The world of athletics has always been a fascination for Donald “Sandy” Gordon. Top-notch athletic entertainment in the La Crosse area has largely been the result of the unselfish efforts of Sandy.

Donald A. Gordon Jr. was born July 11^th, 1932 in La Crosse, WI to Donald A. and Gertrude Salzer Gordon. He attended Campus School from 1938 to 1947 and Central High School from 1947-1950. After graduation from Central High, he attended Beloit College and La Crosse State Teachers College. He was sports editor of his high school newspaper and also a sports writer for his college paper at La Crosse State.

From 1957 to 1965, he was owner of the Recreation Lanes and later the Holiday Lanes in La Crosse. After this, he became owner of Sandy’s Keg Bar for 22 years. During this period he sponsored numerous fast pitch and slow pitch softball teams and many pool teams. He had three men’s state fast pitch champs during the early 1970’s. During that time, he became the only person in state softball history to sponsor both the men’s state fast pitch champ (Keg Bar) and the ladies state fast pitch champ (Hardees of La Crosse).

He has been involved in Sandy’s and Hardees Restaurants since 1965. Besides his Hardee’s Restaurants, he has numerous local real estate holdings, both in La Crosse and Onalaska.

In the summer of 1985, he was instrumental in bringing the Catbirds to La Crosse and served as president and general manager during their first season. He sold his interest in 1988 but still remains an active Catbird fan. In 1989, he offered to build 50% of a baseball stadium for the city of La Crosse, but was turned down in a referendum vote. This was a bitter disappointment for Sandy.

Currently, he is a member of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Wall of Fame, the La Crosse Country Club, the Presidents Club of Viterbo College, and the Heritage Club-Gundersen Clinic. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Band of Stoddard and the Bank of Ferryville.



Sandy’s continuous financial support is a significant factor in the success of the Boys’ & Girls’ Club.