Jim Alley
Coach

Jim Alley grew up in Roseau, Minnesota, where hockey is a way of life. As a seventh grader, he made the Roseau High School team and played for the Rams throughout his high school career.

After serving in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946 he enrolled at the University of Minnesota in 1946 and played varsity hockey for the Gophers. Jim played semi-pro hockey for the Rochester Mustangs where they won the National Amateur Championship in 1952.

Jim's coaching career began at Breck Academy in St. Paul. His team won the Minnesota Independent High School League Championship. In 1953, he was hired as a teacher and Anoka High School's hockey coach. Having grown up in one of the premier high school hockey programs in the state, at Roseau, coming to Anoka was a bit of a shock.

Starting from scratch, Jim began the process of building the youth hockey program in Anoka that would become the feeder to the high school team. Long hours were spent over the ensuing years working with school district and city officials along with parents to build outdoor hockey rinks with lights and warming houses. Fundraisers to pay for uniforms and ice time were prevalent. In time, Anoka had a full-blown hockey program that was to be reckoned with in the state of Minnesota.

With the help of many, Jim was successful in building the hockey program in Anoka because of his passion for the game. This passion carried over to his two sons, Steve and Tom, both of whom had successful hockey careers, as well as his wife Marge, who never missed a game.

Jim Alley, the "Father of Hockey" in Anoka, is proud of the continued growth and success of youth and high school hockey in Anoka.

Steve Alley
Class of 1972

Steve Alley was a three-year letter winner in Hockey at Anoka. As a senior, he was the leading scorer in the State of Minnesota. He was selected to both the All-Conference and All-State teams. Steve was the captain and quarterback of the football team and a three-year letter winner in baseball. The 1972 baseball team finished runner-up in the state, the best finish in Anoka High School history.

As a member of the Wisconsin Badgers, this two-year captain played on both the 1973 and 1977 National Championship teams. In 1977, he scored the winning goal in overtime to beat Michigan in the championship game. Steve was selected as a charter member of the University of Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

As a member of the 1976 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team, the United States tied for the Bronze Medal in Innsbruck, Austria.

Steve went on to play professional hockey in the WHA from 1977 to 1979 for the Birmingham Bulls. From 1979 to 1981, he played for the Hartford Whalers in the NHL.

Steve received his Master's in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin and enjoyed a long investment career as a partner with Morgan Stanley. In 1998, he founded Alley Company, LLC, an investment management firm. 

Steve and his wife Joanie live in Lake Forest, Illinois and have three daughters, Abby, Hilary, and Hannah, all of whom played Division I college lacrosse.

John W. Bauer
Class of 1987

John's specialty was Nordic Skiing. At Anoka, John was active in the concert band and a member of the National Honor Society. In Nordic Skiing, John was a two-time State Champion (1986, 1987) and began his post-secondary career at Folkhogskola Ski School in Mora, Sweden (1987-1988) and then attended Central Oregon Community College in Bend, Oregon (1988-1990).

As a member of the United States Olympic Ski Team, he represented his country in; Albertville, France in 1992, Nagano, Japan in 1998 and Salt Lake City, Utah, finishing fifth in 2002.

In addition to competing in three Olympics, John also raced in 16 USA National Championships and five World Championships. His skiing career has taken him from Anoka to Scandinavia, Europe and Japan.

John graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1997 with degrees in History and German.

John is the son of Nancy and Bill Bauer of Champlin, Minnesota. John currently resides in Hayward, Wisconsin with his wife Susan and their children Anneliese and Bryce.

Duane Blaska
Class of 1959

Duane was a three-sport athlete at Anoka High School, participating in football, basketball and baseball. Duane was one of 22 All-State football players to play in the 1959 Minnesota High School All-Star Football Game. National Honor Society Member and all-school president in 1959, Duane received four letters in basketball and baseball and three letters in basketball.

Duane attended the University of Minnesota and played football for the Gophers. He was a member of the only two Gopher teams to play in the Rose Bowl, 1961 and 1962. Duane was the starting quarterback his senior season, leading the Gophers to a 2nd place finish in the Big Ten and a number 10 National Ranking. Coach Murray Warmath credited Duane for much of the team's offensive success that year. In fact, Duane was widely recognized by his and opposing coaches for his intelligence, leadership and character.

