1997 Hall of Fame Inductees

• Helen Asp
• Robert Bungum
• Cathy Kammin-Braathun
• Rolf Lund
• Obed Michaelson
• Harold "Gabby" Pierce
  

Helen Asp
Helen Asp gave 36 years of service to Waldorf as a professor in physical education and as intramural coordinator. She currently resides in Floodwood, Minnesota.


Robert M. Bungum
Robert M. Bungum, a native of Hayfield, Minnesota, attended and played football at Waldorf College for one year before transferring on to Luther College in the fall of 1929. At Luther, Bob stepped into the starting right-half position, which he filled for three years. He was elected captain of the 1931 team. Bob also earned letters in track in 1930 and 1931 and in baseball in 1932. He graduated in 1932.

Bob Bungum's teaching and coaching career included positions at Gale Academy, coaching an undefeated basketball team at Buffalo Center High School, three consecutive undefeated football teams at Lake Mills, and a brief stint at Ames. He served as a volunteer naval officer during World War II, after which he was employed by Luther College as football and track coach from 1946-1950.

Following completion of his master's degree at the University of Iowa, Bob became superintendent of the Whitehall, Wisconsin High School in 1950 where he remained until he became the registrar and coach here at Waldorf in 1953. He held this position until his death on December 25, 1976. During those years he taught economics, business law, and physical education. He also served as head football coach and athletic director. His 1963 team was undefeated and finished the season ranking sixth nationally among junior colleges. In 1967, he gave up the athletic directorship and coaching duties and continued his administrative and teaching duties until his death. During his 24 years at Waldorf, Bob compiled a 55-53-5 overall coaching record in 15 seasons.

Bob's son, Stephen, had these things to say about his father. "It is an honor I am most gratified to see him receive, as he was devoted to Waldorf College and the health of both its academic and non-academic programs. He was a Christian gentleman who cared very much about the well-being of students, athletes and people of all sorts with whom he came in contact. He was a quiet man, but possessed much kindness, understanding and moral courage."

Cathy Kammin-Braathun
Cathy Kammin-Braathun, class of 1975, came to Waldorf bringing along with her an outstanding athletic background that continued on throughout her college career. Cathy was a part of the Roland-Story High School teams that qualified for the State Softball Tournament three fall and three summer seasons. She was the right-fielder on the team that won the State Softball Tourney in 1971 during both seasons. On the court, Cathy was a member of the 1972 Iowa High School Girls State Basketball Champions. She was a member of the All-Tournament Team as a junior and senior and captain of that team as a junior.

While at Waldorf, Cathy was a member of the women's basketball team from 1973-1975. She was selected as the team captain her sophomore year. In both seasons he was named the most valuable player. Averaging 22.3 points per game, Cathy set the scoring record that she still holds today at 801 points in 36 games during her career at Waldorf. Cathy shot 77.3% from the free throw line and averaged 7.8 rebounds a game. She continued playing at Luther College where she added an additional 1028 points to her career to set the career scoring record for Luther College at 1829 points.

Cathy also earned the most valuable player award her sophomore year at Waldorf in softball. She was also named Waldorf's female honor athlete in 1975. In 1987 Cathy was inducted in the Luther College Athletic Hall of Fame. Cathy was inducted into the Iowa High School Basketball Hall of Fame during the 1992 Girls' State Basketball Tournament.

Cathy, her husband Don, and their son, Jonathan reside in Story City. Cathy serves as a First through Sixth grade physical education teacher and girls' golf coach at the Roland-Story schools.

Rolf Lund
Rolf Lund, a three-sport athlete at Zumbroda High School, began his first coaching and teaching job in 1940 at Rake High School. The St. Olaf graduate spent six years there, two of them as superintendent, before coming to Waldorf in 1946. In 1946 and 1947, Rolf coached football, basketball, and baseball. He continued on with basketball through 1958 and stepped back in to coach the 1963 team that took second in the conference, posting a 15-9 record for the season. Overall, Rolf had a 164-133 basketball coaching record. Rolf also served as Athletic Director for fifteen years and was on the State Athletic Board of Athletics for Junior Colleges. He also worked alongside Helen Asp in running the intramural program for many years.

Rolf currently resides in Decorah, Iowa.

Obed B. Michaelson
Obed Michaelson, a native of Leland, Iowa, is a 1925 graduate of the Waldorf Academy and a 1927 graduate of Waldorf College. While attending the Academy, Obed played on both the Academy's basketball team and the College's. He was captain of the Waldorf basketball team in 1926 and 1927. Obed was a leading scorer on his team. Obed tells stories about how he would practice so late some nights that he wouldn't make it up to the cafeteria in time to eat. so Tillie Rasmusson would whip him up something quick and warm from her kitchen. Obed also loved to play football, baseball and tennis. Although Waldorf didn't have a tennis team, Obed and some of his friends would find a space to work as a court so that they could play. Obed was also a member of the 1927 Waldorf Choir. Following his graduation from Waldorf, Obed transferred to St. Olaf College where he continued to play basketball and baseball.

After completing his degree in education from St. Olaf, Obed moved to the Chicago area where he met his wife Susan and raised their children. His love to play sports continued on as he played for several years on his companies team. Obed spent the last twenty-two years of his working years as a Lutheran Brotherhood Representative.

Harold (Gabby) Pierce
Harold (Gabby) Pierce '63 is a native of Freeborn, Minnesota. Following graduation from Freeborn High School as the Athlete of the Year, he traveled to Forest City to take the next step in his athletic career. A three sport athlete, Gabby received honors for his outstanding play on the field, diamond and the basketball court.
Gabby was captain of the 1962 undefeated football team coached by Bob Bungum. He also received 2nd Team All-American honors.

In 1963 Gabby set the record for the number of field goals in a season for basketball at 243. Along with his scoring record, Gabby received 1st Team All-American honors. One of the many highlights for Gabby at Waldorf was the over-time win against Creston in the state junior college semi-finals game in which he scored 45 points.

In baseball Gabby played double duties as a short stop and a pitcher, receiving honorable mention All-American honors.

Following his graduation from Waldorf in 1963, Gabby continued to play football and baseball for the Vikings at Augustana. In football he served as the 1964 team captain and received 2nd team All North Central Conference honor and 1st team All-Lutheran honors. In baseball Gabby continued to play short stop and pitcher this time receiving 1st team All-Conference honors. In 1965, Gabby was named the Honor Athlete of the Year.

After receiving his degree in 1965, Gabby accepted a teaching and coaching position at Bricelyn, Minnesota. He remained there for 24 years serving as the head football coach for 22 years, head baseball coach for 18 years and head basketball coach for 10 years. In 1981 Gabby was inducted into the Augustana Coaching Hall of Fame.

Gabby resides in Mankato, Minnesota where he is a Field Supervisor for rain and hail insurance.