UD to Induct Four into Athletic Hall of Fame and One into Athletic Hall of Distinction
Oct 16, 2008 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
On Saturday, October 18, the University of Dubuque will induct three individuals into the Athletic Hall of Fame: Tod Cox (C'82), Russell Spearman (C'62), and Roger Waialae (C'90), and Lori (Kamp) Wieters (C'83); and Marilyn Zunk (Athletic Staff, 1977-2006) into the Athletic Hall of Distinction. Awards will be presented during the Alumni/ae Dinner at the Midway Hotel as a part of the 2008 Homecoming Celebration.
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.
Athletic Hall of Distinction Awards are given to other supporters of UD's athletic programs. The Hall of Distinction is designed to recognize those individuals who have given unselfishly to further the University's Athletic Programs and support its athletes. Recipients of the award have made a significant contribution to UD as an administrator, member of the athletic support staff, coach, or booster alumnus/alumna.
Athletic Hall of Fame
Todd Cox, C'82
Whether he was swinging a bat or punting a football, Todd Cox, C'82 took Spartan athletics to a higher level. While some students only have the discipline to play one sport during their college years, Todd made time for two: football and baseball. Many people remember how great a kicker Todd was, but he was no slouch at baseball, during Todd's time at UD he claimed the title of most triples in a single season!
A member of the football team that took three conference championships, Todd fondly remembers the UD vs. Central game his freshman year where he kicked three field goals (the last just as time expired) to defeat the Dutch and claim his first conference championship. During his time at UD many NFL scouts visited and he eventually signed with the Chicago Bears.
Todd remains an active alumnus, returning to campus often - he even played in an alumni football game! He has three beautiful children, Charlie who is thirteen, Cory who is eight, and Cassie who is seven. Family is very important to Todd and his wife Becky and they try to do everything together. Todd graduated with a degree in Physical Education and has enjoyed teaching Special Education and coaching.
Russell Spearman, C'62
When Russell Spearman, C'62 arrived at the University of Dubuque, he literally and figuratively hit the ground running! A four year letter winner in football and track, Russell really set the pace for UD athletics in the early 60's. Starting as a guard all four years, Spearman went All Conference in 1960 and served as a Co-Captain with Darrel Rathje in 1961. Russell was a great advocate for school spirit and even served as the D-Club president during 1961!
Excelling not only in football, Russell dominated the track. Some of his greatest accomplishments were being a member of the conference champion Mile Relay team in 1959 and 1961 and achieving the Track Conference Championship in the 220 Low Hurdles during 1960, 1961 & 1962. Spearman led the Spartan track team in most points scored from 1959 on through his senior year.
Since graduation Spearman went on to teach high school math in Albia, Iowa and Pleasantville, Iowa and served as Head Track and Football coach. Russell currently enjoys spending time with his two sons, Michael and Jeffrey. He owns and operates a trucking company called RJS Services.
Roger Waialae, C'90
With a passion for athletics, Roger Waialae, C'90 has spent the majority of his life on the football field, striving for greatness. Not only great at football, Roger was twice named MVP of the University of Dubuque's golf team, successfully participating in two sports while juggling life and classes.
Named to Pizza Hut's Small College All-American team, along with being the team's MVP in 1988, Roger went All-Iowa Conference, breaking the 21 school records, throwing 36 touchdowns and over 4,600 yards in passing during two seasons! Waialae was honored with the Moco Mercer Outstanding Athlete Award by UD during the 1988-1989 season and eventually went on to signing with the Munich Rangers of the German Professional League in 1989.
Roger has been coaching since graduation and loves it! He spent two years with Bethany College as their Offensive Coordinator and was their Head Men's Golf Coach. After his stint at Bethany College, Roger went on to coach 13 years as Offensive Coordinator at West Liberty, along with 8 of those years as a golf coach. Currently Roger is going into his fourth year as Head Football Coach. He has been named Golf Coach of the Year (twice) and has taken the team to 8 straight NCAA Tournaments. To date, Roger has West Liberty's highest winning percentage, with a record of 21-12. His wife Karen is currently the golf pro at Oglebay Resort, his son Ryan graduated from Western Kentucky last may and his two daughters Kayla and Laura are currently in high school.
Lori (Kamp) Wieters, C'83
Recruited right out of high school to play at the University of Dubuque, Lori Wieters, C'83 performed for three years before women's athletics was officially sanctioned by the Iowa Conference in 1982. When asked about her time at UD, Lori states that she, "blossomed and learned to be a leader." And what a leader she was! Lori played both volleyball and basketball at the University, where she is ninth on the all-time career rebounding list with 461 rebounds. Lori was the only Spartan All-Conference selection, averaging 7.3 rebounds per game and helping her team IIAC play with a fifth place finish!
Lori was not only a starter on UD's basketball team, she was also a starter for our volleyball team, with a career hitting percentage at .310. Her overall best season for hitting percentage stood at .378 and she had 124 blocks-she was surely a force to be reckoned with! Selected first team All-Conference and winning the Iowa Conference Volleyball Championship, Lori helped the University of Dubuque's women's team achieve their first national ranking.
After graduation, Lori earned a Masters Degree in Management and a PhD in Organizational Management with an emphasis in Human Resource Management. Her education has allowed her to become an expert in leadership development, executive coaching and team building, culture change and organizational retention. Currently Lori is a Development Manager at a health care organization and works as an adjunct college professor who specializes in Management, Leadership & Human Resources. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband Steve (of more than 20 years), her three children and her two grandchildren!
Athletic Hall of Distinction
Marilyn Zunk
She was more than just the University of Dubuque's Athletic Office Administrative assistant: she was the cornerstone that held up our coaching staff and our students for over 28 years (1977-2006)! She represented Spartan hospitality with her friendly and helpful demeanor as she was always the first person to greet everyone who stopped by the UD Athletic Department. Her office was an inviting and comfortable place, where students and coaches alike could escape the stress of class and work, a home away from home!
Marilyn performed many background duties, such as managing and monitoring the athletic budget, coordinating the preliminary preparation of putting games on the road, field, or court, and assisting with anything that might make the coaches' job easier. When asked about her years at UD, she commented, "The UD Athletic Department became my extended family and I enjoyed being a "Mom" figure for many coaches and student athletes and they will forever be in my heart." She still keeps in contact with many of them today!
People with such heart are hard to find and UD was blessed to have Marilyn for as long as we did. After retirement, Marilyn and her husband Tom moved to South Carolina to be close to her daughter Angela. She loves the South and does not miss the snow! Her son Tim currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona and is able to come visit a few times out of the year for family reunions.
The University of Dubuque is a private, coeducational, professional university with a focus in the liberal arts. Our commitment to encouraging students to explore their fullest potential is part of a rich Christian heritage that dates back to the University's founding in 1852.
