Hall of Fame Inductees

Julie Jolivette is a two-time Waldorf graduate in 1975 and 1992. She graduated from Mapleton High School in Mapleton, Minnesota in 1973 where she cheered for four years. She also served as class president, secretary, and treasurer, held 4-H leadership roles, and earned the VFW Citizen Award as a senior. She started her freshman year at Waldorf College in 1973. She worked in a few different jobs from 1974-1985, including Secretary for Dean of Students at Waldorf and arguably the most important job of all: mom to her children. In 1985, she was hired as Waldorf’s cheer coach. In her nine years as coach, Coach Jolivette created a respectable program with scholarships, P.E. credits, and a head coach contract. While cheer coach, she also served the cheer community as a whole by leading clinics for elementary, middle school, and high school ages, helping to form the Iowa Cheerleading Coaches Association, and serving on the board from 1987-1994. She became a “basic rescuer” with the Forest City Ambulance Service and took the multimedia standard first aid course with the American Red Cross to be better equipped in her coaching role. She owned and managed Jolivette Cheer! from 1989-2000, running summer cheerleading camps in the Midwest. In May of 1992, Julie graduated with an AA from Waldorf College and attended Mankato State University as an open studies major with cheerleading emphasis and fitness minor. She also coached Forest City Middle School’s cheer team from 1992-1993 and coordinated Forest City High School’s cheer team from 1993-1994.

After Waldorf, Julie coached at Mahtomedi High School in Minnesota from 1994-1999. The teams placed at state competitions and individual cheerleaders earned All-American honors. She was also a National Coach of the Year finalist in 1994. She returned to Forest City, Iowa to coach the cheer program at FCHS from 2000-2002. After serving as ministry coordinator for Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City (2001-2005) and Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater, Minnesota (2005-2020), she attempted to retire. But now, she currently serves as the children, youth, and family coordinator at First Lutheran Church in Hayward, Wisconsin.

Some of her favorite memories at Waldorf include going dorm to dorm to pick up cheerleaders for 5am practices, being taught by DJ to hold her own at coaches’ meetings, and experiencing God’s spirit at Chapel, practices, games, and most Waldorf events.

Julie is involved in various community activities, including confirmation small group leader, Christmas pageant director, and her family’s annual fundraiser for local food shelves and Kids Against Hunger. She is also a regular blood donor and can still water ski and paddleboard. Her proudest honor is to be called “coach” in both cheer and church jobs. Her proudest achievement is helping people grow in skill and maturity to reach their goals and God-given call.

Julie has been married to Tom for 50 years, and they have three kids: Roberta, Heidi, and Andy. They also have three granddaughters. The Jolivettes live in Gordon, Wisconsin.

With Coach Jolivette’s help 40 years ago, today Waldorf’s cheer program is an NAIA co-ed sideline and competitive sport.

Jessica Fresh '14/'18

Jessica Fresh is a two-time Waldorf graduate, completing her undergrad in 2014 and returning in 2016 to receive her masters in 2018. She graduated from Knoxville High School in Knoxville, Iowa in 2010. There, she served as science club president, was a member of the National Honors Society and debate team, and received 13 varsity letters. She was a 3x state qualifier in cross country, soccer captain for two years, competed in track and field, and played softball. Additionally, she wrestled on the boy’s team since girl’s and women’s wrestling was still very small at that point: only a few girls in the state of Iowa wrestled. In her years as an undergraduate at then Waldorf College, she qualified for the 2012 Wrestling Olympic Trials and 2012 Pan-American Championships, earned Academic All-American, Dean’s List, and WCWA All-American honors thrice, and won the 2014 Waldorf Athletics Honor Athlete Award at Waldorf’s end of the year All Sports Program.

Some of her favorite memories at Waldorf include her first visit to Waldorf when she met the team, training with Dana, April, and Coach Baines at Carver Hawkeye in prep for trials, and the 6am trainings that they dreaded but when she looks back, she secretly loved. She also fondly remembers the wrestling practices that she laughed through because Julie was dancing or impersonating coach, earning All-American status alongside Claire, Tamica, and Roni, and the heart-to-hearts with Ray. Last but not least, the endless road trips she took with Coach Baines: they traveled everywhere via van, including San Francisco, Florida, Oklahoma, Colorado Springs, and Winnipeg. In 2016, she returned to Waldorf to pursue her master’s degree and coach the Waldorf Women’s Wrestling team as a graduate assistant with Head Coach Tyreece Gilder.

After Waldorf, she earned a number of honors. She was the assistant coach for Team Texas, the 2018 National Dual Champions. She earned Coach of the Year for Texas High School Wrestling in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. In 2023, she was the head coach of the 2023 State Champions for Texas High School Girls Wrestling. Also in 2023, she qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon. She was nominated as Exemplar Educator in 2024. Jessica has also broken the Guiness World Record for Pull Ups in 12 hours by a female on November 1, 2021.

Her proudest achievements are becoming a 3x All-American women’s wrestler, qualifying for the Olympic Trials, and the lifelong friendships she formed with her teammates. Jessica is married to Charlotte, and they have two kids.

Jordan Nelson '15

After graduating from Neenah High School in Neenah, Wisconsin in 2011 as a letter winner in both volleyball and basketball, Jordan Nelson attended then Waldorf College and played for head coach, Nigel Jenkins. The Warriors finished that season 14-13, with the most season wins since 2007-2008. In Jordan’s sophomore year, the team finished their first year in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference (MCAC) at 13-15 with Jordan contributing over 140 points and 50 rebounds. The next year, the Warriors finished 16-10 with the most wins since joining the NAIA. Jordan contributed over 300 points and 90 rebounds and was named to the All-MCAC Team, averaging 15.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. He shot 60% from the field and was #9 in the NAIA for field goal percentage. He was an MCAC Scholar Athlete for three years in a row, earning a 3.25 cumulative GPA or higher each year.

In Jordan’s senior year, the Warriors men’s basketball team finished the season with a 15-15 record. They were picked to finish second in the conference behind Bellevue University. In the championship game, they lost to MCAC (and eventually North Star Athletic Association) rival, Bellevue University 82-74, finishing one-game behind co-champions College of the Ozarks and Bellevue. He scored over 600 points and grabbed over 180 rebounds that season. He earned MCAC Player of the Week twice, once in January and once in February. On January 4, 2015, Jordan scored his 1000^th point at Presentation College with 34 points in that game alone. On February 22, 2015, he had a career high of 37 points against Central Christian College. He was also the MCAC Male Scholar Athlete of the Year, an NAIA Scholar Athlete, and the MCAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Year. Averaging 19.1 points and 7.1 rebounds, Jordan earned NAIA All-American that season. He was 61% from the field, ranking 10^th in the NAIA, 44% from the three-point line, and 79% from the free throw line. Jordan earned the Waldorf Athletics Honor Athlete Award at the end of year Waldorf All Sports Program. He finished his collegiate career at Waldorf College with 1325 points, 598 rebounds, and 92 blocks.

Jordan’s favorite memories as a Warrior include team trips, games in California, where they played Hope International, Cal State San Marco, and UC Riverside, and games against some of the better teams in the NAIA, such as Bellevue, College of the Ozarks, and Cardinal Stritch. His proudest achievements are earning conference player of the year and NAIA All-American during his senior year.

Neil Boyd

Neil Boyd graduated from Northfield High School in Northfield, Minnesota in 1961 where he played football, basketball, and baseball. At Northfield, he was an all-state pitcher (and would later be drafted by the Baltimore Orioles). He graduated from St. Olaf College in 1965 with a B.S. in biology and physical education. In 1969, he graduated from University of North Dakota with his master’s in education and physical education. He took additional course work at the University of Colorado towards his doctorate degree. He then served as teacher, coach, and athletic director of Havre Public Schools from 1966-1969 and was the advisor to student teachers and baseball umpire at University of Northern Montana.

Coach Neil Boyd arrived at Waldorf College in the Fall of 1969. In his 36 years at Waldorf, he worked in the physical education department as a professor, coached football as assistant for ten years (which included two undefeated seasons), and served as head golf coach for twelve years. He was the chairperson of the Natural Science Division for 25 years and President of the Waldorf Faculty for two years. One of his golf teams were National Academic Golf Team of the Year and runner up the year before.

Most notably, Coach Boyd served as head coach of the men’s wrestling team for twenty years. He coached 23 All-Americans and three National Champions. His teams were nationally ranked for 16 consecutive years. He was an officer in the National Junior College Wrestling Association, was awarded District Coach of the Year, and was inducted into the National Junior College Wrestling Hall of Fame. Coach Boyd retired from Waldorf College in 2005.

Neil has been heavily involved in the Forest City community over the years. He worked with our Forest City Boy Scouts, leading them on survival camping trips. He organized and led these scouts on backpacking, camping, and hiking trips to Colorado. Neil was also involved in leading an outdoor men’s bible study. Neil clarifies that it was a partnership with Gary Marzoff, the Methodist minister, who led the bible study while Neil led the hiking, destinations, and cooking.

Neil commented – “Waldorf was the team to beat!” Not only in football and wrestling but in the Forest City Parks and Rec Flag Football league, where the Waldorf Faculty team won nine league championships.

Some of his best teaching memories at Waldorf include two of his favorite classes: theory and psychology of coaching (when he was able to invite area coaches to his classes) and outdoor recreation (which included winter survival experience). Neil has always been an outdoorsman and fondly remembers Canadian fishing trips with fellow teachers and coaches in the early years at Waldorf.

When thinking back on his achievements, Coach Boyd said, “The honors, the champions, national rankings, etc. are all wonderful and represent hard work and dedication. But it goes deeper than the successes of the students I worked with. I am also grateful for and have great joy in my family.”

Even though Coach Boyd is retired, he still has a number of important jobs, such as #1 Fan of the Boyd Grandchildren and their events, Chief Chef at the Boyd Household, Travel Agent of adventures near and far, and devoted fisherman and hunter, putting fish and meat on the Boyd Families’ tables. Neil is married to Leah, and they have two kids: Brent and Ryan. The two also have three grandkids.

2024 Inductees

William Helgestad '95

After graduating from Rosemount High School in Rosemount, Minnesota, William Helgestad came to Waldorf in the Fall of 1993 as a member of the inaugural men’s soccer team. As a 3-year varsity starter, captain, and all conference award winner in high school, Bill was the perfect fit for a new team in its first year. Since a game field had not been built yet, every game was on the road. However, that did not stop Bill and his team from having a successful season. They ended the ‘93 season at 5-4-1 with co-captain, Bill, scoring a team high of 12 goals. In his freshman season, Bill was nominated as All-American. In the spring of 1994, Bill received the Mavis (Vinge) Ingebritson Memorial Scholarship at the annual Waldorf Honors Day.

In his sophomore season and second year of the Men’s Soccer team, Waldorf hosted its first home games on the newly constructed soccer field south of the Fieldhouse. While the team didn’t finish the season where they had hoped, Captain Bill Helgestad scored the team high of 11 goals and earned the NJCAA Second Team All-American. Bill graduated as a member of the Class of 1995.

During his time at Waldorf, Bill scored 23 goals and assisted on 19. His most memorable moment was having fans in the community of Forest City recognize and congratulate him. He was also voted “Best Dressed” in the school paper.

Bill is involved with and volunteers his time at Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, donating and installing TVs, RESOLVE The National Infertility Association and its Walk of Hope and peer led men’s support group, Children’s Minnesota Hospital, wrapping Christmas gifts, and All Paths Family Building/Resolve New England and its Fertility and Family Building Group for Men. Bill says his proudest achievement is earning the CHAMPS Sports: 2003 Manager of the Year where he worked for 20 years. He is now the co-owner and technology project manager at Prism in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.

Robert Lee Dowell, Jr. '97

In 1995, Robert Lee Dowell, Jr. from Shreveport, Louisiana graduated from C.E Byrd Magnet High School as an honor student and varsity football and basketball player. Rob was involved in the Union Star Baptist Church Youth Department and Youth Choir. As a recipient of Outstanding Player and Team Leader in his AAU Tournament in 1994, Coaches Chad Brown and Shanon “Moose” Knudtson knew he had the ambition and attitude to be a great college athlete.

The 1995-96 men’s basketball team won 20 games for the first time in program history with Rob leading the team with 16.4 points per game and third on the team for rebounds at 4.6 per game. He earned Region XI All-Region Honorable Mention that season.

The 1996-97 team didn’t finish where they had hoped with a disappointing loss at the conference tournament. Rob led the conference in scoring with an average of 22 points per game, 12^th in the conference for two-point field goal shooting with 53.8 percent, and tied for 12^th in the conference for rebounds with 5.9 per game. He earned First Team All-Region and the Warrior Men’s Basketball Captain’s Plaque.

Rob graduated in the Class of 1997 with plans to attend Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri on a basketball scholarship. In the summer of 1997, he and his sister were in an automobile accident. His sister died in the crash, and on March 10, 1998, he died from complications. Coach Brown says Rob was the most intense competitor he had ever coached but also had one of the most winning smiles. Teammate Jason Hoag, who played with Rob for one year, said, “He wanted to win all the time. I figured that’s why he fought his coma for as long as he did.”

Robert’s legacy lives on at Waldorf College, now University. In 1997, Rob broke the 2-year all-time leading scorer record with 1,129 points and single-season scoring record with 637 points during his sophomore year. Rob will hold these records in perpetuity in the 2-year junior college category for men’s basketball at Waldorf.

Matthew Klaus '11

Born in Orlando, Florida, Matt Klaus moved to New Carlisle, Ohio at 10 years old. He graduated in 1998 from Bethel High School as a 4-year varsity letterman. He first attended another university in Ohio and competed in adult league baseball tournaments with Mark Tellekamp, Coach Chad Gassman’s friend. As Coach Gassman was putting together his roster for the 2010 season, Mark reached out during winter break with Matt’s story. The following is Matt’s story in his own words:

“The entire experience felt surreal. When Mark Tellekamp reached out and suggested I consider returning to college to play baseball in my late twenties, I could hardly believe it. Just a few months earlier, I had lost my job of several years because the company was moving overseas. With my stepdaughter ready to begin her first year of school in kindergarten and my son being born less than a year before, I was going through a tough time full of anxiety and uncertainty. The call from Mark felt like a sign from God—an unexpected chance during a period when I needed it most.

"Things got even more real when Coach Gassman called to confirm the opportunity. I was excited but also nervous, realizing this was actually happening. Packing up our lives and moving my family from Ohio to Forest City, a small town in Iowa I had never heard of, was a huge leap of faith. The stress of starting over was intense, but the chance to play college baseball again was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that set the stage for everything that followed.

"With the support and help of our entire family, we made the long journey north to Iowa and unpacked our lives into a little house we had never even seen before arriving. When I finally stepped into the Waldorf gym, I was surrounded by teammates who were a decade younger than me. It didn’t take long to realize that keeping up with their energy was going to be a bit of a challenge. My knees and hips weren’t as spry as they used to be, so I spent more time on a stationary bike than running with the team. The younger guys got a kick out of it and gave me the nickname "Pops"—a nod to both my age and my role as a dad.

"Even though I was nearly 30 and competing against younger players, it felt fantastic to be part of the team and to be treated like one of the guys. Seeing my wife and kids cheering for me from the stands made everything even more meaningful. It was almost unbelievable to see my son playing with my college coach’s son as they bounced around the stands playing games while I was on the field playing a game myself.

"Hanging out with the guys off the field was always a good time. After putting my son to bed, I’d jokingly ask my wife if I could join the crew at the local bar or a party. She was always more than happy to give me the green light, so I could join in on the fun. My age and experience really shined in extracurricular activities as well. While my teammates were full of confidence and youthful ignorance, my years of experience, honed skills, steady hands, and deadly accuracy often proved too much for them to overcome in beer pong competitions. The nickname "Pops" became a cherished part of my role as the seasoned player, and it’s wonderful to see many of my former friends and teammates now embracing fatherhood themselves—they’ve become Pops, too.

"Graduating Summa Cum Laude and bringing to a close what once seemed like an impossible journey, was one of the proudest moments of my life. Having my wife, kids, and parents there to witness it all come to a successful end made the moment even more special.

"This whole journey not only gave me great memories but also helped me get the degree I needed for a job supporting the Air Force—a position that has given me stability and a good income. This stability made it possible for me to fulfill a lifelong dream: moving back to Florida and buying a boat to fish in the Gulf of Mexico. None of this would have happened without those uncertain times. The experience shaped my path and got me to where I am now, and I’m really grateful for the unexpected opportunities that came out of those challenging moments.”

In 2010, Matt earned All-Conference honors, striking out 58 batters in 53 innings. He allowed less than one hit per inning and had an ERA of 3.57. In 2011, he went 8-1 with a 1.95 ERA as Waldorf finished just shy of a conference title. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 in 2011.

2023 Inductees

Janet (Kundrat) O'Neill '82

Janet’s citation begins with her “journey to Waldorf via United States Air Force Academy. She was very active throughout her four years at Jefferson, Iowa community high school. Her senior year, she was accepted into the USAFA and recruited to play basketball and enter a life into the military. Janet’s family and close friends supported her acceptance. The end of her senior year in softball, she tore a ligament in her knee. Shortly after that she flew by herself on crutches to the academy in Colorado Springs. Janet said ideally “she wanted to be inconspicuous – and got pretty good at one legged pushups and pullups”. In spite of Janet’s injury, the demands and rigors continued.

In early September, through the coaching circles, Coach Denny Jerome heard of Janet’s misfortune and difficulties at the academy and contacted her mother – her mother reluctantly gave his number to Janet, and the next Sunday night (her one phone call of the week), she called Coach Jerome. He told Janet that he had heard of her challenges and possible change of heart. He had done some preliminary work with Waldorf’s registrar’s office, professors, housing and financial aid and informed her she could still get into the pre-science program, have housing, and that an academic and basketball scholarship was still available.

Janet made her decision to take a “leap of faith” and attend this small college in Forest City, called Waldorf and start her pursuit of a career in physical therapy.

The Waldorf Women’s Basketball team enjoyed tremendous success in the early 1980s. In the first two seasons of the decade, the Warriors posted a combined record of 46-12, posted back-to-back NJCAA Region XI championships, and made consecutive trips to the National Tournament.

Janet was an essential piece of the Waldorf championship puzzle. In 51 career games, Janet scored 735 career points, collected 368 rebounds, and 76 career steals.

Janet’s freshman year, she was not able to play until January because she was not in attendance at Waldorf within the first sixteen days of the semester. The second semester of her freshman campaign, Janet made an immediate impact. Playing 21 games, she averaged 14.8 points per game, good for second most on the team. She made 43.9 percent of her field goals and collected 154 total rebounds. Her efforts helped the team finish 23-5 on the season.

In the 1981-82 season, Janet faced high expectations and was able to both meet and exceed them, earning a plethora of individual accolades to go along with the team’s success. Serving as Warrior co-captain, she led the team in scoring at 14.1 points per game, pouring in 424 total points after playing in all 30 games. Janet was named not only team MVP, but also Regional XI Tournament MVP following Waldorf’s second regional title in as many years with Janet on the floor. She was also named First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Region XI.

On the national stage in 1982, Janet also shined in the final games of her remarkable career. She earned honorable mentions for both the NJCAA All-Tournament Team and for the NJCAA All-American Team.

