Wall School Hall of Fame

Rhonda “McDonnell” Williams was a 1992 graduate of Wall High School. Rhonda was a major competitor over her career in basketball and track. She was a four-year letter winner in Girls Basketball and a six-year letter winner in Track.
In her senior season she helped guide the Girls Basketball team to an undefeated season until the state tournament. Rhonda was a four-year starter. She was part of the Lady Eagles teams that went to the State Tournament her junior and senior seasons. She was nominated by her team members as a caption and was selected All Conference for three years.
In Track she was one of South Dakota’s best. She was a regular at the State B Track Meet throughout her career. She was a two-time Shot Put State Champion. She also participated in the Discus and sprint relay teams. In her era, she held the South Dakota State B Shot Put record. She was very dominant in the throwing events.
After High School she attended Black Hills State University where she participated in Track.
Rhonda and her family live in the Wall School District. She has also coached Middle School Basketball for Wall Schools.

Dale Patterson won his first race when he took the blue ribbon in the first grade 50-yard dash. He enjoyed track through his grade school and high school days where he captured the Wall High School freshman 100-yard dash school record and eventually the Wall High School 100-yard dash and 220-yard school record and won the gold medal at the South Dakota State Track meet in the 100-yard dash. In 1968 he also won a bronze medal in the 220-yard dash. He was part of several relay records. Dale was also a teammate on the football and basketball teams at Wall High School ending with the conference championship in football in 1967. He was also a member of the varsity club in high school.
Dale attended the University of South Dakota at Vermillion, SD where he secured a place on the varsity track squad. He eventually became the anchor man on the sprint relays of the 440 and 880. Dale was a member of the 880-yard relay school record at USD set in 1970. After two years at USD, he transferred to South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dale also captured the school record in the 60, 100, 220, and 440 yard dashes. He was also a team member on the 440, 880, mile, and medley relays that also set records. Dale earned six varsity letters in college with 4 in track and 2 in football. At age 65 he won the regional 50-meter dash in the Senior Games of South Dakota. Dale and his wife live in rural Wall.

Leslie “Deutscher” Merrill was a 1992 graduate of Wall High School. Leslie dominated competition over her career in basketball and track. She was a four-year letter winner and starter in Girls Basketball and a six-year letter winner in Track.
In her senior season she led the Girls Basketball team to an undefeated season until the State Tournament. She was a part of the Lady Eagles team that went to the State tournament her junior and senior seasons. She was named to the State B All State Tourney team both years. She was also a nominee for Miss Basketball in 1991. As a junior and a senior she was All Lakota Nation and the Lady Eagles Most Valuable Player. She was nominated by her team members as a captain and was selected All Conference for three years. She has the Wall record 59 points in a single game.
In Track she was a dominant force as well. She performed in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles. She was a two-time State B Champion in the 100 meter hurdles. She also was a top competitor in the Long Jump and sprint relays. She is the current record holder at Wall High School in the 100 meter hurdles, 300 meter hurdles, and the long jump. She was also named captain of her track team. Leslie went on to college at Black Hills State University where she competed in basketball. Leslie had a very successful career in basketball at Black Hills State. She also competed in track for one year.
Leslie, her husband, and their two children live south west of Wall.

Brady McDonnell, Class of 2016, was one of Wall High School's most versatile, accomplished athletes. Brady contributed to varsity athletics from his junior high years thru his high school years. Brady earned five varsity letters in football and track. He also was a 4-year letter winner in basketball. Brady also played on the 1994 State Champion football team and received the Joe Robbie MVP award for his performance in the game. Brady was a four-time All-Conference football player, a two-time 9B SDFBCA All-State player, and a two-time member of the “45 Elite” Argus Leader All State team. Brady was also a Gatorade All- American High School Football Player. After his high school years, he had an outstanding career playing football for the Division 1 Colorado Buffaloes. He is the 25th All-Time in Tackles for Loss and 27th All-Time in QB sacs. He received All-American honors through the Successful Farming Magazine for his performance. Brady then moved on to the NFL and played 5 years of professional football for New York Giants and the Buffalo Bills.
Brady also excelled in the sport of Track. He participated in the shot put, discus, and ran on sprint relay teams. He also participated in the State Track Meet throughout his high school career. He also was a standout on the basketball court. He was a three year started and received All-Conference honors in his junior and senior years.
Brady was also involved in many other activities such as Student Council for four years and a member of the National Honor Society. He participated in school musicals as well.
Brady, wife Sherri and son Finn, reside in the Rapid City Area where he works for Stryker. He also farms north of Quinn and in the Cottonwood area.

