by Dennis Dalman
A lot of old friends – and new ones – will gather in Sartell Saturday, Aug. 5 to enjoy the inaugural Sabre Alumni & Friends Cross Country meet.
The event is a way to celebrate the legacy of Sabre Cross Country. All proceeds will be split between the Rustie Froemming Cross Country Memorial Scholarship Foundation and the Sabre Cross Country Team.
Froemming, who died unexpectedly on Sept. 16, 2020, was a beloved business teacher and cross-country coach for 33 years at Sartell High School. He passed on at the young age of 58 because of complications following a heart attack. (For more about Froemming and his life, see the latter part of this story.)
The cross-country course is located between the intermediate school and the middle school. Participants and guests who arrive at 9 a.m. Aug. 5 for the cross-country meet can park behind or in front of the Riverview Intermediate School.
The event will include a 5k race open to alumni and friends, a free Family Fun Run at about 10 a.m. and a reception with post-race refreshments, door-prize raffles and a brief program.
Registration for the 5k race is $25, with $10 off when more than two racers are registered. Those who do not wish to run are more than welcome to make a donation online or in person at the alumni-and-friends gathering on Aug. 5.
For more information on the event and to register, visit
www.runsignup.com/sabrealumni
Froemming
Rustie Froemming was described by many as a dedicated family man who loved nothing better than spending time with his wife, children, extended family (including cross-country athletes) and his special cat named Luci.
He also enjoyed rebuilding engines and was the “fix-it guy” for the family.
“He will always be remembered for his willingness to tackle any project and make epic messes along the way,” as a line from his obituary stated with affectionate humor.
Froemming and family, who lived in Clear Lake, were active members in Discovery Church in Sauk Rapids.
Born in Hutchinson, he grew up in Annandale where his parents, Russ and Sally, still live.
Rustie and Mary Jo Froemming have two grown children, Anna Boeke (husband Kory) and Isaac (wife Ashley).
Journalist Christa Weide wrote a moving tribute to Froemming in the “LeSabre” (Sartell High School newspaper). The following is an excerpt from her tribute:
“Now not only was Froemming a teacher or a coach, but he was also an amazing storyteller . . . I remember that in the beginning of Personal Finance class in my freshman year, Mr. Froemming told us a story about how he built his whole house. Now if this isn’t something that is impressive to everyone, I don’t know what would be. He spent his time and energy, working around his job to create his own house, with very little help from others. Of course this was just like him, he was always someone who kept himself busy, and – no matter what – always had a new project he was working on. Whether it was a car or even a lawn mower, Froemming was able to take something that just didn’t work and fix it to run beautifully . . . Though Froemming is gone, he will never be forgotten.”
Rustie and Mary Jo Froemming as seen in a photo taken during the wedding of their daughter, Anna, to Kory Boeke.
