When looking back at the generations of Blazer athletes who have come and gone, the one common thread that connects them all is S. Lois Wedl, OSB.
The Blazers’ No. 1 Fan, S. Lois has proudly carried that distinction for 27 years.
A Cold Spring, Minn., native, S. Lois graduated from CSB in 1953 with a degree in English and philosophy and went on to a career in education, teaching for 47 years. She earned her master’s degree in education and a doctorate in counselor education from Ohio University in 1982 and 1986 respectively.
She spent 25 years at CSB/SJU, which included 17 years as a residence director.
“Being raised in Cold Spring, Minn., – a town of avid sports people – inspired me to be competitive and always believe we could win if we worked hard enough,” she said. “I made frequent trips to the high school principal’s office and pleaded with him to let us girls have a basketball team, or some team. Everyone in the principal’s office knew me for my frequently repeated mantra: ‘It’s not fair; why can the boys have everything and we girls have nothing! IT’S NOT FAIR!’”
When Blazer athletics joined the MIAC in 1985 and the level of play ramped up to competitiveness on a national scale, S. Lois was there to share in the success and excitement. Her memories and fond experiences are many, but several stick out in her mind.
“The 1993 basketball team’s undefeated season, especially defeating the Tommies as we won game after game. What I remember in particular about the Tommie game was not only the moment that their superstar fouled out, but it was Mike Durbin’s going over to her and compassionately putting his arm around her as she wept because she knew that her amazing career as a Tommie was ending.”
Another fond memory was“ Carol Howe-Veenstra’s last regular season game as Blazer volleyball coach. They totally dismantled the undefeated Tommies in three matches on their home court on senior night. The Blazers were in a zone!”
She also recalled her tireless work to share Blazer news before the Internet age and her emails are enjoyed by many today. She would make copies of the numerous St. Cloud Times stories about Blazer athletics and hand deliver them to the athletes in their rooms. S. Lois also assembled packages for their parents so they could keep up with their daughters’ accomplishments.
Along the way she’s also earned the Blazers’ Inspirational Award (1997), the Breaking Barriers Award (2005) and was the winner of the Margy Hughes Inspirational Award in 2012.