David “Big Dave” Fischer began his high school career at Quinn High School. As a junior, he moved to Wall High School where he graduated. He was a standout in Football, Basketball, and Track. He was a four-year letter winner in Track and participated in the State Track Meet while at Wall High School. He still holds the Wall High School Discus record with a throw of 152’ 11”. He also had valuable contributions to other field and running events. In Basketball “Big Dave” was also a standout. He was a four-year letter-winner on the court. He received the All West River Basketball award and also voted to the All State Basketball team. In football he was also a dominate force. He was also active in student council for 3 years, a class officer for two years, on the Annual staff, and attended Boys State.
After high school Dave attended SDSU on a basketball scholarship. He was a main contributor to the program for his four-year career. While on the team they won a championship trophy. He also participated in football his freshman year until and injury ended his participation. He also participated in track where he high jumped and threw the discus.
He later went into education and was the Superintendent of Schools for the West Central School District in South Dakota. He currently retired and resides in Hartford, South Dakota with his Wife.

Merlin Doyle taught middle school for the Wall School District from 1959-1963. He then taught high school from 1963-1968. From 1968 until his retirement in 1990 he served as the High School Principal and Activities Director. His entire 31year teaching/principal/coaching career was in the Wall School District. He was chosen High School Principal of the Year in 1986-87. He was involved in the SDHSCA for 25 years and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1990. He is still involved as a lifetime member to this organization. He also was very involved in the SD National Guard for 27 years and retired as a Command Sergeant Major.
Besides his other roles, he was also very active as a coach. He was the Head Boys Track Coach for many years. He started the Girls Track Program in 1970 and coached them to State Track Championships in 1974 and 1975. For his efforts, he received Girls Track Coach of the Year in 1974 and 1975. He was instrumental in starting the wrestling program beginning in 1969. As the Activities director he ran many wrestling tournaments in his tenure. He served as a junior high and junior varsity basketball coach for many years. He also served as an assistant football coach.
Merlin and his wife Mary Jane reside in Wall, SD.

Kent Anderson started his teaching/coaching career at Wall High School in 1987. He spent his first two years as an assistant football and assistant gymnastics coach. He took his first Head Football Coaching job in 1989. He was fortunate to coach an outstanding group of young men as his team was a perfect 11-0 until losing in the state 9B Championship game. In 1990, he took many of the same young men to a perfect season of 12-0 and the 9B State Title. This was the first male State Championship in school history. After a few years, Anderson was fortunate to have another outstanding group. They again went 12-0 as they won the 1994 Sate 9B Title. The next year the Eagles jumped to 9A and almost made the title game again only to lose in the semi-final game finishing the season with a 10-1 record. In his first tenure as the Head Football Coach the Eagles had an astonishing record of 64-10. Anderson left Wall for 17 years before returning for the 2012 season. The 2013 season found another year of dominance. The Eagles cruised to a 10-0 record before falling in the semi-final round to the eventual State Champion. Coach Anderson finished his football coaching career in Wall after the 2017 season. In 12 seasons as Head Football Coach, his teams recorded 94 victories. Six years the Eagles had 8-0 regular season records. The eagles played in the State Football Play-offs 11 out of 12 seasons during his tenure, many times going deep in to the play-offs.
Anderson was also the Activities Director for 11 years for the Wall School District. He chaired many District and Region contest in volleyball, girls /boys’ basketball and track. In his time at Wall High School, he was also the Head Boys Basketball coach for 3 years. In 1995 his boys Basketball Team won the District Championship and lost a close game in Regions. He was also the Head Boys and Girls Track Coach in 1991 and 1992. His teams competed very well and won many meets. His 1991 Girls Team were crowned Region Champions. The 1991 Girls Team placed 6th at the State B Track Meet. He was fortunate to coach two state champions during this time. He also was an assistant Boys Basketball Coach at different times in his career.

Jana Fauske Nelson received her K-12 education at the Wall Public School. While in Junior High, Ms. Nelson began participating in both Cross Country and Track, with the long distance events in Track becoming her favorite. In 1985, Ms. Nelson won the 3200 meter run in Track and set the State record for that event in the Class “B” State Championships. In 1986, Ms. Nelson again was the 3200 meter Track State Champion and also broke her own State Class “B” record. Along with being the 3200 meter State Champion, Ms. Nelson was also the 1600 meter Track State Champion in 1986. In Cross Country throughout her high school years, Ms. Nelson placed in the Cross Country State Championships.
After graduating from Wall High School, Ms. Nelson graduated from South Dakota State University with a B.S. degree in 1990 and an M.S. degree in 1992. Her career has been spent working with children and their families.
Ms. Nelson has enjoyed traveling in the United States, Europe, Asia, Israel, and Jordan.

