UD to Induct Five into Athletic Hall of Fame
Oct 11, 2007 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
On Saturday, October 27, the University of Dubuque will induct five individuals into the Athletic Hall of Fame - Tim Felderman (C'95), Roger Patton (C'57), David Sage (C'64), Edward T. Taber (C'25) (in memoriam), and June (Salow) Wooten (C'87) - as a part of the 2007 Homecoming Celebration. Awards will be presented during the Alumni/ae Dinner at the Grand River Center.
The University of Dubuque Alumni Association established the Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989 as a permanent place to honor those individuals who have promoted and served the University through its athletic programs. The Hall of Fame recognizes former student-athletes, coaches, and supporters who have contributed to the success of the University of Dubuque both on and off the athletic field. It further promotes the University intercollegiate athletic program and creates a focal point for alumni, family, friends, and current University students, faculty, and staff.
Tim Felderman (C'95)
A two-time All-IIAC selection, Felderman was also an All-Region selection in 1995. The holder of several season and career UD baseball records, Felderman earned nine varsity athletic letters at UD: four for baseball, three for cross country and two for basketball. While playing at the University and working on his physical education degree, he also played in the Northwoods League, a pseudo-minor league system that featured top collegiate players from across the nation.
A Dubuque resident, from 1995-1997 Felderman served as head cross country coach and assistant baseball coach at Clarke College. In 2000, Felderman began a three-year stint as an assistant baseball coach at the University of Dubuque. In addition, he has coached volleyball and basketball for the Dubuque Public Schools since his graduation from UD. Currently, he a wellness education teacher and head baseball coach at Dubuque Senior High School. He completed his master's degree in physical education from Loras College in 2002.
Roger Patton (C'57)
A two-sport athlete from 1953-1957, Roger Patton excelled in both wrestling and football. As a four-time letterwinning heavyweight, Patton posted a 17-0-1 record over his final two years of collegiate competition, including a memorable pin-fall victory over a competitor from Loras. In this match, UD folklore suggests that a bleacher clearing altercation ensued after Patton was bitten by his opponent while he was pinning him.
In 1957, Patton was an All-IIAC football selection and earned two additional athletic letters. While at UD, he also participated in Messengers choir, was a member of the Phi Omicron fraternity and earned a degree in philosophy.
Leaving the University of Dubuque did not spell the end of Patton's activity in athletics. In 1957 and 1958 he coached wrestling for the Hun Preparatory School in Princeton, New Jersey and he played three years of semi-professional football for the New Jersey Miners from 1958-1960. While a student at the Princeton Theological Seminary, Patton also assisted with the Princeton University wrestling team.
Patton served as a Presbyterian pastor for 42 years in five states and also organized committees that constructed low-income housing developments for the elderly in both Cedar Rapids, Iowa and New York City. His numerous public service activities have included serving as Vice President for the NAACP chapter in Jamaica, New York and recognition by the Iowa Commission on Alcohol Problems for his organizing efforts.
David Sage (C'64)
Prior to his graduation from the University of Dubuque in 1964 with a degree in history, Sage earned four letters in track, four in cross country and one in wrestling. As a cross country competitor, Sage finished third in the IIAC twice. He also claimed five top three finishes in distance events at IIAC track meets, including winning the two mile event in 1962. His running exploits earned him the Freshman Athlete of the Year award in 1961 and the Senior Athlete of the Year award in 1964.
Sage was a four-year member of the 13er fraternity and also worked with the Student Senate at UD. In 1971 he completed his master's degree in political science from the University of Northern Iowa, and he also did post-graduate work at the Institute of American History at Stanford University and at the Robert A. Taft Institute at the University of Iowa.
In 1964, Sage began his 38-year coaching and teaching career at Waverly-Shell Rock High School in Waverly, Iowa. Prior to his retirement from the school in 2002, Sage served as head boys track coach and head boys cross country coach for 34 years. He also was a wrestling assistant for 22 years.
Sage's track teams claimed 22 conference championships and two state championships in 1999 and 2001. His cross country teams claimed seven conference championships and the 1975 and 1980 state titles. Sage has been honored as the State Track Coach of the Year in 2001 and the State Cross Country Coach of the Year in 1980. Since leaving Waverly-Shell Rock, Sage has served as an assistant track coach at Wartburg College.
Edward T. Taber, C'25 (in memoriam)
A native of Rock Island, Illinois, Edward "Red" Taber came to the University of Dubuque after a stellar high school athletic career that would eventually place him in the Rock Island High School Hall of Fame.
A three-sport athlete in baseball, basketball, football, Taber found his greatest success as a pitcher for the baseball team while earning his degree in political science. In an era of few, if any, eligibility regulations, Taber then pitched for three years at Georgetown University while completing a Foreign Services degree.
Taking his talents to professional baseball, Taber attended spring training with the 1919 Chicago White Sox, the team that later that fall would become infamously known as the "Black Sox" for fixing the results of the World Series. Amidst several standout minor league seasons, Taber enjoyed several stints in the major leagues in 1925 and 1926, playing for legendary manager Connie Mack and the Philadelphia Phillies.
After retiring from professional baseball in 1930, Taber found success in private business endeavors, including the formation of Ed Taber and Sons, a manufacturing company in Lincoln, Nebraska. Prior to his passing at the age of 83 in 1983, Taber enjoyed 57 years of marriage to his wife Bridget. He is survived by two sons, Matt and Ed. Another son, Tim, died in 1994.
June (Salow) Wooten (C'87)
Wooten came to the University of Dubuque following an All-State and All-Tri-State high school basketball career. She would leave the university as the all-time leading scorer (1291 points, since surpassed) and in the top ten in career rebounding. A two-time All-Conference selection, Wooten was also twice named team MVP and Best Offensive Player.
Following graduation with a degree in physical education, Wooten married former UD men's basketball player Jesse Wooten. They have three children: Kyle (17), Abbie (15) and Brooke (12).
An Earlville, Iowa resident, Wooten works as a supervisor at Modernfold and is active in community and school programs including the Athletic and Music Booster Clubs at Maquoketa Valley Schools. She also coaches youth basketball and softball.