Janet also managed to find the time to be a pillar of the Waldorf campus community. She was named to the Homecoming Court in the Fall of 1981 and was also selected to serve as a resident assistant and teachers assistant in her sophomore year. Janet also took leadership roles in FCA and Wednesday morning chapel. She was a regular on the dean’s list and graduated from Waldorf with honors.

In the spring of 1982, Janet was selected to play in the NJCAA All Star game. She played well and was recruited by some Division I Universities. She chose to attend Creighton University on a full basketball scholarship. She started for two years and was able to play against the likes of Tennessee, Notre Dame, Kansas, Iowa State, Oklahoma, Drake, Illinois, and others.

Janet graduated from Creighton University with a bachelor of arts in psychology in 1984. She did graduate studies in exercise physiology at the University of Iowa. In 1988, she completed her bachelor of science at the University of Minnesota.

Janet loved her professional career and was employed at Hands on Health Physical Therapy-worked in nursing homes, school systems and private clinics. She taught in the department of physical therapy at Bradley University and Illinois Central College. She retired from physical therapy in 2011.

Janet says her proudest achievement (alongside her husband Joe) was rearing and nurturing their children and considers herself “lucky to have coached them in basketball”. Their five children are accomplished in their professions.

While the Waldorf Women’s Basketball Program was blessed with success over a long period of time, it would be impossible to tell the story of the program without telling the story of this outstanding person, leader, and player.

Pacer Wilson '95

The Waldorf Warrior Baseball Team enjoyed great team success in the mid-1990s. In both 1994 and 1995, the Warriors were regional finalists, coming just one win shy of advancing to the NJCAA National Tournament each year. Third baseman Pacer Wilson, Class of 1995, was a critical component of the team’s success.

In the 1994 season, the Warriors won more than twice as often as they lost, finishing with an overall record of 40-17. Waldorf went on a 23-game win streak during the middle of the season, with Pacer Wilson playing a massive role. For the year, he hit .364 with 14 home runs and nine doubles. For his regular and post season efforts, Pacer was named to both the North Sub-Regional Team and the All-Region Team. He was also named Third Team All-American.

As a sophomore in 1995, Pacer Wilson had quite the encore performance. For the second straight year, he hit a team-leading 14 home runs. He also drove in 56 runs and was the Iowa Juco Conference leader in both statistical categories. His .431 batting average was also best on the squad. His outstanding season earned him a selection to the 1995 NJCAA All-American First Team.

Upon his graduation, he left as the two-year program leader in home runs with 28 and RBI with 102. He then went on to play two more seasons at St. Andrews University, where he was a First Team All CVAC selection and a First Team South Region selection in both the 1996 and 1997 seasons. He was team captain both years, and also holds the distinction of setting the program record for most times hit by pitch with 16 – ouch!

His college success led to an opportunity to play professional baseball with the Moose Jaw Diamond Dogs of the Prairie League in 1997. He has since gone on to win 15 Mens A Provincial Softball championships in his native province of Alberta, Canada. His team also won the Canadian national championship in 2013.

Pacer says his best memories included the opportunity to play college baseball and make lifelong friendships. He also fondly remembers the time he hit a walk off grand slam on the first pitch…right after being given a very heated talk about NOT swinging at the first pitch! Everyone seemed to be OK with the end result.

Kristle Wolcott '05

The Waldorf Softball Team dominated the junior college ranks in the early 2000s before making the transition to NAIA membership as a four-year school beginning in 2003. Catcher Kristle Wolcott, Class of 2005, was a cornerstone piece of the program before, during, and after the transition as both player and coach.

Wolcott came to the Waldorf College softball team for her freshman season in 2001 and made an immediate impact. The Warriors came into the 2001 season boasting the preseason national #1 ranking following their third-place finish at nationals in 2000. The Warriors lived up to the high expectations, posting a record of 31-12-1.

Individually, Kristle burst on to the collegiate scene in 2001, hitting .378 with 11 doubles, six home runs, and 52 RBI. For her efforts, Kristle was named Second Team All-Region.

In the 2002 season, she continued to build on her success. She hit a career high .404 with seven home runs and 48 RBI to give her an even 100 RBI for her college career. The team was again enormously successful, going 38-12 for a .760 winning percentage. Kristle earned well-deserved First Team All-Region honors.

Following her very successful career in the NJCAA, Kristle earned the opportunity to play at the NCAA Division I level for the Indiana State Sycamores. It was during that year that Kristle learned of Waldorf College’s plans to become a four-year institution and join the NAIA, leaving her with a decision to make.
Fortunately and thankfully, Kristle decided to come home. She joined a memorable 2004 team that proved that Waldorf Softball would and could continue to succeed at the four-year level. The Warriors posted an overall record of 42-11 and were both regular season and tournament champions in their new home, the Midwest Collegiate Conference. The Warriors went on to the regional tournament in their very first year as an NAIA member, winning their first-round matchup over 15^th ranked Olivet Nazarene.

In her final season in uniform, Kristle batted .343 with nine doubles, seven triples, and 32 RBI. She was named to the All-Region VII Team. She was also named the Waldorf Honor Athlete.

Following her decorated playing career, Kristle made a very natural transition into coaching. In addition to coaching summers at her alma mater Clear Lake High, she also became an assistant coach at Waldorf while she finished out her degree. From there, it was on to Northern Colorado as a graduate assistant and Minnesota State Mankato as an assistant coach before coming back to Waldorf again as head softball coach. In the 2008 season, Kristle led the Warriors to their first ever NAIA National Tournament.

Kristle says her most memorable events as a Warrior were fundraising events like picking corn or working at Adventureland. The games she best remembers were against Kirkwood for the conference championship and then coaching against Mount Mercy for the MCC championship to go to nationals. Her proudest achievements included participating in the NAIA National Tournament.

She continues to give back to the game she loves as Associate Head Coach at Minnesota State Mankato where she is in her 14th year with the program. The team has made two NCAA Division II College World Series appearances during her tenure, highlighted by the Mavericks’ first-ever National Championship in 2017.

2022 Inductees

Dennis Gilbertson '81

In the history of Waldorf Athletics, few teams can claim as much on-field success as our softball program during the 20 seasons when coached by Denny Gilbertson, a Forest City native and an alumnus of the Waldorf Class of 1981. Gilbertson’s Warriors amassed program-record 738 victories, averaging a whopping 37 wins per season and winning 73 percent of their contests.

Warrior Softball was a dominant product across three decades, with numerous highlights along the way. Most notably, the 2000 Waldorf squad advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association Tournament. The team made a deep tournament run, finishing third place overall. The 2007 team also laid claim to Waldorf history, winning 44 games…a program record to this day. In 2014, Gilbertson’s Warriors began the season on an unforgettable 23-game winning streak which also remains a program record. The 2014 team remained undefeated for an incredible 36 days. Along the way, Gilbertson collected his 700^th career victory on March 11, 2014.

Gilbertson guided the Warriors through changing eras in both the sport of softball and small college athletics. While at the helm, Gilbertson’s teams transitioned conferences multiple times and also switched from being a junior college program to a four-year program. Through it all, the Warriors always competed at a high level. Gilbertson’s teams won a combined 11 regular season conference titles, and six conference postseason tournament titles. Upon his retirement, Gilbertson’s victory total ranked him fourth among NAIA head softball coaches nationally.

Coach Gilbertson recruited and mentored a plethora of highly successful students and athletes. 14 of his players became All-Americans, and over 70 were Academic All-Americans. Gilbertson’s Warriors were as successful in the classroom as they were on the diamond; every one of his teams finished the year with a team GPA at or above 3.25. The 1999 squad earned the distinction of NJCAA National Academic Team of the Year.

Having grown up in Forest City, Denny Gilbertson came to Waldorf first as a student, but would go on to serve our school in numerous other capacities. In addition to coaching softball, Denny was an assistant men’s basketball coach for five seasons. He also worked in the admissions and financial aid offices. For a time, he also served as Sports Information Director. At the end of his time in Waldorf Athletics, he was an Assistant Athletic Director in charge of events and facilities.

Following his retirement from coaching, he has found yet another role at Waldorf as Professor Gilbertson. Boasting two master’s degrees, Denny began working as an online instructor of both Business and Sports Management in 2010, earning the 2018 Viking Award for outstanding online professor. This year is his 38^th year as a Waldorf staff member. His impact will be felt for years to come as Denny also designed the current Waldorf athletics logo.

During his Waldorf coaching tenure, Denny also served as the head softball coach at Forest City High School for seven seasons, winning three conference titles and coaching six All-State players.

Despite all of these accomplishments, Denny will tell you that he is most proud of his family, his wife, daughters, and grandchildren.

Bradley Stockton '07

Williamsburg, Iowa native, Brad burst onto the scene in the 2003-04 season and made an immediate impact, becoming an NAIA All-American in his freshman year. In his sophomore and junior seasons, Stockton continued to build on his success in the circle, repeating as an NAIA All-American each year. In each of his first three seasons, Brad finished in the top four in the nation in his weight class. As a sophomore, Brad was the national runner up at 141 lbs.

Entering his senior year in 2006-07, Brad had one more chance to outdo himself, and that is exactly what he did. Once again earning All-American for a fourth time, Brad went on to the NAIA National Wrestling Championships in Sioux City where he faced the defending national champion, Mark Dickman, in the very first round, emerging victorious with a 4-1 decision. Brad continued to advance all the way to the championship match, where he faced an all too familiar foe in top-seeded Darren Cotton at 149 lbs.

In the final match of his collegiate career, Brad truly saved his best for last. In the national championship match, all of his hard work and resilience paid off, as he emerged victorious by a 6-3 score to claim the 2007 National Championship at 149 lbs. For his efforts, Brad was also named Most Outstanding Wrestler.

Brad’s title was big not only for him, but for Waldorf Wrestling and for the school. It was Waldorf's first national champion at the NAIA level and the first as a four-year school.

Samantha Stone '07

For much of Waldorf’s modern history, success in our women’s programs has been thanks in large part to dynamic, multisport female athletes who made a major, year-round impact on the fields and the courts alike. Samantha Stone, of the Waldorf Class of 2007, is a prime example.

Coming out of New Hampton, Samantha was a decorated athlete in four varsity sports, but came to Waldorf as a volleyball recruit. This was with good reason; Samantha was the 2002 winner of the Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year award, the highest individual award bestowed on a high school volleyball player. But on her campus visit, Samantha had a fateful and fortunate visit with softball coach Denny Gilbertson. Samantha sold Coach on her speed and defense and was able to join the Warrior softball squad as well.

On the volleyball court, Samantha came as advertised, having a distinguished career for Head Coach Jody Dosser. She was named Midwest Classic Conference Player of the Week during the 2004 season. She also earned all-conference honorable mention from the MCC in both 2004 and 2006.

But it was in softball where Samantha set herself apart and performed at a Hall of Fame level. She went out on top, finishing an unforgettable senior season with a 44-9 record, which included two double digit winning streaks. Her .513 batting average from the 2007 season was seventh in the country that season and remains a Waldorf program record to this day. Her 78 hits in 2007 broke her own program record of 62, which she had set the prior season. Her career batting average of .464 remains a Waldorf record. It is no coincidence that Samantha’s 2007 team continues to hold program single season records for wins, batting average, runs scored, runs batted in, and hits. In 2007, Samantha averaged one run scored per team game.

Samantha earned all-conference softball honors in both 2006 and 2007 and was named to the NAIA’s Region 7 All-Region Team in 2007. She was also a decorated student, earning numerous academic awards, including Dean’s List in her junior and senior years. She was named an Academic All-American in 2007 and graduated from Waldorf Cum Laude.

In her time since graduation, Samantha has continued to bring the same champion’s mentality to all that she does in life. She started both a thriving business and a non-profit in Fully Focused Sports and Fitness and also the Focus Up Foundation. She remains involved with both while working full-time as the Corporate Communications Coordinator; Co-Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at The Office LLC in New Hampton. She also earned her Masters in Business Administration from Ashford University in 2013, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA.

2021 Inductee

Dennis Jerome '70

For the past 53 years, Denny has been involved with what goes on in the athletic department, at the university, and in the town. Between playing football, playing men’s basketball, and coaching women’s basketball, Denny Jerome participated in 76 total seasons as a varsity athlete or coach. In 1972, he made history as the head coach of Waldorf’s first-ever women’s intercollegiate team. In all, Denny founded six different sports at Waldorf, and they all still compete to this day.

In addition to his athletic roles on and off the field, Denny also gave Waldorf three years of service as the Head Resident of Johnson/London Hall. He followed that with four years as an admissions officer and earned promotion to Assistant Director of Admissions. He excelled in the role for two years resulting in his selection as Athletic Director in 1980. During several of those years, he also taught students as an instructor in the Physical Education department. After Denny’s first tenure as Athletic Director ended in 2011, he remained involved as an Associate AD for five more years. After his second tenure ended in 2020, Denny graciously served not only this school, but all the others in the North Star Athletic Association also when he agreed to step in as the conference’s interim commissioner until a permanent replacement could be found.

Undergraduate student 1968-1970: Denny was a starter at split end for the football team as a freshman in the 1968 football season, helping his team to a winning season. That winter, he also participated on the men’s basketball team. In his sophomore year, Denny started at split end and tight end. He caught 20 passes for 304 yards and five touchdowns in five games before suffering a season-ending injury. His team went on to an undefeated 8-0 season and finished ninth in the national rankings. Despite the injury, Denny still made 2^nd team all-WBL. His seven receptions against Iowa Lakes set a record for the program. In the spring of 1970, Denny Jerome earned the Forest City Lions Sportsmanship Award and then graduated with his Associate of Arts degree in the Class of 1970.

Assistant football coach 1972-2002: With Denny serving under legendary Head Coach Dave Bolstorff for 31 seasons, the Warriors were often one of the top junior college squads in the Midwest. They won over 150 games and found lots of ways into the NJCAA All-Time Record Book. The defense led the nation in 1974, allowing only 140 yards per game. They led the nation in passing defense in 1986, allowing only 67 yards per game. The offense led the country in rushing in 1987 with 3,463 yards in 10 games for an average of 346 yards per game. They did it again in 1997 with 3,211 rushing yards in 10 games for an average of 321 yards per game. In 1993, they led the country in total offense with 5094 yards in 10 games for an average of 509 yards per game.

The Warriors qualified for bowl games four times during Denny’s time on the sidelines, winning three. The Warriors claimed back-to-back victories in the RC Cola Bowl in 1993 and 1994. In 1993, the team beat an undefeated #11 Rochester Community College team 55-23. Waldorf repeated in 1994, beating Rock Valley 37-22 to finish the year as the #12 team in the country. And in 1997, Waldorf defeated William Rainey Harper 35-14 in the Pepsi Cola Bowl at the University of Northern Iowa Dome. Harper was the #7 team in the country going into the game and finished the year at #10. For these and many more accomplishments, Coach Bolstorff himself was inducted into the NJCAA Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2000, a distinction Denny Jerome would later earn for himself on the basketball court.

Head Women’s Basketball Coach 1972-2014: Denny Jerome founded the women’s basketball program in 1972. His 786 total wins in 42 seasons as Waldorf head coach are a school record. His 583 NJCAA wins are good for eighth all time. He recruited and coached 18 All-Americans. Coach Jerome was selected NJCAA Region Coach of the Year seven times: in 1978, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1985, 2001, and 2003. His teams earned entry into the NJCAA National Tournament seven times, including Final Four appearances in 1980 and 2001. The 2003 Warriors were ranked #3 in the country. After leading Waldorf through a transition to becoming a four year program, Denny immediately won the Midwest Classic Conference’s Coach of the Year award in 2004. The team then won the MCC title in 2005. Coach earned his milestone 700^th career win at home against Iowa Wesleyan on January 13, 2007. Finally, Denny was inducted into the NJCAA Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2015.

Athletic Director: 1980-2011, 2016-2019: Denny Jerome left his most enduring marks on campus as Athletic Director. Many of the characteristics of present-day Waldorf Athletics trace directly back to Denny's administrative tenure from 1980-2019, which included 34 total years across two stints as AD. He was instrumental in the development of plans for the Hanson Fieldhouse and Forest City YMCA, erected in 1986, renovated in 1997, and expanded in 2000. In 2009, the college renovated a building on campus to house its growing athletic department and named it the Denny Jerome Athletic Center in his honor.

Beginning in 2003, Jerome shepherded the department's transition into competition as a four-year program and membership in the NAIA. For his tireless efforts, Jerome earned numerous honors, including Iowa Cheerleading Coaches Association Athletic Director of the Year in 1997, Region 7 NAIA Athletic Director of the Year in 2004, and North Star Athletic Association Athletic Director of the Year in 2018.

As a coach, Denny founded women’s basketball and begun women’s varsity athletics at Waldorf. As athletic director, he founded men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. Denny is inducted into the Waldorf Athletics Hall of Fame in part because he also founded the Waldorf Athletics Hall of Fame itself in 1997, serving as the induction committee chair through 2019.

When you think of Waldorf Athletics, you are really thinking of Denny Jerome.

2019 Inductees

Brady Stumpff Goerdt

A dominate softball team needs a dominating pitcher to lead the way, and Brady Stumpff Goerdt provided that dominance in the circle for the Warriors, earning three All-American honors, winning over 30 games and striking out nearly 300 opposing batters in her Waldorf career as she lead the Warriors to third place in the nation during her two years in Forest City.
A 1999 graduate of the Brooklyn-Guernsey-Malcom Junior-Senior High School in Brooklyn, Iowa, Goerdt already was a star student-athlete as she was All-Conference in four sports for the Bears, playing golf, basketball, volleyball and softball.
A team captain in golf and basketball, she was an All-State performer on the hardwood for four years, All-Conference in golf and volleyball for three years each, and on the softball diamond she was All-Conference and All-State five times.
Winning more than 100 games for the BGM softball team, Goerdt also was inducted into the Iowa Softball Hall of Fame, and away from the field she was a member of the National Honors Society and the Salutatorian for her graduating class.
Goerdt continued that success on the diamond at Waldorf, winning 16 games as a freshman pitcher in the spring of 2000 for a Warriors team that won the Region XI championships, earned a berth to the NJCAA National Tournament and finished third in the court with a 55-11 overall record. Striking out 126 opposing batters in 133 innings, she maintained a 1.21 ERA as she led Waldorf in wins, innings pitched, ERA and strikeouts. She also hit .326 with a home run and 10 RBIs during the season.
Her play earned her First Team All-Region XI honors, and Third Team All-American honors from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), and Second Team All-American honors from the NJCAA.
The Warriors playoff run during Goerdt’s freshman year remains one of her most memorable collegiate playing experiences as she recalled: “Going to Cedar Rapids for Regionals, we walked in last and there were no tables on the floor so we knew they were saving the head tables for us. We were the ones to beat, but nobody did.
“The Region Final Game ‘pep-talk’ huddle was not normal, but very effective: Thank you 8-Ball.”
Goerdt adds that playing at Nationals in front of her parents is a memory she’ll cherish forever, and the team was treated like Rock Stars.
“We played great and you could sense all the support around us from parents, the school and our community.”
Following up an amazing first season with the Warriors, Goerdt earned First Team All-Region XI honors again, and First Team, All-American honors from the NFCA, as she won 15 more games in the circle, added three saves, struck out 140 batters, and maintained a 2.06 ERA in 143 innings – all team highs.
“The best memories were made with my teammates every day,” Goerdt said. “These ladies became my greatest friends and biggest supporters for life. Two years went by so fast, but we sure packed a lot of great memories into them.”
Following her two-year career with the Warriors, Goerdt went on to Simpson College for a year where she studied Secondary Education, then earned her degree in Education, with a minor in History, from Mount Mercy in December of 2003.
An assistant softball coach for the Marshalltown School District from 2007-09, then an assistant softball coach at Pella High School from 2009-2012, Goerdt also has spent the last 10 years owning and operating her own daycare business, and most recently spent the last year as pitching coach for the Cedar Rapids Prairie Youth Softball Clubs.
An active member of the St. John XXII Parish and a volunteer youth coach for volleyball, basketball and softball in Cedar Rapids, Goerdt says her greatest achievement since graduating college is “Raising four amazing kids. I love to follow all their endeavors. I love seeing them play sports, and that gives me so much joyful memories. They are just beginning a journey that gave me so much.”
Brady, and her husband Chris, are the parents of 12-year-old Tatum, 10-year-old Reece, 7-year-old Camden, and 5-year-old Kipton.
A two-time All-Region pitcher, a Three-Team All-American who helped lead the Warriors to 3rd place in the nation in 2000, a business owner and proud mother of 4 – a 2019 member of the Waldorf Warrior Hall of Fame – Brady Stumpff Goerdt.

