Association in 1964...President of MSU Alumni Association 1964-65...Graduate of Mankato High.
John Conover (1964, 1930-34, FB-BB) – Seven-time letter winner at MSU in football (4) and basketball (3)...All-Conference Football Honors at the center position in 1931...Coached basketball at Fulda and assisted in football at Luverne...At the time of induction, Conover was working as a history teacher at Minneapolis North, a position he had held since 1946...Served as sophomore basketball coach at Minn. North...Coached tennis from 1948-58...Served on the Board of Directors for the Alumni Association at MSU.
Wayne Courtney (1963, 1934, FB-Te)# - Lettered in football and tennis during his MSU athletic career...At the time of induction was serving as head basketball coach at Roosevelt High School, Minneapolis...Won back-to-back state titles 1957-57...Compiled a 110-35 record in Minneapolis conference competition.
Anne Christopherson (1997, 1982-86, Basketball) - Four-year starter...Member of 1985-86 NCC Championship team that made first MSU appearance in NCAA women's post-season tourney...Three-time NCC All-Academic pick was an All-Conference selection in 1984 ...Appeared in 113 career games and scored 947 points (11th on school career list)...Holds school record for steals (286), assists in a game (15), steals in a game (9) and ranks second in career assists (286)...Currently serves as teacher and coach at Austin Pacelli High School.
Hal Cuff (1963, 1951, FB-BB-TF-BSB)# - Letterwinner in football, basketball, track, and baseball while attending MSU...Served as captain of the football team...All-Conference football honors...Served as captain of the basketball team and took home All-Conference honors...Captain of the track team...At the time of induction, had won four conference titles in 12 years at Austin High School.
Vicki Davis-Dahlberg (1983, 1968-71, VB-BB) - Talented hitter in volleyball and a forward and center in basketball...She was a team captain of both squads at MSU...Played in the 1971 national volleyball tournament...Fine all-around athlete who could have performed in many sports in college...Was the first girl to play organized little league baseball in the state of Minnesota 1961...Excellent official who has worked numerous basketball state high school meets...Officiated four state high school volleyball championships...Worked the 1972 national college volleyball championships in 1972 in Miami...1971 graduate of MSU...At the time of induction was the Assistant Athletic Director and Volleyball Coach at Hastings, MN. High School...Served as President of the Minnesota State girls high school coaches association.
Al DeLeon (1982, 1958-62, WR) - Outstanding wrestler at 132 weight division...Placed second and fourth in NCAA championship a 132 lb...All-Conference honors for three years...All-American honors 1961-62...Dual meet record 30-3-3, overall record 53-11-1...AAU Region IV Jr. Champion I 1960, AAU Olympic freestyle Region Champion 1964 and AAU Olympic Greco-Roman Region Champion 1964 at 138 lbs...Wrestled in the finals of the 1964 Olympic tryouts...At the time of induction had compiled 30 tournament championships, 1971-72 high school championship teams-Class A, 1973 AA State champion, 1966-70-74-75-78 state championship runnerup...Author of book "High School Skills and Techniques in Wrestling", and designer of the Dale Bohr wall poster series in wrestling techniques.
Jerry Demers (1985, 1968-71, Diving) - Three-time NCAA College Division All-American diver...Was four-time conference one-meter champion...Was a three-meter runnerup conference diver twice in his collegiate career...Team MVP in 1970 and 1971 and was among the teams leading point scores...Has authored numerous publications in aquatics and sports psychology and research...At the time of induction was a registered Olympic Sports Psychologist and consultant in sports psychology for teams in the state of Washington.
Floyd DeRosia (1963, 1929, FB)# - Three-time All-Conference honors for football in 1926, 1927, and '28...First All-Conference football player under Hall of Fame Coach C.P. Blakeslee.
Lori Doffing (2005, 1985-87, Softball) – Two-time All-America centerfielder (1986 and 1987)...Hastings, Minn., native was a two-time All-North Central Conference pick ...Led Mavericks to third-place finish at 1987 NCAA Division II national tournament..Hit .342 as a senior and in addition to earning all-conference honors, was also named All-Midwest Region and All-American...At one point, held five school single-season records - hits (45, 1986), doubles (9, 1986), triples (7, 1987), home runs (5, 1986) and runs (30, 1986).
Ken Droegemueller (1992, 1960-64, WR) - Four-year letterwinner for MSU...All-Conference in 1964...All-American in 1963-64...MSU team captain in 1964...Received a Bachelor's Degree from MSU in 1965 in Math and Physical Education...Served as wrestling coach for several Minnesota schools...Has recorded an impressive coaching record in addition to multiple team and individual honors...Professional honors include membership to the Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame and President of the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association.
Bill Duncan (1987, 1953-57, FB-BSB) - Two-sport letterwinner for MSU in football and baseball 1953-57...Voted Outstanding Athlete of the Year senior season...All-Conference runningback/end in football 1954, 1956, and 1957...Member of Teacher's College Conference football champions in 1956, a team that garnered 7-1-1 overall record...Baseball team won conference championship senior season...Tossed no-hitter same year against Winona St...Played for Hall of Fame coaches Bob Otto and Jim Witham...Graduated from MSU with a Business Administration and Physical Education Degree in 1957...Retired from the United States Secret Service and ran own security business in Golden, Colo...Has guarded Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford as well as various visiting heads of state.
Joan Ellison (1992, 1975-79, BB-SB-VB) - Was a four-year MSU letterwinner in volleyball (1975-79) and three-year letterwinner in basketball (1975-78) and softball (1976-79)...Member of the 1978-79 volleyball team that advanced to AIAW Region Tournament...Selected to softball All-Tournament team as first basemen in 1978...Graduated from MSU with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education.
Martha "Timmy" Ellsworth (1993, 1971-76, Gym, Vb, TF) - Participated in volleyball as a setter, gymnastics in the all-around event (specialized in the vault), and track in the high jump, 440 relay and hurdles at MSU...Regional and National qualifier in gymnastics in the all-around in 1972-73 and 1973-74...Finished 22nd in the country in the vault in 1972-73...Four-year captain of the gymnastics team...Graduated with a degree in physical education in 1976.
Cheryl Engel (1986, 1971-74, VB-BB-TF-SB) - Earned 12 letters at MSU - four each in volleyball and basketball, three in track and one in softball...Averaged 20 points and ten rebounds over four seasons with the basketball team...Played on state championship volleyball team and won the MAIAW state title in discus, shotput and javelin...Following graduation in 1974 played on USVBA team that earned a trip to nationals and a year later earned a spot on USA Olympic Volleyball squad and competed in Europe, Japan, Bulgaria and throughout the United States...In 1978 played for the Minnesota Fillies women's pro basketball team...Served as an assistant coach with the University of Minnesota women's volleyball program...Ranked third on MSU's Female Athletes of the Century list.
Hank Epp (1963, 1947, BB)# - NAIA All-American basketball player...Twice earned All-Conference honors...Key player on MSC basketball team that finished second at NAIB national tournament in 1946-47...Served as basketball coach at both Tracy High School and New Ulm Public School.
Jack Eustice (1994, 1973-78, WR) – Four-time All American...Captured NCAA Division II national individual title in 1976...Finished second in 1975 and was also third (1977) and fifth (1974)...Captured NCC title in 1976...MSU placed sixth twice ('74-'75) and fourth once ('76) in NCAA competition during career...Career record of 126-21...Named to NCC 75th Anniversary All-Time Wrestling Team in 1998...Ranked tenth on MSU's Male Athletes of the Century list...Janesville, Minn., native taught and served as wrestling coach at Blue Earth Area High School...One son (Luke) wrestled at Iowa (Luke) and the other (Ty) is a two-time state high school champion...Wife, Mona, is a 1977 MSU grad.
Dee Fairchild (1987, 1964-67, BB) - Member of first women's varsity basketball team at MSU - 1966-67...Team captain in only year of participation...Team went 4-1 in first year...Participated in various other sports at MSU prior to "varsity" status, including badminton, volleyball, and tennis...Attained Bachelors Degree in Physical Education in 1967, Master's in 1970...Coached and taught at St. Albans in Vermont...Was Athletic Director at Johnson State (Vermont), also coached field hockey and basketball for the Mavericks...Presently the Athletic Director at Grinnell College, Grinnel Iowa., and at the time of her hiring, was only the 20th women to be named A.D. among 318 NCAA Division III schools and the 31st of 793 colleges and universities in all of the NCAA...Has also served as field hockey and basketball coach for Grinnell.
Mike Fairchild (2003, 1987-90, Track & Field) – NCAA Indoor Track & Field high jump champion in 1988 (7-3) in leading MSU to fifth-place national finish...Three-time NCAA indoor TF All-American - third in 1987, first in 1988, fourth in 1990...NCC Indoor champ in 1987 with a conference record of 7-1 3/4....Established MSU indoor mark (7-3 1/4) in 1988....Finished fifth at 1987 NCAA Outdoor meet in earning All-America honors....NCC Outdoor champ in 1987 (7-0) and 1990 (7-1).....Team captain in 1988,1989 and 1990...Owatonna, Minn., native owns share of MSU outdoor record (7-1 1/2 in 1987).
Steve Forliti (1999, 1977-81, H) - Four-year letterwinner...Member of 1979-80 national championship team...Two-year team co-captain....Ranks second all-time in career assists (136), third in career points (196) and fifth in career goals (83)...Led MSU in scoring in 1979-80...Holds MSU record for most points in a single game (9 vs. UWEC, 1979) and most assists in a game (7 vs. UWEC, 1979).
Don Frerichs (2004, 1950-54, Track and Field, Football, Basketball) – Placed first in the broad jump at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics meet in Texas in '53 with a leap of 23-73/8 setting a NAIA record and becoming the first Mankato Teachers College athlete to win a national championship ... Four-time track letterwinner was team captain in 1954...Named Most Outstanding MSU Track Athlete in 1953 and 1954...Two-time track all-conference performer...Football letterwinner in 1940-'51-'52 ... Honorable mention all-conference in '52 in football....Basketball letterwinner... ... Treasurer of the "M" club in '53-'54...Member of the Worthington Hall of Fame.
Howard Gangestad (1986, 1964-68, WR) - A two-time wrestling All-American, wrestled at the 130 lbs. spot for another MSU Hall of Famer Rummy Macias from 1964-68...Team captain and member of two conference championship teams...MSU had a 33-22-1 record during his career...Following graduation from MSU, was an outstanding wrestler with the U.S. Marine Corps and served with the Peace Corps.
