Four named to Athletic Hall of Honors

Adam Neiffer ’06

Adam Neiffer’s toughness was the stuff of legend, demonstrating an unsurpassed level of grit and determination. His impact is etched in the record books and in the hearts of his teammates and coaches. His optimism was infectious — Coach Ed DeGeorge described him as the most positive player he ever coached.

• Sport: Football
• Hometown: Ione, Oregon
• Major: Education & Youth Studies, Physics
• Current position: Owner & Head Coach, CrossFit Fort Vancouver, Washington
• Recognitions:
  • Defensive Rookie and Player of the Year (2x)
  • Season records for tackles (139) and assisted tackles (77)
  • Multiple All-Conference and All-West Region selections
  • Carl Nelson Award in 2005

Chris Molnar ’00

A true free spirit with unparalleled football instinct, Chris Molnar possessed a gift that couldn’t be coached. He had an innate sense of the game that consistently placed him in the right place at the right time, anticipating the flow of the play and the trajectory of the ball. His unique athletic skills left spectators, teammates, and coaches in awe.

• Sports: Football, Track & Field, Men’s Soccer
• Hometown: New Berlin, Wisconsin
• Major: Economics and Management / Elementary Teacher Certification
• Current Position: Whitnall Public School District, 7th grade math teacher, Greenfield, Wisconsin
• Recognitions:
  • Football Rookie of the Year in 1997 and MVP in 2000
  • Multiple All-Conference honors
  • Janssen Award in 1999

Julie Wilke ’02

An exemplary student-athlete, Julie Wilke excelled across three different sports, while demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence and embodying the highest principles of teamwork and character. Her exceptional talent, unwavering work ethic, and joyful spirit are as much a part of her legacy as her points scored and records broken.

• Sports: Track & Field, Women’s Basketball, Women’s Soccer
• Hometown: Durand, Illinois
• Major: Economics & Management, Sociology
• Current position: Varsity Assistant Girls Basketball Coach & Assistant Track & Field Coach, Sociology & Personal Finance Teacher, Westlake High School, Austin, Texas
• Recognitions: 
  • Women’s basketball sixth all-time leading scorer
  • Multiple All-Conference honors in basketball and track & field
  • Member of two school record-breaking relay teams: indoor 4x200-meter relay and outdoor 4x100-meter relay

Tim Schmiechen

According to former Athletic Director Ed DeGeorge, Tim Schmiechen was one of the best hires in college athletics history. He instilled the values of integrity and perseverance in all his players. He coached 14 All-Region players and 44 first-team All-Conference players, including Mike Flanagan who was MWC Athlete of the Year in 2002.

• Sport: Soccer
• Hometown: Elmhurst, Illinois
• Major: Physical Education (Ohio Wesleyan University)
• Current position: Senior Director of Major Gifts, Beloit College
• Recognitions:
  • Winningest men’s soccer coach in Midwest Conference (MWC) history
  • Led his team to a MWC Championship in 2006
  • Three MWC Coach of the Year awards (1998, 1999, 2006)