Tech Distinguished Alumni
For several years Tech had inducted alumni into their Athletic Hall of Fame based upon significant athletic contributions. In 1994 the Alumni Committee initiated the idea of Distinguished Alumni as a result of a brainstorming session where a number of alumni were identified who had made significant contributions to the community or the nation. Thus was born the Distinguished Alumni award.
The criteria for nomination is that the candidate must be a Tech graduate; must have been out of school 20 or more years; must have a distinguished career in service, vocation or avocations; and must have made significant contributions to his/her community, society, or humanity.
With over 30,000 graduates, there are many Tech alumni who have gone on to outstanding careers of service and accomplishment! We are unable to recognize all worthy individuals, but every four years we attempt to recognize some additional outstanding graduates of Tech High School. Once the nominations are received, a selection committee meets to review the applications and perform the nearly impossible task of selecting the ten Distinguished Alumni. A new class of inductees has been selected every four or five years since 1997. The 2023 group was the sixth induction. Our next induction is scheduled for 2027.
Alumni Hall is located near the Tiger Den. This area has been dedicated to the Distinguished Alumni. Permanent plaques are placed for all past, current and future Tech students to see. The plaques recognize the outstanding accomplishments these Tech men and women have made in their communities and the world.
Congratulations Inductees!
(Check out the 6th Distinguished Hall of Fame event in 2023)
Tech Athletic Hall of Fame
Tech High School, founded in 1917, is well known for its great athletic and activities tradition. In 1986, we decided it was time to begin to recognize the contributions and achievements of the individuals that have helped develop “Tiger Pride”! Through the formation of the Tech Hall of Fame, our community and school have been able to begin to accomplish this goal. The Tech High School Alumni Association has organized and funded the Hall of Fame Program since the early 2000’s.
Recognizing outstanding alumni not only gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to those who helped establish our traditions but also gives our current students a knowledge of our school’s outstanding history- and a challenge to continue our traditions.
The Athletic Hall of Fame Wall is located just outside the gym at Tech High School and features plaques describing the accomplishments of each of our inductees.
Congratulations to all inductees!
Inductees must meet the following CRITERIA:
A. All inductees must, during and following their career, have exemplified the pride and spirit that is Tech Athletics.
B. Categories:
PLAYER: An athlete that has excelled in athletics and has been out of school at least ten years.
COACH: A coach that has made a positive impact on the Tech Athletic Tradition and has been retired for at least two years.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION: A member of the school or community that has made a significant contribution to Tech High School Athletics.
September 25, 2025, was our ninth induction to Tech’s Hall of Fame. In addition, Tech has begun a tradition of recognizing people who are not necessarily Tech graduated or coaches but have made significant contributions to the Tech Athletic Program.
Finally, beginning in 2025 the Tech Alumni Association (THSAA) made a decision to recognize all “Hall of Fame Caliber” TEAMS in a display case in the athletic wing of Tech High School. The THSAA will recognize one girls’ team and one boys’ team at the induction ceremonies every four years. In 2025 we recognized the 1975 Girls Volleyball Teach and the 1980 Boys Basketball Team for their “Hall of Fame” caliber seasons!
With over 30,000 graduates, there are many Tech alumni who have gone on to outstanding careers of service and accomplishment! We are unable to recognize all worthy individuals, but every four years we attempt to recognize some additional outstanding graduates of Tech High School. Once the nominations are received, a selection committee meets to review the applications and perform the nearly impossible task of selecting the ten Distinguished Alumni. A new class of inductees has been selected every four or five years since 1997. The 2023 group was the sixth induction. Our next induction is scheduled for 2027.
Alumni Hall is located near the Tiger Den. This area has been dedicated to the Distinguished Alumni. Permanent plaques are placed for all past, current and future Tech students to see. The plaques recognize the outstanding accomplishments these Tech men and women have made in their communities and the world.
Call for Nominations... Tech Athletic TEAM Hall of Fame
Dear Tech Grads,
As you know, Tech High School has a tradition of excellence in academics, activities, arts and athletics!
