The UW-Parkside Hall of Fame inductions will take place at the Best Western Harborside in downtown Kenosha Saturday evening October 9, 2010. For more information, call (262) 595-2045. The following are the current members:
Charter Members of the UW-Parkside Athletic Hall of Fame
Jim Heiring, Men’s Track (1973-1977)
Jim Heiring was the first UW-Parkside National Champion racewalker. From 1973 to 1977 Jim won three NAIA National Titles, winning All-American status eight times. While he was a student at UW-Parkside, Jim placed fourth at the 1976 Olympic Trials and won the United States Track and Field Federation (USTFF) Indoor and Outdoor National Championship in 1977. During the 1980, 1984 and 1988 Olympics, Heiring was a member of the United States Olympic Team. He captured over 20 National titles and has represented the United States in over 25 International competitions. Heiring also set two World Best Times and seven American records during a career that spanned nearly 20 years.
Abdul Jeelani, Men’s Basketball (1972-1976)
Abdul Jeelani, formerly known as Gary Cole, has a successful career in the NBA after his playing days at UW-Parkside. Jeelani is UW-Parkside’s career leader in points scored (2262), rebounds (1237) and he left in the top four of seven other single game, single season and career statistical categories. Jeelani was a member of two NAIA National Tournament teams in 1974 and 1975. He was named an NAIA All-American in 1975 and 1976.
Ken Martin, Wrestling (1970-1974)
Ken Martin was a four-time NAIA All-American for the Rangers in wrestling. One of the highlights of Martin’s career was capturing a NAIA National Championship at 134 pounds in 1973. As well as being in the UW-Parkside Athletic Hall of Fame, Ken is a member of the NAIA District 14 Hall of Fame, the Wisconsin Wrestling Hall of Fame and the NAIA National Hall of Fame. Ken was the first UW-Parkside athlete to earn All-American honors and to win a National Collegiate Championship.
Kim Merritt, Women’s Cross Country and Track (1973-1977)
As a freshman, Kim Merritt won the 1973 Wisconsin AAU T&F Cross Country Championship and placed fifth in the USA T&F Cross Country Championship. Her finest moment was winning the 1976 Boston Marathon in 2:47.19. She was selected as an AIAW All-American in cross-country and track and was a two-time Academic All-American. This honor was significant since colleges competed in one division at the time.
Lucian Rosa, Men’s Cross Country and Track (1971-1975)
Lucian Rosa was a 1972 and 1976 Olympian. In 1974, he was fourth in the Boston Marathon and ranked 11th in the world. In the 1976 Olympics, he was the only runner defending gold medalist Frank Shorter feared. Standing at the starting line, Lucian was not allowed to run because his country withdrew for political reasons. While running for the Rangers, he was an eight-time All-American and six-time national champion. He won the USTFF Marathon three times, the NAIA Marathon twice and the NAIA six-mile once. Lucian coached the Rangers in men’s cross-country and track from 1977-2007.
Bill West, Wrestling (1972-1975)
In 1974 and 1975, Bill West won two NAIA National Championships at 134 pounds. He was undefeated both seasons and finished his career with a 58-match winning streak. He is also a member of the NAIA District 14 Hall of Fame, the Wisconsin Wrestling Hall of Fame and the NAIA National Hall of Fame.
1995 Members of the UW-Parkside Athletic Hall of Fame
Sarah Hiett, Women’s Cross Country and Track (1983-1987)
Sarah Hiett was the premier middle distance star of the UW-Parkside cross country and track program. When it came to the NAIA National Championship event, Sarah could always be counted on being in the thick of a great race to the finish. A member of the 1986 NAIA National Championship Cross Country team, Sarah competed in 13 NAIA National Championships. An All-American 10 times, Sarah held every UW-Parkside track team middle distance school record at some point during her storied career.
Diana Kolovos, Volleyball, Basketball and Softball (1974-1979)
Diana Kolovos epitomized the student-athlete. A 12-time varsity award winner in three sports, Diana served as captain for several years and for each team during her career. She was the UW-Parkside Female Athlete of the Year in 1979 and WWIAC All-Conference in 1977 and 1978. If All-American awards had been given in her sports at the time, Diana would definitely have won both academic and athletic recognition. She was the cornerstone around whom UW-Parkside began its women’s athletic program.
Laurie Pope, Volleyball and Women’s Basketball (1978-1984)
Laurie Pope was a mainstay for both the women’s volleyball and basketball teams during her career earning eight varsity letters. On the volleyball court, opponents feared her exceptionally strong outside attack. She was a member of the 1980 squad, which toured Sweden and won the Sibylla Tournament in Avesta, Sweden. In 1982, she was selected to the NAIA All-District Team. On the basketball court, Laurie played both center and strong forward. She was the first women’s basketball player to score over 1000 points (1315) and over 1000 rebounds (1006).
