Athletics Hall of Fame

Dean Cook

Dean Cook played basketball for UWRF from 1987-1991. He was named a NAIA All-American after his senior season in 1991. He is one of just a few players who was named to the All-WSUC team three times (1989-91). Cook is the second leading career scorer (2,261 points) in Falcon history behind the legendary Nate DeLong. He also has records in field goals attempted (1,820), the second highest record for field goals made (848), third best career scoring average (20.9) and fourth highest career free throw percentage( .797). In 1991 Cook helped the Falcons to a 17-12 record, which still sits as the fifth highest in the school’s history. Cook is the third, eighth and 10th leading scorer in a season at UWRF (730 in 1991, 600 in 1990 and 544 in 1989). He was named the team’s Most Valuable Player in 1989 and 1990 as well as a Co-MVP in 1991. He graduated from UWRF in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree and currently is a teacher and coach in the Washburn School District.

Arlin Frank

Arlin Frank was a defensive end for the UWRF football team from 1987-1990. Coaches in the league named him to the All-WSUC team in three consecutive seasons (1988-1990). He was twice named an All-American – to the NAIA team in 1988 and to the Champion Div. III team in 1989. In 1990 he was named the UWRF Defensive Player of the Year. In his four-year career he made 95 solo and 191 total tackles. He had 13 tackles for loss and 14 quarterback sacks. He led the team in tackles for loss in 1990 and in sacks in 1989. He holds the school record for blocked kicks with 18 in his career. He helped lead the 1987 team to the WSUC championship. He also wrestled for the Falcons from 1986-89 and helped the 1986 team to the WSUC title. Dr. Frank graduated from UWRF in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree and currently operates A Frank Chiropractic Clinic in Hudson.

Michaela (Gillespie) Chelberg

Michaela (Gillespie) Chelberg was one of most talented gymnasts that has ever graced the University’s gymnasium. A four-time National Collegiate Gymnastics Association All-American and UWRF Most Valuable Gymnast, she competed for the Falcons from 1988-91. Chelberg was named to the All-WWIAC team for four straight years in various events. Chelberg was a NCGA National event Champion four times. She won the vault and floor exercise championships in 1988 and the uneven bars titles in 1990 and 1991. She was also a consistent performer in many different events at WWIAC meets. In 1988, she took second in the bars, third in the all-around, third in the floor exercise, and sixth in the vault at the WWIAC meet. In 1989 she took fourth in the all-around, sixth in the vault, and 7th in the bars at the conference meet. In 1990 she was able to capture first place in the all-around and third in the bars at the WWIAC meet. She placed third on the bars in the 1991 WWIAC meet. Chelberg graduated from UWRF in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree and currently works as the gym manager and team director for the Minnetonka-Hopkins Gymnastics Association.

Kevin Grabowski

Kevin Grabowski ran indoor and outdoor track and cross country for UWRF. During his career (1989-1991) Grabowski was a consistent force in the 3,000, 5,000 and 10,000-meter events. He was an NAIA All-American runner in both the 5,000-meters (1990) and the 10,000-meters (1991). Grabowski had many appearance and successes at indoor and outdoor conference meets. He achieved his best rank at the 1990 indoor conference meet, placing 2nd in the 3,000-meters and was named to the 1990 2nd All-WSUC team. In 1991 he took 3rd in the 5,000-meters and 5th in the 10,000-meters at the outdoor conference meet. In 1989, he placed 6th in the 10,000-meters. At the 1990 conference meet he placed 6th in the 5,000-meters and 5th in the 10,000-meters. Grabowski holds UWRF records in the 3,000 (8:34.99), 5,000 (15:03.19), and 10,000-meter (31:35.29) events, as well as in the 4 x 800 (8:01.68) and the distance medley (10:20) relay events. In cross country Grabowski placed 6th at the WSUC meet in 1990. He was also named the Falcon cross country Most Valuable Runner in 1988 and won the same award in both track and cross county in 1991. Grabowski graduated from UWRF in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and currently works as the lead man for the Conrad Schmitt Studio in New Berlin, Wis.

Greg Kay

Greg Kay wrestled for UWRF from 1985-1989 and was a three-time NAIA All-American in 1987, 1988 and 1989. He also was named to the All-WSUC first team twice (1987, 1988). At the NAIA National Championship meet Kay took fifth place in 1987, seventh place in 1988, and third place in 1989. Kay was the WSUC Champion in 1987 at 142 pounds and in 1988 at 150 pounds. In 1986 and 1989 he took second at the same meet at 142 pounds and 158 pounds respectively. He was also UWRF’s Most Valuable Wrestler in 1989 and team captain in 1988 and 1989. Kay graduated from UWRF in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree and currently works as a field sales representative with Arrow Electric in Eden Prairie, Minn.

Joe Lagoo

Joe Lagoo was one of the most skilled defenseman the UWRF hockey program has ever had. Lagoo’s career with the Falcons was from 1987-1990. Lagoo was named All-NCHA three times (1988-1990), All-WSUC twice (1988, 1990) and All-WSUC honorable mention in 1989. During the 1988 season the team won the NCAA Div. III National Championship and Lagoo was named an AHCA All-American. That year the team had the most wins in a season (30), a record that still stands today. Lagoo holds individual career records for the most goals by defenseman (47), the most assists by a defenseman (87), and the most points by a defenseman (134). He set many individual records as well. In 1988, Lagoo, and four other team members, set the record for the most games in a single season (38). In 1989, he had the most assists (33), the most points by a defenseman (48). In 1990, he had the most goals by a defenseman (17), the most power-play goals by a defenseman (10). All of these individual records still stand today. Lagoo was also the Most Valuable Defenseman twice (1988,1989). Lagoo graduated from UWRF in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree and currently is a teacher and coach at Park High School in Cottage Grove, Minn.

Rick Montreal

Rick Montreal played basketball for UWRF from 1987-1991. In 1991 he was a NAIA All American and was also named to the All-WSUC first team. Montreal was a two-time All-WSUC honorable mention pick in 1989 and 1990. In 1991 he was a key part to the Falcon basketball team ending the season with a 17-12 record, which still stands as the fifth highest in the school’s history. A very talented athlete, Montreal set many school records. He has the UWRF record for free throw percentage (.817), third in assists (345), is the forth leading scorer (1,795), fourth in field goals made (982), and seventh in career scoring average (16.6). In 1991 Montreal was first in free throw percentage, assists and rebounds. He was the team’s Co-MVP in 1991. Montreal graduated from UWRF in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree and currently is a fourth grade teacher and coach in the New Richmond School District.

Tom Stapleton

Tom Stapleton, a River Falls native, played football at UWRF from 1976-1979. Stapleton also ran track for UWRF and lettered in the sport in 1977, but his legacy really lies in his football performance. He lettered in football all four years and was the team captain in 1979. His leadership and playing skills helped the team finish the 1979 season with a 9-1 record, which was the most wins ever at that time. The same year the Falcons earned a berth in the NAIA Div. I playoffs – the first time a Falcon football team had ever appeared in a playoff game. Stapleton helped lead the Falcons to the WSUC championship in 1976 and 1979. During his career Stapleton’s talent earned him many individual awards. In 1979 Stapleton was an All-WSUC halfback, received the Paul Perrin Award, the Phil Belfiori Award, and the Jim Hallen Memorial Scholarship. He led the team in all-purpose yards. In 1976 Stapleton set a UWRF record and tied a WSUC record at the time with a 97-yard kick off return. In 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979 Stapleton was also the team leader in kick off returns. Stapleton graduated from UWRF in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree and currently works as police officer for the city of Los Angeles.