William C. Ackmann Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame 2015 class inducted

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MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin welcomed five new members into the William C. Ackmann Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame during a special ceremony on Friday night.

The William C. Ackmann Memorial Sports Hall of Fame, was established in 1995 to honor past student-athletes of Concordia University Wisconsin, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to CUW both on and off the field of competition. The Hall of Fame is located on the first floor of CUW's Sports & Fitness Center.

Ken Ellwein
1958

Ken Ellwein played on the Concordia-Milwaukee college basketball team while still in high school at the Milwaukee campus. An outstanding all-around athlete, his best sport was actually baseball, and although Concordia did not have a team, he played in the Milwaukee Industrial League as a student and eventually was signed by the Cleveland Indians to a professional contract. Ellwein played four seasons in the Indians' organization before an injury ended his athletic career.

Ellwein went on to a career as principal at Milwaukee Lutheran High School from 1978-1989 before becoming the Executive Director of Orange County California Lutheran High School from the fall of 1989 through 2008.

Wilbur Allen
2004-08

Wilbur Allen was an American Football Coaches Association All-American defensive lineman for the Falcons. He was a four-year starter and letter winner for the football team from 2004-07. Allen was an All-Illini-Badger Football Conference First Team performer in 2005, 2006 and 2007. In addition, he was named the IBFC Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2005 and 2007.

Allen was named the Wisconsin Private College Player of the Year in 2007 after leading the Falcons to the NCAA Division III Playoffs. He was named Concordia's Male Athlete of the Year in 2007-08 and CUW had a 31-11 record during his career. He graduated from CUW with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice.

"We were very fortunate to have Wilbur Allen play for the Falcons," said former head coach Jeff Gabrielsen. "During a time when we had a dominant defensive line, Wilbur Allen was the heart and soul of the group and one of the best defensive lineman to ever play for CUW. Wilbur Allen is a Hall of Famer on and off the field."

Trey Cox
1982-86

Trey Cox was a three-sport athlete for the Falcons from 1982-86. As a baseball player he is ranked among CUW's all-time pitchers in four statistical categories including strikeouts, innings pitched and saves for Val Keiper coached-teams.

As a basketball player Cox was a two-time team captain for head coach Wayne Rasmussen and earned Academic All-America honors after CUW finished with a 21-7 mark in 1984-85.

Cox was also a member of the CUW golf team and is credited with initiating a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Chapter on campus while still a student. Dr. Cox taught math at the high school and college level for 30 years after graduating.

Katherine Roessler
2006-10

Katie Roessler won more awards than any other volleyball player in CUW history. She was an American Volleyball Coaches Association Honorable Mention honoree her senior year (2009), the Northern Athletics Conference Player of the Year twice (2008, 2009) and NAC Rookie of the Year (2006). In addition, Roessler was a four-time All-NAC First Team selection as a middle hitter.

Roessler ranks among the best Northern Athletics Conference players to ever compete on the court and is top-10 in numerous statistical categories. She also was named to 11 all-tournament teams during her outstanding career.

"Besides being the best volleyball player I ever coached, Katie showed leadership as a team captain and has been a mentor to both her teammates and many younger athletes in this part of the state," former volleyball head coach Joe Cawley said. "She is a great example of the life skills that CUW hopes to instill in our students."

Brock Solveson
2006-10

Brock Solveson is arguably the best male student-athlete athlete to ever compete at CUW. He won back-to-back NCAA Division III titles (2009, 2010) in the javelin throw after finishing runner-up in 2008. Solveson was a five-time All-American and the U.S. Track & Field & Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Outdoor Field Scholar-Athlete of the Year (2010).

He was named the NCAA Division III Field Athlete of the Year in 2010, as well as the CUW Male Athlete of the Year. Solveson was twice named the Northern Athletics Conference Outdoor Field Athlete of the Meet (2009, 2010) and the NAC Outdoor Rookie of the Year (2007). He won a multitude of events during his career at the NAC Championships and holds three records in the javelin throw and decathlon. Solveson earned his Bachelor's Degree in Actuarial Science and a MBA in Finance from CUW.

"Brock had the ability to challenge himself in so many areas and come out on top," former track & field head coach Adam Walker said. "He is and was a self-motivated athlete. Brock graduated in four years with a bachelor's and master's degree, which says something about his dedication. Sometimes as a coach, you have to learn to just get out of the way and let the athlete soar. Brock was one of those athletes. He is by far the greatest athlete I have ever coached."