Alfred S. DeSimone, Honorary Member
Al DeSimone has been a major fundraiser and supporter of the UW-Parkside athletic program since the school opened in 1968. A graduate of UW-Madison, Al has also been named an honorary UW-Parkside Alumnus. He was one of the main figures in the creation of the Rangers’ athletic scholarship club, Parkside 200, Ltd., and served on its executive board for numerous years. DeSimone has also been National President of the UW-Madison’s Alumni Association and Director of the UW Foundation. Al also served as a member of the UW System Board of Regents. The school’s gymnasium was named in Al’s and wife Bernice’s honor.
Bob Gruner, Wrestling (1976-1980)
Bob Gruner was a five-time All-American wrestler for the Rangers. In 1979 he was the NAIA National Champion at 158 pounds. The following year he competed in both the NCAA and NAIA National Championships winning All-American honors in both. In 1987, he was elected to the NAIA National Wrestling Hall of Fame and in 1990 he was named to the NAIA District Hall of Fame.
Jamey Oberbruner, Baseball (1978-1981)
Jamey Oberbruner holds the honor of being one of the very best pitchers ever to graduate from UW-Parkside. An NAIA All-American in 1980, Jamey also was a four-time NAIA District 14 First Team All-State pitcher. Oberbruner pitched in the San Diego Padres minor league system, reaching Double A baseball in 1984.
Jilleen Fobair, Women’s Cross Country and Track (1984-1989)
Jilleen Fobair had a career at UW-Parkside highlighted by nine All-American awards. In her tenure, which spanned 5 years, she competed in 12 NAIA National Championships. She was a member of the 1986 NAIA National Cross Country Championship team and a member of four runner-up relay teams at the NAIA National Track Championships.
Ted Price, Wrestling (1987-1990)
Ted Price was the one of the finest student athletes to ever wrestle for the Rangers. Three times he was named an All-American for his performance on the mat, highlighted by an NCAA National Championship at 167 pounds in 1989. A four-time Academic All-American, Ted was awarded an NCAA Postgraduate scholarship in 1990. He was the first UW-Parkside athlete to win this prestigious award.
Jackie Rittmer, Softball (1983-1986)
From centerfield, Jackie Rittmer led the Rangers to four NAIA National Tournaments. Starting all four years in every game (152), Jackie played errorless ball for three consecutive seasons. Her career batting average was .323 with an on-base percentage of .375. Jackie was selected as an NAIA All-District 14 player and an NAIA All-American each year. No other player in the nation had achieved this level of recognition. In 1987, Jackie was chosen for a United States Pan American Team tryout camp. She played also played four seasons of tennis for the Rangers.
Michelle Marter , Women’s Cross Country and Track (1984-1988)
Michelle Marter competed in 13 NAIA National Championships and was selected as an All-American 15 times. She was a two-time National Champion at the 1988 NAIA Indoor Championships. At the 1987 NAIA National Cross Country Championships, she placed second. In 1986, Michelle led the team to the NAIA Cross Country Championship. She earned a berth on the 1992 USA Olympic team in the 10,000m racewalk. She finished 20th overall and was the highest placing athlete from the western hemisphere. She set the American record for the 10,000m walk at the 1994 Goodwill Games and was a longstanding member of the USA racewalking team.
Bill Sobanski, Men’s Basketball (1972-1975)
Bill Sobanski was one of the mainstays for the Rangers’ powerful basketball teams of the 1970s. His career totals place him among the Ranger elite in scoring, field goals made, rebounds, single season rebounds and rebounds in a game. Bill played on two NAIA National Tournament teams for the Rangers in 1975 and 1976. He was a captain on the UW-Parkside 1975-76 team that finished with a 24-7 record.
James Chomko Jr., Men’s Soccer (1986-1990)
James Chomko led the men’s soccer team for four years from the center midfield position. Varsity captain and MVP, James was a three-time NAIA District selection, a two-time All-Area selection and a 1989 NAIA First Team All-American. He was a 1989 NSCAA selection for the All-Mid East First Team and was selected to the NAIA Senior Bowl where he won the game’s MVP honors. James was drafted in the first round by the Milwaukee Wave indoor professional soccer team.
Wayne Dannehl, Honorary Member
Wayne Dannehl served as UW-Parkside’s Athletic Director and Physical Education Department Chair from 1972-1990. During those years, he led the Rangers into establishing a strong intercollegiate athletic program for both men and women. Always active in the NAIA, Dannehl became a member of the District Executive Committee in 1973 and served as District Chair from 1976-1981. He was instrumental in establishing the District 14 Women’s Division. He is responsible for designing and developing the UW-Parkside National Cross Country Course that opened in 1976. In 2001, the course was named in his honor.
“Jim” Harold Eils, Honorary Member
Jim Eils began employment at UW-Parkside in 1969 when the campus was formed. Originally assigned to the Physical Plant department, he worked in the Physical Education/Athletic support staff department from 1972-1990. He was integral in maintaining the facilities. Staff members relied on him to keep their programs running. Jim was one of the original avid Ranger fans. He continued to donate his time, talents and resources to further the entire athletic program after his retirement.
