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Photo by Jack Higgins

Former Stillwater Pony and NBA center Chris Engler watched as his number 55 jersey was retired during the Ponies home game on Feb. 10, where Stillwater defeated Forest Lake 72-58. 

“It was a special night and on top of that it was great to get a good team win with a great atmosphere,” sophomore Henry Zollar said. 

Born and raised in Stillwater, Engler has the unique distinction of being the only former Pony to play in the NBA. After four years at Stillwater, he graduated in 1977 and was recruited to play Division I basketball for the Universities of Minnesota and Wyoming. Engler went on to be drafted by the Golden State Warriors, 60th overall in the 1982 draft. He played two years with Golden State and went on to play with the NJ Nets, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks and the Portland Trail Blazers. He retired from the league in 1988.

“Engler is an inspiration for lots of people from Stillwater. My path may be different from his, but what I can hope is that I can learn from him and his mentality,” junior Jaden Jones said. 

Having seen a former player like Engler get drafted out of Stillwater motivates the players on the current Ponies team. Seeing that it is possible to make it to Division I or pro gives these players confidence. 

“Seeing the success of Chris Engler, especially that it came so quickly, makes me motivated to work hard towards my goals knowing that I can accomplish anything I put work toward,” junior John Dieterle added.

The National Basketball Association is a lofty goal. When compared to other major sports, it is the most difficult professional league to break into. With the smallest draft, each team is allowed just 15 players. Incredible talent is necessary, but it is just the first component for success. 

“Being in the NBA takes a tremendous amount of work and dedication, and on top of that, you have to love and prioritize the game,” Zollar explained. 

Although Engler is one of very few people from Stillwater who have earned a place in professional sports, Stillwater is a great place to compete and rise to the next level. 

Dieterle believes that Stillwater has great resources to become successful in sports, “the big school with big competition breeds good athletes.”

Engler may be the most notable basketball player to come out of Stillwater thus far; but it does not have to end there. The way the Ponies have been breeding players, they hope to have a few follow in his footsteps.

“As a whole, the talent for Stillwater has taken a big leap over the past couple of years. We also demand everybody’s best effort. So yes I do think down the road we have people with enough talent to play collegiately,” Zollar added. 

Retiring Engler’s number 55 is a proud moment in Pony sports. Not only did Chris Engler receive the recognition in his community for a job well done, the retired number stands as a symbol to all athletes to recognize their talents. With hard work and determination, it is a reminder that dreams do come true. 

“Going professional in any big time sport is always a challenge. But I think it comes down to hard work, dedication, consistency, and patience,” Jones said. “When you have those traits, nothing can stand in your way. Those traits go a long way.”