Patrick Ryan Jackson

A star team-leader for the Warriors who led the nation in rushing and earned All-American honors, Patrick Ray Jackson went on to play professional football following his time at Waldorf, and also impacted the lives of so many young players as a coach at his high school in Ohio, while also being a successful business owner.
A three-sport star athlete at Mifflin High School in Columbus, Ohio, who earned 10 varsity letters, Jackson competed in football, basketball and track & field for the Cowpunchers, earning All-City First Team honors in all three sports. A 1987 graduate of Mifflin HS, Jackson set the school record in track in the 60-yard dash with a time of 6.2 seconds before beginning his collegiate career at Waldorf and playing quarterback for the Warrior football team.
In the 1987 season, Jackson led the Warriors to a 7-3 overall record, rushing for 974 yards and throwing for another 333 yards while leading the team with 19 touchdowns.
In 1988, he earned All-Iowa Juco Football Conference honors, All-Region XI honors at quarterback, and was named an NJCAA honorable mention All-American as Waldorf led the nation with 365 rushing yards per game. Jackson was a huge part of the dominating Warrior ground game as he ran for 1,095 yards, giving him more than 2,000 rushing yards for his career. He also threw for 931 yards and 12 touchdowns, and ran for another 18 touchdowns leading Waldorf’s football team to a 6-4 overall record.
A few of his proudest moments during his playing days with the Warriors include a win over the Nebraska junior varsity when Jackson ran for five touchdowns and threw for another, and a win over the Minnesota junior varsity when he scored two more TDs.
Following his two years at Waldorf College, Jackson went on to finish his collegiate career at Kansas State where he rushed for 1,001 yards and 11 touchdowns, and caught 50 passes for 452 yards and another two touchdowns in 21 games playing running back for the Wildcats.
After finishing his collegiate playing career, Jackson went on to play professional football with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League and earned Player of the Week honors in game against the Hamilton Tiger Cats, one of his proudest moments, along with getting to play at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
Following his playing career, Jackson returned to Columbus, Ohio, where he ran the family business, Bob Jackson’s Painting, and also coached at Mifflin High School, taking a team that went 2-8 and turning the program around for an 8-2 season. During his time as a head coach at Mifflin, Jackson guided four players to NCAA Division I programs, and a few more to Waldorf.
Away from work and football, Jackson also filled an active role in his community as he has been involved with MADD, SADD, the Columbus Public Schools, the Brentnell Apostolic Church and the New Covenant Believers’ Church.
Patrick married Valerie Jackson Freeman and the two have three children, China (21), India (19) and Israel (17).
An All-Conference, All-Region and All-American quarterback for the Warriors, a former professional football player, business owner, head high school football coach and proud father of three – a 2019 member of the Waldorf Warrior Hall of Fame – Patrick Ryan Jackson.

Perry M. Laures

A big-man on campus, Perry Laures not only made his impact on the gridiron for the Warriors, but as one of Waldorf’s most popular students, as well, which was the start of future success in competition, as a family man, and in the business world.
A star athlete and student leader at New Hampton High School, Laures competed for the Chickasaws in wrestling, track & field, and football. A team captain in wrestling and third-place finisher at state, Perry also was a team captain in football, an All-Conference defensive lineman, and invited to participate in the 1982 Shrine Bowl as a senior.
A 1982 graduate of New Hampton HS, Laures also was a member of student council and the Homecoming King before he made the trip less than two hours down the road to begin his collegiate career at Waldorf.
Once again excelling on the football field, Laures played in 1982 and ‘83 at defensive end for the Warriors, earning All-Iowa Juco Football Conference honors and being named an honorable mention National Junior College Athletic Association All-American after the 1983 season.
Perry said that playing the University of Nebraska junior varsity, along with being named a Warrior team captain and earning All-American honors were a few of his most memorable moments of his time at Waldorf.
The Warriors standout student-athlete also was named the 1983 Homecoming King before finishing his career two-years Waldorf and earning a full scholarship to play football at Iowa State.
The 1984 Waldorf graduate went on to be a starter for the Cyclones, and eventually earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business-Marketing in the spring of 1987.
Following his time in Ames, Iowa, Laures began his professional career as a regional marketing representative for the Maytag Corporation, working in Fremont, California, and in Cleveland, Ohio, for the next two years.
In 1989, Laures returned home to Iowa and New Hampton where he achieved his proudest professional moment, becoming the second-generation owner of the family-run business, Vern Laures Auto Center.
Along with being a second-generation business owner, Laures has been involved with the New Hampton Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, his church council, the Economic Development Corporation, and several local community projects.
Along with being a proud business owner and active member of the New Hampton community, Perry and his wife, Mary, have three children – Adam, Paige and Cael. Adam is a junior at one of his father’s alma maters, Iowa State, while Paige is a senior at New Hampton High School, and Cael is in middle school.
A team captain, All-Conference defender and All-American football player, Waldorf’s 1983 Homecoming King, a second-generation family business owner and proud father of three – a 2019 member of the Waldorf Warrior Hall of Fame – Perry M. Laures.

Beth Ann Skogen VanRoekel

The epitome of a star student-athlete, Beth Ann Skogen VanRoekel is one of a selected group of Waldorf women basketball players in the 1,000-point club who went on to serve as a police officer after her time on the hardwood with the Warriors, and now works as an educator with at-risk students in her hometown of Lake Mills.
VanRoekel’s road to the Hall-of-Fame began as a star student-athlete in high school where she competed in five sports – volleyball, golf, softball, track and basketball – and also earned a variety of academic honors. A three-year member of the National Honors Society who also won the Bernie Saga Award in 1997, VanRoekel ran track as a freshman, played four seasons of volleyball, played three years of golf and qualified for state in 1997, and was a three-year starter in softball who earned All-Conference honors twice and All-State honors in 1997.
Of course, she truly excelled in basketball, scoring 1,117 points as a four-year starter for the Bulldogs. She earned First Team All-Conference honors three times, was a three-time First Team All-Area selection by the Albert Lea Tribune, and was named to the Des Moines Register All-State team as a junior and senior.
VanRoekel continued to compile accolades at Waldorf as she scored 1,015 career points in two seasons, becoming just one of 14 Warrior women’s basketball players to achieve that goal to date. A 38-percent 3-pointer shooter who also dished out 207 assists in two seasons, she was a First Team All-Region XI honoree on the 1997-98 Warrior team that compiled a 21-11 record, and earned Honorable Mention All-American honors. Her second season with the Warriors, a team that went 22-9, she again was a First Team All-Region XI selection, a Third Team NJCAA All-American, and nominated for the Lea Plaski Award.
Away from the hardwood, VanRoekel was named a National Junior College Academic All-American as a sophomore, was named to the All-USA academic team for Iowa in 1998-99, won the Ihle Scholarship in 1998, and was named to the Dean’s List both years as a Warrior, was named in the Who’s Who Among Junior Colleges in 1999, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Waldorf in 1999.
Being part of the 1997-98 team to earn legendary Warrior head coach Denny Jerome his 500th career victory, and shooting 8-of-11 from 3-point range and scoring 40 points in a home game against the Simpson junior varsity team during the 1998-99 season proved to be two of her fondest memories during her time at Waldorf.
The other great memory from her time playing for the Warriors came when she returned from a diagnosis of mononucleosis with an enlarged spleen after just 12 days. VanRoekel recalls going into Coach Jerome’s office to tell him she was sick and he said “Just don’t say you have mono.” VanRoekel admits she did have it, and that it was heartbreaking knowing she would miss a month on the hardwood.
“I had tons of people praying for me that I would be healed,” VanRoekel says. “After one week I felt so much better and in 12 days was starting again. I was supposed to be out for a month but I believe God healed me.” A two-sport student-athlete for the Warriors who also played softball, VanRoekel was an honorable mention All-Conference player on the diamond in 1998.
Following her time at Waldorf, VanRoekel played basketball for one season at Wayne State in Nebraska while studying Criminal Justice, then finished her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Simpson College.
Putting her first degree to work, VanRoekel spent four years as a police officer in Ankeny before moving into education with the Lake Mills Community Schools and returning to college to earn a degree in education from Buena Vista in 2010, finishing her collegiate with work a 4.0 GPA and being named to the Dean’s List.
Continuing to work as at Lake Mills, she worked with at-risk students and currently is the Alternative Education Coordinator.
She says that her proudest professional moments since graduating including being nominated and voted President of the 183rd Basic Iowa Law Enforcement training academy, and getting to coach the sports she loves – basketball – at the middle school and high school level, and getting to share her passion with her students.
Away from work, she stays active volunteering as a coach for her three boys – Kade Aaron, Conner Andrew and Cael Reed – coaching basketball, baseball and even soccer. She also organized activities for the at-risk youth she works with, including riding horses and making crafts.
Despite all the success in her life, VanRoekel gives credit to God. She adds that one of her proudest achievements while playing was finding an open teammate under the basket for an assist.
A two-time All-American basketball player at Waldorf who eclipsed 1,000 points in her career both in high school and college, a two-sport star athlete as a Warrior, a former law enforcement officer, an educator and the proud mother of three – a 2019 member of the Waldorf Warrior Hall of Fame – Beth Ann Skogen VanRoekel.

2018 Inductees

Valeria Cogollo Martinez

Waldorf University Athletic Hall-of-Fame inductee, Valeria Cogollo Martinez, set a new standard of excellence for golfers of either gender during her time on the course for the Warriors.

The native of Barranquilla, Columbia, achieved one of her greatest life accomplishments simply by attending the 4-year college in Northern Iowa, earning an athletic scholarship and getting to earn a college degree in the United States.

A 2003 graduate of Nuestra Sra. Del Buen Consejo, Cogollo began her Hall-of-Fame journey overcoming the kind of challenges you would expect for an international student.

Valeria said: “I will never forget how during my freshman year, while driving to a meet, my teammates were teaching me how to say certain things in English. They also helped me to say the words correctly. They taught me everything I needed so I could be ready to speak proper English in the tournaments.”

Overcoming the language barrier and learning to speak fluent English proved to be another of Cogollo’s top accomplishments.

As for her golf game, the accolades piled up.

As a freshman, she claimed the Midwest Collegiate Conference championship and earned her first trip to the NAIA National Championships, held in South Bend, Indiana that year, with a third-place finish at the Region VII Championships.

In her debut at nationals, Cogollo again excelled, shooting a 35-over 323 for the 72-hole tournament to tie for 26^th in the nation.

That was not her last trip to nationals.

Cogollo would be a frequent face at the championships the next few years, qualifying again in 2007 for nationals as a member of a powerhouse Warrior team – featuring Marieli Guzman, Cody Lee, Cara Gethmann, Samantha Foss, Ashley Boyken, Trista Riebkes Amber Janeka, Denita Kitts, and Mallory Lovik along with Cogollo – which won the Mid-West Regional to advance to nationals. Waldorf finished No. 27 in the nation that spring at the NAIA Tournament.

Valeria also was named Midwest Collegiate Conference Golf of the Year that spring.

The native of Columbia then returned to the NAIA National Tournament for the third straight year in 2008, this time earning her spot as the Region VII tournament champion.

The Warrior junior finished tied for 31^st in the nation at nationals, shooting a 39-over 327 at the tournament held in San Marcos, California.

The three consecutive berths at the NAIA National Tournament rank as one of her greatest accomplishments as Cogollo earned NAIA All-American honors each year for her play.

While proud of her athletic accomplishments, the Columbian golfer is equally proud of her academic success as she earned her Bachelors in Business Administration with a minor in Finance from Waldorf, and was named to the Dean’s List while at Waldorf.

After graduating with her BA she went on to earn her Master’s in Business Administration from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Success in the classroom came through hard work and devotion for Cogollo, though.

Valeria states: “Being away from home was difficult at times, but one of the things I recall from being at Waldorf is that everyone made me feel welcome. All the staff, professors and coaches cared about me, and they always looked out for what was best for me.

“I remember that during my freshman and sophomore year I asked my professors to be able to attend the same classes twice. So instead of taking a one-hour class, I would sit in the same class for two hours. This way I was able to understand more the concepts in class.

“All my professors allowed me to do so. Moreover, they would even talk slowly to me to make too sure I understood everything,” Cogollo recalls.

After graduating from Hamline, Cogollo put her talents to work in Des Moines, first as an accountant, then as general manager for the Diversity Insurance Corporation, gaining life and work experience she took she then took back to Columbia with her where she now works as an Administrative Coordinator for CONCEP S.A.S.

“Everything I learned while abroad has helped me to become the successful business woman I am today,” the Warrior alumnus said.

Of course, being an international student provided a unique perspective for Cogollo who says: “I had the opportunity to interact with people from around the world. I was able to get to know all the international students at Waldorf, and to learn more about the cultures and their background.

“This helped me to understand more about the reality we all face in developing countries and to appreciate everything I have in Colombia.”

Despite sitting through classes twice her first two years of college, and traveling extensively with the Warrior golf team, Cogollo still found time to contribute as a volunteer, building houses with Habitat for Humanity in Arizona in 2007.

That dedication to serving others carried over after she graduated as she coordinated, planned and organized the 5th Annual Immigrant Entrepreneur Summit in 2012. The event consisted of a series of free workshops teaching people to create and run an efficient business. The organization also recognized immigrants, business owners and individuals that have contributed positively to local communities in Iowa.

And in 2013 she helped coordinate and organize the 2nd International Latino Carnival in Des Moines, Iowa.

A Midwest Collegiate Conference and NAIA Region VII women’s golf champion, a member of the Waldorf Deans List, a volunteer in Iowa’s Latino community, and three-time NAIA All-American – a 2018 member of the Waldorf Warrior Hall of Fame – Valeria Cogollo Martinez.

Jenny Schweikert Gilbertson

Jenny Schweikert Gilbertson made her impact on the field as a dominating pitcher for the Warriors, helping establish Waldorf as a perennial force on the softball field, then helped guide that same program to championship after championship as a long-time assistant coach.

A star pitcher from MFL High School in Monona who earned First Team All-Upper Iowa Conference honors a record-breaking eight times, Gilbertson went 118-60 in the circle during her prep career.

Gilbertson then joined a prolific Warrior softball team that in 1985 finished 30-11 overall and was second at Regionals. Gilbertson earned her first of back-to-back All-Region honors that season.

One year later, Gilbertson led the Warriors to even greater success, earning All-Region honors for a Waldorf team that beat Kirkwood in the Regional Tournament to earn a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament. The Warriors finished fourth in the nation in Michigan at nationals, going 2-2, and ended the year with an impressive 37-13 overall record. Gilbertson went 1-1 in the circle for Waldorf at the National Tournament.

Gilbertson pitched a 1-hit shutout to beat Kirkwood, then combined with teammate Tracy Kenniger for a 5-2 victory over Fort Dodge, as the Warriors earned their trip to nationals with a perfect 2-0 mark at Regionals.

After the postseason, Jenny was named an All-American as she compiled a 24-4 overall record during the 1986 season. Prior to nationals she was 23-3 with a 0.44 earned run average. She struck out 111 opposing batters and walked just 22 in 175 innings for the Warriors prior to the national tournament.

Gilbertson said that beating Kirkwood in the Regionals to earn a berth to Nationals is one of her greatest memories of her time at Waldorf, along with the friendships she made, a spring band trip to Mexico, and one memorable day as a freshman.

She stated: “I was amazed my freshman year standing in line at the campus center waiting to take photos. Dean of Students Roger Hadley not only knew my name, my school and sport but everyone’s.”

Also a member of the Waldorf band who played clarinet, Gilbertson graduated from the then-junior college Cum Laude and went on to play softball for one season at Drake.

She finished her collegiate career at Buena Vista where she also graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in sociology in 1988.

Prior to graduating from Buena Vista she spent a year working in the development office at Waldorf College, and in 1993 she joined the Waldorf softball staff as pitching coach, serving her alma mater for the next 15 seasons.

During her time as an assistant, Gilbertson had the opportunity to coach eight different players who earned All-American honors including 4-time All-American pitcher Marisa Jensen and two-time All-American pitcher Jackie Doughtery, both of whom are members of the Warrior Athletic Hall of Fame.

While working with the Warrior softball team, Gilbertson also spent 18 years working as a travel agent, manager and tour guide for 4 Seasons Travel before moving to Travel and Transport in Ames, Iowa, where she now is a Senior Travel Advisor.

Away from the softball field and her career in the travel industry, Gilbertson takes great pride in her two greatest accomplishments – daughters Holly and Bailey. Holly, a 2013 Waldorf graduate, is a compliance analyst at Principal Financial Group, and Bailey, a 2015 graduate of the University of Iowa, is a 5^th-grade teacher at the Bergman Academy in Des Moines.

A two-time All-Region pitcher, a 2nd Team NJCAA All-American, a former Warrior coach who guided eight All-Americans and two Hall of Fame pitchers, a world traveler and the proud mother of two – a 2018 member of the Waldorf Warrior Hall of Fame – Jenny Schweikert Gilbertson.

Scott Pitcher

Every day, Scott Pitcher makes an impact on the Waldorf campus and for Warrior students in his role as Director of Admissions.

Twenty-five years ago as a Warrior student-athlete, Pitcher made an impact on the baseball diamond for Waldorf that earned him national recognition and now has earned him a place of distinction in the Warrior Athletic Hall-of-Fame.

A multi-sport star athlete at Mason City High School who qualified for the Iowa state championships individually in tennis and track and field, was an All-Conference quarterback for the Mohawks, and a two-time All-State First Team outfielder in baseball, Pitcher headed to college in Forest City destined for greatness.

And in two seasons with the Warriors, Pitcher achieved greatness on the diamond as he earned NJCAA All-American honors in 1993, leading all Iowa JUCOs in batting average at .420.

As a freshman in 1992, Pitcher was fourth on the team with a .311 batting average, shared the team lead in doubles with 10, and added 20 RBIs, four home runs, and nine stolen bases.

