Congratulations to the William C. Ackmann Memorial Hall of Fame class of 2023! The most recent members were inducted during a formal ceremony January 27, 2024 during the weekend of the annual Concordia Invitational Tournament hosted at CUW this year.
The William C. Ackmann Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame was founded in 1995 to honor the most celebrated athletes of Concordia University Wisconsin. It is named after beloved and legendary Coach William C. Ackmann.
After graduating from the St. Louis Seminary and serving in parish ministry, Coach Ackmann began his tenure at Concordia in 1928. He was both a visionary and a leader, coaching basketball and serving as CUW’s Athletic Director.
His many accomplishments were known far and wide. In the 1950s, he was featured on the cover of Life magazine for his innovative use of the trampoline in physical fitness. Coach Ackmann was also instrumental in the construction of the state-of-the-art Ackmann Pool, which was added to the Barth Gymnasium on the original Concordia University campus.
Visitors are welcomed to view the Hall of Fame, which is located on the first floor of Concordia’s Sports & Fitness Center.
Samantha (Bloxdorf) Stark (’09) | Track and Field
Samantha dominated the women’s side of the Northern Athletic Conference track and field, becoming one of the most decorated CUW athletes ever.
During her illustrious career from 2007 to 2009, Samantha amassed an outstanding collection of 29 medals in the NAC Championships, comprised of six first-place, 13 second-place, and seven third-place finishes. She also scored points in 39 championship events over three NAC indoor and outdoor championship meets, while setting five school records in throws, relays, and multi-events.
A true standout, Samantha’s dominance manifested most notably in the triple jump, where she claimed an impressive six consecutive NAC Championship titles, remaining undefeated from 2007 to 2009.
She culminated her remarkable run by sweeping the NAC Field Athlete of the Meet accolade in the 2009 indoor and outdoor seasons. Her stellar 2009 performance earned her the prestigious CUW’s Female Athlete of the Year title.
Her contributions extended beyond individual accolades, helping the Falcons claim six straight NAC titles from 2007 to 2009.
Upon graduating with a master’s degree in athletic training, Samantha continued her dedication to the sport and CUW track and field program as she seamlessly transitioned into a role as an assistant coach for CUW, leaving her impact on the program from 2010 to 2021.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Samantha has embraced the roles of spouse and parent.
Sean Ambrocio (’15) | Wrestling
Sean was one of the best athletes ever to hit the mats for the Concordia University Wisconsin wrestling program. With a remarkable career boasting 102 career wins, Sean solidified his legacy as one of the “winningest” wrestlers in program history.
Throughout his tenure, Sean’s prowess was nothing short of dominant. A four-time individual champion in the Northern Wrestling Association, he astoundingly clinched the NWA Wrestler of the Year award in just his freshman season (2011-12). Outside conference action, he was a three-time NCAA Division III National Tournament qualifier.
The pinnacle of his career came during the 2013-14, when he ascended into NCAA All-American status, taking eighth in the NCAA National Tournament in the 125-pound weight division.
Sean’s commitment to excellence extended beyond the mat, earning National Wrestling Association Scholar All-American honors in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. Post-graduation, he chose to remain near the Milwaukee area, where he has continued to work as an occupational therapist.
Jeff “Tex” Hynes (’92) | Football
Jeff “Tex” Hynes played a pivotal role in the storied 1990 Hall of Fame-inducted Concordia University Wisconsin football team and their undefeated conference run. His contributions as an offensive lineman earned him a well-deserved First-Team All-Conference honor in 1990.
Before the 1991 season, Jeff was named a pre-season All-American. Far from faltering under pressure, he maintained his excellence on the field, securing First-Team All-Conference accolades for the Offensive Line. His unwavering leadership, coupled with his exceptional protection skills, led to his deserved recognition as the Illini-Badger Conference Offensive Linesman of the Year in 1991.
Throughout Jeff’s tenure, the Falcons soared to success, claiming the Illini-Bader conference title three times and amassing an impressive 20-2 record in conference play from 1988 to 1991.
Post-playing career, Jeff seamlessly transitioned into coaching, dedicating a year to the Falcons before assuming roles as a member and eventually the head coach of Lakeland’s coaching staff before taking the head coaching role of Concordia University Chicago in 2003.
Jeff would expand his horizons into administration and currently holds the esteemed positions of Senior Vice President for University Advancement and Concordia University Chicago Foundation President. For two decades, he has tirelessly served the university and remains dedicated to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Jason Toth (’97) | Basketball
Jason Toth was one of the best Falcons in Concordia University Wisconsin men’s basketball history.
Throughout his four-year career, Jason scored 1,308 points, ranking third all-time in CUW men’s basketball history for the pre-NCAA era and a commendable fifth overall.
The forward’s impact extended beyond scoring, as Jason also snagged 509 career rebounds, which is seventh all-time for the pre-NCAA era. His achievement of amassing 1,000+ points and 500+ rebounds cements his status as one of only four players in CUW men’s basketball history to boast such an accomplishment during the pre-NCAA era.
Jason also holds the pre-NCAA record for field goals made in a career with 517. His mark also sits third all-time in program history for field goals made.
During the 1993-94 campaign, he shot a scorching 47.6 percent from beyond the arc, a record that still stands today for three-point percentage in a single season.
In 1996, Jason won the Concordia Invitational Tournament and the Lake Michigan Conference Most Valuable Player award. Beyond the basketball court, Jason’s dedication to education manifested in his post-graduation career as a school counselor, reflecting a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the game.
2004 Baseball Team
The 2004 Concordia University Wisconsin baseball team etched their name into program history as the inaugural team to qualify for the NCAA Division III National Tournament after going a perfect 4-0 in the Lake Michigan Tournament.
The Falcons’ trajectory toward glory gained momentum in the latter half of the season, winning seven of their nine last games, culminating a regular season record of 16-16 with an impressive 10-4 record at home heading into the Lake Michigan Conference Tournament.
In the opening round of the conference tournament, CUW defeated Wisconsin Lutheran College 11-5. The ensuing round saw the Falcons come away with a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Muskies of Lakeland, a team that had bested the best of the Falcons in the regular season.
The Falcons continued their relentless pursuit of victory, narrowly overcoming the Edgewood College Eagles with a 5-4 victory, placing them on the precipice of conference glory. The stage was set for a rematch against Lakeland. The Falcons secured a decisive 3-0 shutout against the Muskies, clinching an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III National Tournament for the first time in CUW baseball history. The resounding triumph resonated not only as a testament to individual skill but also as a collective achievement, marking a historic milestone for the program.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. Being a Concordia Falcon isn’t just about out-scoring competitors in the athletic arena. It’s about developing as an individual, both in and out of the game. Dedicated coaches and staff put in the time to see that you walk away from your Concordia experience as a better athlete, a stronger Christian, and a champion of character.