Duane graduated from the University of Minnesota with a business degree in 1963 and worked for the McKesson Company in Pharmaceutical Distribution for 35 years.

Duane is an avid outdoorsman active in hunting, fishing and golf. He and his wife Joan are the parents of three sons: Steve, David and Mike.

William “Billy” D. Bye
Class of 1945

Billy Bye started playing varsity sports in seventh grade at Thief River Falls before moving to Anoka following his sophomore year. Among his numerous accomplishments, Bye captained an Anoka undefeated football team, a district champion basketball team and a State Champion baseball team.

Bye was named to All-Star teams in football and baseball, and was all-conference and all-district several times in football and basketball. He was a region champion and state participant multiple times in track and golf, and placed third individually in both State tournaments. Bye also was a leading scorer on Thief River Falls hockey teams prior to the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) sponsoring a state tournament.

Unbelievably, during his senior season at Anoka, Bye won the district golf championship in the morning to advance to the region tournament, played on the championship baseball team in the afternoon and qualified to advance from the districts to the regionals in track and field in five different events that same evening.

In baseball, Bye led his teams in batting every year and, in golf, his leadership continued as team captain and State tournament qualifier for three successive years.

After a stint in the U.S. Navy, Bye played college football at the University of Minnesota in the late 1940s and was the team's leading scorer all four seasons and team MVP in his freshman year. He then played in the Canadian Football League for three years before returning to Minnesota to teach and coach. He coached football, wrestling, basketball, and track and field at Detroit Lakes, Minnetonka and Edina, and was named Minnesota Football Coach of the Year in 1960 and his undefeated Edina squad.

Bye is a member of the University of Minnesota and Thief River Falls Athletic Halls of Fame, the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame and the National High School Hall of Fame.

Friend and teammate Bud Grant said, "Billy Bye is the greatest high school athlete in Minnesota history."

Gretchen Carlson
Class of 1984

As a high school student, Gretchen was Valedictorian of her graduating class and a member of the National Honor Society. Her other activities include theatre, where she was the lead in the musical "South Pacific." This Anoka High School Senior Homecoming Attendant was named Miss T.E.E.N. Minnesota and was first runner-up in the National competition. Attending Stanford University, she graduated Cum Laude and also studied at Oxford University in England.

Gretchen was an accomplished violinist, winning numerous local and national competitions. She performed as a soloist with the Minnesota Orchestra as an 8th grader and was the Concertmistress for the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony. She spent five summers studying at the prestigious Aspen Music Festival in Aspen, Colorado. Winner of several Concerto Competitions at the MacPhail School of Music in Minneapolis, she was also featured as a soloist with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.

In 1989, Gretchen became the first classical violinist ever to win the Miss America Pageant after being crowned Miss Minnesota in 1988. She embarked on a career in journalism which has taken her to Richmond, Virginia, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas and New York to anchor "The Saturday Early Show" on CBS. She is currently the host of "Fox and Friends" on the Fox News Channel, the #1 cable morning news program in the nation.

Gretchen remains a staunch advocate of the arts and volunteers her time at church and in her community. She also serves as a celebrity spokesperson for the March of Dimes and is a member of the Miss America Organization Board of Directors.

Willis Castle
Class of 1944

Willis was a tremendous all-around athlete. He was awarded four letters in football, selected as an honorable mention All-State football player in 1943 and became Anoka's first All-State player in 1944. In basketball, the four-year letter winner was a two-time all district squad member and all-conference and all-regional in 1944. As a baseball player, he earned five letters and was offered a contract by the Brooklyn Dodgers after a high school tryout.

Instead of signing with the Dodgers, Willis entered the military as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. Willis fought in the Pacific theatre and participated in the taking of Iwo Jima. Playing on the All-Marine Baseball team, he competed against major leaguers Mickey Vernon, Spec Shea and Johnny Mize. After completing his obligation to the Marines, the Dodgers once again invited him to join their organization.

