Class of 2017

Jerry Carlson

Jerry was born in Hector, Minnesota in 1940. In 1957, he graduated from Hector High School where he participated in football and baseball. He captained the football and baseball teams earning all-conference honors as a Senior in both sports. Following his graduation from High School, Jerry attended St. Olaf College and graduated in 1963 from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Physical Education and Social Studies. Jerry landed in Slayton where he quickly put his coaches training into practice. From 1963-1968 he was the Head baseball coach, coached Junior High basketball, was assistant football coach for 2 years, and Head football coach for this final 3 years in Slayton. In 1968, Cambridge-Isanti schools was fortunate to land Jerry as a teacher and coach. At Cambridge-Isanti High School, Jerry continued his coaching career as Head baseball coach from 1969-1977 where he amassed 73 of his combined 140 wins as a Head baseball coach; Assistant football coach from 1968-1993, and Head girls softball coach from 1985-1999 winning 175 games. Jerry’s accolades during his coaching career are numerous. In 1967 he was recognized as the Region 2 Baseball Coach of the Year, Region 7AA Softball coach of the year in 1986, inducted into the 25 year Minnesota State High School Coaches Association Coaches Club, and selected as football coach for the outstate All Star Game in 1989 along with receiving the Butch Nash Outstanding Assistant Football Coach of the Year. In 1993, the awards continued as Jerry was honored with the Minnesota Assistant Football Coach of the Year award. Jerry moved from his Physical Education office to the Athletic Director’s office and was named Athletic Director of the Year in 1997. Finally, Jerry was inducted into the Minnesota Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2013.

Outside the classroom and coaching realm, Jerry accumulated more honors including Cambridge-Isanti High School Teacher of the year (1981), Community Education Outstanding Achievement Award (1990), and Minnesota Chamber Foundation Excellence in Education Award (1991). Along the way, Jerry had the never ending support from Diana (deceased), Kim (49), Heidi (44), and Nikki (39). Jerry’s ability to build and maintain relationships is the cornerstone to his success!

George Larson

George was born in Bryant, South Dakota in 1932. He graduated from Bryant High School in 1950. He attended Northern State and the University of Minnesota graduating in 1956 and 1969 respectively. George’s coaching career began at Jeffers High school in 1956 as the head football and track coach, and as a basketball assistant until 1958. In 1958 he was hired by Cambridge-Isanti school district where he spent the remainder of his career until 1993 (he returned to coach football in 1999-2000). For over 20 years, George held the record for most wins in the history of Minnesota High School football amassing a record of 307-66-6 over 38 years. His impressive accolades include membership in the following Hall of Fame’s: Minnesota Football Coaches, Minnesota Athletic Directors, and Minnesota High School League. Moreover, he was recognized as the Minnesota High School football coach of the year in 1971 and 1986 (the only coach selected twice). In 1988, George was a finalist for the National Coach of the Year. The football teams that George led won 25 conference championships, 16 section titles, 3 State Championships (1986, 1987, 2000), Runner-ups in 1980 and 1999, state semi-finalists in 1977 and 1983, and quarterfinalists in 1979 and 1991.

Outside of his coaching career, George was the Isanti County Commissioner for 22 years, a member of the American Legion for 65 years, helped to establish the Isanti County Park System, initiated the Isanti County Heartland Express, and has been a member of the Cambridge Lutheran Church for 59 years. George has been greatly supported by his wife Joyce and their children; Edward (61), William (60), Lori (55), and Richard (52). Not only has George been a respected coach for decades, but he has been a tremendous member, and leader, for the Cambridge-Isanti community.

Deb Hegquist

Deb Hegquist grew up in Crystal, Minnesota and graduated from Cooper High School in 1972. There were no girls’ sports teams until Title IX came around in 1974, but she participated in GAA activities year round. As a senior, she was named the high school’s top female athlete. Debbie went on to Bemidji State University where she was a 4-year gymnastics and two-year track star. Upon graduation, she was hired as a Physical Education teacher for Cambridge-Isanti Schools. She immediately began coaching gymnastics and added middle school track a year later. She was instrumental in laying the foundation for the success of the Bluejacket Gymnastics team, which won 14 Regional championships under her leadership from 1977 -2001.

