Rich Wendorff - Albert Lea Hall of Fame for Athletics

Rich Wendorff received a call on May 21, 2011 from his old high school coach – informing him that he has been selected to go into Albert Lea’s Hall of Fame for Athletics. He will be inducted July 8^th at a ceremony attended by 300+ in Albert Lea.

This is an individual honor for Rich. He was the 1^st All-State Basketball player in the history of the city and high school.

He was a 3-sport letterman in Cross-Country (co-captain) and Track. Both of which he was outstanding also.

This is a BIG honor!

All the years of dedication/sweat and the work-outs were as intense as anything.

Who's Who in the Athletic Hall of Fame:

http://www.albertleatribune.com/2011/06/11/who%E2%80%99s-who-in-the-athletic-hall-of-fame/

From Deb

When I met rich he was very shy (?!). He walked in the hallways always looking down at his feet. I always thought it was kind of cute. But when he was out on the court, there was nothing shy about him. He was poetry in motion. He knew the game so well and made all of the moves look so easy. They did not have the three-point scoring at that time, but if they did his numbers would have soared as most of his shots came from the three-point distance and beyond. The Albert Lea gym was standing room only and there literally was a low roar that would escape the gym almost the entire game. Albert lea had much bigger classes with his graduating around 670 students and also with many very good athletes. I guess it is hard to go back now and see how the town has changed, become smaller, much fewer graduates and a struggling athletic program. But in the 70’s, it was absolutely wonderful to be a part of. I am very proud of Rich, on and off the court. He was the best basketball player that ever came out of Albert Lea and an outstanding example to the younger athletes. He also is a very kind and generous man. He would have made his parents very, very proud. Bless you Beverly and Harold for gifting all of us a fine, fine man.

~Love you Rich, your wife.

From Denise

Rich Wendorff is the most fun loving generous kind soul. He is an excellent athlete, who has patience and knowledge of many sports. He is fair and honest, is a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. The best years were when he was dating my beautiful twin. So many great memories we share. He is a well deserving "young" man for this honor. I am honored to know him, call him my friend, but best of all, he is now my family.

~Love, Denise Elseth

From Janet

I remember so fondly my days of looking up to my big brother while he was experiencing his "Glory Days" in Albert Lea playing basketball. He had this whole routine down the day of the game. He would make his own spaghetti meal before each game, eat it and go downstairs and turn on the Beach Boys. Boy did he LOVE the Beach Boys. My best friend, Sara, and I would patiently wait for him to get ready. After he was ready, he made us sit in the back seat of his car. He always made us sit in the back for some reason. Around the lake he would drive, which was actually taking the "long way" to Southwest. Again he was listening to his music. Sara and I just looked at him with pride. We knew something great was going to happen that night and we were lucky enough to be a part of it, albeit in the back seat. I think Sara even looked up to him like the big brother she didn't have. Once we got to Southwest, which was rocking, he would walk a couple of steps ahead of us. Do you see a patern here - always in the background. We didn't care, we were flush with pride that we were walking somewhat close to the superstar. Her and I would find a good seat, which would be quite a ways away from my mother - ha, ha. Mom had a voice that could blow that gym away and I'm sure Rich could hear everything she ever yelled. We would study the cheerleaders and found the twins so dang cute. One of them ended up marrying Rich and she is still so darn cute. After each game it was so much fun to look in the paper the next day. Rich consistently had his picture in the sports section. I will never forget those days and Sara and I still talk about them once in a while. Thanks for sharing the "Glory Days" Rich. Wish I was there to help you celebrate.

Always looking up to my big brother,

~Love you - Janet

From Mariann

Living in Ohio I was fortunate enough to catch two of Richard's games. He had his own routine before each game. It was one box of Chef Boyardee Spaghetti and the Beach Boys blaring "Be True to your School" psyching up. Going to the game with our mom was a riot! Yelling at her son, telling him how to play. Very proud of you Richard.