Richard Ellison, Honorary Member
Dick Ellison, along with other key area businessmen, founded the Parkside 200, Ltd., with its mission to raise funds for athletic scholarships. This mission began in 1968. Ellison continued to serve as an executive board member of Parkside 200, Ltd., and was a major reason for its success. Parkside 200, Ltd., provided the coaching staff with resources to recruit top scholarship athletes.
Andy Kaestner, Men’s Cross Country and Track (1983-1987)
Andy Kaestner is part of the racewalking legacy built at UW-Parkside. A three-time NAIA All-American in the 10,000m racewalk, Andy was a National Champion in 1985 and second in 1986. He qualified for the 1984 Olympic trials and placed 14th in the 20k. In 1985, Andy competed in the World Cup in Great Britain. At the 1987 Olympic Festival following graduation, Kaestner earned a Bronze Medal in the 20k walk.
Richard Lechusz, Men’s Soccer (1971-1974)
Rick Lechusz was a cornerstone around which the men’s soccer program was built. In 51 games for the Rangers, Rick scored 50 goals. A four-time NAIA All-District selection, Rick was invited to the Midwest trials for the United States 1975 Pan American team and the 1976 Olympic team. He was one of the founders of the UW-Parkside Soccer Boosters organization and served as its first president. This organization has been instrumental in providing financial support for the soccer program.
1997 Members of the UW-Parkside Athletic Hall of Fame
Michele Martino, Softball (1981-1985)
Michele Martino, a four-year starting pitcher, led the Rangers to four consecutive NAIA National Tournaments. A three-time All-District pick and two-time All-American, Michele established the first pitching records at UW-Parkside including two no-hitters in 81 starts, a 0.97 ERA and a 0.80 single season ERA. In four seasons she allowed only 19 triples and four home runs, one each season. Michele was a long ball hitter for UW-Parkside, who did not allow the opposition to duplicate her incredible feats.
Mike Muckerheide, Wrestling (1980-1985)
Mike Muckerheide is a five-time wrestling All-American and a two-time academic All-American earning honors in both the NAIA and the NCAA. Four times he was named to the NAIA District 14 wrestling team, posting a career record of 142-48. He set UW-Parkside records in career near falls, 265, and in career reversals, 135. In 1985, Mike won All-American honors at 158 pounds in both NAIA and NCAA.
Kenneth “Red” Oberbruner, Honorary Member
Ken Oberbruner served as a baseball coach at UW-Parkside from 1970-1991. Red’s teams were perennial All-District Tournament contenders. He ended up his career among the top five NCAA Division II coaches in victories. Red was inducted into both the Wisconsin High School Baseball Coaches Association and the NAIA District 14 Hall of Fame. His number (No.1) is retired and is noted on the left field fence at Oberbruner Field, home of the Ranger baseball team.
Joseph Orr, Men’s Soccer (1971-1974)
Joe Orr’s strong soccer skills and team leadership provided UW-Parkside with a solid base upon which to build the men’s soccer program. Twice Joe was selected to the NAIA All-District and All-Midwest squads. These awards were especially significant in the early seventies when all colleges and universities played in the same division.
Tim Renzelmann, Men’s Cross Country (1983-1986)
Tim Renzelmann came to UW-Parkside after a stellar career at UW-Sheboygan Center where he twice earned NJCAA All-American honors in cross-country. As a Ranger, Tim was a member of the 1984 team that placed third at the NAIA National Meet. He won All-American honors that year. In 1985, he won All-American honors in two events at the NAIA Outdoor Nationals. Tim went on to earn All-American honors at both the 1986 Indoor and Outdoor Nationals in the 3-mile run.
Steve Stephens, Honorary Member
Steve Stephens was named head coach of both basketball and golf when the UW-Racine and UW-Kenosha campuses merged in 1969 to become UW-Parkside. He brought the Rangers statewide recognition as the first basketball team to win four consecutive NAIA District titles. He coached the Ranger basketball team from 1969-1982 and was named NAIA National Coach of the Year in 1975. Steve was president of the NAIA Basketball Coaches Association in 1981. He is a member of the Wisconsin Basketball Hall of Fame. In addition, he was golf coach at UW-P from 1969-1990.
Paula Stokman, Women’s Cross Country and Track (1987-1991)
Paula Stokman, a nine-time All-American in track, earned All-American status in both the NAIA and NCAA. A three-time National Champion, Paula won the 1990 NAIA Outdoor National Championship for 5,000 meters. In 1992, she accomplished an incredible double, becoming the NAIA National Champion at the Indoor Track 3-mile event and a week later becoming the NCAA Division II National Champion at the Indoor Track 3,000-meter event. At the NAIA 3-mile event, she set an NAIA meet record. Paula is the first UW-Parkside female runner to win an NCAA Division II National Title.
Dan Winter, Wrestling (1978-1982)
Dan Winter competed in nine National Championships. He earned NAIA All-American honors all four years and won NCAA Division II All-American honors three times. Dan won 15 collegiate wrestling championships including winning the Wisconsin Collegiate Open a record five times. His career record is 124-27. Dan’s seven All-American titles and 33 National Tournament victories set UW-Parkside records.