Joan Garvin (1981, 1954-58, Golf) – As a sophmore in 1956 attended the first National Collegiate Women's Golf Tournament. Also attended her junior and senior seasons...Captured 16 state golf titles and in all won six Minnesota Women's Golf Association Match Play Championships, six State Amateur Championships...Awarded MSU Harold J. Fitterer Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 1983...Inducted into the Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame in 1993...Named by the Minneapolis Star Tribune as one of Minnesota's All-Time Greatest Golfers (men and women) (April 4, 1994)...Ranked seventh on MSU's Female Athletes of the Century list.
Jane Gaut (1985, 1965-69, VB-BB-TF) - Outstanding three-sport star in volleyball, basketball, and track at MSU...Was a spiker in volleyball, guard in basketball, and hurdles/high jump in track competition...Held both the 50 and 70 yard MSU hurdle records (events no longer run)...Played on United States Volleyball Association teams for over 16 years...Played in eight national VB tournaments and was asked to try out for the 1976 National team in VB.
Dianne Glowatzke (1988, 1964-68, BB-VB) - MSU volleyball captain in 1967 and '68 seasons...Basketball captain in 1968...Graduated from MSU in 1968 and owns a Master's Degree from St. Cloud State...Taught and coached at Annadale High School after graduating from MSU...Served as head volleyball coach at St. Cloud State for 26 years until her retirement in 2002 compiling a 527-418 won-loss record (.558)...1985 North Central Conference Volleyball Coach of the Year...Also coached the St. Cloud State softball team from 1978-84, compiling a 78-68 mark...Served as assistant professor in women's athletics at St. Cloud State...Nationally-rated volleyball official and has presided at several national tournaments.
Gene Glynn (1991, 1975-79, BSB-BB) - A four-year athletic career consisted of playing point guard for the basketball team and second base for the baseball team...Holds MSU basketball record for assists in a game (16, 1976), season (221, 1977), and career (772)...Set NCC single-season assists record in 1976 with 9.6 per game...Led MSU in FT% in 1976 (.773)...Played on MSU's NCC basketball championship team in 1976...Coached basketball at Loyola High School of Mankato...Led baseball team in steals with 32 in 1978...Holds MSY career stolen base record (81)...Was All-NIC in baseball (1979)...MSU athlete of the Year in 1978...Played professional baseball with the Montreal Expos organization for 11 years...Graduated from MSU with a B.S. Degree in Physical Education.
Virgil Goertzen (1982, 1950-54, FB-BB) - Outstanding football and basketball player at MSU...Four-year offensive and defensive end for football...Four-year basketball player...Served as team captain...All-Conference guard and was the "floor general" of Hall of Famer Jim Witham's All-Conference championship basketball team...Graduate assistant in football and basketball in 1954-55 and was freshman basketball coach...Head coach of basketball at Buffalo Center, Iowa in 1955-56 and New Ulm, from 1956-60...Son James played basketball at MSU 1978-82 for coach Lloyd Raymond.
Jon Hagen (1983, 1961-65, BB-BSB) - Three-year All-Conference basketball player at MSU...Graduated from MSU in 1965 with a Bachelor's Degree...Was the Maverick team captain in basketball two seasons 1964-65...Played for Hall of Famer Bill Morris during his three seasons at MSU with a record of 48-25...His 50 points against Northern Illinois in 1965 is an MSU single game record...Holds MSU season record for field goal percentage .683 and career free throw percentage .900...Scored 407 points in 1964 and 366 in 1963 for a great three-year scoring binge...Was an All-Conference baseball player under Hall of Famer Jean McCarthy.
Lewis B. Harris (1963, 1924, FB)# - Lettered in football in 1924...Coached all sports at Floodwood from 1925 to 1927...Promoted to superintendent in 1929...Served as president of the Minnesota School Board of Education...Served as Executive Director of the Ohio School Board Association.
Henry Hill (1984, 1963-66, TF-FB) - Competed in both track and field and football for the Mavericks during his athletic career...Three-time letterwinner in track...Captain of the track team for the 1965-66 season...Was leading scorer in dual meets for three consecutive season (1964-66)...Played running back for Hall of Famer Bob Otto...Described by Otto as "one of the most popular athletes in MSU history."...Hill was killed in action in Vietnam in 1968.
John Hodapp (1981, 1940-48, BB-TF-A.D.) – Began his Maverick athletic career in 1940, but due to his first stint in the army, did not complete his career until 1948...A member of the basketball team that captured the conference championship in 1947 and 1948...Competed in National Intercollegiate (now NAIA) Basketball Tournament in ’47 and’48 finishing second in 1947...Outside of athletics, Hodapp was senior class president, a member of the “M” Club, and worked on the school newspaper the Reporter...Graduated from MSU in 1948 and went on to earn a Master’s Degree from New Mexico in 1950 and a Doctorate from Indiana University in 1957...Served as MSU’s men’s athletic director from 1964 to 1967 when he resigned to become a full-time professor of Physical Education... He died in 1978.
John Hoerr (1964, 1931-35, FB-BB-TF) - Twelve-time letter winner at MSU in football (4), basketball (4), and track (4)...Served as co-captain of the football team for the 1933 and '34 seasons... Earned All-Conference honors in football twice...Captain of the basketball team for the 1933 season...Twice All-Conference honors as a guard in basketball...Served as captain for the track team in 1935...Set a then record in the 220 yard low hurdles (event no longer run) at the 1935 conference track meet...Played on 7 conference championship teams during his career at MSU.
Rhonda House-Loeffelholz (1996, 1980-84, BB) - Four-year letterwinner was a three-time team MVP (1982, 1983 and 1984)...Served as team captain in 1984... Holds school record for career steals (290) and ranks highly in several other statistical categories including: career points (2nd, 1,654), career field goals made (2nd, 738), career free throws made (7th, 182), career points per game (5th, 15.5) and career games played (10th, 107)...Is tied for school single-game steals record with 9.
Nancy Ivarinen (1990, 1973-76, CC-TF) - Four-year athletic career consisted of raced from the 100-yard dash in track to the three-mile run in cross country...Competed in two (AIAW) national cross country meets and one (AIAW) track meet, a regional track meet (first one held for the Minnesota region) as well as several state championships in both track and cross country...Involved in student senate committees on men's and women's athletics...Gave considerable effort in raising the budget for women's athletics from $11,000 in 1972 to about $60,000 in 1976...Graduated from MSU with a B.S. in Physical Education, Cum Laude in 1976.
Wendell Jahnke (1986, 1951-53/55/57/61-62, FB-BB-BSB) - An athlete at MSU 1951-53, 1956-57 and 1961-62, was an All-Conference performer in both football and basketball...Team captain of the MSU basketball squad, and led the basketball team to two conference titles (1951-52, 1955-56), and the football team to one (1956)...Student Senate President while at MSU...Served a president of Huron College in Huron, S.D...Has been listed in "Who's Who in America" and "Leaders in Education," and served as vice president for Community Relations at MSU.
Mark Johnson (2002, 1967-70, BSB) - Four-year letterwinner (starting centerfielder all four seasons) was a member of three conference championship teams (Northern Intercollegiate in '68 and '69, North Central '70)...Three-time all-conference pick (NIC in '68 and '69, NCC in '70)...Played in three NCAA tournaments ('68, '69, '70)...MSU's Most Valuable Player and team captain in 1969...Captured NCC batting title in 1970 when he hit .375.
Kreg Kapitan (1993, 1967-71, FB-TF) - Four-year football and two-year track letterwinner for MSU...Held most of school receiving records upon completion of career and currently ranks highly in several receiving categories...Finished with 99 catches for 1,376 yards and 16 touchdowns...Led MSU scoring as a senior with 56 points...Attended Minnesota Vikings training camp in 1972 and 1973...Played in the Canadian Football League with the Calgary Stampeders (1973 and 1974), and in the Word Football League with the New York Stars (1974-75) and the Charlotte Hornets (1975-1976)...Co-founder of the Matt Blair Football camps...Past Board of Directors of Edinburgh U.S.A. and served on the Tournament Committee for the Northgate L.P.G.A. Tournament.
John Kelling (2004, 1988-91, Football) – Named Kodak First Team All-American, Football Gazette All-American and Division II Defensive Player of the Year and AP Little All-American as a senior safety in 1991...Also All-North Central Conference First Team and NCC Most Valuable Defensive Back honors as a senior...Named NCC Player of the Week following 17-0 win over Nebraska-Omaha (five tackles. fumble recovery, a pass breakup and two blocked punts in the shutout)....All-NCC First Team in 1990...All-NCC Second Team as a sophomore in 1989...Rochester, Minn., native totalled 274 tackles (ranks ninth on school all-time list), nine interceptions (tied for sixth), five fumble recoveries and two blocked kicks in four-year MSU career....MSU earned a berth in the NCAA Division II play-offs as a senior...Team captain as a senior.
Nancy Kelly (2001, 1986-90, SB-VB) - 1989 All-American...Three-time all-region softball pick...Three-time All-NCC selection...1988 NCC Softball Player of the Year...Completed MSU softball career with school records for RBI (106), at bats (603), hits (166), runs (115), doubles (22), and homers (14)...Member of two MSU post-season teams including 1987 team that finished third at the NCAA Division II national tournament...Member of two NCC softball championship teams.
Tom Kern (1998, 1979-83, H) - MSU's all-time leading goal-scorer (129) and scorer (239 points in 144 games)...Also holds school record for single-season goals (43 in 1982-83)...Ranks third all-time in career assists (110), career goals per game (.90) and career points per game (1.66)...1982-83 team MVP garnered All-America recognition twice ('81-82 and '82-83) and was finalist for Hobey Baker Award as college hockey player of the year in 1982-83...Hibbing, Minn., native was a two-time All-NCHA pick and was 1982-83 NCHA MVP...Played on four post-season tournament teams including 1979-80 national championship team...Ranked sixth on MSU's Male Athletes of the Century list.
Larry Kienholz (1963, 1933, FB-BB-TF)# - One-time owner of conference record in the high and low hurdles and discus...Letterwinner in football and basketball...Coached and taught at Delavan and Elmore before going to Marshall where he was the line coach from 1937 to 1960...Served as track coach at Marshall...Track teams under his direction earned 24 district titles, 11 region titles, and placed second in the state in 1949.
