Track and Field

Pete Frenzel '54 was a four-year member of the varsity football team, two-year member of the varsity baseball team, captain of the basketball team, while also running track. In his senior year, Pete was awarded the Senior Athletics Trophy, wrote for the Now and Then as the sports editor, and was named an All-Conference Football honoree two years in a row and an All-Conference performer in Basketball.

In football, Frenzel had a phenomenal senior season helping lead the offense to a 7-0 win over Shattuck, a 27-0 win against Breck, and a 26-13 win over Cretin, earning himself All-Conference fullback honors at the conclusion of the season. During basketball season, Frenzel led the team in scoring, helping the team finish with notable wins over Breck, Prior Lake, and Wilson. Entering the spring season, Frenzel's athletic ability really dazzled: he won nearly every shot-put event at track and field meets and was a key member of multiple winning relays. Frenzel was named the SPA Athlete of the Year on June 7, 1954 and would conclude his SPA career with 11 letters in four different sports. He was praised by his peers for his relentless work ethic and determination to keep improving. 

Pete would later come back to SPA to teach German and coach track and field.

David Goins '64 was a dominant athlete at St. Paul Academy where he competed on the football, wrestling, and track and field teams. David, along with his brother James, were the first African-American students to attend St. Paul Academy and immediately made their mark on the playing field and in the classroom. Described as one of the most dominant male athletes in the 1960s by Dan Starjash '68, Goins was also acknowledged by fellow classmates and other alums for his athleticism.

As a senior and co-captain of the football team, Goins led the team to a 4-1 record, scoring 24 points while guiding the team to a 21-0 win over Breck and 7-0 win over Blake. He would go on to earn All-Conference honors his junior and senior years.

Goins especially excelled in wrestling, going undefeated his junior and senior years and concluded his senior season at the MISL wrestling tournament, where he won the heavyweight category 3-0 against a rival from Concordia. He would be named All-Conference three years in a row, co-captain of the team, and was the MISL Heavyweight Champion his junior and senior seasons.

On the track, Goins was named All-Conference three years in a row and served as a co-captain his senior year. Goins graduated Cum Laude from St. Paul Academy and was awarded the Boys’ Athletic Bowl, given in memory of Thomas Frenzel '49 to a member of the boys’ varsity teams for exceptional performance and leadership. He attended Harvard University and eventually settled in San Diego, California where he managed a drug rehabilitation program, CalWorks. Goins passed away in 2017.

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.

Jonathan "Rip" Burgwald '84, was a talented athlete recognized for his athletics prowess and leadership both at St. Paul Academy and Summit School and at the United States Air Force Academy.

Rip’s athletic journey began early and he established himself as a formidable presence on the field, court, and track. In football, Rip started on varsity as a freshman, competing as both a running back and linebacker. He earned numerous accolades including All-Conference honors as a junior and senior, Metro All-Star team selections, and was named Conference MVP his senior year. In basketball, Rip excelled as a three-year letter winner and co-captain in his senior year and in track, Rip was a four-year letter winner and team captain his senior year. He competed in the shot put, discus, and mile relay and qualified for regionals in both discus and the mile relay.

Rip Burgwald's outstanding achievements culminated in being awarded both the Boys Athletic Bowl, which is given to the top male athlete in the school, as well as the Colonel Griggs Athletics Trophy.

At the Air Force Academy, Rip played four years as a linebacker and earned three letters. He was named captain of special teams early in his career, earning All-WAC Honors his senior year. Notably, he led the team with 143 tackles garnering All-American status. He would be honored with the prestigious Brian Bullard Award, which is known as the "Air Force Heisman," and recognizes qualities of unselfishness, effort, team commitment, and pride.

Rip Burgwald's impact extended beyond individual accolades as his leadership and dedication were instrumental in Air Force's victories over Army and Navy, as well as their 1987 Commander in Chief Trophy win, which granted the team a meeting with the President of the United States at the White House.

Jonathan "Rip" Burgwald's induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame stands as a testament to his exceptional achievements and leadership as an athlete and teammate. 

Gerard Lagos '88, a standout athlete in soccer, basketball, and track, has embodied what it means to be an athlete throughout his life. 

At SPA, Gerard immediately impacted St. Paul Academy and Summit School athletics, playing 5 years of varsity soccer from eighth grade through his senior year. During that time, he received multiple MVP honors and All-State recognitions. He was a Dave Winfield Award finalist, the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, the regional Gatorade Player of the Year, and the Minnesota State High School League Mr. Soccer in 1987. Gerard was ranked the number one recruit coming out of Minnesota in 1988, and a newscaster at the time referred to him as “the Pelé of Minnesota soccer.”

Gerard was also a force in varsity basketball for three years and contributed significantly to the track and field team. He co-captained the basketball team his junior and senior years and had a reputation as a defensive specialist, press breaker, and rebounder who played with formidable physicality. He brought determination and versatility to the track and field team, where he was competitive in every event but the pole vault. 

Throughout his high school career, his leadership and athleticism earned him many accolades, and in his senior year, SPA recognized his athletic accomplishments by awarding him the Frenzel Athletics Bowl.

Gerard earned a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to play under legendary U.S. Soccer Coach, Bob Gansler. He excelled athletically and academically at UWM, where he was recognized as All-Conference, All-Region, and an Academic All-American. He was inducted into the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005. 

In 1989, Gerard represented the United States in Saudi Arabia at the FIFA soccer Under-20 World Cup. He was a key contributor to the team's historic fourth-place finish. In the early ‘90s, he played professionally in France for two and a half years before returning to play a dozen years for the Minnesota Thunder. The Thunder made four national championship appearances, winning a national title in 1999. He was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 2002.  

