On Saturday evening, September 27, 2025, the Hot Springs American Legion filled steadily as friends, families, former athletes, and longtime supporters gathered for the Hot Springs Bison Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet. As dinner plates were cleared and conversations settled, the room took on a familiar rhythm—part reunion, part reflection—as the Class of 2025 was formally welcomed into the Hall of Fame.

From the opening remarks, it was clear the evening would be shaped by stories rather than statistics. The crowd leaned in early, recognizing that this night was about the people behind the accomplishments and the community that helped shape them.

Honoring the Class of 2025

Mike Tarrell

Mike Tarrell’s induction set the tone for the night. Those introducing him spoke less about moments in the spotlight and more about habits—arriving early, preparing thoroughly, and holding himself to the same standard he expected of others. One story in particular stuck with the room: Tarrell rarely needed to correct an athlete verbally; his expectations were clear long before anything had to be said.

When Tarrell addressed the audience, he mirrored that same approach. His remarks were measured and deliberate, focused almost entirely outward. He spoke about learning patience through coaching, about trusting athletes to grow into responsibility, and about how effort—when modeled consistently—becomes contagious. More than anything, he credited the people around him, reinforcing the idea that leadership often looks quiet from the outside.

Cassidy (Vollmer) Hodgin

Cassidy Vollmer Hodgin was introduced through stories that highlighted composure as much as competitiveness. Speakers recalled performances where preparation mattered more than circumstance—moments when pressure sharpened rather than rattled her.

Hodgin spoke candidly about what athletics gave her early on: confidence, structure, and a place to learn how to handle adversity. She reflected on setbacks without glossing over them, explaining how those moments forced growth just as much as success ever did. Her remarks landed with particular weight among younger athletes in the room, especially when she spoke about improvement happening quietly, day after day, long before anyone notices.

Carlie Weiss

Carlie Weiss’s induction centered on balance—not as an abstract idea, but as a discipline. Those speaking about Weiss described an athlete who did not seek attention, but earned respect through consistency and preparation. She was remembered as someone who made routines matter and details count.

Weiss echoed those themes in her remarks. She spoke about early mornings, long practices, and learning how to manage time when expectations were high on every front. Her reflections were calm and thoughtful, shaped by gratitude for coaches who demanded consistency and teammates who held each other accountable. It was a reminder that leadership is often built through reliability rather than volume.

Margaret Farrell

Margaret Farrell’s induction carried a different energy, rooted in years of service and involvement that extended well beyond a single season or role. Introductions emphasized her willingness to help wherever needed—often behind the scenes—and her long-standing commitment to supporting young athletes.

Farrell’s remarks centered on relationships and continuity. She spoke about watching generations of athletes come through Hot Springs, about the joy of seeing confidence grow, and about the importance of adults showing up consistently for kids. Her reflections served as a reminder that the strength of Bison athletics has always depended on people willing to invest their time and care without seeking recognition.

Moments That Defined the Evening

Throughout the night, themes of gratitude and perspective surfaced again and again. Several inductees spoke about how their understanding of success had changed over time, shifting away from results and toward relationships. There were moments of laughter as old stories resurfaced—missed buses, tough practices, and youthful competitiveness—and moments of quiet when speakers acknowledged mentors and loved ones no longer present.

Between speeches, conversations at tables continued uninterrupted, with former teammates leaning closer to fill in details and families sharing memories sparked by each story. It felt less like a formal program and more like a shared recollection unfolding in real time.

Carrying the Tradition Forward

By the end of the evening, nothing felt overstated. The 2025 Hall of Fame Banquet did what it was meant to do: it preserved stories worth keeping, honored people whose influence reached far beyond competition, and reinforced the values that have long defined Bison athletics.

Long after the final applause, people stayed—finishing conversations, exchanging handshakes, and revisiting memories prompted by the night. The Class of 2025 added its chapter quietly and confidently, shaped by commitment, humility, and a lasting connection to the storied history of Bison athletics.