Assumption High School
Athletic
Hall of Fame
Induction Ceremony
Athletic Department · 445 Chestnut Street · Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
715-422-0915
January 31, 2015
The Ridges
The Champion’s Creed
Athletic competition draws out of the human person
some of one’s noblest qualities and talents. The
athlete must learn the secret of one’s own body, its
strength and weakness, its stamina and its breaking
point. One must develop through long hours of
exercise and effort the power of concentration and
the habit of discipline, learning how to hold one’s
strength in reserve and to conserve energy for that
final moment when the victory depends on a great
burst of speed or one last surge of strength.
~ Saint John Paul II
I am not judged by the number of times I fail,
but by the number of times I succeed.
And the number of times I succeed is in
direct proportion to the number of times I fail
and keep trying!
Assumption High School
Athletic
Assumption High School
WIAA Achievements
Hall of Fame
January 31, 2015
5:00pm
Social Hour
6:00pm
Welcome
Joe Birkhauser, Athletic Director
Paul Klinkhammer, Principal
Invocation
Fr. Bill Menzel
Dinner
7:00pm
Program
Randy Pahl, Master of Ceremonies
Induction of 2014 Hall of Fame Members
Steve Rolzin - Class of 1962
Tom Brey - Class of 1975
Tim Wirtz - Class of 1979
Paul Elsen - Class of 1989
Mary Ladick LaCasse - Class of 1999
Luke Henderson - Class of 1999
Ron Shymanski - Special Contributor
Jack and Elaine Skibba - Special Contributors
Closing Remarks
Bob Birkhauser - Hall of Fame Chairman
A Special Thank You to the following:
JoAnn Wendels & Kate Mancl - Photography
Doug Slovensky - Video
Cathy Goodness - Friday Reception
The Ridges
Renee Kollock - 60 Years of Athletics Posters
Lorna Holewinski - Program
Kate Mancl & Lorna Holewinski - Decorations
Mr. Steve Rolzin
1958 - 1962
Being described by the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune as the best openfield runner in Assumption High School football history up to that time, and
being touted by legendary Assumption Boys Basketball Coach Gordy Lewison
as “the best sixth man he ever had,” certainly distinguishes Stephen Rolzin’s
athletic career at Assumption High School from 1958-1962. As further
confirmation of an outstanding athletic career at Assumption, Steve earned a
total of eleven varsity athletic letters - four in football, three in basketball and
four in track & field.
In football, Steve was promoted to the varsity team as a place-kicker
in his freshman year. As a senior, he was selected as Central Wisconsin Catholic Conference (CWCC) AllConference Team offensive end, and also earned a spot on the All-Diocesan Team as an offensive end.
He was a member of the CWCC championship football teams of 1959, 1960 and 1961. The 1960
Assumption High School football team defeated a previously unbeaten Green Bay Premontre football
team at Lambeau Field. Steve played multiple positions on the Don Penza coached football teams running back, offensive end, kicker (converted 28 of 34 extra points,) kick-off returner, punt returner, and
defensive back. He led the team in scoring, pass receptions, punt and kick-off returns, and interceptions
in various years. He was honored by his teammates in 1961 by being selected homecoming king.
As a key member of the 1959-60, 1960-61, and 1961-62 Assumption basketball teams that won
three consecutive CWCC championships, he also distinguished himself on the basketball court. The 1961
-62 basketball team was the first basketball team in school history to complete the conference schedule
undefeated.
Steve also excelled in track & field during his time at Assumption High School, setting CWCC
conference records in the 440 yard dash, the broad jump (long jump,) and as a member of a relay team.
He was a member of the CWCC track & field championship teams for four years from 1959 - 1962. At the
1962 conference track meet, he accumulated the most individual event points with a total of 16.5 points.
Following graduation from Assumption High School in 1962, Steve played football and received
a letter in track & field at UW-Stevens Point, while earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in History &
Political Science. He later received a Master’s Degree in Special Education at UW-Oshkosh.
Steve and his wife, Lainie, live in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Steve worked as a teacher at the Kettle
Moraine Correctional Institution for 42 years, beginning with classes of juvenile delinquents and ending
with medium-security inmates. During his years teaching at KMCI, he initiated new courses, which
included Psychology, Parenting, and Human Relations. He was also involved in Narcotics Anonymous, a
program that assisted inmates with their transition from prison into society. He helped organize the
Project Aware Program, and supervised this program for 15 years; a well-accepted program that involved
correctional institution inmates talking to students about prison, and how the students could avoid
mistakes the inmates had made. Project Aware positively influenced over 1200 students each school
year.
Steve and his wife have two children - Stephanie, who graduated from U-W Whitewater and
works for a company that sells supplies and equipment to assisted living facilities, and Paul, who
graduated from UW-Madison and works for a bio-tech company.
Assumption High School
Athletic
all of ame
H
F
2006 Inductees
COACHES AND ATHLETES
Pat Getzin 1953 - 1957
Gerry Moseler 1954 - 1958
Pat Danno 1958 - 1962
Bob Hyland 1962 - 1966
Beth Olson Hite 1978 - 1982
Sandy Ahles Provost 1980 - 1984
2008 Inductees
COACHES AND ATHLETES
Mike Jennings 1958 - 1962
Robert “Bo” Gruber 1972 - 1976
Tom McHugh 1975 - 1979
Shawn Montgomery 1978 - 1982
Damian Mancl 1990 - 1994
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Bob Birkhauser
2014-2015 Hall of Fame Committee
Jerry Bach
Gary Ladick
Ken Prokash
Bob Birkhauser
Susan Schill
Mark Skibba
Steve Walczak
Joe Birkhauser
Assumption High School
Athletic
all of ame
H
F
2002 Inductees
COACHES AND ATHLETES
Coach Gordon “Gordy” Lewison 1955 - 1965
Coach Don Penza 1958 - 1968 & 1973 - 1977
Patrick Daly 1957 - 1961
Steve Krumrei 1962 - 1966
Dick Hyland 1963 - 1967
Peter W. Brey 1969 - 1973
Dan Waters 1970 - 1974
Susan C. Schill 1980 - 1984
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Dr. Norbert W. Arendt · Vernon “Jim” Bach · Fred D. Ellis
Merlin W. McHugh
2004 Inductees
COACHES AND ATHLETES
Coach Robert “Bob” Olson 1966 - 1993
Gary Ladick 1968 - 1972
Jim Jacunski 1956 - 1960
Jan Penza Minarcin 1973 - 1977
Jerry Bach 1957 - 1961
Michael Ritchay 1976 - 1980
Mark D. Thibodeau 1966 - 1970
Debbie Teske Whitman 1984 - 1988
1973 Football Team - WISAA State Champions
Mr. Tom Brey
1971 - 1975
The highlight of Tom Brey’s athletic career at Assumption High
School was quarterbacking the 1973 Assumption football team to the
WISAA State Championship at Lambeau Field. Assumption defeated
Marquette University High School 12-0. However, Tom’s athletic
accomplishments go beyond this singular outstanding feat. He was
the recipient of seven varsity letters - three in football, two in basketball, and two in track &
field.
