Owatonna Hall of Fame Members React to Honor
The Owatonna High School Athletic Hall of Fame grew by five members Friday. The group combined to win two state team championships and four individual state titles. The former OHS athletes and coach/teacher shared their feelings on the honor.
Class of 2001 graduate Derek Johnson only lettered in wrestling, but he made a big mark on the record book with two state individual titles and a team championship.
Amy (Kubat) Lageson had the distinction of going to state in three sports her senior year in 2007-2008. She was a member of the volleyball and basketball teams that won section titles and won the state title in the shot put while also placing in the discus.
Jeanne Stursa a teacher and coach in Owatonna from 1973 to 2008 was part of the introduction and growth of girls sports and instrumental in the addition of adapted floor hockey at OHS.
Tom Haig was a 1958 graduate of Owatonna High School. He joins his brother Jim in the hall as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track. Tom Haigh passed away in 1998. His son Mark spoke on his behalf.
Nick (Miller) Martineau graduated in 1990 after lettering in gymnastics, swimming/diving, and cheerleading. She won a state title in the floor exercise and went on to compete in Division II gymnastics at Winona State University.
The new group of five brings the total number of members to 125 since the hall began in 1996. Next year the hall will add a fourth category of honorees with the addition of a 'Team of Distinction.' It was announced that five teams will be inducted in 2020. Currently, the hall honors athletes, coaches, and community members.