Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees

Each fall, a selection committee chooses inductees for the following year鈥檚 糖心视频 Marty Athletic Hall of Fame. In order to be considered for selection into the MMU Athletic Hall of Fame, an individual must meet the following requirements. 

The inductees must have been:

  • A student at 糖心视频 for at least two years and a graduate of 糖心视频 Marty.
    • A coach at 糖心视频 Marty.
    • An athletic administrator at 糖心视频 Marty.
    • A team that represented 糖心视频 Marty.
    • An individual who has made outstanding contributions to the 糖心视频 Marty Athletic Program.
  • Must have conducted himself/herself in such a way as to reflect honor on 糖心视频 Marty and to have those qualities of character and standards of conduct most desirable in one who may be cited as an example for young people.
  • Must have made a good record in some branch of intercollegiate sports at 糖心视频 Marty or have made a distinct contribution to sports.
  • Upon graduation at 糖心视频 Marty, the individual must have made a positive contribution to society.
  • Candidates become eligible:
    • Athletes 鈥 five years after graduation.
    • Teams 鈥 10 years after academic year
    • Coaches, staff, and others 鈥 five years after they leave these positions at 糖心视频 Marty or after 10 years of service at 糖心视频 Marty.

 

2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees:

 

John Meiser- Men's Basketball 1973

糖心视频 Marty proudly inducts John Meiser, Class of 1973, for his foundational role in establishing Lancer men鈥檚 basketball and his standout career as a dynamic guard and leader.

Meiser transferred from Arizona Western and joined 糖心视频 Marty鈥檚 inaugural men鈥檚 basketball team in 1970鈥71 under Coach Rudy Gerstner. He immediately became a key contributor, averaging 12.9 points and 4.9 assists per game. He led the team in assists (101) and was named Best Defensive Player.

As captain in 1971鈥72, Meiser again led the team in assists (87) and was the second-leading scorer (14.4 ppg), while earning the Best Hustler Award and national recognition via the Outstanding Athletes of America Award.

In 1972鈥73, the Lancers achieved a school-record 15 wins. Meiser added 11.0 points and 4.2 assists per game, again topping the team in assists and earning a second Outstanding Athletes of America Award.

Upon graduation, Meiser held nine school records, including career marks for assists and points. A true program pioneer, his leadership and consistent excellence helped lay the groundwork for 糖心视频 Marty basketball鈥檚 future.

 

Roman Kula- Baseball 1994

Roman Kula, a native of Toronto, Canada, and transfer from Des Moines Area Community College, left an exceptional legacy on the 糖心视频 baseball program as both a dominant pitcher and productive offensive player. Known for his impeccable control on the mound, high baseball IQ, and strong leadership, Kula was a fierce competitor who helped define one of the most successful eras in program history. Competing for the Lancers during the 1993 and 1994 seasons, he played a central role in a combined 68-21 record under 糖心视频 Marty Hall of Fame Head Coach Bob Tereshinski.

In 1993, Kula posted an 8-3 record with three saves and a 3.19 ERA while also contributing offensively with a .418 batting average, two home runs, and 21 RBIs. His performance helped lead the Lancers to the South Dakota NAIA/Sub-District 12 Championship and a District 12 Runner-Up finish. For his efforts, he earned NAIA District 12 honors and was recognized as an NAIA Scholar-Athlete.

Kula elevated his play even further during the 1994 season. He finished with a 10-2 record, four saves, and a 2.39 ERA while also batting .350 with 55 hits, 35 runs scored, three home runs, and 42 RBIs. His outstanding season earned him All-South Dakota NAIA honors, All-District 12 recognition, and Co-Team Most Valuable Player honors. He was also named an NAIA Scholar-Athlete for the second consecutive year.

The 1994 Lancers achieved historic success, capturing another South Dakota NAIA/Sub-District 12 Championship and finishing the season receiving votes in the NAIA national rankings. The team established a school-record 23-game winning streak and set a program record with 36 victories, with Kula playing a major role in that success.

At the time of graduation, Kula held multiple program records, including appearances in a season, innings pitched, and saves in a season. His 10 victories in 1994 established a school record at the time, while his eight wins in 1993 ranked second in program history. He also ranked among the program leaders in complete games, innings pitched, at-bats, and career victories.

More than three decades later, Kula remains among 糖心视频 Marty's all-time leaders in single-season wins, innings pitched, complete games, and career victories. His versatility as a two-way player, combined with his leadership and competitive spirit, helped establish a championship culture that contributed to the continued success of 糖心视频 Marty Baseball.