Deb received the BSU Outstanding Athlete award for the years 1970 – 2000 at the 30th Anniversary Celebration. Debbie was inducted into Minnesota State High School Gymnastics Coaches Hall of Fame in 2003. The following year she was inducted into the BSU Athletic Hall of Fame for Gymnastics and her track team entered the BSU Hall of Fame in 2014.

Deb founded and coached Rum River Gold Gymnastics, a USAG Junior Olympic competitive program, in 1997. Deb stepped into an assistant coaching position from 2001 – 2004 to better serve both programs, and the Jackets won four more Sectional titles in those years. Under her guidance and eye for technical excellence, many gymnasts from Rum River Gold went on to join the high school team and even medaled at the State Meet, helping the Jackets to be a top-ten ranked team almost every year since. In 2002, the Bluejackets placed 2nd in the AA State Championship Meet, their highest to date. She retired from the club scene in 2015, but has served as a volunteer coach for the Bluejackets the past two seasons, driving from their new home in Pequot Lakes to lend her technical expertise and vast knowledge of skill progressions. At this time, the Bluejacket Gymnastics Team holds the record for more state appearances than any other AA team at 27.

Deb’s husband, Mark, provided emotional and coaching support, but also understood all the hours she had to be away from home and how much the world of gymnastics meant to her and not only allowed, but encouraged her to live and breathe her passion. And of course, thank you to her daughters Bree (34) and Brittany (31) for being a part of her dream.

Jack Peterson

Jack was born in Baldwin, Wisconsin in 1926. He graduated from Baldwin High School in 1944. Jack participated in basketball during his high school years and continued his career on the hardcourt as he attended River Falls College graduating in 1952. Upon graduating from college, Jack began his coaching career in his home state of Wisconsin. In Arkansaw he coached both baseball and basketball for 2 years. Jack accepted a coaching position on Boyceville the following year. From 1955-1958, he expanded his coaching repertoire to include football and track, and continued coaching basketball. In 1958, Jack crossed over the St. Croix river and landed in Cosmos, Minnesota where he continued to coach the same three sports until 1960. Before settling in Cambridge in 1965, Jack spent four years at Waconia High School coaching basketball and track. Once settled in Cambridge, basketball and baseball consumed the remainder of his coaching career until he retired in 1985. During his tenure at Cambridge High School, his basketball teams reached unprecedented success. Jack led his teams to District 16 championships from 1970-1975. His Bluejacket squads were Sub-Region Champions 6 consecutive years from 1976-1981. Moreover, in 1978 they won Region 7AA and finished as Consolation Champions at the Boys State High School tournament. Jack has received several prestigious awards including Outstanding Recognition of Service in District 911 for his work with Community Education and Summer Recreation from 1965-1983. In 2015, he was inducted in the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame and more recently into the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association Hall of fame in 2016.

When Jack retired from coaching in 1985, he continue to follow and support Bluejacket athletics with the same passion that he utilized during his coaching career. Frances (deceased), and his two children Jeff (54) and Traci (52), provided love and support throughout the long coaching seasons.

Bill Smrekar

Bill was born in Ely, Minnesota in 1945. He graduated from Ely High School in 1963. Throughout his High School athletic career Bill earned several awards including: All Conference honors in baseball, All Conference Honorable Mention for hockey, and athletic letters in football, hockey, and baseball. In addition, his baseball team won a conference championship. Following a successful High School athletic career, Bill continued to play hockey at Bemidji State and graduated 1969. Bill’s coaching career began in 1971 as the boys junior varsity baseball coach in Cambridge. After 2 years as the junior varsity baseball coach he began to build the Cambridge-Isanti hockey program working with midgets through high school aged kids from 1972-1979. In 1981, boys hockey was established as a High School sport and Bill was the head coach from 1981-2002. During his long tenure as boys hockey coach Bill achieved tremendous success on the frozen pond. Bill was named section coach of the year when his team won the section in 1992 while taking 4th place in State Hockey Tournament. He was inducted into the Minnesota State Hockey Coaches Hall of Fame, but takes the greatest pleasure from starting the Hockey Program for all of the youth in the community to find their passion, build relationships, and compete at a sport that he truly loves.

