We love the Olympic Games! The stories, the nail-biting competition, the colorful commentary – all of it! Local connections engage us even more so we’re delighted that Stillwater has had some of its own Summer Olympic hopefuls. We didn’t have to go very far back into the archives to find a summer Olympian and two more alumni who were so close to making it!
Ben Blankenship, a 2007 graduate, was a standout cross-country and track competitor in high school and college. Blankenship captured the Minnesota State AA 1600-meter champion in both his junior and senior years. He continued his athletic achievements at the University of Minnesota, becoming the first Golden Gopher to break a 4-minute mile. Despite facing numerous injuries throughout his career, Blankenship’s determination led him to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, where he finished 8th in the 1500-meter race. Aside from his notable running accomplishments, he was voted into the “top 3 people we wanted to see streak” his senior year in high school.
Luke Watson, or “Luscious Watts” as he was called in his class of 1998 Kabekonian yearbook, was another Pony cross-country and track standout. Watson was the first Pony runner to break a 4-minute mile. He led the cross-country team to its third state title while winning the individual title. A highly decorated runner, Watson qualified for multiple World Championships and narrowly missed the 2004 Olympic team, finishing 14th in the 5000-meter run. His senior class voted him “Most likely to appear on a Wheaties box”.
Tanya Schuh, a member of the class of 1993, shined in the pool as a Pony and Gopher swimmer. She clinched the state title in the 100-yard butterfly her senior year. At the University of Minnesota, she was named Big Ten Swimmer of the Year. Holding dual citizenship with the United States and Brazil, Schuh qualified for the Brazilian Olympic team in the 100-yard butterfly for the 1996 Atlanta Games. Unfortunately, a rule change by the team dashed her Olympic dream. Undeterred, Schuh continued to represent Brazil on the national swimming team for five years.
You can find these photos and more interesting information about your favorite Stillwater Area High School grads in the 1916-2024 Kabekonian yearbooks, available for viewing in the St. Croix Collection Room during library hours.