 

Emily (Fletcher) Reilly- Women's Basketball 2001

Emily (Fletcher) Reilly, a standout student-athlete from the Class of 2001, left an exceptional legacy on the 糖心视频 women鈥檚 basketball program as a premier leader and highly productive guard. Competing for the Lancers during a highly competitive era, Reilly鈥檚 consistency and versatility on both ends of the floor made her a central figure in the program鈥檚 success and paved the way for her induction into the Hall of Fame.

During her senior campaign, Reilly elevated her game to new heights, serving as a team captain and ultimately earning recognition as the team's Most Valuable Player. Averaging 10.6 points per game, she led the Lancers offensively and played a vital role in guiding the team to an impressive second-place finish in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC). Her elite playmaking and scoring prowess did not go unnoticed on the national stage, as she was named a NAIA Kodak All-America Basketball Team District 4 Finalist.

Reilly's sharp-shooting and efficiency were key hallmarks of her game during her final season. She ranked sixth in the GPAC in free throw percentage, proving to be a reliable and clutch performer at the charity stripe. She also established herself as one of the premier perimeter threats in the region, showcasing great accuracy and volume from behind the arc.

At the time of her graduation in 2001, Reilly鈥檚 name was firmly cemented all over the Lancer record books. She ranked 9th in career three-pointers made (48) and 8th in career three-pointers attempted (175). A dynamic distributor, she also departed holding the 10th spot on the all-time career assists list with 249. Her durability and commitment to the program were equally historic, as she graduated ranked 10th in school history with 114 career games played.

 

David Gall- Men's Basketball 2002

David Gall stands as one of the most dominant, resilient, and complete frontcourt players to ever wear the Lancer blue and gold. Arriving on campus immediately following 糖心视频 Marty鈥檚 historic 1998 NAIA Division II Final Four run, the Lake Andes native became the foundational cornerstone and team captain of a highly competitive transitional era, anchoring the program through rigorous SDIC and GPAC schedules.

An imposing 6'8" presence with explosive athleticism, Gall was a relentless force in the paint and a dynamic playmaker. By his junior season, he blossomed into the driving force of the Lancer offense, leading the team with 15.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. His sheer dominance earned him GPAC All-Conference honors, a GPAC Player of the Week selection, and his first of two Team Most Valuable Offensive Player awards. His junior year was highlighted by a 21-point performance at Nebraska Wesleyan鈥攕coring 15 in the second half鈥攖o snap the Prairie Wolves' historic 30-game home winning streak.

As a senior captain, Gall put together a truly historic individual campaign. He led the Lancers in scoring (17.1 PPG), rebounds (7.5 RPG, ranking fifth in the GPAC), and assists. He capped his stellar collegiate career by earning repeat GPAC All-Conference honors and national recognition as an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention. Alongside teammate Doug Hanson, they became the first Lancer duo to earn All-American accolades in the same season since 1977.

At the time of his graduation in 2002, Gall held a staggering presence in the Lancer record books, sitting near the top of almost every major historical category. He departed 糖心视频 Marty ranking 10th all-time in career points scored with 1,221 and 9th in career field goals made with 466. Known for his elite efficiency, he finished his career ranked 7th in school history in field goal percentage, knocking down an outstanding 53.1% of his shots. Furthermore, he was an absolute weapon at the free-throw line, graduating 4th all-time in free throws made (282) and 10th in free throw percentage (76.4%).

Gall鈥檚 baseline dominance was fueled by a legendary commitment to physical preparation and raw athletic versatility. A 2001 NSCA Strength and Conditioning All-American, he boasted a 410-pound squat and a 35-inch vertical jump in the weight room. His rare combination of size and speed also translated to the track, where he briefly lent his talents to the Lancer track and field program, competing as a 6-foot high jumper and throwing both the shot put and discus.

Following graduation, Gall cemented his status as a South Dakota basketball icon in the amateur ranks. Over a 10-year career (2005鈥2014) playing for Midland, Presho, and Pierre, he led his squad to the 2009 Class B Championship and captured tournament MVP honors. His enduring impact on the court earned him induction into the South Dakota Amateur Basketball Association (SDABA) Hall of Fame in 2025.

 

Sarah (Travnicek) Kerr- Volleyball 2002

Sara (Travnicek) Kerr stands as one of the most dominant, decorated, and versatile net protectors in the history of 糖心视频 volleyball. Competing for the Lancers from 1998 to 2001, Kerr was a foundational force during a monumental era of growth for the program, anchoring the team through its transition into the highly competitive Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) while consistently maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence.

