Patrick “Packy” Mader is thrilled to present Minnesota’s rich sports history at the Olympics to White Bear Lake Rotary Club members. His books, Minnesota Gold and More Minnesota Gold, highlight the stories, lives, challenges, perseverance, and achievements of more than 100 remarkable living Minnesota athletes who competed at the international level–including people from a cross section of sports from 1948 – present.

Packy will be highlighting Olympians with connections to White Bear Lake and the east metro area as he shares the positive experience throughout his research, interviews, writing, and editing in an engaging and entertaining style. Roseville athletes Randy Bartz (speedskating) and Lee Stecklein (hockey, 2018 gold medal team), luge racer Tony Benshoof from White Bear Lake, 2018 gold medalist cross country skier Jessie Diggins from Afton/Stillwater, five-time Olympian and 2002 flag bearer Amy Peterson from Maplewood, and many St. Paul athletes–including former governor Wendell Anderson–who are Olympians profiled in the two books. The Olympians were approachable, intelligent, articulate, and modest–demonstrating Olympian character and qualities who “give back” to their sport, community, and school.

White Bear Lake luge racer Tony Benshoof placed 4th in the Olympics; gold medalist cross country ski racer Jessie Diggins; 2002 flag bear Amy Peterson of Maplewood