SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus College Department of Athletics has chosen 12 individuals for induction into its Athletics Hall of Fame. The 2023 inductees include Andy Bryan ’08 (tennis), Joyce DeWitz ’07 (softball), Molly Doyle ’08 (hockey), Julie Mahre ’08 (softball), Laura Stypulkowski ’05 (hockey), Shane Thielke ’97 (football), Joe Thorvig ’02 (baseball/football), Jess Vadnais ’08 (basketball), and the benefactor group of George Hicks ’75, Mary Dee Hicks ’75, John Huepenbecker ’80, and Marcia Page ’82.
Bryan, an Edina, Minn. native, was a four-time All-American and the 2007-08 Gustavus Male Athlete of the Year. Bryan and doubles partner Charlie Paukert finished second at the 2008 NCAA Doubles Championships. He won 190 combined singles and doubles matches throughout his career and received the prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.
DeWitz, a Good Thunder, Minn. native, is arguably the greatest pitcher in Gustavus softball history with eight program pitching records, including victories (61), appearances (106), and starts (89). DeWitz was a two-time All-Region and three-time All-Conference selection.
Doyle, an Eagan, Minn. native, was a four-time All-Conference honoree and a First Team All-American her sophomore season. Doyle is fourth in program history with 68 career goals and ranks fifth with 131 points. She helped the Gusties capture four MIAC championships with a record of 97-15-3 during her career.
Mahre, a White Bear Lake, Minn. native, was a four-time All-Region and four-time All-Conference performer as a second baseman and leadoff hitter. Mahre graduated with eight program records and still owns career marks in runs scored (165) and hits (223). She helped the Gusties reach at least 30 wins in three consecutive seasons.
Stypulkowski, a White Bear Lake, Minn. native, was a two-time All-Conference selection and earned All-America honors her senior season. Stypulkowski ranks second in program history with 82 career assists and third with 135 points. She helped the Gusties capture two MIAC titles and two third-place finishes at the NCAA Championships.
Thielke, a Holloway, Minn. native, was a two-time All-Conference defensive back and kick returner. Thielke led the MIAC in kick returns both his junior and senior seasons and still owns the program record for kickoff return average (30.6). He also ranks third in program history in career tackles (307).
Thorvig, a Stacy, Minn. native, was a standout two-sport athlete in baseball and football. On the gridiron, Thorvig earned two All-Conference selections at quarterback, ranking third in career touchdowns (59) and fourth in passing yards (6,251). On the diamond, Thorvig earned All-Conference his senior season and ranks seventh in program history in career home runs (14).
Vadnais, a Hudson, Wis. native, earned three All-Conference, two All-Region, and one All-America honor. She also earned the 2006-07 MIAC Player of the Year Award. Vadnais graduated with eight program records, including career points (1,779) and steals (223), and was a finalist for the 2008 Jostens Division III Player of the Year Award.
The benefactor group of George Hicks, Mary Dee Hicks, John Huepenbecker, and Marcia Page enter the Hall for their longstanding contributions to the College. They were instrumental in raising funds to complete the new football stadium in 2007 and their charitable gifts most recently played a major role in the construction of the Lund Center expansion project.
This group will be honored at the Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet, which will be held in Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall on Saturday, Oct. 14, following the football game against Macalester College at 1 p.m. Individuals eligible for induction into the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame are athletes, coaches, and benefactors. Selection of athletes is based on athletic achievements while a student at Gustavus, while a benefactor is selected for extraordinary contribution to the athletic department through service or philanthropy. Eight members of the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2023 will be inducted for their accomplishments as student-athletes, while one group of four individuals will be inducted as benefactors.
The selection of the inductees to the Gustavus Hall of Fame is made by the Gustavus Hall of Fame Board, which is an 11-member group consisting of current athletic administrators, former coaches, and alumni.