Niobrara County School District Hall of Fame Presents Class of 2026
The 2026 Niobrara County School District Hall of Fame Class. Doyle Davies (L-R), Addison Lytle, Russell Crowley, Larry Crowley and Debbie Rose. Kayte Lytle (back L-R) Nicholas Lytle, Melvin ZumBrunnen, Ken Hubbard, Bob Barr, Sally (Powers) Nichols and Randy Rose. Photo/Lisa Shaw.
ALUMNI HALL OF FAME, DOUG LYTLE
Building Lagacies [sic] Through Tiger Grit, Record-Setting Talent, and Lifelong Service
Doug Lytle, a standout multi- sport athlete from Niobrara County High School (NCHS) Class of 1993, is being inducted into the Niobrara County School District Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. Arriving in Lusk just before his freshman year, Doug quickly became a force in athletics, academics, and activities – bringing rare talent, toughness, and leadership that helped shape the Tiger tradition and continues to strengthen Lusk and Niobrara County today.
When Doug moved to Lusk, he stepped into a talented class and made an immediate impact. A three-time All-State selection in both band and choir (1991–93), he earned lead roles in the school musicals in 1991 and 1993. He was active in National Honor Society, Future Homemakers of America (FHA), and was named Homecoming King — contributions reached far beyond the playing field.
Doug ’s athletic career at NCHS was marked by excellence in multiple sports. The football Tigers endured tough early seasons and an enrollment dispute that kept them out of the 1991 and 1992 playoffs. In 1991 & 1992, they rolled to a 15-0 record with Doug helping lead a potent offense and stout defense. Despite not being eligible for state post- season honors, Lytle was voted the SEWAC Player of the Year, Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 first-team and a Shrine Bowl participant.
“In the fall of 1989, NCHS and Tiger Football got a pleasant surprise when Doug moved to town. He made an immediate impact on both sides of the ball. Doug made his presence known as a team leader in tackles and rushing, in addition to kicking duties,” noted football coach and 2024 HOF honoree Jerry Fullmer.
I remember a time during his junior season after a lackluster win at Burns, I decided the intensity needed to be turned up in practice. About half way through the first practice of the week, we had to lay Doug down with his feet up - his heart was racing. We decided he didn’t need to be fired up. He is the only student I can think of that was All-State in every thing he did - football, basketball, wrestling, track & field and music. Tremendous accomplishments. Congratulations Mayor Lytle.”
Doug also earned All-Conference and All-State honors in basketball during the 1991–92 season. Doug hadn’t played a lot of basketball when he came here, but at 6’0” and 175 pounds he was an imposing freshman. In three seasons, he scored 563 points (55th best in school history) and grabbed 325 rebounds (46th best in school history). “Doug learned that when he got the ball he was supposed to score, and just got better and better at that. He got bigger and became a force in the state by his junior season when he earned All-Conference and All-State honors,” said basketball coach Rich Murray.
Wrestling wasn’t his first choice – finally deciding his senior year to give it a try. It turned out to be a pretty good decision. He only lost one match all season and was the 1993 heavyweight 2A State Champion. “When Doug chose to not play basketball his senior year, he wanted to lift weights and get ready for track season and a possible scholarship,” stated wrestling/throwing coach Ron Nelson. “The Tigers had a 170 pound wrestler with no one to practice with so Doug started practicing with him. When it came time for the Tiger Invitational, he decided to Wrestle.” In track and field, under the guidance of Coach Ron Nelson, he became a three-time State Champion in the shot put (1991–93) and two -time State Champion in the discus (1992–93). His 1993 discus throw of 178’ 5” still stands as the school record.
At Chadron State College on a football and track & field scholarship, Doug played multiple positions with relentless energy and earned five All- American honors (three in shot put , two in discus). He was named Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Track and Field Athlete of the Year in 1995 and was inducted into the Chadron State College Hall of Fame in 2012.