Marty Huether was a 1983 graduate of Wall High School. During his high school career he participated primarily in Football, Wrestling, Track and Rodeo. In Football, Marty was an integral part of the Eagle team that finished the season undefeated in 1980 as a sophomore. As a Junior and Senior he would garner All-Conference honors as a defensive back and quarterback. In Marty’s lone season in Track he would go on to win several meets in the pole vault and run the anchor leg of the 4X400 meter relay. In the rodeo arena, Marty qualified for the State High School Rodeo in bull riding 2x and in team roping 1x. Marty excelled most on the wrestling mat where he finished with a career record of 107-7-1. As a freshman his lone loss was in the state finals to eventual 2x state winner and 2x NAIA national champion Dave Harvey from Miller. As a sophomore he was undefeated until an elbow injury forced him to accept a default loss to 2x state champion Al Lawrence from Mobridge in the region championship. Marty’s junior year found him losing 3 times at state but still garnering a 6th place finish. As a senior, Marty recommitted himself and finished as state champion and undefeated at 119 lbs.
After High School, Marty also went on to win numerous all tourney teams in softball including an All-Army team in Greece. A highlight of his sports carreer was going back to his true love and playing on an amateur basketball team in Moorcroft, Wyoming with his brother Rick where he averaged 16 ppg. Marty was a member of the Wall School Board for 9 years and was Board President during the time the new school was built. He travelled to Washington DC numerous times for Impact Aid and was a key player in maximizing what Wall received for payments. Because of his one on one meetings with the Dept. of Education and Senator Daschle’s staff, Wall was able to increase projected yearly payments from less than $70,000 to over $400,000.

Jill (Sutter) Leonard graduated from Wall High School in 1996. Jill lettered 4 years in basketball, making the All-Conference team all 4 years. She was a South Dakota All-State player 2 years, West River Tournament All-Tournament Team player 4 years, and Academic All- State player. She helped lead the Wall Lady Eagles to the 1994 Class B State Basketball Tournament, and was named to the State Tournament All-Tournament Team. Jill also lettered 2 years in Track, attending the South Dakota State Track Meet in High Jump, and was a player on the 1st ever Wall High School Volleyball Team. She lettered 6 years Wall High School Band, was a member of the Wall High School Choir for 4 years, and received the 1996 National Choral Award. Jill was a National Honor Society member for 2 years, a 1996 South Dakota Legislative Page in the South Dakota Senate, and the 1996 Presidents Award for Educational Excellence. Jill currently resides in Wall with her husband Jason, daughter Jordan, and son Justin. She serves as a Wall School District Board Member.

Gale Patterson graduated from Wall High School in 1970. He was active in athletics, music, and drama. He earned seven varsity letters in athletics and numerous varsity letters in music. Gale helped the Wall Eagles win the District Basketball Tournament his senior year. He qualified for the State Track Meet both his Junior and Senior years. During his senior year, he set the school long jump record of 20’10”, which he held for 21 years.
Gale graduated from Black Hills State in 1974. At this time, he is the only Wall graduate to participate in three sports at the collegiate level; playing Football, Basketball, and Track. For his efforts, Gale received five varsity letters during his years at BHSU. He was voted track co-captain his senior year for the Yellow Jackets. In addition, in his Senior year, he set the school record for indoor track in the long jump at 22’5”, which he held for 21 years and still holds a spot on the Ten All-Team Best List at BHSU.
Gale spent over 25 years in the field of education. He was a teacher, coach, Athletic Director, and High School Principal.
Gale is married to Karol, who teaches and coaches for the Wall School District. They have one son, Seth who resides and works in Spearfish, SD.

