FAIRBANKS - The Alaska Nanooks Department of Athletics and the Nanook Hall of Fame Committee have announced 10 inductees for the Nanook Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Of the 10 inductees, nine are individual athletes ranging from cross country and Nordic ski, hockey, men's basketball, swim, and volleyball, with one historic Nanook team making their way into the Hall of Fame.
The Nanooks Hall of Fame was established on Jan. 9, 2008, to honor and preserve the memory of the men and women who, through their outstanding contributions both in intercollegiate athletics and community involvement, have brought honor and distinction to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. It exists to recognize not only outstanding contributions of student-athletes, but the contributions of coaches, administrators, athletic staff, community members, and others who, in a positive way, have promoted the mission of the university and the Alaska Nanooks.
"It's a great honor to bring back the Nanook Hall of Fame, and to do so with a remarkable nine-person, one-team class," said Nathan Pearsall, the Alaska Nanooks Sports Information Director. "This committee came together with a vision of revitalizing the Hall of Fame, and after nearly a year of work, we feel we have accomplished just that. I'd like to thank the committee for their time and effort over the last 10 months; they were an integral part of putting together the Class of 2025." This year's seven-person committee consisted of University and Department staff, former Hall of Fame inductees and select community members. The Nanook Hall of Fame celebration will take place the first week of October with a special public Hall of Fame Luncheon taking place on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Details and ticketing information for the HOF Luncheon will be released at a later date.
Nanook Hall of Fame Class of 2025
2011 Women's Cross Country Team / 2025 Hall of Fame
Before 2011, no team from the University of Alaska Fairbanks had made the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships. That all changed with the Nanooks women's team as they made history, taking the GNAC and West Region by storm to qualify for the National Championships. After placing fourth at the 2011 GNAC Championships, the women's team went on to take fourth-place out of 24 teams at the 2011 NCAA West Regionals race in Spokane, Wash. This finish was helped by a pair of USTFCCCA All-Region finishes by Theresia Schnurr and Crystal Pitney, and propelled the Nanooks to the national stage two weeks later. Entering the National Championships, the Nanooks were ranked No. 19 in the country; they would go on to take 17th in Spokane, Wash. on Nov. 19, 2011 with Raphaela Sieber, Schnurr and Pitney all placing in the top-100.
Team (Alphabetical)
Jana Benedix
Heather Edic
Rebecca Konieczny
Alyson McPhetres
Kryston McPhetres
Heidi O'Connor-Brook
Crystal Pitney
Marit Rjabov
Theresia Schnurr
Raphaela Sieber
Megan Thompson
Margot Lucchesi (Adams) / 2025 Hall of Fame / Swimming, 2011-15
Widely regarded as one of the greatest swimmers in Nanooks history, Margot Lucchesi (Adams) excelled on every stage—from the Pacific Collegiate Swim & Dive Conference to the NCAA Division II Championships. She twice finished as the NCAA national runner-up (2012 and 2013) and amassed an impressive 13 All-American honors over her four-year career. A model of consistency, Lucchesi advanced to the NCAA finals in the 100-yard butterfly every season and swept the PCSC title in that event all four years. Her dominance extended throughout the conference slate, where she earned 10 All-Conference selections and routinely anchored record-setting relay teams. In addition, she was voted Most Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year by the Alaska Nanooks Department of Athletics in 2015. Beyond the medals and records, she set a standard of excellence that still inspires the Nanooks program today.
Peter Alden / 2025 Hall of Fame / Cross Country, 1987-90, 1992-93 / Nordic Skiing, 1987-91
A Fairbanks native and Lathrop High School graduate, Peter Alden left a lasting legacy at the University of Alaska Fairbanks as a trailblazer in both cross country running and Nordic skiing. Initially focused on cross country, Alden quickly rose to prominence as a dual-sport standout for the Nanooks in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1992, he made history by becoming the first Nanook to qualify for the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships, following a fourth-place finish at the NCAA West Region meet. He went on to place 12th at the national championships, earning the program's first-ever All-American honor in cross country. Alden's athletic excellence extended to the ski trails as well—he qualified for the NCAA Skiing Championships and added NCSA All-American recognition to his decorated career. His success helped lay the foundation for future generations of Nanook endurance athletes.
