The Saint Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame

Honoring those who have made our club great over the years This is an alphabetical listing of all Hall of Fame Inductees ... scroll to bottom of page for the new Honorary Category, which inducted its first members in September of 2012. Pete Denisson - Pete skied in a St. Paul Ski Club tournament at age 11 in 1919. He remained an active member until his death in 1988 at age 79. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame Nov 1, 1991. Tim "Timo" Denisson - Tim Denisson began ski jumping at age two. He was seven when he qualified for his first jumping competitions at Mt. Washington in Eau Claire, WI. In 1959, at the age of 11, Tim became the youngest ski jumper to compete from the 60 meter former Battle Creek slide, site of the St. Paul Winter Carnival competitions. He became the only person to twice tie the Battle Creek Hill record of 197 feet. He’s been active in ski jumping all his life, and has competed in many international Masters’ Championships. He was inducted into the SPSC Hall of Fame Sept 8, 2012. Tom "Corky" Denisson - Corky Denisson became a member of the St. Paul Ski Club in 1951, and was an outstanding and active competitor for over 40 years, having competed in the Masters National Championships in 1991. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Nov 7, 2003. Dave Edlund - Dave was a good competitor in his days as a jumper, having benefited from the devotion of his dad, Ray, to this sport. Dave is now the dad of three sons who are good jumpers, and he carries on the family tradition of working in multiple roles to support all the young skiers of the St Paul Ski Club and Central Division. Dave was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Sept 9, 2007 Kristine Edlund - Kris Edlund has joined her husband Dave and father-in-law, Ray Edlund in the SPSC HOF. She has been a very active individual as a photographer for the St. Paul club as well as at every tournament she has attended throughout the Central Division and across the country. for many years. Kris has been an all-around good worker who has volunteered for and has carried out many duties where she can do the most good for the SPSCKris was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Oct 21, 2016. Ray Edlund - Ray “came back” to the St. Paul Ski Club when his son became a good jumper. He traveled extensively throughout the world following he sport, but his most ardent love was the juniors. He drove countless miles and shared his experiences freely. Ray was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Oct 25, 1996. Sverre Fredheim - In 1930 the Norwegian born Fredheim entered the St. Paul Ski Jumping Championships and won. That catapulted him to a long and outstanding career. He led the U.S. Olympic contingent in the 1936 games and finished 11th. His outstanding career as a competitor earned him induction into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Nov. 6, 1992. Jamie Gaboury - Following his migration from Duluth in the mid-1980's, Jamie Gaboury became an active member of the club and soon assumed leadership roles. He was influential in obtaining plastic for the 20 meter slide and later developed the track on the 46 meter Harrington Hill. His many contributions will have a lasting effect on the sport. Gaboury was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Oct 27, 2000. Tom Harrington - The influence of Tom Harrington on the St. Paul Ski Club is felt in more areas than that of any other person. Harrington belongs in the National Ski Hall of Fame. He is an active member of the club since 1938. He was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame Nov 6, 1992. Paul Johnson - Paul has been active in multiple ski clubs over his lifetime, as an outstanding competitor and a long-time volunteer in many capacities. During his time with the St Paul Ski Club, he has served as hill captain for ten years, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the St Paul Education Foundation. He was inducted to the SPSC Hall of Fame on Oct 18, 2015. Milt “Sonny” Kreuser - Milt was an old-time jumper and was very influential in South St. Paul, where he was president of the club. He is readily available and has been a long-term asset to the club. Milt was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Oct 30, 1998. John R Lyons - John joined the St. Paul Ski Club in the early 1940’s. He became an outstanding competitor, and was instrumental in most of what is located at the Carver's Lake Nordic Training Area today. John was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Nov 2, 1990. John T Lyons - Son of John R Lyons, John was a competitive jumper as a young man, then became a tireless worker in running the club and junior programs. John's voice is well known to all who've heard him announce events at SPSC ... he seems to know a bit about every youngster who participates, and he's a familiar face to fans, families, and athletes throughout the region. John was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Sept 25, 2010. Pat Lyons - Son of John R Lyons, Pat lives next door to the St Paul Ski Club, and is an omnipresent friendly face and tireless worker. His personality has made him a favorite of all who come to SPSC, from little kids to grandparents. There's no better ambassador for SPSC or the sport of ski jumping than Pat Lyons. He was inducted to the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Sept 6, 2008. Scott Lyons - Scott Lyons came to ski jumping and the St. Paul Ski Club at a very young age. His father was HOF member John R Lyons, so becoming an accomplished ski jumper was a natural course of action for Scott. After his competitive career he continued to support the club in numerous ways. He is a regular at work parties and has seldom missed an opportunity to be available when there is work to be done on the hills. When his father passed away, Scott stepped to the fore and filled the void as the person in charge of the club's successful gaming enterprises. His children, Megan and Matt, have continued the family tradition as junior jumpers. Scott is a well qualified candidate for induction into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame. Bill Mahre - Bill Mahre became a ski club member in 1954. He became a member of the Board of Directors and was active in the Central Division, serving as Ski Jumping Chairman and a member of the Central Division Board of Directors. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame Nov 2, 1990. Herb Merth - For more than 30 years Merth served in and promoted the St. Paul Ski Club. He joined the club in the mid-1920s and served seven terms as the president. His sudden death at age 46 was a severe blow to the club and its members. He was instrumental in establishing the St. Paul Junior Ski Club. Herb was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Nov 1, 1991. Arnie Miller - Arnie has devoted his entire adult life to the activities of the St. Paul Ski Club. He is an unselfish, tireless worker. He has always been available for a ski club task in which help is needed. He was an active jumper who introduced his sons to the sport, and who has helped many other kids learn and enjoy this great sport. Gary Moe - Gary began ski jumping at the age of four on his family farm about 20 miles from Eau Claire WI. He became a top junior competitor, jumping all the big hills in the midwest, but his career was cut short by recurring problems due to a back injury. He has been instrumental in the St Paul Ski Club for many years, serving in various capacities, including his continuing service as a member of the Board of Directors of the St Paul Educational Foundation. He was inducted into the St Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on October 18, 2015. Jack Myhra - Jack was a junior jumper with the St Paul Ski Club, and has remained an active member, serving in multiple volunteer capacities over the years. He and his wife Lee Ann raised a pair of outstanding jumpers, who in turn are raising another generation of young competitors. Jack has been instrumental in hill preparation during the winter, and in equipment operation for improvements during the off season. He was selected to serve on the hill preparation crew for the 2002 Olympics.Jack was inducted to the St Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Sept 14, 2013. Lee Ann Myhra - Lee Ann has been a tireless volunteer worker on behalf of the St. Paul Ski Club. For many years, during tournaments and holiday training camps, Lee Ann was in charge of concessions, as well as a driving force in the club’s Junior program. She became a Central Division Panel member, and Chairperson for the Central Division Junior programs. She is a member of the St. Paul Educational Foundation. The Myhras were pioneers in the early development of women’s ski jumping. Lee Ann was inducted into the SPSC Hall of Fame Sept 14, 2013. Rodney Olssen - Rodney Olssen grew up near Chester Bowl Park in Duluth. His earliest skiing experiences were under the tutelage of the storied Walter Mattson. Olssen moved to St. Paul and in 1962, became involved in the St. Paul Ski Club. He has been a tireless worker involved with developing young ski jumpers for many years. Rodney was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Oct 29, 2004. Ken Perry - Ken became involved in the club in 1979, as a result of his son’s interest the sport. He became an announcer at junior meets. He was elected to the Board of Directors. His talents in many areas, not the least of which are computer programs, has made a lasting effect on the ski jumping sport. Ken was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Oct 27, 1995. Kitty Perry - In the early 1980’s Kitty took a very active interest in the St. Paul Ski Club. She became a Junior Ski Club Director and was the first woman elected to the Board of Directors. She has been a tireless worker with ski tournaments and as a valuable member of the Educational Foundation. Kitty was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Oct 24,1997. Harold Petersen - Harold was a civil engineer who worked for the Department of Natural Resources. The junior club was one of his main interests. Though never a ski jumper, he became a devoted member of the Board of Directors and served as club treasurer for more than 28 years. Harold was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Nov 1, 1991. Dave Peterson - Dave was an excellent junior competitor. He was also an exceptional Masters Class competitor who met an untimely death following a fall at Iron Mountain, MI on Feb. 20, 1993. He was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Oct 29, 1993. John Pflugi - John was a spectator of the sport - first in Duluth and later in St. Paul. His involvement began with his son Matt and continued after Matt left the sport. He became a member of the Board of Directors and has devoted a major part of his life to the club. He was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Oct 30, 1998. Bill Ryan - A member of the St. Paul Ski Club for more than 50 years Ryan served as treasurer of the St. Paul Educational Foundation from it’s inception. He also has served as treasurer of the St. Paul Ski Club following the untimely death of Harold Petersen. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Oct 27, 1995. Joe Ryan - Ryan was one of the top ski jumpers ever developed by the St. Paul Ski Club. In 12 years of competitive skiing as a Class “A” jumper, Joe won the club championship on six separate occasions. He was president of the club and became the first St. Paul jumper to attain 300 feet. Ryan was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Nov 1, 2002. Bryan Sanders - Bryan became the youngest St. Paul Ski Club member to gain entry onto the U.S. Olympic Team. He competed in the 1992 Olympic Games held in France. He was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Oct 28, 1994. Phil Sanders - Phil was instrumental in the development of St. Paul Junior Ski Club training camps. He was ski club president and served many terms as hill captain for the Battle Creek ski tournaments. Phil was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Oct 28, 1994. Tim Schwarz - Tim became a member of the club in 2008 when his son began jumping as a junior. He quickly became involved in all aspects of club operations, including the off-season activities, maintaining and improving the facilities, as well as snowmaking and helping to run on-snow programs and tournaments in the winter. He served as club president for five years. He was inducted into the SPSC HOF on November 9, 2018. Jerry Slater - Jerry Slater was never a ski jumper, but has been involved with the St. Paul Ski Club for 20-plus years. He has served our club in multiple capacities, and In 2008 he became the club's Secretary/Treasurer following the retirement of long-time Financial Secretary Bill Ryan. Jerry is a deserving recipient of induction into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame, inducted Nov 1, 2014. Carl Soderbeck - Carl became an active St. Paul Ski Club member in 1940. In 1990 he was named Central Division Coach of the Year. He worked countless hours as doing carpenter work for the club, but mostly he is remembered as a junior coach. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame Nov 1, 1991. Len Soler - Len began skiing at a relatively late age in the life a ski jumper, but he became a dominating competitor. In the first tournament from the Battle Creek ski slide in St. Paul, in 1939, he won the Class “B” title and moved into Class “A”. He went on from there to a memorable career. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Nov 6, 1992. Luke Soler - Luke became a member in 1935. He served four terms as president. For over 60 years he worked with the St. Paul Junior Ski Club. An excellent competitor, Luke served for extended periods as the club’s corresponding and recording secretary. Luke was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Nov 1, 1991. Kip Sundgaard - At age 17 in 1973 Kip tied the hill record of 197 feet and won the Winter Carnival Tournament held at Battle Creek. He became a member of the U. S. National team in 1976. He was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Nov. 6, 1992. Chris Venaglia - Chris Venaglia joined the St. Paul Ski Club for the same reason most members do. Ski jumping looked like fun. Chris enjoyed the people in the club and trained and competed in the club s Friday night tournaments. He also represented the club in jumping meets throughout the Central Division. As a part of his high school ski team he gained All Conference status with the MN State High School League and was named to the All State Team at the young age of 14, the youngest ever to be so honored. He has been one of the club’s most active volunteers over the years, in every season. He’s the genuine all-around expert on the hills, grounds, and the snowmaking operation. He was iniducted to the SPSC HOF on October 20, 2017. Dick Wakefield - Dick became active in the St. Paul Ski Club as a “Veterans Class” competitor. His tenure as a club member was significant in that he became involved with the junior programs and worked for many years as a coach, mentor, adviser and judge. Dick was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Oct 29, 2004. Wally Wakefield - Wally was active as a competitor and junior club coach/adviser for many years. He was instrumental in gaining widespread publicity as public relations and publicity director for several years. Wally was inducted into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Oct 29, 1993. Mark Windisch - Mark joined the St. Paul Ski Club in 1973 at the age of 13 and soon became Junior Ski Club president. As a junior competitor in 1977 — skiing in Class I — Windisch won the Twin Cities Championship in a combination of tournaments held in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Mark’s induction date into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame was Sept 17, 2011. Honorary Members of The Saint Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame This is a new category of inductees, established in 2012 ... names in order of induction Rick and Cathie Bergquist - Two very dedicated volunteers who have served the Saint Paul Ski Club enthusiastically and faithfully for many years, Rick and Cathie have also assisted at events across the USSA/s Central Division, and at many national meets. Rick was an amateur jumper many years ago, growing up in Fond du Lac, MN. They’ve been present and working in every imaginable capacity at SPSC tournaments over the past ten years. We were pleased to induct them as our first Honorary Hall of Fame members on Sept 8, 2012. Sue Denney - Sue Denney, of Grand Rapids MN, was a panel member and a coordinator for the Central Division for several years. She became a member of the St. Paul Ski Club during a time when two of her children were active as junior ski jumpers. During many years she opened her home to visiting ski jumpers — both juniors and seniors — from throughout the country. She and her husband Jon raised a “Ski jumping Family” and she has continued to be a great ambassador for the ski jumping sport. We are pleased to induct her as an Honorary Hall of Fame member as of Sept 14, 2013. Ken Anderson - Ken Anderson grew up in Norway Michigan. Like many youngsters back in the 1950s, he was an amateur jumper, not skilled, but he enjoyed it and it became a lifelong