In football, Tom received Central Wisconsin Catholic Conference All-Conference Second
Team quarterback recognition in 1973 followed by CWCC First Team All-Conference recognition
and All-State Honorable Mention designation as quarterback in 1974. The Assumption High
School football teams were CWCC conference champions in both 1973 and 1974. Tom was the
captain of the 1974 football team.
Tom also excelled in track & field, particularly in the high jump, where he claimed the
WISAA State Track Meet high jump championship in both 1973 and 1974. He also achieved
much success on the basketball floor, and was selected captain of the 1974-75 team.
Following graduation from Assumption High School in 1975, Tom attended UWWhitewater and graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Business Administration-Finance Degree.
While at UW-Whitewater, he was a four-year letter winner in baseball, with recognition as the
“Pitcher of the Year” in 1978, and a two-year letter winner in football.
After receiving his degree from UW-Whitewater, Tom worked in the banking industry for
14 years and then spent 15 years full-time in Christian Ministry. He has “given back” to youth
athletics by working as a registered official in football and basketball in both Illinois and
Wisconsin.
Tom and his wife, Pam, currently live in Wisconsin Rapids,
and he has worked as an insurance agent at Lester, Smart,
Fehrman, Treml and Arendt (Spectrum) Insurance Agency for the
past four years. Tom and his wife have two children, Laurin and
Joshua, and two grandchildren.
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Father Mark A. Doyle · Father Edmund Klimek · Lucien “Lou” L. Mason, Sr.
Robert “Bob” Schill
The famous “Royal Option.”
Dr. Tim Wirtz
1975 - 1979
Tim Wirtz was a multi-sport athlete at Assumption High School
from 1975 through 1979 earning four varsity letters in cross country, two
letters in wrestling, and three letters in track & field; and receiving
numerous all-conference and all-state recognitions.
As a member of the Assumption High School Cross Country Team
for four years, Tim received Central Wisconsin Catholic Conference
All-Conference recognition in 1978; WISAA All-State recognition in 1977
and 1978; and was an individual WISAA state champion in 1978.
Furthermore, he was selected captain and most valuable performer on the 1977 and 1978 Assumption
teams.
On the wrestling mat, Tim was a CWCC All-Conference Team selection, and conference and
WISAA regional champion at 112 lbs. in both 1978 and 1979. He finished third in his weight class at the
WISAA State Wrestling Meet in 1978. The Assumption Wrestling Team was CWCC conference
champions and regional champions in 1978 and 1979.
In track & field, Tim set the Assumption High School record in the 3200 meter run in 1979.
This record still stands today. Tim’s twin brother, Tom, was a WISAA state champion in the 1600 meter
run that same year, and also set a school record in that event that still stands. The Assumption High
School Boys’ Track & Field Team was CWCC Indoor Conference Champions in 1977.
Following graduation from Assumption High School in 1979, Tim attended the University of
Wisconsin-Madison and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology in 1983. He
subsequently attended the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, graduating
in 1989. He completed an internship at Firelands Community Hospital in Sandusky, Ohio, and then
served his residency at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Tim and his wife, Becky, also a graduate of AHS, live in Plover, Wisconsin, where he is a family
physician at Ministry Medical Group (Ascension.) Tim and Becky have three children - a son, Isaac, who
attends UW-La Crosse; a son, Joseph, who attends UW-Madison; and a daughter, Molly, who attends
Pacelli High School in Stevens Point and runs cross country and track & field.
Tim is the son of Jerry and Sue Wirtz, long-time supporters and benefactors of Assumption
High School, and has ten brothers and sisters, all of whom graduated from Assumption High School.
Mr. & Mrs. Jack & Elaine Skibba
Special Contributors
Jack and Elaine have displayed their total commitment to Catholic
education and athletics in multiple ways since their first child started
attending Catholic schools in 1970. They are fixtures at Assumption High
School athletic events, particularly both boys and girls basketball games.
They obviously enjoy watching their grandchildren, but view the other
players as “family,” and are very supportive of both players and coaches.
Jack and Elaine’s commitment to Wisconsin Rapids Catholic schools is exemplified by their total
involvement in multiple activities and projects. Elaine, a 1961 Assumption graduate, started her
concession stand “career” with a card table and cooler at their son, Mark’s 7th and 8th grade football
games for St. Vincent School. This “career” evolved into concessions for Muskies Unlimited and Bull’s
Eye Credit Union events at AHS; concessions for the AHS Athletic Association brat fries at Robinson
Park, and the Assumption booth at the Pumpkinfest in Nekoosa for several years. Her concession
stands at the Cranberry Classic Basketball Tournaments for the past 18 years are the standard against
which other concession stands at athletic events are measured. Elaine also served as president of the
St. Vincent Athletic Association, and was a school board member.
