The Bison Athletics
Hall of Fame Class of 2025
Inductee Bios Coming Soon
Class of 2025 Inductee
1994 Boys & Girls
State Champions
Cross Country
A Season to Remember
What makes a great team? It’s more than wins and trophies. As Coach Huddleston recalls, the 1994 Hot Springs cross-country squads stood out for their camaraderie and unwavering support. “This group clicked all season as supporters for each other,” she said. They were a unified force, urging one another on at practices and meets—and even breaking into their own songs, sung over and over, a small but telling glimpse into their team spirit.
The Athletes
The girls’ roster featured Nicky Johnson, Karla Benson (manager), VailFerree Brechtel, Belinda Maisel, Catherine Brechtel, Cristina Bergen, Nyla Schroeder, Carissa Maisel, and foreign exchange student Barbara Kreutzer.
The boys’ lineup included Chad Gackel, Wes Murdock, Jason Coleman, Kevin Couch, Shad Curtis, Jason Trimble, Rusty Caveye, Cody Hofer, and Carl Sanders.
Their success was built on standout performances at the state meet. For the girls, Nyla Schroeder claimed 2nd, VailFerree Brechtel 4th, and Catherine Brechtel 5th. Cristina Bergen placed 18th, Carissa Maisel 19th, and Belinda Maisel 23rd. On the boys’ side, Kevin Couch finished 5th, Jason Coleman 8th, and Jason Trimble 23rd. These finishes secured the rare “double team championships,” cementing their place in school history.
Leaving a Legacy
The 1994 Hot Springs boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams have etched their names into school history. They were the perfect blend of athletic talent and genuine team chemistry. Their nomination for the 2025 Bison Athletic Hall of Fame honors more than just their state titles—it celebrates a group of young athletes who understood that greatness isn’t measured only by medals, but by the strength they found in each other.
Hot Springs Bison Class of 1980
Margaret Farrell
Track and Field
Margaret M. Farrell’s life has been defined by a blend of athletic excellence, professional dedication, and deep community involvement — qualities that have earned her a nomination for the Hot Springs Bison Athletics Hall of Fame.
Born and raised in Hot Springs, Farrell made her mark early as a multi-sport athlete at Hot Springs High School. Over her four years, she earned an impressive 11 varsity letters — three in Cross Country, four in Gymnastics, and four in Track and Field. Known for her consistency and competitive spirit, she frequently placed and often won her events, contributing valuable points to Bison teams season after season.
Her specialty was hurdles, where she left a lasting legacy. In 1978, she set the school record in the 110-yard hurdles, a mark that still stands. That same year, she captured multiple Black Hills Conference titles in both the 110- and 180-yard hurdles, setting new records in each. She continued her dominance in 1980, adding a 165-meter hurdles record to her résumé. Farrell’s success extended to regional championships, where she broke records in both the 110-yard and 180-yard hurdles in 1978, and to state competitions, earning podium finishes including second place in the 110-meter hurdles in 1979 and multiple third-place state medals in the years that followed.
After graduation, Farrell continued her athletic career at the University of Wyoming, where she competed in hurdles and earned two varsity letters before choosing to focus on her academic major.
Farrell’s professional life has been equally distinguished. She serves as an account manager with the U.S. Forest Service in Custer, overseeing a nationwide program that tracks ground-disturbing activities. In this role, she designs program requirements, develops documentation and training, and provides support across the country, traveling extensively to train personnel.
Her dedication to service extends beyond her career. An Advanced EMT, Farrell is the Assistant Director for the Keystone Ambulance Service and a committed volunteer with both the Custer YMCA and her church. Her leadership and contributions to the YMCA were honored by the Custer Chamber of Commerce with a special award recognizing her impact on the community.
Margaret Farrell’s journey — from record-setting high school athlete to respected professional and tireless community volunteer — reflects the same drive and determination that once propelled her over every hurdle on the track.
Hot Springs Bison Class of 2011
Carlie Weiss
Gymnasitcs and Volleyball
Carlie Weiss, a 2011 graduate of Hot Springs High School, built one of the most decorated athletic careers in school history. A gifted multi-sport athlete, she excelled in both gymnastics and volleyball, earning records, awards, and the respect of coaches and teammates alike.
In gymnastics, Carlie set school records in four of the five events including vault (9.3), floor exercise (9.566), uneven bars (8.95) and all-around (35.9), with the only one she didn’t get being held by her older sister Amanda (balance beam, 9.35). All of the records stood for more than a dozen years, while still holding the school’s best vault mark of 9.3.
