St. Vincent will once again recognize excellence in athletics as the school will induct new members into its athletic Hall of Fame.
St. Vincent will be inducting three athletes, one volunteer, and one team to the class of 2022. The ceremony was delayed into 2023 for pandemic reasons.
The first inductee is Jerry Winkler class of 1957. Winkler was the quarterback of the 1955 undefeated team and the 1956 team to a record of 8-1.
His overall record at quarterback was 15-1-1. Jerry also lettered in varsity basketball for two years, and lettered four years in varsity baseball. He anchored the infield at shortstop and did some pitching. Jerry was not a big man, but was known as “The Straw that stirred the drink.”
His baseball teams won the Catholic Conference twice.
Alex Armbruster, Class of 2005, was a gifted athlete who excelled at any sport he participated in.
He was an outstanding pitcher, infielder for the baseball team, he was the ace of the staff his junior and senior years. Alex was also the quarterback and defensive back of the state champion football team in 2004.
Between he and teammate Danny Rellergert they set a state record for interceptions in the championship game. Where Alex stood out the most was in basketball. He played some varsity in his freshman year and played varsity the rest of his career. Beside the many accolades he received in conference and district, he was named to the first team All-State in class 1 basketball. Alex is the first male athlete named All-State in basketball.
Courtney Besand-Wren, class of 2009, much like Armbruster, was a gifted athlete who excelled at any sport she tried. She lettered all four years in every sport she participated in, volleyball, basketball, and soccer. Courtney accumulated many honors during her playing career. she was named to many all district and conference teams. Her biggest honors came in soccer, where she was named to three all state teams. As a sophomore she was named second team, and in her two remaining years was first team All-State. Courtney was named Missouri Player of the year her senior year.
Jim Lottes class of 1968, will be inducted as a volunteer. Jim did a lot of behind the scenes work for the alumni association and homecoming committee. Jim was a benefactor to many sports and gave much of his time and resources. He is like a lot of other volunteers who do not seek publicity, It is people like Jim and others that keep the SV spirit alive.
The team is the undefeated 1965 football team. This team was coached by legendary player and coach Ken Paulus. Because of some heavy rains days before their first game against rival Valle Catholic, the game was moved to the end of the season.
This set up the game of the year. Both clubs went through the season undefeated, SV at 7-0-1 and Valle at 8-0. On a cool Sunday afternoon at Perryville High School stadium over 3,000 witnessed the two heavyweights go at it. St. Vincent scored first, but missed on two PAT’s. Later Valle scored and made their PAT. with Valle leading in the fourth quarter 7-6, the Warriors tried a fake punt that was not successful and the Indians took over on downs. After a couple of good runs SV had the ball on the Valle nine yard line. After centering the ball on third down SV attempted a field goal. Mike Zoellner [who missed those 2 earlier PATS] split the uprights with 40 seconds left. The Indians held on and won the game. The made field goal was later dubbed “The Kick” but those in attendance. After the game the players carried Paulus off the field, and pastor Fr Maurice Sheehy declared a Monday a holiday from school.
The ceremony will be Saturday, Feb. 25 The day will start with an open house at St Vincent High School, the doors to the gym entrance will open at 3:30 p.m. to view the renovated gym entrance, the gym, library and hallways. For those who wish to attend the 4:30 p.m. mass, there will be a reserved area for those who want to sit together.
Following the mass, the group will then move to the Perryville Elks Lodge located on the Highway 51 bypass , close to the soccer fields. The doors to the Elks will open at 5:30 p.m., there will be a meet and greet hour. A cash bar will be available. At 6:30 p.m. the meal will be served followed by the induction ceremony.
The charge for the evening will be $25 /per person, payable at the door. To make reservations, call the Parish office and leave your name, number of guest in your party, and a call back number.
The phone number for the parish office is 573-547-4300. Any reservations should be made by Feb. 21.