Then came an All-American season for the Mason City product who proved to be a multi-dimensional threat for the Warriors, doing more than just leading his team with a .411 batting average for the regular season. Pitcher added team-highs of four home runs, 33 RBIs and 18 stolen bases offensively, and had a .971 fielding percentage defensively, committing just two errors all season.

His efforts earned him All-Conference and All-Region honors, as well, as he helped lead the Warriors to a sub-regional title. Waldorf finished their season one game short of a national tournament berth, falling in three games at the best-of-3 Regional Championship.

After two years of excellence on the diamond in Forest City, Pitcher continued his career as a major contributor at Wayland Baptist in Plainview, Texas, where he was an All-Conference and All-Region performer as a senior with the Pioneers, was named to the GTE Academic All-Region Team, and set school records for doubles and triples in a season. His record of 8 triples in 1995 still is a school record and his 14 triples in two years ranks No. 2 all-time. In two years in Plainview, Pitcher racked up an impressive 139 hits in 117 games.

After graduating from Wayland Baptist in 1995 with a Bachelor’s degree in History and minors in Political Science and Criminal Justice, Pitcher briefly pursued a professional baseball career before finding his way back to his alma mater in Forest City to begin a career that’s stretched more than 20 years.

Pitcher gave back to the team that began his collegiate career, serving as an assistant coach for the Warrior baseball team for 10 season while also working as an admissions counselor, then as assistant vice president of admissions.

In 2003, Waldorf honored Pitcher with the Holmen Award for Professional Excellence.

Seven years ago, Pitcher moved into his current role as the Director of Admissions where he continues to have an impact on the Waldorf campus and Warrior students’ lives every day.

A team leader and All-Conference, All-Region and All-American baseball player, a winner of the Holmen Award for Professional Excellence, and a man who has served Waldorf University for the past 21 years – a 2018 member of the Waldorf Warrior Hall of Fame – Scott Pitcher.

2017 Inductees

CAROLL G. CARSON, JR.

Waldorf University Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Caroll Carson, Jr., is a decorated veteran with more than 20 years of service to this country in the Air Force who also was a two-sport star and team leader during his time at then-Waldorf Junior College.

A native of Forest City who graduated from Forest City High School in 1955, Colonel Caroll G. Carson, Jr. was a 4-sport star for the Indians, as well as the school’s Salutatorian.

A four-year letterman in baseball, Carson earned three letters competing in track, and lettered twice each in football and basketball, which would be the sports he excelled at during his time Waldorf.

A halfback as a freshman during the 1955 season, Carson then was the Warriors quarterback as a sophomore.

On the hardwood, the Forest City native was a starting guard who lead the Warriors to the District 4 Championship and into the National Junior College District 11 Tournament in Fairbury, Nebraska in 1956, where Waldorf earned a first-round victory over Luther of Wahoo, Nebraska, 80-68.

The winner of the Lions Club Sportsmanship Award in April 1957, presented to Waldorf College’s Male Athlete of the Year, Carson also was the vice president of the Waldorf student body in 1956-57, his sophomore year, and was a member of the Waldorf choir.

Following a stellar career as a complete student-athlete with the Warriors, Carson attended the United States Air Force Academy where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering in 1961, and a commission as a second lieutenant.

After finishing his degree at the Air Force Academy, he went to pilot training at Reese Air Force Base in Texas, earning his wings in August of 1962. Carson says his proudest career achievements were acceptance to the Air Force Academy and earning his wings.

During his time serving his country, Carson has logged more than 4,100 flying hours and been honored with the Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Combat Readiness Medal, to name just a few.

Assigned as an aircraft commander in the B-52Hs at Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan, Carson also was able to earn his Master’s degree in Aero Engineering from the University of Michigan.

Carson served as Detachment Commander of the 1400 Military Airlift Squadron at McClellan Air Force Base in California, was assigned as Director of Engineering in the Air Force Air Logistics Division and also was Director of Equipment Engineering and Deputy Director for the Strategic Systems Program Office in the Aeronautical Systems Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, and was Director of Aeronautical Requirements at Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.

Promoted to Colonel in 1979, Carson retired from the Air Force in August of 1985 and returned to service at Waldorf in 1988, spending 12 years as a professor in the Mathematics Department before retiring, once again.

Honored as the Phi Theta Kappa Professor of the Year in 1992 and 1996, Carson earned the Regents Outstanding Faculty Award in 1995, was named Professor Emeritus at Waldorf in November of 2001, and won the Waldorf College Alumni Distinguished Service Award in October of 2002.

Colonel Carson and his wife Janell have three children – Christina Becker, Eric Carson and Greg Carson – as they continue to call Forest City home, where Caroll continues to remain active in his church, with the VFW and with the rural fire district, and is an active horseman who shows, competes, volunteers to give rides, and does parades with his team of percherons.

An 11-time sport letter winner at Forest City High School, a football and basketball starter for two years at Waldorf, the 1957 Lion’s Club Male Athlete of the Year, a United States Air Force Academy graduate, and winner of the Outstanding Faculty Award, the Professor of the Year award, and the Waldorf Distinguished Service Award – a 2017 member of the Waldorf Warrior Hall of Fame – Colonel Caroll G. Carson, Jr.

MARISA KAYE JENSEN

Waldorf University Athletic Hall-of-Fame inductee, Marisa Jensen, was such a dominating pitcher the Globe Gazette newspaper declared her “Untouchable!”

Also a Forest city product who enrolled at Waldorf College in the fall of 2003, the schools inaugural year as a 4-year institution, Marisa Kaye Jensen quickly wrote the record book for softball as a pitcher in a way that may never be matched.

A 4-year, 4-sport star for the Indians in high school, Jensen played basketball, earned All-Conference honors twice in cross country, still holds the Forest City school record in track as a member of the girls 4x800 relay, and was a 3-time All-Conference, All-District and All-State performer in softball.

With a career high school record of 112 wins and 24 losses, Jensen led the Indians to four straight conference titles and 2 state tournament berths. Her 1,138 career strikeouts remains a school record, and offensively she is 5^th in career batting average, including a .440 batting average her senior year. Also during her time in the circle at Forest City High School, Jensen threw 12 career no-hitters and 7 perfect games.

Coach Paul Jensen said: “Marisa, like so many other Forest City players, loved the game, played with a passion above what a coach may expect. We were confident success would continue for her at the collegiate level.”

That level of excellence continued for Jensen in a Warrior uniform as she led the brand new, 4-year Waldorf softball team to 4 straight regular season conference championships, 3 conference tournament titles, and to the Region VII Tournament 4 straight years.

A 4-time All-Conference and All-Region pitcher, Jensen also was a 4-time NAIA All-American and an NAIA Academic All-American, as well, in 2006 and 2007.

During the 2006 season, Jensen was No. 2 in the nation in earned run average with a 0.64 ERA, allowing just 13 earned runs in 142 2-3 innings. She compiled a 16-3 record with 1 save and struck out 220 opposing batters during the season and was No. 5 in the nation averaging 13.88 strikeouts per game. Her 13 earned runs allowed during the season ties her for the 5^th-lowest total all time in NAIA softball history.

In 2007, Jensen led the nation in opponent batting average as foes hit a measly .134 against her. She also led the nation in strikeouts per game, averaging 16.36 per contest. Racking up a 15-4 record with 2 saves, Jensen had a 1.54 ERA in 122 2-3 innings for the Warriors. During her senior season, Jensen struck out 18 batters in a game for the second time in her collegiate career in an 11-8 win over Iowa Wesleyan College, a single-game total that ties for 9^th all-time in NAIA history.

Former Waldorf softball coach, Denny Gilbertson stated “I would have loved to be present at the Hall-of-Fame event tonight to honor a young lady who is beyond deserving of this recognition. I had the pleasure of watching Marisa develop in her younger years under the tutelage of one of the real legends of Iowa High School Softball, Paul Jensen. I thought she had a chance to be a very good collegiate pitcher, but had no idea she would emerge as a player who became very, very special! Marisa combined great velocity with exceptional movement. She was a work-horse who gladly took the ball in the opening game of every double-header for four seasons. We knew exactly what we would get from her each and every time she stepped into the circle. Regardless of who we were facing on any given day, Marisa gave us a consistent performance and an excellent chance to be successful.”

A 2007 Magna Cum Laude graduate from Waldorf, Jensen went on to attend Des Moines University where she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, which along with passing the board exam, she lists as her proudest career achievement.

She has worked in Hudson, Florida with Ambassador Rehab., and in Davenport and Ames, Iowa, as a physical therapist with a traveling company, and currently works for Aegis Therapies in Indianola, Iowa.

Now living in Des Moines, she gives back to Des Moines University as a student representative on the curriculum committee, a faculty appointed position.

A 4-sport athlete from Forest City High School and 3-time All-North Iowa Conference, All-District and All-State performer, a 2-time NAIA Academic All-American and the only 4-time NAIA performance All-American in Waldorf history, – a 2017 member of the Waldorf Warrior Hall of Fame – Dr. Marisa Jensen.

1962 WALDORF FOOTBALL TEAM

The Waldorf 1962 football team is a group of men who made history on the gridiron in the early 60s.

In 1962, the Waldorf football team became the first in school history to go undefeated with a perfect 8-0 record, climbed to No. 6 in the final national junior college Top 25 poll, and was considered for the honor of playing in the Junior Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, in December for the junior college national championship.

Led by head coach Robert Bungum, who was in his 10^th season at Waldorf, and assistant coach C.V. Johnson, the Warriors came into the 1962 season with just 5 returning letterman to anchor a team that exceeded everyone’s expectations – but their own.

Quarterback Tom Urevig, a two-year starter in football who also played basketball for the Warriors, led Waldorf by earning First-Team All-American honors and being named the “Back of the Year” in junior college football for 1962. A versatile signal-caller who was as much of a threat to run as to throw, Urevig completed 45-of-81 passes and threw 12 touchdown tosses, while adding in seven rushing touchdowns during the 1962 campaign.

Also earning All-American honors and leading the Warriors drive to perfection was end Harold “Gabby” Pierce, and Honorable Mention All-American at end. An All-American in baseball and the leading scorer for the Warriors in basketball, Pierce hauled in eight of Urevig’s touchdown passes and also caught a pair of 2-point conversions during Waldorf’s perfect season.

While that duo earned the top honors for their on-field play, the teamwork of the Warriors added to the Waldorf trophy case as the team won its third conference championship in a four-year run.

That run to a perfect conference championship began against one of the best teams in the nation, as the Virginia Junior College Miners visited Forest City to start the season on September 15.

The Warriors sent notice early against the Top-10 ranked Miners, driving 60 yards following the opening kick-off and taking an early lead on a 1-yard scoring pass from Urevig to Pierce.

It stayed a 7-0 ballgame until the third quarter when Urevig picked off a pass and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown. From there, Waldorf’s defense took over, sealing the 13-0 victory to start the season.

The drive to perfection continued with a long drive to Nebraska as the Warriors battled the Norfolk Blackhawks on September 21. Unlike the season-opener where defense dominated for Waldorf, win No. 2 came with the Warriors battling back from deficits of 7-0, 14-7 and 20-14.

Fullback John Lilleberg rumbled 22 yards for the game-tying score before the end of the third quarter, and with the Waldorf defense shutting down the Blackhawks, the Warriors pulled away. Urevig ran the ball in from nine yards out to give Waldorf its first lead, then Pierce made a diving 15-yard touchdown grab to ice the 32-20 victory.

Back in action at home on September 27 hosting the Estherville Wolves, win No. 3 was sealed by back-to-back Jim Dotseth touchdowns. Urevig added a 36-yard TD pass to Gary Nerem for an early Waldorf lead, and Urevig raced 90 yards with a kick-off return for a touchdown, then a 15-yard Dennis Larson touchdown run before halftime put the Warriors on top for good, up 19-13.

Dotseth’s two late scores iced a 31-20 victory for the Warriors.

Off to a perfect 3-0 start, the Warriors played a second straight home game hosting the Worthington Bluejays for Homecoming. Avoiding the distractions of a festive weekend, the home-standing Warriors notched win No. 4, 19-6.

A Dotseth interception thwarted an early attempt by the Bluejays to grab a lead, and Urevig’s 6-yard TD run instead gave Waldorf the advantage as the Warriors led 7-6 at halftime.

In the second half, it was all Warriors as Dennis Larson ran the ball in for an 8-yard score and Urevig returned a fumbled pitch 8 yards for the game-sealing score.

Still perfect, but unranked, the Warriors finally pushed their way into the national Top 10 with a 13-0 win over the Ellsworth Panthers on October 11. A stalwart defense and a diverse offense led Waldorf to a 4-0 start, and again, was key in victory No. 5, a thrilling battle between Top-20 ranked foes.

Scoreless into the fourth quarter, a 1-yard quarterback sneak by Urevig broke the tie, and a Dotseth rushing capped the games scoring.

Vaulting to No. 9 in the nation, the Warriors faced another tough test in the No. 11-ranked Mason City Trojans on October 20.

The rivalry game started like so many during the perfect season, with Waldorf taking an early lead as Urevig tossed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Lilleberg. The Trojans got within a point, down 7-6, but the drive to perfection continued with the Warriors getting an Urevig to Doug Smith 24-yard touchdown pass for a 13-6 lead, and Urevig’s third TD toss of the evening, a 13-yard strike to Pierce, made it 20-6.

Mason City cut the difference down to a touchdown, but a 43-yard rumbling touchdown run by Dennis Larson sealed a 26-13 Warrior win.

Win No. 7 in the drive to perfection came on the road for the then No. 7-ranked Warriors, playing against the 4-year university, Pillsbury College. On the first play, Urevig and Pierce connected for a long touchdown, setting the tone for a 19-6 Waldorf win.

Urevig and Pierce added a 14-yard TD score, then the duo hooked up a third time for a 24-yard toss to pay-dirt for a commanding 19-0 lead in the first half that was never threatened.

One win away from perfection, the 7^th-ranked Warriors returned home to face the winless Fort Dodge Panthers on November 1.

Urevig’s final TD pass of the season, another strike to Pierce, put the Warriors on top 6-0 before Waldorf’s All-American signal-caller was sidelined with a concussion.

In stepped freshman halfback, Dennis Larson, who carried the load the rest of the way to cap the drive to perfection, as he threw a 4-yard scoring pass to Lilleberg for a 12-0 lead.

On top 12-6 in the second half, Ted Larson took a hand-off 27 yards for a score after the Warrior defense recovered a fumble, for a commanding 20-6 lead.

Dotseth’s 28-yard fumble return for a touchdown then put the cap on Waldorf’s 26-12 victory and on the team’s drive to perfection.

Members of the Warriors’ perfect 1962 football team, which finished the year ranked No. 6 in the nation, as conference champions, and in the running to play in the national championship Junior Rose Bowl,are:

Dan Aadland, tackle; Mike Axon, tackle; Eric Bartleson, guard; Art Benfield, tackle; Arvid Bengston, tackle/fullback; Keith Clark, guard; Jim Dotseth, halfback; Larry Engelby, halfback; Roger Espe, end; Keith Haggestad, center

Morris Haskins, end; Lester Hill, end; Darrel Johnson, tackle; Ron Johnson, guard; Dennis Larson, halfback; Ted Larson, fullback; Howard Laugen, guard; Dave L. Lee, tackle; David R. Lee, halfback; Jon Lilleberg, fullback

Butch Moeller, center; Gary Nerem, back; Leonard Olson, end; Dale Osher, end; Craig Patterson, guard; Harold Pierce, end; Jon Rademacher, tackle; Bill Rutter, guard; Doug Smith, end/back; Tom Urevig, quarterback

Wes Vogt, tackle; Ron Wilson, guard; Myron Young, center; Gerald Guttormson, manager/trainer; Bill Haglund, statistician; C.V. Johnson, assistant coach; and Bob Bungum, head coach

2016 Inductees

RANDALL HERBST

Randall Herbst achieved as a basketball and baseball player at Waldorf College following graduation from Beaver Dam High School in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

A successful two-sport athlete at Beaver Dam, Randall was an all-state and all-conference selection in baseball, served as a team captain and was honored as the team’s Most Valuable Player. During his senior basketball season, Randall was named the 1989 Little 10 Conference Player of the Year, was recognized as the team’s MVP and also provided leadership as a team captain. In 1989, he was honored as Beaver Dam High School’s Male Athlete of the Year.

Continuing as a dual-sport athlete at Waldorf, Randall was an integral part in helping both of his teams record back-to-back winning seasons.

As a freshman point guard during the 1989-‘90 basketball season, Randall was one of five Warrior players who averaged double figures in scoring. The team put together a 16-14 record, which marked Waldorf’s first winning season in 15 years. Randall garnered all-Region XI honorable mention recognition while averaging 14.6 points per game. During the 1990 baseball season, the Warriors turned in a 24-21 record. Randall, who was a catcher, received all-region honorable mention status as he posted a .305 batting average, connected for five doubles, drove in 17 runs and collected seven stolen bases in seven attempts. He was also an NJCAA Academic All-American in both sports.

The 1990-91 basketball season was another strong campaign for Waldorf. It was a tough start to the year when the Warriors went just 2-7 through their first nine games. After a team meeting with Coach Dan Mason, Waldorf turned it around to go 14-7 the remainder of the season and finished with a 16-14 record to cap the first time the program had back-to-back winning seasons since 1963. Winning two games against North Iowa Area Community College that season highlights one of Randall’s favorite memories at Waldorf, which included a 72-67 victory over the Trojans in the second round of the Region XI Tournament where he scored 19 points, dished out six assists, grabbed four rebounds and came away with two steals. Randall once again earned all-region honorable mention recognition at season’s end. Randall’s sophomore baseball season concluded with him earning all-region honorable mention status. The Warriors closed out the year with a 15-16 record and ended the season in the regional championship, which included plenty of controversy. Rain postponed the tournament to finals week. With Waldorf’s players committed to final exams, the Warriors were forced to forfeit the opening-round game and had to begin the tournament in the loser’s bracket. Waldorf persevered, winning 12-2 over Iowa Lakes Community College and 9-8 over Iowa Central Community College before falling in the regional title game. Randall earned Academic All-American honors in both sports for the second straight year.

Randall graduated from Waldorf in 1991 with an associate’s of arts degree and went on to attend Winona State University, where he continued his basketball and baseball careers. At Winona State, Randall helped both teams to back-to-back winning seasons. In 1992, the Warrior baseball team reached the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics World Series. As a senior, he served as a team captain for the men’s basketball team during the 1992-‘93 season. Randall finished his four-year collegiate basketball career with 1,031 points. He graduated cum laude from Winona State in 1993 with a bachelor’s of science degree in physical education and went on to obtain a master’s of science degree in sports administration from Minnesota State University-Mankato in 2003.

In 1994, Randall began his collegiate coaching career at NIACC where he joined Coach Dan Mason’s staff and helped lead the Trojans until 1997. During the 1994-‘95 season, NIACC captured the NJCAA national championship. Randall had assistant coaching stints with the NCAA Division II men’s basketball program at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee before returning to Waldorf as head coach in 1998.

In two seasons as Waldorf’s head coach, Randall compiled a combined record of 34-27. The Warriors were ranked No. 1 in the country in team defense during both years. Waldorf’s 19-12 record during the 1999-’00 campaign represented the second-most wins in school history.