Paul King (1984, 1953-56, TF) - Four-year letterwinner...Qualified four times in the 440-yard dash (event no longer held) in NCAA track and field meet during the mind 1950's placing second and fourth, respectively, in 1955 and 1956...Four-time Northern Intercollegiate Conference 440-yard dash champion under Hall of Famer Earl "Bud" Myers...At time of induction held the MSU record for the 440-yard dash...Named to the Who's Who in American Colleges...Coached 25 years in public schools.
Obie Kipper, Jr. (1990, 1966-70, TF) - Lettered all four years...Set numerous indoor and outdoor records in sprints and relays...All-Conference indoor 1968-70 and outdoor 1969-70...Was a recipient of Most Valuable Team Player award...B.S. in Recreation and Administration in 1970...M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1974...On Dean's Lists senior year...Past member of MSU Alumni Board 1981-84...Advisor to athletic board for recruiting...On screening committee for admissions to graduate school...On advisory board for the rehabilitation program...Received Honorary Referee Award in 1984 for past accomplishments in track and field...Received Clarence E. Harris Humanitarian award on November 17, 1989 for services rendered to minority students.
Brian Koepnick (2000, 1985-89, BB) - MSU men's basketball all-time leading scorer with 1,754 points...Named All-North Central Conference First Team twice...Named all-region first team twice...Two-time team MVP...Led NCC in scoring as a junior with 22.2 ppg...Established MSU single-season free throw percentage mark and ranked second in the nation in 1987-88 with .929 mark...Named NCC Player of the Week four times...Held 13 MSU records at conclusion of career...Maverick Achievement Award recipient as a senior scholar-athlete...Ranked second on MSU's Male Athletes of the Century list...Sixth-grade teacher at Lakeville Area Schools and interim girl's basketball varsity coach at Lakeville.
Jim Kohout (1986, 1961-64, Golf) - A standout on the MSU golf squad from 1961-1964...Played on four Northern Intercollegiate Conference (NIC) teams...Team captain and MSU All-American pick and placed fourth in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCASA) Division III golf tournament.
Matt Kolb (1998, 1982-86, TF) - Seven-time NCC pole vault champion...Three-time All-American - advanced to nationals four times - finished 3rd in '84, 5th in '85...Went to Division I meet in '86 and placed 6th...Indoor and outdoor conference and school record-holder...School indoor record is 17-7 3/4 ('86), outdoors its 17-1 1/2 ('86)...1986 team captain...First athlete from state of Minnesota to clear 17 feet and 18 feet...Three-time participant at U.S. National TF Championships, earned bronze medal at '87 U.S. Olympic Festival.
Jim Korth (1982, 1950-58, FB-BB) - Played football as a regular for three years and at the time of induction held the MSU record for longest pass for touchdown in MSU football history...Regular on the basketball team as center for four years...District VI High School Coach of the Year 1976...Coached at Janesville High School, Waseca, and Loyola...At the time of his induction had coached his teams to ten track championships, four basketball championships, and 13 football conference championships...His basketball teams have been to numerous State Basketball Tournaments...Has recorded over 200 basketball wins and 150 wins in football.
Marty Kranz (1996, 1971-74, FB) - Four-year football defensive back and punter was named team MVP in 1974...Two-time team captain earned All-Conference and All-America honors in 1974 after establishing a school single-season interception record with seven...Also holds school career interception record with 22...Two-time All-NCC selection also owns school record for punts in a game with 10 against Augustana in 1973 and at one time held school marks for longest punt (71 yards), most punts in a season (60 in 1973) and yards per punt (40.0 in 1973)...Attended two camps with the Chicago Bears.
LeRoy Kumerow (1965, 1922-24, FB-BB-TF) - Letterwinner for football and basketball...Earned All-Conference honors in football...Served as captain of the football team for the 1923 season...Along with hall of famer Chet Wood, was a leader in all MSU athletic activities...Has held coaching positions in Canby, Minn, Benson, Minn, and Faribault, Minn.
Roger Landwehr (1993, 1971-74, TF) - A four-year MSU track letterwinner...Served as team captain as a junior an senior...Earned four conference championships in three different events...Established conference record in the 440 intermediate hurdles in 1973 (52.1)...Earned Division II All-American honors in 440 intermediate hurdles in 1973 with a school mark of (52.1) - finished third at nationals...Graduated from MSU in 1974 with a business degree...Served six-year term with the MSU Alumni Board and was president for one year...Served for three-years as Co-chair of the Waseca Golf Classic.
Tink Larson (1990, 1962-65, BSB) - Played baseball four years at MSU...Junior Varsity coach in 1966 Coached Waseca High School to 1990 State Class A baseball championship...Compiled a winning record as a coach at Waseca...Also has served as a coach for town, Legion, and VFW teams...Has produced several college players including MSU standout Monte Dufault, who was on the 1989-1990 NCC All-Freshman basketball team and also played baseball...In the words of former MSU baseball coach Jean McCarth "extremely hard worker, very positive layer, first on the field, last off type."
Jim Leitzke (1989, 1964-67, FB) - Four-year letterwinner in football where he played middle linebacker from 1964-67...The six-foot, 225-pounder averaged nearly 15 tackles per game-more than 70 percent of team's total...MSU team captain and Most Valuable Player selection in 1966 and 1967...All-Conference also in '66 and '67...!967 Northern Intercollegiate Conference Most Valuable Player...Little All-American in 1967...MSU Athlete of the Year in 1967...Signed a contract to play football for the Minnesota Vikings, but was unable to report to camp because of a neck injury...Voted Snow Week King in 1968...Graduate that same year with a degree in Health Education as well as minors in both Mathematics and Biology.
Lee Loewen (1981, 1952-56, BB-TF) – NCAA All-American when he finished third in 110m high hurdles in 1956 with a time of 13.6...Qualified for and participated in 1956 U.S. Olympic Trials where he finished fourth behind the eventual Olymic gold (Lee Calhoun), silver (Rafer Johnson) and Bronze meadalists (Milt Campbell)...Earned four letters in track and one each in football and basketball during MSU career...Established school 120-yd. high hurdle record in 1956 with 13.9 clocking...Named outstanding Athlete in Mankato his junior and senior seasons...Ranked ninth on MSU's Male Athletes of the Century list.
Louis Lopata (1964, 1936-39, FB, BB, BSB) – Twelve-time letterwinner during his career at MSU in football (4), basketball (4), and baseball (4)...Captain of the football team during the 1937 and ’38 seasons...All-Conference football honors in 1936 and 1039...Little All-American football player in 1938...Captain of the baseball team for the 1938 season...Coached football, basketball, and baseball at Delano one year...Served as basketball coach at Edison High School from 1943-62...His 1943 team competed in the state tournament.
Al Lucas (1964, 1932-36, FB-BB-TF) - Lettered in football, basketball, and track...Served as co-captain of the football team...Coached football, basketball, and baseball at New Richland...Coached football, basketball, and track at Clarkfield...Coached basketball, track, and assisted in football at Willmar...After a tour of service during WWII, returned to Willmar as Athletic Director and track coach.
Muriel "Mello" Lundberg (1999, 1967-74, Vb, BB, TF) - Four-sport athlete at MSU ...Member of volleyball team that went 12-1 in 1971 losing only to the University of Minnesota and was invited to the National Intercollegiate Volleyball Championship where it went 3-3 ... Member of first women's volleyball team in '67-'68 and teams went 41-3-1 in her four years of volleyball.
Manuel “Lotto” Macias (1991, 1951-53, WR) - Two-year letterwinner for MSU...Only MSU wrestler to go undefeated in dual meets for two years...Was four-time runner-up in National Amateur Athletic Union Tournament...Was MSU's first wrestling All-American (1952)...MSU Athlete of the Year 1952...Was third in Big Ten for Iowa in 1950...Graduated from MSU with a B.S. in Spanish...Received a Master's Degree in Spanish from MSU in 1960...Former wrestling coach at Geore, Iowa, St. James, Minn., and Mound MN...Macias passed away in 1973.
Rometo Macias (1982, 1950-88, WR, GF, FB-Bb Coach) - Macias inaugurated the MSU wrestling program in 1950 and coached for 38 years. The Davenport, Iowa native led MSU to three national titles (NAIA championships in 1958 and 1959 and a NCAA College Division title in 1965), eight Northern Intercollegiate Conference championships, and one North Central Conference title. He had 93 of his wrestlers attain all-America status, 19 were national individual champions, 62 captured NIC individual championships and 12 won NCC individual titles. He also served two stints as MSU's golf coach (four NCC team titles and one NIC title, two-time NCC Golf Coach of the Year) and was an assistant coach with the MSU football program. The 1948 University of Iowa graduate has been inducted into seven Halls of Fame: MSU, NCC, NIC, NAIA, Amateur Wrestling, Minnesota Wrestling Coaches and the NCAA Division II Wrestling Association. Rummy lives in Singer Island with his wife, Ruth, and is still involved with wrestling as he serves as the coach at Cardinal Newman High School.
Bernie Maczuga (1993, 1964-70, FB) - Stand-out at running back and defensive back during four-year MSU career...Held at least 12 school records upon completion of career including career (3,129) and single-season rushing yards (1,490, 1969), most carries in a game (48 vs. Michigan Tech in '67), most rushing yards in a game (219 vs. Minnesota-Duluth in '69), most points in a game (24 vs. MTU in '67) and single-season interceptions (7, 1967)...NIC MVP in 1969...Mt. Hope, N.J., native was a two-time MSU MVP...Ranked seventh on MSU's Male Athletes of the Century list...NCAA post-graduate scholarship recipient...Former fireman is retired and lives in Mankato.
Lori (Klammer) Manecke (1999, 1978-82, BB, Gf) - Four-year letterwinner in both basketball and golf...Holds school women's basketball record for games played (123)...Ranks fifth all-time in steals (204) and career assists (369) ...Member of women's golf teams that participated in AIAW Regionals in 1980 & '81, AIAW Division II Nationals in '81 and '82...Second Team Women's Basketball Academic All-America in 1982...1981-82 MSU Women's Athlete of the Year.
Merritt "Babe" Manning (1997, 1930-33, Multi-sport) - Played football in 1930-'31-'32-'33 and was a four-year, letterwinner ... Played basketball in '30, ran track in '30-'31-'32-'33 and was captain in '31 ... Established conference record in 100-yard dash and pole vault in 1931...Was in gymnastics in '31 and a student council representative in '33.