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Matthew Brucklacher graduated from Wall High School in 1994. During his career, he was active in several aspects of the school. He was active in choir as he was a 4-time All-State Selection and a 2-time Honors Choir selection. He attended the Presidential Classroom in Washington DC as a representative of the Wall High School and served on the Student Council, and was a National Honor Society member for 3 years. Matthew participated in several athletics during his high school campaign. Participating in Football, he was a 2x Punt, Pass & Kick State Champion, 4-year high school starter, 4-year letterman, three time All Conference Selection, All-State Selection, Argus Leader 45 Elite Honorable Mention, three year captain and a two-time most valuable player. He participated in Track and Field where he qualified for the State Championships in the Triple Jump and the 4x100 relay. Participating in athletics at a young age, he began to show as interest in wrestling. The more he competed the more he excelled. As a youth, he was a 3x AAU wrestling champion and had 2nd and 5th place finishes. He continued that success into the high school ranks. He qualified for the State Championships three years, returning with two runner up finishes and a State Championship in 1993. Traveling to Mexico he realized success on the international level placing second in Greco Roman and First in freestyle at the Wilfredo Massau invitational in Mexico City. At the end of his High School career, Matthew was fortunate to receive a full scholarship to the University of Northern Colorado to wrestle. During his time as a UNC Bear, he was the Colorado Collegiate Runner up twice, a two time all conference selection, a two time National Qualifier, a two Time Academic All-American and was an All American placing 7th at the 1996 NCAA National Championships. Matthew now spends his time running his business, enjoying his family, playing golf and not cutting weight.

Conrad graduated from Wall in 2006. During his high school career, he participated in football, basketball, track, golf, and baseball; he also wrestled AAU as a youngster. Conrad was blessed to be part of such an outstanding community where he had great coaches, teammates, fans, and support. He loved all sports and participated in as many as possible. In the classroom, Conrad was class president and made the honor roll every year. After high school, Conrad attended South Dakota State University on both an academic scholarship and a football scholarship. Conrad played safety under the leadership of head coach John Stigelmeier. Career: Statistics/Awards. 18 varsity letters Football: 5 year 2-way starter, 3-time All-State, 5-time All-Conference, Academic All State 3.85GPA, Elite-45, 442 tackles, 49 pass breakups, 35 interceptions, 9,193 all-purpose yards, 141 TDs (rushing, passing, returns). College: Team Captain, ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Second Team, MVFC All-Academic First Team, and FCS Athletic Directors Association Academic All-Star Team, Second Team All MVFC. Basketball: +1200 career points. 4-time All-Conference, 3-time All-tourney West River Tournament, Hanson/Anderson All-Star Track: 3 rd place State long jump as a freshman, team MVP fietd events 4 times Golf: Qualified for state 4 years. Baseball: Post 320 Varsity 2004. Conrad would like to thank his parents, Clayton and Charlene, for supporting him by allowing him to participate in all the sports he wanted white growing up, Coaches Doug Kleinschmidt and Marvin Botz for letting him play little league baseball as a 10 year old, Coach Mark Ammann for giving him an opportunity at varsity football and basketball as an 8th grader, and Coach John Stigelmeier for offering him the opportunity to play Division I football. Conrad resides in Wall and is married to Kalie (Anders) Kjerstad and have 3 boys: Carsten, Rush, and Avin. They farm and ranch.

Twila Kjerstad graduated from Wall High School in 1974. She was active in Athletics, Lettermen’s Club, Pep Club, Music, and FFA. She earned varsity letters in track, the only sport for girls at that time. Shot Put was her specialty holding the school record for 17 years. Her senior year she won every shot put event at track meets. She was on the first team that won the State title in 1974 along with winning the Shot Put event. She was a co-captain and won the Outstanding Girls Track Award for her efforts. Twila graduated from Black Hills State in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She was a recipient for one of the first Women’s Athletic scholarships from BHSU. Her first year she played basketball and participated in track. In track, she broke the BH shot put record her first meet and then continued breaking meet records at other colleges. She received the BHSU certificate award in recognition of achieving the Varsity BH Award in Track. Twila continued to throw shot, lettering all 4 years and was the first in track and field to qualify all 4 years in the NAIA Regional Track & Field Championships. Twila resides in the Quinn area and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She feels truly blessed to have them in her life.

Nathan Kleinschmit is a 2003 graduate of Wall High School. He is the son of Douglas and Lola Kleinschmit. During his high school years, was active in football, basketball, baseball, and golf teams. The football team was conference champions 1999-2002. Nathan was named all-Conference in 1999, 2001-2002. He received all-state honors his junior and senior seasons. Nathan also played golf in which he qualified for the state meet the first 3 years of the program. He played high school baseball for the Tri-County team from Philip, Kadoka, and Wall. Nathan participated in basketball for 4 years where he was awarded 3 Rivers All-Conference team and Badlands All-Conference team in 2002-2003. His senior season Nathan was named team MVP in basketball, football and Offensive player in football. He was also named the Male Athlete of the year his senior year. Nathan is a graduate of Northern State University where he majored in Sports Marketing and Coaching. He played football for 5 years on the offensive line. As a senior he was selected to play in the senior All-Star game for the Division II schools in the All-American Bowl game. Nathan was awarded the Offensive Player of the game. Nathan resides in Rapid City, but will always consider the community of Wall home.