An imposing 6'0" middle hitter with explosive blocking ability, sharp court vision, and efficient offensive striking, Kerr made an immediate impact. Her breakout sophomore campaign in 1999 earned her prestigious South Dakota-Iowa Conference (SDIC) honors, setting the stage for a historic upperclassman career.

As a junior in 2000, Kerr delivered a spectacular campaign that established her as a premier two-way player in the region. She was an absolute force on the attack, ranking sixth in the GPAC in hitting percentage, averaging 3.13 kills per game, and setting a program record for the most kills in a single match. Defensively, she anchored the front row, ranking ninth in the conference with 1.30 blocks per game. Her outstanding play earned her Second-Team All-GPAC honors, her first Team Most Valuable Player award, and national recognition as an NAIA Scholar-Athlete.

Serving as a team captain during her magnificent senior season in 2001, Kerr elevated her play even further to guide the Lancers with veteran poise. She completely dominated conference net play, ranking second in the GPAC in total blocks with a staggering 1.38 blocks per game alongside 3.08 kills per game. Her performances earned her a GPAC Athlete of the Week honor, a repeat selection to the All-GPAC Second Team, a second consecutive Team Most Valuable Player honor, and a recurring NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete distinction.

At the time of her graduation, Kerr held a staggering presence in the Lancer record books, sitting near the very top of almost every major historical category. She departed 糖心视频 Marty ranking second all-time in career kills (1,134), second in career attack attempts (2,895), second in career solo blocks (212), second in career block assists (303), and second in total career blocks (515). Furthermore, her sustained efficiency over four years placed her fourth in program history in career kills per game (2.81).

 

Jason Schmidt- Baseball 2013

Jason Schmidt stands as one of the most dominant, feared, and versatile two-way players in the history of 糖心视频 baseball. A fierce competitor who thrived under pressure, the Mitchell native anchored one of the program鈥檚 most successful eras, leading the Lancers to 115 victories over his four-year career. His leadership on the diamond fueled a historic run of team success, including a GPAC Tournament Runner-Up finish in 2009, a GPAC Regular Season Championship and NAIA Opening Round Runner-Up finish in 2010, and a GPAC Tournament Championship in 2012.

Schmidt made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2009, capturing the team's Most Valuable Newcomer Award. He hit .368 at the plate while simultaneously carving up opponents on the mound, posting a school-record 1.54 ERA with six saves to earn Second-Team All-GPAC honors.

His breakout campaign came during the school-record 39-win season in 2010. Schmidt secured First-Team All-GPAC honors at shortstop and was named Team Offensive MVP after batting a blistering .455 with 80 hits, 21 doubles, and 51 RBIs. He also rewrite the record books that year, setting single-season school records with 72 runs scored and 10 saves.

Schmidt鈥檚 junior campaign in 2011 stands as one of the single greatest individual seasons in Great Plains Athletic Conference history. He hit .364 with 53 RBIs and blasted 13 home runs鈥攔emarkably out-slugging seven entire GPAC teams combined during the early BBCOR era. His dominance earned him GPAC Player of the Year honors, Team MVP, and NAIA All-American Honorable Mention distinction.

Recognized as a Preseason NAIA All-American entering his senior season in 2012, Schmidt cemented his legacy by guiding the Lancers to the GPAC Tournament Championship and a dramatic walk-off victory in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament. He hit .352 with 10 home runs and 51 RBIs while maintaining a microscopic, school-record 1.13 ERA with seven saves on the mound, earning his second consecutive Team Player of the Year award.

By the time of his graduation, Schmidt completely rewrote the Lancer record books. He departed as the program's all-time leader in games played (197), games started (189), at-bats (581), runs scored (185), hits (226), doubles (50), walks (149), saves (26), and career ERA (2.39). Known for an explosive left-handed bat and legendary plate discipline, he finished with a .389 career batting average, 34 home runs, and 182 RBIs, remarkably drawing more walks than strikeouts in each of his four collegiate seasons.

 

2010 Men's Baseball Team

Head Coach: Andy Bernatow
Assistant Coaches: Robb McClemans and Brady Dierks
Key Achievements: GPAC Regular-Season Champions | NAIA National Opening Round Finalist | South Dakota Sportswriters Team of the Year Finalist | School-Record 39 Wins

The 2010 糖心视频 Marty College baseball team stands as one of the most dominant, record-breaking squads in the history of Lancer athletics. Guided by GPAC Coach of the Year Andy Bernatow, this exceptional group combined a high-powered offense, clinical pitching, and unbreakable team chemistry to finish with a monumental 39-17 overall record. In doing so, they completely smashed the previous school record of 36 wins that had stood since 1994, establishing a single-season milestone that remains untouched to this day.