From 2000 to 2006, Randall was an NCAA Division II assistant coach at the University of North Dakota. While at North Dakota, he coached three North Central Conference Players of the Year, three All-Americans and Jerome Beasley, who was the 2003 NCAA Division II National Player of the Year and drafted by the Miami Heat in the second round of the NBA Draft.

Randall went on to work as an assistant coach at the University of Nebraska-Omaha from 2007 to 2009. In his first season with the Mavericks, the team set a school record with 25 wins, won the NCC Tournament title and reached the second round of the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

From 2009 to 2011, Randall continued to excel as head coach at the University of Mary in North Dakota. He led the Marauders to a 38-19 record during his tenure with the NCAA Division II program. He took over a program that had won seven games during the 2008-‘09 season, but quickly produced 15 wins in his first year and then 23 victories in his second season while helping the Marauders climb to as high as 14th in the national poll. During the 2010-‘11 season, Mary posted a 23-6 record and won 16 straight conference games to finish 18-4 in league play and earn second in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference standings. The Marauders qualified for the NCAA Division II Central Region Tournament for the first time. Under Randall’s direction, Mary enjoyed back-to-back seasons as the No. 1 team in the country with the fewest turnovers per game. After being named the Division II Bulletin Coach of the Month in February 2011, Randall was selected as a finalist for the Clarence “Big House” Gaines Division II Coach of the Year award and was named the North Dakota College Coach of the Year.

Returning to Nebraska-Omaha in 2011, Randall spent four additional seasons as the program’s top assistant coach. During the 2013-‘14 season, the Mavericks made their first NCAA Division I postseason appearance after being invited to play in the College Insider.com Tournament where they advanced to the second round.

In 2012, Randall was inducted into Beaver Dam High School’s Hall of Fame.

Randall is currently in his second season as a Division I assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. In his first year with the Phoenix, they turned in a 23-13 record, claimed the Horizon League Tournament championship and earned their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 20 years. Wisconsin-Green Bay set multiple program records, including points scored, steals, total rebounds, field goals made and free throws made, among many others. The team ranked first in the NCAA in total steals and free throws attempted while ranking sixth in points per game.

Randall and his wife, Kari, reside in De Pere, Wisconsin with their two children, Liza, 8, and Jude, 6.

Two-time All-Region XI selection and two-time NJCAA Academic All-American in basketball and baseball, assistant coach of NIACC’s 1994-‘95 NJCAA national championship team, head coach of the Waldorf men’s basketball team that ranked second in school history for wins in a season and first in the nation in team defense, 2010-11 North Dakota College Coach of the Year and finalist for the NCAA Division II Coach of the Year award, assistant coach of the Horizon League Tournament champions and NCAA Tournament team at Wisconsin-Green Bay last season – Waldorf Warrior Hall of Famer 2016 – Randall Herbst.

Christina Neve

Christina Neve went on to make a significant impact for the Waldorf College softball program after graduating from Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock High School in 1998 as an accomplished four-sport athlete.

In softball, Christina was a two-time all-state and three-time all-conference selection. She finished her prep career as Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock’s career leader and single-season record holder for home runs, RBIs and doubles. She also established the school record for hits in a season. Christina was a four-time state qualifier in track and field, advancing to the state meet in the discus and shot put three years each. In volleyball, she earned all-conference recognition during her junior and senior years. Christina finished as the Warriorette career leader in aces and blocks. As a junior, she led Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock to a conference title in basketball. Christina was also chosen as Warriorette of the Year during her senior year, an honor given to the top female student-athlete.

Continuing her career at Waldorf, Christina was a standout softball player as a catcher and first baseman during the 1999 and 2000 seasons. As a freshman, she led the Warriors with 11 homers and 55 RBIs. Christina turned in a .365 batting average, going 50-for-137 at the plate. She also finished with 100 total bases, nine doubles and four triples. The Warriors concluded the 1999 season with a 42-10 record, closing out the year in the Region XI Tournament following losses to Indian Hills Community College and Muscatine Community College. Christina was selected to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II All-Midwest Region Second Team.

During Christina’s sophomore season, she was the NJCAA Division II leader with 73 RBIs and set a single-season school record in the process. She concluded her career as Waldorf’s career leader with 128 RBIs. Christina sported a .421 batting average while connecting for nine homers, 16 doubles and two triples in her final season with the Warriors. She totaled 122 bases on the season and was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American First Team. Christina was also tabbed as the NJCAA Diamond Sports Catcher of the Year and selected to the NJCAA Division II All-Midwest Region First Team.

During the 2000 season, Waldorf locked up the Region XI Tournament crown with consecutive victories over Southeastern Community College. The Warriors went on to capture third place in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament. After opening the national tournament with three straight wins, Waldorf fell to eventual national champion Phoenix Community College. The Warriors saw their tournament run end at the hands of Lansing Community College, which Waldorf brought down in a 10-5 win earlier in the tournament. Waldorf finished the year with school records for the most wins in a season with a 55-11 record and also cranked out a single-season school record with 55 homers.

During Christina’s Waldorf career, she said that a memorable moment she will cherish is when the Warriors squared off with the Wartburg College junior varsity squad and blasted eight homers as a team. The times that stand out the most are her memories from competing at nationals. Christina said, “I walked away from those games with the bittersweet taste of nationals lingering and some of the greatest memories of softball and my teammates.”

Christina’s Waldorf coach, Denny Gilbertson, said, “Chris was a key member of the 2000 national tournament team. She was one of those athletes who was ahead of her time behind the plate. Chris had the ability to throw out runners from her knees. Back in the ‘90s, that was unheard of for high school catchers."

Christina earned an associate’s of arts degree from Waldorf in 2000 and graduated from Iowa State University in 2002 with a bachelor’s of science degree in biology. She later went on to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa in 2010.

For the past six years, Christina has served as the Target/CVS Pharmacy manager in Coralville. She and her fiancé, Melissa, reside in Coralville with Melissa’s son, Brian, 14.

NFCA First-Team All-American, Two-time NJCAA All-Midwest Region selection, the 2000 NJCAA Diamond Sports Catcher of the Year, member of Waldorf’s record-setting 55-win season and third-place national tournament team in 2000, Waldorf softball career and single-season leader in RBIs – Waldorf Warrior Hall of Famer – 2016 – Christina Neve.

Krista Van Hauen

Krista Van Hauen was a standout performer on the basketball court at Waldorf College and also excelled in women’s golf after graduating from Wellsburg-Steamboat Rock High School in 1999.

Krista is a native of Grundy Center, Iowa and was a two-time first-team all-state selection, three-time North Iowa Cedar League West Most Valuable Player and earned first-team all-conference honors three times during her prep basketball career at Wellsburg-Steamboat Rock. She was also named to the all-state second team as a sophomore. Krista capped her high school career as Wellsburg-Steamboat Rock’s all-time scoring leader. In addition, she also earned varsity letters in golf, volleyball, track and softball during high school career with the Warriors.

Krista continued to shine on the hardwood at Waldorf where she was a two-year co-captain and helped the Warriors to a combined record of 79-20 in three seasons. As a freshman, she made an immediate impact. Waldorf ended the 1999-’00 season with a 28-3 record and reached the Region XI Tournament semifinals. Krista earned all-region honorable mention recognition while averaging 12.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 46.5 percent from the field.

As a sophomore during the 2000-‘01 season, Krista was the top player in the state of Iowa and one of the best in the nation. She led the team to arguably one of the most successful seasons in school history as the Warriors posted a 31-5 record, won the regional championship on their home court with a win over Marshalltown Community College and advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II National Championships. Waldorf made its presence known in the NJCAA national tournament, opening with a victory over the defending national champions before falling to the eventual national champions and winning the third-place game. Krista was named to the NJCAA National Championships All-Tournament Team. She was honored as an NJCAA First-Team All-American and was named a first-team all-region selection with a stat line of 19.1 points, 6.7 boards, 1.7 assists and two steals per game. Krista shot 47.5 percent from the floor, 45.6 percent from 3-point range and 82.3 percent from the free-throw line. Scoring 686 points that year, she set a single-season school record. With a commitment to academic excellence, Krista was also named a Distinguished Academic All-American.

Krista earned an associate’s of arts degree from Waldorf in 2001 and went on to attend Simpson College for one year. Playing NCAA Division III basketball for the Storm as a junior, Krista landed second-team all-Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors while averaging 10.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and two steals.

With Waldorf in the process of transitioning to a four-year college, Krista returned to Forest City in the spring of 2003. Competing for the Warriors’ golf team, she was recognized as an NJCAA Academic All-American that season.

As a senior, Krista guided the Warriors to a 20-12 record and a runner-up finish in the Midwest Collegiate Conference regular-season standings during the 2003-‘04 campaign. Krista garnered all-MCC First-Team honors while averaging 14.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals. She was honored as a Daktronics-National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Scholar-Athlete and was on the MCC Champions of Character Team. During Krista’s senior golf season, she was a national scholar-athlete and named to the MCC All-Academic Team.

Krista concluded her Waldorf basketball career, averaging 15.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals a game in her three seasons with the Warriors. For her career, she shot 44.1 percent from the field, 39.4 percent from behind the arc and 80.8 percent at the foul line. Krista ranks third in Waldorf school history in scoring with 1,497 career points and seventh with 608 rebounds. In the spring of her sophomore year, she was presented with Waldorf’s prestigious Honor Athlete Award. Reflecting on her days at Waldorf, Krista’s fondest memories include going undefeated at home during her freshman and sophomore years with 25 consecutive wins, winning the regional title game as a sophomore in front of a large and energized home crowd and battling to third place in the 2000-‘01 national tournament.

Krista graduated from Waldorf in 2004 with a bachelor’s of science degree in wellness. She went on to receive a master’s of sport coaching from the United States Sports Academy in 2008.

During the 2005-‘06 season, Krista began her collegiate coaching career as an assistant coach at Cornell College. She went on to serve as the director of basketball operations for the NCAA Division I women’s basketball program at Bradley University from 2006 to 2008. From 2008 to 2010, Krista was an assistant coach at the University of Northern Colorado for the NCAA Division I women’s basketball team.

In 2010, Krista became the head women’s basketball coach at St. Ambrose University. During the 2010-‘11 season, she led the Queen Bees to a 29-5 record, an MCC championship and the Sweet 16 of the NAIA National Tournament. Krista recorded her 100th career victory in 2014 against Holy Cross College. In six seasons at St. Ambrose, Krista has led her program to three national tournament appearances. She has coached seven All-Americans and was named the MCC Coach of the Year during the 2010-‘11 and 2013-‘14 seasons. Krista enters her seventh season at St. Ambrose with a career record of 132-53 and a .714 winning percentage.

NJCAA All-American, two-time All-Region XI selection, All-MCC First Team, member of Waldorf’s third-place national tournament team in 2000-‘01, NJCAA National Championships All-Tournament Team member, Distinguished Academic All-American, NAIA Scholar-Athlete, Waldorf’s single-season scoring leader in women’s basketball, NJCAA Academic All-American, NAIA Scholar-Athlete and MCC All-Academic Team member in women’s golf, Waldorf Honor Athlete Award winner, two-time MCC Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year and coach of three national tournament teams – Waldorf Warrior Hall of Famer – 2016 – Krista Van Hauen.

Larry Vernon

Larry Vernon established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in Waldorf College basketball history.

A native of Little Falls, Minnesota, Larry graduated from Little Falls High School in 1963 and represented the Flyers in basketball and baseball. He capped his prep career with a reputation as one of Minnesota’s best high school basketball players.

Continuing his career at Waldorf, Larry racked up 482 points during his freshman year, averaging 26.8 points per game. On January 7, 1964, Larry lit it up with a 47-point game against Rochester Community College.

During Larry’s sophomore year, the 5-foot-10 guard topped his own scoring record by producing 561 points during the season to average 28.05 points. His scoring average led all National Junior College Athletic Association Region II players and ranked eighth nationally.

Larry put together three consecutive games where he scored more than 40 points, pouring in 126 points during the three-game stretch. He put up 43 points in a 111-102 overtime victory against Fort Dodge Community College. Larry led the Warriors with 42 points when they knocked off Ellsworth Community College in a 96-91 victory, which was considered one of the biggest upsets in the junior college ranks. He concluded the stretch by notching 41 points against Mason City Community College. Larry also recorded 43 points against Austin Community College. He only scored less than 20 points twice in the 20 games he played as a sophomore.

The Warriors finished with a 9-11 record during the 1964-‘65 season, which ended with a hard-fought loss to Centerville Community College in the first round of the Region II Tournament. Behind a 37-point performance, Larry was honored as a Region II Tournament First-Team All-Star.

Larry finished his career with 1,043 points and averaged 27.45 points a game. He became Waldorf’s first-ever 1,000-point scorer and left the Warriors with the program’s highest career scoring average.

The Forest City Summit described Larry as “Waldorf’s flashy guard.” Larry’s coach and fellow Waldorf Hall of Famer Harvey Johnson was quoted, saying Larry’s ability to play every position on the court was one of his greatest strengths. “His greatest asset was his ability to drive, as well as being a good out shooter,” Johnson said. “His poise was extraordinary as he seldom missed a shot when he was close to the basket.”

Larry’s big-time game during Waldorf’s upset over Ellsworth remains one of the most memorable performances in school history. “His best game was against Ellsworth as he scored 42 points against a stacked defense,” Johnson said. “He set up many opportunities for teammates.”

Larry earned an associate’s degree from Waldorf in 1965. He continued his education at St. Cloud State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1972.

In 1973, Larry began his 37-year tenure at Pleasureland RV Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He also spent 14 years as a coach in the Sauk Rapids Youth Hockey Association. During the 1989-‘90 season, the Bantam Braves became the first 40-win team in league history as they compiled a 41-5-1 record behind Larry’s guidance.

Larry is being inducted into Waldorf’s Hall of Fame posthumously. He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Elizabeth; son, Derek, and grandchildren, Cole and Ethan.

NJCAA Region II Tournament First-Team All-Star, Region II scoring leader and eighth in scoring nationally during the 1964-’65 season, Waldorf’s first 1,000-point scorer and one of the most prolific scorers in school history – Waldorf Warrior Hall of Famer – 2016 – Larry Vernon.

Jesse Zimmer

Jesse Zimmer starred on the baseball diamond as a shortstop at Waldorf College after graduating in 1996 from Princeton High School in Princeton, Minnesota, where he excelled as a dual-sport athlete.

Jesse was an impact player for Princeton in both baseball and hockey. During his baseball career with the Tigers, he earned all-state, all-region and all-conference honors while also being named a Lions All-Star. On the ice, Jesse was an all-conference and all-area selection.

Furthering his baseball career at Waldorf, success continued for Jesse during his two-year career with the Warriors. During his freshman season in 1997, Jesse broke the school’s single-season home run record as he smashed 20 homers. He recorded a .489 batting average and drove in 52 runs during his first season. Jesse cranked out 69 total hits, including 13 doubles and also collected 18 stolen bases in 20 attempts while helping Waldorf to a 26-20 record. He capped his freshman season with first-team All-American honors from the National Junior College Athletic Association and was also named to the NJCAA Region XI First Team.

Putting together another monster of a season as a sophomore in 1998, Jesse once again aided the Warriors with the long ball. He broke his previous school home run record as he crushed 21 homers. Jesse sported a .483 batting average, finished with 62 RBIs and 69 hits, including 23 doubles. He swiped 10 bases in 14 attempts. Waldorf opened the year ranked 18th in the NJCAA preseason poll and Jesse was a driving force for the Warriors, who turned in a 33-16 record while ending the season in the Region XI Tournament championship game. Jesse once again concluded the season with national honors, earning NJCAA Second-Team All-American recognition and was tabbed an NJCAA Region XI First-Team selection.

Jesse graduated from Waldorf in 1998, closing out his career with the Warriors with a .486 batting average, 41 homers, 114 RBIs, 138 total hits (36 doubles) and 28 steals in 34 attempts. Jesse went on to attend the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned all-conference honorable mention recognition from the Missouri Valley Conference while playing NCAA Division I baseball for the Panthers. Jesse finished his collegiate playing career at UNI with 18 homers, which at the time ranked 10th among the program’s career home run leaders.

During Jesse’s collegiate career, he also played for the Rochester Honkers during the offseason and was a member of a team that won the 1999 Northwoods League championship. He was honored as a Summer All-American, led the league with 13 homers and landed on the Northwoods League All-Decade Team.

Jesse earned a bachelor’s of science degree in physical education from Northern Iowa in 2001 and went on to obtain a master’s degree in education from Saint Mary’s University in 2008. Today, Jesse is in his 15th year of teaching physical education at Princeton High School. He has also served as Princeton’s head varsity baseball coach for the past 11 seasons. In 2009, Jesse was nominated and coached in Minnesota’s prestigious Lions All-Star Game. He and his wife, Amy, reside in Princeton with their two daughters, Sienna, 10, and Leah, 7. Jesse remains actively involved in the Princeton community, serving as a volunteer coach for youth hockey, youth softball and numerous baseball clinics. He lists one of his proudest career achievements as “being able to teach and coach in my hometown.”

Two-time NJCAA All-American and two-time Region XI First-Team selection in baseball, Waldorf’s career and single-season home run record-holder, Missouri Valley Conference honorable mention selection, Summer All-American, Northwoods League All-Decade Team member – Waldorf Warrior Hall of Famer – 2016 – Jesse Zimmer.

2015 Inductees

Brian Grunzke

Brian Grunzke put together a solid two-year career as a member of the Waldorf College baseball and football teams. Brian returned to Waldorf and became a tremendously accomplished coach, leading the Warrior baseball program as head coach for 16 seasons.

A native of Minnesota Lake, Minnesota, Brian was a four-sport athlete at Minnesota Lake High School. He was a two-time all-conference selection in baseball, football and basketball. Brian also competed in track during high school. As a senior, he was named Minnesota Lake's Athlete of the Year in 1975.

Continuing his education and athletic career at Waldorf, Grunzke helped the Warriors to an undefeated season on the gridiron as a freshman. The 1975 team posted a 9-0 record and was ranked No. 4 in the nation. The Warriors were considered for the Wool Bowl and finished the year ranked fourth in the country in rushing and second in overall defense.

On the baseball diamond, Brian served as a team captain for Waldorf during the 1977 season. On the football field, he played under Hall of Fame coach David Bolstorff, who would become a colleague and mentor of Brian's during his coaching career at Waldorf. Coach Bolstorff said, "As a player, Brian was a defensive back who wouldn't win many races, but had the knowledge and a knack of seeing the whole field and being in the right place, doing the right thing at the right time with a true passion for the game."

After graduating from Waldorf in 1977, Brian went on to attend Mankato State University and later earned a bachelor's of science degree in health science from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. He spent 11 seasons as an assistant football coach, helping the Warriors reach three RC Cola Bowls. Brian also was an assistant coach for Waldorf's baseball team for six seasons and in 1991, he began his tenure as head coach. Guiding the Warriors as head coach for 16 seasons, Brian is the all-time winningest coach in school history with a 387-340 record. The 1993 team was ranked 20th in the preseason poll. In 1994, the team got on a roll with a 23-game winning streak and set a school record for victories in a season, finishing with a 40-17 record. In his 16 seasons as head coach, Brian coached nine All-Americans, 14 Academic All-Americans and numerous all-region players.