Following retirement, Bill worked with the girls youth hockey for 4 more years and has been actively enjoying his grandchildren’s athletic careers. Bill’s family has always been the source of his inspiration. Patty (deceased) and Bill’s boys Tom (51), Ron (48), and Todd (46) were vital pieces to his success as a teacher and coach. Bill’s second wife, Barbara, has provided stability and support throughout his retirement years.

Lois Tureen

Lois was born in Arlington, Minnesota in 1931. She attended Arlington High School and graduated in 1949 with 35 classmates. Lois felt very fortunate to be able to attend Gustavus Adolphus College where she participated in a performing swim group. Upon graduating with a degree in Physical Education and Health in 1953, Lois set out to follower her dream of teaching and coaching. In 1972, Lois organized the first official Girl’s High School Sports in Cambridge-Isanti High School history. Not long after, the team attended the first large track event called the “Trackorama.” In 1984, the track team won their first of 4 consecutive Conference Track and Field championships, including the Section 7AA title in 1985. Lois coached individual State Champions in the shot put and high jump.

After a stellar teaching and coaching career, Lois has continued to make a significant impact in the Cambridge community. Lois has volunteered in the schools, singing in the church choir and playing the handbells, teaching “Faithfully Fit Forever,” and participating in several trips, travel tours, and book clubs. In 2002, Lois was inducted into the Minnesota High School Track and Field Hall of Fame. Lois credits much of her success to her late husband (Jerry), fellow coaches, colleagues, parents who “set goals for her,” and her brother James. Lois is, and was, a true pioneer for girl’s athletics!

1978 Girls Softball Team

In 1978, the Girls Softball team brought home the first State Championship title to Cambridge-Isanti High School. Led by head coach Al Boeshe, and assistant coach Jo Hilmas, the team finished the season with an impressive 21-2 record with a 7-2 victory over Tartan High School in the title game. The girls dominated throughout the year outscoring their opponents 209-93. The Bluejackets were led by an ace pitching staff of Marcia Ledin (12-1) and Lori Walberg (9-0). Even with the dominating pitching, the Bluejackets needed to produce at the plate. Michelle Patterson led the team with a .481 batting average, while Laurie Pepin belted out a team leading 26 hits. Other key offensive statistics include: Marcia Ledin’s 31 runs scored; Laurie Pepin and Beth Zins 8 extra base hits; and Michelle Patterson’s 21 walks. Needless to say, the ladies got it done in the circle and at the plate! To win a State Championship is truly a team effort. At this time, I would like to recognize the members of the 1978 Girls High School Softball State Champions. As I announce your name please stand to be recognized for this tremendous accomplishment. Once again, the 1978 Cambridge-Isanti Bluejacket Girls High School Softball State Champions: Brenda Becker, Carrie Brown, Paige Carlstrom, Gracia Dahlgren, Debra Eels, Julie Engmark, Gail Gunderson, Elaine Huehn, Marcia Ledin, Kim Olson, Michelle Patterson, Laurie Pepin, Julie Pulcher, Debra Schoenwald, Becky Turpen, Lori Walburg, and Beth Zins.

Class of 2018

Dean Allen - 2018

Dean was born in Evansville, Wisconsin in 1936. He graduated from Evansville High School in 1954. During his high school athletic career, Dean participated in football, basketball, and baseball. He attended the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in 1958 where he was a 3-year letter winner as a member of the baseball team and also continued playing football. Following his playing career in high school and college, Dean began his coaching career at Cambridge High School in 1963. Dean was the head baseball coach in 1963 and 1964. Football became his primary coaching assignment as an assistant coach from 1964-1991. Throughout his coaching career, Dean was a respected and vital member of the highly successful football program. Working closely with head coach George Larson and fellow assistant coach Jerry Carlson, the Bluejacket football program rose to prominence for several decades. Dean directed the defenses that let to back to back (1986 & 1987) Class A State Football Champions. Along with two State Championships, the Bluejackets were State runner-ups in 1980, state semi-finalists in 1977 and 1983, and quarterfinalists in 1979. In addition, he was recognized by the MSHSL Coaching award for 25 years of coaching.

