Hockey

Joe Schwab was a very talented athlete while at SPA. A member of the football team, hockey team, and captain of the baseball team, Schwab won SPA's Harvard Cup for his athletic and academic abilities, as well as  the Senior Athletic Cup two years in a row. 

As quarterback during his senior year, Schwab contributed impressive performances in the team's 14-0 win over Breck, 7-0 win over Harding, as well as wrapping the year with a 7-0 win over rival Blake. Schwab was noted in the Now and Then for his impressive accuracy in passing.

On the hockey rink, Schwab was a regular starter as a left-winger for a number of years and in his senior season scored multiple goals in games against St. Thomas (2 goals, 2 assists), De La Salle (2 goals, 2 assists), ending the season as the highest scorer with 10 goals and six assists. 

As captain of  the baseball team, Schwab was impressive on the field and a recognized leader of the team. He had particularly good games against St. Thomas, with four hits on the way to a 10-7 win, and against Blake in a 7-6 win where he scored two runs. Joe Schwab ended the season with 11 runs and 16 hits and maintained a batting percentage of .552, the highest for the team. 

Schwab would go on to play hockey at the University of Minnesota, where he had a successful career. After his untimely death, his contemporaries recalled his sportsmanship, character, and ability and established the Joe Schwab Award in 1965, awarded for the first time in 1967. 

Schwab would go on to play hockey at the University of Minnesota, where he had a successful career. After his untimely death, his contemporaries recalled his sportsmanship, character, and ability and established the Joe Schwab Award in 1965, awarded for the first time in 1967. 

Frank Brown, Jr. was a member of SPA's football and hockey teams, captain of the baseball team, and was awarded the Senior Athletic Cup. In addition, Frank's younger brother Bob '41 was an equally accomplished athlete and the two played together on varsity teams for the last two years of Frank's time at SPA.

In football, Frank was a left tackle and helped the Academy to a shutout over Waconia 24-0 in 1937, and a closely battled win over De La Salle. Frank was also at times the kicker on the team and the Now and Then noted his kicking abilities. 

A center fielder in baseball, Brown helped the Academy team to one of its best records in years following the 1938 season. The team would claim wins against De La Salle (6-3), Concordia Academy (14-8), and Shattuck (5-4), while Brown was one of the top hitters on the team for the season. 

Always an athlete, Frank was an accomplished member of SPA's Rifle Team, an equestrian, and played adult club hockey and baseball with the Osceola Braves.

Bob Brown was President of the Student Council and recognized as a talented athlete, playing on the football team, serving as a co-captain of the All-City hockey team, and as a member of the baseball team.

On the ice is where Brown truly excelled. A co-captain his last two seasons and left-winger, Brown was a top goal scorer on the team and helped lift Academy hockey to wins over Shattuck (7-2), Central High School (8-2), Johnson High School (2-1), and Blake (5-0) amongst others. The team was considered the best that the school had seen over the prior 21 years and went undefeated for a second-straight season. Brown was named to the Dispatch-Pioneer Press All-City Team and was recognized for scoring over 10 points and having 17 assists over the season.

In baseball, Bob Brown was an adept second baseman and regular hitter for the team. Brown had memorable games his senior season, hitting two home-runs in the team's 13-7 win over Blake and he was considered one of the top hitters on the team over the course of his four seasons on the "A Team”.  Brown would go on to play hockey at the University of Minnesota and baseball for the Osceola Braves.

Bill Bierman '42 was a star athlete and student at SPA. In addition to being on both of the football and hockey teams, Bierman also served as President of Student Council, and was awarded the Williams Cup, Margolis Prize, Aurelian Society Cup, Harvard Cup, and received a scholarship to attend Yale. 

Son of Bernie Bierman, the highly successful coach of the University of Minnesota Football team, Bill was faced with high expectations, but consistently delivered in support of his team. While helping lead the football team for the 1941 season, the team would continue its dominance extending their unbeaten streak to 37 games over three straight seasons. Bierman would be named by the St. Paul Dispatch to the first-team All Academy Team. Bierman was especially noted in the team's 43-0 win over Harding. The Now and Then noted, "Bierman was far and away the best back on the field, as he was seldom stopped for less than five yards, and twice broke away for touchdowns." Bierman was also noted for his memorable interception against St. Cloud, resulting in a 60-yard touchdown. 