Bill Martin (1964, 1940-47, FB-BB) - Lettered in football and basketball while at MSU...Has held various coaching positions; Lake Crystal, Le Center, and St. Paul Central High...Recorded a string of twenty games without a defeat while at Le Center...His 1960 football team at St. Paul was city champion.
Margaret McCue (2005, 1985-88, Volleyball) – Four-year starter at middle blocker for the Mavericks (1985-88)...All-North Central Conference in 1987...Named All-Region in 1986 and 1987...Dominating hitter/blocker owns school career records for games played (444), kills (1,425), kill percentage (.295) and total blocks (553)... Led the North Central Conference in kills per game in 1985 with 4.62 mark...Iowa City, Iowa native led MSU in kills four consecutive seasons - 388 in 1985, 314 in 1986, 435 in 1987 and 288 in 1988.
Larry McKeever (2006, 1958-61, Football & Baseball) – Three-year starter on both sides of the ball on football team.....MSU captured conference titles in 1958, 1959 and 60...All-conference defensive back in 1960...Three-year baseball starter at shortstop, member of conference championship teams in 1958 and 1960...Spent 31 years coaching wrestling in LaPorte, Indiana and Fulda, Minn. ...Big 10 wrestling official, officiated 1988 NCAA Division I national tourney in Ames, Iowa...1990 Worthington High School Hall of Fame...1990 Indiana High School Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Gary Mielke (1999, 1982-85, BSB) - Saw action in 79 games as a reliever with the Texas Rangers from 1987-90...North Central Conference Pitcher of the Year in 1985...Established league record with 0.00 earned run average when he did not allow an earned run in 20 innings of work...Led MSU in ten pitching categories senior season - posted 8-3 mark...Built MSU career record of 15-9, 3.55 earned run average, 118 Ks in 162 innings of work.
Duane Mettler (1981, 1952-56, BB) – Participated in both basketball and track while at MSU...Ended his basketball career as the then all-time leading scorer in MSU history with 1,472 points...Scored over 350 points three times during his career including a high of 566 points in 1956...Mettler served both as sophomore and senior class president...Snow King in 1955...A member of the letterman’s club...Former head of MSU Basketball Alumni group...Mettler served as a Faculty member at MSU for over 25 years.
Forrest "Butch" Meyeraan (2001, 1957-61, BB-GF) - Holds MSU and NCAA record (tie) for free throw percentage in a game (made of 20/20 vs. UW-River Falls in 1961) ... Averaged 16.9 points per game as a senior on a team that went 11-4...Played on 1960-61 NSCC championship basketball team that ranked 17th in NAIA defense ranking allowing 62.3 ppg ...Two-time basketball all-conference pick ('60 and '61)...Team captain of NIC golf championship team in '59...Captured conference golf individual title in '58... Six letters, all-conference three times, on conference championship teams three times, captain in two sports.
Roy Minter (1982, 1954-58, FB-WR) - Regular on football team for three years as a center...National Champion wrestler at 177 lbs. for four years...Conference champion in wrestling three years...Three-time NCAA Division I participant placing 2nd and 4th in his weight....NAIA National Champion 1958...At the time of his induction, Minter was beginning his 25th year of coaching compiling at 96-22-2 record at Worthington High School and 169-31-4 record at Willmar Community College...While at Willmar, Minter has won numerous conference championships...Named Region Jr. Champion in 1981...Coach of the Year M.C.C.C. multiple times...Region 13 Coach of the Year.
Julie Missal (1994, 1972-76, Gym) - Three-year letterwinner in gymnastics at MSU...Placed eighth in vault ('74), eighth on balance beam and ninth all-around in'75 in state competition...Qualified for regionals individually three times ('73-'75)...Placed seventh and tenth, respectively, in vaulting ('74-'75) at regionals...Co-captain junior and senior rear...Team placed third overall at state to qualify for regional competition in both '74 and '75...Team placed seventh both years at regionals...Received the Roger Ritter Service Award for outstanding service in health, physical education and recreation in 1976...Earned a B.S. Degree in teaching physical education in 1976...Coached various volleyball and gymnastics teams in Minnesota and Iowa.
A.B. Morris (1964, 1921-55, Te-FB-BB Coach) – Coached basketball, football, and tennis at MSU from 1921-23...Assisted Hall of Famer C.P. Blakeslee for many more years...First came to MSU in 1919...Served as Director of Personnel and History instructor until 1933...Appointed Registrar and Professor of History in 1934...Appointed Dean of Instruction in 1947 and served in that role until his retirement in 1955...Was an active member of the Minnesota Education Association.
Bill Morris (1983, 1956-81, Coach BB-Bs-TE) - Coached basketball, baseball and tennis at MSU...Was Maverick basketball coach for 12 years...Currently ranks as the fifth winningest coach in MSU basketball history with his 134-112 (.545) won-loss record...His 1960-61 team won the Northern Intercollegiate championship with a 20-5 record...Championships followed Bill in the coaching ranks in other sports...He coached MSU baseball for 4 years with one conference title...Received his Bachelor's Degree from Nebraska State College in 1936 and earned his Master's Degree from the University of Michigan in 1949...Was an Assistant Professor of Physical Education at MSU...Authored publications in the sports and health fields.
Donna (Gathje) Mueller (2001, 1977-81, CC-TF) - Four-time All-American in cross country and track...Placed second in 5000m in 1980, third in 5,000m (16:44.0), sixth in 10,000m (36.08.0) at 1981 AIAW Division II national meet...Third at cross country nationals in 1979...Won 5000m at Drake Relays and ran in 1980 Olympic Trials where she placed 6th in 5000m...Still owns school indoor marks in 3,000m (9:52.0) and 2-mile (10:20.4) and outdoor marks for 3,000m (9:31.8) and 5,000m (16:12.5)...Captured MAIAW titles in 3,000m and 5,000m as a junior, as senior...Ranked ninth on MSU's Female Athletes of the Century list.
Lynn Peterson-Murray (1992, 1977-81 (BB) - A four-year MSU basketball participant...Set 19 career season and game records...Still holds MSU season records, all set in 1980-81, for most points (799), best scoring average 24.9), most field goals attempted (656), most field goals made (318), most free throws attempted (183)...Holds individual game records, also set in 1980-81, for most points (43) and most field goals made (18)...Ranks fourth on MSU's career scoring list with 1,518 points and was named Outstanding Senior Female Athlete (1980-81)...Was All-Regional twice (1979-80), 1980-81) and was captain and Most Valuable Player in 1980-81...Graduated Magnum Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1981 and earned Academic All-American honor in 1979-80. Played for Minnesota Fillies Women's professional basketball team.
Earl "Bud" Myers (1981, 1948-79, Coach FB-TF-CC) - St. Joseph, Mich., native coached MSU teams for 31 years and captured a combined 25 Northern Intercollegiate (NIC) and North Central (NCC) Conference titles during that time. His cross country teams reached the national meet 23 consecutive years and, in addition to gaining second-place finishes in 1960 and 1968, finished lower than tenth only twice during that span. He also coached the MSU football team four years (1949, 1950, 1951, 1952), during which they won three conference titles. Myers was president of the National Collegiate Track Coaches Association from 1969-72 and the meet referee for the NCAA Division II national track and field championships in 1977. Myers, after which MSU's field house is named, is a member of the MSU and NIC Halls of Fame.
Bill Nelson (1983, 1954-56, FB, SID, FB Coach) - Played football for MSU and was a two-year letterwinner in 1954-55...Played offensive end and running back positions...Graduated from MSU in 1956...Coached high school football at East Chain High School from 1956-61 compiling a won-loss record of 28-11 (.718) going undefeated his last season...Has had various duties at MSU...A faculty member beginning in 1962...Assistant football coach from 1962-65...Served as Sports Information Director from 1962-72...Athletic Business Manager for MSU from 1968...75.
Duane "Dewey" Nelson (1983, 1947-50, BB-TE) - Basketball and tennis star at MSU...Four-time All-Conference performer in basketball...Captain of the 1950 MSU squad...Leading scorer three of his four seasons...Member of the 1946-50 conference championship teams...1947 team was 20-4 and national runnerup...1950 team was 21-5...Great athlete at Mankato High who won eight letters while playing basketball, football and track...MSU tennis lettermen in 1949-50...First MSU basketball player to score 300 points in one season and 1,000 points in a career...Has coached high school football, basketball and tennis and reached the century club for coaches with over 100 HS tennis victories.
Ted Nelson (1982, 1957-61, TF) - Two-time NAIA national champion in outdoor 800m (1958 and 1960)...Finished fourth at national AAU meet in 800m in 1960...Qualified and participated in 1960 U.S. Olympic Trials...Established world record in 300m in 1965...Established U.S. 100-yd. record in 1966...Still owns MSU 800m record (1:49.0, 1960 the oldest one in the track books at MSU)...Ranked fourth on MSU's Male Athletes of the Century list.
Norm Ness (2004, 1949-55, Basketball) – Hall of Fame - Four-time basketball letterwinner (1949-1955) ... Three-time all-conference pick... Scored 435 points in 1955-'56 season, 424 points in 1953-'54 season and 399 points in 1952-'53 season ... Seventh on MSU all-time scoring list with 1,431 career points ... Was the school's all-time leading scorer when he played ..Had 19.8 ppg average in '54-'55 and 17.2 average in '53-'54 ... Had a career-best 44 points in game vs. UW-La Crosse in 1954...Three-time team captain...MSU went a combined 76-29 and won three conference championships while he played...College basketball career was interrupted by a 21-month tour of duty with the U.S. Army....Graduated in 1955....Passed away in automobile accident in 1969.
William Nigg (1965, 1930-33, FB) - Regular starter at the guard position for football...Coached and taught at Canton and Askov Minnesota Public schools...Served as principal and superintendent...Very active in Minnesota State High School League.
Orin Olson (1992, 1965-68, FB) - Lettered in football at MSU for four years...Started in four positions including tight end, defensive end, nose tackle and middle linebacker under head coach Bob Otto...Was an All-Conference selection in 1967 and 1968...Co-captain of football team in 1968...Received Bachelor's Degree in Business with a coaching certificate in 1969...Worked on Master's Degree in Physical Education at MSU and was graduate assistant for football in 1972-73...During graduate work he coached the defensive line, was the defensive scout and talent recruiter...Was instrumental in the implementation of the first computerized scouting system for opposing teams at MSU.