Jack, a graduate of Lincoln High School, used his expertise as a contractor to the benefit of
Catholic schools in the renovation of the first floor bathrooms, and work in the library, cafeteria and
locker rooms. His construction company built a new garage at Assumption High School, and he worked
with the Athletic Association to put an addition on the football storage shed, as well as reroofing and
residing this structure. At St. Vincent, Jack coached 7th and 8th grade boys basketball for many years’
was a member of the building committee for the new gym, and constructed the stage after the gym was
built.
As a couple, Jack and Elaine supervised AHS Athletic Association Sunday night bingo for many years,
and as a family, sponsor a food booth featuring very popular deep-fried cheese curds at the Royal Event
at Assumption every spring.
Jack and Elaine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past October. All three of their
children graduated from Assumption High School - Mark in 1983, Michele in 1986, and Matthew in
1999, as well as a daughter-in-law, Mark’s Wife, Lisa, in 1983, and Michele’s husband, Mike, in 1986.
Two of their grandchildren have also graduated from Assumption - Monica in 2011 and Hannah in 2013;
three other grandchildren are in the Assumption Catholic School system, and Cory attends school at
East Jr. High.
Mr. Ron Shymanski
Mr. Paul Elsen
Special Contributor
1985 - 1989
Ron Shymanski graduated from Assumption High School in 1959 and
married Kathy Klappa, a 1961 AHS graduate, on May 11, 1963. Ron and Kathy
have four children, all of whom graduated from Assumption - Jerry in 1982,
Julie in 1984, Jennifer in 1989, and Jacque in 1999. Ron worked in the
construction and paper industries in the area for over forty years.
Ron’s commitment to Catholic schools and performing voluntary
work for these schools was displayed very soon after graduation, when he
agreed to help with the sideline markers at AHS football games, a request
from legendary football coach Don Penza, for the 1959 and 1960 football seasons. In 1964, he began a sixyear stint as field announcer for the AHS football games, taking over this job from his father-in-law, Harry
Klappa, who was also the first vice president of the AHS Athletic Association.
At St. Vincent de Paul Grade School, Ron coached 7th & 8th grade football for five years, 7th & 8th
grade girls basketball for six years, and boys and girls track & field for two years. Also at St. Vincent, he was
vice president and president of the Athletic Association for five years, a member of the parish council for six
years, a member of the building committee for the new gym, and coordinator of gym activities for four
years.
At Assumption High School, Ron was very active in the Athletic Association for many years and
served as vice president and president for several years. He chaired many activities that were fundraisers
for the Athletic Association - Muskies Unlimited Night, Ducks Unlimited Night, Bull’s Eye Credit Union
Meeting, Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Greenwings Day, Royal Event beverage stand, Athletic Association
Brat Fry; and co-chaired Sunday night bingo, multiple car raffles and other major raffles.
Ron has received several awards from Assumption High School for his service and commitment the Outstanding and Dedicated Service Award in 1984, the Education Council Service Award in 1991, and
the Community Leadership Award in 2009.
Currently, Ron coordinates the ticket-taking at Assumption home athletic contests by members of
the Knights of Columbus and also is chairman for the beverages at the annual Royal Golf Scramble.
Ron joined the Knights of Columbus Council 1558 of Wisconsin Rapids in 1980 and immediately
became involved in that organization’s activities and held the following offices - Warden, Chancellor,
Deputy Grand Knight and Grand Knight. He also served as District Deputy for the Adams, Plover, Stevens
Point, Junction City and Wisconsin Rapids councils for six years. He received the Outstanding District
Deputy Award for 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2011-2012. He received the Golden Knight Award for being
an outstanding member in 2004-2005 and 2008-2009. Ron received the Medallion Award, the highest state
award for the Knights of Columbus, and also was selected as a delegate to the Knights of Columbus Supreme Committee in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada in 2008.
Ron joined the Monsignor Reding Assembly 1218 of the Knights of Columbus, the organization for
Fourth Degree Knights, in 1984, and again held multiple offices - Faithful Pilot, Captain, Navigator (twice)
and Admiral. He received the Master Sir Knight Award in 2004. In 2012, he was appointed Wisconsin
Western District Master of Knights of Columbus. In this capacity, he is responsible for all K of C Fourth
Degree members in the La Crosse, Madison and Superior dioceses.
Upon receiving the Assumption High School Athletic Association
Male Athlete of the Year Award at graduation from Assumption in 1989, for
achievement, competition, character and leadership in athletics, Paul Elsen
completed a most distinguished athletic career that included many honors
and recognitions. He accumulated a total of eleven varsity letters - four in
football, four in wrestling, and three in track & field.
In football, Paul was recognized as a Central Wisconsin Catholic
Conference (CWCC) All-Conference First Team defensive tackle and an
All-Conference Second Team center in 1987; and in 1988 he received All-Conference First Team
defensive line and Honorable Mention offensive line recognition.
As a member of his high school wrestling team, Paul was CWCC Conference Champion at 185
lbs in 1988. He placed 3rd at the WISAA State Wrestling Meet in 1987 at 167 lbs.; was a state champion
at 167 lbs. at the State Wrestling Meet in 1988; and was champion at 189 lbs. at the State Wrestling
Meet in 1989. Also at the 1989 State Meet, he was named the Most Valuable Wrestler of the Year. At
the 1989 Bi-State Meet in La Crosse, he was Meet Champion at 189 lbs. and named Outstanding
Wrestler of the Year. His win/loss record for 1988 was 29-3; and for 1989 a perfect 33-0.
In track & field, Paul excelled in discus, shot put, and pole vault. He was CWCC Conference
Champion in the discus in 1989, and in addition, qualified for the WISAA Track Meet in 1987, 1988, and
1989 - qualifying in discus, shot put and pole vault in 1988 - taking 5th place in the discus that year.
Following graduation from Assumption High School in 1989, Paul attended Mid-State Technical
College and completed a Journeyman Carpentry Apprenticeship. He then completed an Associate of
Applied Science in Supervisory Management and Construction Management Program at Fox Valley
Technical College in Appleton.