On the hockey team, Bierman and the rest of the team put together an excellent 1941-42 season, extending their streak of unbeaten games to 28. That season, Bierman played forward and scored a number of goals in wins over Humboldt and Blake.

As the 1942 school year concluded, Bierman was recognized along with a number of his fellow seniors for his contributions to the successful athletics programs at SPA in the early 1940's.

Dick Stryker '42 was a renowned football player, and a talented member of the hockey and baseball teams at SPA. On the football field, Stryker was known for his impressive defensive skills and was named by the St. Paul Dispatch to the second-team All-Academy Team for the 1941 season. The team would go on to  end their season undefeated for the third year in a row accounting for 37 straight games without a loss. Stryker was also known for his defensive skills in a 45-0 rout over Waconia and a 12-6 win over Shattuck.

On the hockey team, Stryker was the team's goalie and was known for his performances in the net when SPA defeated Blake (3-2)  and Shattuck (4-1), extending the team's win streak to 28 games during the 1942 season. He would end that season with four shutouts for the year. In baseball, Stryker played centerfield and in his senior season helped the team to a number of memorable wins including a 9-1 win over De La Salle, a 6-4 win over St. Thomas, and a 18-7 win over Concordia. As the 1942 school year concluded, Stryker was recognized along with a number of his fellow seniors for his contributions to the successful athletics programs at SPA in the early 1940's.

Born deaf in St. Paul, Bob received his first schooling at the Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis, MO. His parents appreciated the specialized teaching he received, especially in lip-reading and vocalizing, but as a young boy, Bob wanted to be at home, and his parents enrolled him in St. Paul Academy’s Junior School. In high school at SPA, he was a star athlete in football, hockey, and baseball. He led his hockey team to three undefeated seasons and his jersey was retired upon his graduation. Both teammates and coaches recalled his lively and self-deprecating sense of humor.

Upon graduation, Bob attended the University of Minnesota, where he became an asset to the football and hockey teams as he could lip-read opponents’ signals. He played halfback and earned All-Conference honors while serving as a captain for the Golden Gopher football team for three years. In hockey, he garnered recognition as an All-American, but an eye injury would sideline him for the remainder of his career. Immediately after his injury, Bob and his then-fiancée Mary could only communicate when she traced words in capital letters on his forearm. Following this injury, they married, Bob entered his family business, and began coaching hockey at a variety of levels at SPA. Players on his SPA teams admired him and appreciated his exhortation to “have fun.” Following a long illness, Bob passed away in 2006 at 82.    

A member of the football, hockey and baseball teams, Stan Shepard was known for his tenacity in athletics and intellectual standing, earning the Harvard Cup for his academic and athletics abilities.

In football, Shepard was a defensive right-end and was known for his ability to stop the opposing offense. In the 1946 game against Shattuck, Stan led the defensive charge en route to a 7-6 victory. 

In hockey, Stan helped build on a successful hockey legacy at SPA and led the team to a 11-4-2 season in 1947. He ended that year as one of the top scorers on the team, accumulating 6 goals and 9 assists in his senior season. 

On the baseball field, Shepard was regarded for his tenacity. He was a regular hitter in the line-up and concluded his senior season with the most runs scored on the team (10) and no errors in the field. The team would end its season 6-3 in heartbreaking fashion to Blake.

A three-sport athlete in hockey, football and baseball at St. Paul Academy, Mark Paper ’50 was renowned for his athletic prowess and adaptability. In hockey, Mark served as the goalie for the varsity hockey program, earning All-State recognition his Junior and Senior seasons after averaging less than one goal allowed per game. Mark was also renowned for his 25 saves as goalie in a game against Cretin High School, ending Cretin’s 35 game win streak. Mark would letter in all three sports that he competed in: football, hockey, and baseball, during his time at SPA. On the baseball team, Mark batted .400 as a first baseman and was noted for his contributions to the success of the program. He was also recognized by multiple local papers for his accomplishments across all three sports throughout his time at SPA. Outside of competing in athletics, Mark served as the Sports Editor for the “SPAR”, covering athletic competitions throughout the year for the school. He would go on to be awarded the Athletics Bowl his senior year, recognizing his talents and athleticism at SPA.