1999 Members of the UW-Parkside Athletic Hall of Fame
Janet Koenig Montgomery, Volleyball and Softball (1983-1986)
Janet Koenig Montgomery, a four-year varsity volleyball and four-year varsity softball player, earned honors in both sports. In volleyball, the outside hitter was an NAIA All-District 14 selection three consecutive times; 1984, 1985 and 1986. On the softball diamond, Janet pitched and played first base. With a 1.164 career ERA, Janet allowed no home runs during her four seasons for the Rangers. Also a team leader at the plate, her .325 career batting average and .489 slugging percentage helped the Rangers to reach the NAIA national tournament all four seasons. She achieved NAIA All-District status in 1984, 1985 and 1986, earning All-American awards in 1984 and 1986.
Todd Yde, Wrestling (1981-1985)
Todd Yde was a three-time wrestling All-American in his career at UW-Parkside. Twice he earned All-American honors in the NCAA Division II Nationals by placing fourth and fifth. He also earned All-American honors by placing fifth in the NAIA National Championships. Twice Todd helped lead his team to top ten national finishes. During his senior season, Todd was the team captain and the Most Valuable Wrestler. His career record was 91-32. He has spent many seasons as a volunteer assistant coach at UW-Parkside.
Michael Stauch, Men’s Cross Country and Track (1984-1988)
Michael Stauch was crowned NAIA National Champion in the 10K racewalk, 1986 through 1988. He set a national and school record of 41:07 at the Northwestern Relays in 1988 and achieved a NAIA national record (41:56) at Azusa Pacific, also in 1988. Stauch set a UW-Parkside record in the 5K in 20:15 and in the 20K in 1:27:30. Stauch placed fifth in the New York City Marathon in 1987 and was a member of the United States race walking team. He was also a member of the America’s Cup team, which emerged victorious in Montreal, Canada, in 1986.
Bob Lawson, Honorary Member
Bob Lawson made his mark at UW-Parkside as track and cross country coach from 1971-1982. His men’s track teams placed in the top ten in the nation on nine different occasions. He coached the women’s cross country team at UW-Parkside for only two seasons, yet led the squad to the ultimate goal of attaining the NAIA national cross country championship in 1980. During his successful run at UW-Parkside, Lawson coached a total of 10 national champions and 22 All-American athletes. At the same time, both his students and the entire athletic program valued his expertise in strength and conditioning.
Niall Power, Men’s Soccer (1976-1979)
Niall Power was an early catalyst for a soccer program that went on to become a national powerhouse. A native of Ireland, Power brought a high degree of skill to the Rangers. His prowess on the field was recognized by his selection to the first-team NAIA All-District 14 team for four consecutive seasons. Niall was also selected to the Wisconsin Collegiate All-State team in 1979. His selection as the UW-Parkside team captain in both his junior and senior seasons was testimonial to his strong belief in keeping team goals and success first and foremost. Niall has served the University after graduating as a member of the UW-Parkside Alumni Board.
Al-Haj Jameel Ghuari, Men’s Basketball (1971-1974)
Al-Haj Jameel Ghuari, known as Chuck Chamblis during his outstanding basketball career at UW-Parkside, scored 1,334 points from 1971-1974. The first major recruit to be signed from Racine, Jameel was nicknamed “The Original Ranger.” His presence on the court became a cornerstone around which the national caliber teams of the seventies were built. As point guard, Jameel did it all. From aggressive defense to prolific scoring, his hustle and understanding of the game made him the key player who helped the 1972-73 team achieve UW-Parkside’s first 13-win season.
Loran Hein, Honorary Member
Loran Hein initiated the fencing program at UW-Parkside and served as its only head coach from 1968 through 1984. For 17 years UW-Parkside competed successfully against the top fencing schools in the country, with many athletes that had never fenced before arriving on campus. Eight of his athletes also fenced in international competition and three competed in the World Championship. In 1975, Loran coached the USA Team in the Under 20 World Championships. Due to Loran’s leadership, UW-Parkside hosted four NCAA national fencing championships.
Tom Czop, Men’s Soccer (1991-1993)
Tom Czop completed his soccer career at UW-Parkside with several records in hand. He marked the Ranger record book with eleven school records including career milestones of total points (137), goals (54), game-winning goals (15), hat tricks (8), and goals per game (73). Czop was fourth in the nation in goals scored in 1993 (26), and was seventh in the country in total points (57). He was a first team NCAA All-American in 1993 and a second team pick in 1991. Czop was UW-Parkside’s team captain and its Most Valuable Player in 1993.
Joseph Landers, Wrestling (1974-76)
Joseph Landers was a national champion for the UW-Parkside wrestling team, winning his championship at 134 pounds in the 1976 NAIA Nationals. He also earned NAIA All-American honors in 1975 by placing sixth. During Joe’s four years of competition, UW-Parkside placed among the top ten nationally each season. Joe’s career record at UW-Parkside was 76-18-3. Following graduation, Joe represented the United States on a culture exchange team that toured Japan and Korea.
