The Hot Springs Bison Athletics community came together on a beautiful autumn evening to celebrate the 2017 Hall of Fame class. Friends, family, alumni, coaches, and supporters filled the room with warmth, conversation, and shared memories as we honored individuals and teams whose contributions helped shape the legacy of Bison athletics.

This year’s banquet blended reflection with celebration. Old teammates reconnected, younger generations heard stories that had been passed down over the years, and everyone in attendance was reminded of the deep sense of pride Bison athletics instills in our community.

Honoring the Class of 2017

Each inductee brought a unique story of achievement and commitment, representing excellence across multiple sports and eras. Their accomplishments, both on and off the field or court, reflect the values that continue to guide Hot Springs Bison Athletics today. Hot Springs Bison Athletics Hall of Fame.

• 2000 & 2001 Lady Bison Volleyball Teams – Back-to-back state champions whose chemistry, resilience, and belief in one another defined a golden era for the program.

• Barb Donnell Highstreet – Track and field standout and early leader in girls’ athletics, earning state-level recognition across multiple events.

• Bud Hamilton – Exceptional three-sport athlete and one of South Dakota’s elite high jumpers, holding long-standing school records.

• James “Duke” Kocer – Multi-sport athlete from the early years of Bison athletics, excelling in football, basketball, and track.

• Pat Weiss – Hot Springs’ first state wrestling champion, recognized for determination, growth, and competitive excellence.

The Stories that Filled the Room

As the evening unfolded, the room shifted naturally between laughter and reflection. Members of the Lady Bison volleyball teams spoke about long practices, shared belief, and the kind of trust that only develops over countless hours together. Their induction felt less like a look back and more like a celebration of a bond that never really left.

Individual inductees reflected on moments that shaped them—early mornings, tough losses, quiet encouragement from coaches, and teammates who pushed them further than they thought possible. Several spoke openly about how their success was never theirs alone, crediting families who sacrificed time and energy so they could chase something they loved.

There were also reminders of how far the program had come. Stories from earlier eras painted a picture of simpler facilities, fewer resources, and a deep reliance on grit and community support. Those reflections carried a sense of pride—not in what was lacking, but in what was built anyway.

Carrying the Tradition Forward

By the time the final inductee was recognized, the purpose of the Hall of Fame felt unmistakable. The 2017 banquet wasn’t just about honoring accomplishments—it was about preserving stories, acknowledging shared sacrifice, and reinforcing the idea that Bison athletics is built person by person, generation by generation.

As the event wrapped up, there was a shared understanding that the legacy being honored was still very much alive. The Class of 2017 added its chapter to that story, one defined not only by achievement, but by character, connection, and pride in wearing the Blue and White.