The Hot Springs Bison Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet returned in September 2022 with a full house and a familiar sense of pride, bringing alumni, families, coaches, and longtime supporters together for an evening centered on shared history and appreciation. Held at the American Legion, the banquet felt less like a formal ceremony and more like a gathering of people connected by generations of Bison athletics.

Throughout the night, stories flowed easily—some humorous, some emotional, all deeply personal. Many came from keynote speaker Larry Luitjens, longtime Custer High School boys’ basketball coach and the winningest boys’ basketball coach in South Dakota history. He spoke candidly about the Custer–Hot Springs rivalry, his Hall of Fame career, and the steady role faith has played throughout his life. Other reflections moved beyond wins and records, focusing instead on the people behind the accomplishments: teammates who pushed one another, coaches who demanded more, families who sacrificed time and energy, and a community that showed up year after year.

Class of 2022 Inductees

The 2022 Hall of Fame class represented a mix of elite athletic achievement, lifelong service, and team success that helped define Bison athletics across decades:

• Joe Beehler – Exceptional multi-sport athlete and record-setting football standout, remembered for speed, versatility, and humility.

• Cameron Weiss – Two-time state wrestling champion and dominant football performer, known for work ethic, consistency, and quiet leadership.

• Joyce Farrell – Lifelong contributor and volunteer whose behind-the-scenes dedication supported countless athletes and programs over more than four decades.

• 1963 Hot Springs Bison Football Team – Undefeated Black Hills Conference champions whose season became one of the most memorable in school history.

Each inductee was recognized not only for what they achieved, but for how they carried themselves—highlighting effort, teamwork, and commitment as defining traits.

Stories That Made the Night

Stories from the night revealed a common theme: success built on commitment, trust, and community. Members of the 1963 football team shared memories of a season that exceeded expectations, recalling how a group once overlooked came together through dedication and belief in one another. The reflections were filled with humor and honesty, reminding the room that their undefeated season was as much about camaraderie as it was about results.

Joe Beehler and Cameron Weiss both spoke about growing up around sports—long days in gyms, weight rooms, and on practice fields—and how being immersed in athletics shaped not only their skills, but their character. Their remarks carried a sense of humility, emphasizing that individual accomplishments were the result of countless hours of work and the support of family, coaches, and teammates.

Joyce Farrell’s recognition resonated deeply with the crowd. Her story served as a reminder that not all contributions happen under the lights. Decades of scorekeeping, travel, organization, and volunteer work quietly supported thousands of student-athletes. As her name was called, the room reflected the gratitude of a community that understood just how much of its athletic success depended on people like her.

A Night Grounded in Gratitude

Throughout the banquet, gratitude surfaced again and again. Inductees thanked parents who never missed a game, coaches who demanded accountability, and communities that showed up no matter the weather or the score. There were moments of laughter, moments of reflection, and moments of emotion—especially when family members spoke on behalf of loved ones.

What stood out most was the respect shared across generations. Younger attendees listened intently as stories from decades past were told, while longtime supporters nodded along, having lived many of those moments themselves.

Carrying the Bison Legacy Forward

The 2022 Hall of Fame Banquet reinforced why this tradition continues to matter. It preserved stories that deserve to be remembered, honored people whose influence shaped Bison athletics in visible and quiet ways, and strengthened the connection between past and present.

As the evening came to a close, there was a collective sense that the legacy of Bison athletics is not defined solely by wins or records, but by the people who gave their time, effort, and heart to something bigger than themselves.