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2012 Event

2012 Sid Hartman Minnesota Media Award

Sid Hartman will be presented with the inaugural Sid Hartman Minnesota Media Award. Sid Hartman is nothing short of a legend in Minnesota's media and sports communities. Known simply as "Sid" to many Minnesotans, Hartman's first column ran in the Minneapolis Daily Times (now the Star Tribune) in late 1945. Just two years later, Hartman found himself as the acting general manager of the Minneapolis Lakers at the age of 27. Hartman's efforts helped build a lasting legacy for the sport in Minnesota, and his teams brought championships to the Twin Cities.

Hartman has been the most well-known sports media personality in the Twin Cities for decades. Every Sunday morning, Hartman takes to WCCO's radio waves to bring the latest happenings in the sporting world to interested listeners. Hartman has broadcasted for more than three decades alongside Dave Mona. Hartman's son, Chad, has continued Hartman's legacy in the sports and media communities with successful radio shows on KFAN and WCCO.

Despite all of his activity in the Minnesota sports community, Hartman is most famous for his regular column in the Star Tribune. Having written the same column since he began at the newspaper in 1945, his pieces have covered nearly every major sporting occurrence in the state.
 
Hartman can still often be found in a press seat at Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, Wild, and University of Minnesota sporting events. Hartman's efforts on behalf of the Minnesota sports community and in bringing the average fan a little closer to their teams led directly to this award bearing his name. Among his many other legacies, this award will serve as yet another reminder of the tradition of excellence in sports and reporting that Hartman has embodied ever since that first 1945 column.

2012 Murray Warmath Legendary Team Award:

The Murray Warmath Legendary Team Award will be presented to the 1960 Minnesota Golden Gopher Football team.  The 1960 Gophers represented one of the finest teams ever assembled at the state's largest university.  Under the tutelage of Murray Warmath himself, the Gophers played their way into being named National Champions.  Ranked by both the Associated Press and Coaches Polls as the top team in the nation, the co-Big Ten Champions truly had a legendary roster.

 Guard Tom Brown was named an All-American by multiple parties, including the Associated Press, The Sporting News, American Football Coaches Association, and others.  Brown was named the Big Ten's most valuable player in the 1960 season as he was presented with the Chicago Tribune Silver Football.  Brown was named to the All-Big Ten first team along with wide receiver Tom Hall and center Greg Larson.  Brown's exploits nearly earned him the Heisman Trophy, finishing second to Ernie Davis.

 Murray Warmath's championship 1960 Golden Gophers are still remembered fondly throughout the state, earning them the award that honors their legendary coach.

2012 Fred Zamberletti Award

Gary Reinholtz is t he 2012 recipient of the Fred Zamberletti Award. The award, named for the legendary athletic trainer for the Minnesota Vikings, honors an outstanding Minnesotan athletic trainer who has had strong impact in the athletic training profession.

The first full-time athletic trainer for the Gustavus Adolphus College athletic department, Reinholtz started the athletic training major at the College in 1976. The Madison, Wis., native served as head athletic trainer for 22 years and retired in 2003 as the program director for the athletic training major in the Department of Health and Exercise Science.

A graduate of Mankato State University, Gary has been a driving force in the athletic training profession regionally as well as nationally. His research at the University of Washington in the mid-'70s led to the publication of the first programmed text for use in athletic training curriculums. He then moved on to Gustavus where he began developing one of the top undergraduate athletic training programs in the country. While at Gustavus, Reinholtz mentored hundreds of students in the athletic training program and treated approximately 7,000 student-athletes.   He is also in the Gustavus Adolphus Athletics Hall of Fame.

2012 John Gagliardi Minnesota Football Legacy Award

The 2012 John Gagliardi Minnesota Football Legacy Award will be presented to Former Stillwater Football Coach, George Thole. Thole retired as head coach at Stillwater High School after the 1999 season.  He compiled a record of 285-69-2  (.805) In 32 years as head coach, 29 of those with the Ponies.  His teams won four large school state titles, were runners-up twice, appeared in 18 state tournaments, won 12 section titles and captured 17 conference crowns.  His teams averaged 9 wins per year and had 27 and 26 game winning streaks. 

