212 ATHLETIC CONFERENCE HISTORY

1947 - 1974

 

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

 

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Bill Enright (48) was one of the premier athletes in Hector High School history. An outstanding all around athlete, Enright led the newly formed 212 Conference in scoring in football and basketball in their first year of play. In football, Enright scored 22 touchdowns and passed for 3 his senior year. He was selected to the All State Eight man football team his senior year. Enright continued his education at the University of Minnesota and played football until a head injury ended his career. He became a very successful business man in the Metro area.

Wayne Sanken (49) was an outstanding athlete in the 212 Conference in the late 1940’s. The 6’1, 190 pound Sanken lead the Bears in scoring his junior and senior years in basketball. He was the leading scorer and rebounder for the 1949 212 Conference and District 12, 23 and 1 basketball team. In football, Sanken was a hard charging fullback and linebacker, and a two time All Conference selection in 1947 and 1948. Brownton High School's football record was 11 and 4 when Sanken played in his junior and senior year.
Neal Person (50) was one of the outstanding athletes in the 212 Conference during his time. The 6’1, 185 pound athlete was a two time All Conference selection as an end and scored 26 touchdowns in his football career. He led the conference in scoring his senior year and was selected to the All State Football Team in 1949. In basketball, he was a three year starter and made the All Conference team his senior year.
Clarence Seehusen (51) was one of the best football players in the history of the 212 Conference. The 5’11, 175 pound halfback and linebacker led the Danube Hawks to two undefeated seasons and was a two time All Conference selection. He was selected to the Minnesota Eight Man All State Team his senior year. An All Conference basketball player his senior year, Seehusen played an integral part in Danube's dominance of the 212 Conference in the early 1950’s.
Jerry Omholt (52) is the only athlete in 212 Conference History to be selected to the All Conference teams six different times. He made the 1949, 1950 and 1951 teams in football and 1950, 1951 and 1952 teams in basketball. In football Omholt scored 34 touchdowns in 20 games during his career. In basketball he scored 756 points in his Sacred Heart High School career. In his senior year, Omholt was averaging an area high 22.0 points per game despite missing 9 games due to injuries. In baseball Omholt was an outstanding pitcher for the high school and town teams at Sacred Heart. Omholt went on to Hamline College and had an outstanding career in football.
Ralph Hagberg (52) was one of the outstanding athletes in 212 Conference History and Buffalo Lake High School History. Hagberg was a two time All Conference football player and a three time selection in basketball. Hagberg led his 1952 basketball team to a conference championship. He scored 353 points and averaged 19.7 points per game his senior year. He scored 628 points in his career. In baseball Hagberg was an outstanding left handed hitting first baseman. He had an outstanding career at BLHS, and for surrounding amateur baseball teams. Hagberg went on to St. Olaf College and had an outstanding career in baseball and football. He got his degree in education and went on to coach many years in high school athletics.
Roger “Shorty “ Schroeder (53) was one of the outstanding all-around athletes in Danube High School and Conference History. In a time when DHS ruled the 212 Conference in basketball and football, Schroeder was one of the main factors for their success. The 5’9, 155 pound Schroeder was a natural athlete and leader in athletics and other school activities. In football, he was the quarterback for the 1951 and 1952 undefeated Danube teams. He was an All-Conference selection and All State pick in the fall of 1952. In basketball he was a two time All Conference pick, and in baseball he was one of the best players in the area. Schroeder went on to Luther College and had a great career in basketball. He went into education and had a brilliant career at Appleton, Litchfield and Willmar High Schools as a teacher and coach.
Bob Robinson (54) was the first basketball player in the 212 Conference to reach the 1000 point milestone. Robinson was a four year starter for Bird Island High School and a three time All Conference selection. He finished his basketball career with 1,182 points. Robinson was the best all-around athlete in the area as he competed at a high level in every sport. In football he was an all-conference quarterback and led the Panthers to a 16-7 record in his three years as the starting quarterback. In track, Robinson was the conference champion in the High and Low Hurdles, High Jump and Pole Vault his junior and senior years. Robinson was also one of the best baseball players in the area. He led BIHS to conference titles in 1952 and 1953. At a young age he played 2nd base for the Class A Bird Island amateur team. Robinson went on to a successful athletic career at Gustavus Adolphus.
Larry Good (54) was one of the most productive athletes in 212 Conference History. As a three starter in football, Good never lost a game that he played in, as the Danube Hawks went undefeated his entire football career. The 6’3, 200 pound Good was an All Conference and All State selection his senior year. In basketball Good led DHS to conference championships in1953 and 1954. He led the conference in scoring his senior year and was a three time All Conference selection. In track, Good was outstanding in the shot put and discus. Near the end of the season, Good was entered in the 440 yard dash in the District 12 track meet. Good went on to tie for 2nd place in the State Meet. Good was a leading hitter and played 1st base for the 1954 conference championship baseball team.