Outside of his coaching career, Dean was a member of the Prison Ministry in Sandstone, Minnesota. Dean was been greatly supported by his wife Lynn and their children; Carrie (52) and Bryan (49). Not only was Dean been a respected coach for decades, but he was a tremendous, and well respected, member of the Cambridge-Isanti community.

Luke Becker - 2018

Luke was born in Cambridge, MN in 1980. He graduated from Cambridge-Isanti High School in 1998. During his High School athletic career he participated in Football and Wrestling where he earned 9 varsity letters. He was a three year starter on the varsity football team at various positions. In wrestling, Luke was a 6 year letter winner with a 210-18 record. During his impressive high school career, Luke was a three time State Champion and won several conference championships. Following his illustrious high school wrestling days, he attended the University of Minnesota where he continued to wrestle. Luke was an All-American all four seasons, winning an individual national title in 2002. He was a key contributor to the program’s first two national championships (2001, 2002). He also won two individual Big Ten titles (2002, 2003) and was part of three Big Ten championship teams (2001-03). He remains one of the most-accomplished wrestlers in program history, ranking among the program’s 16 best in career wins (126), career dual wins (60), career pins (29) and is a member of the U of M Hall of Fame.

Following his college career, Luke serves as the Gopher wrestling head assistant coach after spending the previous eight seasons as the program's assistant coach. He's been on the Golden Gopher staff since 2003. Prior to his current role, Becker served as the program's assistant and volunteer assistant coach and, previous to that, as the team’s marketing and promotions director. Luke is supported by his wife, Christa, and daughter Brittlyn (7) and his son Bo (5).

Bruce Danielson - 2018

Bruce was born in Minneapolis, MN in 1949. He graduated from Southwest High School in 1967. In high school he met his two loves: his wife, Judy, in 9th grade Algebra Class and a Junior Speech Class where he honed his public speaking and performing talents where he credits Mrs. Hedrick for her encouragement. After high school he attended Winona State and majored in math and speech while performing in multiple productions, thanks to directors there, Mrs. Magnus and Mrs. Fuscillo.

His teaching career began in New Prague, MN in 1974 where he taught math for 11 years and started the theatre program. In 1985, he moved to Cambridge, where he continued his teaching career. Frank Wells came the same year and they began a 29 year partnership directing the high school musicals. Bruce directed plays/musicals at Cambridge-Isanti High School from 1985-2014. Among the extensive productions during this time were "Annie, Get Your Gun"; "The Wizard of Oz"; "Peter Pan"; and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Another favorite activity was the $2.92 Revue, the faculty variety show that Ann Berg and Bruce (Lena and Ole) emceed for 20 years to raise money for scholarships for students going into Education (eventually raising over $100,000). Bruce was honored to be nominated for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year in 2012. Bruce was involved with the Student Variety Show, Pride in School, CIHS Picture Wall of Fame, and ABC Boosters.

Bruce gives his uppermost thankfulness to his wife, Judy, for her undying support. His son, Matthew (39), was active in his productions and instrumental to his success. Deanna Wedeward, Fran McGivern, Kelly Fahrni, Viva Anderson, Tim Anderson, Larry Palmer, and Aaron Knudsvig provided exceptional teamwork over the years.