After completing his formal education, Paul served an apprenticeship with Drollinger Builders
and Altmann Construction of Wisconsin Rapids, and subsequently attained journeyman status. He
worked as a foreman and trade superintendent for Nestra Construction, Waupaca, Wisconsin for ten
years, and for the past nine years he has been a superintendent for KSB, Inc. and oversees jobsite
construction in the Madison and Milwaukee areas.
Paul stated the following in the form he returned for consideration for the Hall of Fame - “I am
blessed with a strong Catholic faith, good health, happiness, two amazing teenage boys, and a loving
wife,” and also “Many thanks and my sincere admiration to coaches Freund, O’Donnell, and Pope, who
challenged me to always do my best and be my best! They inspired me to take on leadership roles and
‘pay it forward’ as an adult.” These two statements are indicative of his values and what is important in
his life.
Paul has volunteered as both a youth football coach and high school wrestling coach, and has
served on several volunteer athletic boards. He has also been involved with Capuchin Ministries the past
ten years, serving in the jungle region of Waucuco, Panama, by building schools, churches, and homes
and is especially proud of the Clean Water Project and the construction of a dam.
Dr. Mary Ladick LaCasse
Mr. Luke Henderson
1995 - 1999
1995 - 1999
While earning eleven letters in varsity sports during an outstanding
high school athletic career at Assumption High School, Mary Ladick
received multiple honors in volleyball, basketball and track & field; and
culminated her athletic career by being designated Female Athlete of
the Year by the AHS Athletic Association at graduation in 1999. She
accumulated three varsity letters in volleyball, four in basketball, and
four in track & field.
Mary earned varsity letters in volleyball following the 1996, 1997,
and 1998 seasons, and also was the recipient of the following honors in this sport - Central Wisconsin
Catholic Conference Honorable Mention in 1996; CWCC All-Conference First Team in 1997; and CWCC
All-Conference Second Team in 1998.
In basketball, Mary was a three year starter and a member of to two WISAA State Basketball
Championship Teams - Division III in 1998, and Division II in 1999. Individual honors in basketball
included CWCC All-Conference Second Team designation following the 1996-97 season, and CWCC
Honorable Mention selection following the 1997-98 and 1998-99 seasons.
Mary also excelled in track & field, setting school records in shot put and discus that still stand.
In the discus event, she earned CWCC All-Conference designation four consecutive years (1996 through
1999), and was WISAA State Champion in this event in 1998 and 1999.
In the shot put, she also received CWCC All-Conference honors for four consecutive years (1996
through 1999) by winning this event at the conference meet, and was WISAA State Champion in this
event in 1996, 1997, and 1998, and runner-up at the State Track Meet in 1999.
Mary was a true student-athlete during her tenure at Assumption High School, graduating as
class valedictorian, selected homecoming queen in 1998, elected Key Club President, a National Honor
Society member, selected for Badger Girls State and a recipient of a Wisconsin State Association of
Women’s Award of Excellence in 1999.
Mary’s dad, Gary, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
After graduation from Assumption High School, Mary received a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Kinesiology from UW-Madison in 2003; a Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in
Davenport, Iowa, in 2006; and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Kaplan University in
2012.
Following graduation from chiropractic school, Mary worked as a chiropractor for three years;
and has been an Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at Mount Washington
College in Manchester, New Hampshire, for the past 5 years. She received the
Mount Washington College Faculty of the Year Award in 2012.
Mary and her husband, Nathan, and their two children - Amelia (2 1/2)
and Stella (5 months) currently reside in Manchester, New Hampshire, but are
planning to move back to Wisconsin Rapids in March.
Welcome Home, Mary, Nathan, and Family!
During a stellar multi-sport athletic career at Assumption High
School from 1995 through 1999, Luke Henderson earned recognition and
varsity letters in four sports. He received two varsity letters in football,
one varsity letter in cross country, and three varsity letters in both
basketball and track & field.
On the football field, Luke was honored in 1998 as Central
Wisconsin Catholic Conference All-Conference First Team linebacker/defensive end and also received
All-State Honorable Mention at this position. He was selected captain of the 1998 football team, which
qualified for the WISAA State Playoffs.
Luke also participated in cross country in 1999, and he qualified for the WISAA State Meet.
On the basketball floor, Luke received CWCC All-Conference recognition in his sophomore year
(1996-97) - Honorable Mention, his junior year (1997-98) - Second Team, and his senior year (1998-99)
- First Team. In addition, he was CWCC Conference Player of the Year for the 1998-99 season, and AllState Honorable Mention. He was captain of the team in 1998-99.
In track & field, Luke also performed at a very high level. In 1998, he was CWCC AllConference with winning times in the 400 meter dash, and as a member of the 400 meter relay team.
At the WISAA State Track Meet in 1998, he was state champion in the 400 meter, and a member of the
State Track Meet 400 meter relay state champion team. At the CWCC Track Meet in 1999, he was meet
champion, and therefore All-Conference, in both the 200 meter and 400 meter dashes. At the WISAA
State Track Meet in 1999, he was again state champion in the 400 meter dash and took second place
honors in the 200 meter dash and as a member of the 400 meter relay team.
As a student athlete, he was a member of the school Academic Decathlon Team in 1999. He
set a school record in the bench press as a member of the school power-lifting team in his junior year.
After graduation from Assumption High School, Luke attended college and earned a straight A
average during his last two semesters and then decided to pursue his dream of being a pilot. He
enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country from 2006 through 2013. He was a crew chief on
UH-60 helicopters from 2006 to 2008, and was a pilot of this aircraft from 2008 to 2013. While in the
U.S. Army, he also served as an Airborne Paratrooper, attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (U.S.
Army), and is a veteran combat pilot in both Air Assault and Medevac (Iraq Theater).
Following his exemplary military service, Luke began employment with
Petroleum Helicopters Incorporated (PHI,) and works as a commercial pilot
of S-76 and AW-139 helicopters. He is married to Jessica, also a veteran
Army pilot and from Wisconsin, and they live in Milton, Florida, where he
avidly pursues a favorite hobby - scuba diving.
