The Hot Springs Bison Athletics community gathered on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at the Mueller Civic Center for a special Hall of Fame Induction Banquet honoring both the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021. With the 2020 banquet postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the evening served as a long-awaited opportunity to recognize two outstanding induction classes together in one meaningful celebration.

Alumni, families, coaches, and supporters filled the room with conversation, reflection, and shared pride. Throughout the evening, the focus remained on the people and relationships behind Bison athletics—those who competed, coached, supported, and believed in the programs across generations.

Honoring Two Distinguished Classes

The combined Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 represented the full scope of what Bison athletics has always stood for—achievement, leadership, service, and community.

Class of 2020

• Cheryl (Burg) Huddleston – Longtime coach and educator whose leadership shaped multiple Bison programs and generations of student-athletes.

• 1917 Hot Springs Bison Football Team – State champions whose success helped establish the foundation of Bison football and school pride.

• Lisa Collogan-Starr – Elite track and field athlete, state champion, and school record holder across multiple events.

• Kevin Couch – State champion distance runner in cross country and track, known for competitiveness and perseverance.

Class of 2021

• Leroy Hofer (Posthumous) – Community leader and tireless supporter of Bison athletics, instrumental in fundraising and advocacy.

• James “Jim” Kocer – Football standout and leader of the undefeated 1964 Bison team, conference scoring champion.

• Kathleen Schjodt – High-scoring Lady Bison basketball standout who went on to compete at the collegiate level.

A Night Rooted in Community

Throughout the night, speakers returned again and again to the same themes: pride, community, and the people who make success possible. One of the most memorable moments came as inductees reflected on the role Hot Springs fans played in their journeys—packed gyms, loud track meets, and familiar faces that showed up year after year. More than one inductee spoke about hearing their name chanted from the stands, a reminder that Bison athletics has always been a shared experience.

Family played a central role in the evening. Parents were thanked for early mornings and late nights. Siblings and children listened as stories were told about long hours in gyms, weight rooms, and practice fields. In moments of both humor and emotion, speakers acknowledged that success was built at home just as much as it was built in competition.

There were also moments of quiet reflection. Several inductees honored mentors who were no longer present, recognizing coaches and supporters whose influence still shaped the program. Those tributes brought a stillness to the room, underscoring the depth of gratitude felt by everyone in attendance.

A Celebration Beyond the Stats

While records and championships were acknowledged, the evening never felt centered on numbers alone. Instead, stories focused on growth, perseverance, and belonging. The induction of early teams alongside modern athletes reinforced the idea that Bison athletics is a continuum—each generation building on the last.

The banquet also served as a reunion, with laughter breaking out as old memories resurfaced. Former teammates leaned across tables to fill in gaps from decades past, while younger attendees listened closely, gaining a deeper appreciation for the legacy they are now part of.

Preserving the Bison Legacy

By celebrating two Hall of Fame classes together, the 2021 banquet underscored the importance of preserving Bison history and honoring those who built it. The evening closed with a renewed appreciation for the individuals recognized and a shared commitment to ensuring their stories, achievements, and values continue to inspire future generations of Bison student-athletes.