The mission of the Harding H Club is to fund raise to assist Harding Student Athletics so they have the resources that enable them to compete at a high level.  Through year round donations and annual events we hope to continue the tradition that was established in 1974.

The Annual Harding Alumni Golf Tournament is a great day to reconnect with fellow alumni and friends that helps support Harding Athletics.  Here are the results from the 2021 tournament:  

1st Place - Bob Schieben, Billy Baumgartner and Bobby Maruska (-16)

 Longest Putt - Mark Head

 Longest Drive - Charlie Rambo

Thank you to all that attended, the volunteers and the committee.  Pictures coming soon and we will see you next year.

The tournament originated in 1974 in an effort to provide additional financial support for Harding Athletics, which continues to  this day.  As we strive to equip our athletes and coaches with the resources to compete at a high level your continued support is important to their success. 

The Harding H Club is proud to congratulate the Hall of Stars Class of 2020.

Randy McGrew (1988), Sarah Carlson Jarocki (1996) and Brock Schwanke (2008).

Due to the current Covid 19 restrictions there was no induction ceremony possible but as soon as restrictions loosen and it's safe to do so the Class of 2020 will have it's moment.  

To nominate someone or a team please see the information below. 

If you've ever wondered why this person, coach or that team isn't in the Hall of Stars it's because they need to be nominated.  Please take the time to nominate someone by simply sending a letter or email describing the accomplishments of the person, coach or team while at Harding and their post Harding activities by August 9th of each eligible year.   Letters can be emailed to andre.creighton@stpaul.k12.mn.us  or by mail Harding High School Attn: Otto Kraus 1540 6th Street East  St Paul, MN 55106.  

How about on the field in the back of the end zone during the homecoming football game like the Class of 2003 did.  Start your night at the game and then go to a local bar for cocktails etc.   If you need more information please reach out to the H Club at andre.creighton@stpaul.k12.mn.us.

More photos are available on the photo page

Wrestling

From 2009 through 2012, Harding enjoyed a great deal of success in wrestling.  The cornerstone of their success was Dustin Ellsworth.  He competed all four years and made all-conference every year and qualified for the state each of those years.  He began his career at 130 lbs. and moved up one weight class each year.  He finished fourth in 2010, fifth in 2011 and, as a senior, finished fourth in the state at 145 lbs.

Softball

One of the finest softball pitchers ever in St. Paul happened to play for Harding.  Mary Lee Hanson had a career record of 54-3.  Under the tutelage of Coach Ken Mauer, his teams finished undefeated in the conference in 1979 and 1980.  They finished runner-up in the state in 1980 to an undefeated Austin team, losing 1-0

Namesake: Oliver James "Ollie" Bakken, a 1971 graduate of Harding, was a three-sport standout in football (fullback and linebacker), hockey (goaltender) and baseball (catcher). He remains the school's only All-America selection in football.

"We were undefeated [in the conference] in 1969 because of Ollie," former Knights football coach Tim Kiemel said. "When he put on a helmet he was a different type of person. He always wanted to run over people."

Bakken played linebacker for the Gophers and served as a team captain in 1974. The Vikings drafted him in the 15th round in 1975. But his future in pro football took him to Canada, where he played with Calgary and British Columbia from 1975-80.

He died in January 1985 from a brain tumor. He was 31. Bakken Field, now converted to artificial turf is home for the Knights football and soccer teams.

"He's a great example to our kids that you should do the right things all the time," Kiemel said.

Dick Anderson

Dick came to Harding in 1965 after beginning his  teaching and coaching career at Wilson High School. He was the head hockey coach and was an assistant coach in both football and baseball.  His hockey teams won four conference championships and also participated in four state tournaments. 

He was very active in various coaching organizations and served as President of the Minnesota State Hockey Coaches Association. He also helped to form the Harding Area Hockey Association.  He was at Harding until 1980 and was inducted into the Harding Hall of Stars in 1998.  

President - Tom Mauer,  Secretary - Andre Creighton, Treasurer - Brock Schwanke. 

At Large Members - Otto Kraus, Jerry Utecht, Tracy Hrouda, Shawn Shanley, Maureen Rueber and Daniel Voss

Not Pictured - Andre Creighton, Brock Schwanke, Maureen Rueber and Daniel Voss

If you'd like to join the committee or have any questions please send an email to andre.creighton@stpaul.k12.mn.us

This event was held Tuesday May 2, 2017 at Mancini's Char House and featured a Harding Legendary Coaches Roundtable featuring Jim Davis, Tim Kiemel and Ken Mauer.  A great night of food, story telling, reconnecting with old friends and amazing coaching insights.    Check out the pictures on the photo page.   We hope to have another iteration of this event soon.  Keep checking here for upcoming information.