The 2018 Hot Springs Bison

Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet

September 22nd, 2018

American Legion Post 71
Hot Springs, SD

  • A smiling woman with long dark hair holding a bouquet of flowers.

    JACQUELINE MELCHER (DEMENT)

  • Vintage black and white photo of two football players on the field, one reaching to catch the ball and the other running nearby. The player reaching for the ball is wearing a striped uniform and the other is in a dark jersey with the number 33.

    RICK WASS

  • A man in a suit and glasses sitting at a desk with papers on it, in black and white.

    RALPH SIEG

  • Black and white photograph of an older man wearing a suit and tie, with a receding hairline and a slight smile.

    HARRY R. WOODWARD

  • Black and white photograph of a football team with players and coaches posing on a field, mountains visible in the background, with helmets placed in front of the players.

    1967 FOOTBALL TEAM

2018 Hall of Fame Banquet Recap

The Hot Springs Bison Athletics Hall of Fame held its third annual induction banquet on September 22 at the American Legion, celebrating Homecoming weekend alongside the reunions of the Classes of 1968 and 1978. The evening also featured a Shells of Time concert with Hot Springs High School alumni Mike English, Craig Kitt, and Richard Schuttler. English and Schuttler were also members of the undefeated 1967 Bison football team — one of five inductees honored that night.

Picked to finish last in the Black Hills Conference, the 1967 team defied expectations and went on to earn a No. 10 state ranking — a tribute to their grit, teamwork, and the leadership of coaches Don Mathis and Charlie McGaw.

Jacqueline Dement Melcher, introduced by former coach Cheryl Huddleston and represented in person by her sister Ginny, joined the ceremony via live video from North Carolina. A standout in both volleyball and track, Melcher captured three state gold medals during her senior year and still holds school records in the 300 meters (45.51) and the triple jump (36.0).

Rick Wass, a key contributor to the 1974 state championship football team, was introduced by Coach Gary Glenn. In his remarks, Wass expressed appreciation for former coaches Jim Tays and Glenn, as well as his teammates and family.

Ralph Sieg, introduced by longtime friend Bill Coffield, excelled in four sports during the 1950s — football, basketball, track, and baseball. He later coached locally and spearheaded fundraising efforts to install the first wood floor in Case Auditorium.

The final inductee, Harry R. Woodward, served the school as an administrator, teacher, and coach from 1916 to 1955 and is the namesake of the school’s football stadium. Introduced by Quentin Hofer and represented by nine family members, his granddaughter, Robyn Woodward Robinson of Atlanta, accepted the honor. She shared cherished memories of visiting the field as a young girl and expressed gratitude that the community continues to treasure his legacy today.

Introduction of the 1967 Bison Football Team

The Hot Springs Bison Undefeated 1967 football team being introduced at the 2018 Bison homecoming football game on September 21, 2018 at Woodward Field in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

2018 Hot Springs Bison Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Part 1 of 3

Held at the American Legion in Hot Springs, SD on September 22nd. 2018.

Part 2 of 3

Held at the American Legion in Hot Springs, SD on September 22nd. 2018.

Held at the American Legion in Hot Springs, SD on September 22nd. 2018.

Part 3 of 3

Annual Banquets Through the Years