John Pflugi was born in Proctor, Minnesota and became interested in ski jumping in the late 1940’s as a spectator attending many jumping tournaments at the former Fond du Lac ski jump site, then operated by the Duluth Ski Club.

Following a move to St. Paul, he continued to attend tournament at the Battle Creek ski slide, located at the south end of White Bear Avenue.

His interest in the sport of ski jumping grew dramatically when his son Matt became involved in the St. Paul Junior Ski Club in 1970.

Though never a participant, except “off a three-foot snow bump in Proctor”, Pflugi soon became a more integral aspect of the St. Paul Ski Club. He began as a marker, and as his interest grew, he became more and more involved in the intricacies of managing a tournament.

When son Matt quit competing in the late 1970’s, John continued his interest and involvement in the St. Paul Ski Club. “I felt I owed something to the sport. I just stayed involved with an interest and an effort to make sure the program stayed viable, so more and more kids would stay interested,” Pflugi stated.

John truly fits the role of “unsung hero”. He gave up his bowling activities to become involved in the sport of ski jumping because, “I was impressed with the lessons it teaches kids beyond the competition.”

Pflugi was elected to the St. Paul Ski Club Board of Directors and has been a long time contributor to the activities as a member of the St. Paul Educational Foundation. He is a member of the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame Committee.

John has attended countless meetings. He seldom turns down the opportunity to assist. His continued involvement in ski club activities, throughout a major portion of his lifetime, is a tribute to his dedication to the sport.

John Pflugi has evolved into a true and faithful member of the ski jumping fraternity, worthy of the honor of induction into the St. Paul Ski Club Hall of Fame.