Dr. Mary Ladick LaCasse
Mr. Luke Henderson
1995 - 1999
1995 - 1999
While earning eleven letters in varsity sports during an outstanding
high school athletic career at Assumption High School, Mary Ladick
received multiple honors in volleyball, basketball and track & field; and
culminated her athletic career by being designated Female Athlete of
the Year by the AHS Athletic Association at graduation in 1999. She
accumulated three varsity letters in volleyball, four in basketball, and
four in track & field.
Mary earned varsity letters in volleyball following the 1996, 1997,
and 1998 seasons, and also was the recipient of the following honors in this sport - Central Wisconsin
Catholic Conference Honorable Mention in 1996; CWCC All-Conference First Team in 1997; and CWCC
All-Conference Second Team in 1998.
In basketball, Mary was a three year starter and a member of to two WISAA State Basketball
Championship Teams - Division III in 1998, and Division II in 1999. Individual honors in basketball
included CWCC All-Conference Second Team designation following the 1996-97 season, and CWCC
Honorable Mention selection following the 1997-98 and 1998-99 seasons.
Mary also excelled in track & field, setting school records in shot put and discus that still stand.
In the discus event, she earned CWCC All-Conference designation four consecutive years (1996 through
1999), and was WISAA State Champion in this event in 1998 and 1999.
In the shot put, she also received CWCC All-Conference honors for four consecutive years (1996
through 1999) by winning this event at the conference meet, and was WISAA State Champion in this
event in 1996, 1997, and 1998, and runner-up at the State Track Meet in 1999.
Mary was a true student-athlete during her tenure at Assumption High School, graduating as
class valedictorian, selected homecoming queen in 1998, elected Key Club President, a National Honor
Society member, selected for Badger Girls State and a recipient of a Wisconsin State Association of
Women’s Award of Excellence in 1999.
Mary’s dad, Gary, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
After graduation from Assumption High School, Mary received a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Kinesiology from UW-Madison in 2003; a Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in
Davenport, Iowa, in 2006; and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Kaplan University in
2012.
Following graduation from chiropractic school, Mary worked as a chiropractor for three years;
and has been an Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at Mount Washington
College in Manchester, New Hampshire, for the past 5 years. She received the
Mount Washington College Faculty of the Year Award in 2012.
Mary and her husband, Nathan, and their two children - Amelia (2 1/2)
and Stella (5 months) currently reside in Manchester, New Hampshire, but are
planning to move back to Wisconsin Rapids in March.
Welcome Home, Mary, Nathan, and Family!
During a stellar multi-sport athletic career at Assumption High
School from 1995 through 1999, Luke Henderson earned recognition and
varsity letters in four sports. He received two varsity letters in football,
one varsity letter in cross country, and three varsity letters in both
basketball and track & field.
On the football field, Luke was honored in 1998 as Central
Wisconsin Catholic Conference All-Conference First Team linebacker/defensive end and also received
All-State Honorable Mention at this position. He was selected captain of the 1998 football team, which
qualified for the WISAA State Playoffs.
Luke also participated in cross country in 1999, and he qualified for the WISAA State Meet.
On the basketball floor, Luke received CWCC All-Conference recognition in his sophomore year
(1996-97) - Honorable Mention, his junior year (1997-98) - Second Team, and his senior year (1998-99)
- First Team. In addition, he was CWCC Conference Player of the Year for the 1998-99 season, and AllState Honorable Mention. He was captain of the team in 1998-99.
In track & field, Luke also performed at a very high level. In 1998, he was CWCC AllConference with winning times in the 400 meter dash, and as a member of the 400 meter relay team.
At the WISAA State Track Meet in 1998, he was state champion in the 400 meter, and a member of the
State Track Meet 400 meter relay state champion team. At the CWCC Track Meet in 1999, he was meet
champion, and therefore All-Conference, in both the 200 meter and 400 meter dashes. At the WISAA
State Track Meet in 1999, he was again state champion in the 400 meter dash and took second place
honors in the 200 meter dash and as a member of the 400 meter relay team.
As a student athlete, he was a member of the school Academic Decathlon Team in 1999. He
set a school record in the bench press as a member of the school power-lifting team in his junior year.
After graduation from Assumption High School, Luke attended college and earned a straight A
average during his last two semesters and then decided to pursue his dream of being a pilot. He
enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country from 2006 through 2013. He was a crew chief on
UH-60 helicopters from 2006 to 2008, and was a pilot of this aircraft from 2008 to 2013. While in the
U.S. Army, he also served as an Airborne Paratrooper, attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (U.S.
Army), and is a veteran combat pilot in both Air Assault and Medevac (Iraq Theater).
Following his exemplary military service, Luke began employment with
Petroleum Helicopters Incorporated (PHI,) and works as a commercial pilot
of S-76 and AW-139 helicopters. He is married to Jessica, also a veteran
Army pilot and from Wisconsin, and they live in Milton, Florida, where he
avidly pursues a favorite hobby - scuba diving.
Mr. Ron Shymanski
Mr. Paul Elsen
Special Contributor
1985 - 1989
Ron Shymanski graduated from Assumption High School in 1959 and
married Kathy Klappa, a 1961 AHS graduate, on May 11, 1963. Ron and Kathy
have four children, all of whom graduated from Assumption - Jerry in 1982,
Julie in 1984, Jennifer in 1989, and Jacque in 1999. Ron worked in the
construction and paper industries in the area for over forty years.
Ron’s commitment to Catholic schools and performing voluntary
work for these schools was displayed very soon after graduation, when he
agreed to help with the sideline markers at AHS football games, a request
from legendary football coach Don Penza, for the 1959 and 1960 football seasons. In 1964, he began a sixyear stint as field announcer for the AHS football games, taking over this job from his father-in-law, Harry
Klappa, who was also the first vice president of the AHS Athletic Association.
At St. Vincent de Paul Grade School, Ron coached 7th & 8th grade football for five years, 7th & 8th
grade girls basketball for six years, and boys and girls track & field for two years. Also at St. Vincent, he was
vice president and president of the Athletic Association for five years, a member of the parish council for six
years, a member of the building committee for the new gym, and coordinator of gym activities for four
years.