Following SPA, Mark attended the University of Minnesota. Athletics would continue to play a role in his life as he joined a state touch football program, serving as the quarterback and captain of his team. They would go on to win a State Championship defeating programs that featured numerous past-collegiate football players. Later in life, Mark became active in both tennis and marathon running. In tennis, Mark was ranked sixth nationally in the Doubles over 55 category, and ranked second in the Upper Midwest Singles category. In running, Mark would go on to run his first marathon at the age of 54 and complete three marathons over the years. Throughout this time, Mark stayed connected to SPA, serving as a Trustee and as a parent at the school.

Athletics have played a pivotal role in Mark’s life and his commitment to excellence, competitiveness, and ability to support and encourage his children to pursue their passions make him a strong addition to the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Athletics Hall of Fame.

A talented three-sport athlete and the first St. Paul Academy and Summit School baseball player to have his jersey retired, Bill Larson '79 left his mark on the SPA history books. 

A utility player on the football team, Bill played on the varsity team beginning his sophomore year, playing quarterback, linebacker, safety, and punter over the course of his career. He also served as captain of the team his senior year and collected three All-Conference awards for his performances. During his senior season, the team finished with an impressive 8-1 record for the second year in a row, and outscored their opponents during the season 211-30, finishing the year as conference co-champions. 

In hockey, Bill joined the varsity team as a sophomore and was named a captain his senior season. As a center, Bill put together impressive performances earning him All-Conference honors and the Pioneer Press Athlete of the Week. His senior season, the team finished with an impressive 12-1 record and were named conference champions.

On the baseball diamond, Bill excelled as a shortstop and pitcher. After making the varsity team as a freshman, Bill earned the respect and trust of his teammates and was named captain for his remaining three years. He accumulated 768 strikeouts and an earned run average of 0.32. He was selected by the MSHSL Baseball Coaches Association as a member of the MetroEast All-Star Team, Pioneer Press Athlete of the Week, All-State and Player of the Year by the Star Tribune. Finally, he was recognized as the Downtown Lions Club Athlete of the Year in 1979. Bill was recognized for his accomplishments when his #12 jersey number was retired by St. Paul Academy and Summit School.

Bill was awarded the Frenzel Athletic Bowl given to the top athlete at the school and the Blake Shepard Award recognizing his athletics accomplishments. Bill attended Harvard, playing four years of hockey and baseball. He played one year of baseball in the Netherlands after college and played amateur baseball in the St. Paul area as well.

J. Peter Sawkins '81 was a talented three-sport athlete at St. Paul Academy and Summit School and professional hockey player. 

Peter had an impressive SPA soccer career and was named All-Conference and All-State his senior year. During his senior season, the team compiled an impressive 13-1-2 record, including a 3-2 win over Benilde St. Margaret’s to win the MISL Championship and a State runner-up finish after a quadruple overtime loss against South St. Paul. He was also a baseball standout, serving as captain his senior year, and recognized as an All-Metro player.

Hockey, however, was where he shone the brightest. He served as captain of the program and received All-State and All-Conference accolades multiple years. Peter was awarded the Frenzel Athletic Bowl for his athletics accomplishments. 

Peter went on to attend Yale University where he excelled in soccer and hockey. In soccer, Peter was All-Ivy all four years and recognized as an NCAA All-American in 1984. On the ice, Peter was recognized as a two-time All-Ivy league award winner and an All-ECAC honoree his senior year. While at Yale, Peter was also a member of the 1982 United States Junior National Hockey Team that competed in the world junior tournament in Leningrad, Russia. For his athletic achievements at Yale, Peter was awarded the Mallory Award in 1985 recognizing Yale’s most outstanding senior male athlete.