Milan Wehking (55) was a star in all four sports in the conference and at Buffalo Lake High School. In football, Wehking was an All Conference selection his junior and senior years. He passed for 11 touchdowns in his career. In basketball, the 5’11, 145 pound guard led his team to a 40 and 20 record during his career. BLHS finished 2nd in the District in 1954. Wehking was the 2nd athlete in the conference to reach the 1000 point milestone with 1094 in his career. In track, Wehking was one of the best hurdlers in the area. He also ran on the record breaking Mile Relay team. In baseball, Wehking was the leading hitter and pitcher on the team. Milan Wehking is one of the most revered student-athletes in Buffalo Lake High School history. He was valedictorian of his class.
Roger Duininck (55) was one of the best all around athletes in Renville High School athletic history. Duininck was a key figure in Renville's run of three consecutive District 12 basketball championships. He was an outstanding defensive player, averaged double figures, and was a two time all conference player. In football, Duininck was a two time all conference halfback and scored 26 touchdowns in his career. In baseball, Duininck was one of best left handed pitchers in the area as he led the Indians to a conference championship and District 12 runner up.
Billy Bartels (56) was one of the outstanding athletes in Brownton High School history. The 6’4, 200 pound Bartels lead the conference in scoring his senior year in basketball with a 21.4 per game. He scored 1,032 points in his basketball career. In football, Bartels was a two time all conference selection. As a Fullback/End and a defensive End, Bartels was one of the outstanding football players in the 212 Conference for two years. Bartels also played 1st base in baseball and threw the discus and shot put in track. He went on to have an outstanding football career at North Dakota State College.
Terry Frazee, (57) was one of the outstanding all-around athletes in Bird Island High School history. Frazee excelled in football, basketball and baseball and track for 3 years, In football he lead the conference in scoring his senior year with 74 points. 14 of the points came as a kicker. Against Sacred Heart his senior year, he scored 5 touchdowns and kicked 5 extra points for 35 total points. He was the all-conference QB his senior year. In basketball he became the second player at BIHS to score over a 1000 points with 1,026 points. He was an all-conference selection in 1956 and 1957. In track Frazee was a conference champion in the High and Low Hurdles. In baseball he was the leading hitter on the team and pitched and played 2nd base.
Lee Raitz (58) was one of the key figures in Hector High School's athletic success in the mid fifties. Valedictorian of his class, Raitz was outstanding in all four sports, and in the class room. In football he was a three year starter as the quarterback and led them to undefeated seasons in 1955 and 1957. Ahead of his time, the 5’10, 150 pound Raitz was best known for his ability to run the belly option. Several times throughout his career, the referees blew their whistle when Raitz was running down the field or in the end zone. He was also an outstanding place kicker and punter. In track, Raitz was the Conference and District 12 champion in the 100 and 220 yard dashes. He was the fastest athlete in the area for two years. He was also a three year starter in basketball and baseball. After graduation, Raitz went on to Harvard University. He became a prominent surgeon in the Boston area.
Gary Kaiser (58) was one of the outstanding student-athletes in Danube High School history. The 6’4, 202 pound Kaiser was a top performer in the conference in all four sports. He was an All-Conference selection in football and basketball his junior and senior years. In football he played primarily as an offensive end and defensive end. He was a dominating force in the conference at both positions. In basketball, Kaiser was a leading scorer in the conference for three years and scored 1,433 points in his career. It is the fifth highest in conference history. In track, Kaiser was a versatile athlete that could run sprints, high jump and throw the shot put and discus. His best event was the discus as he set conference and district records. In baseball, he played first base on some good Danube high school teams.
Ken Abram (59) was one of the outstanding athletes in Brownton High School history. The 6’3 Abram was a 3 time 212 All-Conference basketball player. He led the 1958 Bears to a State Tournament appearance and scored 1183 points in his basketball career. Abram also was a 2 time All-Conference end in football and led the conference in pass receiving with 34 catches his senior year. He was an outstanding first baseman in baseball and high jumper in track. He went on to Gustavus Adolphus college and had a stellar career in basketball.
Dick Peik (59) was one of the outstanding all around athletes in Brownton High School history. He was the point guard on the conference championship teams of 1958 and 1959. Peik was a 3 time all-conference player and scored 1218 points in his career. He was one of the last players remembered to use the “Two Handed” set shot. In football, he was a 2 time all conference tailback and led the conference in passing his senior year with 1028 yards. In baseball, the 5’8, left hand hitting Peik was the premier shortstop in the conference for 3 years. Peik went on to Hamline college and had an outstanding career.