Sam Harthun / 2025 Hall of Fame / Outside Hitter / Volleyball, 2012-15
More than just a Fairbanks legend — a GNAC legend. Sam Harthun joined the Nanooks in 2012 and made an immediate impact on the court. She was named the 2012 GNAC Freshman of the Year after recording 314 kills (3.49 per set), 199 digs (2.21 per set), and 32 total blocks, also earning GNAC Honorable Mention honors that same season. From there, she never looked back — Harthun was named First Team All-Conference in each of her remaining three seasons and added AVCA All-Region Honorable Mention honors in both 2013 and 2015. A three-time GNAC All-Academic selection, Harthun capped off her career as the Alaska Nanooks' all-time leader in career kills with 1,513. That mark also stood as the GNAC record from 2015 to 2018 and still ranks third all-time in conference history. She ended her career with a 4.07 kills/set average, 850 digs, 115 total blocks, 100 aces, and 95 assists.
Bente Heller / 2025 Hall of Fame / Swimming, 2010-14
One of the most decorated swimmers in Alaska Nanooks history, Bente Heller made an immediate and lasting impact from the moment she joined the program in 2011. A five-time NCAA All-American in her senior season alone, Heller helped rewrite the Nanooks' record books, playing key roles on multiple record-setting relay teams and becoming the program's first-ever individual national champion with a victory in the 100 backstroke in 2013. She was a two-time recipient of Alaska's Female Most Outstanding Athlete award and set school records in the 50, 100, and 200 freestyle events, the 100 backstroke as well as in all five relays. Over her career, she earned 14 All-American honors, the most of any Nanook swimmer in history, male or female, captured numerous conference titles, and posted dominant performances at the PCSC and Husky Invitational meets. A strong contributor both in and out of the pool, she was also a multi-time Academic All-American and a two-time team MVP. Heller leaves behind a legacy defined by excellence, leadership, and groundbreaking achievements for Nanook swimming.
Don Jamieson / 2025 Hall of Fame / Defenseman / Hockey, 1981-85
A staple on the blue line for the Nanooks, Don Jamieson arrived in Fairbanks from Penticton, B.C., in the fall of 1981. Originally recruited as a forward, Jamieson selflessly made the switch to defense at the team's request—an early sign of his willingness to put the team's needs ahead of his own. That selflessness became a hallmark of his playing career. Though he recorded just six points in his rookie campaign, Jamieson steadily developed each season, posting 11 points as a sophomore, 18 as a junior, and 25 in his senior year. He finished his collegiate career with 60 points across 107 NCAA games—an impressive total for a converted defenseman, and 10th all-time for Nanooks defenseman. Jamieson's leadership, consistency, and unheralded contributions left a lasting impact on the Alaska hockey program. In recognition of his legacy, the program established the Don Jamieson Unsung Hero Award, given annually to a Nanook who excels in the intangible aspects of the game—effort, reliability, and team-first play—often without recognition. After his playing days in Fairbanks, Jamieson went on to compete professionally in Europe. Upon retiring, he quickly returned his focus to the Nanooks, becoming an active and passionate member of the Alaska Nanooks Hockey Alumni Association. His dedication to the program has remained unwavering, and he continues to be one of its most loyal and influential supporters.
