The Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association inducted five men into the MBCA Hall of Fame on October 26, 2024. Two area men, Kris Fadness – Austin, Caledonia and Wade Grinde, Spring Grove were a part of the honors. The MBCA Hall of Fame gives special recognition to those who have made significant contributions to promote high school basketball in Minnesota via their achievements and service. Along with Fadness and Grinde, Jay Frydenlund – East Grand Forks, Tom McDonald – Ely, and Neil Steffes – Fertile-Beltrami were inducted.
Above left, Kris Fadness started his basketball coaching journey by serving three years as an assistant coach at Luther College, four years as an assistant coach at Hamline University, and one year coaching in the Icelandic League in Njardvik, Iceland. His high school basketball coaching career began at Caledonia in 1993 where he spent four years leading the Warriors to four Conference championships, three Section championships, and a 1997 Class AA State title. In 1997, he moved to Austin where he led the Packers program for the next 25 seasons, retiring after the 2021 season. Under Coach Fadness’ tutelage and leadership, the Packers earned six Big Nine Conference titles and seven Section 1AAA crowns resulting in three State runner-up and one State third place finish. Kris was recognized by his peers as Section Coach of the Year eight times, 1997 Minnesota State Class AA Coach of the Year, and 2014 Minnesota Class AAA Coach of the Year. Coach Fadness is a member of the 500 Wins Club and finished his career with an overall mark of 504-266. He served on the MBCA Executive Board as a Section rep, 2007-08 MBCA President and coached in the MBCA All Star Series.
Above right, Wade Grinde’s coaching career began as an assistant coach at Spring Grove in 1994. After a one year stint as an assistant coach, Wade assumed the reins of the Lions’ boys basketball program in 1995 and led it for the next 29 years, retiring at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. Under his tutelage and leadership, the Spring Grove hoopsters won 18 conference titles and Section championships with State Tournament berths in 2019 and 2023 with both squads earning third place honors. He is a member of the 500 Wins Club with an overall record of 566-197, a 74.2% winning percentage including 14 20-plus win seasons. Coach Grinde has been recognized by his peers being named Section 1A Coach of the Year five times and 2019 Minnesota State Class A Coach of the Year. In addition to coaching basketball, Coach Grinde also served as an assistant football coach. Wade is a lifetime member of the MSHSCA and participated as a coach in the MBCA All Star Series.
Photos submitted
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