Ed Roepke (60) of Buffalo Lake High School dominated the area in track in 1960. The 6’0, 160 pound Roepke, led the Bison to 212 Conference Titles in 1958 and 1959, and District and Region Championships in 1960. He went on to place 4th in the state in the low hurdles in 1960. Roepke’s best events as a track athlete were both the high and low hurdles, and 440 yard dash. Roepke was also one of the best all-around athletes in BLHS history. He was an All-Conference quarterback in football and All-Conference guard in basketball. In baseball he played varsity baseball for 4 years as a pitcher/ infielder. Roepke went on to Mankato State and had an outstanding career in Track and Field. After graduation from MSC, he went into education as a teacher and coach.
Dick Barnes (61) was one of the most versatile athletes in the history of the 212 Conference. The 5’11, 175 pound Barnes excelled in every sport and activity he participated in. Barnes broke school records in every sport he played. In baseball, Barnes was a 6 year starter as an infielder/pitcher. In football he played quarterback, and was a two time All-Conference pick. In Basketball, Barnes led the Gophers to a 15-5 record his senior year and was a two time All-Conference selection. He broke school records for the most points scored in a single game and a single season. In track, Barnes was the first Stewart athlete to participate in a state track meet. In 1960 he qualified for the meet in the pole vault. He set district and conference records in the pole vault. After high school, Barnes had an outstanding baseball career at South Dakota State as a pitcher/ shortstop. After his career at SDSU he signed a professional baseball contract with the Minnesota Twins.
Jerome Jacobs (61) was one of the most storied athletes in Renville High School history. The 6’3, 190 pound Jacobs was an All-Conference and an All-Area selection in football and basketball for two years. He led his basketball team to a District 12 championship in 1959 and a 212 Conference title in 1960. In basketball Jacobs was the second leading scorer in the conference and area, both years finishing behind Danube's Bob Bruggers. He was a three time All-Conference selection and scored 1,359 points in his career. In football Jacobs was the best defensive end in the conference for two years. He was a two time All-Conference and All-Area selection. Jacobs played first base on Renville's conference champion teams of 1959 and 1960. Jacobs went on to the Universtiy of North Dakota and had an outstanding football career as a linebacker.
Bob Bruggers (62) is the most profound athlete in 212 Conference History. The 6’1, 205 pound Bruggers led his Danube Hawks to two State Basketball Tournament appearances in 1961 and 1962. An outstanding athlete, he went on to set records in every sport. In football, he was All Conference, All Area and All State his senior year. He scored 36 touchdowns in his career, 22 his senior year. In basketball Bruggers was a three time all conference and all area pick. He led the Willmar Area in scoring three years. Bruggers began his varsity career as an 8th grader and finished his career with 2364 points. 2nd highest in state history. In the Spring, Bruggers led the Hawks baseball team to a conference championship in 1962 .In Track he was the premier discus and shot put thrower for three years. Bruggers went on to have a great career at the University of Minnesota in football, and played five years in the NFL.
Dennis Peterson (63) was one of the outstanding all-around athletes in Buffalo Lake High School history. Peterson was a 3 year starter in football and basketball, a 4 year starter in baseball and the leading scorer for 3 years in track. The 6’0, 180 pound Peterson set the conference record in the high jump. He qualified for the Region 3 meet in the Pole Vault and both Hurdles. In baseball, Peterson was a 4 year starter as a shortstop and pitcher. He was known as one of the hardest throwing pitchers in the conference and as an outstanding hitter. Some of Peterson's home runs were of legendary distance. In basketball, Peterson averaged 13 points per game for three years. In football Peterson was one of the outstanding passers and punters in the conference for 3 years.
Dave Mueller (64) excelled in every sport at Buffalo Lake High School. Mueller scored 438 points his senior year and led the conference in scoring his senior year. He was selected to the All Conference teams in 1963 and 1964. In football, Mueller was a two time all conference choice as an end and quarterback. In track, Mueller won conference, district and region meets in the 440, 220 and Long Jump his senior year. In baseball, Mueller was a a three year starter as shortstop and pitcher. Valedictorian of his class, Mueller went on to Luther College in Iowa, and had a record setting career in basketball.
Jim (Todd) Macik (64) was one of the most prolific halfbacks in conference history. In his football career at Hector High School, Macik scored a total of 36 touchdowns and rushed for 2,730 yards in his 3 years as a starter. The 6’0, 190 pound, 3 year starter for the Bulldogs, led HHS to a record of 19 wins, 3 losses and 2 ties. He was a two year All Conference, and an All Area selection in 1964. In Track, Macik had an outstanding 3 year career as a sprinter. He was a high place winner in the 100 and 220 yard dash in conference, district and region meets. Macik qualified for the state in 1964. In baseball Macik was a 3 year starter as a catcher. He led his team to a conference championship as a junior with a .355 batting average. He finished his career with a .350 batting average. Macik was also a 2 year starter for the HHS basketball team. Macik went on to South Dakota State and had an outstanding 4 year football career.