Aside from coaching at Waldorf, Brian spent two seasons as assistant baseball coach at Arkansas-Little Rock, one year as assistant coach at the University of Northern Iowa, two seasons as head coach at the University of Illinois-Springfield and five years as assistant coach at South Dakota State University. In 2000, Brian had a successful season as Forest City High School's head coach. He led the Indians to a 24-5 record, a North Iowa Conference championship and a No. 9 ranking in the final poll. During that season, Forest City went on a 15-game winning streak, cranked out a school-record 42 home runs, sported a .338 team batting average and the pitching staff boasted a 1.91 earned run average.

Witnessing Brian's transition from an athlete to coach, Coach Bolstorff highlighted Brian's integrity and natural coaching ability saying, "As a person, if there ever was a person born to be a coach, it was Brian. Yet at the same time because of his wit and personality, could be counted on to liven up the conversation, while at the same time, possessing the loyalty, trustworthiness, work ethic, integrity and genuineness of a true friend. He was that way with his colleagues and he was that way with his players."

Brian currently resides in Brookings, South Dakota with his wife, Dawn. They have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

Waldorf's all-time winningest baseball coach, leader of a team that set a school record for wins in a season, coach of nine All-Americans and 14 Academic All-Americans, member of Waldorf's undefeated 1975 football team, 27 years of service to Waldorf – Waldorf Warrior Hall of Famer – 2015 – Brian Grunzke.

Nicky (Veldhouse) Volk

Nicky (Veldhouse) Volk started her athletic career as a three-sport star athlete at West Hancock High School in Britt, Iowa.

At West Hancock, Nicky was a first-team all-North Iowa Conference selection in volleyball, basketball and softball. As a senior, she was honored with the Athlete of the Year Award. Nicky was also a member of the school's pep club and choir.

Continuing her career at Waldorf College, Nicky excelled as a member of the volleyball and basketball teams from 1993 to 1995. Each year Nicky competed in volleyball for Waldorf, the Warriors produced a 30-win season. Waldorf went 30-10 in 1993 and Nicky was second on the team in aces and kills. The Warriors followed up with a 31-13 record in 1994 while finishing third in the Region XI Tournament. Nicky also earned first-team all-Region XI and all-Region XI Tournament Team honors as a sophomore while leading Waldorf in aces and kills.

As a freshman on the basketball court, Nicky ranked fifth in Region XI with a 55.5 field-goal percentage and Waldorf was third in the nation in field-goal percentage. She averaged 11.9 points and pulled down 168 rebounds. During her sophomore year, Nicky was fifth in Region XI and 11th in the country in field-goal percentage, knocking down 55 percent of her shots. She averaged 11.5 points per game and totaled 153 rebounds, leading the team in both categories. Nicky was named a first-team all-Region XI selection and was the Most Valuable Player in Waldorf's regional quarterfinal matchup.

During Nicky's basketball career, the Warriors tallied a 35-26 record. As a freshman she helped Waldorf to a 17-12 season. The following year, the Warriors went 18-14. She currently ranks 34th in points (702), 15th in field-goal percentage (55 percent), 30th in rebounds (321) and 12th in blocked shots (62) among career leaders at Waldorf. At the conclusion of her sophomore year in 1995, Nicky was recognized as Waldorf's Female Honor Athlete.

Denny Jerome coached Nicky in basketball and said, "Nicky's best attributes as a 5-foot-10 post/forward was a quick left and right drop step. Equally important was her positive attitude and outgoing personality that energized and lifted up her teammates and coaches."

Following her two-year career at Waldorf, Nicky completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Northern Iowa. She graduated in 1997 with a bachelor's of arts degree in sociology.

Nicky currently resides in Lakeville, Minnesota, where she is an active volunteer for All-Saints Church and All-Saints Catholic School. She and her husband Craig – a fellow 2015 Waldorf Hall of Fame inductee – have three children, Reece, 10; Macklin, 5, and Sutton, 3.

First-team all-Region XI basketball and volleyball player, Waldorf Honor Athlete – Waldorf Warrior Hall of Famer – 2015 – Nicky (Veldhouse) Volk.

Craig Volk

Craig Volk went on to star on the basketball court at Waldorf College after graduating in 1993 from New Hampton High School in New Hampton, Iowa, where he was a three-sport athlete.

Craig helped lead the New Hampton boys' basketball team to three consecutive state tournament appearances. As a senior, he helped the Chickasaws win the 1992-93 state championship while earning first-team all-conference honors. Craig also guided the team to a third-place finish in the 1990-91 state tournament. He was a second-team all-conference selection during the 1991-92 season and garnered all-conference honorable mention recognition in 1990-91. In addition to playing basketball, Craig also exceled in football and track.

Success on the hardwood continued for Craig at Waldorf as he immediately made an impact for the Warriors. As a freshman, he was part of a team that scored 100 or more points in eight games under Coach Chad Brown's up-tempo, high-scoring offense. Craig averaged 12.7 points per game as a freshman while leading the team with 2.6 steals and 4.8 assists. He capped his first year with second-team all-Region XI honors as Waldorf posted its first-ever 19-win season, ending the year with a 19-10 record and a 12-4 conference mark. The Warriors fell to North Iowa Area Community College in the Region XI Tournament semifinal game.

Putting together a stellar sophomore season, Craig served as a team captain during the 1995-96 campaign. The Warriors set a school record for wins, notching their 20th victory of the season at Clinton. Despite defeating NIACC during the regular season, Waldorf once again saw its season come to an end at the hands of the Trojans in the Region XI Tournament quarterfinals. The Warriors closed out the year with a 20-10 record. Craig was honored as a first-team all-Region XI selection while averaging 15.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and a team-high 3.13 steals.

Craig's achievements stretched far beyond the court. He was named a Distinguished Academic All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) during the 1994-95 and 1995-96 seasons. He received the Forest City Lions Club Sportsmanship Award at the conclusion of his career with the Warriors and the President's Award.

The proudest achievements in Craig's athletic career include the three state tournament trips at New Hampton. His high school coach, Scott Hogeland, said, "Craig is the best point guard in the history of New Hampton High School. Craig had no weaknesses on the court. He could score, defend, pass and rebound. His unselfish play and incredible court awareness made his teammates so much better, but his mental preparation is really what separated him from the rest."

Craig earned an associate's of arts degree from Waldorf in 1995 and graduated in 1996 with a bachelor's of arts degree in finance and management. He has served as a wealth management advisor for Northwestern Mutual in Minneapolis for the past 16 years. Craig and his wife, Nicky (Veldhouse) Volk – a fellow 2015 Waldorf Hall of Fame inductee – reside in Lakeville, Minnesota with their three children, Reece, 10; Macklin, 5, and Sutton, 3. Craig remains active in the community as a volunteer at All Saints Catholic Church and also coaches a traveling boys' basketball team and an AAU squad.

Two-time all-Region XI selection in basketball, two-time NJCAA Distinguished Academic All-American, member of Waldorf's record-setting 20-win finish during the 1995-96 season, the President's Award and Forest City Lions Club Sportsmanship Award winner – Waldorf Warrior Hall of Famer – 2015 – Craig Volk.

Bob Backlund

Bob "Tiny" Backlund came to Waldorf College following a three-sport career at Princeton High School in Princeton, Minnesota.

At Princeton, Bob was a standout athlete in football, wrestling and track and field. In wrestling, Bob was a state finalist. He also competed in a wide variety of track and field events. At the Elk River Invitational during Bob's senior year, he won four events with a time of 10.2 seconds in the 100-yard dash, won the shot put at 52.6 feet, the discus at 165 feet and anchored the winning 4x220-yard relay.

Bob represented Waldorf from 1968 to 1970 as an outstanding member of the Warrior football and wrestling teams. As a freshman, he started as a linebacker and an offensive guard on a Warrior team that went 5-3. The following year, Bob started as a defensive end and offensive guard. The 1969 Waldorf football team went 8-0 and finished the season ranked ninth in the nation. Bob led a defense that ranked seventh nationally in yards allowed, third in passing yards allowed and ninth in rushing yards allowed. The Warriors scored 207 points on the year and allowed only 17. Bob earned All-American recognition while averaging 14 tackles per game.

During Bob's freshman year, he wrestled in the 191-pound weight class. Over the course of the year, he compiled a 17-2 record, including 12 wins against heavyweights. Bob closed out the year with a state title and earned All-American honors with a third-place finish in the national tournament. During his sophomore year, he repeated as an All-American. Bob defeated the top-ranked wrestler in the nation on his way to a runner-up performance in the national tournament. In the spring of 1970, Bob was presented with the prestigious Honor Athlete Award and received a standing ovation from the Waldorf faculty, staff and student body.

Bob concluded his collegiate athletic career at North Dakota State University, where he continued to play football and wrestle. On the gridiron, Bob was a two-year starter as a defensive tackle. As a junior, he helped the Bison post a 9-0-1 record and capture the NCAA College Division Western Division championship with their Camellia Bowl win over Montana. In this showing, Bob recorded 22 tackles and two fumble recoveries. In his senior year, North Dakota State compiled a 7-2 record while he added 11.8 tackles per game, along with a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

On the mat, Bob became North Dakota State's second national champion in school history. In 1971, he claimed the NCAA Division II crown in the 190-pound division. Bob wrestled as a heavyweight his senior year and placed fifth at nationals. He graduated and was inducted into North Dakota State's Hall of Fame in 1983.

After college, Bob continued his career professionally. He started in the American Wrestling Association and worked his way into the World Wrestling Federation, now known as World Wrestling Entertainment. During his time in the WWE, Bob was a two-time world heavyweight champion. His reign from 1978 to 1983 stands as the second longest in WWE history. Bob has faced numerous wrestling greats such as Harley Race, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Andre the Giant, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, George "The Animal" Steele, The Iron Sheik and Sergeant Slaughter. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013.

Bob and his wife, Corki, currently reside in South Glastonbury, Connecticut.

Today, Bob holds the distinction of being one of three two-sport All-Americans in Waldorf history, joining 1997 Hall of Famer Gabby Pierce and 2014 Hall of Famer Lindsey (Pleuss) Hyman.

Four-time wrestling All-American, All-American football player, Waldorf Honor Athlete, North Dakota State Hall of Fame Class of 1983, multi professional wrestling champion – Waldorf Warrior Hall of Famer – 2015 – Bob Backlund.

2014 Inductees

Jacki (Dougherty) Knight

Jacki (Dougherty) Knight's success in athletics started at Belmond-Klemme High School where she was a three-sport athlete.

At Belmond-Klemme, Jacki was a five-time all-conference selection in softball, earning second-team honors as an eighth-grader and first-team recognition during her final four seasons. Jacki was named to the all-state second team as a freshman and sophomore and was a first-team all-state selection during her junior and senior seasons. As a senior, she was honored as the 2001 Class 2A Pitcher of the Year and a member of the Iowa All-Star and All-Star Elite teams. She completed her Belmond-Klemme career with a school record of 131 wins and 46 losses.

Jacki also excelled in volleyball and basketball during her prep career. She was a second-team all-conference volleyball player during her senior year and earned all-conference honorable mention recognition in basketball as a junior and senior.

Continuing her softball career at Waldorf College, Jacki was a two-time All-Region XI and two-time All-American selection during her two years with the Warriors.

As a freshman, Jacki led the nation with a 0.72 earned run average and also topped the nation with 211 strikeouts in 175 innings of work. She helped Waldorf to a 38-12 record during the 2002 season, turning in a 21-5 record inside the pitcher's circle with 24 complete games. Jacki went on to land first-team All-American honors from the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Jacki's sophomore year marked her final season with the Warriors. She led the team to a 38-7 record and a runner-up finish in the 2003 Region XI Tournament. Jacki was honored as a second-team All-American, closing out the season with a 13-3 record, a 1.23 ERA, 89 strikeouts and 11 complete games.

After graduating from Waldorf, Jacki played softball at Simpson College during her junior season. She went on to earn a bachelor's of arts degree in sociology with a minor in social work in 2005.

During her career at Waldorf, Jacki said one of her favorite memories was defeating Indian Hills 2-1 to win a spring break tournament in Florida, along with "playing in a Waldorf uniform while having an absolute blast with a wonderful, knowledgeable coach and determined teammates. Jacki said, "I am proud that I was chosen to play for Waldorf and be on successful teams."

Jacki has been employed as the human services coordinator at Van Meter, Inc. in Cedar Rapids for the last three and a half years. She and her husband, Brandon, reside in Cedar Rapids.

Two-time all-region softball player and two-time All-American selection – Waldorf Warrior Hall of Famer – 2014 – Jacki (Dougherty) Knight.

Lindsey (Pleuss) Hyman

Lindsey (Pleuss) Hyman put together a spectacular prep career at Boone High School in Boone, Iowa.

Lindsey was a third-team all-state selection in basketball and received second-team all-state honors in softball. She also participated in track and volleyball during high school.

After graduating from Boone in 2001, Lindsey continued to shine on the basketball court and softball diamond at Waldorf College.

As a freshman, Lindsey made an immediate impact for both of her teams. She earned First-Team All-Region XI and NJCAA Third-Team All-American basketball honors, averaging 13 points, five assists, five rebounds and three steals a game while helping the Warriors to a 27-5 record. On the softball field, Lindsey was a Second-Team All-Region XI selection with a .407 batting average, three home runs, 13 doubles and 27 RBIs. The softball team ended her freshman year with a 38-12 mark.

Lindsey's sophomore basketball season concluded with first-team Region XI recognition. She averaged 14 points and four assists as Waldorf turned in a 22-11 record and a runner-up finish in the regional tournament. The softball team was the Region XI Tournament runners-up with a 38-7 finish. She recorded a .513 batting average, 13 doubles, nine home runs and 53 RBIs, capping the season as a member of the All-Region First Team and NFCA All-American Second Team.

During Lindsey's junior year, Waldorf transitioned to a four-year college and joined the NAIA. In basketball, she landed on the Midwest Collegiate Conference (MCC) First Team, was named the MCC Newcomer of the Year and received All-American honorable mention recognition. The Warriors finished as the MCC runners-up with a 20-12 record and Lindsey averaged 15 points, six assists, four boards and two steals.

Lindsey's junior softball season saw Waldorf win the MCC regular-season and tournament championships. The team finished 42-11 overall and 14-2 in conference play while advancing to the NAIA Region VII winner's bracket. The MCC recognized Lindsey on its all-conference first team as she batted .314 with 15 doubles, five homers and 27 RBIs.

As a senior, Lindsey was named to the MCC First Team, MCC Player of the Year in basketball and was selected as a third-team All-American. She averaged 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals while leading the Warriors to a 22-11 record and the MCC championship. She ended her basketball career as Waldorf's all-time leading scorer with 1,844 points and currently ranks second with 634 assists.

Lindsey's final softball season ended with All-American honors. She was named to the All-MCC and All-Region VII teams with a .389 batting average, 14 doubles, seven homers and 49 RBIs. Lindsey led the Warriors to a 52-11 record en route to their second consecutive MCC regular-season title. The team was ranked 19th in the final NAIA poll.

Lindsey was a four-time all-conference selection in both sports, two-time All-American in softball and a three-time All-American in basketball. During her senior year, Lindsey accomplished an extremely rare feat by being named the Midwest Collegiate Conference's Player of the Year for both basketball and softball in 2005. She received the college's prestigious Honor Athlete Award in 2003 and 2005.

Lindsey was also an NJCAA Academic All-American in 2003 and an NAIA Scholar-Athlete in both 2004 and 2005.

Lindsey earned a master's of education degree from Simpson College in 2009 and received the Teaching Student of the Year Award. She presently lives in Boone with her husband, Shawn, and two children, Brady, 3, and Bailey, 1. She teaches math in the Ames Community School District.

Seven-time first-team all-conference selection in basketball and softball, two-time All-American in softball, three-time All-American in basketball, two-time MCC Player of the Year, Waldorf basketball career scoring leader, two-time Honor Athlete Award winner and Scholar-Athlete – Waldorf Warrior Hall of Famer – 2014 – Lindsey (Pleuss) Hyman.

Scott Pierce

Scott Pierce starred on the basketball court at Waldorf College. Prior to attending Waldorf, Scott was an exceptional three-sport athlete at Bricelyn High School in Bricelyn, Minn. He was an all-conference selection in football, basketball and baseball as a junior and senior. Scott was also named the Senior Male Athlete of the Year.

After graduating from Bricelyn in 1982, Scott continued his basketball career at Waldorf. He averaged 16 points and 12 rebounds a game for the Warriors during the 1983-84 season while shooting 58 percent from the field and 78 percent from the free-throw line. Scott still holds Waldorf's single-game record for most rebounds in a game. He was named to the Iowa JUCO All-Star game following his sophomore season with the Warriors.

One of Scott's proudest moments at Waldorf was the first game he ever played in a Warriors' uniform at Clinton, Iowa. After the game, an older gentleman asked if he was related to Harold Pierce. Scott informed the man that Harold was his father. The man responded, saying he watched Scott's father play in the state playoffs 20 years earlier and hadn't seen anyone play at that high of a level until witnessing Scott's performance.

Defeating Ellsworth Community College at home, grabbing a record-setting 26 rebounds and helping the Warriors reach the Iowa JUCO State Playoffs stand out as Scott's highlight memories at Waldorf.

Scott's family left its mark on Waldorf athletics. Scott received the Forest City Lions Club Sportsmanship Award 20 years after his father was honored with the recognition. One year later, Scott's brother, Jeff "Curly" Pierce received the award. Jeff was inducted into the Waldorf Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012.

After graduating from Waldorf in 1984, Scott studied at Macalester College for one year and then earned a bachelor's degree in business education from Minnesota State University in 1987. He received a master's degree in education from Southwest Minnesota State University in 2001.

Scott now enjoys the relationships he's built through 27 years of teaching and coaching with the support of a loving family. He currently teaches business education at Owatonna High School. Outside of work, Scott is the huddle coach for Owatonna High School's Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Scott and his wife, Shawn, own and operate Alimap Home Health Care, a home health care agency. They are the parents of three daughters, Shawnda, Ashley and Alisha, who passed away in 2010.

Scott, his brother, Jeff, and the Pierce family continue to assist Waldorf by organizing the Gabby Pierce Memorial Golf Tournament. The highly successful annual tournament, now in its 10th year, is held at the Oak View Golf Club in Alden, Minn. as a tribute to their late father, Gabby, who is a Charter Hall of Famer at Waldorf. Tournament proceeds directly benefit Waldorf's scholarship fund.

Lions Club Sportsmanship Award winner – Waldorf benefactor – basketball All-Star, prolific rebounder and record-setter – Waldorf Warrior – Hall of Famer – 2014 – Scott Pierce.

Dr. Daniel Hanson

Dan Hanson began his athletic career at Titonka High School in Titonka, Iowa where he excelled as a three-sport athlete. He was named a first-team State Line Conference selection in football and basketball. Dan also captured the Iowa Class C state championship in the half mile with a converted time of 1 minute, 58.5 seconds.

After graduating from Titonka in 1973, Dan put together a successful career at Waldorf College. He was a starter in both football and track for the Warriors. During the 1973 and 1974 football seasons, Dan, through his superb work ethic, high character and performance, helped Waldorf to a combined record of 13-6.

In the spring of 1975, along with fellow Waldorf graduate Rollie Ehm, Dan coached and participated on the Waldorf track and field team. Dan was also on the Dean's List while at Waldorf.