Willis entered the University of Hamline, where he competed in football, basketball and baseball, and graduated with a degree in business in 1950.

Dan Chandler
Class of 1970

A successful high school wrestling career under the legendary coach Ron Malcolm at Anoka led Dan Chandler to the University of Minnesota where he captained the Golden Gophers and first began to practice Olympic style wrestling. Dan went on to win 12 Greco-Roman National Championships, make 3 Olympic teams, place in three World Championships and win 2 Pan American Games titles. His career includes 11 international medals.

Dan serves as the State Coach for Minnesota/USA Wrestling and is head coach of the Storm Wrestling Club, training athletes at the elite level. Storm wrestlers have won 5 Olympic medals and an individual World Championship under Dan's tutelage. He was the head coach of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team in Sydney and led that squad to the highest American finish in Olympic history. In recognition of his commitment to the sport, Dan Chandler has been named National Coach of the Year for USA Wrestling 5 times.

Dan and Cindy Chandler currently reside in Minneapolis and are the proud parents of two sons, Jack and Ben.

Wayne Dietz
Coach

Wayne Dietz is a 1948 graduate of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II from 1942-1946.

Wayne taught in Anoka-Hennepin School District #11 from 1956-1985. His coaching career in Anoka included 14 years as the assistant to Stan Nelson in football. He also coached baseball at Anoka for 24 years including several years as coach of the high school team and Anoka's American Legion squad, before retiring from coaching in 1980. Wayne retired from teaching in 1985.

Wayne was active as an official for the MSHSL in both basketball and football. He also worked for the League assisting with the running of state tournament events in football, basketball and baseball. In addition, he ran numerous region baseball tournaments at St. Paul's Midway Stadium. Wayne, for many years, was the official scorer for Anoka Basketball.

Wayne was highly respected at both the state and local level as a coach and official. He was recognized locally as an honorary "A" Club member and has a dugout at Castle Field dedicated to him.

Wayne has been named to the Minnesota Baseball Hall of Fame, the Minnesota Coaches Hall of Fame, the Minnesota State High School Hall of Fame and the Minnesota Officials Hall of Fame.

Wayne and Liz Dietz were married for 62 years. They raised three daughters: Debbie (Tom) Roen, Cindy (Jim) Fisher and Liz (Jerry) Treece. They also have two grandchildren: Meghan and Kevin Fisher.

Tod D. Hartje
Class of 1986

Tod lettered in four sports at Anoka; football, hockey, golf and baseball. He was named All-State in football, hockey and golf; team MVP in football, hockey and golf. His football accomplishments led to an All-American selection. As an athlete, he was a member of the Team Minnesota National Champions and Minnesota Junior Olympian.

An outstanding student honor graduate, he was accepted to and graduated from Harvard University. Tod continued his hockey and golf careers at Harvard. As a golfer, he earned three letters; in hockey he lettered four years, was selected captain, played in the 1987 Frozen Four and was a member of the 1989 National Champion Harvard Crimson team.

Tod was drafted into the NHL by the Winnipeg Jets. He became the first foreign player ever to play for a Soviet professional sports team, spending a year with the Sokol Kiev squad in the Soviet Elite League. His chronicle of that experience became the book From Behind the Red Line: An American Hockey Player in Russia. He was invited and appeared on the David Letterman Show in 1991 to tell his story.

Tod and his wife Nicole are the proud parents of Jackson, Sasha, Elle and Clayton. As Director of U.S. Sales and Planning & Incentives for the Chrysler Group LLC, he currently resides in Michigan.

Dave Herbold
Class of 1949

Dave Herbold was a three-sport athlete at Anoka High School. He excelled in football, wrestling and throwing the discus in track. He was a three-time letter winner in both wrestling and track and earned four letters in football, where he was named to the All-Conference team as a senior. In wrestling, he was captain of Anoka's first State Championship team as the heavy weight his senior year. In track, he set the District 16 record as a sophomore. Dave never lost a meet in 11th or 12th grade while winning two State Championships in the discus.

