Hall of Fame
The College of St. Catherine 1976 Volleyball Team was one of the college’s most dominant teams. During these early years of women’s athletics schools were either classified as big or small, but all teams competed in the same regional and national tournaments. The Katies started the season with 14 straight wins and never looked back. They lost only twice during the regular season, both times to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. They entered the Minnesota Association of Intercollegiate Athletics State Tournament with a 30-2 record, and won the tournament with seven straight victories. The state tournament title provided St. Catherine’s with its first varsity sports championship trophy.
The team went into the Midwest Region Tournament ranked number one in the small college division. They lived up to their ranking as they downed nine straight teams from both big and small schools. This championship run also extended their winning streak to 32 games.
As the regional champion, the team earned the right to participate in the first annual AIAW National Tournament held at Pepperdine University in California. The tournament format had 16 teams separated into four pools. Despite a loss that snapped their winning streak, St. Kate’s won their pool and advanced to the double elimination round before falling twice and ending their season. When the 1976 Volleyball season ended, the St. Kate's squad was ranked sixth in the nation. They had an unbelievable 50-5 record to go along with their state title, regional title and 32-game winning streak.
Members of the 1976 Varsity Volleyball Team included: Isabella Ceplecha, Lori Groth, Kathy Hughes, Debra Krengel, Julia Mohr, Mary Speltz, Paula Thompson, Teresa Tierney, Teresa Uschold, Rita Zieglmeier, Manager Ann Garvey and Head Coach Roger Burton.