At our November 6, 2024 meeting, the Tech High School Alumni Association (THSAA) authorized the establishment of a “Tech High School Team Athletic Hall of Fame Display”. We believe that a significantly large number of Tech athletic teams have qualified as “Hall of Fame” caliber. We believe that recognizing Hall of Fame TEAMS will give us the opportunity to recognize the effort of many student-athletes who otherwise may not be considered for “individual” Hall of Fame Status. We believe that current students will be interested in and motivated by seeing previous teams in their sport that have excelled.
At our September 2025 Induction we unveiled the “Draft” TEAM Hall of Fame Board. We now want to update that board and create a permanent display of the “Hall of Fame Caliber” Tech Teams – and we need your help to ensure that our list is complete and accurate.
To be considered, a Tech athletic team should have achieved excellence as shown by one or more of the following:
1. Teams that have achieved a State Championship in their sport
2. Teams that have achieved a high State Ranking
3. Teams that had an exceptional season (maybe winning most games
but not getting to the State Tournament.
4. Teams that have accomplished exceptional things.
5. Teams become eligible 5 years after their Hall of Fame season
If your sport had a team or teams that achieved the above but are not currently listed on our TEAM board (see attached), please consider nominating them for the Tech Athletic Team Display, which will be hung on the Hall of Fame hallway outside the Tech gym. Nominations must be submitted to the Tech High School Alumni Association Board of Directors by its April 8, 2026 meeting. Thereafter, nominations will be accepted annually by the THSAA.
There is not a limit to the number of teams that can be nominated in an individual sport; however, keep in mind the qualifications listed above.
Again, we feel that students viewing this display of “Hall of Fame Teams” will be a positive motivation for current students to work hard to achieve excellence and, someday, see their team on the Hall of Fame Team board!
Please read the attached Tech Athletic Hall of Fame TEAM description and fill out the attached brief nomination form for each team you nominate.
Questions? Please contact:
Bruce Hentges
Tech Class of ’68
TEAM Hall of Fame Committee Chair bchentges@gmail.com
320-309-8703
Recognizing outstanding alumni not only gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to those who helped establish our traditions but also gives our current students a knowledge of our school’s outstanding history- and a challenge to continue our traditions.
The Athletic Hall of Fame Wall is located just outside the gym at Tech High School and features plaques describing the accomplishments of each of our inductees.
Congratulations to all inductees!
Inductees must meet the following CRITERIA:
A. All inductees must, during and following their career, have exemplified the pride and spirit that is Tech Athletics.
B. Categories:
PLAYER: An athlete that has excelled in athletics and has been out of school at least ten years.
COACH: A coach that has made a positive impact on the Tech Athletic Tradition and has been retired for at least two years.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION: A member of the school or community that has made a significant contribution to Tech High School Athletics.
September 25, 2025, was our ninth induction to Tech’s Hall of Fame. In addition, Tech has begun a tradition of recognizing people who are not necessarily Tech graduated or coaches but have made significant contributions to the Tech Athletic Program.
Finally, beginning in 2025 the Tech Alumni Association (THSAA) made a decision to recognize all “Hall of Fame Caliber” TEAMS in a display case in the athletic wing of Tech High School. The THSAA will recognize one girls’ team and one boys’ team at the induction ceremonies every four years. In 2025 we recognized the 1975 Girls Volleyball Teach and the 1980 Boys Basketball Team for their “Hall of Fame” caliber seasons!
With over 30,000 graduates, there are many Tech alumni who have gone on to outstanding careers of service and accomplishment! We are unable to recognize all worthy individuals, but every four years we attempt to recognize some additional outstanding graduates of Tech High School. Once the nominations are received, a selection committee meets to review the applications and perform the nearly impossible task of selecting the ten Distinguished Alumni. A new class of inductees has been selected every four or five years since 1997. The 2023 group was the sixth induction. Our next induction is scheduled for 2027.
Alumni Hall is located near the Tiger Den. This area has been dedicated to the Distinguished Alumni. Permanent plaques are placed for all past, current and future Tech students to see. The plaques recognize the outstanding accomplishments these Tech men and women have made in their communities and the world.
