Mound Westonka High School inducted the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024 during a special ceremony Sept. 20
Pictured, from left: Westonka Assistant Activities Director Jaime Lundgren; Hall of Fame members Oliver White, Angela (Baack) Johnson, Jill (Esse) Johnson and Harley Olstad; and Westonka Activities Director Jeff Peterson

September 20, 2024 — The Mound Westonka High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024 was officially inducted Sept. 20 at a morning ceremony at the Westonka Performing Arts Center. On hand to receive their awards were: Angela (Baack) Johnson, Class of 2004; Jill (Esse) Johnson, Class of 2005; Harley Olstad, coach; and Oliver White, Class of 2009. Also inducted with the Hall of Fame class was Dave Kragthorpe, Class of 1951.

The MWHS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction ceremony was held during Homecoming Week in conjunction with the annual Homecoming Alumni Breakfast at MWHS. Westonka Activities Director Jeff Peterson highlighted the accomplishments of each member in front of a crowd of alumni, family members and staff.

“We have a great group for the HOF class of 2024,” said Peterson. “It's always amazing to hear about the accomplishments these folks have had as student athletes/coaches and beyond. Congratulations HOF class of 2024!”

To nominate a standout alumnus or coach, please fill out the Google Form. Paper forms are also available at the MWHS Activities Office.

Angela (Baack) Johnson – Class of 2004

• Angela Baack was a multiple All-Conference award winner in swimming and basketball at Mound Westonka High School. She also competed in several state meets on the White Hawks swim team.
• She was a captain in both sports and a three-year starter on the girls’ basketball team.
• In her senior season, Baack ranked in the Top 10 nationally in single-season 3-point shooting percentage of 52 percent. She was also voted team MVP as a senior.
• Baack was a highly respected athlete among her teammates. She accepted and encouraged everyone; not only leading by example but by personality.

Jill (Esse) Johnson – Class of 2005

• Jill Esse was a four-year member of the varsity basketball and softball teams at Mound Westonka High School. She earned several All-Conference awards in both sports and also contributed to the White Hawks volleyball program.
• In basketball, Esse ranks as one of the all-time scoring leaders with 1,175 points. She was voted basketball MVP in her senior year and was nominated to participate in the Class 3A All-Star Showcase.
• Esse overcame significant personal tragedy in her senior year when her father John passed away unexpectedly. Despite this, she was able to succeed on both the basketball floor and softball field.
• Esse also served as an assistant coach for the girls’ basketball team for two seasons.

Dave Kragthorpe – Class of 1951

• Dave Kragthorpe was a team captain and All-Conference and All-State selection on the 1950 Lake Conference Championship Mound High School football team.
• One of the greatest offensive linemen to ever wear the Aggie uniform, Kragthorpe was a two-time All-Skyline Conference Eight performer at Utah State University and is a member of USU’s All-Century team. He also spent two seasons as a catcher for the USU baseball team.
• Kragthorpe earned bachelor's degrees in physical education and recreation education and a master's in secondary education.
• After graduating from USU, Kragthorpe was drafted in the 16th round of the 1955 NFL Draft, followed by a very successful coaching career. He also spent many years in the USU athletics department, including serving as athletic director from 1983-84.

Harley Olstad - Coach

• Harley Olstad played four years of basketball at Luther College, where he served as team captain and earned all-conference honors.
• Olstad began his coaching career in Oskaloosa, Iowa, coaching JV and varsity boys basketball for five years. He then went on to teach and coach at Westonka Public Schools for 32 years.
• In the 1970s, Olstad served as an assistant coach for the Mound Westonka High School boys basketball team, helping them reach the state tournament. During the 1980s and '90s, he was the head girls’ basketball coach, leading his teams to successful seasons in highly competitive conferences. He also coached the JV baseball team for 32 years.
• Olstad was fortunate enough to coach all four of his children in basketball, baseball and softball throughout the years.
• As a teacher and coach, Olstad taught his students and players that being a good leader is about hard work and serving others. That servant heart is evident in the work he continues to do in his beloved community of Mound.

Oliver White – Class of 2009

• At the time of his graduation from Mound Westonka High School in 2009, Oliver White was the only player to have over 1,000 points and 500 rebounds for the White Hawks basketball team.
• White played four years of college basketball at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, where he also eclipsed the 1,000-point mark.
• With UWRF, White was a two-time All-Conference, First Team All-Defense and Second Team All-Region in 2014. He was also a two-time NCAA participant.
• In addition, White played professional basketball for one year in Portugal.
• White is up for induction in the UWRF Hall of Fame next year (2025).