Dain Patterson graduated in 1996 from Wall High School. Growing up on “The Farm” Dain always enjoyed running, whether it was running across the gravel road to Grandpa and Grandma’s house or trying to beat his Dad back to the house. Dain did well in track meets at a young age and was often one of the fastest in the end of school year races. In High School Dain began to hit his stride and began to win some races. Dain’s specialties were the 100m and 200m throughout High School; in his Junior year he placed 3rd at the State Meet in the 100m. By the end of his Senior year Dain held several individual and relay records. Dain was also the starting Quarterback and Safety on the football team, where the team lost only 4 games in 3 seasons and winning the State Championship game in his Junior year. After graduating High School Dain went on to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology where he graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Degree. During his time at the School of Mines Dain was a member of the Track Team running the 55m, 60m, 100m, 200m, and 400m. While there he was a member of the 4 x 100m relay team which set the school record. When he graduated he was on the top 10 list for the 60m, 100m, and 400m and won several NAIA championships medals. Since college Dain stayed close to sports running some races here and there, and also started Officiating High School football where he was selected to officiate the State Championship’s in Denver, CO at Mile High. Dain enjoys spending his life with his wife Lori and son Vaun, and as of 2018 lives in Chandler, AZ.

The 12 members of the 1974 state track team include: Twila Kjerstad, Robin (Jensen) Feller, Linda (Denke) Ahlers, Carol (Pederson) Naescher, Joyce (Johnston) Benne, Pam (Wyant) Holloway, Tammy (Johnston) Bills, Nancy (Pederson) Holub, Jackie (Peters) Heathershaw, Carla (Wilson) Jobgen, Melanie (Brown) Shull, and Susie (Votroubek) Cuppy. Head Coach Merlin Doyle Assistant Coach Mike Doyle The Wall team of 29 athletes entered 9 track meets that year including the regional and state meets. They impressively won each meet which included Badlands Conference, Regionals, and the Class B State Track meet in a convincing fashion. The mile relay, 880 yd. relay, and the 880 yd. medley relay teams were never defeated that season. Thrower, Twila Kjerstad was never out thrown in the shot put as well. During the season all the school relay records were broken, along with 7 individual events. The 12 athletes that stand before you this evening qualified for state. In 1974 to qualify for state an athlete or relay team had one chance. They could only qualify at Regions. This was done by either placing 1st or 2nd in the events with the 100 yd. dash placing either 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. Region VIII Class B was held in Philip with the high powdered Wall girls scoring 91 points to runner-up Faith’s 36. The State Class B was held in Watertown on a windy day with Wall scoring an impressive 51 points to the runner-up team’s 22 points. This was the first state team title in the history of Wall High School. With many fans at the meet and a 25 car caravan waiting in Quinn, SD, they were escorted home. The champions of Class B!

The Wall girls track team won the Class A state title in Huron with the following 13 athletes: Joyce (Johnston) Benne, Carol (Pederson) Naescher, Pam (Wyant) Holloway, Tammy (Johnston) Bills, Nancy (Pederson) Holub, Jackie (Peters) Heathershaw, Liz (Sautter) Hamburg, Carla (Wilson) Jobgen, Wendy Moore, Melanie (Brown) Shull, Tracy (Poste) Sautter, Susie (Votroubek) Cuppy, and Patty (Wyant) Coleman. Head Coach Merlin Doyle Assistant Coach Mike Doyle The Wall girls track season started with 29 athletes. They entered eight track meets that season including the regional and state meets. The ladies won the Badlands Conference meet, the Rapid City Invitational, and the Regional meet. This was the first year that the schools across the state were classified into AA, A, and B by enrollment. When they won the Rapid City Invitational all 3 classes were competing which made the victory that much more impressive. In May, an exceptional season ended when these 13 ladies competed and won the state Class A meet in Huron, SD. Again, one could only qualify at Regions placing 1st or 2nd in all events except the 100yd dash which was 1st, 2nd, or 3rd places. With all their events, performances, and talent, they won the state title for the second year in a row. Also a special award at the conclusion of the state meet was presented to Carol Pederson; the Outstanding Class A Track Award. This award was voted on by all the coaches in attendance at the meet. Carol was a talented sprinter and relay anchor runner. Coach Doyle and Assistant Coach Doyle were proud of the girls performances during the season and at the state meet along with the school and community. To win back to back state trophies is quite an accomplishment.

