Rick Hesse-Clearwater/Valentine
Coach Rick Hesse put Clearwater on the map. Called a “true mentor” who taught life lessons along with basketball, Hesse built a dynasty that became the first school to win four consecutive boys’ basketball state championships from 1984-87. After 22 years at Clearwater, Hesse moved on to Valentine where he wrapped up his career with […]
Scott Usher-Grand Island
Grand Island (Class of 2001) Scott Usher found his niche in the breaststroke, swimming his way to the 2004 Olympics. He won three gold medals at the state swimming meet his junior and senior years and graduated from Grand Island Senior High with school records in the 100- and 200-yard freestyle and the 200-yard individual […]
Daryl Stovall-Bellevue West
Bellevue West (Class of 1978) A lock-down defender on the basketball court and a speedy outfielder on the baseball diamond, Daryl Stovall used his athletic skills to allow him to be selected by the Chicago White Sox in the Major League Baseball draft, and the San Diego Clippers in the NBA draft. At Bellevue West, […]
Anne Shadle-South Sioux City
South Sioux City (Class of 2001) The road under Anne Shadle’s feet often seemed to fly by. At South Sioux City, where her father was the coach, Shadle took the first steps to becoming a premier runner. She won three Class B and two all-class gold medals at the state cross country championships and three […]
Renee Saunders-Omaha Marian
Omaha Marian (Class of 1995) Renee Saunders kept her eye on the ball. Named all-class all-state in volleyball and basketball her junior and senior seasons, she led Omaha Marian to the state basketball tournament every year and a state runner-up finish her junior year. She graduated as Marian’s all-time leader in scoring and rebounding. On […]
Barrett Ruud-Lincoln Southeast
Lincoln Southeast (Class of 2001) Touchdowns highlighted Barrett Ruud’s football career before tackles made him a pro. The cornerstone of three Lincoln Southeast state football championships, Ruud made the Knights varsity as a freshman, started as a sophomore and set school career records with 2,988 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns. The Lincoln Journal-Star’s Athlete of […]
Laura (Pilakowski) Buttermore-Columbus
Laura (Pilakowski) Buttermore excelled on every field and court. The first female four-year, three-sport letterman at Columbus High School, she earned all-state honors in volleyball and basketball and qualified for the state track meet all four years. The consensus 1999 Female Athlete of the Year, she was the Nebraska Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year […]
Richard Knaub-Scottsbluff
Scottsbluff (Class of 1954) The Nebraska High School Athlete of the Year in 1954, Knaub was a four-year letterman in track and a two-year letterman in football and basketball, earning all-conference and all-state honors. On the track, he established three state records and won all-class gold medals in the pole vault his sophomore and junior […]
Erin (Gudmundson) Haussermann-Kearney Catholic
Kearney Catholic (Class of 2002) A three-sport star at Kearney Catholic, Haussermann earned all-state honors in volleyball and basketball, and qualified for the state track meet in seven different events. On the volleyball court, she set school records for kills in a match and in a season. On the basketball court, she scored 1,275 points […]
Leodis Flowers-Omaha Central
Omaha Central (Class of 1987) One of a string of standouts who gave Omaha Central the nickname, “I-Back High,” Flowers earned Parade All-American honors and was one of eight finalists for Gatorade National Player of the Year as a senior. A two-time all-state running back, he rushed for 1,800 yards as a junior and 1,200 […]