Bob Otto (1981, 1953-84, FB Coach-A.D.) - Otto served MSU for thirty years, coaching MSU grid teams from 1953 until 1969. His teams built a 74-70-4 record during that time and captured five Northern Intercollegiate Conference titles during his tenure (1958, '59, '60, '61 and '68) and placed in the league's first division every season. He also served as the school's men's basketball coach for one season, leading the 1954-55 club to an 18-4 mark. Otto was named MSU's men's AD in 1970 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1983.The Fort Dodge, Iowa native was a member of the MSU, the Northern Intercollegiate Conference and North Central Conference Halls of Fame. MSU's Highland Arena was renamed in his honor (Otto Arena) in 1991. A noted athlete during his college career, Otto was a member of the famous "Iron Men" football teams at the University of Iowa from 1939-41. He graduated from Iowa in 1947 and also earned a master's degree from Iowa in 1948. Following graduation he served as AD and football coach at Buena Vista College from 1948-53.
Jamie Pass (2006, '91-94, Football) – Finished third in voting for the 1993 Harlon Hill Award as the top player in NCAA Division II, was named to the Football Gazette and C.M. Frank Small College All-American First Team and First Team CoSIDA/NCAA Division II All-America as a senior...'93 All-North Central Conference First Team and NCC Most Valuable Offensive Back...Owned or shared 19 MSU records and three NCC records...Selected to play in the Snow Bowl (senior all-star game)...Led MSU to one North Central Conference title (1993) and two NCAA postseason appearances (1991 and 1993)...MSU went 24-12-0 in three seasons with program...NCC Offensive Player of the Week three times in 1993 ...Named Football Gazette National Player of the Week following a win of St. Cloud State (threw for three touchdowns and ran for four others in 49-32 win)...Named Sports Illustrated National Small College Player of the Week following 28-27 win over #1 North Dakota State (threw four touchdown passes in final 18 minutes of come-from-behind win)...1993 MSU team MVP...All-NCC Second Team in 1991 and 1992...Named MSU Senior Male Student-athlete of the Year for 1993-94.
John Passolt (2006, 1979-83, Hockey) – Three-year letterwinner played three years for the Mavericks after transferring from the University of Minnesota...St. Louis Park, Minn., native established school season records (since broken) for points (77) and assists in first year with MSU in national championship season of 1979-80...Totalled 85 goals, 131 assists for 216 points in 143 career games...Ranks fourth on team's all-time scoring list and career points per game average of 1.63 also ranks fourth...Ranks first in career assists per game (0.99) and is fourth in career assists...Owns a share of single-season assist mark (46 in 1979-80)...Played on teams that went 30-9-1, 28-11-3 and 22-9-1...Had two hat tricks during course of career...Team MVP in 1981-82.
Annie (Campion) Paul (1996, 1968-72, SW) - Four-year letterwinner (1968-72) qualified for nationals in 1970...Served as team captain in 1972...Has served in several youth-level, junior and senior high school and YMCA teaching, coaching and administrative capacities in the Twin Cities since graduating in 1972...Served as Chief of Media Operations for International Special Olympics in 1991.
Eric Paul (1986, 1968-71, Gym) - A member of the MSU gymnastics team 1968-71...Two-time Northern Collegiate Conference (NCC) floor exercise and vaulting champion...Team captain in 1969...NCASA All-American in long horse in 1970 and two-time member of the West All-Star Team at the Tucson Winter Gymnastics Clinic...After leaving MSU, was involved with YMCA gymnastics programs and was Western Regional Double Mini Trampoline runner-up in 1978.
Charles Pennington (1963, 1936, FB-BB-TF)# - Letterwinner in football, basketball, and track...Four-time All-Conference honors recipient in 1932, 1933, 1934, and '36.
Hal Peper (1990, 1952-55, BB) - Lettered in basketball for four years from 1952-55...Played under two Hall of Fame coaches in Jim Witham and Bob Otto...Played on the teams with the second and third most wins in MSU history (22 in 1952-53 and 21 in 1953-54)...Was a member of the Newman Club, Science Club and on the Searing Hall Council...B.S. Degree in Chemistry and Biology...Member of Who's Who in America's Colleges and Universities...served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Air Command...Graduate of Marketing and Sales Management Program Syracuse University, Graduate School of Business 1967-68...Graduate of the UCLA School of Business, Executive Management Program 1971-72...President of the Southern California Chapter for the Leukemia Society of America 1979-83.
Cevin Petersen (1997, 1972-76, TF) - Four-year track and field letterwinner captured three individual NCC pole vault championships during career...Participated at the NCAA Division II national meet on three occasions and earned All-America honors in 1975 when he placed third...Team co-captain in 1975 and 1976 was a two-time all-conference performer (1975 and 1976) and at one point held both school indoor and outdoor records in the pole vault and the decathlon...Placed sixth in pole vault at USA Track & Field National Championships in 1977.
Leonard Plotnick (1965, 1929-33, FB) - All-Conference football honors in 1931 and '32...While a student at MSU, worked as a high school basketball official working district and regional meets...Continued to officiate after graduation from MSU working games during the Minnesota State High School Tournaments...Pursued graduate work at the University of Iowa and the University of Minnesota...Served as president of the S. Minny Baseball League...Taught history in Faribault Public Schools.
Kevin Polansky (1991, 1969-73, SW) - Swam for four years at MSU...Voted team captain junior and senior years...Voted Co-NCC Swimmer of the Year junior and senior years...Set several NCC records while at MSU...Won a total of eleven conference titles during his MSU career...Captured back-to-back NCC 400-yard Individual Medley titles from 1971-73...Graduated from MSU with a double major in Social Studies-Geography and Physical Education...Earned a Master's of Science Degree in Physical Education from the University of Colorado...Continued to swim competitively on the seniors national and international level.
Jack Pollard (1988, 1967-71, TF) - Track and field team captain junior and senior seasons...All-American in 1969 and 1970...Northern Intercollegiate Conference individual champion...Member of North Central Conference champion team in 1969 and Northern Intercollegiate Conference championship teams in 1968 and 1970...At time of induction held MSU record in the 440 event with a time of 48.0...Coach was MSU legendary Earl "Bud" Myers...Transferred to MSU from the University of Iowa, graduated with Health/Physical Education Degree in 1971.
Jeri (Domes) Porter (2004, 1983-86, Track and field) – Hall of Fame - Two-time NCAA All-America, one-time AIAW All-American...Finished fourth in the 100m at national meet twice - 1983 and 1984...AIAW All-American as member of sprint medley team in 1982...Named NCC's Most Outstanding Athlete after capturing three individual titles at 1984 conference indoor meet (55m, 300m and long jump)...Also claimed long jump, 100m and 200m titles at 1984 NCC outdoor meet and was a member of conference 4x100 relay team..Established league record in 100m with 11.8 clocking and 200m record with a 24.50 mark...At one point held MSU indoor records for 55m (6.9), 300-yds (36.3) and 300m (40.38) and outdoor marks in 100m (11.51), 200m (23.98), and four relays.
Peter Pratt (1991, 1973-77, TF) - 1976 NCAA Division II triple jump champion and still holds the school record (52.5'1.5")...Former MSU long jump record holder (25'11")...Qualified for four NCAA Division II events in 1977 (long jump, triple jump, 100m, 4x100 relay)...Received All-American honors twice (first in triple jump in 1976 and third in long jump in 1977)...MSU captured both North Central Conference Indoor and Outdoor track titles his senior season...Four-time NCC indoor long jump and indoor triple jump champion...At time of induction held NCC record for most individual track titles (8)...Captured 1974 and 1977 NCC outdoor triple jump titles and 1975 and 1977 outdoor long jump titles...Also anchored two NCC champion 400m relay teams...Was also an outstanding volleyball player who played on the national team in Bahamas and gave assistance to MSU programs...Graduated from MSU with a B.S. Degree in Education and has worked on a Master's Degree at Arizona.
Ken Prihoda (1996, 1950-52, FB-WR) - Two-year letterwinner was on first two MSU wrestling teams...Went undefeated in dual meets in his two-year career...Named team captain of the first team and became the first national placewinner for MSU when he finished fourth in earning All-American honors in 1951...Qualified for 1952 Olympic final team trials...Football letterwinner in 1950...Initiated and coached high school football program in Excelsior, Minn., served as a high school wrestling official from 1956-67 and was invited to serve as an official at the state high school tournament on five occasions.
Carlos Proano (2005, 1969-72, Tennis) – MSU's only three time men's three-time conference tennis champion...Claimed #1 North Central Conference singles championship 1970, 1971 and 1972 (only one other person in the history of men's tennis in the NCC has accomplished this feat and this championship has been held since 1923)...Teamed with Jim Farnham to claim NCC #1 doubles title in 1971...Led MSU to 1971 NCC team title...Three-time team MVP...Earned two Midwest regional titles (1971, 1972)...Did not compete in 1971 national tournament because of finals. Did not compete in 1972 national tournament because of program's insufficient funds. Resides in Mexico City and works as tennis official has officiated at Davis Cup matches and French Open).
Duane Proell (1999, 1969-72, TF) - Northern Intercollegiate Conference record-holder in the long jump (23-9.5)...NCC record-holder in triple jump (49-5)...NCC long jump champ in 1971-72 (23-10.5)...All-American in long jump and triple jump in 1971....Four-time all-conference performer.
Donna (Tiegs) Ricks (1998, 1978-81, TF) - Established school record in heptathlon in 1981 when she scored 4,797 points at the AIAW Division II national track and field championships. Her point total ranked her third and she earned All-American honors. Also established school record in the long jump with 18-2 1/2 effort...Captured MAIAW heptathlon title as a senior in 1981 with 4,5423 points...Set school record when she won the MAIAW pentathlon in 1980 with 3,667 mark...Has served as head coach of cross country and track and field programs at Northwest Missouri State ('85-88), MSU ('88-93) and Carleton (1993-present)...Henderson, Minn., native served as USA national heptathlon coach in 1996...Ranked fifth on MSU's Female Athletes of the Century list.
John Rose (1987, 1956-59, TF) - Quartermiler, and member of mile relay teams for MSU track and field from 1956-59...Ran under legendary MSU coach and Hall of Famer Earl "Bud" Myers...Team captain as a senior...President of athletic letterman's "M" club as a senior...Member of four Northern State College conference championship teams...Attained MSU Bachelor's Degree in 1960, Master's in 1965...Has been a physical educator in the Roseville school system and initiated Roseville intramural track program...Has directed a number of athletes to collegiate scholarships, including MSU...Served as a Minnesota House of Representatives legislator.