Dominating the regional circuit, the Lancers tore through Great Plains Athletic Conference play with an outstanding 20-4 record to capture the GPAC Regular-Season Championship. Their regular-season excellence allowed them to completely sweep the major conference postseason awards, with Josh Damewood capturing GPAC Player of the Year honors and Trey Krier securing GPAC Pitcher of the Year recognition.

On the national stage, the Lancers rode their explosive momentum deep into the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round. Fighting through a grueling postseason bracket, 糖心视频 Marty showcased incredible grit by securing high-stakes victories over nationally ranked University of Texas Brownsville, York University, and the defending national champion, Lubbock Christian University. The historic run captivated the Yankton community and earned statewide recognition, ultimately concluding just one singular game shy of a trip to the prestigious NAIA World Series.

The 2010 roster featured one of the most talented collections of individual competitors in program history. Pitching ace Trey Krier anchored the staff, adding NAIA Second-Team All-American and NAIA National Pitcher of the Week honors to his resume. Shortstop and closer Jason Schmidt cemented his legendary status by locking down a school-record 10 saves. Five Lancers earned First-Team All-GPAC honors, while the team's relentless blue-collar mindset was reflected in internal honors awarded to key figures like Josh Homme, Jason Livermont, and Allen Hemeyer.

Equally dominant in the classroom, the squad embodied the student-athlete ideal. Seven players earned GPAC Academic/Plieger-Olson honors, six were named NAIA Scholar-Athletes, and the program secured its seventh consecutive NAIA Scholar Team Award鈥攕ustaining a foundational academic streak that continues today.

A legendary roster of champions, record-breakers, and leaders, the 2010 squad established the gold standard for 糖心视频 Marty diamond success. Their collective induction into the 糖心视频 Hall of Fame permanently enshrines their legacy as one of the finest teams to ever wear the blue and gold.

Team Honors & Individual Accolades:
  • GPAC Regular-Season Champions (20-4 Conference Record)

  • School-Record 39 Wins (Most in a single season in program history)

  • NAIA National Opening Round Championship Game Appearance

  • South Dakota Sportswriters Association Team of the Year Finalist

  • NAIA Scholar Team Award Recipient

  • GPAC Coach of the Year: Andy Bernatow

  • GPAC Player of the Year: Josh Damewood

  • GPAC Pitcher of the Year & NAIA Second-Team All-American: Trey Krier

  • First-Team All-GPAC Selections: Trey Krier, Josh Damewood, Jason Schmidt, Zach Lambrechts, and Josh Wenande

  • Honorable Mention All-GPAC Selections: Andy Turbak and Jason Livermont

  • Individual Team Awards: Josh Damewood (MVP), Trey Krier (MVP Pitcher/Defense), Jason Schmidt (MVP Offense), Josh Homme (Most Valuable Newcomer), Jason Livermont (Hardest Worker), and Allen Hemeyer (Most Improved)

 

If you would like to submit a nomination to be considered, email Athletic Director Andy Bernatow at abernatow@mountmarty.edu with your suggestion.

2025: Randy Perry 鈥96 (Baseball), Volleyball Teams 鈥 1975, 1976, 1977, Jim Thorson (Men鈥檚 Basketball Coach from 1995-2013)Jan (Zelones) Coday 鈥78 (Volleyball, Basketball, and Track)

2024: 1994 Baseball Team, Alex (Kneeland) Harris '17 (Basketball), Titus Kosgei '12 (Track & Field), Chad McGough '98 (Basketball, Baseball)

2023: Meghan Barlow '98 (Cross Country and Track and Field), Gene Elder '99 (Baseball), Derek Otton '11 (Soccer), Jenny (Miller) Krier '11 (Basketball)

2022: Lauren Donlin 鈥10 (Softball, Soccer), Tony Elizondo 鈥92 (Baseball), Kylie (Gross) Knippling 鈥12 (Basketball), and 1999 Women's Basketball Team

2021: Tom Schlimgen (Coach) and Katie Smelker 鈥15 (Track)

2020: James Cimburek 鈥94 (Contributor), Albert Fernandez 鈥97 (Coach), Landon Klock 鈥99 (Baseball, Basketball), Melissa (Schmidt) Kosch 鈥05 (Track, Basketball), and Tom Nelson 鈥00 (Track)

