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 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 the 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 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 SPSC 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 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 SPSC Hall of Fame on November 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 SPSC 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 Schwartz - 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 Nov 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. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame 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 Wallace - Mark has been a long-time club volunteer,
plus dad of two jumpers. His son Brian is now our club’s
coach. Mark was selected for induction in 2020, but no
banquet was held due to the pandemic. (full bio will be
published soon)
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, 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 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)
Tom Ricchio - During Tom’s active career, he jumped for the
Racine club. He went on to become an Air Force pilot, and
then become a corporate jet pilot. He got back into ski jumping
as he was contemplating retirement, and moved to the Iola
area, serving as their coach for several years. During that
time, he was present at many regional meets, and was also the
oldest active US Masters jumper for several years. He was an
excellent example of how ski jumping can be a lifetime sport,
and was a good influence on many in the Central Division. He
was selected for induction as an honorary member of the
SPSC Hall of Fame in 2020. (full bio will be published soon)
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.