Rade Dimitrijevic, Men’s Basketball (1973-77)
Rade Dimitrijevic was a team captain of the Ranger basketball squad, which captured three NAIA District 14 championships and a subsequent birth in the national tournament in Kansas City. Dimitrijevic’s aggressive strong rebounding and unselfish play keyed the first three “20-plus-win” teams in Ranger history. He was the recipient of the Ranger Team Hustle and Most Improved Player Award during his playing days. He is a Tremper graduate and the first key player to be signed from Kenosha. Rade stared collegiately in his hometown on one of the NAIA’s top basketball powers.
2001 Members of the UW-Parkside Athletic Hall of Fame
Patrick White, Men’s Soccer (1992-1995)
Patrick White notched 10 school records and tied fellow Hall of Famer Tom Czop in four other categories in men’s soccer. He was an All-American in both his junior and senior seasons. As a senior, Pat was No. 2 in the nation in total points (59) and in goals scored (26). He was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year in his senior season and was invited to the 1996 Olympic Trials. Pat went on to play soccer professionally, both indoor and outdoor.
Susan Brugioni, Women’s Basketball (1985-1989)
Susan Brugioni was a four-year starter for the Ranger women’s basketball team. A two-year captain, “Susie” was a leader who played with poise and confidence. She scored 1,049 points in her career and is among the all-time assist leaders with 355 for her career. As a senior, she was chosen the NAIA District 14 Player of the Year and selected as an NAIA All-American.
Tracy Burbach, Softball (1986-1990)
Tracy Burbach was selected as a three-time NAIA All-American in left field. She set four single season records, including top batting average (.409), slugging percentage (.708), most home runs (6) and extra base hits (19). Of note is the Rangers played on unfenced fields at the time. Tracy also set a career home run record (12) and boasted a career batting average of .353. In her junior season, she was selected to the NAIA National Championship All-Tournament Team, leading UW-P to a fourth place finish nationally.
Dennis DuChene II, Wrestling (1989-1991)
Dennis DuChene II was an NCAA All-American wrestler as a freshman and a junior and an NAIA All-American as a senior. He was the NCAA national runner-up in his junior season and was the tournament’s No. 1 seed as a sophomore. Dennis set a record for the most wins ever by a UW-Parkside freshman with 33. He also notched the most wins in for a UW-P wrestler at the time, leaving the program with a 146-49 record.
Rick Elsen, Golf (1982-1986)
Rick Elsen left UW-Parkside with the school’s No. 2 all-time low scoring average for the men’s golf team. He set the pace for the Ranger golf team in his junior and senior seasons, winning six tournaments. In his junior year, he was an NAIA All-District 14 pick, finishing fifth in the District Tournament. He capped his collegiate career by winning the District Tournament, capturing All-District honors and advancing to the NAIA National Tournament.
Mark Hemauer, Wrestling (1986-1991)
Mark Hemauer set a single season record for most wins (52) and takedowns (224) for the Ranger wrestling team. He also set a career record for takedowns (535). He posted 145 career wins in gaining both NAIA and NCAA All-American honors. As a senior, he was ranked second in the nation and had defeated the national champion before becoming ill at the National Tournament. Mark also represented the USA on the NAIA All-Star team which toured Australia.
James Hogan, Men’s Basketball (1969-1971)
James spent his first two seasons at Rock Valley Junior College before enrolling at UW-Parkside. In his first season with the men’s basketball team, he was named the NAIA District 14 Most Valuable Player. In both his junior and senior seasons, he was named to the NAIA All-District team. James is among UW-P’s best in single season scoring average with 23.3 points per game and is among the school leaders in free throws made in a season (106). He tallied 907 points in his two seasons as a Ranger and was on pace to set the school scoring record had he played at Parkside all four years.
Scott Nelson, Honorary Member
Scott Nelson was a four-year member of the UW-Parkside baseball team and served as a student athletic trainer each year. As an alumnus, Scott has been a key player in the success of the intercollegiate athletic program, giving of his time and talents. His expertise has been invaluable from improving the baseball and soccer fields through installation of electronic scoreboards. He has served as President of the Parkside 200, Ltd., for several years. He has been a member of the Athletic Board and a 1997 member of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee.
Carl Oliver, Men’s Track (1991-1994)
Carl Oliver’s UW-Parkside career spanned three seasons with three All-American honors. In the 1993 track season, Carl set a school record for the indoor 200m with a time of 21.70 and the indoor 400m with 49.24. As a senior, he became the NAIA National Indoor Champion in the 600m with a school record of 1:13.00. During the outdoor season, Carl erased his previous 400m record with a 46.84. All this was accomplished without an indoor track facility in which to practice. Carl has represented the Bahamas in both the 1996 and 2000 Olympics on the 4x400 relay team.