Tech Athletic Hall of Fame "TEAM" Guidelines
The Tech High School Alumni Association (THSAA) recognizes the challenges involved in selecting a single “Hall of Fame Team” every four years. To foster greater participation and inclusivity, THSAA permits each sports team to identify its own “Hall of Fame” team(s). This approach allows student-athletes to aspire to Hall of Fame recognition, regardless of their role on the team.
Hall of Fame Display and Website
Teams chosen for the Hall of Fame will be featured on a dedicated display case on the Hall of Fame Wall. Each selected team’s roster and photograph will be available on the THSAA website, which also hosts all Tech Yearbooks. A note with the website URL will be included on the display case for easy access to this info.
Each sport will have its own section on the display, with Hall of Fame teams listed beneath the sport’s name in chronological order. Additional details such as the team’s record or state ranking may also be included alongside the year.
Selection Process
The initial selection of teams meeting the criteria set by THSAA occurred in the fall of 2025. The Team Hall of Fame will undergo regular updates, with the next scheduled for April 2026.
Nominations for Hall of Fame teams must be submitted to the THSAA board of directors by the current or former head coach of the sport. The nominating coach is responsible for providing details about the team’s qualifications for Hall of Fame recognition. While anyone may nominate a team, nominations must be submitted through the head coach to ensure meaningful communication within the program. This process also allows for input from former coaches and athletes and may provide opportunities for current teams to celebrate the achievements of Hall of Fame inductees.
The THSAA board of directors has the final authority to determine when a team will be added to the Tech Team Athletic Hall of Fame display case, based on the established criteria. The next update to the TEAM Hall of Fame is scheduled for fall 2026.
Recognition During Induction Ceremonies
Every four years, during the induction of new individuals into the Tech Athletic Hall of Fame, the Hall of Fame Committee will select one or two teams from the display case to be highlighted and invited to the ceremonies. These teams will not be inducted again but will be celebrated for their accomplishments. All team members, regardless of whether they were starters or reserves, will be invited to participate in the celebration.
Qualifications for Hall of Fame Teams
· State Championship Teams
· Teams with high State Rankings
· Teams with exceptional seasons—such as winning most games, even if they did not reach the State Tournament
· Teams that have achieved notable accomplishments
· Teams must be at least five years removed from the qualifying season to be eligible
Inclusive Recognition
It is important to note that individual athletes do not need to have been “stars” to be recognized with their team. This inclusive approach ensures that a greater number of student-athletes are acknowledged, emphasizing the value of participation in athletics at Tech High School.
Tech Athletic Hall of Fame Team Nomination Form
Tech Athletic Hall of Fame Team Nomination Form
Qualifications
· Teams that have won a State Championship in their sport
· Teams that have achieved a high State Ranking
· Teams that have had an exceptional season, such as winning most games even if not reaching the State Tournament
· Teams that have accomplished exceptional feats
· Teams become eligible five years after their Hall of Fame season
Nomination Details
Name of person making the nomination: _______________________________
Phone #: ___________________
Email: ______________________
Name of Team nominated: _______________________________
Year of Team achievement leading to
nomination: _______________________________
Head coach at the time of this Team’s
achievement: _______________________________
Season Record: __________________
State Ranking (if known): ______________________
Nomination Justification
Please provide a brief description explaining why this Tech athletic team deserves Hall of Fame recognition, referring to the qualifications listed above:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Submission Instructions
Submit this form no later than April 8, 2026 to the Tech activities office or email nominations to Bruce Hentges at bchentges@gmail.com. For questions, please contact Bruce Hentges at 320-309-8703.
Note:
1. Please use a separate form for each team nominated.
2. Nominations must be submitted through the current head coach of the sport. If you are unsure of who the current coach is, please contact the Tech website (https://tech.isd742.org) or Hillary Johnson, Tech activities Director, at Hillary.johnson@isd742.org.
Hall of Fame Display and Website
Teams chosen for the Hall of Fame will be featured on a dedicated display case on the Hall of Fame Wall. Each selected team’s roster and photograph will be available on the THSAA website, which also hosts all Tech Yearbooks. A note with the website URL will be included on the display case for easy access to this info.
Each sport will have its own section on the display, with Hall of Fame teams listed beneath the sport’s name in chronological order. Additional details such as the team’s record or state ranking may also be included alongside the year.