After high school, Dave served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. During his service he played three seasons of football and wrestled for two years. He also started wrestling programs at two Naval Air Stations.

After the service, Dave attended the University of Minnesota where he played football, wrestled and threw the discus for the track team. In football, he played all three years and started as a senior. As the wrestling team's heavyweight, starting in his sophomore year, he compiled an excellent record that included a Big Ten runner-up and a trip to the national tournament. As a senior, he no longer needed to attend spring football practice, so Dave joined the track team. Even though he hadn't competed in about 6 years, he won a couple of dual meets and enough points for a letter. In all, he won seven letters in three sports.

Dave graduated with distinction from the University of Minnesota in 1958 and went on to graduate school at the University of Colorado where he earned a MS in math/physics.

After college, Dave taught math and physics and coached football, wrestling and track for 21 years. As a coach, he started wrestling programs at three high schools in California and Minnesota.

Dave taught until 1978 before working as a mechanical engineer until his retirement in 1995.

Jeff Hymanson
Class of 1972

Jeff Hymanson was on the Varsity Hockey team all three years at Anoka High School.

A teammate of Steve Alley through youth and high school, they were both selected to play on the 1976 Olympic Team in Innsbruck, Austria.

From 1972 to 1974, Jeff played in the Midwest Junior Hockey League. In 1974, he was selected to play on the USA Junior Olympic Hockey Team. In the summer of 1974, Jeff was drafted by the Minnesota North Stars of the National Hockey League.

As a member of the 1976 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team, they tied West Germany for the Bronze Medal in Innsbruck, Austria.

Jeff competed for the 1976 USA World Hockey Tournament team in Katawitz, Poland. Considered the World Cup of Hockey, the U.S. finished fourth against a world class of European hockey teams. 

From 1977 to 1979, Jeff played for a division one Swedish hockey team in Europe.

He currently resides in Houston, Texas as a home builder.

Robert W. Johnson
Class of 1934

Robert W. Johnson (R.W.) played varsity football, basketball and track at Anoka High School. His 1933 football team, arguably one of Anoka's greatest teams, finished the season undefeated, untied and unscored upon. He graduated Valedictorian.

R.W. attended the University of Minnesota. He played tackle for Coach Bernie Berman's Golden Gophers Big Ten Champion football teams of 1936, 1937 and 1939. In 1936, the squad won both the Big Ten and National Championships.

In World War II, R.W. led a United States Marine Corps artillery battery in the South Pacific and was wounded in action. He fought on Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan and Tinian, and the Japanese Island of Kyushu. Promoted to Captain, R.W. completed his service and returned to Minnesota at the war's end. After graduating from the University of Minnesota Law School, he opened a law practice in Anoka. Anoka County elected R.W. to be its county attorney in 1950, and he served in that capacity for 32 years. He became President of both the Minnesota County Attorneys Association and the National District Attorneys Association. Anoka High School's Robert W. Johnson Scholarship is given annually in his memory.

R. W. died in November 2010. He and his wife Charlotte had 5 children and 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. His legacy will live on in their lives and in his many contributions to the community.

Kristi Kropp-Wagner
Class of 1982

Kristi was an outstanding all-around athlete at Anoka High School. She was a three-time letter winner in volleyball, which included All-Conference recognition, team captain and MVP. In basketball she lettered twice and was an All-Conference selection. Her track accolades are numerous and include three letters, a team captain, All-Conference, All-Region and All-State recognition three years. Kristi was a five-time State Champion and a member of two State championship teams.

Kristi's outstanding track performances continued as a member of the Wisconsin Badgers. At Wisconsin, she lettered four times, was named to the All-Big Ten team four times and was the Big Ten Champ in three events: Javelin, 400 meter hurdles and as a member of the 4 x 800 relay. She was a division one All-American in 1985 as well as team captain and MVP in 1986.

After college, Kristi was a member of the USA National Team Handball team, and runner-up in the American Gladiators competition. Her coaching career took her from the job as an assistant here at Anoka to serving as the head track coach at UW-River Falls for seven years.

