Sports Digest

USA BMX to hold local registration drive

USA BMX will hold a free registration event at the Hodag BMX track in Rhinelander, Friday, June, 6.  

“Those who may be interested in BMX racing can get a sneak peek into what members can expect at their local track, from multiple weekly practices to local, regional and national racing opportunities that are open to all USA BMX members — regardless of age or skill level,” USA BMX, the sanctioning organization for racing at the Hodag BMX track stated in a press release. 

The event will coincide with the track’s regular Friday night program. Registration will take place from 6 to 7 p.m., with racing starting shortly thereafter. 

“First-timers can borrow a loaner BMX bike and helmet (or bring their own) and take a spin on the track to get a taste of what BMX riding is all about. All participants receive a certificate,” the press release stated. 

The Hodag BMX track is located at West Side Park (995 Lynne St.) in Rhinelander. For more information on the Hodag BMX Club, visit https://www.usabmx.com/tracks/wi-hodag-bmx.

WIAA hires marketing and communications assistant

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association has announced the hiring of Olivia Hoffmann as marketing and communications assistant, with her role beginning on June 9, 2025.

Hoffmann will support the daily operations of the marketing and brand manager and the director of communications through social media, website management, event promotion and content creation. Her responsibilities will include maintaining an active WIAA online presence, assisting with promotional materials and enhancing membership engagement.

“In addition to the WIAA championship events, there are so many behind-the-scenes stories to be told in education-based athletics, and we believe this newly created position will assist us in sharing these positive narratives across the state,” WIAA Executive Director Stephanie Hauser said. “Olivia’s broad experiences in spotlighting athletics and activities at the collegiate and professional level make her a valuable addition to our communications team at the WIAA.”

She joins the WIAA after serving as the corporate partnerships fulfillment intern with the Green Bay Packers since June of 2024. Among her duties, she planned and fulfilled social media posts for corporate partners, assisted in creating copy for posts and tracked analytics for branded digital campaigns.

Hoffmann received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Winona State University in May of 2024. She is a 2020 graduate of De Pere High School.

Hodag Hall of Famer, former state champ Brendan O’Brien passes away

Four-time WIAA state champion, and member of the Rhinelander Athletic Booster Club Hodag Hall of Fame, Brendan O’Brien died May 18 in Minneapolis. He was 48. 

O’Brien, a Class of 1995 Rhinelander High School graduate, was one of the most decorated distance runners in school history. He won the WIAA Division 1 individual state championship in cross country in 1994 and claimed three events at the WIAA Division 1 state track meet — winning the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs in 1994, and the 800-meter run in 1995. O’Brien still holds the school records in the 800 (1 minute, 54.3 seconds) and the 1,600 (4:15.4). He was inducted into the Hodag Hall of Fame in 2004.

O’Brien’s obituary notes that his athletic talents led to a full scholarship at the University of Minnesota. 

Survivors include O’Brien’s son Ian, his mother Anita, sisters Shannon, Kerry, Colleen along with niece and nephews, and many friends and family. He was preceded in death by his father Dennis O’Brien and sister Erin O’Brien. 

The obituary states that a celebration of life for O’Brien will be held in Rhinelander at a later date.