John Rulmyr (1997, 1967-71, Baseball) - Went 5-0 with a 2.10 ERA in 1971 for undefeated conference baseball team ... Recorded 48 strikeouts in 301/3 innings of work against conference competition ... Ranks first in career strikeouts at MSU with 227 K's from 1967-70 ... Also ranks second at MSU in single-season strikeouts with 79 in 1968 ... Is sixth in season ERA with 1.23 in 1970 ... Team captain played on three conference championship teams...Team MVP in 1968 was all-conference selection and an All-American in 1970.
Rachel Spencer Rulymr (1991, 1967-71, VB-TE) - Four-year athletic career consisted of playing #1 singles for the women's team and setter for the volleyball team...Played in two AIAW National Volleyball Championships...Competed in the first AIAW National Tennis Tournament at Carleton College...Graduated from MSU with a B.S. in Physical Education...Received a Master's Degree in Physical Education from Northern Arizona University
David Saatzer (1994, 1975-79, H) - Four-year MSU letterwinner in hockey (1975-79)...Two-time All-American ('78 and '79)...Played in 106 games for MSU...124 career points (34 goals, 90 assists) ranks second among MSU defensemen and 15th overall...Led MSU in scoring as a junior (40 pts. in 03 games) and was named MVP...As co-captain of '78 and '79 teams, led MSU to third and second place finishes, respectively, in the NCAA tournament...Graduated with B.S. Degree in Business in 1979...Played two years for Nova Scotia of the American Hockey League, a farm team of Montreal...Established AHL record for fastest overtime goal (5 seconds) while playing for Nova Scotia.
Ruth Schellberg (1981, 1952-74, Women's Athletics) - Founded the Women’s Intercollegiate Athletic program at MSU...Received a B.S. Degree in Physical Education from the University of Nebraska in 1934...Earned both a Master’s and Doctorate from New York University...Taught physical education at MSU and became a Professor Emeritus in 1974...Served as Physical Education Department chairman from 1952-74...Played a key role in developing the women’s program into its present status.
John Schultz (1982, 1957-61, BB) - Started as regular in 1958 his freshman year in basketball...Four-year letterwinner...One of the first big men MSU had in the basketball program...All-Conference Player for three years...Led conference in shooting for three years and was conference MVP in 1961...In 1961, Schultz was MSU Athlete of the Year, Snow King, All-American, a member of Who's Who in College Division, and co-captain...Played on two conference championship teams...Coached as Bethany Junior College...Played service basketball from 1963-65...Has coached at both Janesville High School and at Jackson High School where he won two district championships.
Frank Schweizer (2002, 1956-1960, CC-TF) - Cross country All-American in 1960 (fifth at national meet)...Track All-American in 1960 (6th in 1500m at national meet)....Broke school 1500m record (formerly held by Hall of Famer Ted Nelson) with a time of 3:58....Conference champion in 1960 in the mile with a conference record-setting time of 4:17....Coached two members of MSU's 1988 national championship cross country team in Mike Schweizer and John Schuster....As the long-time cross country and track coach at Dowling High School in Des Moines, has coached three individual boys state cross country individual champions and two state championship teams....Has coached four state champion relay teams, two state individual champions, two Drake Relays individual champions and three Drake Relays relay champions.
Mike Schweizer (2002, 1986-90, CC-TF) - Member of three MSU cross country teams that qualified for NCAA championships in 1986, 1987 and 1988 (MSU was fifth, second and tied for first during that span)....Made appearances in four NCAA cross country championship meets and was a three-time All-American (23rd in 1987, ninth in 1988, 16th in 1989)....1988 team won conference and regional titles and tied for national championship...Won NCC outdoor 5,000M and 10,000m championships in 1989.
Elsie Slinger (1994, 1979-80, BB) - One-year letterwinner in basketball for MSU (1979-1980)...First in total team points ( 20.8 avg.) and rebounds (12.1 avg.) and second in steals in '79-'80...MSU's Most Valuable Player in '79-'80...Earned All-State, All-Region, and All-American honors that year...Graduated in 1980 with a B.A. in Mass Communications-News Writing...Drafted in 1980 by New Orleans Pride...Played for Minnesota Fillies in 1981.
Alex Smetka (1963, 1932, FB)# - All-Conference guard in football...Served as Mayor of Rochester for over five years.
Myron Smith (1987, 1941-43/45-47, FB-BB-TF) - Three-sport star at MSU from 1941 through 1943 and 1945-47...Member of two football conference championship teams as the Mavericks captured the Northern Conference crown in 1942, and the Northern Intercollegiate title in 1946...Football Co-captain in 1946 ad 1947...All-NIC Second team in 1946 and 1947...Has since gone on to coach and teach at Nicollet and Red Wing High Schools, and served as Head of Department of Physical Education and Head Football Coach at Winona State University...In 1977 was NAIA District 13 Track "Coach of the Year", in 1978 was NAIA Area IV Track "Coach of the Year", and in 1983 accrued both NIC "Coach of the Year" and NAIA District 13 "Coach of the Year" honors.
Les Sonnabend (1995, 1960-64, BB) - Four-year letter winner...Played on conference championship team in 1960-'61...Played in two post-season tournaments in 1961 and 1964...Teams had 65-30 record during his four-year career...Co-captain of team his senior year...All-conference selection his senior year...Ranks 15th on MSU all-time scoring list with 1,126 points...Scored 387 points in '62-'63 and 377 points in '63-'64...President of M Club in 1963-'64...Member Alpha Mu Gamma National Honorary Language Fraternity...Member and contributor to the Basketball Alumni Association...Superintendent of Schools for the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District.
George Soukup (1995, 1958-61, FB) - Four-year letter winner...Played on four conference championship teams as offensive and defensive end...Teams compiled a 24-11-1 record in his four years...Captain of team his senior year in 1961...All-conference defensive end in 1960 and '61...Member of Minnesota All-Star team (1962)...Member of M club...Participant in Alumni football games...Contributor to Mankato football fund...Teacher and coach at Minnetonka High School.
Gerald "Jerry" Springer (2000, 1948-52, TF) - Owatonna, Minn., native was a four-year track letterwinner, two-year letterwinner in basketball...Track and field team captain as a senior and junior...Track and field team captured four conference titles...Leading point scorer sophomore, junior and senior years...Competed in 100 and 200-yd dash, 440 and 880-yard relays and broad jump...Conference individual champion in State Teachers College and Bi State Conference in 100-yard and 220-yard dashes for three years...Competed and placed in NAIA national championships in 1952 in Abilene...Was a member of conference basketball championship teams as a freshman and sophomore...Former Minneapolis Roosevelt High School business education instructor and Office-Work Study Program coordinator is retired and living in Mendota Heights, Minn.
Tom Steiner (1989, 1970-74, TF-BSB) - Originally came to MSU in 1970 to play basketball...Played one year of hoops before deciding to concentrate solely on cross country and track and field...Track and cross country captain during four-year career...Earned All-American status in the mile in 1974 with his third-place national finish...At the time of induction, held the MSU record in the mile with a time of 4:05.3 (1974)...Tried out for United States Olympic team in 1976...Graduated from MSU in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.
Val Strachan (1988, 1968-73, VB-BB-TF) - Graduated from MSU in 1973, earned B.S. Degree in Physical Education...Earned ten letters during MSU athletic career...Competed in basketball 1968-73, track two years, and volleyball four years...Volleyball teams competed in 1970 and 1971 national tournaments...Two-time amateur softball All-American...Went on to play professional softball for the Buffalo Bisons for three seasons (1976-78)...Named to All-Pro softball team in 1977.
Ed Stuart (2002, 1980-84, TF) - Captured 1982 NCAA outdoor long jump title with a school-record 26' 2" effort that still stands....1982 NCC indoor and outdoor long jump champion...Established conference indoor record (25' 8") that still stands in 1982...Established conference outdoor record (25' 11") that still stands in 1982...Captured 1982 Drake Relays long jump title...Three-time gold medalist in long jump at Bahamas national meet.
Lisa (Walters) Sukalski (1998, 1984-88, BB) - Two-time Kodak All-American was named GTE/CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year in 1988...North Central Conference's Stan Marshall Award recipient as league's outstanding female student-athlete for 1987-88...MSU's Senior Femal Athlete of the Year in 1987-88...1986 NCC MVP...Three-time All-NCC pick...Three-time All-Region selection...Owns several school records including most career points with 2,072 and rebounds with 1,074...Owned NCC records for career points, rebounds, and field goals upon conclusion of career...Ranked first on MSU's Female Athletes of the Century list...Played professionally in Sweden in 1988-89.
Deb Sunderman (1989, 1975-79, BB) - Held record her freshman year (1975) in shooting percentage, most points and most rebounds...Selected Captain sophomore year but only played half the season because of a hip injury...Graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education...Won Olympic gold medal as a member of the 1988 U.S. wheelchair basketball team...Played with the Rolling Gophers team that has won three consecutive national championships...Named Most Valuable Player of National Tourney two consecutive years. At the time of induction, held the national record for field goal percentage during the tournament with 71 percent in five games.
Ken Swanson (1988, 1945-50, BB-FB-Bb) - Earned a total of ten letters during MSU career - four in basketball, four in football, and two in baseball...Played on Northern Intercollegiate basketball and football championship teams all four years (1947-50)...Basketball team participated in national tournament twice during career...1946-47 team finished second in the nation, losing to Marshall in championship game...Played for MSU Hall of Fame coaches Jim Witham and Bob Otto...1981 Region II Athletic Director of the Year...Granddaughters (Angie & Amy Swanson) played basketball at MSU.
Cheryl Swanum (2005, 1973-77, Swimming & Track) – Two-sport star during MSU career...Four-time national swim meet qualifier...Qualified for 50 free, 50 back, 50 breast, 100 IM at national meet...Held several school records upon completion of career and still maintains fourth-best time on school 100 IM list...Also national qualifier on 880 medley relay team in track and was a member of the first MSU women's track team to go to nationals (1974).
Bill Techar (1985, 1969-73, H-BSB) - Was one of the "pioneer" hockey players on Coach Don Brose's first intercollegiate team at MSU...Played four seasons and was MSU's top scorer twice...Had 57 goals, 48 assists, and 105 career points in 60 MSU games...The Mavericks had a four-year record of 47-20-5 (.685) in the 1969-73 era of Techar's career...Was team MVP, captain, and NCAA All-American in 1973...Three-year varsity letterwinner in baseball for MSU coach Jean McCarthy.
