Sports Hall of Fame – 2016

Chad Chandlee

Chad Chandlee is a 1991 graduate of Dubuque Senior High School. During his time as a Ram, he participated in Football, Basketball, and Tennis earning 6 Major D awards. Chad played in the top 6 lineup for tennis his Sophomore, Junior, and Senior year. He was a 2-way starter in football as a senior, and was a 2 year starter in Basketball. His senior year, he was named the Outstanding Male athlete of the year.

Chad attended the University of Northern Iowa (graduating in 1995) and the University of Chicago, Graduate School of Business (2007). Chad is the current President and Chief Operating Officer for Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, and is Co-founder of three companies, Great River Learning, By Pass Publishing, and Fourge Social.

In addition, Chad Chandlee has been involved with several Dubuque area organizations and foundations, many of which focus attention to underprivileged children.

Dan Duclos

Dan Duclos is a 1972 graduate of Cambria Heights High School in Patton, Pennsylvania. Dan attended Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas (graduating in 1977) and holds a MS degree from the University of Northern Iowa (1999).

Dan Duclos is a retired teacher and coach for Dubuque Senior HS. Dan served 26 years as Head Women’s Swim coach, and 34 years as Head Men’s Swim coach for the Rams. During his tenure, he led Men’s and Women’s swimming teams to 1 State Championship, 4 State Runner-Ups, top 5 placing 19 times, and top 10 placing 40 times. Rams swimmers, under Dan’s direction, earned 13 different MVC titles.

Dan Duclos was selected MVC Coach of the Year 15 times, District Coach of the Year 21 times, State Coach of the Year 6 times, and is a member of the Iowa High School Swim Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Dan coached 11 individual state champions and 10 relay state champions. 30+ swimmers have gone on to swim at the collegiate level and 2 former swimmers have competed in the US Olympic trials.

Dr. Jerome (Jerry) Fladoos

Jerome (Jerry) Fladoos is a 1965 graduate of Dubuque Senior High School. Throughout high school, Jerry was a member of the Men’s Golf team. As a Freshmen (while still attending school at Washington Jr. High) he was member of the State Championship golf team of 1962. The Men’s team were runner-ups in 1963 and State Champions again in 1964. Jerry earned 4 Major D’s in golf during his HS career. He was also involved in the school newspaper, class officer, drama, and journalism.

Jerry Fladoos attended Loras College and the University of Dubuque. He served in the US Navy as a Corpsman at Balboa Naval Hospital from 1967 to 1969 and also volunteered for duty with the 1st Marine Recon Battalion, DaNang, Vietnam from Nov. 1969 to Sept. 1970 as a Field Medical Corpsman.

He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degrees from Logan College of Chiropractic in 1976 and has worked in private practice since that time. Dr. Fladoos has been active in the Chiropractic field in leadership positions and service to his community, including Knova Charter Learning schools.

David Nelson

David Nelson is a 1967 graduate of Dubuque Senior High School. While in school, David was a standout track runner for the Rams, participating all four years, including as a freshmen while attending Jefferson Jr. High School. David was a member of the 4×100 and 4×200 relay teams that established school records that still stand today. The 4×100 relay team were state champions and their time was 4th fastest in Iowa state history at the time. David Nelson was undefeated against everyone from Dubuque County in the 100 yard and 220 yard dashes throughout his HS career.

Following graduation, David attended UNI and the University of Dubuque, running on track scholarships at both institutions. After graduating from UD in 1971, he continued on to a graduate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa in 1973.

In addition to a career (with numerous accolades) in Physical Therapy, David is also known as the “Cowboy Poet”. He has performed in “The Cowboy Comedy Show”, “Tunes and Tales”, and “State of Florida Great Cattle Drive” video. In addition, David is an author of 7 books, including “The Shade Tree Choir”, which is being considered as a potential big screen production.

Chad Wolbers

Chad Wolbers is a 1992 graduate of Dubuque Senior High School. He was active in Cross Country, Swimming, and Track and Field during high school. Chad also earned the Outstanding Male Athlete in 1992. Chad was the captain of the Men’s Swim team and was an all-state swimmer in 1992. In addition, Chad was Academic-All State for swimming in 1992. Chad was a member of the National Honor Society, D Club, and Youth in Government club.

Following graduation, Chad attended Truman State University (graduating in 1996) and the University of Iowa (graduating with a Masters in Health Administration in 1999). At Truman State, Chad was an NCAA Division II All American, 6-time school record holder, and team captain. He served as an assistant coach to both Men’s and Women’s swimming teams in 1996. At the University of Iowa, Chad was selected by his peers to give the commencement address and earned the John C. Colloton award.

Since graduation from Iowa in 1999, Chad has worked in several hospital administration roles. Sigourney, Ottumwa and Dubuque have all been stops for the Wolbers family and Chad has served on and continues to serve on numerous boards and committees in the Dubuque tri-state area.

Sandy Zenner Splinter

Sandra Zenner Splinter is a 1984 graduate of Dubuque Senior High School. While a Ram, Sandra participated in Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Softball. The Volleyball team won a state championship her senior year. Sandra was 1st team All-Conference, 1st team All State, and a member of the All-Tournament team at State that year (1983).

Sandra played 6-on-6 basketball when the team finished 2nd at state in 1983. In the track season, Sandra was a standout athlete as well. She qualified for the Drake Relays and State meets as a Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. She held the 100m Dash record until 2001. Following graduation, Sandra attended Upper Iowa University where she was on the volleyball team during the 1984-85 school year.

Sandra coached for the Rams Volleyball program, initially as the Freshmen coach, but then as Head Coach from 1989-2002. She was head coach for 7 years and helped coach several prominent players for the Rams.

Sandra kept coaching Volleyball through a variety of clubs in the Dubuque area. She returned to coaching at the high school level as a volunteer assistant at Hempstead High School. She has been an employee of Dubuque Community Schools for the past 15 years, working as a paraprofessional in the early childhood area and with children with special needs.