Winona State announces 2024 Hall of Fame class

WINONA, Minn. – The Winona State University Hall of Fame committee has selected the inductees for the Class of 2024. Six individuals will join the WSU Hall of Fame and be officially recognized during the WSU Homecoming Celebration. Winona State 2024 during the weekend of October 11-13, 2024.

Scott Cozad, Baseball. Cozad rewrote the Winona State Baseball record book during his career from 1985 to 1988. While holding the record for most baseball games played in a Warrior uniform (200), Cozad also ranks first for runs scored (185), walks (132), stolen bases (116) and is fourth all-time with 13 career triples. In a single season, Cozad holds the record for most walks (55), and he is third in triples (7) and stolen bases (36). In recognition of his individual accomplishments, Cozad was a three-time NIC First Team All-Conference and NAIA All-District team honoree. During his senior season in 1988, Cozad was named an NAIA All-American and led Winona State to the NAIA World Series.



Craig Halvorson, Wrestling. Halvorson competed on the wrestling mat for Winona State from 1969 to 1974. His dominance led the Warriors to back-to-back conference championships in 1970 and 1971. Individually, Halvorson was a three-time NIC conference champion and a two-time NAIA All -American. He finished fourth at the 1973 NAIA National Championships and followed that up with a third-place finish at the national championships during his senior season in 1974. Halvorson capped his outstanding career with a total of 77 victories.



Mike Herzberg, meritorious. Herzberg led Winona State’s sports communications efforts from 1991 to 2010. During nearly two decades as WSU’s sports information director, Herzberg was a key part of the Warriors’ tremendous explosion of success, both at regional and national level. Herzberg has assisted and covered Warrior teams in over 40 different NAIA and NCAA playoff events. Professionally, Herzberg was a member of the Collegiate Sports Information Directors of America, he served on numerous committees both with Winona State and nationally, and he was the media coordinator for numerous post events. -season. At the end of his memorable career, Herzberg was named sports information director emeritus at Winona State University.

Joe Hutter, Football. For four seasons, Winona State Football’s offensive line was anchored by Hutter. Hutter and the offensive line blocked two running backs who were Harlon Hill nominees and a Harlon Hill nominee quarterback. Hutter was a key part of the protection that helped his quarterback finish second all-time in assists. The offensive line during Hutter’s career also helped produce five of the top 20 rushers in WSU history. In each of his four years, Hutter captured the NSIC Offensive Player of the Year award. Throughout his career from 1993 to 1997, Hutter never missed a game and earned All-Conference and All-America status on multiple occasions.

Shelly (Girtz) Robohm, Gymnastics. Robohm was a fixture on the Winona State Gymnastics roster during some of the most impressive seasons in WSU gymnastics history, from 1983 to 1987. In 1985, Robohm won the NCAA Regional Uneven Bars Championship. She then helped the Warriors win a national team championship in 1985 for the first time in WSU gymnastics history. Building on his personal success, Robohm achieved All-America status on bars in 1996 and was honored as an Academic All-American in 1996 and 1997. During his final season, Robohm and the Warriors returned to the glory with another national team championship in 1997.



Tom Sawyer, coach. Coach Sawyer is synonymous with Winona State Football. Over the course of 25 seasons, Sawyer led the Warriors to a record 197 victories. As a five-time Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Coach of the Year, Sawyer pushed the Warriors to heights never seen before. Winona State has made the NCAA Division II playoffs six times and made four appearances in the Mineral Water Bowl with Sawyer at the helm from 1996 to 2021. The Warriors have also been crowned NSIC champions 11 times under Sawyer’s leadership . Sawyer has recruited and developed exceptional football talent, including seven Harlon Hill Award candidates, 10 Academic All-Americans, more than 50 All-Americans and nearly 400 All-NSIC selections.

The Winona State Athletic Hall of Fame is established to pay tribute, grant deserved recognition and to enhance school tradition by honoring outstanding former student-athletes, coaches, teams and/or individuals providing meritorious service who have contributed significantly to the success of the University’s intercollegiate athletics program.

For the latest news on Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.