August 2012

Question:

Dear Abbot Pennings,

Did any former St. Norbert football players ever go on to play for the Green Bay Packers?

Thank you,
Dan King ’15

Answer:

My dearest Dan,

You have brought up one of my favorite subjects: the Green Bay Packers.

Once again, in true Norbertine style, we have extended radical hospitality to this year’s Green Bay Packers as they take up residence in Victor McCormick Hall for training camp – a tradition since 1957. It is with great pride that I also mention the college has been made an official stop on the Packers Heritage Trail. 

But I digress. Bleeding green and gold has that effect on me! Now, to the matter of your question.

In St. Norbert history, some 44 football alumni have either signed contracts or been drafted by professional teams, including the 19 listed below who were drafted or signed by the Green Bay Packers. Of those on the list, two alumni were active on the Packers roster in the regular season: Mike Mikentinic ’38 (two seasons) and Larry Krause ’70 (five seasons). 

Mike Mikentinic ’38
John Cahill ’50
Jerry Dufek ’55
Jerry Johnson ’57
Norm Jarock ’58
Bob Barron ’59
Roger Wypyszynski ’59
Dave Wuters ’62
Jule Mellen ’65
Al Groves ’68
Larry Krause ’70 
Pat Houlten ’71
Jim Maier ’71
Tom Deters ’73
Donn Pierce ’75
Tom Fritsch ’75
Bob Shackelford ’81
Tim Van Alstine ’82
Rod Bohm ’87

Dan, warm thanks for your inquiry. I feel compelled to conclude with three words I think you may appreciate: Go, Pack, go!

Responses to “Ask the Abbot” questions are penned by St. Norbert College staff in the name of Abbot Bernard Pennings, O.Praem., who founded St. Norbert College in 1898.