George played college football at North Dakota State University in Fargo where he became a two-way starter at guard for two years.  He graduated in 1962 and was named to the NDSU Bison Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.  After a two-year stint in the U.S. Navy he earned  a masters degree from Moorhead State in 1966.
 Thole has been inducted into six halls of fame and served as past president of the Minnesota High School Football Coaches Association.  George and his wife Karen, of 50 years, have children Eric, a defense attorney, who quarterbacked the Ponies to the '82 State championship, and Kiersten, a Spanish teacher at Park H.S. in Cottage Grove.

2012 Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year

The 2012 recipient of the Bobby Bell Impact Player of the Year Award is Peter "Fritz" Waldvogel. Waldvogel, a native of Mendota Heights, started a record 50 games at the University of St. Thomas during his college career. 

In the 2011 season Waldvogel demonstrated his abilities as a leader helping guide St. Thomas to a 13-1 record, tied for third in NCAA Division III football, and repeated as conference champions for the first time in 63 years. He amassed 1,238 yards from 80 receptions, 2,032 all-purpose yards, and 16 touchdowns. In
Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference stats on his career, Waldvogel ranks first in punt return yards, second in all-purpose yards, third in receptions, receiving yards, and kickoff return yards. He is a two-time All-American,  a two-time conference Player of the Year, and a Capital One Academic All-America honoree.

 Off the field, Waldvogel performed just as remarkably with a 3.56 grade-point average. The finance major serves on multiple committees and organizes numerous charity events.

2012 Bob Stein Scholar-Athlete Award Winner

The 2012 Bob Stein College Scholar Athlete Award will be presented to Brad Kruckeberg.  Kruckeberg truly emobodies what it means to be a student athlete.  A standout on the field, Kruckeberg did not choose to go lightly in the classroom.  Instead, he will receive a degree in pre-med biology with a minor in management from Gustavus Adolphus College.  Kruckeberg's dedication to the classroom has even led him to become a biology department tutor in his spare time.  While competing every season on the football squad, "Kruck" maintained a 3.88 GP

A four-year letterman on the football team, Kruckeberg is one of the team's undisputed leaders.  A safety, the 5'11" native of Ellendale, Minnesota captained his team beginning in the fall of 2011.  By the time his football career at Gustavus ended, he ranked 5th all-time in interceptions.  In 2010, he was named to the All-MIAC 2nd team, as well as the D3Football.com All-West Regiona 3rd Team.  In 2011, Kruckeberg was named to the All-MIAC 2nd Team once again and appeared in the d# Senior Classic in Salem, Virgina.  He was also named to the 2011 All-MIAC Sportsmanship Team, a testament to his commitment to playing the game right.

However, what has truly set Brad apart from his peers are his academic achievements.  Kruckeberg was named to the NCAA Academic All-America first team this past season, and was also nominated for an NCAA post graduate scholarship.  He has received MIAC awards for his sportsmanship as well.  Kruckeberg's studies as a biology major saw him excel in a rigorous program while continually performing on the field.  In fact, Brad received top academic honors on his Gustavus squad for the past two seasons.  

 Kruckeberg's other activities seem nearly endless.  He volunteers his time with Special Olympics Minnesota, the St. Peter Food Shelf, Relay For Life, and the Mayo Clinic Health System.  He is also a member of the Tao Psi Omega fraternity and the co-president of the Inter-Greek Senate.  Kruckeberg's next step will be applying for medical school, during which time he will he continue to donate his time and travel.

 Gustavus Adolphus Head Football Coach Pete Haugen stated, "Brad makes those around him better and the respect that he has from our players and staff I rank at the top of all student athletes I have worked with in the past 18 years as head coach."  He continues, "He is driven to be his best each day and so focused on how the work that he is doing today will provide the foundation for his success as he pursues medical school."