After college, Doug pursued a football career. This path took him through Peoria , Milwaukee, Toronto, Dallas, and Indiana. He earned an NFL tryout with the New England Patriots before injuries shifted him into coaching. He began as a defensive assistant with the Green Bay Blizzard in 2004, became head coach by 2008, and later served as defensive coordinator for the Milwaukee Mustangs.
Returning to Lusk in 2009, Doug worked at the Wyoming Women’s Center, with Southwest Airlines, and joined the Lusk Police Department before taking a position with Niobrara Electric Association in 2015. He served two years on the city council and was elected Mayor in 2018 and was just reelected for his third term this May, 2026. As Mayor, he has focused on infrastructure improvements for the community.
Since returning home, Doug has poured his energy into local youth sports, generously sharing his experience with the NCHS football program, Rawhide Wrestling Club, and peewee football. Doug Lytle truly embodies Building Legacies Through Dedication and Community — from record setting performances on the field to a lifetime of leadership and service back home in Lusk .
Doug ’s family includes his wife, Kayte; his children, Nicholas and Addison; and Ron (2025 HOF Inductee) and Holly Nelson, who have long been cherished as family and play an important role in his life.
ALUMNI HALL OF FAME, SALLY (POWERS) NICHOLS, NCHS CLASS OF 1996
Sally (Powers) Nichols is a former standout multi- sport athlete from Lusk, Wyoming, and a member of the Niobrara County High School (NCHS) Class of 1996. She is being inducted into the Niobrara County School District (NCSD) Hall of Fame a part of the Class of 2026. Building on the lessons learned from her Tiger coaches and community, Sally continues to inspire others to be their best.
Sally ’s outstanding career at NCHS began in the fall of 1992 and culminated with her graduation in 1996. Beyond her athletic excellence, she threw herself into nearly every aspect of school life. She was Jr. Prom Queen, Sr. Homecoming Attendant , performed in the Jr. Class Play, and participated in Student Council, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, music programs and musicals, and the Teen Leadership Coalition. Her dedication to FBLA , FHA , and 4-H earned her national qualifying trips. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, or on the court, Sally made every program better.
In high school , Sally was a highly decorated three- sport athlete, as demonstrated by being a 4-year letter winner in all 3 sports. She was a 2-time All-State selection in volleyball in 1994 and 1995. She also was a key part of the Lady Tigers finishing 2nd in the state in ’93 & ’95 and 3rd in ’94. Sally was selected the volleyball SEWAC Player of the Year in 1995. Sally was selected to play in the Wyoming Coaches Association All-Star team for the South. The Lady Tigers also enjoyed strong success in girls’ basketball, winning multiple Class 2A state titles during her years in ‘94 and ’96, as well as a 3rd place finish in ’95. Sally was selected as the SEWAC Player of the Year in Basketball in ’96, and KTWO MVP of the championship game that year. Sally was an All-State selection in ’95 & ’96. She competed in track as well , qualifying for state and placing 2nd in the 300-meter hurdles and high jump. Sally was known for her intense work ethic, leadership, and competitive fire on the court.
She began her collegiate volleyball career at the University of Idaho (Vandals) before transferring to Rocky Mountain College in Montana , where she had significant success for the Battlin’ Bears. During her collegiate career she competed in volleyball, basketball and track. After her playing career, she became a successful volleyball coach in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Among other noteworthy positions, she served as head coach at Natrona County High School in Casper from 2007 to 2011 , leading the team to the 2007 Class 4A State Championship and a runner-up finish in 2008. She later coached at Black Hills State University from 2011 to 2014, Cheyenne Central High School in 2015, and most recently at Wheatland High School
starting in 2022, where she guided the team to 3rd place at the 2022 state tournament. She has remained active in the Wyoming coaching community and was selected to coach in the Wyoming Coaches Association All-Star games as recently as 2025.
Sally shared that it would be an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame for Niobrara County High School. She has already been inducted into the Hall of Fame for Rocky Mountain College in 2017 as part of the 2001 Volleyball Team. Sally says, “I have Tiger Blood” and she notes that while she has lived in many places, none have compared to Lusk , Wyoming. She holds the town and community near and dear to her heart and truly cherishes her time and experience here. “I wouldn't change growing up a Tiger for any other experience,” she said.
Sally and her family have lived in quite a few places over the years. She wishes her kiddos could have grown up in a town like Lusk. She explains that she never felt jealousy from the community. “Every person there has my back, wants me to succeed, and is genuinely happy to see me.” Sally considers Lusk her family and always will. “Lusk takes care of their own.” she has been a Vandal, Bear, Yellowjacket , Ram, Pioneer, Indian, Mustang, Buffalo, Fillie, and Bulldog, but none compares to being a Tiger. “Being a Tiger is an honor, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to be one.”
She has inspired athletes at both the high school and state championships and earning respect as a passionate leader who demands excellence while building strong programs — just as her Lusk coaches did for her. Sally truly embodies Building Legacies Through Dedication and Community.
Sally's family includes her husband, Tony, and their children, Lily Belle, Tatum Cash, and Griffin Quinn.
ALUMNI HALL OF FAME, DEBBIE ROSE, LEMS MUSIC EDUCATOR (1975-2006)
Building Enduring Legacies Through Quiet Dedication and Musical Heart
Debbie Rose (née Schliske), a longtime music educator from Lusk, Wyoming, is being inducted into the Niobrara County School District Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. Through decades of quiet, passionate dedication in the classroom and beyond, Debbie has built a lasting legacy that enriched the lives of generations of Niobrara County students while strengthening the cultural fabric of the entire community.
Originally from Carpenter, Wyoming, she moved to Cheyenne at age 10 and graduated from East High School in 1970. She attended the University of Wyoming, majoring in music education, and graduated in 1974. Debbie began her teaching career in Lusk in 1975, where she and her husband Randy Rose built a thriving music program. Together they transformed the music department, with Debbie teaching Band, Choir, and General Music for grades K-8. She redesigned the schedule to expand general music and elementary band, adding Kindergarten, children’s choir, and special education music. Under her leadership, participation grew significantly — middle school bands averaged 60–70 students and choirs 70–85, with most students participating in both. The program became known for high- quality performances, multiple concerts each year, clinics with guest conductors, and strong community support . The Niobrara County School District received national recognition, winning awards three times as one of the “Best 100 Communities for Music Education in America .” In 2000, the Rose family was featured in School Band and Orchestra Magazine.
Beyond the classroom, Debbie sponsored middle school cheerleaders, coached Odyssey of the Mind teams (one advancing to World Competition), served on the HELP Building Intervention Team and District Technology Team, and worked as a guest clinician and adjudicator across Wyoming and Nebraska . She was elected Secondary Vice President of the Wyoming Music Educators Association, served as editor of the state journal, and was named Wyoming Music Educator of the Year in 1999.
After retiring from teaching in 2006, Debbie and Randy managed the Lusk Municipal Golf Course and Roses Golf Shop until 2013. She later worked as a Genealogy/History Librarian at the Niobrara County Library for ten yeas, served as a consultant for the University of Wyoming supervising music student teachers, continued as a substitute teacher, and gave private music lessons. She also volunteers as a seamstress and Supplies Manager for the Emma and Evan Foundation, which provides burial gowns for infants made from donated wedding dresses.
Debbie ’s family includes her husband and fellow inductee Randy, their children Chad and his wife Jennifer, Brent and his wife Amy, Jeanna and her fiance Matt, and their grandchildren Leah, Camden, Ryan, Reagan, Chloe, Marshall, and Maverick.