Jon Dunbar - 2018

Jon was born in Cambridge, Minnesota in 1963. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1981. During his High School athletic career he participated in Football, Basketball, and Golf where he earned 10 varsity letters. He was a four year starter on the varsity football team at various positions including quarterback, linebacker and punter. Jon earned all-conference honors three times, was selected to the All-State team in 1980, and a member of the ‘80 State Championship runner-up team. The Bluejackets won four conference championships during his four years on the squad. Jon still holds the record for punting yards averaged during his career. In basketball, Jon was a 3 year letter winner and received all-conference honors twice. On the golf course, he earned 3 varsity letters and qualified as a team member for the State meet on one occasion. Off the field, Jon was a member of the National Honor Society; participated for 3 years in concert choir, symphonic band, school musical; and was a member of the student council. Jon attended North Dakota State University where he continued to play football. Jon was a 3 year starter (punter/linebacker) and won a National Championship in 1983. In addition, his teams finished runner-up for the National Championship in ‘81 & ‘84. Jon received Academic All-Conference honors his senior season.

After college, Jon moved back to Cambridge to begin his career. He and his wife, Deanna, along with son’s Mitchell (28), Joseph (26), and Peter (23), have been active in the community and very supportive of the arts and athletics.

Wade Labatte - 2018

Wade was born in Cambridge, MN in 1970. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1989. During his High School athletic career he participated in Football, Basketball, and Golf where he earned 12 varsity letters. He was a three year starter on the varsity football team at various positions including quarterback, free safety, punter, and kicker. Wade earned all-conference honors twice and was selected to the WCCO Prep Parade All-State team in 1988, and was a member of the ‘86 and ‘87 State Championship teams. In basketball, Wade was a 4 year letter winner and received all-conference honors three times including being named to the academic all-state team his senior season. He was inducted into the Bluejacket Hoops Hall of Fame in 2013. On the links, he earned 5 varsity letters and was named to the all-conference team on four occasions, including an individual champion as a sophomore. Off the field, Wade was a member of the National Honor Society. Wade attended St. John’s University where he continued to play football. Wade was a four year letterwinner and starter (punter 4 years/QB 1 year). As a senior at SJU he earned all-conference and Region V Academic All-American honors.

After college, Wade began his teaching career in Lakeville, MN and has been there for the past 25 years. Currently he is the principal at Oak Hills Elementary and has been there since 2007. Wade has received tremendous support from his family over the years, his wife Patty and twin boys, Jack (17) and Luke (17), are a source of inspiration and stability.

Scott Sholund - 2018

Scott was born in Hibbing, Minnesota in 1948. He graduated from Hibbing High School in 1966. He attended Bemidji State University graduating in 1970. In both High School and College, Scott participated in swimming. After college, he signed his first teaching contract with Mel Norsted, Harland Johnson (both fellow Rangers), and George Larson. After moving to Cambridge in the summer of ‘70 he started the aquatic program at the high school. The program involved PE classes in grades 3-12, swimming lessons and regional center access. That winter, George Larson approved a boys competitive program. The program produced many champions, and championships, over the years. As Title Nine was adopted in 1979, Scott and Kathy Boone created a girls swim team. By the time Scott retired there were 120 girls (grades 7-12) in the program. Practices required creativity from assistant coach Karen Anderson. In 1986 he ended his work with the boys team to focus solely on the girls team. Scott was Section Coach of the Year 5 times (boys: ‘82 & ‘86; girls: ‘93, ‘98, ‘01). After 44 years of coaching, Scott had State Meet entries on 22 occasions, with 20 swimmers State placing.

Scott modeled his coaching philosophy around what he knew in high school; hard work equals success. In his later years he focused on the commitment the coaches, parents, and athletes must accept. The willingness to work hard, trust the coaches main desire for each individual to have success, believe in their teammates, and the importance of supportive and understanding parents. Scott has always felt that he received much more than he gave working with his Girls and Boys teams and their families.

1986 State Championship Football Team

The 1986 Bluejacket football team was the first boys team from Cambridge-Isanti to win a state championship. They recorded a 13-1 record, won the Rum River Conference, Section 5A, and Class A state championship. The team started with a win over Minneapolis North, but then lost a squeaker to Hastings by the score of 3-2. After a close win over St. Cloud Apollo the team started to roll and never lost again that season. The team improved each week and were “awesome” in their defeat of 24-0 defeat of Stewartville in the state finals at the Metrodome! The senior class provided outstanding leadership and the underclassman were talented and dedicated as well.