2012 Courage Award Winner

Derek Klinkner will be awarded the 2012 Courage Award. Klinkner, a student athlete at Southwest Minnesota State University, was a standout early in his Mustang career. Tragically, a farm accident left him unable to walk. While moving a water tank with his father, Klinkner was pinned under the 8-inch thick, 9-foot long concrete cylinder. Klinkner dislocated two major vertebrae and was in the hospital for a month after the accident.

Derek proved his mettle in the coming months. Instead of letting the injury dictate his life, he set his sights on being able to run again one day. Klinkner took to his rehab activities as tenaciously as he did his duties on defense and in the classroom. Klinkner's determination and sense of humor proved to be a light to those around him. An avid Twitter user, Klinkner once posted, "Just timed my 40 in a wheelchair…14.81." Those close to him describe Derek as someone who takes only two things seriously, school and football.

Derek's commitment to walking again one day continues to drive him. Since his accident, he has slowly regained feeling in his lower extremities. Beginning with his quadriceps, Derek has now had at least partial feeling return as far down as his ankles. As an Exercise Science major, Derek continued to learn even more about his condition and back injuries in general. Hours of research and study, Klinkner is armed with knowledge and incredible personal strength.

"I'm going to beat this" says everything about Derek Klinkner.

7 High School Scholar Athletes Selected for 2012 Awards Event

Seven high school seniors will receive recognition as outstanding high school football Scholar-Athletes. These Scholar-Athletes, as nominated by their football coaches, were evaluated on their academic achievement (3.0 GPA or better), football ability, performance, leadership, attitude, and service to their community. Remarkably, the average GPA among the finalists was 3.87.  The 2012 honorees are Beau Bates (Minnetonka HS), Adam Bungum (Triton HS), David Holien (Cotter HS), Cavonte Johnson (Edina HS)Zack Moheban (Bloomington Kennedy HS), Sean Murphy (Nicollet HS), and Matthew Suek (Fergus Falls HS).

Beau Bates: Minnetonka High School

Minnetonka inside linebacker Beau Bates has been selected as a 2012 scholar-athlete award winner.  A senior captain, Bates was named the Conference Defensive MVP in addition to being named to the Academic  All-State Team by the Minnesota Coaches Association.  Coach Dave Nelson describe him as "one of the top two linebackers we have had during our 10 year tenure."  A two year starter, Bates was an A honor roll student for all four years in high school.  Beau's coaches describe him as a "natural born leader," in addition to his stellar marks in the classroom.  Active in the community, he has volunteered at Amplatz Children's Hospital, Feed My Starving Children, and other charities.  He will attend the University of Minnesota -Duluth this fall, majoring in Athletic Training.  He is the son of Alan and Penny.

Adam Bungum: Triton High School

Triton High School defensive back and wide receiver Adam Bungum has been selected as a 2012 scholar-athlete award winner.   Bungum has proven to be a leader on his team and in the community, and this will only continue as he attends West Point. Adam's teachers have recognized his leadership in many ways. Mr. Somers, Adam's science teacher stated: "Adam inspires his teammates because they see his hunger for success." On the field, Bungum helped lead his Triton team to a second-place finish in state in 2010, and received All-state honors in 2011. His dedication makes him stand out from his peers and truly a scholar athlete. He is the son of Dean and Michelle.

Cavonte Johnson: Edina High School

Edina's Cavonte Johnson has been selected as a 2012 scholar-athlete award winner.  Johnson's sheer will and determination are difficult to match. Overcoming adversity throughout his life, Johnson has stepped up and wowed everyone around him. A two-way player for his Edina Hornets, he saw time at running back, wide receiver, and cornerback.  "Cavonte is the type of individual a teacher enjoys having in the classroom because of his mature attitude", said Head Football Coach Reed Boltman.  Johnson regularly involves himself in charity events and frequently takes up leadership roles. In addition to football, Johnson is a captain for both his track team and his basketball team. Cavonte's guardians are Doug and Sarah.