At Assumption High School, Ron was very active in the Athletic Association for many years and
served as vice president and president for several years. He chaired many activities that were fundraisers
for the Athletic Association - Muskies Unlimited Night, Ducks Unlimited Night, Bull’s Eye Credit Union
Meeting, Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Greenwings Day, Royal Event beverage stand, Athletic Association
Brat Fry; and co-chaired Sunday night bingo, multiple car raffles and other major raffles.
Ron has received several awards from Assumption High School for his service and commitment the Outstanding and Dedicated Service Award in 1984, the Education Council Service Award in 1991, and
the Community Leadership Award in 2009.
Currently, Ron coordinates the ticket-taking at Assumption home athletic contests by members of
the Knights of Columbus and also is chairman for the beverages at the annual Royal Golf Scramble.
Ron joined the Knights of Columbus Council 1558 of Wisconsin Rapids in 1980 and immediately
became involved in that organization’s activities and held the following offices - Warden, Chancellor,
Deputy Grand Knight and Grand Knight. He also served as District Deputy for the Adams, Plover, Stevens
Point, Junction City and Wisconsin Rapids councils for six years. He received the Outstanding District
Deputy Award for 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2011-2012. He received the Golden Knight Award for being
an outstanding member in 2004-2005 and 2008-2009. Ron received the Medallion Award, the highest state
award for the Knights of Columbus, and also was selected as a delegate to the Knights of Columbus Supreme Committee in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada in 2008.
Ron joined the Monsignor Reding Assembly 1218 of the Knights of Columbus, the organization for
Fourth Degree Knights, in 1984, and again held multiple offices - Faithful Pilot, Captain, Navigator (twice)
and Admiral. He received the Master Sir Knight Award in 2004. In 2012, he was appointed Wisconsin
Western District Master of Knights of Columbus. In this capacity, he is responsible for all K of C Fourth
Degree members in the La Crosse, Madison and Superior dioceses.
Upon receiving the Assumption High School Athletic Association
Male Athlete of the Year Award at graduation from Assumption in 1989, for
achievement, competition, character and leadership in athletics, Paul Elsen
completed a most distinguished athletic career that included many honors
and recognitions. He accumulated a total of eleven varsity letters - four in
football, four in wrestling, and three in track & field.
In football, Paul was recognized as a Central Wisconsin Catholic
Conference (CWCC) All-Conference First Team defensive tackle and an
All-Conference Second Team center in 1987; and in 1988 he received All-Conference First Team
defensive line and Honorable Mention offensive line recognition.
As a member of his high school wrestling team, Paul was CWCC Conference Champion at 185
lbs in 1988. He placed 3rd at the WISAA State Wrestling Meet in 1987 at 167 lbs.; was a state champion
at 167 lbs. at the State Wrestling Meet in 1988; and was champion at 189 lbs. at the State Wrestling
Meet in 1989. Also at the 1989 State Meet, he was named the Most Valuable Wrestler of the Year. At
the 1989 Bi-State Meet in La Crosse, he was Meet Champion at 189 lbs. and named Outstanding
Wrestler of the Year. His win/loss record for 1988 was 29-3; and for 1989 a perfect 33-0.
In track & field, Paul excelled in discus, shot put, and pole vault. He was CWCC Conference
Champion in the discus in 1989, and in addition, qualified for the WISAA Track Meet in 1987, 1988, and
1989 - qualifying in discus, shot put and pole vault in 1988 - taking 5th place in the discus that year.
Following graduation from Assumption High School in 1989, Paul attended Mid-State Technical
College and completed a Journeyman Carpentry Apprenticeship. He then completed an Associate of
Applied Science in Supervisory Management and Construction Management Program at Fox Valley
Technical College in Appleton.
After completing his formal education, Paul served an apprenticeship with Drollinger Builders
and Altmann Construction of Wisconsin Rapids, and subsequently attained journeyman status. He
worked as a foreman and trade superintendent for Nestra Construction, Waupaca, Wisconsin for ten
years, and for the past nine years he has been a superintendent for KSB, Inc. and oversees jobsite
construction in the Madison and Milwaukee areas.
Paul stated the following in the form he returned for consideration for the Hall of Fame - “I am
blessed with a strong Catholic faith, good health, happiness, two amazing teenage boys, and a loving
wife,” and also “Many thanks and my sincere admiration to coaches Freund, O’Donnell, and Pope, who
challenged me to always do my best and be my best! They inspired me to take on leadership roles and
‘pay it forward’ as an adult.” These two statements are indicative of his values and what is important in
his life.
Paul has volunteered as both a youth football coach and high school wrestling coach, and has
served on several volunteer athletic boards. He has also been involved with Capuchin Ministries the past
ten years, serving in the jungle region of Waucuco, Panama, by building schools, churches, and homes
and is especially proud of the Clean Water Project and the construction of a dam.
Dr. Tim Wirtz
1975 - 1979
Tim Wirtz was a multi-sport athlete at Assumption High School
from 1975 through 1979 earning four varsity letters in cross country, two
letters in wrestling, and three letters in track & field; and receiving
numerous all-conference and all-state recognitions.
As a member of the Assumption High School Cross Country Team
for four years, Tim received Central Wisconsin Catholic Conference
All-Conference recognition in 1978; WISAA All-State recognition in 1977
and 1978; and was an individual WISAA state champion in 1978.
Furthermore, he was selected captain and most valuable performer on the 1977 and 1978 Assumption
teams.
On the wrestling mat, Tim was a CWCC All-Conference Team selection, and conference and
WISAA regional champion at 112 lbs. in both 1978 and 1979. He finished third in his weight class at the
WISAA State Wrestling Meet in 1978. The Assumption Wrestling Team was CWCC conference
champions and regional champions in 1978 and 1979.
In track & field, Tim set the Assumption High School record in the 3200 meter run in 1979.