(Coaches) George Larson*Jerry Carlson*Dean Allen*Cliff Carmody*Mark Solberg*Lowell Schweigert

(Seniors) Neil Alm*Robbie Bowker*Mark Curtis*Scott Eicher*Greg Elmore*Dave Gossett*Troy Hall*Max Herrnberger*Mike Hoheisel*Tom Huseman*Brad Johnson*Troy Johnson*Shawn Lund*Jeff Lundeen*Joe Macki*Shawn Manke*Corey Morrissette*Matt Reynolds*Trygve Skaar*Dave Slater*Sam Stolt*Rob Swanson*Kyle Thomas*Wade Thunstrom*Roy Townsend*Brett Tuma*Carl Westberg*Greg Yerigan

(Juniors) Jay Anderson*Kevin Anderson*Paul Bartz*Jason Becker*Shane Boettcher*Cory Bruss*Tony Curtis*Casey Cunningham*Stoney Hiljus*Troy Hischer*John Freeman*Chad Krantz*Todd Kruse*Peter Larkin*Chuck Magdanz*Jon Nystrom*Chuck Richmond*Mike Rudquist*Jim Serie*Paul Schultz*Jim Swenson*Brent Stoskopf*Wayne Townsend*John Weekly*Scott Wessel*Jeremy Wicht*Steve Zamzo*Dave Erickson-Mgr*Steve Fredlund-Mgr (Sophomores) Wade Labatte*Dennis Scheel*Todd Smrekar*Andy Palmquist-Mgr*Trainer: Susan Breister*Ball boys: Ray Serie & Jason Ziebarth

“This was one of the finest, if not the finest, group of young men I have ever worked with. They started slow and improved every week. They stuck together and trained for the season and really dedicated themselves to the game! It was great fun to win the State “A” Championship at the DOME! The highlight of my career.” George Larson

Class of 2019

Robert Eastlund - 2019

Robert "Rob" Eastlund was born in Braham, Minnesota 1949. He graduated from Cambridge-Isanti High School where he was a standout offensive linemen, arguably one of the best in the long history of Bluejacket football. During his high school football career he received All-Conference honors three times and was All-State his senior season. Rob was a member of the wrestling and baseball teams as a junior. In the arts, he was a three year member of the choir and men’s Glee club, along with membership in the National Honor Society in 11th and 12th grade. Rob went on to the University of Minnesota earning his B.S.in Mathematics in 1972. While in college, Rob was the recipient of the Henry L. Williams Memorial Scholarship and lettered in football from 1968-1970. He was a high school mathematics teacher and football coach from 1972–1978, and a dairy and crop farmer from 1978-1993. He has been president of the Cambridge Business Development Company since 1990, and president and owner of RIC Property Management since 1994. He served on the Cambridge-Isanti School Board from 1983-1995.

Active in his local community, Eastlund is a member of the Cambridge Development Alliance and the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the National Association of Realtors and of the Building Owners and Managers Association.

Eastlund was first elected to the House in 2000, and was re-elected in 2002 - 2006 and 2008.

Rob has received tremendous support his wife Janis and three children.

Richard G Hardy - 2019

Dick (or Mr. Hardy as he was known to almost everyone) was born and raised in Marshall, Minnesota, where he graduated from high school in 1941. He began his professional career in education in Dassel, Minnesota, in 1948 and continued it in Cambridge, Minnesota, from 1953 to 1985. Dick was an effective leader through his involvement in education, music, and church activities. He was also an accomplished athlete. Dick set a state high school record for the 100-yard dash and played half-back on a football team that never lost a game in four years.

His leadership skills started in high school when he became the student director of the band. He was also the student council president and regional president of the Christian Endeavor group. In college he was student director of the band, president of the Veterans Club, and president of the Young Republicans. In Cambridge, he held offices in the Lion’s Club, later becoming the District Governor. When he retired in 1985, he was elected to the school board as a write-in candidate and soon was elected chairman, an office he held until his death at age 80 in 2004.

