News : V-S Hall of Fame adds new members

Karen Hummel Oberman; State Champ in high jump in '86, was among Hall of Fame inductees Friday.

The Family of Byron Abernathy, Class of 1929

Bryan Klosterman, Class of 1995

Dawn Curtis, Class of 1996

Jeff Edwards, father of Brett Edwards, Class of 2001.

Jerry Barker and Janet Handler, parents of Robert and Stephen Handler

Melissa Hanneman Zenk, Class of 2003

Doug Stulken, Class of 1987

Vahn Schumacher, Class of 2001

Vahn Schumacher's daughter, Emma, reaches for balloons as her father is inducted into V-S Hall.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Hall of Fame inducted several new members Friday night during halftime of the Homecoming game against Marion. The new inductees will be honored after the game with a public reception.

Below is the presentation read as the honorees were announced:

2010 VINTON-SHELLSBURG ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CEREMONY

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2010

Byron Abernathy, Class of '29

Our first individual inductee is Byron Abernathy. A 1929 graduate, Mr. Abernathy played 5 years of varsity in both football and basketball. In football he was considered the “greatest end Vinton ever had” and in basketball he was referred to as “the best guard ever turned out in Vinton history.”

Accepting this award on behalf of Mr. Abernathy are his daughter-in-law, Vicki Abernathy, and his grandchildren Kevin Schlarbaum, Scott Schlarbaum and Lori Kimm. Presenting the award tonight is Hall of Fame Committee member Don Eells.

Charles Radcliffe, Class of '57

Our next inductee is a 1957 graduate, Mr. Charles Radcliffe. While in high school, Chuck earned 16 varsity letters in football, basketball, track and baseball, making him the first Vinton athlete to letter 4 years in all 4 sports.

Chuck’s most memorable football moment was his senior year when he intercepted a pass in the end-zone and returned it for a 105 yard touchdown against Marion. That same year he scored over 300 points in basketball and qualified for state as a pole-vaulter for the third consecutive year.

After graduation, Chuck joined the U.S.Marine Corps., where he also played football and baseball.

Chuck and his wife Nancy reside in Waller, Texas. They have two sons and one grandson.

Mr. Radcliffe is escorted by his brother, Tom Radcliffe. Presenting his award is Hall of Fame committee member, John Anderson.

Karen Hummel Oberman, Class of '87

Next, we have Karen Hummel Oberman, a 1987 graduate. Ms. Hummel earned 10 varsity letters in cross country, basketball and track.

Karen was a two-time state qualifier in the High Jump, winning the 2A State Championship as a junior. She was also a state qualifier in the 1500M. In 1986 she set the school high jump record at 5’6” and in 1987 she set the school 1500M record at 5:07.96.

Karen went on to IowaStateUniversitywhere she was a Track & Field letter winner. She is currently training for an Ironman Triathlon in Cozumel.

Karen and her husband, Tony, life Clive with their three sons Jack, Henry and Max.

Ms. Hummel Oberman is escorted by her father, Kyle Hummel. Presenting her award is Jan McLeod, Hall of Fame Committee member.

Doug Stulken, Class of '87

The next inductee is also from the Class of 1987. Doug Stulken was a 7-time letterman in football, basketball and baseball.

Doug was a 1st Team All-conference selection in football and basketball and received All-state honors in football. He was a member of the 1986 basketball team that won the WaMaC and qualified for the state tournament.

Doug is a 1991 graduate of WartburgCollege. He and his wife, Karen, live in Walford with their two children Ashley and Ryan.

Mr. Stulken is escorted by his wife and children. Presenting his award tonight is his former football coach and Hall of Fame Committee member, Mike Timmermans.

Bryan Klosterman, Class of '95

Next we have Bryan Klosterman, a 1995 graduate. Bryanwas a 6 time letter winner in football and wrestling.

He received all-conference and all-state honors in football. As a wrestler he was a WaMaC champion, 2-time sectional champion, 2-time district champion and placed 5th at state in 1994. Bryanwas the first Viking wrestler to win 100 career matches.

Bryan and his wife, Annie, life in North Liberty with their three children, Jaxon, Brylee and Kael. He is the owner of JBK Construction and spends his free time coaching football and baseball.

Escorting Mr. Klosterman tonight is his former wrestling coach Jeff Frost. The award is being presented by Harold Shepherd, Hall of Fame Committee member.

Dawn Curtis, Class of '96

Our next inductee is Dawn Curtis, a 1996 graduate. Dawn was a 9-time letter winner in Volleyball, track and softball.

Ms. Curtis was a member of the 1995 volleyball team that was WaMaC and District champions. She was a 5-year varsity softball player and a member of the 1995 WaMaC championship team. She received numerous all-conference and all-state recognitions and set numerous school records. At the end of her Vikette career, Dawn was the all-time career leader in home runs, RBIs, hits, runs scored, batting average, slugging percentage and doubles.

Dawn resides in Cedar Rapids with her two children, Sierra & Katelin.

Presenting Ms. Curtis her award tonight is Hall of Fame Committee member Darlys Hulme.