Chris Sagar, Men’s Soccer (1993-1994)
After transferring from Yavapai Junior College where he was the NJCAA National Goalkeeper of the Year, Chris Sagar was selected to the All-Midwest team as a junior at UWP. That year he held the nation’s lowest goals against average, 0.29. In his senior season, Chris led the Rangers to the NCAA National Tournament quarterfinals. The team’s overall record in his two years was 30-4-3. Chris set the NCAA record for goals allowed average in a career at 0.32.
2003 Members of the UW-Parkside Athletic Hall of Fame
Dona Driscoll, Cross Country & Track (1979-1984)
Dona Driscoll had the unique ability to excel in all aspects of running, whether cross-country, sprints, or distance. She won seven All-American honors across her career, beginning with a 17th place finish in the 1980 NAIA National Cross Country Championship and a first ever UW-Parkside team National Championship. The following fall, Dona placed 14th in the NAIA National Cross Country Championship for All-American honors with the team earning third place. At the NAIA Indoor Track National Championships, Dona won four All-American honors across her career. She finished fourth in the 600-yard run in 1981 and fifth in 1982. In 1981 she finished fourth in the two-mile relay and in 1983, she was part of the distance medley team that placed fifth. At the NAIA Outdoor Track National Championships, Dona finished her senior season by placing second in the 3000 meters.
Tricia Breu, Women’s Cross Country & Track (1988-1992)
A magna cum laude graduate, Tricia Breu won four Academic All-American honors and six Athletic All-American honors while competing in 12 National Championships. In the 1991 NAIA National Cross Country Championship, Tricia placed 14th earning All-American honors. She followed that with a second place finish in the mile run at the 1992 NAIA Indoor Track National Championship meet. That winter at the NCAA II Indoor Track National Championship meet, Tricia won All-American honors with a third place finish in the 1500 meters. At the 1992 NCAA Outdoor Track National Championship meet, Tricia placed sixth in the 3000 meters, and at the 1992 NAIA Outdoor Track National Championship, Tricia won All-American honors in the 3000 meters. She is the first UW-Parkside athlete to earn five All-American honors in one year at five separate national meets.
Eugene C. Gasiokiewicz, Honorary, Faculty Athletic Representative (1966-1988)
Dr. Gene Gasiorkiewicz joined UW-Parkside as one of the 38 founding faculty in 1966. A professor of Biological Science and Industrial and Environmental Health, Gene also took on the role of Faculty Athletic Representative from 1970-1978. From 1970-1972, he worked with A.D. Dr. Thomas Rosandich to create the outdoor athletic facilities at UW-Parkside. Beginning in 1972, he worked closely with A.D. Dr. Wayne Dannehl to develop policies and procedures that would enhance the academic success of those students who came to participate in the intercollegiate program. His guidance helped to establish an intercollegiate program that consistently posts a higher GPA than the general student body.
Nancy Marter, Women’s Cross Country & Track (1985-1989)
Nancy Marter is competed in four cross country National Championships. In the 1986 race, although finishing out of All-American range, Nancy’s effort to move past 25 runners in the final stages of the race secured the NAIA Cross Country National Championship title for the team. The following year, Nancy finished 11th to earn NAIA cross country All-American honors. In the NAIA Indoor Track National Championships, Nancy was part of the 4x880 relay team that took third in 1988, and second in 1989. In 1989 she also was part of the distance medley team that placed second and she came in second in the mile run. At the NAIA Outdoor Track Championships, Nancy was part of the sprint medley team that took fifth in 1987. In 1989 she took third in the 3K run for eight All-American honors. Nancy also excelled in the classroom, earning Academic All-American honors in 1988 and 1989.
Jens Jørn Hansen, Men’s Soccer (1987-1991)
Jens Jorn came to UW-Parkside from Høleby, Denmark in the fall of 1987. A forward, Jens continually drew double coverage and still managed to lead the team in scoring for three seasons (his junior year, he was injured and missed 13 games.) At graduation, Jens held eight school records including most points in a career with 117, most goals in a season with 20 and most goals in a career with 45. He scored nine game winning goals and was third in career assists with 27. Jens received 12 post-season honors, including selection as an All-American his sophomore and senior seasons and selection as an NSCAA All-Midwest player in three seasons. His senior season was capped by his selection to the prestigious NSCAA Senior Bowl.
Nancy Hoch, Volleyball (1986-1990)
A magna cum laude graduate, Nancy Hoch garnered both Academic and Athletic All-American honors at UW-Parkside. For her athletic performance, Nancy was named to the NAIA All-District 14 team in 1987, 1988 and 1989. She was an NAIA All-American after both the 1988 and 1989 seasons. Selected as captain for the 1988 and 1989 teams, Nancy was always a force on the floor, playing both offense and defense. The NAIA District 14 Player of the Year in 1989, Nancy anchored the team that came within one game of attaining the National Championship Tournament. Over her career, Nancy set team records in digs with 564, match digs with 51, total kills with 540, a kill percentage of .300 and a service ace percentage of 99. Her excellence was recognized by selection to the AVCA Mid-East All Region team in 1989.