John Naujokas, (65) was one of the all time great halfbacks in Bird Island Panther history. He scored 15 touchdowns his senior year to lead the conference in scoring. The 6’0, 180 pound Naujokas scored 27 touchdowns in his career at BIHS. He was an All-Conference selection in 1963 and 1964. Naujokas was a three year starter in basketball and on the all-conference team in 1965 and averaged 15 point a game his senior year. In track, Naujokas was an outstanding runner in the sprints and a long jumper in the field events. He was the 212 Conference and District 12 champion in the 440 his senior year.  After graduation, he went on to South Dakota State where he had a successful football career.
Mike Dahlheim, (65) was a four starter and participant in football, basketball, baseball and track.  He was the quarterback on the 1961 and 1963 conference championship teams. An All-Conference selection in 1963 and 1964, he was one of the outstanding passers in HHS football history. In basketball, Dahlheim scored 1,007 points in his career and was a three time All-Conference selection. Dahlheim played every position in the infield during his baseball career at Hector High School. He was a key member of the Bulldogs 1963 212 Conference Championship team. Dahlheim went on to Mankato State College for a successful career in football as a quarterback.
Ted Burke (66) was one of the most dominating athletes in conference history. The 6’6, 230 pound Burke excelled in football, basketball, track and baseball. He also excelled in the classroom as he was the valedictorian of his class. Burke was a four year starter in football as a fullback and linebacker. In basketball, Burke led the conference in scoring for three straight years and finished his career with 1801 points. This was the fourth highest behind Norm Grow of Foley, Bob Bruggers of Danube and Jon Hagen of Belview. In Track Burke set records in the Shot Put and Discus in the conference and district meets. Burke went on to the University of Minnesota and played football for three years. Much to the dismay of the Gopher coaches and professional scouts, Burke decided to forego his senior year for dental school. He has been a successful dentist in the Metro Area since graduating from the University of Minnesota.
Brad Danielson (67) was a dominating athlete in the 212 Conference and valedictorian of his class in the mid-60’s at Bird Island High School. In Football Danielson was a 3 time First Team All-Conference End on offense and on defense. In basketball, he was a 3 time All-Conference selection and led the conference in scoring his senior year. Danielson scored 1311 points in his career at BIHS. The 6’4, 200 pound Danielson was the third Bird Island High School basketball player to join the one grand club. In Track Danielson won the high hurdles in the 212 Conference , District 12 and Region 3, track meets for three consecutive years. He was the only athlete in 212 Conference history to do so.
Rob Anderson (67) won six 212 Conference Championships in basketball and baseball in his career at Renville High School. Anderson was an outstanding leader in all school activities and an outstanding student. In football Anderson was a three time All Conference selection as a quarterback and defensive back. The 5’9, 160 pound Anderson led the Indians to an 18-7 record in football. This was the best three years in RHS football history. In basketball, Anderson was a three time All-Conference point guard. Anderson scored 1095 points in his career and led his team to three straight 212 Conference titles and a District 12 Championship in 1967. In baseball, Anderson played shortstop/pitcher during his career at RHS. He was one of the best players in the league for three years and led his team to three straight titles. Anderson went on to Gustavus Adolphus College and had an excellent career in basketball. After graduation, he came back to his home town and coached for several years.
Warren “Buster” West (67) was an outstanding four sport athlete throughout his career at Brownton High School. West also was an excellent student leader in all activities at BHS. In Football, the 5’11, 170 pound West was one of the best athletes ever to wear the black and orange. He was a three time all conference selection as a halfback/quarterback and defensive back. In basketball, West was a three year starter and an all-conference pick his senior year. He was the third leading scorer in the conference and averaged 20 points a game. In baseball, West played on the best teams in Brownton high school history as an infielder. His team won the conference title his senior year. His father was the Brownton coaching legend, Max West. In Track, West ran the sprints and long jumped. He won the District 12 meet in the 100 yard dash his senior year. West went on to Gustavus Adolphus College and was a four year starter as a defensive back. After Gustavus, he coached several years with the Gusties.
