Hall of Fame

Cortnee Adams – Class of 1999

Inducted 2007

Cortnee Adams, a 1999 graduate of Appleton North, is one of the most decorated swimmers in Wisconsin high school history. A four-year varsity standout, she dominated at both the conference and state levels, setting records and earning national recognition. Cortnee’s commitment, drive, and leadership extended into her collegiate career at Auburn University and Brigham Young University, where she competed at the NCAA level and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials.

High School Career Highlights

• All-American: 7x selection; 1x honorable mention

• State Champion: 50 Freestyle (1995–1998); 100 Freestyle (1996–1998)

• Records: State record holder in 50 and 100 Freestyle

• Honors: 1998 Wisconsin State Swimmer of the Year; Post-Crescent Athlete of the Year

• Conference: Swimmer of the Year (1997, 1998); 1st Team All-Conference all four years; record holder in 50 and 100 Freestyle

• Appleton North Records: Holds all 8 individual records; member of 3 record relay teams; lost only one race in her high school career

• Academics: 3.7 GPA; National Honor Society

Collegiate & Post-High School Highlights

• Collegiate Honors: 4x Letter Winner (Auburn & BYU); 5x NCAA All-American; BYU Swimmer of the Year

• National Level: U.S. Olympic Trials Qualifier (2000, 2004)

• Conference Success: SEC and Mountain West First Team All-Conference; Conference champion and high point winner

• Coaching & Leadership: Swim camp coach at Auburn and BYU; volunteer coach at BYU; head coach of USS Swim Team in Provo, Utah

• Professional: Internships with Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers Minor League Clubs (League Champions); career in retail management

Paul Engen - Athletic Director, Football Coach

Inducted September 2025

Paul Engen played a foundational role in shaping the athletic identity of Appleton North High School. As the school’s first athletic director, he was instrumental in assembling a full coaching staff and launching a successful athletic program from the ground up in 1995. He served as athletic director from 1995 to 2008, during which North teams earned conference and state championships across multiple sports, and his leadership helped set the tone for a culture of excellence.

In football, Paul served as Assistant Coach from 1995 to 2001 before becoming Head Coach from 2002 to 2008. He was named Fox Valley Association Football Coach of the Year in 2004 after leading Appleton North to a conference championship and an undefeated season. His lasting impact was immortalized when the school’s football field was named in his honor. He continues to support North football as an assistant coach today.

Before coming to Appleton North, Paul built a storied legacy at Appleton West High School, where he served as head football coach from 1969 to 1994 and athletic director from 1974 to 1995. His West teams earned 13 conference championships, appeared in eight WIAA playoffs, and won the 1992 WIAA Division I State Championship. His career record of 171-94-3 ranks among the best in state history. He was named FVA Coach of the Year eight times, and his 1974 and 1992 squads both finished undefeated.

A respected leader at the state level, Paul served two terms as President of the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association and was honored with multiple awards, including Wisconsin Athletic Director of the Year (1998) and three Red Smith Sportsmanship Awards. A teacher and mentor to generations of students and coaches, Paul was also recognized as Appleton West Educator of the Year (1995) and named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.

Career Highlights:

Appleton North High School

• Athletic Director (1995–2008)
• Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association AD of the Year (1998)
• Head Football Coach (2002–2008)
• FVA Football Champions & Coach of the Year (2004)
• Assistant Football Coach (1995–2001, 2009–Present)

Appleton West High School

• Athletic Director (1974–1995)
• Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association District 4 AD of the Year (1981)
• Head Football Coach (1969–1994)
• WIAA Division 1 State Champions (1992)
• WIAA Division 1 State Runner Ups (1991, 1993) 
• 13 FVA Championships | 8 WIAA Playoff Appearances
• FVA Coach of the Year – 8 Times
• Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel Coach of the Year (1992)
• WFCA Shrine All-Star Head Coach (1987); Assistant Coach (1979)
• Appleton West Educator of the Year (1995)
• 3x Red Smith Sportsmanship Award Winner

