WALL OF FAME MEMBERS

All great teams usually have one person who serves as the “glue” that holds the team together. That person may not always score the most points or receive the individual awards, yet their role is critical to the success of the team. From 1986-1990, that person for the V-Hawks men's basketball team was Scott ARENZ.

Scott's desire to win coupled with unselfish play was instrumental in his team's unprecedented level of success. Whether it was a timely basket, a clutch rebound, or simply hustling after a loose ball, Scott always did what it took to help the team win. During Scott's time in a V-Hawks basketball uniform, the team won four straight conference championships, achieved a record of 40-2 in conference play, and set an overall record of 94-34. Scott was also the first player to score a basket in the Student Activity Center (built in 1987). While in a V-Hawk baseball uniform, ARENZ hit .313 and was a part of a 74-28 team. Additionally, Scott demonstrated his leadership abilities in other areas outside athletics. He served as a campus resident assistant and was involved in numerous activities.

Since graduating from Viterbo in 1990, Scott has continued to follow and support V-Hawk athletics. He serves as a goodwill ambassador within the La Crosse community and has participated in several Viterbo functions, including the annual gold outing and the Alumni basketball game. In summary, Scott ARENZ was and still is a great role model for Viterbo athletics.

When the name Gerald Baldner comes to mind, you can't help but think of service, support, and generosity. Gerald's connection to Viterbo began in 1979 when he was hired as a social work instructor. Four years later, Gerald left Viterbo to pursue his dream of owning his own business. That dream became a reality as Gerald and his wife Betty established Kitchen Solvers, Inc. Today, under Gerald's direction, Kitchen Solvers had grown to over 100 franchises in 33 states.

While Gerald no longer works at Viterbo, his heart has never left. “I have always treasured my relationships to the faculty, coaches, and student-athletes of Viterbo,” comments Gerald. “Viterbo is a special place.”

Gerald has demonstrated his support of V-Hawk athletics in many ways. His knowledge and sense of vision was instrumental in the planning and development of the Student Activity Center, built in 1987. His generosity of time and service has been consistent throughout the years, as he has served on both the Athletics Advisory Council and the Wall of Fame Committee. Gerald's loyalty as a fan is also a testament to his support of Viterbo Athletics. He can be seen at most every home basketball game sitting behind the V-Hawks bench intensely watching the action on the court. Gerald is also known for his own “action on the court” as he regularly participates in Viterbo's infamous “noon-ball” with the many friends and colleagues he has associated with over the years.

Finally, Gerald and his wife Betty have been very generous financial supporters of Viterbo Athletics. They have established two scholarships at Viterbo in their name to help student-athletes with their tuition needs. These scholarships in addition to their financial contributions have played a major role in the development, growth, and strengthening of V-Hawk athletics.

Damian Miller has carved out a place for himself in the V-Hawk history book. The first Viterbo baseball player to achieve major league status, Miller was drafted in the 20th round by the Minnesota Twins in 1990. in his professional debut with the Twins minor league team in Elizabethton, he hit a home run and drove in 3 runs in his first at-bat. After stops in a number of minor league cities, Damian finally broke through, playing for the Twins, and then, on to the Arizona Diamondbacks as the team's starting catcher.

The tenacious work ethic and, never-quit attitude that worked so well for Damian in the majors, was readily evident in his three seasons of play at Viterbo. In his first year in a V-Hawk uniform, the West Salem native was an unstoppable force en route to posting a .312 batting average. That was just the start. In his sophomore year, he hit .409 and in the following year that average skyrocketed to an astronomical .516.

In other honors, Damian was named NAIA District Player of the year in 1990. He holds the school record for highest career batting average (.423), highest single season batting average (.516), and most RBIs in a season (46).

In reviewing his career - high school through college play, and in the majors - the La Crosse Tribune awarded Damian Miller its most prestigious honor: 2000 Sportsman of the Year. At Viterbo, Damian has indeed set a standard of achievement that others will continuously aspire to attain.