Colby launches new “Hornet Hall of Fame”

The Colby School District is proud to announce its inaugural class of the Hornet Hall of Fame. Three men have been selected as honored members of the school’s history who have contributed to the district and impacted its students, the communities and schools.

The 2022 Hornet Hall of Fame Class includes Mr. Richard “Dick” Gunderson, Mr. Albert “Al” Braun and Mr. Denis Woik. All three men had a huge impact on the education, athletic programs, and the communities of the Colby School District. These inductees will be honored at the Colby High School graduation ceremony, on Friday, May 27, 2022.

Each year, a hall of fame committee will select additional inductees which will announced at graduation. Community members, staff, families and alumni can nominate individuals and teams for consideration each year.

The committee will determine inductees for the following categories: staff and faculty members, athletes and students, teams, and contributing members of the community. Nomination forms will be available on the Colby School District website. Selections will be made each February and recognized at spring graduation.

Mr. Albert (Al) Braun served the Colby School District from 1973-1993. His dedication to the success of students, athletes, the school district and the community made him a well-respected and loved member of the Colby family.

Mr. Braun was a revered Social Studies teacher for 20 years at Colby High School. He also taught in Antigo and Brookfield and was a teacher for the Department of Defense Schools for 15 years in Labrador, England and Japan.

While serving in Colby, Mr. Braun advised various school clubs including National Honor Society, Chess Club, and Academic Decathlon. He was the voice of the Hornets for many years at Colby’s home football games.

He also had a great love for athletics where he served as a track and field coach and official for volleyball, track and field and cross country. His legacy lives on as the Colby track was named in his memory, “Al Braun Memorial Track.”

Mr. Richard (Dick) Gunderson was part of the Colby family for 27 years. Dick served as a physical education teacher, coach and official. Because of his faithful service to the Colby School District, the communities of Colby, Dorchester and Unity, the Colby High School Gym now bears his name, “Dick Gunderson Memorial Gymnasium.”

Denis Woik was a supporter of the Colby School District, especially Hornet athletes, for many years.

He was well-known for his booming laugh and infectious smile. Denis was heavily involved in supporting Colby athletes as a member of the Hornet Athletic Booster Club, helping raise funds for athletes and teams as well as served as an officer for many years.

He also presided as the coordinator of Hornet Booster Club’s Alumni Basketball tournament and led the booster club’s 5-8 grade boys and girls basketball programs for eight years. During Colby’s Friday Night Lights, it was Denis’s voice that was heard through the speakers, announcing football games for many, many years. Denis Woik is a remembered friend, sports and school supporter and voice of the Hornets.