The Bison Athletics
Hall of Fame Class of 2023
Billy Morrow
Billy Morrow, a 1997 graduate of Hot Springs High School, was one of the most accomplished wrestlers in Bison history. He battled his way to the 1996 state championship at 103 pounds, leading the Bison wrestling program with toughness and consistency. Remarkably, Morrow qualified for the state wrestling tournament as an eighth grader—weighing just 88 pounds—ushering in a high school career that would include four state tournament appearances.
Morrow’s state tournament finishes included eighth place as a freshman in 1994, fourth place in 1995, second place in 1996, and finally his state title victory during his junior season. As a senior, he completed his career with a 149–42 overall record, earning five regional championships and being named the team’s Most Valuable Wrestler in 1994, 1995, and 1996.
During his career, Morrow set multiple Bison records, including:
Most takedowns in a season (109 in 1994)
Quickest pin (8 seconds, 1993)
Most near falls
Most pins
In 1997, he received the Sportsmanship Award at the Richard Youngman Memorial Tournament.
Morrow’s competitive spirit carried into adulthood. At age 35, he wrestled at the Black Hills Nationals in Spearfish, winning the Masters Division (30+) and also competing in the Senior Division (19–29), where he placed third against college-level wrestlers.
Today, Billy Morrow continues to serve the community he once represented on the mat—working for the City of Hot Springs.
Jeff Graf
Jeff Graf, a 1973 Hot Springs High School graduate, was an exceptional multi-sport athlete and later a respected coach for the Bison. He earned four varsity letters in both football and track and field, and three letters in basketball—highlighting his versatility and leadership across multiple programs.
Graf was a standout on the football field, earning All-Black Hills Conference honors three times and All-Conference honorable mention as a sophomore and junior. On the basketball court, he was named to the BHC All-Conference team three straight seasons.
In track and field, Graf excelled as a hurdler, discus thrower, and pole vaulter, contributing significant points for the Bison. He was also a key player on the Hot Springs American Legion baseball team, which finished second at the 1971 South Dakota Class B State Tournament.
After high school, Graf continued his athletic career at Northern State University, where he played football before returning to Hot Springs to begin his coaching career. He later moved to Yakima, Washington, where he continues to teach and coach.
Bill Marks
Bill “Willie” Marks, a 1970 Hot Springs High School graduate, was one of the most versatile and accomplished athletes of his era. He earned varsity letters four times in track and field, twice in football, and twice in basketball, excelling across all three sports.
Marks was a key member of the undefeated 1968 Bison football team, contributing on both sides of the ball with speed, toughness, and reliability.
Basketball Excellence
On the basketball court, Marks remains among Hot Springs’ all-time scoring leaders.
He averaged 20 points per game as a senior.
He scored 15 points per game during his junior season.
He earned All–Black Hills Conference Second Team honors as a junior and All-BHC First Team recognition as a senior.
Track & Field Achievements
Marks was equally impressive in track and field:
He placed third in the 880-yard run at the 1970 state meet, setting a Hot Springs High School record.
He was a member of three record-breaking relay teams, including the distance medley relay, 2-mile relay, and sprint medley relay.
His speed, endurance, and competitive drive made him one of the most well-rounded athletes in Bison history.
Dan Lennon
Dan Lennon served as a coach and teacher at Hot Springs High School from 1937 to 1943, leading one of the most successful early eras in Bison football history. During his tenure, his teams compiled an impressive 40–10 record, including an outstanding 8–1 season in 1938 and three straight 8–1 seasons from 1940 to 1941. The Bison added a strong 7–1–2 finish in 1942, cementing Lennon’s reputation as a skilled and disciplined coach.
After serving in the United States Navy, Lennon returned to South Dakota, beginning a coaching career that would impact athletics statewide. He initially coached football at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology beginning in 1946 before moving to Vermillion, where he joined the University of South Dakota. There, Lennon became the head track and field coach for the Coyotes, a role he held from 1949 to 1975. His longtime leadership helped shape USD into one of the region’s premier track programs.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions to athletics, Lennon was inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.
Dan Lennon passed away in 2002 at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, service, and dedication to student-athletes across the state.