This record still stands today. Tim’s twin brother, Tom, was a WISAA state champion in the 1600 meter
run that same year, and also set a school record in that event that still stands. The Assumption High
School Boys’ Track & Field Team was CWCC Indoor Conference Champions in 1977.
Following graduation from Assumption High School in 1979, Tim attended the University of
Wisconsin-Madison and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology in 1983. He
subsequently attended the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, graduating
in 1989. He completed an internship at Firelands Community Hospital in Sandusky, Ohio, and then
served his residency at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Tim and his wife, Becky, also a graduate of AHS, live in Plover, Wisconsin, where he is a family
physician at Ministry Medical Group (Ascension.) Tim and Becky have three children - a son, Isaac, who
attends UW-La Crosse; a son, Joseph, who attends UW-Madison; and a daughter, Molly, who attends
Pacelli High School in Stevens Point and runs cross country and track & field.
Tim is the son of Jerry and Sue Wirtz, long-time supporters and benefactors of Assumption
High School, and has ten brothers and sisters, all of whom graduated from Assumption High School.
Mr. & Mrs. Jack & Elaine Skibba
Special Contributors
Jack and Elaine have displayed their total commitment to Catholic
education and athletics in multiple ways since their first child started
attending Catholic schools in 1970. They are fixtures at Assumption High
School athletic events, particularly both boys and girls basketball games.
They obviously enjoy watching their grandchildren, but view the other
players as “family,” and are very supportive of both players and coaches.
Jack and Elaine’s commitment to Wisconsin Rapids Catholic schools is exemplified by their total
involvement in multiple activities and projects. Elaine, a 1961 Assumption graduate, started her
concession stand “career” with a card table and cooler at their son, Mark’s 7th and 8th grade football
games for St. Vincent School. This “career” evolved into concessions for Muskies Unlimited and Bull’s
Eye Credit Union events at AHS; concessions for the AHS Athletic Association brat fries at Robinson
Park, and the Assumption booth at the Pumpkinfest in Nekoosa for several years. Her concession
stands at the Cranberry Classic Basketball Tournaments for the past 18 years are the standard against
which other concession stands at athletic events are measured. Elaine also served as president of the
St. Vincent Athletic Association, and was a school board member.
Jack, a graduate of Lincoln High School, used his expertise as a contractor to the benefit of
Catholic schools in the renovation of the first floor bathrooms, and work in the library, cafeteria and
locker rooms. His construction company built a new garage at Assumption High School, and he worked
with the Athletic Association to put an addition on the football storage shed, as well as reroofing and
residing this structure. At St. Vincent, Jack coached 7th and 8th grade boys basketball for many years’
was a member of the building committee for the new gym, and constructed the stage after the gym was
built.
As a couple, Jack and Elaine supervised AHS Athletic Association Sunday night bingo for many years,
and as a family, sponsor a food booth featuring very popular deep-fried cheese curds at the Royal Event
at Assumption every spring.
Jack and Elaine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past October. All three of their
children graduated from Assumption High School - Mark in 1983, Michele in 1986, and Matthew in
1999, as well as a daughter-in-law, Mark’s Wife, Lisa, in 1983, and Michele’s husband, Mike, in 1986.
Two of their grandchildren have also graduated from Assumption - Monica in 2011 and Hannah in 2013;
three other grandchildren are in the Assumption Catholic School system, and Cory attends school at
East Jr. High.
Assumption High School
Athletic
all of ame
H
F
2002 Inductees
COACHES AND ATHLETES
Coach Gordon “Gordy” Lewison 1955 - 1965
Coach Don Penza 1958 - 1968 & 1973 - 1977
Patrick Daly 1957 - 1961
Steve Krumrei 1962 - 1966
Dick Hyland 1963 - 1967
Peter W. Brey 1969 - 1973
Dan Waters 1970 - 1974
Susan C. Schill 1980 - 1984
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Dr. Norbert W. Arendt · Vernon “Jim” Bach · Fred D. Ellis
Merlin W. McHugh
2004 Inductees
COACHES AND ATHLETES
Coach Robert “Bob” Olson 1966 - 1993
Gary Ladick 1968 - 1972
Jim Jacunski 1956 - 1960
Jan Penza Minarcin 1973 - 1977
Jerry Bach 1957 - 1961
Michael Ritchay 1976 - 1980
Mark D. Thibodeau 1966 - 1970
Debbie Teske Whitman 1984 - 1988
1973 Football Team - WISAA State Champions
Mr. Tom Brey
1971 - 1975
The highlight of Tom Brey’s athletic career at Assumption High
School was quarterbacking the 1973 Assumption football team to the
WISAA State Championship at Lambeau Field. Assumption defeated
Marquette University High School 12-0. However, Tom’s athletic
accomplishments go beyond this singular outstanding feat. He was
the recipient of seven varsity letters - three in football, two in basketball, and two in track &
field.
In football, Tom received Central Wisconsin Catholic Conference All-Conference Second
Team quarterback recognition in 1973 followed by CWCC First Team All-Conference recognition
and All-State Honorable Mention designation as quarterback in 1974. The Assumption High
School football teams were CWCC conference champions in both 1973 and 1974. Tom was the
captain of the 1974 football team.
Tom also excelled in track & field, particularly in the high jump, where he claimed the
WISAA State Track Meet high jump championship in both 1973 and 1974. He also achieved
much success on the basketball floor, and was selected captain of the 1974-75 team.
Following graduation from Assumption High School in 1975, Tom attended UWWhitewater and graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Business Administration-Finance Degree.
While at UW-Whitewater, he was a four-year letter winner in baseball, with recognition as the
“Pitcher of the Year” in 1978, and a two-year letter winner in football.
After receiving his degree from UW-Whitewater, Tom worked in the banking industry for
14 years and then spent 15 years full-time in Christian Ministry. He has “given back” to youth
athletics by working as a registered official in football and basketball in both Illinois and
Wisconsin.