Gerard’s commitment to soccer extends beyond his playing days. He has coached extensively at grassroots levels and beyond, including at SPA, The U.S. Olympic Development Program, and with the St. Paul Blackhawks, where he has impacted numerous young athletes. His dedication to community engagement and youth development underscores his enduring impact on Minnesota soccer.

Lagos's journey serves as an inspiration for future generations of athletes. In sports and life, he embodies the values of perseverance, dedication, and leadership. St. Paul Academy and Summit School is proud to induct him into our Athletics Hall of Fame.

Toni Lagos Cainkar '78 was a leader in athletics and achieved remarkable success that left a lasting impact on the legacy of girls’ sports at St. Paul Academy and Summit School.

At SPA, Toni demonstrated unparalleled dedication and excellence as a student-athlete. She served as captain of both the basketball and track and field teams, embodying leadership on and off the court and field. She was the recipient of twelve letters across basketball, track and field, cross country, and soccer during her four years at SPA, a testament to her versatility and skill.

Toni's achievements extended beyond participation, as she set school records in numerous track and field events and tied for the second-most points scored in the conference during the 1975-1976 basketball season. Her prowess on the court and track earned her widespread recognition, including multiple "Athlete of the Month" awards from local newspapers and was a finalist for the prestigious Dave Winfield Award, which honored the most outstanding student-athletes in the Twin Cities area.

Following her stellar high school career, Toni continued to excel at Brown University, where she played basketball and served as captain her junior and senior years. Her impact was profound, earning national recognition as the record holder for most blocked shots in women's basketball at the time. Additionally, her athleticism extended to track and field, where she was named to the All-Ivy League Team by Ivy League coaches and secured conference titles in the 100-meter hurdles and the 4x100 relay.

Toni Lagos Cainkar's induction into the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Athletics Hall of Fame honors her enduring legacy of sportsmanship, competitive spirit, and athletic achievements. Her journey from a standout high school athlete to a record-setting collegiate competitor is a testament to her dedication, skill, and enduring impact on the world of sports.

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.

For Cathy Paper '85, athletics was and continues to be an important part of her life. A four-sport athlete at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, Cathy was a talented tennis player and member of the basketball, track and field, and softball teams, earning fourteen varsity letters and captain honors five times over the course of her SPA career.

In tennis, Cathy helped lead her team to three state championships, winning the individual state doubles championship as a junior. A captain her senior year, she led her team to an impressive 11-5 record against some of the top schools in the state and a third-place overall finish. She also partnered with teammate Cynthia Wang ’86 to claim the region doubles championship and a state runner-up finalist.

On the track and field team, as an eighth grader, right as middle schoolers were being allowed to play on Varsity sports, Cathy set the school record in the 3200m and earned All-Conference honors. Outside of St. Paul Academy and Summit School, she set a top-five record at the Grandma’s Marathon with a time of 3:33 for the U18 division.

Cathy was awarded the Girls’ Athletics Bowl for her exceptional performance and leadership, along with the Headmaster’s Bowl, awarded by the Headmaster in consultation with the faculty and given to an individual who makes significant contributions to important aspects of school life. Mr. Harris, SPA’s headmaster at the time, praised Cathy’s athletic and academic achievements, her work on the Student Activities Council and as editor of The Rubicon, and noted her enthusiasm and involvement in all aspects of the school.

Cathy attended Williams College where she earned four varsity letters in tennis and squash and was named to the All-New England Team in Women’s Rugby. She continues to run and play tennis, and has run two additional marathons and competes in USTA tennis programs, where she recently competed at Over 40’s Nationals.

“To know Cathy is to be buoyed by her energy and compassion,” says classmate Peggy Driscoll '85. “She's a fierce competitor, as demonstrated by her accomplishments, and an amazing leader. Her teammates loved her, and she was a great captain. She would be an excellent addition to SPA's Athletics Hall of Fame.”

Keren Gudeman '94 was a talented multi-sport athlete while at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, competing on the soccer, basketball, and track and field teams and serving as captain of all three teams. In her junior season, the girls’ soccer team went 14-1-4 and Keren led the team in scoring with 21 goals. She would be named All-Metro and All-State honorable mention following her junior season. In her senior season, she helped lead the team to an impressive 16-3 record, and was named to the All-State soccer team by the Pioneer Press. In track and field her senior season, she was a member of the 4 x 800 team that competed in the state track meet.

Keren played soccer and lacrosse at Harvard University, where she helped lead the soccer team to Ivy League titles in 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the NCAA soccer tournament three times. The team advanced to the NCAA soccer tournament quarterfinals in 1997, the Crimson’s best national tournament finish in fifteen seasons. Gudeman was a two time All-Ivy league second team honoree, NCAA Regional All-America third team selection, and is top 10 for season career assists in Harvard's soccer record books. In lacrosse, she made the varsity lacrosse team as a freshman after never having played, and served as team captain her senior year, also earning All-Ivy league first team and first team regional All-American honors in 1998. Following Harvard, Keren played in the Women’s Premier Soccer League for the San Francisco Nighthawks. 

Keren eventually moved back to the Twin Cities and took a teaching and coaching position at SPA. She taught Middle School English and coached girls’ varsity soccer and varsity track and field. The girls' soccer team advanced to the state championship in 2004 and earned 2nd place in Class A. She was then hired as Carleton College’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach, coaching the Knights for six seasons. She compiled a 79-31-11 (.697) record as Carleton’s head coach and guided the Knights to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2009, and 2010. She was a two-time MIAC Coach of the Year (2006 and 2010) and was also named the 2008 NSCAA Central Region Coach of the Year after the Knights set a school record for victories in a season (18-6) and advanced to the elite eight of the NCAA Tournament.