Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Snow Doesn't Hamper Hall of Fame Ceremony


Minnesota Track and Field Hall of Fame committee chairman Tim Zbikowski sent DtB the photo above and told us last Saturday's Hall of Fame banquet and induction ceremony was a success, despite the bad weather and the absence of one of this year's inductees.

"The ceremony went very well," Zbikowski wrote us. "Dick Mulkern's acceptance speech was the highlight of the evening. It's always fun to hear stories from way, way back. For example, Dick's first introduction to throwing events was watching Fortune Gordien on the practice field at the U of M in 1947."

There was no small amount of humor involved, too, it appeared.

"In my introduction to Dick," Zbikowski added, "I mentioned someone penned on the ballot next to Dick's name, 'Over 55 years coaching, this guy must be a saint!' Gary Wilson followed Dick, and one of the first things he said was: 'I've known Dick Mulkern for a long time, and he's no saint!' Then he proceeded to tell us stories about Dick."

Inducted into the Hall were (pictured from left in the photo above): Dick Mulkern, Gary Wilson, Donovan Bergstrom, Jerry McNeal, and Carson Hoeft. Sarah Renk Thorsett was also named to the Hall but was unable to attend the ceremony.

(There's more info on each of the inductees HERE.)

"Unfortunately, Sarah Renk Thorsett was not able to attend to receive her award," Zbikowski said. "She had planned to, then just this week she experienced an elevated heart rate. They have a heart rate monitor on her and advised against long distance travel."

"I talked to her for quite a while and she seemed quite upbeat about her condition, but was really disappointed she couldn't attend the ceremony," he added. "I shared with her a couple of stories about my heart attack and a successful return to competitive running. We have some great medical technology available now and I'm sure it will only get better."

Sixty-seven athletes, coaches, and contributors to the sport are now enshried in the Hall.

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