The University of Minnesota’s M Club Hall of Fame received 13 new members earlier this month. The M Club Hall of Fame is one of the oldest and largest clubs for athletes who earn a varsity letter in a University of Minnesota sport.
The M Club oversees the University’s athletics department Hall of Fame, as the school’s varsity sport alumni club. With an athletic history of more than a century, many University student-athletes, coaches and administrators have been inducted, dating back all the way to the 1880s.
The M Club welcomed its newest members on Sept. 16 in Club Cambria at Huntington Bank Stadium during an in-person ceremony.
Brandon Eggum (Wrestling, 1997-00) — Eggum was a two-time Big Ten champion, a three-time All-American and the 1999 NCAA runner-up at 184 lbs. Eggum is entering his sixth season as the Gophers men’s wrestling head coach but has been involved with the program for 22 years.
Veronica (Martin) Eriksson (Track and Field, 1991-94) — Eriksson was a 1993 Big Ten champion, three-time NCAA All-American and 1993 NCAA indoor pole vault champion. She represented Sweden in the 2000 Olympic Games.
Paula Gentil (Volleyball, 2002-05) — Gentil was selected for the All-Big Ten selection four times, was a three-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, competed in two NCAA Final Fours and was on the 2004 NCAA Final Four All-Tournament team. She was the first three-time All-American in school history and concluded her career as the NCAA record holder in digs with 2,971.
Dave Haberle (Golf, 1968-71) — Haberle was part of the 1971 All-Big Ten, was a 1971 Big-Ten champion and a 1970 and 1971 All-American. He was also inducted into the Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame, was the 1970 Minnesota State Golfer of the Year and was state open champion.
Jeff Hackler (Swimming, 2000-03) — Hackler was an 11-time Big Ten champion and part of the 2001 and 2002 Big Ten championship teams. He was also a 16-time All-American (third most in school history) and an eight-time First Team All-American.
Ron Johnson (Football, 1998-01) — Johnson was part of the All-Big Ten First Team in 2000 and led the Gophers in receptions and receiving yards for three seasons. He set program records in career receiving yards, receptions and receiving touchdowns.
Dana (Larson) Birk (Soccer, 1996-99) — Birk was part of the 1997 All-Big Ten First team, was the starting goalie for 1997 Big Ten Championship team and was part of four NCAA Tournament teams.
John Pohl (Men’s Hockey, 1998-02) — Phol was part of the 2002 All-American First Team and was captain for the 2002 NCAA title team. He was also one of nine players in school history with 200 career points, was a two-time team captain and was part of the 2002 All-WCHA first team.
Terry Silkaitis (Swimming, 2002-05) — Silkaitis was a 10-time Big Ten Champion with five individual titles, a 23-time All-American, the 2003 Big Ten Swimmer of the Year and was the most decorated swimmer in school history.
Jillian Tyler (Swimming, 2008-11) — Tyler was a four-time Big Ten champion in 100 breaststroke, an NCAA champion in 100 breaststroke, a seven-time NCAA individual finalist and received 13 All-America awards.
Clyde Turner (Basketball, 1971-73) — Turner was part of the 1972 All-Big Ten First Team, the 1973 All-Big Ten second team and the 1972 Big-Ten Championship team. He averaged a team best of 18.6 and 18.1 points per game in two seasons. Turner died on Aug. 9 and was inducted posthumously.
Jenny (Shaughnessy) Ferris (Swimming, 2006-09) — Ferris was an eight-time Big Ten champion, a member of the 2008 Big Ten championship team, the 2009 Big-Ten Swimmer of the Championships, a 12-time All-American and held six records upon graduation.
Nora Sauska (Tennis, 2006-09) — Sauska was the only athlete in University history to be a four-time All-Big Ten First Team singles player. Sauska also led Minnesota to three NCAA Regional berths, the longest streak in school history, and attained a 24-11 singles record as a junior with an 8-2 mark in Big Ten play.