The Bison Athletics

Hall of Fame Class of 2024

Carl “Teenie” Andre

A 1945 graduate of Hot Springs High School, Carl Andre was a remarkable three-sport athlete for the Bison from 1942–1945. He served as the quarterback on the football team and was a key starter on the 1945 basketball team—the only HSHS squad to qualify for the state tournament until 2019.

Following high school, Carl continued his football career as a quarterback at the University of Wyoming. After earning his degree and completing military service, he returned to Hot Springs in 1953, beginning a coaching career that spanned from 1954–1958. During his time on staff, he served as the head track and field coach and an assistant coach in football and basketball.

One former student-athlete captured Carl’s impact best, writing:

“In addition to his coaching skills, he had a unique ability to connect with his athletes on a personal and emotional level that afforded him the opportunity to become both a mentor and a role model. For this connection, he is fondly respected and revered by all the athletes who toiled under his guidance.”

In 1960, Carl moved to Riverton, Wyoming, where he spent more than three decades teaching, coaching, and officiating. His lifelong dedication to education and athletics earned him numerous distinctions, including:

  • Distinguished Service Award, Wyoming Coaches Association

  • Induction into the Wyoming Sports Officials Association Hall of Fame

  • Induction into the Fremont County School District Hall of Fame

Carl also served as the official starter for the Wyoming High School Track Meet for decades, a role he continued until just a few years before his passing in 2011.

Todd Malott

A 1982 graduate of Hot Springs High School, Todd Malott made his mark as one of the Bison’s fastest athletes—excelling on the track and the football field. Known for his explosive speed, Todd captured three state championships, including one individual title and two relay titles, before a knee injury during his senior football season cut his athletic career short.

Track & Field Achievements

Todd was a dominant sprinter throughout his high school career:

  • State Champion in the 100-meter dash as a junior (1981), clocking a time of 10.9 seconds

  • Third place in the 200-meter dash at the 1981 state meet

  • Fifth place in the 100-meter dash as a sophomore

  • Member of two state champion relay teams as a freshman:

    • Medley relay

    • 1,600-meter relay

  • Three-time regional champion in the 100 meters

  • Two-time regional champion in the 200 meters

Football Impact

Todd’s speed translated directly to the gridiron, where he was a big-play threat every time he touched the ball. He averaged over 4 yards per carry and opened his senior season on a tear, scoring five touchdowns in the first three games. Unfortunately, his season—and ultimately his high school athletic career—ended after a knee injury suffered in the fourth game.

Ted Niemann

A 1984 graduate of Hot Springs High School, Ted Niemann left an indelible mark on Bison basketball, scoring over 1,000 career points before going on to star at the collegiate level for Chadron State College.

Ted moved to Hot Springs with his family in the summer of 1981. Standing 6 feet, 4 inches, he quickly earned a spot in the Bison lineup as a sophomore. Over the next three seasons, he amassed 1,150 career points and earned Black Hills Conference honors, establishing himself as one of the top players in program history.

Ted continued his basketball career at Chadron State College, where he graduated in 1988. His impact was immediate and lasting—he scored 1,490 career points, placing him ninth all-time in the Eagles' scoring records at the time of his graduation.

His senior season was particularly remarkable:

  • Averaged 24.8 points per game, the highest scoring average among all Nebraska college players that year

  • Earned NAIA District 11 First-Team honors in both the 1986–87 and 1987–88 seasons

In recognition of his exceptional career, Ted was inducted into the Chadron State College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.

1990 Girls Track and Field Team

The 1990 Hot Springs Lady Bison made school history by becoming the first girls’ track and field team to win a state championship—and they earned the title in dramatic fashion, securing victory in the final event of the meet.

Competing at Lyle Hare Stadium in Spearfish, the Lady Bison outpaced 33 other teams, claiming the championship with 54 points, edging out Madison’s 47 points. The deciding moment came in the 1,600-meter relay, where Hot Springs clocked a 4:08.71, narrowly defeating Madison’s 4:08.93.
Relay team members: Steph Blakely, Emily Sims, Kris Hertel, and Nikki Kriz

State Meet Team Members

Lori Simunek
Kelly Cuny
Tanya Varick
Leslie Norris
Kristi Gutsche
Michelle Marsh
Nicki Gillian

The team was led by Head Coach Dave Scott, with Assistant Coaches Cheryl Huddleston and Jim Tays. This championship marked Coach Scott’s first state title.

Individual Performances & Highlights

Steph Blakely

  • State Champion – 800 meters, setting a school record of 2:18.83 (still standing today)

  • Second place – 1,600 meters in 5:23.65

Kris Hertel & Nikki Kriz

  • Hertel: Second place – 400 meters at 59.63

  • Kriz: Fourth place – 400 meters at 59.82

Throws

  • Michelle Marsh: Third in the discus (116' 3")

  • Tanya Varick: Seventh in the discus (110' 7")

Relays

  • 800-meter relay: Fifth place with a time of 1:49.54

The 1990 Lady Bison didn’t just win a title—they set a standard of excellence that helped shape the future of Hot Springs girls’ athletics. Their grit, teamwork, and clutch performance in the final event cemented their place in Bison history.