“If we can only stay on our feet, we’ll medal!”
These are the words of Minnesota speedskating silver medalist, Randy Bartz. Minnesotans, in the heart of theMidwest, have long been known for their humble nature and work ethic,and have long taken great pride in their athletics. Minnesota Gold celebrates the perseverance and triumphs of fifty-seven diverse homegrown athletes from 1948-2014 as they pursued their dreams to compete in the greatest international competitions. In this book of inspiring biographies, author Patrick “Packy” Mader shares the memorable conversations he had with these remarkable men and women who honored their sport, their state, and their country on the world stage over the last seven decades.
Discover true Minnesota gold!
BUY NOW at 20% discount directly from the author by contacting packy@patrickmader.com
Gary Neist signing books in Albert Lea, May 31, 2016
Kari Erickson, Mike Liapis, and Stacey Liapis-Fuchsgruber of Bemidji were all on the 2002 Olympic curling team. Kari was the skip, Stacey the second, and Mike was the coach.
Ruben Bjorkman, 1948 and 1952 ice hockey Olympian from Roseau,now lives in Warroad. The 1952 team won a silver medal.
Phil and Val Rogosheske, live in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Phil was a member of the 1972 Olympic kayaking team and Val was one of eight women to run the inaugural Boston Marathon open to women (1972).
Janet Gerhauser, 1952 pairs figure skater Olympia, with grandchildren, at the Minneapolis depot
Bri Scurry with Minnesota Gold at MSHSL HOF ceremony, Oct 2015
Henry Boucha with Minnesota Gold, Nov 2015
Lindsay Williams, 2006 nordic skiing Olympian, signing books, Oct 21, 2015
Packy and Alan Rice, 1956 Greco-Roman wrestling Olympian, Oct 21, 2015
Packy with Mike Houck, Greco-Roman World Champion gold medalist, 1985. He is holding his gold medal and a bowl–a local gift given to podium finishers–engraved with his first place finish.
Packy with Van Nelson, 1968 10,000-meter Olympian and Don Timm,steeplechase, at presentation, Oct, 2015
Wendy Anderson with Minnesota Gold, Oct 21, 2015
Don Timm, Burnsville, steeplech
Close up of Mike Houck, Packy, Shani Marks Johnson at MN Gold presentation at Chanhassen, April 2016
Gary Neist signing books in Albert Lea, May 31, 2016
Praise for Minnesota Gold
“Patrick Mader tracks down and interviews more than fifty living Minnesotans who made it to the absolute highest level in their respective sports.” —Dave Mona, WCCO Radio’s Sunday Sports Huddle
“A perfect ten.”—Don Shelby, broadcast journalist, author, and explorer
“A wonderful book . . . [Minnesota Gold’s] stories of courage, passion, and dedication will capture your heart.”—Jody Eder-Zdechlik, six-time All-American in cross country and track & field, University of Minnesota Athletics Hall of Fame member, recipient of the Big 10 Medal of Honor
“Provides new and entertaining information on some of Minnesota’s finest. For Minnesotans and sports fans alike.”—Joel Maturi, University of Minnesota Director of Athletics, 2002 – ’12
“Fascinating reading and great memories of sports in our Minnesota heritage. . . . an amazing and important part of our great state’s history.” —Walter L. Bush, Jr. Chairman, USA Hockey, Inc.
“This book shows that there is opportunity for anyone willing to dream and do.” —John Albrecht, US national speedskating team member 1982 – ’85 and ’87
“Each athlete’s story in Minnesota Gold gives insight into how a champion is born.”—Bob Hauck, St. Olaf College swimming and diving head coach, 1988 US Olympic swimming trials competitor
“The pride these gifted and hard-working athletes have in wearing USA on their uniform while representing the state of Minnesota will give you goose bumps the size of gold medals.”—from the foreword by Joe Schmit, Emmy-winning broadcaster and author of Silent Impact
“Profusely illustrated, “Minnesota Gold: Conversations with Northland Athletes Competing on the World Stage” is a unique and absolutely absorbing read which is very highly recommended, not only for Minnesota sports fans, but as a template for others to emulate in presenting similar studies of sports and athletics in other states and regions of the country. Informed and informative, “Minnesota Gold” is certain to be an enduringly popular addition to all Minnesota community and academic library collections!”
James A. Cox
Editor-in-chief
Midwest Book Review
- Wendy Anderson
- Ron Backes
- Randy Bartz
- Tony Benshoof
- Ali Bernard
- Ruben Bjorkman
- Duane Bobick
- Henry Boucha
- Micah Boyd
- Jessica Diggins
- Kari Erickson
- Janet Gerhauser
- Kara (Grgas-Wheeler) Goucher
- Burdette Haldorson
- Sara Reiling Hildebrand
- Steve Holman
- Mike Houck
- George Hovland
- Toni Jameson
- Tami Jameson
- Jim Johannson
- Bob Kempainen
- Janis Klecker
- Kris Kuehl
- Mark Ladwig
- Manny Lagos
- Stacy Liapis
- Mark Lutz
- Tom Malchow
- Shani Marks
- Jim Mastro
- John Mayasich
- Angus Morrison
- Gary Neist
- Van Nelson
- Lindsay Nielsen
- John Nightingale
- Bob Paradise
- Jenny (Schmidgall) Potter
- Trina Radke
- Alan Rice
- Kaylin Richardson
- Phil Rogosheske
- Gene Sandvig
- Susie Scanlan
- Buzz Schneider
- Matt Schnobrich
- Brianna Scurry
- Steve Sertich
- Tim Sheehy
- Amanda Smock
- Don Timm
- Carrie Tollefson
- Carolyn Treacy
- Lindsay Whalen
- Lindsay Williams
- Greg Windsperger