Kristi and husband, Dave Wagner, and daughters Maddie and Annie live in River Falls Wisconsin.

Dick Mueller
Class of 1951

Richard "Dick" Mueller was Anoka's first three-time Minnesota State High School Wrestling Champion. As a freshman he finished runner-up. His coach at Anoka High School was Garth Lappin. Lappin prophetically told Dick: "If you want it badly enough, you could be a National Champion."

Dick then went on to wrestle for Coach Wally Johnson at the University of Minnesota and in 1953 he wrestled his way to the National Championship at 123 pounds. Dick was a vital member of the Gophers' first Big Ten Championship in 1954. 

Dick left the University for Military Service, which included wrestling 22 months for the All-Army team. During his service, he also qualified as an alternate for the U.S. Olympic squad and was a member of the team wrestling in the Pan Am games. Returning to the University after his Military Service, Dick won two more Big Ten titles as the team added another conference championship.

Dick then turned to coaching as an assistant at the University before coaching at Cambridge and Osseo High Schools.

Dick is a member of the U.S. Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame and the "M Club" Hall of Fame at the University of Minnesota.

Cheryl (Nelson) King
Coach

Cheryl (Nelson) King is a 1966 graduate of Anoka High School. At Anoka, she was a member of the band, a cheerleader, GAA president and selected as the honor athlete. As a graduate of Augsburg College in 1970 she received degrees in physical education, health and coaching. A four-year member of the basketball team, she was inducted into the Augsburg Hall of Fame in 1990.

Her teaching career began at what was then Jackson Junior High. Named tennis coach at Anoka in 1976, she coached several Conference and Region Championship squads. Her 1990 and 1991 teams participated in the State tournament. Cheryl was named Minnesota State Coach of the Year in 1990 and inducted into the Minnesota Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame in 2006.

As head track coach at Anoka High School, her teams were perennial Conference and Region Champions. The 1981 and 1982 teams were Minnesota State Champions. Cheryl was named Minnesota State Track Coach of the Year in 1982.

Cheryl coauthored the book Great Games for Young People for physical education teachers with Anoka-Hennepin teachers Marilee Gustafson and Sue Wolfe.

Cheryl is the daughter of Stan and Marcie Nelson. Husband Richard and Cheryl have two sons; Kyle and Jason.

Stan Nelson
Coach

Stan Nelson is a 1939 graduate of Dawson High School in Minnesota. Stan was a three-sport athlete and captain in all three; football, basketball and baseball. He graduated from Augsburg College in 1943. At Augsburg, he was a four-year starter in football and was all MIAC and Captain in 1942. Stan was a three-year starter in both basketball and baseball as an Auggie. He was selected as an Honor Athlete in 1943. Stan continued his education, earning his Master’s in Education from the University of Minnesota in 1951.

Upon completion of his degree at Augsburg, Stan served his country as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the United States Navy. A member of what has become deservedly known as America's Greatest Generation, Stan participated in both the Invasion of Normandy and the Pacific Theater.

His teaching and coaching career took him to Zumbrota and Farmington as a three-sport coach before beginning his career at Anoka in 1953. At Anoka, Stan coached football, basketball and baseball, serving as the head coach in both baseball and football. 

Stan's career as the head coach at Anoka spanned 26 years. His career record was 154-70-8. His teams won six conference championships and were named Minnesota State Champions in 1964. Starting in 1961, his teams went 33 consecutive games without a loss.

Coach Nelson was named Minnesota High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1964. Stan received the Anoka Youth Service Award in 1966, and was selected as a member of the Anoka Letterman's Club. His other honors include selection to the Augsburg College Hall of Fame in 1977, Augsburg's Sports Achievement Award in 1979, the Minnesota Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1980, the Minnesota High School League Hall of Fame in 1981, the Old Timers Football Hall of Fame in 2007 and he received the Minnesota High School Athletic Directors Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008.

Stan and wife Marcie, longtime residents of Anoka, had three children: Cheryl, Steve and Dave. All of them are prominent figures in Minnesota sports history.