Tom and his wife, Pam, currently live in Wisconsin Rapids,
and he has worked as an insurance agent at Lester, Smart,
Fehrman, Treml and Arendt (Spectrum) Insurance Agency for the
past four years. Tom and his wife have two children, Laurin and
Joshua, and two grandchildren.
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Father Mark A. Doyle · Father Edmund Klimek · Lucien “Lou” L. Mason, Sr.
Robert “Bob” Schill
The famous “Royal Option.”
Mr. Steve Rolzin
1958 - 1962
Being described by the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune as the best openfield runner in Assumption High School football history up to that time, and
being touted by legendary Assumption Boys Basketball Coach Gordy Lewison
as “the best sixth man he ever had,” certainly distinguishes Stephen Rolzin’s
athletic career at Assumption High School from 1958-1962. As further
confirmation of an outstanding athletic career at Assumption, Steve earned a
total of eleven varsity athletic letters - four in football, three in basketball and
four in track & field.
In football, Steve was promoted to the varsity team as a place-kicker
in his freshman year. As a senior, he was selected as Central Wisconsin Catholic Conference (CWCC) AllConference Team offensive end, and also earned a spot on the All-Diocesan Team as an offensive end.
He was a member of the CWCC championship football teams of 1959, 1960 and 1961. The 1960
Assumption High School football team defeated a previously unbeaten Green Bay Premontre football
team at Lambeau Field. Steve played multiple positions on the Don Penza coached football teams running back, offensive end, kicker (converted 28 of 34 extra points,) kick-off returner, punt returner, and
defensive back. He led the team in scoring, pass receptions, punt and kick-off returns, and interceptions
in various years. He was honored by his teammates in 1961 by being selected homecoming king.
As a key member of the 1959-60, 1960-61, and 1961-62 Assumption basketball teams that won
three consecutive CWCC championships, he also distinguished himself on the basketball court. The 1961
-62 basketball team was the first basketball team in school history to complete the conference schedule
undefeated.
Steve also excelled in track & field during his time at Assumption High School, setting CWCC
conference records in the 440 yard dash, the broad jump (long jump,) and as a member of a relay team.
He was a member of the CWCC track & field championship teams for four years from 1959 - 1962. At the
1962 conference track meet, he accumulated the most individual event points with a total of 16.5 points.
Following graduation from Assumption High School in 1962, Steve played football and received
a letter in track & field at UW-Stevens Point, while earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in History &
Political Science. He later received a Master’s Degree in Special Education at UW-Oshkosh.
Steve and his wife, Lainie, live in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Steve worked as a teacher at the Kettle
Moraine Correctional Institution for 42 years, beginning with classes of juvenile delinquents and ending
with medium-security inmates. During his years teaching at KMCI, he initiated new courses, which
included Psychology, Parenting, and Human Relations. He was also involved in Narcotics Anonymous, a
program that assisted inmates with their transition from prison into society. He helped organize the
Project Aware Program, and supervised this program for 15 years; a well-accepted program that involved
correctional institution inmates talking to students about prison, and how the students could avoid
mistakes the inmates had made. Project Aware positively influenced over 1200 students each school
year.
Steve and his wife have two children - Stephanie, who graduated from U-W Whitewater and
works for a company that sells supplies and equipment to assisted living facilities, and Paul, who
graduated from UW-Madison and works for a bio-tech company.
Assumption High School
Athletic
all of ame
H
F
2006 Inductees
COACHES AND ATHLETES
Pat Getzin 1953 - 1957
Gerry Moseler 1954 - 1958
Pat Danno 1958 - 1962
Bob Hyland 1962 - 1966
Beth Olson Hite 1978 - 1982
Sandy Ahles Provost 1980 - 1984
2008 Inductees
COACHES AND ATHLETES
Mike Jennings 1958 - 1962
Robert “Bo” Gruber 1972 - 1976
Tom McHugh 1975 - 1979
Shawn Montgomery 1978 - 1982
Damian Mancl 1990 - 1994
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Bob Birkhauser
2014-2015 Hall of Fame Committee
Jerry Bach
Gary Ladick
Ken Prokash
Bob Birkhauser
Susan Schill
Mark Skibba
Steve Walczak
Joe Birkhauser
Assumption High School
Athletic
Assumption High School
WIAA Achievements
Hall of Fame
January 31, 2015
5:00pm
Social Hour
6:00pm
Welcome
Joe Birkhauser, Athletic Director
Paul Klinkhammer, Principal
Invocation
Fr. Bill Menzel
Dinner
7:00pm
Program
Randy Pahl, Master of Ceremonies
Induction of 2014 Hall of Fame Members
Steve Rolzin - Class of 1962
Tom Brey - Class of 1975
Tim Wirtz - Class of 1979
Paul Elsen - Class of 1989
Mary Ladick LaCasse - Class of 1999
Luke Henderson - Class of 1999
Ron Shymanski - Special Contributor
Jack and Elaine Skibba - Special Contributors
Closing Remarks
Bob Birkhauser - Hall of Fame Chairman
A Special Thank You to the following:
JoAnn Wendels & Kate Mancl - Photography
Doug Slovensky - Video
Cathy Goodness - Friday Reception
The Ridges
Renee Kollock - 60 Years of Athletics Posters
Lorna Holewinski - Program
Kate Mancl & Lorna Holewinski - Decorations
The Champion’s Creed
Athletic competition draws out of the human person
some of one’s noblest qualities and talents. The
athlete must learn the secret of one’s own body, its
strength and weakness, its stamina and its breaking
point. One must develop through long hours of
exercise and effort the power of concentration and
the habit of discipline, learning how to hold one’s
strength in reserve and to conserve energy for that
final moment when the victory depends on a great
burst of speed or one last surge of strength.
~ Saint John Paul II
I am not judged by the number of times I fail,
but by the number of times I succeed.
And the number of times I succeed is in
direct proportion to the number of times I fail
and keep trying!
Assumption High School
Athletic
Hall of Fame
Induction Ceremony
Athletic Department · 445 Chestnut Street · Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
715-422-0915
January 31, 2015
The Ridges