Golf was a featured sport at St. Paul Academy in the 1950's and saw great success in the 1960's, when the team won the Minnesota Independent High School League Champions in 1961, 1962, and 1963. Since the merger, St. Paul Academy and Summit School has qualified numerous golfers to the Minnesota State Golf Tournament.
If you would like to nominate an individual to be considered a candidate for inclusion into the Athletics Hall of Fame, please complete this short form.
A talented athlete and inspiring coach and teacher, W.T. “Tom” Doar III '69, has had a profound contribution to the athletics history of St. Paul Academy and the merged St. Paul Academy and Summit School. Doar's legacy at St. Paul Academy is marked by his outstanding prowess in football, basketball, and golf and his dedication to excellence throughout his high school career.
In football, Doar exemplified leadership as a team captain and earned two Varsity letters and a distinguished spot on the All-Conference team during his senior year. His strategic acumen and on-field performance left an indelible mark on SPA's football program.
On the basketball court, he shined as a four-year starter and team captain his junior and senior year. His skill and leadership were further recognized with two All-Conference Awards, underscoring his pivotal role in SPA's basketball successes.
In golf, he continued to excel as a four-year team member and a captain his senior year. His dedication to precision and sportsmanship earned him two All-Conference Awards, cementing his reputation as a formidable golfer. In addition to his athletic accolades, Doar was honored with the Athletic Cup and received the prestigious Joseph P. Schwab Award his senior year which highlighted his character, leadership, and overall contribution to SPA's community.
Beyond his remarkable achievements as a student-athlete, Doar's commitment to SPA extended to coaching. Returning to his alma mater as a teacher and coach, he coached for various teams, including football, basketball, and golf. While at SPA, he taught primarily in the Lower School and served as the Interim Director of Admissions. His influence and mentorship touched numerous young athletes, shaping their athletic journeys and fostering a culture of excellence.
The induction of Tom Doar III ’69 into the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Athletics Hall of Fame celebrates not only his remarkable achievements and leadership on the field, court, and course but also his enduring legacy as a teacher, coach, and role model within the SPA community.
Elizabeth “Beth” Lilly '81's induction into the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Athletics Hall of Fame, honors and recognizes her exceptional achievements as a standout athlete and leader in women’s athletics. Throughout her time at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, she played five different sports and showcased both athletic skill and leadership throughout her high school career.
Beth's tennis career at SPA was nothing short of legendary as she played varsity tennis for an impressive five years, achieving remarkable success. During her time competing, her team clinched the State Championship four times, and Beth won the State Doubles Title twice, first in 1979 with Elizabeth Mairs and again in 1980 with Becky Hart. Her leadership culminated in captaining the team her senior year.
In golf, Beth pioneered the first girls' varsity golf team her senior year at SPA where she not only captained the team but also became the first girl from SPA to qualify and compete in the High School State Golf Tournament where her brother Jim, served as her caddy. In basketball, Beth was a mainstay on the varsity basketball team for four years, serving as captain her senior year. She also competed on the varsity soccer team for two years and was a member of the varsity track and field team beginning her freshman year.
Following SPA, Beth continued to excel in athletics at Hobart William Smith Colleges, where she played varsity tennis and soccer, captaining the soccer team her senior year. She also helped begin the rowing program, which has since become a varsity program for both men and women.
Beth’s ability to be a consummate team player is evident in her ability to inspire others as well as lean on her teammates to achieve success. She recalls the invaluable guidance of figures like Coach Cliff Caine in tennis and Coach Tom Doar in basketball, along with the steadfast support of her doubles partners and teammates for helping her reach her goals. Beth’s impressive accomplishments and achievements stand as a testament to perseverance, leadership, and a lifelong dedication to sportsmanship.