~Much love, Mariann

From Joel

Thoughts for Richard from his son-in-law:

Rich:

Grills the most ridiculous T-Bone Steaks.

Makes the best Mosacholi and Spaghetti Italian Dinners with Red-Wine so

everyone gets emotional.

Rich is a great father, grand-father and father in-law.

Sets a great example in regards to the importance of family togetherness

and spending quality time together with family.

JZ

From Carrie

When I was first introduced to the Wendorff family, it was a challenge for me to remember who was who. My family is so small that the Wendorff experience seemed a little overwhelming. But Rich always stuck out to me, not only because of his height, but also because he was the one always laughing and smiling and he had the sweetest wife that made me feel so welcome at all the get-togethers. Then I started teaching at MSU and eventually some of my students started realizing I knew Rich Wendorff, their former principal. They would look all startled and say with a big gulp, “so you are kind-of related to Richard Wendorff” in a hushed whisper sort of way. I was never sure what the mixture of awe and fear meant, but I have never changed my opinion since the first day I met the Wendorff family – Rich is the one always laughing and smiling, standing heads above the rest.

~ Carrie Lewis

From Anne

Over the years, my uncle Rich has taught me many things - and while none of them have made me more employable or a better person, they have expanded my vocabulary in fun and exciting ways. So on the eve of his induction into the Hall of Fame, I give you the Rich Wendorff Dictionary.

Benchwarmer (n): a derogatory name for someone lacking any athletic ability

Burnout (n): a formerly athletic and promising individual who, through a series of poor decisions, is no longer successful, oftentimes working at a fast food restaurant, and no longer worthy of your friendship

Da, Da Da Da (musical sounds): the opening notes to "Eye of the Tiger" sung to invoke excitement and generate a rush of adrenaline preceding a sports event; and often accompanied by a Frankenstein-esque walking dance move and bent swinging arms

Riding the Pine (v): being forced to sit on the bench during athletic events due to either poor performance or injury and bringing shame upon your family

That's Right (phrase): the affirmation that an individual is correctly understanding Rich's athletic accomplishments and ability; often followed by the phrase "You Know It" - see below for reference.

W-W-Whaaa? (pronoun): an expression of disbelief uttered when lacking an appropriate rebuttal to someone who mocks Rich's current athletic ability

WIT (acronym): stands for "whatever it takes"; an uncompromising commitment to doing whatever it takes to win a sports competition

You Know It (phrase): the gleeful insistence that an individual understands, and secretly admires, Rich's superior athletic prowess

Congratulations Rich! We Know It!

From Mandy Joy

Definitions:

Ric (ruler, leader, king) hard (strong, brave, court)

Richard: Powerful leader

Athlete: a person possessing acquired traits such as strength, agility and endurance that are necessary for physical exercise or sports.

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When I was little, I remember looking through all your basketball pictures and articles and thinking; wow he was a “big deal”. Even then I knew you were an amazing athlete. Growing up, I realized this more and more. I would see you dominate everyone that challenged you. It didn’t matter what the game was, you always came out on top. I have never seen anyone come remotely close to doing what you can do. You used to say to me that it’s all mental and dad, you were absolutely right. Your mentality, confidence, and dominance are what lead you to be in the Hall of Fame. You are the true definition of an athlete and I am so proud of you. I hope one day that my future children have amazing athletic accomplishments like yours. You have always been and will continue to be the Alpha male.

Love you ~Joy

From Jacob

Dad,

Congratulations on your induction to hall of fame! ~

You are deserving of such an accomplishment and I know it came with a lot of hard work.

I always remember growing up seeing the "poster board" which essentially was like a scrap book but on a poster of all the newspaper clips highlights your basketball accomplishments and thinking wow dad you must've been great! It was always great having a player of your caliber be my coach thru elementary and grade school, someone I could share "moments" with, jump into your arms after we won our first tournament, rub bengay on Johnny Arlt's towel and have him be confused why his sweat smelt like mint, and call out the "scrubs" on the other teams! And then there is the Lakers. So many great memories, excitements, and moments that are forever in memory and I hope that part of our relationship is ongoing. Sorry Alissa and mom, when the Lakers are playing leave us alone we don't want to be bothered or distracted. What all this circles around is the game basketball. Something that we both share a passion for. It's not just basketball, it's a way of life and in high school you were the best Albert Lea has ever seen.