Steve Nelson
Class of 1969

Steve Nelson was a three-sport athlete at Anoka High School, earning letters in football, basketball and baseball. As a senior, Steve was selected as captain, team MVP and to the All-State team in football. Steve graduated from NDSU in 1974, being named a two-time All-American, team captain and MVP in football.

A 2nd round pick of the New England Patriots, his 14-year career included three trips to the Pro Bowl and being named team MVP twice. Steve's #57 jersey has been retired by the Patriots. He was selected as a member of their 50-year team. Steve played in Super Bowl XX. At the conclusion of his playing career, Steve was the AD and head coach at Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts from 1998 to 2005.

Steve is the son of Stan and Marcie Nelson. Steve and his wife Angela reside in Middleboro, Massachusetts. He is the proud father of five daughters; Cameron, Casey, Caitlin, Kelli and Grace.

Charles B. Olson
Band Director

Charles B. Olson is a 1960 graduate of St. Cloud State University. He received his Master of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1964. He began teaching instrumental music in Anoka-Hennepin School District in 1960. In 1967, he was appointed the director of bands at Anoka High School, building the program to over 300 students. So many Anoka students were successful in auditioning for All-State groups that modifications were made in the selection process.

Mr. Olson's bands won first place at the Tri-State Band Festival three consecutive years and were selected Grand Champion at the Manisphere International Competition in Winnipeg, Canada. In addition, his bands were selected to perform at the Minnesota Music Educators Convention, were selected as WCCO Pep Band of the Year and represented Minnesota at the Inaugural Parade for Jimmy Carter in 1977.

Charles is the founding conductor of the Lake Wobegon Brass Band, founder and conductor of the Encore Wind Ensemble, orchestra director of the Anoka Theatre Ensemble, the Anoka Civic Opera and the Anoka Community Theatre.

In 1978, Charles joined the faculty at Bethel College as an Associate Professor of Music and conductor of the Bethel Band. After his retirement in 1997, he was awarded the title of Associate Professor Emeritus. In 2001, he was awarded the Distinguished Service to Music Award from St. Cloud State.

Charles and his wife live in Anoka. They have two children Cathy and David.

Brandon Paulson
Class of 1992

Brandon participated in tennis and wrestling at Anoka. As a wrestler, he finished his high school career with a 155-12-1 record. Brandon finished his high school career as a three-time individual State Champion. He was named Wrestler of the Year in Minnesota as a senior.

In 1993, he was a Junior World Silver Medalist. He earned 16 national titles in Greco Roman and Freestyle wrestling, and was the first high school wrestler to earn a spot on the U.S. National Senior Team. Brandon won a Silver Medal in the 1996 Olympic Games.

At the University of Minnesota, Brandon was a 1998 NCAA Wrestling All-American. Brandon also represented the United States in the World Championships in 2001, 2002, and 2003, winning a silver medal in 2001.

Brandon worked as an assistant wrestling coach at Anoka from 2005-2008, helping to produce seven individual championships at his alma mater. Brandon continued his coaching with the USA Greco-Roman team and as a member of the Olympic Coaching Staff in the 2008 Olympics as personal coach for Anoka's Jake Deitchler.

Brandon is currently the co-director of the Pinnacle Wrestling School in Shoreview.

Brandon, his wife Rochell, and his three children, Elijah, Abby, and Sydney reside in Anoka.

Tom Pearson 
Athletic Director

Tom Pearson worked in the Anoka-Hennepin District from 1961 to 1987. He taught mathematics, was the A/V coordinator and served as the Athletic Director (AD). As the AD he helped introduce women's sports to Anoka High School.

A native of Radcliffe, Iowa, he was a graduate of Iowa State Teachers College (Northern Iowa) and earned his Master's Degree from the University of Minnesota. Tom served 14 months during WWII in the U.S. Navy. He taught both math and science in a teaching career that began in Rockwell City, Iowa. Working for the Department of Defense, Tom taught math and science and coached football, basketball and track in Japan, France and Germany.

In his more than 20-year career as the Anoka High School Athletic Director, he oversaw a growing and successful program. The introduction of women's athletics is among the biggest and most positive changes any AD has overseen. Tom also hosted both state volleyball and gymnastics tournaments.

