Minnesota Gold: Conversations with Northland Athletes Competing on the World Stage

"If we can only stay on our feet, we'll medal!" These are the words of Minnesota speedskating silver medalist, Randy Bartz. Minnesotans, in the heart of the Midwest, have long been known for their humble nature and work ethic and have long taken great pride in their athletics. Minnesota Gold celebrates the perseverance and triumphs of fifty-seven diverse homegrown athletes from 1948-2014 as they pursued their dreams to compete in the greatest international competitions. In this book of inspiring biographies, authors Patrick "Packy" Mader shares the memorable conversations he had with these remarkable men and women who honored their sport, their state, and their country on the world stage over the last seven decades. Discover true Minnesota gold!

Patrick "Packy" Mader has a background in education, business, and agriculture, with a professional career as an elementary teacher. He is the author of four children's books celebrating rural Minnesota lifestyles, including Opa & Oma Together. Packy enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, and reading and writing about Minnesota history and sports. He and his wife, Karen, live in Northfield, Minnesota. They are the parents of two children, Karl and Ellen. For more information about his books and speaking presentations, please visit patrickmader.com.

Joel Rippel, a native of Trimont, Minnesota, is the author or co-author of eight books on Minnesota sports history. Rippel, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, has worked for the Minneapolis Star Tribune for twenty years. Joel is a member of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR).