WINONA, Minn. - Richard Papenfuss was a four-year member of the Winona State Baseball team, as well as a four-year member of the Winona State Men's Basketball team. Papenfuss graduated in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER). He also received his master's degree from Winona State in 1966. During his time at Winona State, Papenfuss and the WSU Baseball team won three straight conference championships in 1961, 1962, and 1963. The team also made three straight appearances in the NAIA National Baseball Tournament those same years. During his time on the hardwood, Papenfuss helped the Warriors to a 40-56 record over his four years. 

What was your favorite sports memory during your time at WSU? 

Playing on three baseball teams that participated in the NAIA National Tournament with great teammates/friends!! 

What would you say is your greatest athletics and/or academic accomplishment during your time at WSU? 

• Overcoming a torn rotator cuff as a pitcher in my first collegiate game was a huge psychological challenge. 

• Playing outfield on a NAIA National tournament team and batting just under .400 that year. 

• Being co-captain of the 1963 Warrior basketball team and starting 3 years for the Warriors. 

How has your WSU athletics experience been influential throughout your life? 

My fondest memories are of the SUPER teammates/friends who were such an important part of my educational process at WSU! And, they have lasted for over 60 years!! 

Please share any recent professional or personal accomplishments. 

At age 84, my career is well behind me! I have been honored by WSU as an outstanding alum and have spent over 40 years in higher education developing undergraduate and graduate programs in Health Promotion at 7 different institutions and have served as President of the American Association for Health Education while serving as a consultant at the national and international levels. Thanks to WSU for building a foundation for success! Most importantly, I met my wife (Mary Reszka) at WSU, and we have been married 60 years with two sons and several grandkids! Mary was a successful cancer researcher at the national and international levels. We are both retired and living in the mountain foothills of Santa Fe, NM! 

What advice would you give to current WSU student-athletes? 

My advice to all students is to live one day at a time and do your best to try to figure out what path God has in store for you! Don't let discouragement prevent you from finding that path, because once you find it your life will be so fulfilling! 

Please include any additional information you would like to share. 

Check out the WSU Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization for some great Christian fellowship and support!! 

 

If any current Warrior student-athletes are interested in connecting with Richard please reach out to your SAS team advisor to get his contact information. 

If you are a Winona State student-athlete alum and would like to be featured in the Alumni Spotlight series, please fill out the Alumni Spotlight Questionnaire.