interest. In 2001 he developed a website, www.skijumpingusa.com, a general resource for our sport in the USA and it also covers US athletes in international competition. In 2003, he became the webmaster for www.stpaulskiclub.com, and continues to manage both sites. Ken’s induction date as an Honorary Member of our Hall of Fame is Nov 1, 2014. Joe Berens - Joe began jumping as a kid in Minneapolis, but became involved in gymnastics while in school, and was away from jumping for many years. However, as with many former jumpers, he never lost interest, and watched the Olympics every four years. Finally, after the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, he decided to give jumping another try. With encouragement and assistance from others, he found himself jumping again. He has become not only a regular competitor in Masters Class events, but he has been a tireless volunteer and mentor to youngsters. Joe’s induction date is October 18, 2015. Doug Maki - Doug Maki has been a member of the Coleraine Ski and Outing Club (CSOC) for as long as he can remember. Throughout the years he has been a near invaluable worker on numerous projects during club activities and the ski jumping tournaments hosted by the CSOC. Throughout the years he has made numerous trips to out-of-town ski jumping tournaments and has chauffeured a great number of kids to each of these ski jumping meets. While at other clubs’ tournaments he can be seen working on hills assisting in the many activities to make sure the meets go on without a hitch. Doug’s induction date as an Honorary Member of our Hall of Fame is October 21, 2016. Jay Martin - Jay began skiing at the age of 5, and worked his way up through the junior ranks, competed as a collegian, and became a two-time US Olympian. After his competitive career, he moved into coaching. He had a presence at every level of the sport, from the outruns of the bunny hills to the tops of Olympic ski jumps. Jay Martin made a tremendous impact on the lives of hundreds of young skiers. Some progressed under his mentoring to become Olympians themselves. The St. Paul Ski Club has enjoyed the benefits of Jay’s contributions to the sport in many ways, and for many years. Martin has jumped on our hills and shoveled and raked them as well. He has coached our kids and judged our tournaments. He has contributed his stories and camaraderie and is part of the fabric of our club as well. His induction date to the SPSC HOF was Oct 20, 2017. Scott Smith - Smitty is a former US Ski Team jumper who has been coaching athletes in the Central Division for many years, including a number of SPSC jumpers. He was inducted into the SPSC HOF on November 9, 2018 (full bio will be published soon)

The St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame was established in November of 1990. The first two inductees were John Lyons and Bill Mahre. These two were chosen because of their outstanding efforts are raising funds through a bingo operation. Their efforts resulted in the club gaining near financial independence. The St. Paul Ski Club prospered and many new additions and improvements were made to the Carver’s Lake Nordic Training Area, located in south Maplewood - a suburb of St. Paul - Minnesota. Since its inception, many of our club members have been elected to a place of honor in the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame. Additionally, eleven “Emeritus” members are enshrined. A “Wall of Fame” was installed in the club’s chalet and a handsome plaque, along with a summary of the achievements of each individual who has been inducted, is prominently displayed on the wall. Criteria to gain entry into the Hall of Fame is threefold. Persons should have been members in good standing in the St. Paul Ski Club, for an extended period of time. Contributions by members of the Hall of Fame should be such that they have a long lasting effect on the St. Paul Ski Club and the sport of ski jumping. Finally, a person may be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a result of their accomplishment in the competitive aspect of the ski jumping sport. The Hall of Fame is an effort on the part of St. Paul Ski Club to foster further involvement of members of the club, to honor those who have made significant contributions in the past, and to honor those who have represented the St. Paul Ski Club on the highest plateau of competitions.

Emeritus Members The following persons emerged from the historic pages of the past. As a result of their lasting influence of the fulfillment of the objectives of he St. Paul Ski Club, they were enshrined in the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame on Nov. 6, 1992. Colonel Christian Brandt First St. Paul Ski Club President - 1885 Lars Haugen Outstanding competitor - Seven time national champion - Club Officer - U Ski Hall of Fame Louis W. Hill, Jr. Chairman of 1939 National Championships at newly constructed Battle Creek Park 60 meter slide in St. Paul - Benefactor Aksel Holter Early activist and officer of the National Ski Association Clem Iverson Outstanding competitor - Hill Designer - Club Officer - Organizer of the Central Division - Designer of the St. Paul Ski Club emblem Jens Larson Long-time St. Paul Ski Club Corresponding Secretary Christian A. Lund Owner of Northland Ski Company Hans Meyer Secretary, early chronologist Alf Munthe Long-time Club Officer - President of the National Ski Association Sigurd Overbye Club officer - National Cross Country Champion - Member of the 1924 US Olympic team - United States Ski Hall of Fame Andrew Selmer Club president eight times - Organizer of the Central Division - International Judge - Officiated at the 1960 Olympics Carl Solberg First St. Paul Ski Club member to win a National Championship; Long-time outstanding skier

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