Candace Moats [2000 Inductee]
Candace Moats graduated from Crown in 1984 and played volleyball and basketball for the then Crusaders. From 1985-1995 Moats served as a coach and a member of the Physical Education Department. In 1990 she accepted the Director of Athletics positions which she held until 1995.
As a player, Moats led the women’s basketball team to four straight Northern Intercollegiate Christian Conference (NICC) championships, one NICC tournament championship, and three straight National Bible College Athletic Association championships. Moats was named all-conference all four years and named all-American for three years. Moats also led the volleyball team to two conference championships and two first-place tournament finishes. She was named all-conference in volleyball for three years.
When Moats began coaching in 1985 her teams continued to dominate. Under her leadership, the volleyball program earned four district championships and six national appearances. Her teams posted two national championships in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) and earned two runner-up finishes. Moats was voted Coach of the Year for her district five times. She earned Coach of the Year honors for the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics twice and was also awarded National Coach of the Year honors for the NCCAA twice.
When thinking of Crown, Moats remembers the people. “They were loyal to me. They believed in me. They saw my potential and helped me become who I am. They showed me opportunities and doors to walk through that helped me never step back but always go forward. They taught me how to dream.”
Bud Pierce [2000 Inductee]
Bud Pierce served at the College from 1963 until 1988 as the Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach. In addition to these duties Pierce also coached tennis, baseball, and cross-country and taught several courses during his time at Crown.
Pierce had a tremendous impact on the Athletic Department at the College. When Pierce took over the Athletic Director position in 1963, the only athletic teams in existence at the college were the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Over the course of his twenty-five years in office, Pierce began and administered tennis, football, soccer, cross-country, baseball, wrestling, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, and volleyball. Crown posted six National Championships during Pierce’s tenure and the athletic teams were consistently at the top of their district.
Pierce is also well-remembered for the time and effort he put into the men’s basketball program. His teams made an appearance at the National Tournament for the National Bible College Athletic Association four times and at the National Christian College Athletic Association national tournament one time where he recorded a runner-up finish. The best record Pierce posted while coaching was 27-9. His overall career record is 416-284 and makes him the third winningest for college coaches in Minnesota at the time of this writing.
Pierce received a bachelor’s degree from Bethel College in Physical education and his Master of Education from St. Thomas University. Pierce is the founder and past President of the National Bible College Athletic Association. In addition, Pierce founded the Northern Intercollegiate Christian Conference where he also served as President.
Pierce described his time at Crown as, “A great experience. The College had great students and faculty. Teams tried to have Christ as their only audience. There was a tremendous amount of support from the student body at our games.”
Dave Sundeen [2000 Inductee]
Dave Sundeen was a pioneer member of the men’s basketball program at Crown playing from 1957-1961. Sundeen played the point guard position for Crown, and he was the team’s Most Valuable Player in his junior and senior years of play. In his senior season, Sundeen averaged 22.5 points and had a season high, one-game performance of 37 points. In his four years of play, the team accumulated a 42-27 record. The team’s best season occurred in 1959 when they posted a 13-2 record.
Sundeen says of his athletic experiences at Crown, “They were the highlight of going to school. I truly enjoyed playing for Crown and my coach, Mr. Tewinkel, provided a home-away-from-home for all of us.”Sundeen graduated from Crown in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in Missions. He served in Brazil from 1963-1967. Sundeen has a wife, two children, and seven grandchildren.
Dick Abramson [2001 Inductee]
Dick Abramson was a member of the men’s basketball program at then Saint Paul Bible College (SPBC), playing from 1963-1965 and 1966-1968. Abramson played the point guard and shooting guard positions for SPBC. In his senior year of play, he was the team’s Most Valuable Player, as well as earning the Minnesota River Conference MVP Award and Best Defenseman. He also received several all-tournament awards during his time at the College. He was a team captain for the 1965, 1967, and 1968 teams and his career game high was 31 points.
When remembering his time at Crown, Abramson mentions several individuals who were very influential in his life. “God used four men in my life during my years at Crown to influence me for Himself,” said Abramson. “Stanton Richardson, practiced the presence of God and it was attractive to me. Dr. Donald Alexander demonstrated that being intelligent about your faith and being passionate about your faith are not mutually exclusive. Dr. Tewinkel was used by God to heal me and build by self-esteem with continuing benefits to this very day. And Bud Pierce treated me with respect and gave me a sense of value that was lacking for me at the time.”
Abramson graduated from the College in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in Missions.
Joe Tewinkel [2001 Inductee]
Joe Tewinkel served at Crown from 1955-1996. He served as Director of Athletics from 1957-1963. During that time, women’s basketball, wrestling, cross country, and baseball all began as varsity sports. In addition to his responsibilities as director, Tewinkel’s athletic involvement at Crown also included coaching women’s basketball for three years, and men’s basketball for eight. Tewinkel was an instrumental part of men’s basketball since its beginnings in 1956.