ALUMNI HALL OF FAME, RANDY ROSE, NCHS MUSIC EDUCATOR AND COACH (1974-2006)
Building Legacies Through Music, Energy, Passion, and Vibrant Community Programs
Randy Rose, a longtime music educator and coach from Lusk, Wyoming, is being inducted into the Niobrara County School District Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. With his boundless energy, enthusiasm, and larger-than-life personality, Randy dedicated 32 years to building vibrant, exciting programs that brought tremendous pride to Lusk and created unforgettable experiences for countless students — truly embodying Building Legacies Through Dedication and Community.
After studying music education at the University of Wyoming with a focus on trombone, Randy began his teaching career in Lusk in 1974. He quickly transformed the music department by expanding the high school choir and developing a comprehensive, robust music program. Over the years he strengthened the pep band, marching band, and select show choir (Choralaires). He added a jazz band, jazz choir (Rawhide & Lace), guitar ensemble, advanced music classes, and directed pit orchestra for musicals. Participation grew dramatically as students eagerly joined multiple ensembles, and the groups performed frequently at the state capital, school board events, and other special occasions for multiple organizations in our community. The Choralaires were in high demand for any banquet or holiday party. A highlight of Randy’s tenure was taking the marching band to the 1983 Holiday Bowl, where they won a large traveling trophy for being the best ambassadors at the competition, a major point of pride for Lusk, the band members, and Randy himself. The Tiger Marching Band performed at football half time shows, attended UW Band Day, Chadron State Marching Competition and every local parade in the summer. He also ran a summer band program where incoming freshman were quickly taught the ropes by upperclassmen of how to march, count and stay in formation all while hopefully playing the correct notes. This practice was showcased at the various local parades in the summer.
Randy was also well known across the state for directing the energetic “ That Pep Band,” which brought spirit and excitement to countless athletic events. The Tiger Pep Band played for almost every home game, including football, volleyball, boys’ and girls’ basketball and home wrestling matches. Many times, you would see players in their uniform still playing to help support their fellow Tigers. Randy, through his music program, helped develop school pride in our student body as they supported fellow athletes and classmates. The Tiger Pep Band would travel to Regional and State tournaments to support the Tigers and Lady Tigers and be the envy of all the schools there. The presence of the Tiger Pep Band added a dynamic that was guaranteed to “Rock the Gym.” Randy was instrumental in teaching the importance of school spirit. Everyone in the Pep Band had the National Anthem and the School Song memorized and could play the school song any time a team needed a quick pick me up. Cory Griffith recalls having to learn We Are The Champions in three days for the Pep Rally after the 1986 Tiger Football Championship.
In addition to music, Randy contributed to nearly every aspect of school life. He taught theater and video production, sponsored cheerleaders and Student Council, coached middle school football, officiated girls’ and boys’ basketball games, and served as assistant and head golf coach. His golf teams achieved significant success with multiple conference championships and state titles. He coached the boys to back-to -back 2A Golf Championships in 2002 & 2003. The girls won five straight 2A Golf Championships from 2001-2005, under the tutelage of Coach Rose.
Randy received numerous honors for his work, including being named Wyoming North Platte District Music Educator of the Year. The Niobrara County School District received national recognition multiple times as one of the “Best 100 Communities for Music Education in America.” He also earned multiple state golf coaching honors, including WHSAA Coach of the Year recognition.
Randy and his wife Debbie (a 31-year veteran music educator in the district) retired from teaching in 2006. They continued to manage the Lusk Municipal Golf Course and Roses Golf Shop, a business they started in 1995 and continued until the Fall of 2013. They have since retired to Casper to be closer to their three children, who all have taught music at one point in their careers.
Randy ’s family includes his wife and fellow inductee Debbie, their children Chad and his wife Jennifer, Brent and his wife Amy, Jeanna and her fiance Matt , and their grandchildren Leah, Camden, Ryan, Reagan, Chloe, Marshall, and Maverick.
ALUMNI HALL OF FAME, MELVIN ZUMBRUNNEN, NCHS CLASS OF 1959
Building Enduring Legacies Through Leadership, Service, and Community Stewardship
Melvin ZumBrunnen, a lifelong resident of Niobrara County and a proud graduate of Niobrara County High School, Class of 1959, is being inducted into the Niobrara County School District Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026.