Tom served as the scheduling manager for all sports for the North Suburban Conference.

He had the unique experience of supervising the USA vs. Soviet wrestling challenge.

Tom also served as the Grand Marshall of the Anoka Halloween Parade in 1987.

Tom and wife Jean have two children; Carol and Bob, and three grandchildren; Joelle, Tori, and Duncan, who were all Anoka High School Tornadoes. Their son-in-law, Buz Dahl, was a teacher at Anoka High School.

Briana Scurry
Class of 1989

Briana Scurry's accomplishments in the world of soccer began at Anoka High School. She was the outstanding goalie for the Tornadoes in their Minnesota State Championship win in 1989. That game went to a shootout victory.

While in high school, she also excelled in basketball, track and field, and softball. In recognition of her many athletic achievements, Briana was named Anoka High School's Athena Award winner as the school's top female athlete. She was also named a High School All American and Minnesota's top female athlete. In 2010, she was inducted into the Minnesota State High School Hall of Fame.

Briana's soccer took her to the University of Massachusetts. Her collegiate career was completed with 37 shutouts in 65 starts with an overall record of 48-13-4 and a 0.56 goals against average.

The highlight of her accomplishments occurred during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Scurry played a major role in the team's gold medal victory. She played every minute and allowed only three goals. Her heroic performance would inspire millions of people around the world. After the victory, her teammates gave her the nickname "The Rock", as a testament to her courage, leadership and grace under fire. An Olympic Silver and a World Cup Championship are also among her many accomplishments.

Briana can be seen on ESPN as a studio analyst for soccer.

Bill Wanamaker
Coach

A 1944 graduate of Anoka High School, Coach Bill Wanamaker played on two District Championship basketball teams during his junior and senior seasons. Upon graduation, he entered the Navy and served through 1946.

After the Navy, Coach Wanamaker attended Hamline University and played basketball under the legendary Joe Hutton. He was a member of Hamline's National Championship basketball team of 1949 and is noted in the book titled "Minnesota Hoops: Basketball in the North Star State."

Bill began his career as a history teacher and coach at Anoka High School. Initially an assistant basketball coach and head track coach, his teams were immediately successful. In nine years as the track coach, his teams won the district title nine times. As the varsity basketball coach, he had great success throughout his 25-year career. Most impressively, he coached the Tornadoes to the 1973 State Basketball Championship. He retired from coaching in 1978 and from teaching in 1986. He was respected by players and students and admired by his peers.

Bill was named 1973 WCCO Coach of the Year and in 1992 was inducted into the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Bill and his wife Geraldine, Jerry, who died in 1977, have six children: Susan, Bart, Bill, Kathy, Janet and Steven, along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. They all live in the Twin City area. He currently resides in the town of his birth, Milaca, Minnesota.

Chuck Wennerlund
Class of 1957

Chuck Wennerlund lettered 14 times at Anoka High School. As a football player, he earned four varsity letters, was selected as team captain, was a two-time member of the All-Conference team, and was named All-State in 1956. In basketball, he earned four letters and was selected as team captain. He was a three-time All-Conference selection, and he scored over 1000 career points. As a senior, he led his team to an undefeated regular season. In baseball, he earned six letters and pitched two no-hitters.

Chuck earned four varsity letters at Hamline University, two in basketball and two in baseball. In basketball, his 1960 team won the MIAC Title and advanced to the prestigious Division III National Tournament.

Among his many post-collegiate athletic endeavors, Chuck was a key player on a powerhouse softball team, Bruce Johnson Construction, which won State Championships eight times in nine years from 1969 to 1977.

As a coach, Chuck started the Coon Rapids High School basketball program, served as head coach from 1963 to 1972, and won the conference championship in 1966 in the first year as a full high school. He also served as the head tennis coach and assisted with football and baseball. Chuck later became the head golf coach at Anoka High School and assisted with football, basketball and girls tennis.

Chuck and Claudia Wennerlund currently reside in Ham Lake. They are blessed with four children and 11 grandchildren.