Robert & Stephen Handler, Class of 2000

The next two inductees are twin brothers and class of 2000 graduates, Robert & Stephen Handler. They were both 6-time letter winners in football and track.

Robert was a WaMaC Champion, Drake Relays qualifier and State qualifier in the Medley Relay, 4x200 and 4x100.

Stephen was named 1st Team All-district in football. He was also a WaMaC Champion, Drake Relays qualifier and 8-time State qualifier in the 4x100, 4x200, 100M Dash and 200M Dash.

Both Robert & Stephen were members of the 4x200 team that placed 5th at State. This team also set school records in the 4x100 and 4x200. They were also both members of the freshman basketball team that was undefeated in 1997.

Robert & Stephen both attended Gustavus Adolphus College where they were 4-year lettermen in Track & Field, setting several school records. Robert currently resides in Hancock, Michigan and Steven resides in Flagstaff, AZ.

Mr. Handler & Mr. Handler were unable to be with us tonight. Accepting their awards on their behalf are their parents, Jerry Barker & Janet Handler. Presenting the awards is Ken Huelman, a Hall of Fame Committee member.

Brett Edwards, Class of 2001

Our next inductee is Brett Edwards, class of 2001. Brett was a 12-time letter winner in football, basketball, track and baseball. He received all-conference, all-district, and all-state honors in football and basketball.

Brett was a member of 2000 football team that won the Vikings’ 1st District Championship and advanced to the state play-offs for the first time in school history. He still holds the records for most passing yards set that season. Brett was a 7-time track & field state qualifier in the high jump, 4x200, 4x400 and Medley Relay, placing 2nd in the high jump in 2000. Brett was also a member of the 1998 Class 3A state championship baseball team.

Brett played college football at WayneStateCollege. He is currently Sports Director at KLKN-TV in Lincoln, NE. Due to his commitment to broadcast Friday night football,

Mr. Edwards could not be here tonight. His award is being presented by Hall of Fame Committee member Larry Fett and being accepted by his father, Jeff Edwards.

Vahn Schumacher, Class of 2001

Also from the class of 2001 is our next inductee, Vahn Schumacher. Vahn was a 6-time letter winner in football, track and baseball and was named 2001 Viking of the Year. He received numerous all-district and all-state honors in both football and baseball.

Vahn set several school records during the 2000 football season and still holds the record for most tackles in a season. That team went on to win the Vikings’ first District Championship and advanced to the state play-offs for the first time in school history. He was selected to play in the 2001 All-star Shrine Bowl. Vahn was also a member of 2000 state semi-finalist baseball team.

Vahn played 2 years of football at Iowa Central and 2 years at WayneState. He currently resides in Wesley, Iowa, with his wife, Sara, and daughter, Emma.

Mr. Schumacher is escorted by his wife, Sara and daughter, Emma. His award is being presented by Ken Huelman.

Mellissa Hanneman Zenk, Class of 2003

Our final individual inductee is Melissa Hanneman Zenk, a 2003 graduate. Ms. Hanneman was a 7-time letter winner in basketball and volleyball, earning all-conference, all-district and all-state honors in both. She was the 2003 Vikette of the Year.

Melissa was a member of the 2-time conference champion basketball team and was named to the 2003 Class 3A All-star Select Team. She scored over 1000 career points. She was also a member of the 2000 WaMaC championship and 2002 WaMaC tournament championship volleyball teams. She was selected to the 2002 all-tournament team.

Melissa was a two-year basketball starter at CoeCollege. She currently resides in Cedar Rapidswith her husband, Bill.

Presenting Ms. Hanneman Zenk with her award is her former basketball coach, Harold Shepherd.

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1998 Class 3A State Baseball Championship Team

And, finally this evening we will induct the 1998 Class 3A State Championship Baseball Team:

Under the direction of Head Coach Jim Struve, this team won the WaMaC, won districts and headed to Carroll for State. In game 1 they came from behind in the bottom of the 7th to beat Oskaloosa 3-2. In game 2 they went 9 innings before defeating Washington5-2. After 2 close games, the championship game was a blowout, as Vinton-Shellsburg beat Perry 10-0 in 6 innings. Bill Zenk pitched a 1-hit shutout which is still tied for a championship game record. The Vikings finished the 1998 season with a 37-9 record.

When asked about their most memorable moment, many team members noted the outpouring of support from the community and the escort through town when they returned home. They also talked about the tremendous effort and team work that it took to work their way through the tournament.

Head Coach Jim Struve is being presented his plaque by Principal Kirk Johnson. Assistant Coaches are: Desi Druschel, Nick Sagan & Tony White (who was unable to be here tonight).

And now, our 1998 Class 3A State Championship Baseball Team members are:

Tom Brand Justin Pladsen

J.D. Cue Brian Schmelzer

Dusty Druschel Nick Schminke (dad Dean Schminke)

Brett Edwards (dad Jeff Edwards) Shane Scott

Jake Fish Jason Stravers (mother Judy Trygstad)

Nate Forsyth Scott Sutton

Ryan Foss Brad Walker

John Lynch Bill Zenk

Zach Mann Jerry Zieser

Josh Merino Matt Worthen (Statistician)

Rob O’Brien

Thank you guys for some great memories!