Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Hall of Fame

Dave Luedtke Headshot

David Luedtke

  • Class
  • Induction
    2004
  • Sport(s)
    Swimming and Diving, Administration
David Luedtke was the coach of College of St. Catherine swimming and diving team from 1977 to 1998. During his 21 seasons working the pool deck he was part of two major "firsts" in St. Kate's athletic history. Luedtke coached the first St. Kate's student-athlete to be named to the All-America team (Jennifer Bergstrom in 1979-80) and followed that up by guiding Suzanne Heidelberg ('83) to the school's first-ever individual national title during the 1980-81 season.

In the late 1970's and early 1980's, Coach Luedtke's teams were a force at the conference, state, and national level. His student-athletes compiled an impressive 35 All-American and 41 All-Conference performances. Under Coach Luedtke's watchful eye, the St. Kate's swimming and diving team also successfully transitioned from the AIAW to the NCAA. During the 1982-83 season (St. Kate's first in the NCAA), Luedtke's team finished in a school-best seventh place at the NCAA Division III swimming and diving national meet. In all, his teams finished in the top 25 of the NCAA Division III rankings five times and in the top 50 ten times.

Coach Luedtke’s dedication to the College of St. Catherine extends well beyond his work with athletes in the pool. To this day, Luedtke still serves as a full-time professor at St. Kate's. He is the Chair of the Exercise and Sport Science department and is an advisor for St. Kate's renowned physical therapy program. His numerous contributions to the students, the athletes, the athletic department and the academic community are truly immeasurable.
Explore HOF Explore Hall of Fame Members