Peter was drafted 144th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1981 National Hockey League Draft. He played two years in the LA Kings farm system with the New Haven Nighthawks, Flint Spirits, and Toledo GoalDiggers. Although he chose to attend Yale and later sign with the Kings, notably Peter was also drafted in soccer by the Minnesota Kicks of the NASL in 1981 and the Minnesota Strikers of the MISL in 1985.

After over 20 years in various corporate roles, including 8 years as Director of Sports Trading Cards at Topps, Peter returned to St. Paul Academy and Summit School in 2011 to serve as the Athletics Director for 4 years. He then joined Hackley School in New York where he is currently the Director of Auxiliary Programs and Sports Marketing.

The exemplary achievements of Michael Thomas '73 in multiple sports at SPA, and his subsequent athletic career, reflect his extraordinary talent and dedication and contribute to his well-deserved induction into the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Athletics Hall of Fame. 

Mike Thomas was a multi-sport athlete at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, earning letters in soccer, hockey, and baseball. His contributions to soccer were particularly outstanding; he earned All-MISL and All-State honors and was named a High School Midwest Regional All-American, captain and team MVP. In hockey, his leadership and scoring prowess were pivotal and he served as an alternate captain and led the team to an unprecedented number-one ranking in the state. He garnered All-State honors and was awarded the Blake Shepard Hockey Award, which recognized his exceptional performance and sportsmanship.

Mike's athletic journey continued at Yale University, where he played four years of hockey and was named captain of the team his senior year.  His college career was marked by notable achievements, including a memorable performance of scoring four goals in a 5-4 win against the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Mike was also the first player to be awarded the Murray Murdoch Award twice which recognized Mike for leadership and as the most valuable player of the program. Mike would go on to lead the team in scoring for two years, accumulating an impressive 51 goals and 88 points during his 3 years with the Varsity team. His talent earned him a tryout with the Minnesota North Stars, and he would go on to play professionally for several years, showcasing his skills across various leagues.

Mike's impact went beyond his on-field accomplishments. Known for his quiet humility and sense of humor, he was a respected teammate who led by example and kept the atmosphere positive and enjoyable. Mike’s achievements and contributions to St. Paul Academy and Summit School make him an ideal candidate for induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame. 

A legendary hockey player, Tom Vannelli '73 was noted for his athletic skill and later for his coaching talents. Nominated by classmates, current students, and athletics administrators, Tom is well-known for his extensive impact on SPA hockey programs as well as his skills as an athlete. 

Tom was a three-sport athlete as a Spartan, serving as a key contributor on the baseball, hockey, and football teams. On the ice, Tom served as captain of the state’s top-ranked Spartan team and led the team in scoring for four straight years. In a single season, Tom accumulated 105 points in 25 games, 42 goals and 63 assists, setting the school record for most points, goals, and assists. He also helped lead the program to an impressive team record of 30-1. He earned All-State accolades multiple years throughout his time at SPA and was awarded the Boys’ Athletic Bowl. He is the only individual to have his number retired by the SPA hockey program.

Tom attended and played hockey for the University of Minnesota, where he was a four-year letter winner, team captain, and a two-time NCAA All-American for the Gophers. The team would win two NCAA hockey championships, including in 1976 when Tom was named the MVP of the NCAA Tournament. He would go on to play hockey professionally in Switzerland for several years. 

Tom continued his hockey career as the Head Coach at St. Thomas Academy, coaching the team to five State Hockey Championships, totaling 450 wins with a 72% win percentage before retiring at the end of the 2019 season.

It is with great pride that we induct Thomas "TJ" Gorence ’75 into the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Athletics Hall of Fame. TJ's exceptional achievements in athletics during his time at SPA and beyond are a testament to his talent, dedication, and leadership.