Earlier Career & Education

• Head Coach – Braham High School, MN (1965–1968)
• Assistant Football Coach – Winona State University (1968–1969)
• 3-Year Football Letterwinner at Winona State
• 11 Varsity Letters, All-Conference and All-State Honors at Canton High School (MN)

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Stephanie Gould Weiss – Class of 1998

Inducted 2010

Stephanie Gould Weiss, a 1998 graduate of Appleton North, was a true trailblazer. Excelling in diving, swimming, track and field, and performance squad, she broke barriers as one of the first female athletes to compete — and score points — for a boys’ track team. At North, she earned 10 varsity letters, set multiple records, and was crowned a state champion diver. Her success continued at Drury University, where she became one of the most accomplished divers in program history.

High School Career Highlights

• Diving: 1997 WIAA Division I State Champion (1-meter); Wisconsin Women’s Diver of the Year; 4x Sectional Champion; 4x Conference Champion

• State Finishes: 11th (1994), 3rd (1995), 2nd (1996), 1st (1997)

• Records: Appleton North 1-meter record holder (6-dive and 11-dive)

• Trailblazer: First female to score points for a boys’ track team; 3rd place in Pole Vault at 1998 Sectionals

• Performance Squad: Led team to three consecutive 1st-place finishes (1995–1998)

• Athletic Honors: 10 varsity letters, including a school-record 4 letters her senior year; 1998 Three-Sport Award recipient

• Academics: 2 academic letters; National Honor Society

Collegiate & Post-High School Highlights

• Drury University: Full athletic scholarship; 4x NCAA Division II All-American (1-meter and 3-meter); 4x Academic All-American

• Honors: Drury University Swimmer/Diver of the Year (2001, 2002); current school record holder in 1-meter springboard

• Education: Degree in Studio Art with a minor in Global Studies

• Coaching: Head diving coach at Sheboygan North (6 seasons, 1 state qualifier); Sheboygan South girls’ and boys’ diving coach (produced another state qualifier); cheerleading coach (2 seasons)

• Personal: Proud mother of two children

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Scott Green - Class of 2000

Inducted September 2025

Scott Green was a three-sport athlete at Appleton North, participating in tennis, football, and basketball. His greatest accomplishments came on the tennis court, where he compiled a remarkable career record of 103-9 and was a four-time First Team All-Conference selection. As a senior, Scott completed an undefeated season without dropping a single set and captured the 2000 WIAA Division I State Singles Championship. That same year, he received the prestigious Frank Parker Junior Award, honoring his sportsmanship and leadership within Wisconsin tennis.

Scott earned All-State honors twice and was one of the most dominant players in state history during his time. In addition to his tennis success, he was a varsity letter winner in football and basketball, further showcasing his versatility and competitive spirit.

Scott continued his athletic career at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he was a four-year letter winner on the Badger men’s tennis team. He earned the program’s Most Improved Player Award as a freshman, was named Team Captain as a senior, and was a consistent contributor throughout his collegiate career.

Accomplishments:

Tennis:

• 4X First Team FVA All-Conference
• 2X WIAA All-State 
• Frank Parker Junior Tennis Award Winner (2000)
• Undefeated Senior Season (Did Not Drop a Set)
• 2000 WIAA Division I State Singles Champion
• Career Record: 103–9

University of Wisconsin–Madison Tennis:

• Men’s Tennis Team (2000–2004)
• 4X Varsity Letter Winner
• UW-Madison Tennis Most Improved Player (2000)
• UW-Madison Tennis Team Captain (2004) 

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Sarah Hagen - Class of 2008

Inducted September 2025

Sarah Hagen left a lasting legacy as a multi-sport athlete and one of the most accomplished soccer players to come through Appleton North. A multi-sport standout, she was a three-year varsity soccer player and two-time basketball letter winner. On the soccer field, she was a dominant force, earning three All-State selections, being named 2007 Post Crescent Player of the Year, and 2008 Co-Player of the Year. Her 33 goals as a senior capped a remarkable high school career and cemented her place among the program’s all-time greats.

