Wilbur "Soup" Winblad Athletic Scholarship

Born Sept. 9, 1923, in Red Wing to Swedish immigrant parents, Winblad grew up in a family of six children. He and his wife, Patty, had six children – Susan, Ann, Mary, Patty, Kathy and Dave, five grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Soup Winblad’s life accomplishments could fill volumes. He was a Marine combat veteran in World War II, a star athlete both at Red Wing High School and Winona State Teacher’s College, a teacher-counselor-coach at Rushford and Farmington (18 years) high schools, and a legendary figure at what is now Dakota County Technical College. He was the 1970 Farmington Teacher of the Year and in 1992 was inducted into the inaugural class of the Farmington High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Winblad became a member of the Winona State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987.

Winblad’s athletic accomplishments are legendary. He was a three-sport athlete at Red Wing High School, lettering in basketball, baseball and football. He was honored for his performance on the basketball court and the football field. He was named Minnesota All-State as a guard with the state championship runner-up basketball team and also earned All-Southern Minnesota halfback honors.
Winblad studied at Bemidji State College before joining the Marines to fight in World War II in the South Pacific. When the war ended, he resumed his education at Winona State Teacher’s College where he was captain of the basketball team and quarterback of the football team. In 1946 he was recognized as Winona’s Most Valuable Football Player and in 1958 Governor Orville Freeman named Winblad the Minnesota Sports Champ. Winblad finished college in three years, with nine athletic letters and a handsome letter jacket that he faithfully wore to Winona State homecomings.

After college Winblad taught and coached basketball at Rushford High School until 1954 after which he began his career with Farmington High School, where he taught history, and served as a guidance counselor, basketball coach, and athletic director. In 1970 Winblad was named Farmington High School Teacher of the Year and in 2008 was honored as Teacher of Excellence at Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount.

You only had to spend a few moments with Soup to realize that while the awards and accolades were appreciated, they were just a small part of the rich tapestry of his life. You may have known him as a teammate, teacher, coach, or friend – but no matter what role he played in your life, he will be most remembered for a warm and giving soul and his infectious smile.

Scholarship contact is Dave (son of Wilbur).