TJ Gorence's impact on St. Paul Academy and Summit School's hockey program was remarkable. A captain of the state championship hockey team, he led the team with determination and skill. Over his four-year varsity career under Coach Mike Foley, TJ amassed 130 goals, 118 assists, and 248 total points, placing him twentieth on the Minnesota State High School league’s All-Time scoring list. He would go on to play hockey at the University of Minnesota on an athletic scholarship. Beyond hockey, TJ excelled in soccer and track & field at SPA. Under Coach Manuel Lagos, he demonstrated his athletic versatility on the soccer field and in track & field, he showed exceptional power, excelling in the 400-meter events. Coach David Montgomery recalls, “TJ exemplified an outstanding work ethic. He was a fantastic leader and mentor throughout his athletic career. In my book, his anaerobic power was unmatched. A true legend in SPA track history.”

At the University of Minnesota, TJ played under the legendary Coach Herb Brooks and was part of the team’s NCAA Division I Hockey Championship victory in 1976.  He would go on to be  drafted in the second round of both the NHL and WHA drafts in 1977.

His professional career began with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he played right wing from 1978 to 1984. Notably, he was a part of the Maine Mariners’ inaugural AHL Calder Cup Championship team in 1978, scoring the cup-winning goal. His career further included a memorable stint with the Edmonton Oilers and Wayne Gretzky during their 1984-85 season, which led to the team's Stanley Cup victory. After an illustrious career, TJ retired from professional hockey in 1986.

Thomas "TJ" Gorence’s contributions to sports and his exemplary leadership both at SPA and in his professional career have made a lasting impact. His remarkable achievements and dedication to excellence contribute to his well-deserved induction into the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Athletics Hall of Fame.

It is with profound respect and admiration that we honor Mike Foley, who is being inducted into the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Athletics Hall of Fame. His tenure as a hockey coach and English teacher at both St. Paul Academy and St. Paul Academy and Summit School left an indelible mark on our institution and the countless lives he touched.

Mike’s time with SPA began in 1968, when he joined the school as an English teacher and hockey coach. At the time, SPA’s hockey program had struggled to achieve statewide recognition, but Mike's arrival marked a turning point. His coaching skills and dedication rapidly transformed the hockey program into the spotlight. Under his guidance, the Spartans excelled, winning the Minnesota State Independent School League Championship trophy in 1974. 

Mike’s influence extended beyond wins and losses. His approach to coaching was grounded in hard work, commitment, and mentorship. His teams did not just play hockey; they learned valuable life lessons. Many of his former players went on to achieve great success, both in their professional careers and personal lives and credited Mike as a pivotal mentor and role model.

Mike was equally impactful as a teacher. His passion for Shakespeare and literature resonated deeply with his students, making his classes a highlight of their academic experience. He had a great ability to connect with students and instill a love for literature that was as noteworthy as his coaching achievements.

In 1976, Mike became an Assistant Hockey Coach at the University of Minnesota, where he contributed to national championships and mentored future hockey stars, including former SPA players Tom Vannelli ’73, TJ Gorence ’75 and Rob Larson ’74, all of whom would go on to win the 1976 NCAA National Championship. He worked alongside legendary coaches Herb Brooks and Brad Buetow, and built a reputation as one of the best coaches in Minnesota hockey history.

Mike’s legacy extends beyond the rink and classroom. In 1968, he and his wife Elsie founded the SPA Hockey School, which became a cornerstone for young hockey players in the region. The Mike Foley Hockey League and the school were instrumental in shaping many young athletes, fostering their growth and passion for the sport. Their partnership, rooted in mutual respect and shared values, exemplified the profound impact of dedication and compassion in education and coaching.

Mike’s contributions to SPA and the broader hockey community were immense. His attention to detail, love for the game, and commitment to his students and players were hallmarks of his career. As former Athletics Director and Coach Dave Montgomery eloquently stated, “Mike was the ultimate teacher, coach, and mentor.”

Mike Foley passed away on October 13, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, mentorship, and unwavering dedication. As we induct him into the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Athletics Hall of Fame, we celebrate his remarkable achievements and honor the lasting influence he has had on the lives of so many. Mike Foley's impact will forever be remembered, and his contributions to SPA will continue to inspire future generations.