2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
Steve Wilmet
Steve Wilmet was a driving force in bringing back American Legion Baseball to De Pere in 1975 after the community had gone about a decade without a program. The program’s business manager from 1975 to 2010, he was also the team’s first coach, serving in that capacity from 1975 to 1990. During his tenure, De Pere won Class AAA state championships in 1999, 2003, 2004 and 2008. A De Pere native, Wilmet was a two-sport standout at St. Norbert College and a third-round draft pick (55th overall) of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1969.
Guest Speaker
Luke Strand - Head Coach, Minnesota State Men's Hockey
Luke Strand brings a career steeped in development, leadership, and competitive excellence to the WALBA All-Star Game. Currently serving as the Head Coach of Minnesota State Men's Hockey, Strand quickly made an impact in Mankato by blending a high-performance culture with deep player relationships and a modern approach to the college game winning both the MacNaughton Cup and Mason Cup while earning a place in the NCAA tournament.
A veteran coach with experience across the USHL, NCAA, AHL, and NHL scouting ranks, Strand is known nationally for his commitment to player development and team identity. His coaching résumé includes successful stops with the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL), where he led the franchise to a Clark Cup Championship and on the international stage coaching Team USA to a World Junior ‘A’ Gold Medal and Hlinka/Gretzky Cup Bronze medal. He is known for his sharp hockey mind and commanding presence behind the bench have made him a respected leader at every level.
Strand’s journey—from junior hockey standout to professional coach—has always been about building better athletes and better people. At the WALBA All-Star Game, he brings that same energy, insight, and inspiration to honor the next generation of standout baseball talent.
As a three-sport athlete from Eau Claire North in football, hockey and baseball. He is a former player three-year American Legion baseball player for Eau Claire. After choosing a direction of junior hockey in the USHL he headed back to Eau Claire to play both hockey and baseball at UW – Eau Claire before becoming a professional hockey player in the minors.
Luke has a son, Bryce, and his wife Sadie, has a daughter Ella. His hobbies are reading, golf and boating.
Register Today!
It is time to get ready for the event of the summer. The 106th Department Convention will be held July 16-20, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency/KI Center in Green Bay. THE BEST SPEAKER LINE UP TO DATE!