Andrew Schmidtmann, Men’s Basketball (1986-1991)
An exceptional athlete, Andy Schmidtmann could be the playmaker at the top of the key or mix it up under the basket. In 1989, he led a team that set the NCAA national single game three-point shot record of 72 points by sinking 14 three-pointers. His effort that night is still the Ranger record for single game scoring with 52 points. Deadly from long-distance, Andy’s contributions on the court still have him high in the Ranger record book. He amassed 1,296 points in his career with a single season of 524 points. He made 114 three-point shots in one season and out of the 572 shots he attempted. He made 243 shots for 42% behind the arc. His top single season free throw percentage was 87.5%. Opposing coaches recognized his consistent excellence by naming him to the NAIA District 14 All-District teams in both 1989 and 1990.
Steve Skarda, Wrestling (1989-1994)
Steve Skarda came to UW-Parkside after a semester at UW-River Falls and four years in the United States Navy. A 23 year old freshman, he began his first wrestling season only to have it cut short by injury. During his next three seasons, Steve made up for lost time with an 85% winning percentage and earning All-American honors all three years. As a sophomore, Steve was 32-7-1 and placed sixth at the NAIA National Meet. In his junior year, he posted a 27- 4 record and again placed sixth at the National meet. His senior year, he compiled a 26-5-1 record and came in second in the National Championship. For his efforts, Steve was selected as the team captain and most valuable wrestler. With a career record of 89-19-2, Steve one of the highest winning percentages in school history.
John Tank, Fencing (1970-1974)
A club fencer in his youth, John Tank graduated from Wauwatosa East H.S .in 1970. In 1970-1971 and 1971-1972, John placed fifth at the Great Lakes Meet and had seasons of 38-25 and 47-24 respectively. In his junior year, John went 53-7 and captured third at the Great Lakes Meet. He was named to the All-Midwest Fencing Team. This same year, he was the first person in Wisconsin to win six consecutive Amateur Fencing League Meets, winning every foil competition. As a senior, John’s record was 53-4 and again he took third at the Great Lakes Meet. He was named to the All-Midwest Fencing team and voted the Outstanding Foilist. In both his junior and senior seasons, John was invited to the prestigious Martini-Rossi International Meet in New York City. After graduation he was a member of the 1976 National Championship Foil Team. At the National Championships, John beat the defending NCAA champion and Olympic finalist to win the 1976 National Foil Team Championship.
John Van Den Brandt, Men’s Track (1975-1979)
A magna cum laude graduate, John Van Den Brandt coupled three years of cross country and four years of race walking into his intercollegiate athletic career at UW-Parkside. An NAIA All-American all four years, John won two National Championships in 1979. He won the 1979 NAIA Indoor Track National Championship race walk and the 1979 NAIA Outdoor Track National Championship race walk. John also set the National Collegiate walk record in both the indoor two-mile walk and the outdoor three-mile walk. His outstanding performances earned him the UW-Parkside Athlete of the Year Award in 1979. After graduation, John took second at the 1980 TAC National Championship 20 kilometer race walk and qualified for the 1980 United States Olympic Trials.
2005 Members of the UW-Parkside Athletic Hall of Fame
James Bezotte, Wrestling (1990-95)
Jim Bezotte’s wrestling career blossomed at UW-Parkside where he earned five All-American honors including two National Championships. As a senior, Jim won back-to-back Heavyweight National Championships, one in the NCAA National Championship Tournament and one in the NAIA National Championship Tournament over a 9-day span. In the NCAA championship match, he defeated an opponent that had defeated him nine times in his career and who was going for his third consecutive NCAA championship. In the NAIA Championship he defeated an opponent who had earned NCAA All-American honors earlier in his career and had beaten Jim earlier in the season. Since Jim’s back-to-back titles, no collegiate wrestler has won two national titles in the same year at UW-P. His earlier National Tournament finishes were 7th, 6th and 4th. Jim is one of only five UW-Parkside wrestlers to earn All-American honors in each of his four years of competition. Following his senior competitive season, Jim participated on the NAIA cultural exchange team, wrestling in Russia.
James Ferraro, Swimming (1976-80)
Over his four-year collegiate career, Jim Ferraro earned All-American honors twice and swam in four National Championship meets. In the 1978 meet, Jim placed 8th in the 50-yard Freestyle with a time of :22.019 for his first All-American award. Then in 1980, Jim placed 9th in the NAIA Championship Meet 50-yard Freestyle race with a time of :22.069 for his second All-American award. Primarily a sprinter, Jim broke 14 school records in both individual and relay events. In dual meets (27 races), he was undefeated in the 50-yard Freestyle as both a junior and a senior. Over his career, he was 48-7 in the 50-yard Freestyle race. He was also undefeated in dual meets in the 100-yard Freestyle as a freshman, junior and senior (36 races). Over his career, he was 52-2 in the 100-yard Freestyle. Jim was selected as MVP four times and captain twice. A 1980 Life Science major, Jim earned his Ph.D. from The Chicago Medical School and served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology, School of Medicine at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. In recognition of his service to his community and career, Jim was the recipient of the UW-Parkside Distinguished Alumnus Award for Outstanding Achievement in 1997.