Tewinkel has also served the college in multiple ways as a professor of several disciplines including Bible, English, and music. He has been dean of men, college vice president and even served as interim president from 1980-1981. In addition to his responsibilities at Crown, Tewinkel was heavily involved in various other pursuits including serving as a church music minister, composing four musical dramas, and authoring Crusaders, a history of Crown College (St. Paul Bible College). Tewinkel not only taught the value of education but lived it as well. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Whitworth College, and went on to for further education at Crown, Bethel Seminary, Luther Seminary, and the University of Minnesota – most while he was employed full time at Crown. Tewinkel retired from the college in 1996 after 41 years of service. In 2000 a brand new men’s dormitory was named in his honor.
Joe and his wife Rae Ann reside in Waconia and have 3 children, 4 grandchildren.
Donna Voth [2001 Inductee]
Donna Vothplayed basketball for the then Crusaders, graduating from the College in 1975. From 1973-1979, Voth served as a coach and a member of the Physical Education Department faculty.
As a player, Voth earned Most Valuable Player honors and led the team in scoring for several seasons. Her leadership in the Physical Education Department helped establish a P. E. program for Elementary Education Majors. Voth also helped begin the Varsity Women’s Softball Team during her time at Saint Paul Bible College.
Voth earned a bachelor’s degree in Missions from Saint Paul Bible College and went on to earn a M.S. in Physical Education from the University of Minnesota. After receiving her master’s degree, Voth worked at the Quito Academy in Ecuador as a teacher and coach for eight years. After returning to the States, she continued coaching at Simpson College in Redding, California.
Voth states, “St. Paul Bible College was the first place I learned to invest my athletic abilities for God, and that lesson has shaped every team I’ve worked with since.” stated Voth. “The biblical training skills and knowledge I received has continued to shape my life.”
Randy Junker [2002 Inductee]
Randy Junker attended the College from 1975 until 1978 during which time he was a member of the basketball and baseball teams. Junker received many accolades as a college athlete.
He was elected to the All Conference Basketball Team for the Minnesota River Athletic Conference for three years running. In addition, Junker received numerous All-Tournament, Most Valuable Player, and Defensive Player of the Year Awards during his collegiate career. His career scoring high in college was 33 points. He was also well recognized for his play on the baseball diamond.
Junker received All Conference Honorable Mention honors for his pitching. He once pitched every inning of a double-header with a total of over 250 pitches thrown in a day. Junker credits Bud Pierce, Joe Tewinkel, and John Eagen for having the most influence on his life during his time at the college. Tewinkel served as academic advisor and friend while Pierce's praise performance philosophy of athletics helped to shape Junker's life through the avenue of basketball. He credits Eagen with helping him develop spiritually during his years at St.Paul Bible College.
Junker received a bachelor's degree in History. He is currently serving as Senior Pastor of the Grand Rapids Alliance Church in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
Jim Stumbo [2002 Inductee]
Jim Stumbo attended the College from 1970 until 1974 and was a member of the basketball team during those years. Since then, Stumbo has served the College on the Board of Trustees and most recently as Vice Chairman.
Stumbo made the All Conference Team for basketball two years. He received several All-Tournament awards and hit 19 of 20 free throw attempts in one game. In addition to his athletic awards, Stumbo was honored for his hard work in the classroom, graduating with honors in Bible and Theology.
He credits several people for having a strong influence on shaping his life. His father was an example of genuine Christianity. “He loved God and people, and sought Christ likeness in his personal life,” stated Stumbo. His mother’s consistency and hard work in serving the Lord also had a strong influence on his life. Stumbo credits his wife Ronda, “who has been an awesome mother of our four children.”
At Crown, Stumbo was most influenced by Joe Tewinkel, Stan Larsen, James Mason and Stanton Richardson. He gives special praise to Tewinkel, saying, “he made Old Testament History come alive and truly valued the students.”
Stumbo received a Bachelor’s Degree in Bible and Theology. He has been a pastor in the Rocky Mountain District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance for 28 years, 12 years in Helena, Montana, and 16 years in Wyoming. He is founder of High Country Adventures, a backpacking ministry to teens, which has taken over 1,000 young people on trips over the last 18 years. Stumbo served on the Board of Yellowstone Alliance Adventures and was a District Executive Committee member for the Rocky Mountain District.
Ruth Claassen [2007 Inductee]
Ruth Claassen grew up in the Congo and also in Minnesota. She received her BA in History from Crown College and then went on to get her MBA in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix. Right now she works for Compassion International in Colorado Springs, CO as a senior IT Release Manager. She thoroughly enjoyed her years at Crown and feels the highlight was being a part of the team to start a new church designed to create great environments where the un-churched would feel comfortable and be lead into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Claire Fredstrom [2007 Inductee]
Claire Fredstrom attended St. Paul Bible College for two years from 1957 – 1959. He married his high school sweetheart, Marianne and they have been married for 47 years. They have three grown children, Tim, Kathy & Roger. They also have 6 wonderful grandchildren ranging in ages 2-12. Claire feels that having three adult children who love God, are great parents, and are respected, productive people is, by far the greatest highlight in life. But by saying that, Claire and Marianne realized totally that unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain.