Howard Johnson graduated from Wall High School in 1940. He was an honor student that excelled in athletics, especially football, basketball and track. In fact, in his senior year in high school, he was picked out of more than 100,000 players from 4,800 schools to be on the All-American Six-Man Football Honor Roll and featured in American Boy magazine. After high school Howard joined the US Army, serving in WWII, and was honorably discharged in October 1945. After his discharge he returned to Wall, SD where he lived the rest of his life. He married Eunice Sebade and had three children, Robert (Bob), Gail, and Marilyn. As an adult Howard was an athletic commissioner of the American Legion Baseball program, serving as state commander for 10 years, and was one of the original men to start the Wall Baseball program. He was also one of 20 men instrumental in building the first pool in Wall, and one of 4 men who built the original Wall Bowling Lanes, setting up leagues for Wall High School students. Howard served on the Wall School Board of Education for many years. Howard was a proud supporter of all Wall Eagle community, contributing time, money and items as needed. On cold football games he would supply the players tights to keep them warm. He rarely missed a football or basketball game, even refusing to leave a basketball game even though he was having a heart attack. In 1990 Howard was awarded “Friends of Football” by the South Dakota Coaches Association.

Bill Leonard moved to Wall in 1971 with his wife and girls. He was instantly a Wall Eagle football fan. His love for football started in St Paul Minnesota, where he played football during his high school years. His nickname was Bulldog, and he loved it! He only had daughters, so no sons to watch on the football field. That didn’t stop him, he would adopt the full team. Many of those young men stayed in touch with him throughout the years. After he was semi-retired, he started hauling equipment to all the away games along with good friend and fellow football lover Bertie Schultz. They hauled equipment to away games for more than 30 years, rarely missing a game. Bill also never missed a practice, usually circling town - watching for the boys to head to the football field, sometimes pacing the sideline waiting for them. He loved them all, but the 1994 State B team was always very special to him. They awarded him a signed football and picture of the team that was proudly on display in his home. As he got older, and couldn’t attend the games, his family made sure he could watch them on the tv, on Wall Eagles live. Bill died in 2020, at the age of 92. On his headstone reads “Soaring with the Eagles”

Dr. Joseph M. Lytle, better known as Joe, attended Wall High School from 1946-1950. He played basketball on the 1946-1947 team under the excellent coaching of Glen Phillips. That team won the first District Tournament that Wall had ever won. Joe lettered all four years of high school in basketball and football. As a senior, Joe scored an average of 20 pts per game with a best of 31 points in one game. His season total was 437 points scored plus the points scored in District Tournament. This was in the era prior to the three point shot. There were no ‘one and one’ free throws and the clock didn’t stop except for timeouts and free throws. After high school Joe worked on the ranch for three years until he was recruited to play basketball at Chadron State College. He attended college there from 1953-1957. His junior year, he teamed with Bob Kelly of Quinn and brother Larry to have the best win/loss record in the history of the school. That record still stands today! Joe was honored by the Omaha World Herald several times as the star of the week on the Basketball Roll of Honor. Joe was best known in college basketball for his rebounding and defensive skills, along with his scoring abilities. Joe was admitted to the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry in Lincoln and attended from 1957-1961. He played on the intramural team for dental school and they won the league. Because of his love of basketball, the town of Wall, Wall School and his grandchildren; Joe was instrumental in procuring and donating the funds for the flooring of the basketball court in the new gym when the present school was built. Joe and his wife, Nonie, have continued to support Wall School throughout many years. They have attended countless school activities of their grandchildren; from basketball, football, volleyball, music programs, cross country meets, rodeos and more. They are also an active sponsor of the Wall Booster Club.