Jason Gould, Men’s Soccer (1991-94)
A central defender, Jason Gould was a key member of the defensive unit that allowed less than one goal per game in 27 games including 40 shutouts. As a senior, he was a critical component of the 1994 defense that finished the season ranked first in the nation. Jason’s individual honors include being named the UW-Parkside Most Improved Player in 1992, a two time NCAA All-American (1993 and 1994), a two time NCAA All-Region team member, a two-time UW-Parkside captain and a two time UW-P Defensive Player of the Year. Jason played in 65 contests for UW-Parkside including 51 as a starter and scored nine goals and with 10 assists. After his career at UW-Parkside, Jason played professionally for the Milwaukee Wave of the NPSL from 1995 through 1997.
Don Kopriva, Honorary Member, Athletic Communications (1971-82)
Three weeks after graduation, Don Kopriva joined the UW-Parkside staff as the first Sports Information Director (SID). During his years, the athletic program grew quickly from six men’s sports to 10 men’s sports and six women’s sports. He was heavily involved with the development of UW-Parkside’s role as host for NAIA and NCAA championships in cross country, fencing and wrestling. Don left UW-Parkside in 1982 to become men’s SID at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. From there he became associate director of press operations for the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee where he managed the Main Press Center of 2000 staff members that hosted 8,000 journalists. He has been public relations director for the U.S. Cross Country Coaches Association. He has covered or officiated at more than 100 Big Ten Conference championships, 37 Drake Relays and more than 70 NCAA championships. In 2003, he was named as one of the “legends of cross country” in an event sponsored by Purdue University.
Cindy Ruffert, Women’s Basketball and Softball (1980-84)
A three-sport athlete at UW-Parkside, Cindy Ruffert played four years of basketball, four years of softball and one year of volleyball. In basketball, Cindy started all but two games during her four years. Her pinpoint passes created three records: UW-P career assist record of 675, most assists in a game with 16 and most assists in a season with 204. She scored 675 career points (during her career, women played with the same sized basketball as the men and without the three point shot). Cindy was selected to the NAIA All-District 14 team in 1982 and was team captain for three years. In softball, Cindy played right field all four seasons on a team that made four consecutive National Tournament appearances finishing 7th, 5th, 13th, & 13th. Batting second in the order, Cindy’s on-base percentage was .394. She was selected to the WWIAC All-Conference team in 1982 and the NAIA All-District teams in 1983 and 1984.
Christopher Ryan, Men’s Soccer (1989-93)
Chris Ryan was the pillar of stability on the men’s soccer team providing leadership as both a midfielder and defender. He started 62 of the 75 games, scoring 221 goals (including six game winners) and making 21 assists. In 1991 Chris was named UW-Parkside Defensive Player of the Year, team captain and was selected to the NSCAA All-Mid-East Regional first team. In 1992 Chris was again named team captain and was selected as the MVP. During his era, UW-P soccer was 61-15-3. After graduation, Chris went on to play professionally in Europe starting for the Emden BSV Kickers in the German Regionale League. The next year, he returned to the USA to play for the 1997 A League Champions, the Milwaukee Rampage. In addition to playing intercollegiate soccer, Chris wrote for the UW-Parkside student newspaper, The Ranger. Chris went on to be the Athletic Director and Men’s Soccer Coach at Robert Morris University.
Wendy Sackman, Softball (1985-90)
Wendy Sackman started at second base all four of her intercollegiate seasons. With her diminutive stature, opponents would often misjudge her ability. However, with quick hands and feet, she covered the entire right side of the infield. At the plate, she hit with power and was very capable of hitting the long ball. At the time of her graduation, Wendy held the career extra base hit record with 65, a career .311 batting average, a .472 slugging average and a .368 on-base percentage. This at a time when the team played on fields without fences, with pitchers at 40 feet from home plate and the all-white softball. Wendy participated in three NAIA National Championship Tournaments with the team finishing 7th, 5th and 4th. She was twice selected to the NAIA National Tournament All-Tournament Team, twice selected as a first team NAIA All-American, twice selected to the NAIA All-District 14 Team, and once selected NAIA National Player of the Week.
Brenda Van Cuick, Women’s Basketball (1987-91)
Brenda Van Cuick was a four-year starter who was always a threat to steal the ball. Lightening quick, she left UW-P as its fourth all-time leading scorer with 1,188 career points. While Brenda was a Ranger, UW-Parkside teams had a prolific scoring offense setting the average season scoring record of 77.0 points per game. In recognition of her accomplishments, Brenda was selected to the NAIA All-District 14 Teams twice. In her junior year she was also named the NAIA District 14 Player of the Year and an NAIA All-American. After graduation, Brenda went on to set records in the Women’s Professional Football League (WPFL) playing for the Wisconsin Riveters and the Northern Ice. Both teams have appeared in the National Championship with the Ice winning the WPFL National Championship in 2003. In 2004 she was selected to the WPFL Pro Bowl team.