Meet The 2024 Athletics Hall Of Fame Inductees
September 13, 2024
Launched in 2023, the Mounds Park Academy Athletics Hall of Fame celebrates the people whose talent, leadership, dedication, and support have helped shape MPA’s rich athletic tradition. Each year, the Hall of Fame honors outstanding alumni athletes, coaches, and Panther supporters by sharing their accomplishments and preserving the stories and moments that have defined MPA Athletics across generations.
The 2024 Hall of Fame class continues that tradition, recognizing individuals whose impact reaches well beyond wins, records, and competition. Their stories reflect the character of MPA Athletics and the lasting connections formed among teammates, coaches, families, and fans.
MPA is proud to introduce the 2024 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees:
Beth Larson '08, alum athlete
Beth Larson’s time at MPA was defined by a balance of athletics, music, and service. Alongside partner Amber Washington, she won two state doubles championships and helped lead MPA to a team state championship, while also remaining deeply involved in the school’s music program. The opportunity to pursue multiple passions helped Beth develop the well-rounded perspective that continues to shape her life today.
Beth credits MPA with helping her better understand herself and the role she wanted to play in the world. Through the encouragement of teachers and mentors, she developed a commitment to giving back and making a positive impact on others. She is especially grateful to Ms. Wantock, Maureen Conway, and Mlle Ruud, whose guidance influenced her through music, leadership, and a broader understanding of the world.
The lessons Beth learned at MPA have stayed with her long after graduation. Her love of athletics continues today through competitive softball and tennis, while her experiences at MPA fostered a lifelong curiosity, appreciation for different cultures, and desire to make a difference in the communities she serves.
Mike Scinto, teacher and coach
Mike Scinto joined Mounds Park Academy in 1987 as a physical education teacher and the school’s first girls varsity soccer coach. Tasked with building a brand-new program, Mike embraced the challenge and spent decades helping develop a culture of dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. He credits the many students, athletes, assistant coaches, and families he worked with for shaping the program and creating a lasting tradition.
One of Mike’s fondest memories came in 2002 when the girls soccer team captured the Section 4 championship and earned a trip to the state tournament. The victory was especially meaningful after several near misses in previous seasons and remains a highlight of MPA athletics. Mike also remembers the encouragement he received from early school leaders and supporters, including Bob Kreischer and Bill Henry, who reminded him that success was about much more than wins and losses.
Throughout his career, Mike hoped to provide students with a positive athletic experience built on relationships, hard work, and life lessons that would extend well beyond their playing days. His advice to today’s athletes is simple: practice with purpose every day. Consistent effort and commitment not only help athletes improve individually but also elevate their teammates and strengthen the entire team.
2006 State Golf Team, alum athletes
The 2006 MPA Boys Golf Team, coached by Tom Cotter and Greg Lundgren and led by senior captain Peter Kieselbach, seniors Peter Croonquist and Mike Anderson, and ninth graders Will Lage, Tom Hammer, and Matt Caswell, achieved a remarkable 7-3 record in the highly competitive Tri-Metro Conference. Their journey to victory was defined by key wins over strong opponents such as Concordia Academy, St. Anthony, Blake, St. Paul Academy, DeLaSalle, St. Bernard’s, and St. Agnes. In a thrilling Tri-Metro Conference Championship, MPA triumphed by a one-stroke margin over Breck and SPA, securing the conference title.
Building on their regular season success, MPA’s dominance extended into the postseason, where they claimed a Subsection victory by an impressive 7 strokes, followed by a Section Championship win with a commanding 10-stroke lead. Their momentum carried them all the way to the MSHSL state tournament, where they captured the prestigious state team championship.
“I have many happy memories from my time at MPA, however, my favorite has to be when we won the state tournament during my senior year,” said Michael Anderson ’06. “It was a magical season. We were not the favorites to win, but we put everything together at the right time in the sub-section, section, and state tournaments.”
In addition to the team’s triumph, Peter Croonquist showcased his individual ability by winning the state individual championship, further cementing the 2006 team’s legacy as one of MPA’s finest.
Daniel Ethier, teacher and coach
For nearly three decades as a teacher and more than two decades as a coach, Dan Ethier dedicated himself to helping students and athletes discover what they were capable of achieving. He considers his greatest accomplishment not a single season or championship, but the opportunity to positively influence the hundreds of students he taught and coached throughout his career.
One of Dan’s favorite memories at MPA came in 2008 when the boys cross country team qualified for the state meet. After months of hard work and commitment, watching the athletes realize they had achieved their goal was a moment of pure joy and remains one of the highlights of his coaching career. Dan is quick to credit the many assistant coaches, athletic directors, and colleagues who provided the support and resources needed to build a successful program over the years.
Dan’s advice to today’s athletes is simple: there are no shortcuts to success. Whether in athletics, academics, or life, growth comes from consistently challenging yourself, committing to the process, and trusting the journey. Fittingly, Dan’s own path into running began by accident when a middle school coach placed him in the 800-meter run because no one else had signed up. That unexpected opportunity ignited a lifelong passion for running, teaching, and coaching that would impact generations of MPA students.