Rooted in the values of hard work and community he learned on the family ranch and at NCHS, Mel has built a remarkable legacy of dedication — blending professional excellence in engineering with steadfast public service and a lifelong commitment to strengthening Niobrara County.
Born and raised on his family’s cattle ranch north of Lusk with his parents, Leslie and Olive ZumBrunnen, and his sister Kathy, Mel was active in the Niobrara County 4-H program and played football throughout high school. In 1957, he was a member of the Wyoming state champion 4-H livestock judging team. His experiences in 4-H and shop class at NCHS under teacher Bob Bramlet helped lay the foundation for his future. Mel graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1963 with a degree in Architectural and Civil Engineering.
After college, Mel worked on major construction projects across the country, including helping build 200 Minute Man Missile sites, the Vertical Assembly Building and Launch Pad for NASA’s Saturn V Moon program in Florida,freeways, bridges, dams, power plants, and mineral mines. He later became Vice President of Operations for Carney General Contractors. In 1975, Mel and his wife Lola moved their family back to Wyoming and settled on the original family homestead at Kirtley, where they built their ZumBrunnen Angus ranching operation.
Prompted by the agricultural downturn in the early 1980s, Mel launched a management consulting business, assisting general Contractors on large projects nationwide. He also served two terms on the University of Wyoming Alumni Board of Directors. He was a founder and chairman of Save Wyoming Water and served as Niobrara County ’s State Representative for 10 years (1982–1992). During his time in the legislature, he sponsored legislation to protect Wyoming water rights and authored important In-Stream Flow legislation.
Mel has always loved the people and community of Niobrara County and its culture of neighbors rallying to support one another. He aided in the restoration of the county ’s historic railroad water tower and, when the Niobrara County Hospital closed in 2000, Melvin worked with other volunteers to study the feasibility of reopening the facility. As Chairman of the Hospital Board in 2003,
he led a dedicated team through the difficult process. Mel’s predecessor as Hospital Board Chairman, Ron Pfister, shared the following: “Roughly $4 million in debt needed to go away, funds had to be raised, the facility rebuilt, recruiting, replacing and training management and staff... Several times while seeking advice from executives at larger hospitals Mel was told: Hospitals close but they never re- open; For Mel that was unacceptable. Mel remained steadfast at the helm and guided the effort to a successful completion.”
The Hospital Board was successful in rebuilding a state- of-the-art hospital that has since gained statewide recognition. Melvin served on the Hospital Board for ten years.
Mel attributes much of his life’s blessings to his faith in God and remains deeply grateful for the community of Niobrara County and the opportunities it provided him.
Mel and Lola have four children — Les, Teri, Clinton, and Jason — all proud graduates of Niobrara County High School. They also have 12 grandchildren.
ALUMNI HALL OF FAME, 1966 NCHS WRESTLING TEAM
The 1966 Niobrara County High School (NCHS) Tigers Wrestling Team achieved a historic milestone by capturing the first state championship in any sport in school history. In 1966, all team s headed to the State Tournament with every weight class represented. As a Class A school , NCHS was ranked No. 1 in the state and competed successfully against larger Double AA programs from Casper Natrona , Cheyenne Central, Laramie, and Rapid City, South Dakota.
Limited to 12 duals and two tournaments per season (roughly 20-22 matches), the Tigers overcame challenges—including losses to Cheyenne Central and Rapid City—to win the Class A title at the state tournament held at the University of Wyoming Field House in Laramie. Strong community and school support filled the venue with red and white. The Tigers were fortunate to have a sports writer from the Class of ’66 who always seemed to lend favor to his classmates. Thanks, Mark!
This was a true team effort. As Doyle Davies emphasized: “ When I use the term TEAM, although we are primarily recognizing the varsity starting members, what we accomplished in 1966 could not have been done without all of the young men that entered the wrestling room every night to push each other to work harder and get better.”