Greg Kragenbring (68) was an outstanding athlete for Hector High School in the late 60’s. Kragenbring played on two conference championship football teams, two conference championship basketball teams, and two conference championship track teams. He played a major role in every sport. In football, the 6’3, 185 pound end was All Conference his senior year and brilliant on both sides of the football. In basketball, Kragenbring was a two time All Conference selection and was the leading scorer and rebounder on the team. He was one of the major reasons why HHS turned their basketball program into one of the best in the conference. In Track, Kragenbring was the 212 Conference champion in the High and Low Hurdles his senior year.
Neil Sing (69) was one of best all around athletes in Hector High School history and the main reason for their rise to power in the late 60’s. Sing played on eight conference championship teams in his career at HHS. In football Sing was an outstanding halfback. He scored 21 TD’s in his career. The 6’3, 190 pound Sing's record as a varsity football player was 26-1. In basketball Sing ended his career at HHS as the second leading scorer in Hector High School history with 916 points. The Bulldogs record in basketball was 58 and 8 during his career. In Track, Sing was the leading point scorer on the team for two years. He was a two time conference champion in the 100, 220 and 440 yard dashes. In baseball, Sing was one of the outstanding players on the conference champion HHS team of 1969.
Paul Williams (70) was one of the outstanding basketball players in Buffalo Lake High and 212 Conference History.  He scored 1,421 points in his BLHS career, the 5th highest in conference history. During his junior year, Williams scored 442 and averaged 31.6 points per game. Both were conference records. He was a three time 212 Conference All Conference selection. He also was All Area his junior and senior year. Willams also was a outstanding all around athlete as he was a three starter in football and one of the top pass catchers in the conference. In baseball he was an outstanding first baseman and one of the top hitters in the conference. Williams went on to Mankato State College and played basketball.
Doug Wertish (71) was an outstanding all around athlete for Renville High School in the early 70’s. In football he was a two time all conference halfback. In the fall of 1970 he broke the conference record by scoring 134 points in conference play. He scored 31 touchdowns in his career. In basketball, Wertish led the Indians to the State Tournament in 1971, where they won their first game. He was a two time all conference selection in 1970 and 1971 and scored 1,104 points in his basketball career. In Track, Wertish was the conference champion in the Pole Vault, High Jump and Long Jump for two years. He also was an outstanding infielder on the RHS baseball teams. Wertish went on to have a successful football career at South Dakota State College.
Larry Mulder (72) was one of the most productive athletes in Renville High School and Conference history. In a long line of Mulder athletes, the 6’7, 210 pound athlete was a dominant force in the conference in Football, Basketball, Baseball and Track. Mulder led the Indians to basketball State Tournaments in 1971 and 1972. He scored 1,202 points in his career and was All Conference and All Area his junior and senior year. In football, Mulder was a three year starter and all conference his junior and senior year. In Track, Mulder set the conference record in the High Jump his senior year and was Conference and District 12 Shot Put and Discus champion his junior and senior year. He was also an outstanding first baseman for the Indian baseball team. Mulder was the fourth athlete from the conference to be given the Herb Hengstlers award. He went on South Dakota State, where he had a successful basketball career.
Chuck Kossek (73) was a dominating athlete in the 212 Conference in his career at Stewart High School.. Kossek was one of the outstanding baseball players in SHS history. He pitched the Gophers to the Conference championship in 1972 and a runner up in the conference and     District 12 in 1973. Kossek finished with a 16-7 career pitching record and finished 2nd in career hits at SHS. Kossek was an All Conference basketball selection in 1973 and finished 2nd in the conference in scoring his senior year. In football, he was a three year starter and an All Conference defensive end his senior year.
Greg Mulder (74) was the second oldest of four Mulder boys who played for the Indians in the 1970’s. Larry (72), Kevin (75) and Kim (78), were all outstanding athletes. Father, Marvin, was an outstanding athlete in the mid 1940’s. In basketball, the 6’4, 195 Mulder was a three time All Conference selection and scored 1,480 points in his career. The most points scored in Renville High School basketball history. As a four year starter, RHS won four consecutive 212 Conference championships and had a record of 86-7 during this time. In football Mulder was a three year starter and was an All Conference selection. In track, Mulder was the conference, district and region champion in the discus for three years. In 1974 he placed second in the state meet. RHS won four consecutive conference championships in track in his years on the varsity. In baseball, Mulder was a three year starter and an all conference selection as a catcher in 1974.    His teams had a record of 18-8 and a baseball conference championship in 1973 when he played on the varsity.

 

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