David Holien: Winona Cotter High School

Cotter High School's David Holien has been selected as a 2012 scholar-athlete award winner.   A captain on his Cotter High School squad, Holien consistently stood out in all areas. A National Honors Society member, Holien has received awards for his leadership, school spirit, and service. He has taken several Advanced Placement classes in addition to honors courses. He has been on the A or A- Honor Roll since 2008. Holien's commitment to his team, however, makes him a standout. In the 2011 season, he never left the field. His coach stated that David is his "best all-around football player."   He is the son of Joseph and Kristin.

Zack Moheban: Bloomington Kennedy High School

Bloomington Kennedy's  Zack Moheban has been selected as a 2012 scholar-athlete award winner.   Moheban has demonstrated dedication both on the field and off. Described as "an ambassador to his community," He is involved in many activities. Zack has lettered academically each of his four high school years, becoming a member of the National Honors Society and winning the Golden Torch Award from his school's foreign language department. He was awarded the Golden Eagle Award, a title that is given to football players based on their academics, leadership, and football ability. Zack is also an Eagle Scout and regularly volunteers through NHS and his church youth group. On the field, Moheban has been described as "explosive," and has been named to the All-Conference and Academic All State teams. He is the son of Keith and Jane.

Sean Murphy: Nicollet High School

Nicollet's Sean Murphy has been selected as a 2012 scholar-athlete award winner.   Saying that football is a big part of Murphy's life would be a considerable understatement. A quarterback and a safety, he has attended every Nicollet High School football game since kindergarten. Sean's is "a leader for our team both on and off the field", said head football coach Tom Murphy.   Sean has won numerous awards, and is a four-year letter winner. A four-year starter, Sean has made All Conference teams in 2010 and 2011, was named to the Academic All State team in 2011, and the 2010 Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year. Sean has served on the school's student council for five years, just one of many activities in which he is involved. He is the son of Tom and Jodi.

Matthew Suek: Fergus Falls High School

Fergus Fall's Matthew Suek has been selected as a 2012 scholar-athlete award winner.   Suek volunteers in the community and excels on the football field. Described as an excellent blocker with great hands by his coaches, Suek was voted as the best offensive player on his football squad. Matthew maintained a very high grade point average throughout high school, participating in the National Honors Society as well. In addition to football, Suek played for the basketball team, competed in track and field, and was even a part of pep and marching bands. He has donated much of his spare time to volunteering at the Minnesota Veterans home in Fergus Falls, where staff say he is "a bright spot in the veterans' day." 
He is the son of Mark and Deb.

News

2012 Award Winners

Award Winner Affiliation Name of the Award
1960 Golden Gopher Football Team University of Minnesota 2012 Murray Warmath Legendary Team Award
Sid Hartman WCCO Radio 2012 Sid Hartman Minnesota Media Award
Peter "Fritz" Waldvogel University of St. Thomas 2012 Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year Award
George Thole Stllwater High School(Retired Coach) 2012 John Gagliardi Minnesota Football Legacy Award
Derek Klinkner Southwest Minnesota State University 2012 Courage Award Winner
Gary Reinholtz Gustavus Adolphus College 2012 Fred Zamberletti Award
Brad Kruckeberg Gustavus Adolphus College 2012 Bob Stein Scholar Athlete Award
Beau Bates Minnetonka High School 2012 Scholar-Athlete Award Winner
Adam Bungum Triton High School 2012 Scholar-Athlete Award Winner
Cavonte Johnson Edina High School 2012 Scholar-Athlete Award Winner
David Holien Cotter High School 2012 Scholar-Athlete Award Winner
Zach Mohenban Bloomington Kennedy High School 2012 Scholar-Athlete Award Winner
Sean Murphy Nicollet High School 2012 Scholar-Athlete Award Winner
Matthew Suek Fergus Falls High School 2012 Scholar-Athlete Award Winner