The Ladue School District has officially launched its Athletic Hall of Fame, inducting its first-ever class of athletes, coaches and championship teams. The inaugural 2025 class includes 25 honorees whose careers have shaped the district’s legacy—both on and off the field.
Among the group are three standout Jewish athletes whose achievements reflect the strength of St. Louis’ Jewish sports tradition.
Edward “Ed” Edelman (Class of 1966) was a trailblazer on the wrestling mat, becoming one of Ladue’s earliest state champions and laying the groundwork for the school’s program in the years that followed. Known for his toughness, discipline and technical ability.
Marty Hogan (Class of 1976) is widely considered one of the greatest racquetball players in the history of the sport. A product of the J, Hogan dominated the national and international racquetball scenes throughout the 1970s and ’80s, known for his aggressive playing style and unmatched power. He won more than 100 professional tournaments, popularized televised racquetball and ushered in a new era of athleticism within the sport. Hogan is enshrined in the Missouri Racquetball Hall of Fame, the USA Racquetball Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Jewish Sports Hall of Fame at the J.
Gregg Polinsky (Class of 1976) was a standout point guard for Ladue who went on to build a four-decade career in basketball at the collegiate and professional levels. After serving as head coach at Georgia Southern, he transitioned into NBA front office leadership, spending two decades as director of player personnel for the Brooklyn Nets. He later joined the Detroit Pistons and currently serves as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee, where he’s helped guide the Volunteers to multiple deep NCAA Tournament runs. A respected scout, coach and mentor, Polinsky is also a member of the St. Louis Jewish Sports Hall of Fame at the J.
The Hall of Fame was conceived not just to honor past victories but to highlight the values athletes carry into the wider world.
“We wanted this to be more than just a trophy case,” said Gary Siegel, who chairs the Ladue Hall of Fame committee. “It’s about people who carried themselves with character, who gave back to their communities, who made Ladue proud long after they left.”
Choosing just 25 honorees from decades of athletes, coaches and teams was no easy task.
“We had to make some really tough decisions,” Siegel added. “This first class had to represent different eras, sports and types of impact. We knew we wouldn’t get everyone in—but we wanted to start strong and set a tone.”
More than 130 nominations were submitted spanning generations. A committee of alumni and current and former district staff reviewed the entries. The class will be formally recognized at an induction gala on Oct. 16 at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac.
Full 2025 Hall of Fame Class
Soccer
• Becky Sauerbrunn (Class of 2003)
Basketball
• Gregg Polinsky (Class of 1976)
• Charmin Smith (Class of 1993)
Football
• Lou Brock Jr. (Class of 1982)
• Jehu Chesson (Class of 2012)
• Jack Fox (Class of 2015)
• Terry Moore (Class of 1980)
• Kevin Mundt (Class of 1962)
• Andy Russell (Class of 1959)
Track and Field
• Samantha Levin (Class of 2011)
• Danielle Oliver (Class of 2006)
• Lynette Atkinson (Class of 2009)
• Montenae Roye-Speight (Class of 2011)
• Connie Travagliante (Strobach) (Class of 1966)
• Dr. Benjamin Washington II (Class of 2001)
Baseball
• Steve Smith (Class of 1960)
Field Hockey
• Elizabeth Dwyer (Youngski) (Class of 2008)
Racquetball
• Marty Hogan (Class of 1976)
Swimming and Diving
• Jim Halliburton (Class of 1977)
Wrestling
• Edward Edelman (Class of 1966)
Coaches
• Keith Harder – Track and Field
• Ed Velten – Football
• Jim Wolfe – Baseball
Team Category
• 2005 Girls Track Team
• 1973 Water Polo Team
Editorial Note: Let’s talk about Coach Zetcher
As a storyteller for the Jewish Light, I rarely take an editorial stance—but I’m making an exception here because Ron Zetcher’s name isn’t on the list. It should be.
For decades, Coach Zetcher was the face of Ladue freshman football—and a nationally respected NCAA basketball official, with 17 March Madness assignments and 20 NIT tournaments under his belt. He’s already been honored by the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame, the MIAA Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Jewish Sports Hall of Fame at the J.
The freshman football award at Ladue? It’s named after him.
To his credit, Siegel acknowledged the omission.
“I personally believe Coach Zetcher belongs,” he said. “There were so many deserving candidates, and we hope the community continues to nominate people like him for future classes.”
Maybe it was a numbers game. Maybe someone else edged him out this time. But if this Hall of Fame exists to honor longevity, mentorship and character—Coach Zetcher checks every box.
Here’s hoping that the next class of inductees makes it right.