Jerry Terrell (1981, 1965-68, BSB) – Member of the MSU baseball team from 1965-68...Compiled a .301 career batting average...Northern Intercollegiate All-Conference second baseman in 1966 when he hit .357...Helped MSU place second and third, respectively, in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional in 1965 and ’68...At the time of induction held the MSU record for most doubles (19) and most runs batted in (57) in a career...Helped MSU to a 72-41 record in four years...Graduated MSU in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting...Played eight years of Major League Baseball with the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals...In the majors, had a .253 career batting average and was a member of the 1980 Royals World Series team.
Jim Tetzloff (1988, 1961-65, BB-FB-Bb) - Played basketball four years (1961-65), compiling a 12.0 points per game average his senior season and leading MSU to a 18-7 record...Basketball team compiled a 58-35 record during four-year career...Also competed two seasons in baseball and football...Played errorless at first base in 1964 and made only three errors in '65...Earned All-Northern Intercollegiate Conference honors for baseball in 1965...Played end and punted for Maverick football team in '63 and '64 seasons and in '64 made team-high 30 receptions for 330 yards...Averaged 37.4 yards per punt senior season.
Doug Thompson (2000, 1971-74, Football) - Four-time letterwinner... Held 12 MSU passing and total offense records upon conclusion of career ... Completed 418 passes in 878 attempts for 5,409 yards, 39 touchdowns and 44 interceptions in his four-year career ... Team points leader in '72-'73-'74 ... Has two season in the top five in MSU history in passing attempts, pass completions, touchdown passes and total passing yards...Two-time All-North Central Conference First Team selection was NCC Most Valuable Offensive Back in 1974...High School golf coach in Yuma, Arizona.
Carri Tschida-Petronak (2000, 1985-89, SB) - MSU softball's most dominant pitcher of all-time...1989 MSU Senior Female Athlete of the Year...Earned All-America accolades in 1989 and completed career as MSU's all-time winningest pitcher with 97 wins and 1.32 earned run average...Led Mavericks to two North Central Conference titles and two trips to NCAA post-season tournament... Mavericks captured regional title and finished third in the country in 1987...Named NCC Pitcher of the Year in 1987 and 1989...Two-time all-conference pick...Owns most of MSU's single-season and career pitching marks...Tossed three no-hitters senior season including one perfect game...Led the nation in wins twice - 1987 and 89 with 35 both seasons...Ranked second on MSU's Female Athletes of the Century list.
Meg Underwood (1993, 1975-79, TE-VB) - Four-year letterwinner in volleyball and tennis, also played junior varsity basketball...Co-captain of the volleyball team (1977 and 1978)...Co-captain of the tennis team (1978 and 1979)...Named all-state in volleyball in 1978...Named to All-Tournament Team at the 1978 Minnesota AIAW Tournament...Graduated in 1979 with a degree in Mathematics and Physical Education.
Paul Waldorf (1963, 1950-62, Tennis Coach)# - An outstanding athlete in his own right, Waldorf coached the Mavericks to nine conference tennis titles...Before coming to MSU, coached all sports at McKendree College, Lebanon, Ill. 1933-36....Served as football and tennis coach at Fort Hayes Kansas State College 1936-42 where his team took home the football conference championship in 1936...Coached tennis from 1946-47 at Denison University, Granville, OH.
Roy Walters (1963, 1948, FB-TF)# - Two-time All-Conference halfback in football...Served as captain for the track team for two seasons...Former conference and MSU record holder in the 100 yard dash...Graduated with honors from MSU with a Bachelor's Degree in 1947...Earned a Master's Degree from the University of Colorado...Served as coach at Redwood Falls for two years before going to Western Michigan Reserve High School, Kalamazoo, Michigan...Football teams under his direction took home seven consecutive conference titles...His track teams were consistent winners...Served as athletic director while at Western Michigan Reserve High School.
Mike Weinkauf (2002, 1977-81, Hockey) – Two-time All-American (1979-80 and 1980-81)....Ranks first amongst all defensemen and 17th overall on MSU's career scoring list with 125 points...41 career goals also is a school record for goals by a defenseman...Established school single-season record for points by a defenseman when he had 48 as the Mavericks captured the NCAA Division II championship in 1980...Mainstay on teams that never finished lower than third at the national tournament in four years with the team (third in 1978, second in 1979, first in 1980, third in 1981)....Twice selected to NCAA All-Tournament Team...Selected to 1981 East vs. West College All-Star Game.
Bob Wendel (1998), 1965-67, WR) - 1967 NCAA Division II champion at 145-pounds ... Three-time All-American ('65-66-67) ... Member of NCAA Division II national championship team in '65 ... Placed fourth at NCAA's in '65 at 147-pounds, fifth in '66 at 150-pounds ... Two-time conference champion...1967 team captain ... Led MSU in individual points in '65-'66...Completed career with won-loss record of 110-31.
Dave Whiteford (2004, 1984-87, Baseball) – Finished career holding seven school records - games (167), at bats (484), hits (175), doubles (35), runs (127), RBI (141) and walks (83)...Three-time All-North Central Conference pick and three-year starter....Two-time All-Region selection (1986, 1987)...Named MVP of 1986 NCAA North Central Regional tournament....Member of three NCC championships teams (1985, 1986, 1987), played in three NCAA regional tournaments (1985, 1986, 1987) and one DII College World Series (1986, MSU finished fourth)...Finished career with .361 batting average and MSU was 121-65-1 in four years with program....Four-year letterwinner was two-time team captain.
Earle Wigley (1963, 1926, FB-BB-TF)# - Lettered in football, basketball and track during his MSU athletic career...A member of the only undefeated football team in MSU history under Hall of Fame Coach C.P. Blakeslee...Served as captain of the football team for one season...Played guard position in basketball before assuming the role of freshman team coach...Served as captain of the track team during his second season with the team...Earned his degree from MSU in 1933...Assisted with the football and track teams...After graduation assumed a full-time role at MSU serving as an assistant coach and teaching history and social studies.
Bobby Will (1966, 1952-55, FB-BB-Bb) – An all-conference athlete in three different sports during MSU career...Led conference in batting with .600 average...Led football team in total yards and touchdowns and served as team captain as a senior...MSU's Athlete of the Year in 1954...Basketball team captain in 1955...Played in the major leagues as an outfielder with the Chicago Cubs from the 1957-63 and retired from professional bsaeball following the 1964 season. Saw action in 410 big league games...Ranked third on MSU's Male Athletes of the Century list.
Howard Williams (1965, 1925-28, TF-BB-Coach) - Competed in basketball and track during MSU athletic career...Lettered in basketball in 1926...Two-time letterwinner in track for the 1925 and 1926 seasons.
Jim Witham (1966, 1945-56, FB-BB-BSB Coach) - Witham coached the MSU men's basketball team from 1945 to 1956 and built a record of 166-70 during that span. The 1947 Mankato team went 17-4 and advanced to the finals of the NAIA tournament in Kansas City where they lost to Marshall in the national championship game. MSU also made a NAIA postseason appearance in 1947-48. Witham's teams won outright conference titles in 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1953 and tied in 1952, 1954 and 1956. Witham, who also had coaching stints at Bemidji State and Iowa State prior to coming to MSU, owned a career collegiate coaching mark of 229-119. He also coached the MSU baseball team for three seasons (1953, '54 and '56) and was an assistant with the football team. Witham was a graduate of Bemidji State, owned a master's degree from Minnesota and a doctoral degree from Indiana.
Herb Wolfe (1985, 1930's, FB-GYM) - Played football and gymnastics for MSU in the early 1930's...Is best known for his over 50 years of coaching high school sports and his impressive number of career wins (657 at the time of induction)...Wolf has coached gymnastics, basketball, football, track, baseball & girl’s softball at Fairmont High School...Has refereed football and basketball in high school...Retired from Fairmont HS in 1976 after 34 years as a teacher/coach.
Carla (Schuck) Wollin (2003, 1984-86, Basketball) – Two-year letterwinner was a transfer from Worthington Community College where she was a JUCO All-American..Key member of 1986 North Central Conference championship team - the only MSU women's basketball team to capture a league title...Led 1984-85 team in scoring (19.6 ppg) and ranked second in the NCC in scoring that year (20.8 ppg)...Ranks third on MSU all-time points per game average (16.5) and is 10th in field goals made (406)...Tallied 952 points in two seasons with the Mavericks.....All-District and All-NCC in 1985...Academic All-NCC as a junior...1985-86 co-captain.
Chet Wood (1963, 1922, FB)# - Captain of the football team in 1922, the first year MSU had a football team...President of senior class in 1924...Class graduation speaker in 1924...After leaving MSU, attended Huron College where he served as captain of the football team and earned All-Conference honors...Earned a B.S. Degree in Social Studies from Huron College in 1927...Earned a Master's Degree from the University of Iowa in 1936...Earned a Ed. D Degree in Secondary Education from Stanford University in 1947...Taught in Blue Earth County Rural Schools in Miller, S.D...Served as principal at Benson High School and Denfield High School before becoming Director of Student Personnel Services at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
Loy Young (1983, 1941-47, BB-FB-Bb, TE-Coach) - Was a five-year basketball player at MSU...Because of the WWII, Loy was granted a fifth season...Played in 1941-42-43-46 and 1947...Played guard and served as team captain for the 1943 season...Participated in the 1947 NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City, Mo. with the national runnerup MSU team...Graduated in 1947 from MSU...Received his Master's Degree from the University of Minnesota in 1949 and earned his Doctorate of Education Degree from Oregon State in 1973...Joined the MSU coaching staff in 1956 and assisted in football until 1968...Was also an assistant basketball coach and tennis coach...Professor of Health Science at MSU...Taught and coached at Dickinson State Teachers College with a 6-2 football record...Coached college basketball at Chadron State College for five seasons with a 82-29 (.739) won-loss record...His 1951 team won the NAIA District playoffs and played in the national tournament in Kansas City, Mo.
Gladys Zeimer (1984, 1960-63, Women's Athletics) - Served as athletic director and head women's basketball coach at St. Cloud State University...Appointed athletic director in 1969...Coached SCSU teams in volleyball, softball, and gymnastics...Complied a won-loss record of 184-96 (.657) in basketball with a record of 31-4 for the 1982-83 season...1982-83 team advanced to the NCAA Division II quarter-finals.
Cly Zotalis (1994, 1938-40, 1947-48, TE) - Four-year letterwinner in tennis at MSU (1939-40,47-48)...Captain of 1947 team...Won the No. 1 singles and doubles conference championship in '47 and '48...First Athlete in history to represent MSU at the national level when he competed at U.C.L.A. in 1947...Taught in Chatfeild, Minn.
