A large crowd gathered at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks on October 3 for the Alaska Nanooks Department of Athletics’ 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The event recognized ten new inductees whose contributions have shaped the history of Nanooks athletics. Alumni, families, supporters, and current student-athletes attended to honor achievements spanning several decades.
The ceremony began with the induction of the 2011 women’s cross country team. This group was the first University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) team to qualify for the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships, finishing fourth at both the GNAC Championships and NCAA West Regionals before placing 17th nationally. Theresia Schnurr and Crystal Pitney led the team as All-Region standouts.
Margot Lucchesi (Adams), who swam for Alaska from 2011 to 2015, was recognized for her record of 13 All-American honors and two NCAA national runner-up finishes. She was a four-time conference champion in the 100-yard butterfly and named Alaska’s Most Outstanding Female Athlete in 2015.
Peter Alden, a Fairbanks native, made history as the first Nanook to qualify for the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships, earning All-American honors. He also competed in Nordic skiing from 1987 to 1991.
Sam Harthun, who played volleyball from 2012 to 2015, set a program record with 1,513 career kills. Harthun was named GNAC Freshman of the Year in 2012 and earned three First Team All-Conference selections.
Bente Heller became Alaska’s first individual national champion in swimming with her win in the 100 backstroke at the NCAA meet in 2013. She collected 14 All-American honors during her time at UAF.
Don Jamieson anchored Alaska’s hockey defense from 1981 to 1985 after switching from forward. He finished his career with 60 points and is remembered through an annual award named after him.
Victoria Jones (Adams) contributed to Nanooks swimming between 2013 and 2017 with six All-American honors and three conference championships. She set multiple school records and achieved more than fifty individual and relay victories.
Russ Knapp played hockey from 1966 to 1969 and is recognized for his contributions on and off the ice, including preserving historic jerseys for display at Carlson Center.
Darryl Lewis, Sr., led Nanooks basketball from 1985 to 1987 as a captain while averaging fifteen points per game over two seasons. He received All-Conference and All-Region honors during his career.
Keith Street scored a total of 157 points in just three seasons with Nanooks hockey from 1985 to 1988. His junior year included a standout performance with thirty-seven goals and eighty-three points; an award now bears his name.
According to organizers, “The 2025 class reflects the best of Alaska Nanooks Athletics — champions, trailblazers, and leaders whose legacies continue to inspire. Together, they represent more than just individual achievement; they embody the spirit, resilience, and pride of Nanook Nation.”
