Longtime Park Rapids referee Jim Weinzierl elected into MSHSL Hall of Fame

(KDLM) – Longtime Park Rapids high school referee Jim Weinzierl has been elected into the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame.

Weinzierl served as a basketball official for 41 years, a run that included working more than 1,800 varsity games. In that span, he made 23 appearances in the League’s state tournaments and 10 championship games. He also officiated volleyball (27 years), football (10 years), and softball (26 years).

Weinzierl gives back to officiating by serving in many leadership roles. For the past 26 years, that includes serving as the League’s Northwest Minnesota Basketball Officials Coordinator and Rules Clinician, an observer of League officials, and a role on the State Tournament Selection Committee.

He also officiated basketball at the Division II and III levels for 20 years. He currently serves as the Region Executive Secretary for Region 8A, a role he has had for the past 13 years. Through his leadership, the Region 8A Academic, Arts, and Athletics recognition program has grown and flourished. His influence extends beyond the playing field of competition where he has created participation and excellence through the fine arts activities of Music, Speech, Debate, and One Act Play.

The League’s Hall of Fame opened its doors in 1991. The Class of 2022 is the 24th group to be inducted. With this class, there are now 244 members in the prestigious hall.

Weinzierl will be inducted into the MSHSL Hall of Fame with 11 other inductees on April 24, 2022. The other inductees are:

Joe Mauer, Cretin-Derham Hall – Three-sport standout who would go on to become a three-time American League batting champion during a sterling professional career with the Minnesota Twins.

Larry McKenzie – Minneapolis boys basketball coach who is the only coach to lead two different schools to consecutive state championships

Mindy Myhre, Mahtomedi – a multiple-time state champion gymnast that won an unprecedented and unmatched four consecutive all-around titles.

Ron Ackerman, Fridley – has served the League for more than 50 years in different capacities as a wrestling official, administrator and rules clinician..

Debbie Driscoll, Mahtomedi –  Mahtomedi High School gymnastics coach that built the program into a state dynasty.

John Fogarty, Cannon Falls – Fine Arts teacher and coach, who built the Speech and Debate programs from the grassroots level into a state-level success.

Brian Luke, Stillwater – girls and boys swimming coach who has led the Ponies to dozens of championships while leading nearly 200 All-Americans.

Larry Martin, Minnetonka – the voice of the League’s boys and girls swimming state meets for more than five decades.

Chris McDonald, Eagan – Speech and Debate coach who has led students to national prominence for three decades.

Dr. William Roberts, St. Paul – known internationally for his leadership and advocacy for the health, safety and well-being of students, and the longtime chair of the League’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

John Washington, Minneapolis – educator, coach, activities director, and district-wide administrator for the Minneapolis Public Schools.

Venue details and ticket information will be released by the League at a later date.