University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Debra Christensen

Debra Christensen, a 1986 UW-RF graduate, found a home in the Karges Center pool right out of high school and made an immediate impact for the Falcons diving and swimming team. She earned four letters during her athletic career in addition to numerous individual honors in her area of expertise-diving. Success for Christensen began her freshman year when she placed eighth in the WWIAC and 10th at the AIAW National Championship meet, earning All-American honors in the one-meter event. Success continued for the Oak Park, Ill., native as she once again earned All-American honors her sophomore year after an eighth place finish at the NCAA National Championship meet in the one meter event. Similar success followed Christensen her junior year, but in her final year of competition she really made a name for herself. The senior captain won conference championships in both the one-meter and three-meter events and at the same time set pool records at UW-Eau Claire. She placed third at the NCAA championships in the one-meter event and 14th on the higher board. Christensen, who was named the UW-RF's MVP, represented River Falls in an international competition in Winnipeg, Canada.

Terry Keller
Terry Keller, a 1984 graduate of UW-River Falls, was a top wrestler for the Falcons. He was a three time WSUC champion, winning the 158-pound weight class title in 1982 and 1984 and the 150-pound weight class in 1983. Keller was also a three time all-American while at UW-RF. He finished second at the NAIA National Tournament in 1982 and 1984. Keller also finished fourth at the NCAA Division III wrestling meet in 1984.

Julia O'Reilly
Julia O'Reilly is a 1984 graduate of UW-River Falls and was a member of the women's swim team from 1980-1984. She was a four year letter winner and broke numerous records. In the 1980-81 season she captured six individual records in the 100 IM, 200 IM, 400 IM, 50 backstroke, 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke along with four relay team records. She was also named the team's Most Valuable Swimmer. During the 1981-82 season she was named the team's captain and re-established six individual records. She earned a spot on the all-conference team and qualified and participated in the NCAA national championships in four events. She was also named to the all-American team and was again named the team's Most Valuable Swimmer. Her junior and senior years were repeat performances of her sophomore season. She set six individual records, was named all-conference and qualified and participated in the NCAA championships in four events. She was also named Most Valuable both years and earned the Scholar/Athlete Award in the 1982-83 season.

Matthew Renn
Matthew Renn, a 1985 graduate of UW-River Falls, was a standout offensive lineman for the Falcons football team and earned several awards during his playing career. He also had a stellar wrestling career at UW-RF. In football, Renn was named to the all-WSUC first team in 1983 and 1984. A tenacious blocker, Renn was a team captain in 1984. That same year, he was chosen as the Falcons most valuable offensive player and won the Best Blocker award. Other honors Renn received while at UW-RF include NAIA Honorable Mention all-American, first team NAIA District 14, and NCAA Division III Pizza Hut all-American. He was a part of the Falcons 1984 conference championship team. As a wrestler, Renn was a WSUC champion and a national champion at the NCAA Division III Tournament in 1985 in the heavyweight class. He finished second at the NAIA National Wrestling Tournament that year. He also went to nationals in 1982 and 1983. Renn is the only UW-RF wrestler to ever score points in the Div. I tournament, accomplishing the feat in 1985. Renn's record his senior season was 28-2-1. He was an NAIA all-American and an NCAA Division III all-American in 1985. Following his football and wrestling career with the Falcons, Renn tried out with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent in 1985. He joined the Falcons coaching staff later that year, serving as the team's assistant offensive line coach. The Falcons won the conference that season.

Roland Hall
Roland Hall is a 1989 graduate of UW-River Falls and was a vital part of the Falcons defense from 1979-1982. He earned four letters and made the all-conference team his senior year. He made the second team his junior year and was the team's Most Valuable Player his junior and senior years. In 1981 and 1982 he was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year. He was also named to the NAIA District 14 first team in 1982 as well as earning a spot on the Kodak All-American team. He was also named the WSUC Player of the Year after his senior year. Hall traveled back to his high school alma mater, Cameron, and was the head football coach in 1987 and 1988 and was the junior high basketball coach in 1987. In 1989 and 1990 he was a physical education/health teacher and was the head football coach and head girls softball coach at Wautoma High School.

Bill Sperling
Bill Sperling, an employee of the University from 1967-1992, held various positions on campus during his tenure. Sperling was UW-RF's first ever Alumni Director. He followed that position by working in Admissions and finished as an assistant to the Chancellor. Sperling continues his work today as the Public Address announcer for Falcons football games and is in the middle of his 29th season. But football was not his only sport of choice. Sperling worked men's and women's basketball for 25 years, hockey for 10 years and also did public address for track when it was needed. Sperling got his start in athletics as a coach at Webster High School in northern Wisconsin. He was the coach for all varsity sports from 1947-1951. Sperling has also held positions with the Milwaukee Braves, Look Magazine and Reader's Digest.

Scott Sundgren
Scott Sundgren, a 1984 UW-RF graduate, was a four-year letter winner with the Falcons baseball team. Sundgren made his presence felt from his first year on the diamond, when he was named honorable mention all-WSUC. His excellence continued throughout his career as he earned all- conference honors his final three years. Sundgren was named co-captain his senior year and he led the Falcons to the WSUC crown in 1984. The Falcons season rolled-on as they won the NAIA District 14 title, and finished third in the NAIA Area 4 championship series. The individual honors continued for Sundgren, being named to the all-District, all-Area and all-American teams. Sundgren rode his collegiate success to the pros, where he played with the Montreal Expos in 1985 and 1986.