His bands and individual students routinely received top ratings at regional and state contests. One of his pep bands was named WCCO Pep band of the year. Dick’s Christian faith played a prominent role in his life. He became the interim pastor at several rural Minnesota churches. At First Baptist Church of Cambridge, he taught Sunday school, directed the church choir for 27 years, and served several terms as the church board chair.

Dick loved teaching and enjoyed his colleagues and administrators, but his heart was always with his students.

Neil Jennissen - 2019

Neil is originally from Sauk Centre, Minnesota. He graduated from Staples High School in 1981. While in High School, Neil participated in football, wrestling and track and field. During his career he was a three sport captain and 11 time letter winner. After high school, Neil wrestled at the University of Minnesota Morris and St. Cloud State University.

Neil began coaching track at Sartell High School in 1985. Two years later he added wrestling at St. Cloud Apollo High School to his resume. The following year he began coaching cross country at Sartell and wrestling at Rocori High School. In 1990, he began teaching and coaching at Cambridge-Isanti High School as a PE teacher, Driver Ed Instructor, Head Wrestling Coach and Middle School Football coach. Over the years, Neil has been recognized on numerous occasions including: 1987 Section Track Coach of the Year. Section Wrestling Coach of the Year: 1994, 1998 - 2000, 2002 - 2004, and 2009. State Coach of the Year 1994. Alumni Recognition Award – SCSU 2016.

Wrestling teams coached by Neil have a dual record of 587-197-3. State Team Finals - 2; Section Team Titles - 12; Individual Section Champions -78, All State Wrestlers - 70; All State Academic Wrestlers - 17; All Conference Awards- 299. Five Bluejacket Wrestlers have gone on to Wrestle Division 1: Luke Becker, U of Minnesota, Jake Avre, U of Minnesota, Zach Molitor NDSU, Billy Blumhoefer, Air Force Academy. Luke Becker (4), Tony Nelson (4), Zach Molitor (3), Ross Dankers and Clayton Jennissen earned All American certificates at the Collegiate level. National Champions: Tony Nelson (2), Luke Becker, and Zach Molitor.

Neil has received tremendous support from his wife Amy and three children; Matt, Amanda, and Clayton.

Wendy Rooney - 2019

Wendy was born in Cambridge in 1975. She graduated from Cambridge-Isanti High School in 1993. During her high school athletic career, Wendy participated in gymnastics and cheerleading earning 8 varsity letters. She received All-Conference honors 5 times as a gymnast. Her team won the conference championship 5 times and won three section championships. Individually, Wendy was a two-time individual state qualifier, WCCO Prep Athlete of the Week and part of the varsity event school records on all four events, plus team total. As a football cheerleader, Wendy was a captain and a National Cheerleading Association All-American.

After high school, Wendy continued her gymnastics career at Hamline University where she was a two-time letter winner. She continued to excel earning Academic All-American honors, Academic Excellence Award Winner (given to female sophomore athlete with highest GPA), and NCGA (National Collegiate Gymnastics Association) National Team Runner-up.

Wendy began her high school coaching career at Cambridge-Isanti High School in 1997, becoming head coach in 2000. As a head coach, her team record (non-invitationals) is 189 - 11; 17 Conference championships, 19 section championships, team medalists at state 3x, 4 individual medalists at state, All-Conference and All-State gymnasts every year she has coached, Advisory Board three years, MGGCA President two terms, and Section Coach of the Year over a dozen times. Moreover, she has choreographed almost all of the floor and beam routines for Cambridge-Isanti from 1995 - 2014; acts as advisor/mentor for new section and conference coaches; runs Community Education gymnastics program, which feeds the high school program. Wendy is a member of the Minnesota Girls Gymnastics Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Wendy has received tremendous support from her husband James.

Shawn Stone - 2019

Shawn was born in Isanti in 1975. He graduated from Cambridge-Isanti High School in 1994. During his high school athletic career, he was the 1994 State champion in boys high jump (and High School All-American in the high jump and competed in Junior Nationals) and placed 5th in the triple jump; one of only 7 High school athletes in Minnesota to clear 7' 0 in high jump in Minnesota history. In addition, in 1993 he placed 3rd in the high jump and 5th in the long jump. Shawn also participated in basketball during his high school years.

After high school, Shawn attended Marquette University on a Track and Field scholarship. Shawn won several individual conference championships in the jumps. At one time he held the school record at Marquette in the high jump. In addition, he is in the top 5 all-time in indoor high jump, outdoor high jump, outdoor long jump and javelin. Shawn was voted Great Midwest Conference newcomer of the year for the outdoor season as a freshman.

Shawn spent 5 years coaching Jumps at Marquette University High School and one year at Marquette University. He had tremendous success during his coaching tenure. Of the top 10 performances in each of the jumps (high, triple and long) his jumpers owned 15 of those 30 honor roll performances at the school including the top 3 in high jump.

Shawn has received tremendous support from his wife Sandra and sons Everett and Archer.

Todd Treichel - 2019

Todd was born in Cambridge in 1954. He graduated from Cambridge-Isanti High School in 1973. During his high school athletic career he was a three sport stand out in football, basketball and track! In football, he was a four year starter and rushed for 1,000 yards both as a Sophomore and Junior. Todd earned All-State honors his Junior and Senior seasons, along with All-Conference awards 3 times. His number (23) was retired after his Senior year (only used by his son, Preston, during his Senior season).

On the hardcourt, Todd belongs to the 1,000 point club, earned All-Conference honors on three different occasions, was a member of the St. Cloud All Area team, and Todd was inducted into the Cambridge-Isanti High School Hoops Hall of Fame (along with his father). Prior to his outstanding track career, Todd played varsity baseball as an 8th grader! During his spectacular track career, he tied the school record for the 440 as a Junior (won the conference championship as a Junior), and set the record for the 1 mile and half mile run.

Todd has received tremendous support his two children; Preston and Briana.

1987 State Championship Football Team - 2019

The 1987 Bluejacket football team successfully defended their Class A state championship. They recorded a 14-0 record, won the Rum River Conference, Section 5A, and Class A state championship. The team consisted of a fine group of young men. They were dedicated, well-trained, and self-disciplined. The starters were so good that they had most games won by halftime. The senior and junior class were 27-1 over two years with two State Championships. They were one of the finest teams in Bluejacket history!

(Coaches) George Larson*Jerry Carlson*Dean Allen*Mark Solberg*Lowell Schweigert*Bob Salo.

(Seniors) Jay Anderson*Kevin Anderson*Paul Bartz*Jason Becker*Shane Boettcher*Cory Bruss*Casey Cunningham*Tony Curtis*John Freeman*Stoney Hiljus*Troy Hischer*Todd Kruse*Peter Larkin*Chuck Magdanz*Jon Nystrom*Paul Schultz*Jim Serie*Jim Swenson*John Weekly*Jeremy Wicht*Steve Zamzo. (Juniors) Rey Balicao*Barry Bjergo*Tim Blakesley*Trent Brown*Cary Carlson*Chris Carlson*Matt Curtis*Ty Halgrimson*Jim Hanson*Reed Hermanson*Chris Johnson*Casey Laase*Wade Labatte*Chris Lazarz*Troy Leeb*Dan Linders*Cory Melland*Dan Mettling*Marlan Mix*Scott Myren*Eric Nystrom*Tony Peterson*Dennis Scheel*Loren Schroeder*Todd Smrekar*Rob Soderburg*Jeremy Swenson*Peter Theis*Jon Westover*Reid Willmert*George Zajac. (Sophomore) Bill Binger. Andy Palmquist*Todd Peterson - Mgrs*

“The joy of walking out on the practice field each Monday afternoon and working with these special kids and with my special assistant coaches to prepare for our next opponent was the highlight each week for me as their head coach! The practices were the most fun with the worry of being traded to Eagle Butte for a pair of used shoulder pads. The most memorable time was singing along with coach Carlson and his ukulele with BIG JOHN after each win!!” George Larson