# Charter Member
Jack Amann (1996, 1967-81, Men's Golf Coach) - Served as MSU men’s golf coach for 14 years, 1967-81...MSU won five conference championships during that time - three in the North Central Conference (1971, 1972 and 1975) and two in the Northern Intercollegiate (1977 and 1980)...Took MSU teams to two national tournaments (NCAA in 1971 and NAIA in 1980)...Served as MSU Department Chairperson from 1980-86...Retired after serving as an instructor at MSU for 30 years.
Bailey Blethen (1997, Booster/Volunteer) - Has served on the MSU Booster Club Board of Directors for several years...Served as tournament director for the First Bank Tip-Off Classic for eight years and as director of MSU Sports Classic for 12 years...Served for several years as volunteer assistant coach with MSU men's basketball team, currently serves as B squad coach at Mankato West High School...Was a member of the University/Community President's Committee on Athletics...Partner of Blethen Gage & Krause Law Office.
Bob Boucher (1991, 1966-69, H) - Played four years on the MSU club hockey team...Was the "key person" in the success of the club program and played an instrumental role in the program gaining varsity status in 1969-1970...Received MSU Hockey Development Award and Roger Riter Memorial Award as the MSU's Outstanding Physical Education graduate in 1969...Received B.S. Degree in Physical Education from MSU, a Master's from Ohio State (1971), and Ph. D. from Ohio State (1980).
Morgan Brandrup (1999, Sports Writer) - Mankato Free Press sports editor from 1965-1996...Inducted into Minnesota High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1991...Provided more than 30 years of MSU sports coverage.
Georgene Brock (1986, 1964-1998, A.D.-VB-TE Coach)...Coached women's bowling from 1964-69, volleyball from 1967-80 - including three Minnesota Athletic Intercollegiate Association for Women (MAIAW) state champion volleyball teams and two teams to national competition...Coached women's tennis from 1970-83...Headed the Women's Intramural Department 1964-70...Served as chairperson and committee member in MAIAW, Region 6 American Intercollegiate Association for Women (AIAW) and the Northern Sun Conference (NSC)...Served as Director of Women's Athletics 1965-1998...Member of both Northern Sun Conference and North Central Conference Hall of Fame.
Don Brose (MSU men's hockey coach 1969-2000) – Amassed 536-335-79 record in 30 years of coaching Minnesota State men's hockey...Guided MSU men's hockey program from fledgling independent program to NCAA Division III and Division II affiliation to NCAA Division I membership and membership in Western Collegiate Hockey Association...Led MSU to NCAA Division II title in 1980...Named WCHA Coach of the Year in 1999-2000 after guiding Mavericks to 21-14-1 mark and a fourth-place finish in inaugural year in WCHA...Honored by the American Hockey Coaches Association with the John MacInnes Award in 2004.
Willetta Brown (1985, 1941-45, Women's Athletics) - 1945 MSU graduate who has coached and been a high school administrator for over 40 years...Spent eight years at Pipestone High School before moving on to Alexander Ramsey HS in St. Paul, MN...Was instrumental in the growth and development of Girl's sports programs in Minnesota High Schools...Retired from teaching/coaching in 1985.
Don Buchanan (1993, 1976-90, Athletic Administrator) - A former track and field athlete who graduated in 1949 and went on to serve as MSU's Dean of Health and Human Performance for 14 years (1976-89)...Played instrumental role in MSU's rise to athletic prominence on a national small college level...Key players in development and growth of women's programs, MSU's switch from the Northern Intercollegiate Conference to the North Central Conference, initiation of the Maverick Booster Club, resurrection of a dormant Hall of Fame...Served as coach of men's and women's bowling teams, was coach of the pre-varsity hockey team, and directed the recreation and intramurals office during his tenure at MSU.
Ora Buchanan (1999, Girl's and Women's Athletics) - 1950 graduate of MSU served as Girls' Athletic Director at Mankato East and West High Schools from 1969-89...Inducted into Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame in 1995...Inducted into Minnesota State High School Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame in 1999...1986 Region 2AA Athletic Director of the Year...1989 Region 2AA Distinguished Service Award recipient.
Larry Buendorf (2005, 1955-59, Basketball & Track) – MSU track and field and basketball athlete from '55-'59 ... Guard on MSU basketball team, hurdler on track team...Wells, Minn., native was a member of United States Secret Service and was the Special Agent in Charge, serving former President Gerald Ford from 1983 until 1993...Recieved U.S. Treasury Department's Meritorious Service Award for successfully thwarting "Squeaky" Fromme in assassination attempt against President Ford in September of 1975. ...Recipient of MSU Distinguished Alumni Award in 2001....Has served as Director of Security for the U.S. Olympic Committee since 1983.
Warren Claridge (1988, 1948-51, TF-GYM-FB) - Earned Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1951...Garnered eight letters during MSU athletic career (four in track, two in gymnastics, and two in football)...Pole vaulter for MSU track team...Taught at Wayzata for one year upon graduation...Worked for Brown and Bigelow Specialty Advertising in St. Paul...Earned National New Account Sales Award in 1953...State Master's racquetball champion in 1974 and 1988...Recreational golfer and has recorded a number of holes in one...Was an active member in Maverick Booster Club, Mankato Lions Club, and Mankato Ambassadors Club.
Dave Cowan (1995, 1970-present, MSU Administrator) - 1970 Mankato State graduate...Director of Auxiliary Services at Mankato State...In his various administrative positions, has worked closely with MSU Department of Athletics and was a key player in developing financial data required by State University Board before Board would approve MSU re-admission to North Central Conference...Received State Efficiency Award by Governor Perpich in 1987 for his work at Mankato State...Was the first student in a Minnesota public four-year state university to give a commencement speech. The 22-minute address was given in June of 1970...Has served as Secretary/Treasurer of MSU booster club since 1984.
Dennie Erie (2002, 1955-1993, MSU Athletics Booster) - Started teaching/coaching career at MSU in 1955 as an assistant football coach...Served as MSU's Director of Intramurals beginning in 1966...Served as an Assistant Athletic Director to Bob Otto...Professor in MSU's Human Performance Department until his retirement from the University in (1993)...Started MSU's sports administration program...Volunteered in press box and served as an usher at MSU Athletics events for several years...1953 graduate of Augustana College where he was a three-sport star (football, basketball, baseball)...Augustana's Hall of Fame member signed a football contract with the Chicago Cardinals in 1953, but was drafted into the Army.
Dr. John Eusterman (1999, Team Physician) - After coming to Mankato in 1947 served as a sideline physician and organized Mankato physicians to give annual physical exams for all MSTC and MSC athletes until late 1960's.
Joe Farnham (2001, 1981-90, MSU Faculty Representative) - Played major role in the return of MSU to the North Central Conference in the early 1980s...Served as MSU institutional representative from 1981 to 1990 and during that time served on the Budget Committee, Marketing Task Force, Personnel Committee and as President of the NCC in 11989-90...Was a major advocate for the addition of women's sports into the conference and equity for the female athlete...Served as MSU's Director of Admissions before being appointed as head of the Public Relations/Fundraising unit of MSU.
James Flim (2003, '67, Track & Field/Cross Country, High School Coach) – Lettered four times in cross country and track and field at MSU... Competitor on conference championship cross country teams in 1964-'65-'67 and track in 1965-'66 ... Coached six state championship teams at Winona High School, two in boys cross country, one in girls cross country, one in boys cross country skiing and one in girls cross country skiing... Coached teams to 29 section championships, 30 conference championships and 24 top-five finishes at state meets in 39 appearances... 1983 Minnesota Boys Track Coach of the Year ... 1985 Minnesota Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year ... 1986 and 2000 State Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year ... 1970 Le Center Teacher of the Year ...Inducted into Minnesota Boys Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame in 1992, Girls in 1995...Winona Senior High School Hall of Fame...Will be inducted into Minnesota State High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame November, 2003.
Gordy Graham (1996, 1964-92, Athletic Trainer) - MSU head athletic trainer from 1964 through 1992...Initiated and developed nationally-approved and recognized Athletic Training curriculum and Mankato State...Has been responsible for producing numerous high school, college and professional athletic trainers...Served as Head Athletic Trainer for Canadian National Team at 1967 Pan American Games...Member of U.S. Athletic Training Staff for 1977 World University Games...Inducted into the North Central Hall of Fame (1990), Minnesota Athletic Trainers Assn. Hall of Fame (1993) and National Athletic Trainers Assn. Hall of Fame (1994).
Dr. Paul H. Gislason (1998, 1964-85+, team physician) - A '48 University of North Dakota graduate and a 1952 graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He played intercollegiate hockey, football and golf prior to WW II.
Norb Harrington (1997, Athletic Booster) - Has served on University/Community President's Committee on Athletics and on the MSU Foundation Board...MSU Booster Club member and a charter member of MSU Blue Line Club...Has been a major contributor to all MSU Sports...Key person in moving to develop Mankato Civic Center and MSU's move to NCAA Division I hockey...1975 MSU graduate also earned master's from MSU in 1983.
Viola Holbrook (1989, 1959-64, Gym -TF Coach) - Earned Bachelor's Degree from MSU in 1945...Went on to earn Masters in 1959 from MSU...Taught at MSU Campus School from 1959-66...Served on initial Minnesota Association for Intercollegiate Athletics...Initial Women's Gymnastics (1959-64) and Track and Field (1959-61) coach...Former Chairperson of Minnesota College Women's Gymnastics Organization...Assistant Dean of the College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation 1974-75...Selected as Outstanding Educator of America in 1975.
Duane Jacobson (1996, Athletic Booster) - Played an integral role in several MSU Athletics fund-raising activities including Maverick Fever, which has brought more than $164,000 to the MSU coffers since the program was initiated in 1990...Has also taken an active role in Maverick Shoot-Out basketball promotion...Currently serves on Board of Directors and Vice President of Randall Stores and store manage of Cub Foods in Mankato...Also supervises Cub Food Stores in Ames, Sioux City, Iowa City and Omaha.
Bruce Jolesch (2000, Student athletic trainer/SID and Athletics Booster) - Served in several athletic support areas as an undergraduate - organized season ticket sales, worked as Sports Information Director and also was a member of the school athletic training staff ...MSU Mass Communications Institute Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in 1992 ... Has previously worked with NCAA Final