Dan's success on the gridiron and track continued following his graduation from Waldorf. He continued both sports at Wartburg College and set football records for receptions in a game (11) and receptions in a season (39). He was the team's leading receiver as a senior with 447 yards and had three touchdowns. Dan earned NCAA All-American honorable mention recognition in football and was selected to the Lutheran All-American Team his senior season. He was also on the Wartburg College Dean's List for two years.

Dan earned a bachelor's of arts degree in education from Wartburg in 1977. He went on to receive a master's of science degree in computer science and education from Minnesota State University in 1983. Dan then earned a doctorate degree in instructional technology from Iowa State University in 1998.

Dan served at Waldorf for 31 years in a number of capacities. During his last seven years at Waldorf, Dan served as vice president of academic affairs. He spent four years working in the admissions office; 20 years as a faculty member, where in 1993 he received the Regents' Outstanding Faculty Award; working as the director of academic affairs, director of academic computing, where Dan led the development of the CIS major for Waldorf College; and he was also an assistant football coach for 21 years.

One of Dan's most memorable moments during his Waldorf coaching career was defeating the Nebraska freshman football team twice at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. In one of those games, the Warriors earned a last-minute win over the Cornhuskers on a broken play. Dan also helped lead Waldorf in four RC Cola Bowl games.

Dan has served as college president of Peru State College in Peru, Neb. for the past five years. He has been referred to by employees as "The Renaissance Man."

On Sept. 6, 2014, Peru State College celebrated the rededication of the historic Oak Bowl. This renovation of the beautiful football facilities was a $9 million project enabled through President Hanson's vision and guidance.

A leading administrator at Peru State is quoted, "President Hanson is a strong advocate for servant leadership and models this for his faculty and staff. He and his wife, Elaine, attend numerous student events and know most of the Peru State students by name. He has changed the culture of Peru State to a student-centered environment and is committed in providing students with positive experiences. Dan is a leader who walks the walk and is held in highest regard by the Peru State community."

An extremely active member of his community, Dan is a member of the Peru Community Church's finance committee, the co-chair of the Nebraska City Rotary and District Education, a member of the Peru Chamber of Commerce, the Peru Kiwanis and a volunteer for Feeding 44, Nemaha County's food bank.

At Iowa State University's homecoming celebration in early October, Dan received the prestigious "Alumni Achievement Award" from the Iowa State College of Human Sciences.

Dan and his wife, Elaine, have two daughters, Dr. Heather Alaniz, a physical therapist, and Abby Mathis, an occupational therapist.

Talented wide receiver and track athlete, dedicated football coach and valued administrator – Waldorf Warrior Hall of Famer – 2014 – Dan Hanson.

1977-78 Men's Golf Team

The 1977-78 Waldorf College men's golf team earned the distinction of becoming the first team in school history to qualify for the national golf tournament. Guided by Hall of Fame coach Harvey Johnson, team members put together one of the most successful seasons in program history.

During the season, the team captured a sub-regional championship and earned a national tournament berth after winning a one-hole playoff in the regional tournament.

Dave Teeling and Tim Shiels recorded three-over-par scores of 75 to lead the Warriors to the sub-regional title at Mason City's Highland Park Golf Course. Dana Nelson and Craig Johnson ended the tournament only a stroke behind, finishing with scores of 76. Keith Mayland turned in an 84. The team locked up the tournament championship with a 302-stroke team total, finishing nine strokes ahead of North Iowa Area Community College.

During the regional competition at Muscatine, the team punched its ticket to the national tournament by tying for runner-up honors. Waldorf topped Kirkwood Community College in an extra-hole playoff to advance to the national stage. On the extra hole, the Warriors' top four golfers shot an even-par 20 on a par-5 hole and Kirkwood finished with a 22.

Tim Shiels provided the top score in the regional tournament, placing third with a four-over-par 112 in the 27-hole tournament. Dave Teeling fired a 116, Dana Nelson shot a 119, Craig Johnson added a 121 and Keith Mayland closed out the tournament with a 128. The golf team became the fifth program of the 1977-78 academic year to qualify for national competition.

In the national tournament, Waldorf shot a 328 in the opening day and a 321 during the second day for a 649 total at Chapel Hill, Tenn. The Warriors placed 24th out of 31 teams.

Craig Johnson made the final 36-hole cut of the national tournament. He carded an 81 during the opening 18 holes and then scored a two-over-par 74 on the second day for a 155 total. In the second round, Craig bogeyed the first three holes and then shot one-under the next 15 holes to move on to the final round with approximately 50 of the nation's top golfers.

The final two days of the tournament, Craig Johnson shot an 82 and an 83 for a 72-hole total of 320, which was in the lower half of the qualifying flight.

Tim Shiels shot a 159, missing the final cut of the national tournament by just one stroke following rounds of 82 and 77.

A total of 227 individuals and 31 teams competed in the national tournament, making it the largest number of competitors in the tournament's history at the time.

We welcome Waldorf's first national-qualifying golf team to the Waldorf Athletic Hall of Fame. Team members include:

Craig Johnson
Paul Olson
Tim Shiels
Dana Nelson
Dave Teeling
Keith Mayland

2013 Inductees

Leonard Moritz

Leonard Moritz came to Waldorf College in 1962 after a great deal of success at Estherville High School. He helped Estherville to a Lakes Conference men's basketball championship in both his junior and senior seasons. Leonard garnered First Team All-Conference honors both years and was named All-State Honorable Mention in his senior year. He still holds Estherville's career rebounding record with 511.

In his first year at Waldorf, Leonard helped the Warriors to a 13-win season. York defeated the Warriors in the second round of the regional tournament, but the season helped to create building blocks for the 1962-63 squad.

Leonard's second season with the Warriors produced 15 wins and a solid performance in the state tournament. Leonard and 1997 Waldorf Hall of Fame Inductee, Harold "Gabby" Pierce were elected as honorary co-captains of the squad. Alongside 2012 Hall of Famer, Jim Dotseth, and 1998 Hall of Famer, Tom Urevig, they led the Warriors to a 2nd place finish in the 1963 state tournament.

His largest offensive contribution in the tournament came in the team's second game against Estherville. Leonard went for 13 points in the Warriors' 72-61 win, but he was most known for his defensive prowess. His ability to clog the interior was widely recognized and he was named one of the outstanding defenders in the state.

Following his graduation from Waldorf, Leonard attended Minnesota Bible College and Pacific Christian College in Long Beach California, where he attained a degree in Ministry in 1971. For the past 13 years Leonard has served as a youth counselor at Forest Ridge Youth Services in Estherville.

Leonard has four children: Timothy, Tammy, Todd, and Rosa. He currently resides in his native Estherville.

All-State Performer--Shutdown Defenseman--1962-63 Men's Basketball Co-Captain--Waldorf Warrior and Hall of Famer for 2013-Leonard Moritz.

Teri (Blood) Root

Teri (Blood) Root was an illustrious product of West Marshall High School. She gained countless honors in four sports, but was most recognized for her contributions to the basketball and softball teams.

She was an All-State selection and participated in the Senior All-Star Games in both sports. Teri received the distinguished, Iowa Banker's Association Student-Athlete Achievement Award during the Iowa Girls' State Basketball Tournament. Additionally, Teri was named the Wendy's High School Heisman Award Winner for the State of Iowa.

Teri continued her education and athletic pursuits at Waldorf in the fall of 1998. As a sophomore, she was named a team captain and MVP. She was an All-Region selection as she was 6th in scoring and field goal percentage, while ranking 7th in 3-point and free-throw percentage. That year the Warriors established a 28-3 record which secured a 4th place ranking in the NJCAA poll.

During her two years Teri etched her name in the women's basketball record books. She helped the team achieve a 50-12 record in that span. Today, she still ranks in the top-30 in career scoring, 11th in career assists, and 14th in 3 pointers—shooting 37% from distance in her career. At the conclusion of her athletic career at Waldorf, Teri received the Waldorf Honor Athlete Award.

Teri was also a member of Warrior softball team, who finished 3rd at the national tournament.

Her dedication to her academics was top-notch. At the Waldorf College Award banquet she was named the 2000 Scholar of Distinction. She went on to graduate Summa cum Laude with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from Waldorf in 2001. In 2009 she earned her M.B.A. with Distinction from the University of Iowa in 2009.

She currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband Sam and two children, Sydney and Samuel. Since 2006 she has been employed with Principal Financial Group as their Assistant Director and Compliance Officer.

All-State Selection-- Waldorf Honor Athlete--Basketball MVP--Scholar Athlete--Waldorf Warrior and Hall of Famer for 2013-Teri (Blood) Root.

Alisa (Steffen) Turner

Following a highly-decorated and record-setting career at Waverly-Shell Rock High School, Alisa Steffen brought her talents to Waldorf College in the fall of 1998.

Alisa made an immediate impact on the softball diamond for Waldorf. The speedy center fielder batted in the leadoff spot for the Warriors and terrorized opponents on the base paths.

She led the 1999 team to a 42-10 record and a third-place finish at the Region XI Tournament. Alisa set single-season school records that year with 93 hits and a batting average of .543. She earned First Team All-Region honors, First Team NFCA All-American honors, and became the third softball player in Waldorf's history to be named First Team NJCAA All-American.

The following year, however, was one for the ages. Alisa was the leader of a team that put Waldorf College softball on the national map. The 2000 Warrior team worked its way up the national poll as the season progressed and after a Region XI Championship, took a 52-9 record and #5 national ranking into the National Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Warriors won three games and reached the winner's bracket finals before bowing to eventual national champion, Phoenix College. The third-place finish is the highest team placing at a national tournament in Waldorf College history. Honors poured in for Alisa following the 2000 season:

All-Tournament Team at the NJCAA National Championship
First Team All-Region XI
First Team NJCAA All-American
First Team NFCA All-American
NFCA Academic All-American

Alisa became Waldorf's only two-time, First Team NJCAA All-American in any sport.

Alisa established five single-season and career records in 2000 that all still stand today:

Single-Season Batting Average: .555
Career Batting Average: .550
Single-Season Hits: 101
Career Hits: 194
Career Stolen Bases: 84

Alisa continued her studies at Wartburg College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Business Management in 2002.

Alisa currently lives in Hillsboro, Oregon, with her husband, Shane, and their three children: Jaylen (9), Deron (5), and Zachery (4). She has served as the manager for a Portland Best Buy store for the last 14 years.

A record-setting softball athlete, a decorated student, a highly-successful business woman, a leader on the 2000 National Tournament team, the only two-time First Team NJCAA All-American in Waldorf College history---Hall of Famer 2013---Alisa Steffen Turner.

Corey Rude

Corey Rude enjoyed a distinguished prep career at BOLD High School in Minnesota. The Bird Island native garnered All-Area and All-State recognition in football before continuing his education and athletic endeavors at Waldorf College.

Corey had an immediate impact on the Warrior football program in 1997. In his first year, he was an All-Region Defense selection. The same year he earned NJCAA All-American 2nd Team honors. He was also a two-time recipient of the Forest City Lions Club Male Sportsmanship Award.

His dynamic skills on defense were illustrated in Waldorf's matchup with NIACC. Corey intercepted three passes, two he returned for touchdowns.

One of Corey's favorite memories as a Warrior was the 1997 season. After falling to William Rainey Harper College in the season opener, the teams met again at the Pepsi Cola Bowl at the UNI-Dome, but the Warriors emerged with the bowl game victory.

Aside from his accomplishments on the football field, Corey excelled in his academics. He was named an Academic All-Region and All-American in 1997. He went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Waldorf in 1998. Corey completed his undergraduate degree at St. Cloud State University. He graduated Cum Laude in mathematics education in 2000. In December 2010, he earned his Master of Arts in Education from St. Mary's University.

For the past twelve years, Corey has been a high school math teacher with the Hutchinson Public School system. He still finds time for athletics, now as a coach for the football and basketball teams.

Corey and his wife, Jill reside in Hutchinson, Minnesota. They have one daughter, Malea.

All-Region Performer-All-American--Scholar Athlete--Waldorf Warrior and Hall of Famer for 2013-Corey Rude.

2012 Inductees

Jim Dotseth

A native of Clarkfield, Minnesota, Jim Dotseth lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track at Clarkfield High School before enrolling at Waldorf College.

Jim was a member of the distinguished 1962 football team that went undefeated and was ranked sixth in the nation. That same year, he was named an All-Conference defensive back. In one of his most memorable moments, Jim returned a 50-yard interception at the end of the game against rival Estherville to preserve the Waldorf victory.

Jim was also an integral member of the Warrior basketball team. In 1963, he was an All-State selection and was the recipient of Forest City Chamber of Commerce Sportsmanship Award.

After his time at Waldorf, Jim entered the University of Minnesota where he would complete his Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1968. He would further his education at Minnesota earning his Masters of Education in 1972 and his administration degree in 1998 from St. Mary's University.

Jim spent the first thirty years of his professional career as an educator and coach in the Minneapolis Public School system. He coached in a variety of levels in different capacities, but drew many accolades in wrestling and football. His teams shared a number of successes, including ten conference wrestling titles during the 1980s at Minneapolis Roosevelt High School. He completed his tenure at Roosevelt with a coaching record of 185-96-8.

Jim was a seven-time recipient of the Minneapolis Wrestling Coach of the Year award and two-time Minneapolis Football Coach of the Year. In 1985 Jim was named the Metro All-Star Football Coach. He was named the Nike Football Clinic Man of the Year and the Minnesota Football Coaches Association Distinguished Service Award winner in 1998. The Minnesota State High School Coaches Association honored Jim with the George Haun Service Award in 2010.

Jim has been inducted into the Minnesota Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Dave Bartelma Wrestling Hall of Fame. In 2000 Jim was inducted into the Waldorf College Hall of Fame, as he and his teammates from the 1962-63 basketball team earned their place in college history. He will be honored once again, as the college recognizes the 1962 football team during this year's homecoming activities.

Jim and his wife, Wanda have two daughters, Jennica and Deena and four grandchildren. Jim still involves himself with athletics, as he serves as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Minnesota Football Coaches Association.

All-Conference and All-State Selection-Distinguished Coach-Waldorf Warrior and Hall of Famer for 2012-Jim Dotseth.

Carrie (Norman) Lowry

Carrie (Norman) Lowry grew up in the quaint town of Sully, Iowa and attended Lynnville-Sully High School where she excelled on the basketball court. Carrie was a member of the powerhouse Lynnville-Sully squad that only lost twice during her high school career. She was a four-time All-Conference selection in addition to being named to the All-State and All-Tournament Team twice.

Carrie went on to have many successes as a member of the Waldorf basketball team. She was named to the All-Region team as a freshman on the heels of a breakout season. Carrie led the region in three-point percentage with 51.9%, steals with 134 and assists with 161.

Most notably she led in scoring average with 19.6 points per game. She also played an integral role in the Warriors' upset of #1-ranked Kirkwood Community College, collecting 20 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and three steals. In her biggest output of the season, she went 5 of 8 from three-point range against Iowa Lakes Community College. She finished the game with 35 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists.

Nationally, Carrie was the ninth-leading scorer, first in three-point percentage, ninth in assists, and tenth in free-throw percentage. Her outstanding play on the season earned her Honorable Mention All-American accolades.

Carrie's sophomore campaign would be full of achievements as well. Her intangible athletic ability helped lead the Warriors to a 31-5 record, a Regional Championship, and third place finish at Nationals, while landing herself a spot on the All-Tournament team.

Carrie helped the basketball team to a 59-8 record in her two years. Additionally, she landed herself in the record-books in numerous categories, even when compared to four-year players. She is 8th on the career points list with 1,165; 10th in career field goals made with 427; 10th in career three-pointers made (99); and 2nd in career steals (240).

Carrie went on to attend Grand View University where she again gained many accolades including: 1st Team All-Conference, NAIA Scholar Athlete, All-American, and Conference Player of the Year honors.

Carrie has been married to her husband Brian for eleven years and they have three children: Hendrick, Breah and Ella. For nine years, she has worked at Montezuma Community Schools. Carrie spent seven years as a second grade teacher and a third grade teacher for the past two years.

All-Region Performer-All-American-NAIA Scholar Athlete-Waldorf Warrior and Hall of Famer for 2012-Carrie Lowry.

Jeff "Curly" Pierce

Jeff "Curly" Pierce excelled as a multi-sport athlete in his hometown of Bricelyn, Minnesota. As a prep-athlete, Jeff was an All-Conference performer in basketball, baseball and football. Following his graduation in 1983 he enrolled at Waldorf College.

Jeff exemplified a strong student-athlete at Waldorf. He excelled academically, while being an integral member of the basketball and baseball teams. In his two years the basketball team qualified for the state tournament both years. During his sophomore season, the Warriors beat Ellsworth, the conference champions and Rochester, who was ranked second in the state of Minnesota. Jeff went on to receive All-Region honors that same year.

During his freshman season on the baseball team, the Warriors captured their seventh consecutive conference title on their way to collecting the Northwest Sub-Regional Title. They advanced to the Region XI Tournament in Cedar Rapids, where they would place second.

Jeff would be a part of the Warriors' eighth consecutive conference title in his sophomore season. The team finished runners-up in the Sub-Regional Tournament. Later that year Jeff was named the Lions Club Male Athlete of the Year. In his two-year career at Waldorf, Jeff would help the Warriors to a 56-29 record.

Jeff completed his undergraduate degree in Education and Business at Baker University in 1988. Following graduation he pursued coaching opportunities in baseball and basketball on the college-level. He also became a successful baseball umpire at the high school, collegiate, and minor league ranks.

Jeff has continued to assist the college through his diligent work as the Chairman of the Gabby Pierce Memorial Golf Tournament. The annual golf tournament is held in Alden, Minnesota as a tribute to his late father, a Charter Hall of Famer in his own right. The proceeds generated from the tournament directly benefit Waldorf's scholarship fund. For the past four years Jeff has continued to serve the Waldorf community as a member of the Alumni Board. He has also accepted to serve for another term.

Outside his work with the College, he has been the Owner and President of Jeff Pierce, LLC, a financial services company, since 1996. Jeff is an active member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Hubert's Catholic Church. He is also involved with the Chaska Downtown Business Alliance and the Chaska Men's Club.

Jeff and his wife Tanya have three children: Jackson, Bennet and Prescott.

All-Region Selection-Lions Male Athlete of the Year-Waldorf Benefactor-Waldorf Warrior and Hall of Famer for 2012-Jeff "Curly" Pierce.

Jamie Rustad

Jamie Rustad began her distinguished athletic career at St. Ansgar High School. She was a 1st Team All-Conference selection on eight occasions while competing in volleyball, basketball and softball. When Jamie graduated in 1995, she had been a member of nine conference championship teams and held several basketball and volleyball records.

Jamie competed successfully in volleyball and basketball at Waldorf College. She was a two-time 1st Team All-Regional selection in volleyball. Jamie also gained 1st Team All-Tournament honors and was named the team MVP.

Her athletic ability transitioned to the hardwood during the winter months. Jamie was described as an explosive and strong player, which served her well in her position as a power forward. In her two years at Waldorf, Jamie helped the Warriors combine for a 44-16 record.

In her freshman season she led the Region in field goal percentage in a season with 63.5%. She was named a 1st Team All-Regional selection, team MVP and Honorable Mention All-American. Waldorf also selected her as their Female Honor Athlete in 1996.