Her impact only grew at the collegiate level. At the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Sarah became a national standout, scoring 93 career goals, which ranks 9th all-time in NCAA Division I history. She was a three-time Horizon League Player of the Year,four-time NCAA All-American, and led the Panthers to four consecutive Horizon League Tournament titles.

Sarah’s success extended to the professional and international stage. She was the 5th overall pick in the 2012 Women’s Professional Soccer Draft, won the 2012 German Cup, and was part of back-to-back NWSL championships in 2014 and 2015. Her career has been honored with inductions into both the UW-Milwaukee Hall of Fame (2016) and the Wisconsin Soccer Hall of Fame (2024).

Accomplishments:

Soccer:

• 2007 Post Crescent Player of the Year
• 2008 Post Crescent Co-Player of the Year
• 3x Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association All-State
• 33 Goals – Senior Year

UW-Milwaukee Soccer

• 93 Career Goals – 9th All-Time in NCAA Division I
• 3x Horizon League Player of the Year
• 4x NCAA All-American
• 4x Horizon League Tournament Champion
• UW–Milwaukee Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)

Professional Career:

• 5th Overall Pick – 2012 WPS Draft (Philadelphia Independence)
• 2012 German Cup Champion
• 2014 & 2015 NWSL Champion
• Wisconsin Soccer Hall of Fame Inductee (2024)

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Joe Hietpas - Class of 1997

Inducted 2006

Joe Hietpas was one of the most accomplished and versatile athletes in Appleton North history, earning seven varsity letters across three sports—baseball, basketball, and football. His exceptional combination of athletic ability, academic excellence, and leadership earned him numerous accolades, including First Team All-State honors in both baseball and football, Post Crescent Player of the Year, USA Today State Player of the Year, and recognition as North High School’s Outstanding Senior.

In baseball, Joe excelled as a catcher, setting single-season school records with a .516 batting average, 8 home runs, 32 hits, 28 runs, 8 doubles, and 32 RBIs. He earned First Team All-State honors, was named Post Crescent Player of the Year, and received the USA Today State Player of the Year award. Joe continued his baseball career at Northwestern University, where he was a four-time letter winner, three-time Academic All-Big Ten, and three-time Second Team Academic All-American. On the field, he was named Third Team All-Big Ten as a junior and Second Team All-Big Ten as a senior, holding multiple Northwestern career records, including career leader in doubles, second in RBIs, second in total bases, and third in home runs. He also received the prestigious N Club Achievement Award and NU Directors Award for outstanding academic and athletic achievements. After his senior year at Northwestern, Joe was drafted by the New York Mets in the 16th round of the 2001 Amateur Draft and currently plays in the Mets organization.

In football, Joe was a fullback and defensive end, earning First Team All-State honors, FVA Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Post Crescent All-Area recognition, and serving as team captain.

Accomplishments:

Football:

• First Team All-State

• FVA Conference Defensive Player of the Year

• Post Crescent All-Area

• Team Captain

Basketball:

• Team Captain

Baseball:

• First Team All-State

• Post Crescent Player of the Year (1997)

• USA Today State Player of the Year

• Single-Season School Records (Batting Average, Home Runs, Hits, Runs, Doubles, RBIs)

Academics:

• 4.0 GPA

• Class Rank #1

• Principal’s Award – Outstanding Senior

Northwestern University:

• 4X Letter Winner

• 3X Academic All-Big Ten

• 3X  Second Team Academic All-American

• Third Team All-Big Ten (Junior)

• Second Team All-Big Ten (Senior)

• N Club Achievement Award, NU Directors Award

New York Mets:

• Drafted by the NY Mets – 16th Round, 2001 Amateur Draft

Elliot Krause - Class of 2008

Inducted September 2025

Elliot Krause was one of the most accomplished distance runners in Appleton North history, earning high honors in both cross country and track & field. In cross country, he was a 3-time WIAA state qualifier, which included winning the  2007 WIAA Division I State Championship as a senior with a time of 15:38. He was named Wisconsin Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year.  In addition, he finished 12th at the Foot Locker Midwest Regional, earning recognition at the national level.