Love you dad, your #1 son.

From Alissa

One thing I remember from the first time I met Rich was his passion for sports. One of the first questions out of his mouth was to ask if I was interested in sports. I had already been informed by Jake that his dad was very into sports and the appropriate answer to give, whether I felt that way or not. Of course, I followed my own path with responding, but that is a story Rich enjoys telling so I'll leave it up to him to finish it off someday. As I've gotten to know Rich more and have had him become my 2nd father, I've learned more about the qualities that he values and embodies, both as an athlete and on a personal value. Rich is someone who doesn't like to hear "I can't". He encourages everyone to try their best at whatever they do. It doesn't matter how good someone's best is compared to others as long as it is that individual's best. I think it is that determination that made him such a great athlete in high school and has contributed to all his success since. Rich is a born leader and has a commanding presence that draws people to him. I can only imagine what it was like to watch him play back in high school. He truly is the Lion King!

Congratulations Rich. You truly deserve this honor!

#1 Daughter-in-law Alissa

From Holly

Dad-

Congratulations on being inducted in the hall of fame. From the time I was born I was blessed to have you as my father. Growing up and watching you coach in Lanesboro and helping you with practices I saw how everyone idolized you when it came to your leadership and knowledge in basketball. I didn’t quite know at the time why but it made me feel a pride inside that has only increased thru the years. I soon found out by opening scrapbooks in slim and hal’s basement while drinking my malt shake. After moving to Owatonna we had the downstairs as a trophy room with all your amazing trophies – I used stare at them for a long time telling myself I was going to have more someday (must have been that competitive gene you passed to me). I have so many memories it’s hard to choose from but I’ll never forget watching the Jimmy Connors match at the Us Open and him coming back and how you could feel the electricity in the room from you pumping your fist and saying “ You Know It” . Walking with you in any athletic event and people turning their heads is something that I can’t quite describe with words- everyone knew that “the man” was here (in your mind you were/are Tony Manero( “ you should be dancing” – Saturday Night Fever) Your work ethic is like no one I’ve ever seen – on and off the court. Watching you train like Rocky with the eye of the tiger song replaying in your head and becoming completely in the zone was inspiring to any athlete or spectator. Thru the years running into people who knew the Rich Wendorff from high school spoke such praise that it was obvious the respect that you had on and off the court. One memory in particular was at the three-on-three tournament that Jake was playing in and some guy came up to me and asked if I was your daughter – with pride I said YES – he went on to tell me you were the real deal, totally dominate on the court and players knew it was game time when you had the ball. He said he felt bad for whoever was going to guard you because it was like a cat toying with a mouse – it was only a matter of time before you shut him down. I think the best quality that you brought to the game of basketball was the fact that you’re all heart- you lay it all out there, your passion for not only the game but for life, and striving to always be your best is what people are drawn to. Something you always used to tell me when training- “do everything you can, never skip a workout and no matter what the end result is if you can look back and say you did everything that you possibly could then you’ll have no regrets in life.”

Jake, Amanda and myself are so blessed to call you dad. I am so proud of you!

Love,

Holly

From Tony

Although I did not have the chance to see Rich play basketball in his prime, I heard about his skills before I even met him. I have had the opportunity to play many other activities with him, which I am most often defeated (not always). In ever encounter, I experience the true competitor that he is. For example, the way he raised Amanda is only that of a competitor. I know he has always preached quotes like never give up, play to win, and it is all mental because I have heard these exact words out of Amanda’s mouth. They say the apple never falls to far from the tree and after raising three very athletic children, I can’t even imagine how Rich played back in those days.

Rich, I hope you enjoy the ceremony. You deserve it!

Tonester