The Mercury Club announced softball player Rose Neuman and hockey player Branson Appelman this year’s recipients of the Mercury Award, an award gifted yearly to two outstanding high school students based on athletic accomplishments, scholastic achievement and community and religious involvement.
The Mercury Club was established in 1920 by a group of Jewish athletes who, facing discrimination, were often excluded from local sports teams.
“They weren’t welcome to play on sports teams in the area because they were Jewish,” said Steve Waldman, a member of The Mercury Club Selection Committee.
As the club evolved, it became integral in the fight against antisemitism. “Besides being good athletes, they turned out to be pretty good guys,” Waldman said, recounting stories passed down by elder members. Their prowess in sports and strength of character gradually earned them respect and inclusion within the broader sports community of Minneapolis.
In 1937, to honor the memory of one of its founders, Hyde Truman, the club initiated the Mercury Award.
“The first award went to Milton Minkin. Since then, it has grown significantly in prestige” said Waldman.
The criteria for the Mercury Award extend beyond athletic prowess. “It’s about community activities, academics, and of course, sportsmanship,” said Waldman.
Each year, candidates fill out an application that is reviewed by the club’s committee, which includes past winners and community members.
“We have teachers, grandparents, and athletic directors helping us identify potential candidates,” Waldman said.
Neuman, this year’s female recipient of the prestigious Mercury Award, exemplifies excellence both on the softball field and in the academic arena.
“I play softball, mostly third base,” Neuman said, saying furthermore that her passion for sports is matched by her academic pursuits, particularly in math and science, “I push myself really hard. I enjoy mostly math and science. In college, I’m studying radiology. I think I want to be a physical therapist when I’m older.”
Neuman is attending the University of Michigan this fall.
The scope of Neuman’s activities extends beyond sports: “I’m a mentor for my synagogue. I’ve been doing that for the past six years. It has taught me so much, which has translated into my schoolwork and my leadership on the softball team,” said Neuman.
“It’s difficult to balance being good at a sport and doing well in school. I think this award really demonstrates the importance of that, and of being involved in the Jewish community, all the good things together.”
Neuman expressed the honor felt at receiving the award: “I’m so grateful and thankful for this award, and so honored that I’ve received it,” she said.
Appelman, this year’s male recipient of the Mercury Award, grew up in Maple Grove and started an intense focus on hockey in the fifth grade.
His early interest led him to attend Gentry Academy, specifically to enhance his hockey skills. His dedication saw him moving to St. Louis during the COVID-19 pandemic to play AAA hockey, a decision driven by the desire for greater exposure and development.
“It’s the best level of hockey you can play as a youth in the U.S.,” said Appelman, who signed a tender to play for the St. Cloud Norsemen of the North American Hockey League.
In 2022, he played for the U.S. team at the Maccabiah Games in Israel. Looking ahead, Branson’s dream is to play hockey for the Air Force Academy.
Noted by Appelman, Neuman, and Waldman, the community aspect of the award is vital. Over the years, the visibility of the award has waned, leading to efforts to reignite interest and participation.
“We need the Jewish world to be what it was 35 years ago, where every Jew in the Twin Cities read about it,” Waldman said.
Looking to the future, he is optimistic. “Hopefully, the past winners [can] take over and rekindle the spirit,” he said. His vision includes a return to the tradition of holding a banquet, which had been a main event for the club previously.
“It’s more important than ever that we keep this going,” he said.
For more information on the Mercury Club and the Mercury Award, or to apply, visit the Mercury Club’s website.