Victoria Jones (Adams) / 2025 Hall of Fame / Swimming, 2013-17
A cornerstone of Nanook swimming during her four-year career, Victoria Jones (Adams) left an indelible mark on the program with her versatility, consistency, and championship pedigree. A six-time NCAA All-American and two-time Honorable Mention All-American, Jones was a force in the backstroke, individual medley, and relay events. She earned 11 All-PCSC selections and captured three PCSC individual conference titles, while helping set multiple school records in both individual and relay races. As a freshman in 2013–14, she was named team MVP and Rookie of the Year after leading the team in scoring and contributing to four All-American relay finishes at the NCAA Championships. Jones continued to build on that success throughout her career, earning PCSC Swimmer of the Week honors twice as a senior and compiling more than 50 individual and relay victories in dual meets. Her legacy stands as one of consistent excellence, leadership, and a relentless drive to elevate Nanook swimming on the national stage.
Russ Knapp / 2025 Hall of Fame / Goalie / Hockey, 1966-69
A foundational figure in the early years of Nanooks hockey, Russ Knapp has devoted much of his life to both playing for and preserving the legacy of the program. As a goaltender for the UAF club team from 1966 to 1969, Knapp was known for his sportsmanship and steady presence in net—qualities that earned him the team's Most Sportsmanlike Player award in 1968–69. Though official stats weren't consistently recorded at the time, his impact on the ice was undeniable during a formative era for Nanooks hockey. Knapp's connection to UAF deepened long after his playing days. Since reconnecting with the program in 2005, the Nassau, New York resident has become a fixture at alumni reunions and games, often traveling across the country to show his support. His dedication extends beyond attendance—he has continually contributed to Nanooks alumni efforts and initiatives, offering his time, resources, and unwavering support. A passionate steward of the program's history, Knapp donated his original club jersey to UAF in 2018 and later recreated six vintage Nanook sweaters from archival photos dating back to 1935. These jerseys now hang proudly at the Carlson Center, a lasting tribute to the team's legacy. In recognition of his extraordinary service to UAF and its alumni community, Knapp was honored with the William R. Cashen Service Award in 2021. His legacy is one of pride, preservation, and lifelong commitment to Nanooks hockey.
Darryl Lewis, Sr. / 2025 Hall of Fame / Forward / Basketball, 1985-87
A dominant presence on the court during his two-year career with the Nanooks, Darryl Lewis, Sr. made an immediate and lasting impact as a forward through his athleticism, leadership, and all-around production. The 6'4" standout from Columbus, Ohio appeared in 55 games from 1985 to 1987, amassing 829 points and 412 rebounds—averaging 15 points and 7.5 boards per game. Lewis led the Nanooks in both scoring and rebounding during his junior season, posting 16.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, while also leading the team in blocks. As a senior, he added another 384 points and 184 rebounds to his total, once again proving to be a consistent and reliable contributor on both ends of the floor. A team captain and winner of the team's Most Inspirational Award, Lewis was recognized as an Honorable Mention selection to both the All-Great Northwest Conference and All-West Region teams in 1986–87. A three-time GNC Player of the Week, he ranks 32nd all-time in scoring and 21st in rebounds at Alaska, cementing his legacy as one of the program's most impactful front court players.
Keith Street / 2025 Hall of Fame / Forward / Hockey, 1985-88
One of the most prolific scorers in Alaska Nanooks hockey history, Keith Street helped usher the program into the NCAA Division I era with skill, toughness, and undeniable production. A native of Richmond, B.C., Street made an immediate impact as a freshman in 1985, tallying 30 points and quickly establishing himself as a threat against top-tier Division I competition. He followed that up with a 44-point sophomore campaign before exploding for 83 points in just 31 games as a junior—scoring 37 goals and adding 46 assists. His 157 career points rank eighth all-time in program history, despite playing only three seasons. Following his standout junior year, Street signed a professional contract with the Vancouver Canucks and went on to play for the Milwaukee Admirals and Anchorage Aces before retiring in 2001. His impact continues to resonate within the program, with the Nanooks' annual top scorer award named in his honor—a tribute to his lasting legacy on Alaska hockey.
All classes of the Nanook Hall of Fame can be viewed HERE.
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