Throughout their years as students and athletes in the Wall School District the 1989 team was not only involved in football but also basketball, wrestling, track and rodeo. Other involvements included school plays, choir, band, FFA, FHA, Pep Club, Debate, National Honor Society, and many more activities. Academics was very much an important part of their learning years. The team also was chosen students of the month for October for an undefeated season and team effort with statistics to prove it. The month of May honored the Wall football offensive and defensive units.
The team ended their career with a season record of 11-1. Although injuries happened, they did not mar the team's success. Coach Kent Anderson commented, "Everyone came into the season ready to play football. They had the desire to improve last year's mark of 6-3. The team worked as a unit to accomplish the season record of 11-1. They really worked as a group."
In twelve games the Eagles scored 420 points for an average of 35 points per game. They only gave up an average of 7 points per game. Travis McDonnell led in scoring with 112 points and in receiving with 682 yards. Tyler Keyser led in the passing department with 1,207 years. Evan Deutscher rushed for 790 years. Corey Gunn racked up 188 tackles.
Dome Bound!
The team was ranked 1st in power ratings and 2 nd in the state leading to state. During the playoff games they defeated Timber Lake 54-6, Harding Co. 12-0, and Marion 32-6 to advance to state.
Castlewood was the team to beat at the Dome. With tough, hard-hitting plays by both teams the entire game, the Warriors defeated the Eagles 27-0. Though a sad moment, this Wall football team was the first in school history to make it to the State Dome. That was a very proud accomplishment!
Awards were earned after the game to:
Corey Gunn: SDFBCA All State Guard and Sioux Falls Argus Leader 45 Elite All-State Linebacker.
Travis McDonnell: SDFBCA All State Tight End and Argus Leader Honorable mention All-State Tight End.
Tyler Keyser: Argus Leader Honorable Mention All-State Quarterback
Coach Kent Anderson, along with Assistant Coach Eddie Clark, ended the season with this quote by Coach Anderson. '"As a first-year head coach there could have been only one minor thing left to accomplish. That was to win the last game at the dome!"
Congratulations to a successful season and a great group of dedicated athletes!

The 1990 Football team was ready to play football in the fall using the same wishbone defense as the year before. Their offense was a bread and butter 34 double power. Their sights were set on heading back to the Dome with 38 players. The regular season had the team averaging 48 points a game with their opponents averaging 6 points. The year ended with a perfect 11-0.
Playoffs had them facing Bison who had made the playoffs the year before with the Eagles winning 44-6. Then the squad faced a tough undefeated Harding Co. with a match-up called the state championship game West River because Harding Co. were always a year in, year out contender for the regional championship. It was a tough going game with Wall winning in the final minutes in the 4th quarter 20-12. The semi-final game was against Marion who had a big, powerful team. Wall had quickness and a diverse group. The final score was Wall 22, Marion O.
Northwestern faced the Eagles at the Vermillion Dome with a fan supported crowd. Wall had a huge fan supported crowd. With hard hitting, quickness, and team effort the Wall Squad ended the game with a score of 28-16. Everyone in an Eagle uniform got a chance to get on the turf as well.
"We have been through a lot this year, injuries, hamstring, chicken pox, players lost to knee injuries), but I have never coached a team with more heart or desire than this year's squad, said Coach Kent Anderson.
Awards given were:
Tyler Keyser: SDFBCA All-State Defensive back and the Sioux Falls Argus Leader 45 Elite AllState.
Travis McDonnell: SDFBCA All-State tight end and 45 Elite All-State honorable mention.
Brian Shepard: SDFBCA All-State fullback, 45 Elite All-State honorable mention and Joe Robbie MVP.
Evan Deutscher: SDFBCA All-State halfback, 45 Elite All-State honorable mention and Joe Robbie MVP.
As quoted by Coach Kent Anderson and Assistant Coach Eddie Clark, "Throughout the season, the Eagles dreamed of returning to the Dakota Dome. They worked hard to be Wall's first state champions." And win they did!

Pam Wyant graduated from Wall High School in 1975. She was active in many school activities, but track was her sport. 7th -12th grades she ran sprints and relays on the varsity team winning many races. She was on the 1973 team that placed 3rd at state, the 1974 Class B team and 1975 Class A team that won state both years. She was a strong starter for the 400, 800, 1600, or Sprint Medley relays. Ranked #1 in the 100yd Dash for 2 years, Pam placed 2nd her junior year and won the event her senior year.
Pam loved to run and participated in AAU Junior Olympic track meets. She and 3 other area athletes won the 400 and 800 relays qualifying for the National meet in Hersey, New York.
After graduation, Pam was recruited heavily by many colleges. She chose Huron College where she ran track. She placed in every race she ran in college. She ran the 100, 200, and was starter for the 400, 800, medley, or mile relays. Pam learned to hurdle and placed in that event. In 1977 she won the 100 and placed 2nd in the 200 at the SD Intercollegiate Conference meet. She was named Top Woman Athlete for Huron College that year. She also played volleyball for 2 years and was named Most Improved Player of the Year.
Pam chose to step away from track and transferred to the University of Arizona to focus on academics. She was named top senior and graduated with Distinction with the highest GPA in her major.
Pam resides in Rapid City, SD and Arizona with her family.