In track, Elliot qualified for the WIAA state tournament in the 3,200 meters for three consecutive years.   He won the 3,200-meter state title as a senior, after placing 4th in the 3,200 and 18th in the 1,600 as a junior.

Elliot continued his career at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he became a two-time NCAA All-American in cross country (2011) and track (2012). He was a three-time First-Team All-Big Ten and two-time First-Team All-Region honoree in cross country. As co-captain, he helped lead the Badgers to the 2011 NCAA Cross Country National Championship.

Accomplishments:

Cross Country:

• 3X FVA Cross Country Champion
• 3X WIAA State Qualifier
• WIAA Division I State Cross Country Champion (2007)
• 12th Place – Foot Locker Midwest Regional
• Wisconsin Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year (2007)
• Post Crescent Cross Country Athlete of the Year (2007)
• Post Crescent Male Athlete of the Year (2008)

Track & Field

• 3X WIAA State Qualifier 
• WIAA Division I 3,200 Meters State Champion (2008)
• 1st Place – 3,200 Meters – WIAA State Track (2008)
• Post Crescent Track & Field Athlete of the Year (2007)
• Post Crescent Male Athlete of the Year (2008)

University of Wisconsin-Madison Cross Country and Track & Field:

• NCAA Cross Country All-American (2011)
• NCAA Track & Field All-American 10,000 Meters (2012)
• 3x First-Team Cross Country All-Big Ten (2009, 2010, 2011)
• 2x First-Team Cross Country All-Region (2010, 2011)
• NCAA West Preliminary Round Qualifier 10,000 Meters (2012)
• Co-Captain of NCAA Cross Country National Championship Team (2011)

Kory Olson - Class of 2005

Inducted September 2025

Kory Olson was one of the most decorated and versatile athletes in Appleton North history, earning an incredible 12 varsity letters across three sports - track & field, basketball, and cross country. Her rare combination of athleticism, academic excellence, and leadership led to a long list of accolades, including the 2005 Post Crescent Female Athlete of the Year, the prestigious Red Smith Scholarship, recognition from the Women’s Sports Advocates of Wisconsin with the Award of Excellence, and earned All-Conference honors in all three sports, while setting 10 school records. 

In track & field, Kory was a 3-time team MVP at Appleton North, 2005 Post Crescent Track Athlete of the Year, and an 8-time state qualifier. She captured 11 regional and sectional titles, set the Fox Valley Association triple jump record, and earned a Division I scholarship to UW–Milwaukee. Collegiately, she was a 7-time Horizon League All-Conference selection, a 2-time individual league champion, and part of five Horizon League championship teams. She remains among UWM’s all-time top five in javelin and heptathlon.

In basketball, she earned 1st Team All-Conference honors, was named to the WBCA North All-Star Team, and set school records for assists, steals, and free throws. She was offered an athletic scholarship to play basketball at Division II St. Cloud State. In cross country, she helped lead North to two FVA titles and a WIAA state meet appearance.

Accomplishments:

Track & Field:

• 3-time Team MVP
• 2005 Post Crescent Track Athlete of the Year
• Selected to Team Wisconsin – 2005 Senior Spotlight Meet
• FVA Triple Jump Record (2004)
• 7 Regional Titles, 4 Sectional Titles
• 8-Time State Qualifier

Basketball:

• 2005 Post Crescent All-Area Team
• 2005 1st Team All-Conference (Unanimous)
• WBCA North All-Star Team (2005) – Double/Double Performance
• 2004 2nd Team All-Conference
• 2003 Honorable Mention All-Conference

Cross Country:

• 2nd Team All-Conference, 2-time Honorable Mention
• FVA Conference Team Champions (2003–04, 2004–05)
• State Qualifying Team (2004–05)

UW–Milwaukee Track & Field

• 7-time Horizon League All-Conference Selection
• 2008 Horizon League Javelin Champion
• 2008 Horizon League Heptathlon Champion
• Horizon League Athlete of the Week (2008)