Concordia Athletic Director Rachel Bergeson announced the Cobber Athletics Hall of Fame class on July 27. The group features Perham Public School’s Facilities Director Russ Winkels. Winkels starred as a safety for the Cobber football team. The group that will be inducted into the Cobber Hall of Fame features four All-American award winners, the all-time scoring leader in women’s hockey history and a longtime Concordia Faculty Athletics Representative.
Joining Winkels in the Hall of Fame will be three-time men’s track and field NCAA All-American John Ault, three-time women’s track and field NCAA All-American Tracy (Bernsten) Bell, NCAA All-American and first ever women’s golf MIAC Champion Kelly (Cornell) Door, longtime Concordia Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. James Forde, and women’s hockey all-time leading scorer Katie (Jacques) Andan.
Winkels was the captain of the 1986 Cobber football team. The Cobbers went on to win the MIAC Championship and advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA playoffs. Winkels is one of a few defensive players to be named the MIAC’s Most Valuable player. During his 1986 season, Winkels was also named MIAC All-Conference and was NCAA All American Honorable Mention. Winkels was named to MIAC All Conference in 1985 as well.
Winkels anchored a defense that allowed just 14.4 points per game on their way to the MIAC Conference title. The Cobbers posted a perfect record in the MIAC cruising to a 9-0 mark.
The new Cobber Hall of Fame Class will be inducted during a ceremony in October.
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