Phil Verchota

At Duluth East High School, Phil Verchota was a fine all-around athlete. He made all-state in both hockey and football (tight end and linebacker), and threw the discus for the track team. But at the University of Minnesota he played only hockey and helped the Gophers win two national titles, in 1976 and 1979. He was also an excellent student, twice winning the John Mayasich Award, given to the school’s top student-athlete. After the Olympics, Verchota signed with Jokerit of the Finnish elite league and played for one year in Finland. He then returned to Minnesota to finish his degree requirements and later rejoined the U.S. National team. He never played in the NHL and eventually became a successful banking executive.