Good Kids make a good School System, a good School System, attracts good Teachers and Coaches, which makes good programs. That was the common theme throughout the evening for the Inaugural Alliance High School Activities Hall of Fame Banquet. The night included a dinner along with silent and live auctions, with the proceeds going to the “Save the Track’ Fund. A crowd estimated at around 200 attended. The 2017 Inductees included… 2 in the Contributor Category, The Essay Family and Mike Glesinger. 4 Coaches, Dr. Pat Cullen, Duane Dobson, Steve Nelson and Sandra Pilfold. 3 Directors, The late Bill Rischling, Dave Rischling and Dick Rischling. 8 Athletes, Randy Borg, Dr. Dawn Brammer, Jordan Hooper, Roger Nason, Dustin Olds, Michael Schadwinkel, Amy Stephens and Tony Wilbrand. 2 Alumni, Dean Gorsuch and Frank Thompson and 1 Performer Todd Almond.
Mike and Dave Essay, former long time owners and operators of Pepsi Cola in Alliance, both spoke about how giving back to the community and supporting the schools, was passed on to them by their Father and Uncle, and was just natural to continue.
Dr. Pat Cullen talked of mentors he had while teaching and coaching wrestling and given the freedom to do things “his way”, which he used to win 3 State Wrestling Championships with numerous individual State Champions and Medalists. Dr. Cullen gave credit to long time friend Duane Dobson, who has been assistant wrestling coach in Alliance, for more than 40 years and is still active, all while working full time. Duane also credited the athletes he has coached and the support of his family.
Steve Nelson spoke of having a 2nd chance when he moved to Gordon from York, Nebraska the summer before his Senior year and decided to stay and graduate from Gordon. Then having the opportunity to take part in Football and Track at Chadron State College, eventually landing a teaching and coaching position in Alliance, where he continues to help with the Track program, now going on 40+ years. “Nelly” spoke about how your playing days in sports are very short, but Coaching can last a long time, and that is the rewarding part.
Sandra Pilfold spoke on friendships she developed with the athletes and other coaches and how those friendships continue today.
Joe, Dave and Dick Rischling all spoke about the inspiration they received from their father Bill and mother Maralee, and how the love of music was ever present in their home. The Rischling Family now has grown to 3 generations of Music Educators, with over 100 combined years of teaching.
Randy Borg spoke of being a walk-on Football player at the University of Nebraska, after turning down scholarship offers in both football and basketball to other schools. Working his way up to playing special teams and being a back up defensive back on Bob Devaney’s National Championship Team in 1971, earning a “Blackshirt” for Monte Kiffin’s defense and returning a punt for a touchdown in Tom Osborne’s first game as head coach in 1973, and playing with Husker Legends Johnny Rogers, Rich Glover, John Dutton and others. Randy also told an emotional story of cancer stricken teammate Rex Lowe, who inspired the Cornhuskers to a 38-6 win over Alabama in the Orange Bowl to clinch the National Title in 1971, all while giving credit to his family and Alliance High School Coaches, teachers and teammates.
Dr Dawn Brammer spoke on family and friendships during her time at Alliance and her teachers and coaches who inspired her to continue her education to reach the position she holds today.
Jordan Hooper, who is probably one of the most decorated athletes in Alliance sports history, was very modest in her remarks, but was quick to credit her Teachers, Coaches and especially her teammates.
Roger Nason spoke on his love of Alliance and how he is a lifelong resident and lifelong supporter of AHS.
Dustin Olds spoke about growing up around Alliance High Athletics, following his father Skip, who was Head Football Coach and Athletic Director and dreaming of playing for The Bulldogs, and working to achieve his goal, and how he admired and took inspiration from his Father and Mother.
Michael Schadwinkel and Amy Stephens were not able to attend, but Mike’s Mom, Mary Schadwinkel, read a letter from Mike thanking everyone for the Honor. Amy Stephen’s High School Coach Val Jansante, read a letter from Amy expressing her thanks to her Family, and Alliance Teachers and Coaches.
Tony Wilbrand spoke about always being the “tallest” kid around which certainly helped in his athletic career, but how much he loved playing sports with his good friends. He talked about how he rarely if ever shot a 3 pointer or brought the ball up court. His teammates were responsible for that. He owes his success to being part of a team and working hard under the guidance of excellent coaches from Jr. High through High School and College.
Dean Gorsuch was not able to attend, but his father in law Rick Lusk read a statement that echoed the same thought of family support and inspiration from his teachers and coaches.
Frank Thompson spoke on the support of his family, which allowed him to concentrate on training. He spoke about skipping school to “go shooting”, which didn’t sit to well with his AHS teachers, until they found out that “going shooting” meant participating in a qualifying event for the National Shotgun Team. His teachers instructed him to communicate this a little better in the future.
Todd Almond was also not able to attend, but Master of Ceremonies Kevin Horn, described Todd as one of the most talented Students to ever take part in activities at Alliance High School and how a local resident described his performance in an AHS production of “The Wizzard of Oz” as being as good as Ray Bolger himself.
I was also honored to be part of the first class. Where my role as a Radio Announcer fits into all of this, I am not certain. But I will say I am the luckiest guy ever, to have a front row seat in some of the most exciting moments in Alliance High School History and the chance to work closely with some outstanding Teachers, Administrators, Coaches and Student Athletes. I hope to continue into the future.
More than once an Inductee had to pause and compose themselves, during their remarks, because they were fighting back tears of emotion. It was quite evident that receiving this honor meant something very special. The evening saw a lot of friends getting together and sharing laughs, tears and plenty of good stories. The Activities Hall of Fame hopes to induct up to 4 new members each year from now on, The Hall of Fame will have a display at Alliance High School which will include photos and short biographies.