Competing on the varsity team for six seasons, she collected more than 20 state tournament medals and capped her career with a selection to the State Gymnastics All-Tournament Team as a senior. Year after year, she was a consistent presence among the state’s best, with top finishes across all events.
Her talents extended well beyond the gymnastics floor. On the volleyball court, Carlie was a force in the back row, earning multiple All-Black Hills Conference honors and serving as Team MVP her senior year. That same season, she set a school record with 752 digs, led the team with 59 aces, and maintained an impressive 96% serving percentage.
Carlie’s competitive spirit emerged early. In elementary school, she was a state champion AAU wrestler. Even in basketball—though she never played in high school due to a scheduling conflict with gymnastics—her potential was evident. Former Hot Springs Girls’ Basketball Coach Kim Henningsen once called her one of the best basketball players he had ever seen.
Whether in the gym, on the court, or on the mat, Carlie Weiss’s career is a testament to dedication, versatility, and excellence—making her a deserving inductee into the Hot Springs Bison Athletic Hall of Fame.
Hot Springs Bison Class of 2013
Cassidy (Vollmer) Hodgin
2013 State Golf Champion
A 2013 graduate of Hot Springs High School, Cassidy (Vollmer) Hodgin left an indelible mark on Bison athletics as a fierce competitor, dedicated teammate, and accomplished scholar. Nominated for the Hot Springs Bison Athletic Hall of Fame in 2025, Hodgin’s story is one of steady growth, perseverance, and championship-caliber performance — especially on the golf course.
High School Excellence
A rare six-year letter winner in girls’ golf, Cassidy’s journey from a 40th-place finish as a 7th grader to a Class A State Championship as a senior is a testament to her relentless drive. Her year-by-year climb in the state tournament speaks volumes:
7th grade — 40th individually | Team 10th
8th grade — 37th individually | Team 9th
Freshman — 11th individually | Team 5th
Sophomore — 8th individually | Team 6th
Junior — 2nd individually, Class A Girls’ Golf All-State | Team 2nd
Senior — 1st individually (Class A Medalist) | Team 3rd
While golf was her primary sport, Cassidy was also a multi-sport athlete, lettering in girls’ basketball and volleyball before choosing to become the boys’ golf team manager in her later years to deepen her commitment to the game she loved.
Her impact wasn’t limited to athletics. She maintained a GPA above 3.9, served as Student Council Vice President, earned membership in the National Honor Society, and graduated as Salutatorian of her class — embodying the balance of athletic and academic excellence.
Collegiate Career & Beyond
Cassidy continued her golf career at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, where she etched her name into the program’s history books with multiple women’s golf records. She capped her collegiate career with a top-10 finish (9th place) at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships in her senior year.
Her passion for the sport extended into the community as a Golf Instructor for the Hot Springs Summer Recreation program, mentoring young golfers and passing on the lessons she had learned through years of competition.
A Legacy of Leadership and Perseverance
Cassidy believes the Hall of Fame is not just about athletic accomplishments, but about representing Hot Springs with integrity, determination, and pride. She recalls moments when she struggled with drills or technique — yet by refusing to quit, she modeled resilience for her teammates and the next generation. She carried that same spirit into college, continuing to represent her hometown at the NCAA level.
Cassidy Hodgin’s career is a story of growth, grit, and giving back — a perfect fit for the Bison Athletic Hall of Fame.
Hot Springs Bison Class of 2011
Mike Tarrell
Hot Springs Bison Athletics Contributor
For more than three decades, Mike Tarrell has been a driving force in the Hot Springs athletic community — not for personal accolades, but for the pure joy of seeing young athletes grow, compete, and succeed. His nomination to the Hot Springs Bison Athletic Hall of Fame honors a lifetime of selfless service, unwavering commitment, and genuine love for the game.
A Coaching Legacy Built on Heart and Commitment
Mike’s coaching career spans over 30 years, with a primary focus on basketball, guiding both girls’ and boys’ youth teams. He also spent several seasons leading the high school baseball program. Remarkably, he coached hundreds of athletes without ever having a child of his own on the roster — driven solely by a passion for developing skills, building character, and inspiring a lifelong love of sports. His commitment didn’t end at the final buzzer; Mike continued to follow and cheer on his athletes long after they left his teams.
Beyond the Bench — A Voice for the Bison
Mike’s influence extended well beyond coaching. A constant and enthusiastic presence at games, he became a fixture in the stands, faithfully supporting athletes across all sports. For many years, his voice became part of the fabric of Hot Springs athletics as he announced football, basketball, and volleyball games on local radio — both at home and on the road.
Mike Tarrell’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, community spirit, and love for youth sports. His Hall of Fame recognition celebrates not just the games he coached, but the countless lives he touched along the way.