THE JAMES DISBROW SCHOLASTIC AND SKATING AWARD

The James Disbrow Award is an award presented by the TCFSA to male skaters, based on high school academic achievement, and placement at the Minnesota State Figure Skating Championships.

While the Disbrow Award is a TCFSA award, Braemar-City of Lakes Figure Skating Club is the home club of the Disbrow Family and the home club of the award's recipient more than once.

Jim Disbrow was a former skater himself and a skating judge for over 20 years. He was a self-made buisnessman, co-founder of the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant franchise, and former President of the USFSA.

As a competitor, Jimmy participated in the U.S. Championships from 1963-68 in both singles and pairs. As a junior men's competitor, he claimed the silver medal at the 1966 U.S. Championships. Competing in the senior men's division, he placed 7th in the 1968 U.S. Championships and finished ninth in the 1967 U.S. Championships. With partner Katie Walker, he claimed the junior pairs silver medal at the 1967 U.S. Championships.

Disbrow served as the team leader for the 1998 U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team in Nagano, Japan, and the 1995 World Championships in Birmingham, England. He also was the assistant team leader for the U.S. Team at the 1993 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, Czech Republic. He served as the chief referee at the 1994 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Detroit, Mich. He also served as the Chair of the 1998 World Figure Skating Championships in Minneapolis.

Jimmy also had a distinguished business career, serving as the founder and chairman of the Minneapolis-based Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. Along with his partner and brother Scott Lowery, he started Buffalo Wild Wings (then known as "bw-3") in Columbus, Ohio in 1982 and grew the company to 183 locations and served as President and CEO until 1994. He served as Chairman of the company until his death.

James "Jimmy" Disbrow passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 16, after a courageous four-year battle with brain cancer.

The award was established by TCFSA to honor Jimmy's participation and leadership in the 1998 World Figure Skating Championships (held in Minneapolis) and his Presidency of USFSA.

2005 Michael Lueck - Burnsville MN Valley FSC

2004

2003 Ryan Yearous - Braemar City of Lakes FSC

2002 Ryan Yearous - Braemar City of Lakes FSC

2001 Tyler Ecklund - Minnetonka FSC

2000 Matt Wesenberg

1999 Matt Wesenberg

Links to further information about James Disbrow:

Star-Tribune Obituary for James Disbrow