Jamie's outstanding two-year stint landed her among the leaders in many basketball statistical categories including: career free-throws made (15th all-time), steals (12th all-time), and rebounds. She is 13th in defensive rebounding and 10th in offensive rebounding. Jamie tallied 673 points and averaged 11.2 points per game as a Warrior.

Jamie went on to complete her undergraduate studies at Simpson College. While there, she was a member of the Storm basketball and track squads. As a member of the track team, Jamie was a member of the 4x400 National-qualifying relay team.

The Storm basketball team earned two Iowa Conference titles and had a combined record of 45-6, while Jamie was a team-member. She earned 1st Team All-Conference and All-Regional accolades both years. She still holds the women's school record in field goal percentage in a season with 62.8%. In her senior season, she was named the team MVP. Later that year she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Administration.

Talented multi-sport student-athlete- All-Conference and All-Region honoree-All-American-Record Holder-Waldorf Warrior and Hall of Famer for 2012-Jamie Rustad.

2011 Inductees

Patricia Bendickson
Patricia Bendickson graduated from Northwood Kensett High School in 1969 and shortly after began working at Northwestern Bell where she remained for nine years. In 1977 she began working as the switchboard operator at Waldorf College. She soon became the Administrative Assistant for the Waldorf Athletics Department where she worked for 25 years before her death from ALS in 2003.

In 1993 she received the Holman Community Service Award which is based on distinguished service to Waldorf College, the Community of Forest City and Church.

Patty was known for her upbeat and happy personality at work. Coworkers say she could always brighten anyone's day with a smile. She enjoyed attending Forest City High School and Waldorf College athletic events including Men's Basketball games at Waldorf, as her husband was the assistant coach, and Football and Basketball games to watch her daughter, Tori, cheer at the games.

A devoted community member and sports fan - a devoted mother and wife - Hall of Famer for 2011 - Patty Bendickson

Aaron D. Granquist
Throughout his high school career, Aaron D. Granquist earned All-State Honors as a three sport athlete competing in Football, Basketball and Track at Osage High School.

In the 1992 and 1993 seasons, Aaron was named as an All-Region football player and earned NJCAA Second Team All-American Offense Honors in 1993 as well as being named an NJCAA Academic All-American at Waldorf. During that season, he set school season records in Carries, Yards Rushing and Touchdowns and set the single game rushing record.

In 1994, Aaron continued his education at the University of Iowa where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics. During his time at the University of Iowa, Aaron was a Varsity Letter Winner and an All-Big Ten Academic player from 1994-1996.

Aaron earned his degree in Civil Engineering and his Master's Degree in Business from the University of Iowa.

NJCAA All-American - Season and Game Record Holder - Big Ten Academic Team Member - Hall of Famer for 2011 - Aaron D. Granquist.

Harvey G. Johnson
Harvey G. Johnson served as head of the Biology Department and taught science courses for 18 years at Waldorf College. While teaching at Waldorf, Harvey also coached basketball, track and golf.

In the 17 years of coaching Men's Golf, Harvey led the Warriors to four National Golf Tournaments in the NJCAA.

After his graduation from Concordia College, Harvey taught and coached at the high school level for 10 years. During those 10 years, Harvey coached Pemberton to the State Tournament in 1957. Only eight teams qualified and Harvey's was the smallest school to play in a Minnesota State Basketball Tournament while only one class existed.

Coach and Teacher - service oriented community member - National Qualifying coach - Hall of Famer for 2011 - Harvey G. Johnson.

Stephanie Anderson Schmit
Throughout her high school career, Stephanie Schmit earned a number of honors in basketball at Ventura High School in Ventura, Iowa. Stephanie was a starting forward on the 1987 6-6 State Championship team at Ventura and was a First Team All-Conference player and was named to the All-Tournament Team at State in 1989.

After high school, Stephanie attended Waldorf College where she continued her volleyball and basketball careers. In the 1989 season, Stephanie was a Second Team All-Region Player for basketball and Second Team All-Region player in volleyball in that same season. In the 1990 season, Stephanie was named to the Region XI First Team for basketball; she was a co-captain for the Warriors and earned Region XI Runner-Up Player of the Year Honors.

Stephanie was a clutch performer that won three games in the last seconds over her two years in basketball - her sophomore season she averaged 20 points a game.

Today Stephanie lives in Belmond with her husband, Mark and their daughter, Gina.

Two Sport Athlete - Two-Time Region XI Player - Scholar Athlete - Hall of Famer for 2011 - Stephanie Anderson Schmit.

2010 Inductees

Jody Betten Dosser
A native of New Hampton, Iowa, Jody Dosser graduated from Mankato State University in 1973. After graduation, Jody became a high school physical education teacher and coach at Osage High School in Osage, Iowa, where she remained for 27 years until 2001 when she came to Waldorf College.

As a high school coach, Jody compiled 17 North Iowa Conference Titles and had 10 teams advance to the Iowa State Volleyball Tournament. She was eventually named the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union's most winningest high school volleyball coach in Iowa.

In her seven year career at Waldorf, the Warriors had a second place 2005 conference finish, were semi-finalists in 2006, and won the Midwest Collegiate Conference Tournament in 2007.

In 2007, Jody's family had a tragic loss as their 24 year old son, Jermiah, was killed in an accident just nine days before his 25th birthday. Because Jermiah had openly expressed his desire to be a donor, Jody and her husband, Rick, contacted the Iowa Lions Eye Bank to share their son's caring life story and learn about their son's corneal recipients.

Six months following Jermiah's death, Jody and the volleyball team organized "Donor Awareness Week" on Waldorf's campus. During that week, the volleyball team had two home matches where they helped promote successful state donor registration and they shared "Jermiah's Story".

Although Jody retired in 2008, she and her husband remain actively involved with the Iowa Lions Eye Bank and the Iowa Donor Network and continue to tell "Jermiah's Story".

Recently, Jody and Rick were nominated by the Iowa Donor Network and have been selected by the American Association of Tissue Banks to receive the honor of having Jermiah's photo on the Donate Life "Seize the Day" Rose Bowl Parade float. Jody was selected to be the float rider during the Parade in Pasadena, California.

Most winningest Iowa High School Volleyball Coach - Waldorf Conference Championship Coach - Inspirational Coach and Community Member - Hall of Famer for 2010 - Jody Dosser.

Janelle (Barz) McCloskey

Throughout her high school career, Janelle Barz McCloskey earned various honors in basketball and softball at Ackley-Geneva High School in Ackley, Iowa. Janelle was named First Team All-Conference in both basketball and softball, and was named First Team All-State in basketball her senior season. That year her team finished fourth in the Iowa girl’s state tournament and she was selected to the All-Tournament team.

After high school, Janelle attended Waldorf College where she played softball and continued her standout basketball career. Janelle was an intelligent, quick and aggressive performer. In the 1979 season, Janelle was a member of the Waldorf College women’s basketball team that finished fourth in the NJCAA tournament. In her sophomore season, Janelle led the team in offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, total rebounds and steals. Waldorf made it to the NJCAA tournament and Janelle was selected Regional XI 2^nd team and Waldorf’s most valuable player honors and was named the “prestigious” Female Honor Athlete at Waldorf. The Waldorf basketball team compiled an impressive 50-12 record in Janelle’s two years.

After Waldorf, Janelle attended Creighton University on a basketball scholarship where she played for two seasons and graduated Magna Cum Laude. She then attended the University of Arizona where she earned her Master’s Degree in Exercise and Sports Sciences.

Today Janelle is an exercise physiologist at Scottsdale Healthcare in Scottsdale, Arizona.

A two sport high school standout – Female Honor Athlete – Hall of Famer for 2010 – Janelle Barz McCloskey.

James Erb

James Erb came to Waldorf College from Wellman, Iowa, where he graduated from Mid-Prairie High School as a four sport letter winner. During high school, James was named the team MVP for football and earned Second Team All State Football Honors.

While at Waldorf, James was an outstanding football player. He was named a team captain and earned Third Team All-America honors.

After his time with Waldorf, James went to the University of Iowa where he was a member of the 1981 Big Ten Championship team that made it to the Rose Bowl. He was also a member of the 1982 Peach Bowl Championship team. He was named Second Team All Big Ten and eventually signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 1983.

James’ most memorable game was while he was at Iowa.

“It was my first game for Iowa after a red-shirt year under Head Coach Hayden Fry who was in his third season at Iowa,” said James. “We beat Nebraska in the first game of the 1981 season, and that year we broke through a 19 season losing record streak and restored a ‘winning’ tradition.”

James is now a farmer and carpenter in Wellman, Iowa. His family owned farm received Heritage Farm status at the 2008 Iowa State Fair as it was homesteaded 156 years ago.

A four-sport high school letter winner – an All-American – a member of a bowl championship team – Hall of Famer for 2010 – James Erb.

2009 Inductees

Stan Oppedal

A high school graduate of Randall Consolidated School, Stan Oppedal was a member of the 1957-58 and 1958-59 Waldorf College baseball teams.

After his two years at Waldorf, Stan attended Luther College to study history. In January of 1964 he graduated from Luther and began his teaching career.

Stan taught at three different schools starting at United Community where he coached boys basketball and baseball. He then moved on to South Hamilton where he coached high school softball. Audubon was his last stop before leaving teaching to go into business, but even after he left teaching, he continued to coach.

Stan was the head softball coach at Boone High School for nine years. During his time at Boone, he was named the 3A Coach of the Year for two consecutive years (2000 and 2001), and also coached his team to four consecutive conference championships, two state tournament appearances, and has two former softball pitchers who are Hall of Fame inductees.

Stan’s most satisfying experiences in coaching have been seeing young pitchers realize success through all the hard work and dedication.

Now retired, Stan is still coaching as he is currently the head softball coach at Roland-Story High School.

Stan and his wife, Barb, have a son, Brad – 41, who is a teacher in Bellingham, Wash., and a daughter, Andrea, who passed away at the age of 36 in January of 2007.

Dedicated and Successful coach and pitching instructor – Hall of Famer for 2009 – Stan Oppedal

Patrick Bone

As a four sport athlete from Crystal City High School in Crystal City, Mo., Patrick Bone earned various awards throughout his high school career. He was named to the All Jefferson County Conference First Team for Defense in football, Second Team All-State, First Team All-Region, City of St. Louis All-District team in basketball, Second team JCAA Pitcher and Outfielder, First Team All-District Pitcher in baseball, and was a state qualifier for track in three events.

Class Vice-President and Male Honor Athlete, Patrick received an athletic scholarship to attend Waldorf College.

During his time at Waldorf, Patrick continued his athletic success as he won numerous awards and broke school records. In his freshman year, Patrick tied the single season assist record in basketball, with 93, and broke Waldorf baseball’s single season at-bat record with 110, and Waldorf’s single game record with seven at bats.

In his sophomore year, Patrick, captain of both the basketball and baseball teams, broke the record for career assists in basketball with 163. He finished the season as the ninth all-time scorer and played in the Iowa All-Star game. He scored 23 points in the All-Star game and was named Co-MVP. He was also selected as the Waldorf Male Honor Athlete.

Patrick, who was nicknamed the “Crystal Pistol” by Darryl Posegate, baseball teammate and PA announcer for the basketball games, said his favorite Waldorf memory was scoring a career high 40 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists against Golden Valley Junior College with Flip Saunders, current NBA coach, shouting, “Is there anyone in the building that can stop Bone?”

After turning down a Major League Baseball free-agent-contract with the Minnesota Twins, Patrick accepted an athletic scholarship to play baseball at Florida International University in Miami, Fla.

In 1980, Patrick played in the NCAA Division II World Series in Riverside, Calif., and in 1981, he set the NCAA Division II National single game hit record, 7-7, which he held for eight years, and is still a current FIU school record. He also holds the current single game runs scored record with six at FIU.

Later that year, Patrick was a MLB eighteenth round draft pick by the New York Yankees. He was awarded Player of the Week in his first week of professional baseball.

In 1992, Patrick was offered and accepted the manager position with Festus, the Missouri Post 253 American Legion Summer baseball program. He is still currently the manager and has led the team to 14 district titles, 5 Missouri Eastern Zone titles, three state titles, and one World Series appearance in 2009, finishing fifth in the nation out of 5700 teams. He currently holds the programs all time won/loss record, 571-178.

Patrick has also won numerous character awards such as the American Legion Distinguished Service Award in 1996 and 2002, the Hidden Hero Award for Community Service in 1997, and YMCA Volunteer of the year in 2003.

Patrick and his wife, Patricia, have two sons.

Four sport high school athlete – successful college athlete – MLB Player of the Week – Successful baseball manager - Distinguished member of the community – Hall of Famer for 2009 – Patrick Bone.

Bonnie (Rayhons) Cataldo

Bonnie (Rayhons) Cataldo came to Waldorf College from Garner High School in Garner, Iowa, where she was a stand out athlete on the basketball court. In her junior year, Bonnie broke the North Iowa Conference single game scoring record with 69 points. In her senior season, she was the second leading scorer in the state, averaging 48 points a game, and led the state in field goal percentage with 72 percent. She was selected First Team All State and helped her team reach the state tournament.

Bonnie also participated in volleyball, where she received Honorable Mention All State honors, and track and field, with a fourth place finish in the 4x100 relay.

Once at Waldorf, Bonnie focused on basketball. Her freshman year, she shot an impressive 65.9 percent from the floor to help her team finish second in the NJCAA in field goal percentage with 52.6 percent. Bonnie shot 77 percent from the free throw line to help her team lead the nation with 73.5 percent.

Bonnie helped lead Waldorf to a 23-6 record and the Iowa Junior College regular season title. One of her highlights that year was a come from behind victory over rival, NIACC, after trailing by 14 points at half.

Bonnie’s sophomore year, she was selected captain by her teammates as she averaged 19.5 points and eight rebounds a game. She was a First Team All-Region XI performer, Second Team All-American NJCAA, one of only two athletes ever at Waldorf to receive the Kodak All-American Award, and an Academic All-American.

Bonnie finished her two year career at Waldorf as the third all-time scorer with 1055 points. She was noted by the letter winners as the female honor athlete in 1992.

From 1992-1994, Bonnie continued her college career at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education.

In 1995, she went to work for Garner Elementary School as a Kindergarten teacher. During her time, she was also the assistant varsity girls track coach.

In 2000, Bonnie resigned from Garner Elementary to become a stay-at-home mom. She became very active at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, teaching three years of Christian Education and two years of Sunday school.

Bonnie, and her husband, Brian, have three sons.

A three sport high school standout – one of the most outstanding players in Waldorf Women’s Basketball History – active church member – Hall of Famer for 2009 - Bonnie (Rayhons) Cataldo.

2008 Inductees

Keith Clark

Kimberly Grimm

Bill Haglund

Dave Schrage

Kent Stock

2007 Inductee

A. David Bolstorff

David Bolstorff grew up near Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and participated in football, basketball, track, and choir while attending Grand Rapids High School.

After graduating in 1951, he attended the University of Minnesota, and was a member of the Gopher football team. Freshmen didn’t play on the varsity in those days, but by the end of spring practices, Dave was the second-team defensive end.

The University of Minnesota was not for him, however, and Bolstorff transferred to St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. He played offensive guard and linebacker for the Oles, earning All-Conference honors for three seasons.

Upon graduation in 1956, Dave had some discussions with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League, but decided instead to pursue the ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. He did his internship at Calvary Lutheran Church in Pacoima, California, a city that just happened to be near an entry in the Pacific Coast Professional Football League. Dave jumped at the opportunity to continue his playing days, and he became a linebacker for the Orange County Rhinos in Anaheim. The games were televised, and the quality of play in the league was impressive. It happened to be the year before the old AFL was formed, and many players went on to play in the AFL the following year. Players earned $65 a game.

After his internship, Dave served as assistant pastor at First English Lutheran Church in Faribault, Minnesota, from 1960-62, before taking a job as assistant football coach and wrestling coach at Augustana College in Sioux Falls for three seasons.

In the fall of 1965, Bolstorff came to Waldorf to serve as chaplain, and counselor, and to also help with the football team. In his third year as a Warrior assistant, head football coach and Hall-of-Famer, Bob Bungum passed away. Dave took the reins of the Waldorf football team at that time. Success soon followed.

Competing in the National Junior College Athletic Association, the 1968 squad posted a 5-3 record, followed by an undefeated season in 1969. The Warriors followed that with eleven consecutive winning seasons, including another undefeated season in 1975.

The late 80’s and mid-90’s belonged to the Warriors as well. Waldorf earned its first bowl appearance in 1989 and won the RC Cola Bowl in 1993 and 1994, and the Pepsi Cola Bowl in 1997.

Bolstorff guided the Warrior program for 40 seasons, compiling a record of 189-184-2. He coached 38 All-Americans, 21 Academic All-Americans, and numerous All-Region players. Twelve of his former athletes signed with NFL teams. In 1997, Bolstorff was honored by his peers with an induction into the National Junior College Athletic Association Football Coaches Hall-of-Fame and is currently eighth on the NJCAA all-time wins list.

Through the course of 42 years at Waldorf College, Dave really did it all. He served as College Chaplain, Associate Professor of Religion, Student Counselor, Head Football Coach, and even coached the men’s basketball team for two seasons. He also managed to find enough time to publish a book of meditations entitled, Reflections From the Sideline in 1994.

In tribute to what Dave meant to Waldorf and the Warrior football program, the football field was named in his honor in 1995.

Coach Bolstorff led Waldorf’s transition into the NAIA in the fall of 2003, and handed the reins over to his successor following the 2006 season.

Regardless how impressive Dave’s coaching resume is with victories, Bowl appearances, All-Americans, former players in the NFL, Hall-of-Fame inductions, etc., David Bolstorff will long be remembered at Waldorf for the thousands of students’ lives he has impacted through his teaching, coaching, counseling, and ministering. He has also meant just as much to the staff and faculty he worked alongside—always being a valued colleague, mentor, and friend.

Thank you, Dave, for your contributions to Waldorf College.

2006 Inductees

Duane Hovick

Oscar Lenning

Ken Wall

2005 Inductees

Barb Bennett

Becky Rannals-Edmundson

Bruce Iverson

Chuck Skogerboe

2004 Inductees

Dawn Schulz-Schaefer

David Teig

Paul McWilliams

1979 Softball Team

2003 Inductees

Dr. Richard Baur

Ron Johnstad

Thomas R. Oswald

Dave Petzke

Jana Ramsay Miller

2002 Inductees

1952 Baseball Team

Carie Dann

Jolleen (Beadle) Hunecke

Norman Madson

2001 Inductees

Elton Erdahl

Jim Walker

Orin Harris

Randy Rick

Mary Huinker-McEnaney

2000 Inductees

Missy Boyd

Mavis Ackerman-Sawhill

Steve Dummett

Jim Howson

Ken Gulbrandson

1962-63 Men's Basketball Team

1999 Inductees

Ann Miller

Henry Waechter

Roger Herrlinger

Susie Kundrat

Todd Oakes

Wayne Johns

1998 Inductees

Lori (Van Hove) Appleby

John K. Hanson

Leonard "Lefty" Olson

Marty Pump

Thomas Urevig

1997 Inductees

Helen Asp

Robert Bungum

Cathy Kammin-Braathun

Rolf Lund

Obed Michaelson

Harold "Gabby" Pierce