Stephanie Williams, a 1993 graduate from Arlington High School, SD was involved in many sports and activities in high school. After graduation, she continued her education at South Dakota State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Coaching in 1997.

At Wall High School, she taught English and History classes for 11 years and coached for 13 years. Coaching was her passion, especially volleyball. Stephanie spent a couple of seasons as an assistant HS girls’ basketball coach, and in 1997, she became the Head Girls Volleyball Coach.

Coach Williams enabled athletes to learn the fundamentals of volleyball along with sportsmanship, determination, and teamwork. In 2006 she led WHS to their first State “B” girls volleyball tournament, placing 8th. Her teams won two Conference championships, five District championships, and one Region championship. Also in 2006 Coach was awarded the Region Volleyball Coach of the Year and was the Assistant Volleyball Coach at the SDHSAA All-Star Game in 2007.

Stephanie was proud to bring Fellowship of Christian Athletes to Wall School in 2007. Another big accomplishment for her was receiving the Wall School District Teacher of the Year Award in 2008.

Stephanie and her husband Marty Williams lived on a ranch raising 2 children, Jaciee and Stran. The community was saddened by Stephanie’s passing in 2013, and her husband’s in 2025.

The Wall community and school district are proud to call Stephanie Williams one of ours and we appreciate and remember her contributions to Wall High School.

Welcome to the Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Lane Blasius graduated from Wall High School in 2014. He was involved in sports, academics and many activities.

His activities included the following, to name a few: Student Council - 4 years, National Honor Society – member 2 years and president 1 year, HS Principal Gold Honor Roll – 4 years, Fellowship of Christian Athletes – 4 years, FFA – 3 years, HS Chorus – 2 years, Homecoming Royalty and Freshman Attendant and he also had the honor of being chosen class president all 4 years of high school.

Lane’s love of sports during high school went from football to wrestling to rodeo. In football, Lane played Quarterback and Linebacker. In 2011, he helped lead his team to an 11-1 record when they brought home the State Championship Football Runner-up trophy after being defeated by Canistota at the Dome. He set a variety of Wall High School quarterback records before several were beaten by his younger brother Burk. Lane still holds the longest touchdown pass in WHS history. He also earned Academic All-state honors, was a 3-time All-Conference selection, was selected the Defensive MVP of the WGP Conference and was selected as the 9B All-State Quarterback.

For wrestling, as a 7th grader Lane was a member of the first year of the Badlands Brawler High School Wrestling Team (2009) where Wall/Philip/Kadoka came together for the first time. The Wall wrestlers traveled to Philip for practice every day throughout his career. Lane was a regional champion his 8th grade through senior seasons and placed at the State B Wrestling Tournament on 4 occasions - 4th as an 8th grader, 3rd as a freshman, 2nd as a junior and 1st his senior year. He compiled a career high school record of 171-27. Lane helped lead the Brawlers to runner-up finishes his junior and senior seasons. A few notable awards during his career were being selected as the outstanding wrestler at the McCook Central Tournament, being selected for the Scottie Wrestler Award and being selected team captain.

Lane was a rodeo man every spring qualifying for the state rodeo in team roping and tie-down roping all 4 years of high school. He placed 7th in the tie-down roping his junior and senior seasons and was the tie-down roping champion of the Sturgis Regional Rodeo his senior year. Another notable award during Lane’s high school rodeo career was winning the team roping in the South Dakota Timed Event Championship.

Following high school, Lane went to Augustana University to pursue his medical career and to wrestle. After a couple of years, he decided to transfer to SDSU where he graduated in 2018 with a degree biology/pre-medicine. He went on to medical school at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine where he earned his MD in 2023. He was accepted to medical residency in the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE where he is currently in his 3rd of 4-years of residency.

Lane’s parents are Brett and Paula Blasius. His siblings are Josie, Blair, Burk and Jace. In 2020 he married his wife Keelan who is an Occupational Therapist.

Congratulations Dr. Lane Blasius for all your accomplishments and the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Honoree.