5 Super Athletes With Ties To Stillwater

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Stillwater area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Brian Arnfelt (Football)

Brian Arnfelt, a Stillwater Area High School graduate, excelled both academically and athletically as captain of the varsity football and track teams. At Northwestern University, he served as team captain and earned Academic All-American honors while leading the Wildcats to their first bowl victory since 1948. Post-college, Arnfelt signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013, advancing from their practice squad to the active roster. After retiring from football, he pursued a legal career, continuing to demonstrate the dedication and discipline instilled during his time in Stillwater.

2. Ben Blankenship (Distance Running)

Ben Blankenship, an accomplished middle-distance runner from Stillwater, made his mark as a two-time Minnesota State AA Champion in the 1600 meters during high school. He became the first University of Minnesota runner to break the four-minute mile, clocking 3:57.83 in 2010. Blankenship represented Team USA in the 1500 meters at the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing 8th in the final. Notable achievements include anchoring the world-record-setting USA Distance Medley Relay team in 2015 and winning the 2016 USATF Road Mile Championship with a course record.

3. Noah Cates (Ice Hockey)

Noah Cates, a Stillwater native, emerged as a standout hockey player at Stillwater Area High School before joining the Omaha Lancers in the USHL. Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2017, he earned All-NCHC honors at Minnesota Duluth, where he captained the Bulldogs and helped secure the 2019 NCAA Division I Championship. A versatile two-way forward, Cates also served as an alternate captain for Team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Now with the Flyers, he continues to impress with his defensive prowess and dedication to growth.

4. Jessie Diggins (Cross-Country Skier)

Jessie Diggins, a Stillwater High School alumna, is the most decorated American cross-country skier in history. A three-time Olympic medalist, including a historic gold in the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, Diggins has also won 25 World Cup races and two FIS Crystal Globes. Known for her tenacity and advocacy for mental health, climate action, and youth sports, Diggins continues to inspire athletes worldwide with her record-breaking achievements and commitment to leaving the sport better for future generations.

5. Nicole Hause (Skateboarding)

Nicole Hause, a Stillwater-born skateboarder, gained early recognition at 3rd Lair Skatepark's "Girls Skate Free" nights. She rose to prominence with back-to-back Vert Attack championships in 2017 and 2018 and became a member of the inaugural USA Skateboarding National Team in 2019. In 2022, Hause turned pro, earning sponsorships from Real Skateboards and Nike SB. Known for her fearless style, Hause continues to inspire as a prominent figure in the skateboarding community.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.