Selection Process
The initial selection of teams meeting the criteria set by THSAA occurred in the fall of 2025. The Team Hall of Fame will undergo regular updates, with the next scheduled for April 2026.
Nominations for Hall of Fame teams must be submitted to the THSAA board of directors by the current or former head coach of the sport. The nominating coach is responsible for providing details about the team’s qualifications for Hall of Fame recognition. While anyone may nominate a team, nominations must be submitted through the head coach to ensure meaningful communication within the program. This process also allows for input from former coaches and athletes and may provide opportunities for current teams to celebrate the achievements of Hall of Fame inductees.
The THSAA board of directors has the final authority to determine when a team will be added to the Tech Team Athletic Hall of Fame display case, based on the established criteria. The next update to the TEAM Hall of Fame is scheduled for fall 2026.
Recognition During Induction Ceremonies
Every four years, during the induction of new individuals into the Tech Athletic Hall of Fame, the Hall of Fame Committee will select one or two teams from the display case to be highlighted and invited to the ceremonies. These teams will not be inducted again but will be celebrated for their accomplishments. All team members, regardless of whether they were starters or reserves, will be invited to participate in the celebration.
Qualifications for Hall of Fame Teams
· State Championship Teams
· Teams with high State Rankings
· Teams with exceptional seasons—such as winning most games, even if they did not reach the State Tournament
· Teams that have achieved notable accomplishments
· Teams must be at least five years removed from the qualifying season to be eligible
Inclusive Recognition
It is important to note that individual athletes do not need to have been “stars” to be recognized with their team. This inclusive approach ensures that a greater number of student-athletes are acknowledged, emphasizing the value of participation in athletics at Tech High School.
St. Cloud Tech Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
1986
Tom Antil – 1927
“Mac” Doane – 1930
Gerald Helgeson – 1951
Dick Luckemeyer – 1941
Scott H. Peterson – 1953
Don Saatzer – 1952
Bob Swiggum – 1956
Willis J. Wood -1950
Elmer Apman – 1927
Bob Hary – 1941
Don Klein – 1938
Vern Morrison – Coach
Gene Rengel – 1930
Ron Saatzer – 1952
Cliff Winter – 1948
1990
Gary Bahr – 1964
Dean Daugherty – 1947
Dick Kampa – 1965
Tom Klein – 1965
Don Nylund – Coach
Neil Rengel – 1924
Lois Scherfenberg – Coach
Mike Trewick – 1965
Lyle “Choppy” Crose – Coach
Bill Frantti – Coach
Jim Kiffmeyer – 1948
Eldon Nelson – 1965
Lloyd Pallansch – 1958
Phil Rogosheske – 1963
Br. Nick Thielman – 1955
Don Truzinski – 1941
1994
Pat Dolan – Coach
Jim Fahnhorst – 1977
Kevin Hamm – 1968
Sue (Wolfe) Klunk – 1975
Debbie (Thometz) Leyden – 1979
Bob Obermiller – 1947
Charles Sell – Coach/Principal
Greg Thayer – 1968
Jim Eisenreich – 1977
Keith Fahnhorst – 1970
Nancy (Dietman) Holovnia – 1982
Wayne Lenzmeier – 1962
Heidi (Keller) Miler – 1983
Clayton Scheuer – 1969
Monte Sloan – 1955
Hank Uberecken – 1963
1998
Al Andreotti – Coach
Bill Campbell – 1947
Duane Grant – 1965
Carol Howe-Veenstra – Coach
John Kuffel – 1927
Tom Luckemeyer – 1974
William Savage – 1958
Wayne Schluchter – 1978
Preggy Brenden – 1972
Mike Chopp – Coach
Nicole (Denne) Gross – 1986
Clifford Klein – 1937
Harry Loehlein – 1945
Steve Orth – 1983
Jodi (Shirmers) Bean – 1984
Bill Schulte – 1967
Special Recognition Hall of Fame Honorees
2019
Tom Elliot
Shelly Fruth
Patti Imholte
2025
Robert (Mick) Boatz
Rengel Printing/Pete Rengel
Dr. Jack Stinogel