Coaches
Head Coach Floyd Young: The driving force behind the 1966 championship. He led the program for three years and delivered the school’s first state title. As Bob Barr recalled, “Coach Young was the force behind the success of the NCHS wrestling team for three years, and will always be a special part of
our lives.”
Orville (Orval) Borgialli (head coach 1963-64): Coached a promising young group that laid the foundation for future success. A native of Newcastle, WY., and industrial arts instructor at NCHS, he moved to the University of Nebraska, where he served as head wrestling coach from 1964–1978 (73-105-6 dual record, produced one All-American).
Vince Zimmer (1965 head coach): Led the team to a second-place finish at the Class A State tournament. Primarily a football coach who collaborated with wrestler Kester Akers and excelled at conditioning. He taught and
coached in Powell (1965-1967) before leaving coaching to become a school administrator in Wyoming for 16 years.
Additional mentors included Francis Rose and Bill Morrison.
Team Members: Wrestling Achievements (Weight Class Order)
Link Thompson (95 lbs): Key contributor to the championship team. A longtime contributor to Niobrara County, he later made his home in Gordon, Nebraska, where he was active in the livestock and auction industry through
the Gordon Livestock Auction Market . He is married to Debbie (Deb) and is part of a prominent local family with deep roots in ranching and community service.
Kenny Hubbard (103 lbs): Freshman contributor on the state championship squad. After graduating from high school , he served in the Army before beginning a career with Northern Utilities Gas Company, where he worked for
23 years until his retirement in 1996. He is the son of longtime Lusk residents Clarence and Lily Hubbard.
Dave Boyd (112 lbs): Key lineup member; he wrestled four years at Chadron State College. He enjoyed a successful career as a high school coach in Bridgeport and Norfolk, Nebraska, earning six Nebraska Coach of the Year
honors and induction into the Nebraska Scholastic Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He is the son of Helen DeGering.
Russell Crowley (120 lbs): 1966 State Champion. Three-time State Champion overall (close to four-time per some accounts). Following a dominant high school wrestling career, he continued competing at Mayville State College in North Dakota and was selected for the 1968 Olympic wrestling tryouts in Colorado Springs.
Doyle Davies (127 lbs): 1966 State Champion (two -time State Champion). He wrestled at the University of Wyoming until injury ended his career. He married his high school sweetheart, Monika, in 1968, and their three children all graduated from NCHS. Doyle is a longtime Niobrara County attorney. He highlighted the collective TEAM spirit of 1966.
Larry Crowley (133 lbs): 1966 State Champion. After serving 21 years in the United States Army, he worked as a truck driver for 16 years before retiring.
Al Ward (138 lbs): State tournament runner-up. After serving in the Marines, he relocated to Southern California in the 1970s, where he founded two successful companies. Today, he enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Steve Baribeau (145 lbs): 1966 State Champion; two -time State Champion. A four-year starter and team captain, he won the Casper Invitational All- Class championship twice. After serving in Vietnam, he went on to a distinguished military career, ultimately attaining the rank of Colonel. Proud of his Lusk roots and Tiger tradition, he was inducted into the NCSD Hall of Fame in 2025.
Bob Barr (154 lbs): Three-time state placer (4th in 1966, 2nd in 1967, Champion in 1968). An injury ended his collegiate wrestling career at the University of Wyoming, but he went on to become a veterinarian and rancher in Pueblo, Colorado. Now retired, he divides his time between his family ranch near Jay Em, Wyoming, and his ranch in Pueblo.
Bob Ward (165 lbs): Placed third at 1966 state; State Champion in 1967. A four-time conference champion at Black Hills State University, he was inducted into the BHSU Hall of Fame in 1991. Bob states: “NCHS has been the springboard to success for a very large pool of individuals... I was very blessed to have been coached and mentored by great leaders like Orville Borgialli, Francis Rose, Floyd Young and Bill Morrison.” He credits a big part of his success to his coaches and the Tiger Tradition of Excellence.