2019: Patrick Frank (Employee, Supporter), Matt Geiver 鈥00 (Basketball), Monte Lowe 鈥80 (Basketball), Kathleen (Velder) Sobotka 鈥76 (Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Field Hockey, Track), and 1986 Women's Basketball Team

2018: Michelle (Amundson) Schumacher 鈥10 (Basketball), Jeremy Grady 鈥97 (Baseball), Jason Nelson 鈥99 (Baseball), and Laura (Wortmann) Morrison 鈥09 (Track)

2017: Jake Hoffman 鈥02 (Track), Trey Krier 鈥10 (Baseball, Basketball), Tevan (Wenbourne) Newman 鈥08 (Basketball), and 1977 Men's Basketball Team

2016: NaTascha (Dawson) Krempges 鈥00 (Basketball), Ryan Krempges 鈥99 (Basketball), and Craig Mock 鈥89 (Basketball, Baseball)

2015: Justin Bonnichsen 鈥07 (Basketball), Jesse Kurtenbach 鈥04 (Baseball), Nancy (Ommen) Heldberg 鈥99 (Basketball), and 1999 Baseball Team

2014: Eliza Leloux 鈥03 (Track, Basketball), Matt Tereshinski 鈥99 (Baseball), and Audra (Tramp) Tonn 鈥96 (Basketball) 

2013: Katie (Heine) Pesicka 鈥02 (Basketball), 1972 Women's Volleyball Team, and 1998 Men's Basketball Team

2012: Teresa (Ellis) Jensen 鈥94 (Volleyball, Basketball), Aaron Kranz 鈥99 (Basketball), Dr. Rich Lofthus (Contributor, Faculty Athletic Representative), and Jason Selchert 鈥96 (Baseball, Basketball)

2011: Tim Jensen 鈥05 (Baseball), Christina Orr 鈥92 (Basketball), and Michelle (Pfeifer) Bonk 鈥04 (Track, Cross Country)

2010: Laurie (Boynton) Baily 鈥78 (Softball), Kelly Heller 鈥93 (Baseball), S. Ann Kessler (Contributor, Booster), and Tim Lorang 鈥04 (Baseball)

2009: Jason Even 鈥97 (Basketball), Chuck Iverson (Coach, Athletic Director), and Marvin Veasy 鈥86 (Basketball)

2008: Kristi (Cihak) Soukup 鈥93 (Basketball), Dwight Hauff (Contributor), Keith Heingartner 鈥81 (Basketball), and Doug Martin (Coach)

2007: Jane (Fraser) Bies 鈥92 (Basketball), Mike Johnson 鈥74 (Basketball), Bob Tereshinski (Coach), and Mac Zackow 鈥96 (Baseball)

2006: Bill Dawson 鈥79 (Basketball), Kari (Hohn) Bohlmann 鈥97 (Track), Judi (Hood) Faunce (Coach), and Wayne Sullivan 鈥91 (Baseball) 

2005: Amy (Brady) Lein 鈥91 (Basketball), Jennifer (Even) Glasheen 鈥96 (Volleyball, Basketball), Shane Fejfar 鈥89 (Baseball), and Kevin Lein 鈥81 (Basketball)

2004: Julie (Hinrichs) Hartke 鈥97 (Track), Hod Nielsen (Contributor, Booster), Doug Pesicka 鈥83 (Basketball), Mac Rops 鈥98 (Basketball), and Frank Yaggie (Contributor, Booster)

2002: Diana (Burkard) Hicks 鈥90 (Basketball), Randy Gross 鈥82 (Basketball), Stef (Samelson) Wiedenfeld 鈥95 (Volleyball), Dan Wallbaum (Contributor, Booster), and Ted Wallendorf 鈥78 (Basketball)

2001: Laddie E. Cimpl (Contributor, Booster)

1987: S. Rhoda Foecke (Fan), Greg Kiger 鈥78 (Basketball), Rich Shipp 鈥78 (Basketball), and Dean Specht (Administrator)

1986: Janet Jager 鈥77 (Volleyball, Basketball) 

1985: Chuck Brewer 鈥76 (Basketball), S. Joyce Feterl 鈥74 (Volleyball, Basketball), Rudy Gerstner (Coach, Contributor), Autro 鈥淎rchie鈥 Heath 鈥72 (Basketball), and Darlene (Thole) Dunlau 鈥75 (Volleyball, Basketball)