When Claire reflects back to his days at SPBC he feels it was a wonderful time when his life was being shaped and his time playing basketball was a part of that. Living in the residence hall where Dean of Men, Joe Tewinkel, and his family lived and interacting with a group of guys from all over the world was a great experience. 50 years later he is still enjoying some of those friendships. Other growing experiences for him included participating in the family style dining opportunities that were a part of the Dining Hall routine and the Friday night Prayer Band groups as well as the daily chapels. Besides these informal, educational experiences many of the classes taught by godly men and women had a significant lasting impact on his life. Claire feels that his two years at SPBC were good years in every way.
Joel Harmon [2007 Inductee]
Joel Harmon grew up in Omaha, NE and received his BS in Physical Education from Crown. It was at Crown that he met his wife, Amy, and they were married in the chapel on June 15, 1996. They now have two children, Nathan and Sophie. Joel has been the football coach at Cal State-Northridge since 1998 and is a teacher at LA Baptist High School. He also coached football at Midland Lutheran College for three years and was the defensive coordinator at Abilla University in 2003.
He is now the owner of his own Fitness Together gym which he bought in January, 2004. That decision set the stage for many other business opportunities that have come along. Joel feels that that decision is a perfect example of what God did for him because of his obedience in attending Crown. Joel chose to play football while here and feels it was an excellent time in trusting God with his future. His leadership skills were developed and he learned what it meant to build something. His experience at Crown was enhanced by the relationships that he developed and to this day still enjoys. Coach Ball worked with him during a character building time in his life and Joel feels he would not be who he is today if it wasn’t for Crown and the experiences he had while here.
Bob Morton [2007 Inductee]
Bob Morton grew up in Lincoln, NE and came to Crown after spending two years at Nebraska University. He received his Bachelors and also met his wife Joanie Crawford at Crown. Bob and Joanie have been married for 35 years and have three grown children, Andy, Amber & Angie and have 5 beautiful grandchildren. Bob has served as a Youth Pastor at Open Door Alliance Church in Robbinsdale and was also Senior Pastor at churches in Sauk Rapids, MN, Omaha, NE, Nowthen, MN and is currently the Senior Pastor at Alliance Church of the Valley in St. Croix Falls.
Bob feels that his time at Crown provided him with the leadership development opportunities to affirm his spiritual gifts and expand his confidence, but also provided a wonderful group of guys to learn from and fellowship with as well as serve as a platform to challenge him to practice self control and learn to depend on the Holy Spirit to show evidence of Christ in his life. He says that his experience at Crown was 100% positive and will always be treasured as he received his call to full-time ministry while attending Crown. The decisions made here at Crown College have shaped his life’s direction and brought so much good to his life.
Darrell Benhardus [2008 Inductee]
Darrell Benhardus attended St. Paul Bible College from 1969-1973. He graduated with a degree in history and went on to receive a master of divinity from Bethel Seminary. Darrell has pastored at three different churches and has been the senior pastor at North Haven Church in St. Paul since 1994.
Benhardus is the first cross-country runner to be inducted into the Crown College Hall of Fame. The Storm athletics partial historical records show that in the early 1970’s Benhardus was the medalist (top runner) in every meet in which he ran even against MIAC opponents Bethel and Augsburg.
Darrell states, “I valued my relationship with coach Bud Pierce. He believed in my abilities and me. He handled my training in a way that didn't burn me out on running but enabled me to retain my love for it so that I am still running 36 years later. I also valued the opportunity to represent Crown in Cross Country meets. By doing well in the races I was able to increase respect for Crown. When running against MIAC schools like Bethel and Augsburg, they didn't expect Crown to have a runner who could beat their best.”
Darrell resides in Oakdale, Minnesota with his wife Jeannie a 1974 Crown graduate. They have two grown daughters Kelly and Katy and one grandchild Chloe who is 1 ½ years old.
Corey Jensen [2008 Inductee]
Corey Jensen, a 1996 Crown College graduate, majored in physical education and is the second football player inducted into the Crown College Hall of Fame. Jensen spent four years as a player garnering a number of honors. He was a three time UMAC all conference award winner; received team Defensive Back honors twice; played on both sides of the ball; and amassed 5 school records, two of which remain today. Upon graduating, Corey became an assistant coach and is currently in his 12th season as a member of the Storm coaching staff.
Corey resides in Waconia, Minnesota with his wife Katie. He is a physical education teacher at Chaska High School and has received a master of arts in sports administration from Minnesota State University Mankato.
Reflecting on his extended time at Crown, Corey comments, “It was special to me to be involved as a coach in Crown’s first winning football season. Crown gave me an opportunity to develop relationships with people that had similar faith, values, passions, and interests. These relationships have developed into life-long friendships.”
