Former Spartan to be inducted into GAC Hall of Fame
July 31st, 2008Gaylord native Tim Schwartz is among a group of nine former Gusties chosen for induction into the Gustavus Adolphus College (GAC) Athletics Hall of Fame.
Schwartz, a 1986 graduate of Gaylord High School, was a football and baseball standout at Gustavus.
On the gridiron, Schwartz was a starting tailback for the Gusties and he played on special teams. He earned All-Conference honors in 1989 and was named the team’s “Most Valuable Player” by his teammates that same season.
According to GAC’s sports information director Tim Kennedy, Schwartz ranks 12 all-time in rushing at Gustavus with 1,599 yards.
In baseball, Schwartz was a three year starter for the Gusties. The shortstop earned All-Conference honors in 1989 and 1990 and graduated with a career batting average of .339.
Schwartz’s sports run at Gustavus followed a standout high school career. He was a leader for the Gaylord-Winthrop baseball and football teams. Schwartz was also a letterwinner for the Spartans basketball team.
Following high school, Schwartz returned to Gaylord in the summer where he helped lead the Islanders to several state amateur baseball tournaments. He will be remembered as one of Gaylord’s top home run hitters.
Individuals eligible for induction into the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame are athletes, coaches and benefactors, Kennedy explained.
Selection of athletes is based on athletic achievements while a student at Gustavus, according to Kennedy. Eight of the nine members of the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2008 will be inducted for their accomplishments as athletes. One of the inductees will be inducted as a benefactor.
Joining Schwartz on GAC’s 2008 Hall of Fame class are:
Sue Erlandson (‘83) – a native of Edina, MN, she was a two-time All-Conference performer in volleyball;
Milt Brostrom (‘49) – a native of Ironwood, MI, he served as the faculty athletic representative to the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) from 1969 to 1991;
Sarah Edmonds Harris (‘93) – a native of Sioux City, IA, she was the 1992 NCAA Division III Cross Country Champion. Edmonds Harris won every race during the 1992 season;
Steve McDermott (‘88) – a native of North St. Paul, he was a soccer and basketball standout, earning all-conference honors in both sports;
Andy Micheletti (‘72) – the Hibbing native is considered to be the most successful goaltender in Gustavus’ hockey history;
Ginny Shafer (‘93) – a native of Wayzata, the soccer standout was a three-time all-conference selection;
Mary Sutherland Ryerse (‘90) – the Plymouth, MN native played #2 singles and #1 doubles on the 1990 squad that won the NCAA championship. She also won the 1990 Division III Arther Ashe award presented to the player who best combines tennis ability with academics and community service;
Heather Thorson Kittelsen (‘92) – a native of Tonka Bay, MN, she was a three-time all-conference selection for the Gusties softball team;
Schwartz is the second area athlete recently named to the Gusties Athletic Hall of Fame. Dave Hultgren, an Arlington native, received the honor in 2007.
Gustavus’ Hall of Fame Class of 2008 will be honored at the Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet to be held in Alumni Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 25th. This ceremony will follow GAC’s Hall of Fame football game against Augsburg scheduled to kickoff at 1:00 p.m.