Ray Mayhan (180 lbs): Strong contributor to the championship effort (also participated in other sports like football). Through his dedication in the wrestling room and participation in multiple sports, he helped build the championship culture and tradition of excellence at NCHS. He currently resides in Arizona.
Terry Foley (Heavyweight): Placed second in 1966; State Champion in 1967. He taught school in Powell for more than 30 years and was actively involved in numerous community organizations and activities. He passed away in November 2025.
In the words of the team: High school was long ago, paths diverged, but in 1966 they were a true “ TEAM”—no one less or greater than another. This championship remains a cornerstone of NCHS athletic tradition.
Congratulations to the 1966 Tigers on their well- deserved Hall of Fame honor!
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Hall of Fame honors new inductees
By Cory Griffith
Contributing Writer
Master of Ceremonies J.D. Wasserburger recalled stories of this year’s honored guests, as the Niobrara County School District Hall of Fame inducted their fourth class. The event continues to grow as evidenced by the crowd last Thursday at the Niobrara Country Club.
In a bittersweet opener to the evening’s celebration, Doug Lytle was unable to attend. 2025 HOF inductee Ron Nelson talked about meeting Doug as a freshman in 1989 and their relationship since. Nelson was then joined up front with Doug’s wife Kayte and children Nicholas and Addison to accept his plaque.
Sally (Powers) Nichols was introduced by former Lady Tiger coaches Kathy Coon and Deb Murray. Both spoke highly of her leadership skills, work ethic and talent, while praising her success as a coach, parent and community leader. “I’ve always had such amazing connections to Lusk and just truly loved growing up here,” Nichols said. “It was great to hear all the other stories tonight about the love in Niobrara County, and to hear that general theme throughout the night, was really great.”
Ryan Rapp introduced Randy Rose, and while not a gifted musician- Rapp noted how important Randy’s contribution to NCHS and Niobrara County was. Three decades of educating and enhancing lives through music is a rare gift. “I am very honored, this is only the second time in a while that I’ve been able to get out other than physical therapy,” Randy stated. “What a nice gathering, I enjoyed seeing people I haven’t seen in a long time.”
Coon returned to the podium to honor longtime co-worker Debbie Rose. She raved about Rose’s ability to keep 30 first graders in line for a concert while teaching hundreds of children how to love music. “That was so nice to hear all the stories and memories of how good it is to live in Lusk and Niobrara County,” noted Debbie. “And to look around at all these kids that come back, it’s touching to see what they’ve accomplished.”
Melvin ZumBrunnen’s influence after leaving NCHS was highlighted by Wasserburger. He spoke of a steady, dedicated man to Niobrara County and an impact that goes far beyond.
“I think this is a great event and shows how unique Niobrara County is,” said ZumBrunnen. It’s a great honor although I feel a bit humbled because there are so many others that deserve recognition.”
Wasserburger’s smile was hard to contain while describing the influence the 1966 Tiger Wrestling Team had on him as a youngster. As he introduced Doyle Davies to the microphone, teammates in attendance Bob Barr, Larry Crowley, Russell Crowley and Ken Hubbard appreciated the moment. Davies spoke of their coaches, teamwork, friends and a lifetime of memories, before presenting their plaques.
Sponsors for this year’s event were Allbright’s True Value, Bloomers, Jason and Jenne Miller and Jason and Hilary Wasserburger.
The young FBLA crew did an excellent job assisting Hickory Creek Catering with the meal and cleanup.
Phoebe Allbright created the program for the event, and the full bios of this year’s class will run in upcoming issues of The Lusk Herald.
The Niobrara County School District Hall of Fame would like to thank all the inductees and their families for being here tonight. You’ve helped make a dream come true as we celebrate you tonight. Applications are open for next year’s class and can be found at growingluskleaders.org.