By Allyson Fillmore
Saturday, September 14th was a big deal for local sports fans. Yes, there was a big football game that happened between Iowa and Iowa State, but also the Montezuma Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Current athletic director, Tim Burgess, former athletic director and town sports historian, Al Rabenold, and Megan Carlson helped to put together this event.
This years honorees included:
Individuals
Dahl Wickham – 1957 (presented by Al Rabenold)
Don Ferneau – 1968 (presented by Joel Grier)
Laine (Lundy) Korver – 1976 (presented by Janel Burgess and Tony DiCecco) Deb (Kercheval) Holte – 1983 (presented by Juan Schmidt)
Coach
Jerry Rohach – 1983-1996 (presented by Lance Elliott)
Team
1981 Girl’s Cross Country Team (presented by Kevin Gartman)
Deb (Kercheval) Holte
Cathy (Hansen) Shires
Melanie (James) Stielow
Shelly (Current) Roberts
Janice (Current) Roudabush
Mindy Dye
Paula Reams
Wendy (Boeding) Dierks
Michelle (Snook) Jordan
Sherri Johnston
Tracy Nicholson Bru
Tessy Venditt
Coach Juan Schmidt
Each presenter introduced their inductee and discussed the various achievements, fun stories, and qualities that prove how they deserve the honor of being recognized as one of Montezuma’s greatest.
After being presented with their award, the inductee was able to give an acceptance speech if they wanted.
Laine (Lundy) Korver gave a moving speech after her former coach and mentor, Tony DiCecco gave a message via recording that Janel Burgess played over the sound system.
Korver related life with basketball and recalled the importance of keeping your eye on what is important.
She told a story of a lesson that she learned about shooting. If your eyes are on the front of the rim, you’ll hit the front of the rim. If your eyes are on the back of the rim, you’ll hit the back of the rim. If you keep your focus on the hole of the basket, you will get the ball through the hole of the basket.
She ended her speech with a reminder that if you stay in the lane too long, you’ll get a penalty.
The founder of Montezuma cross country, Coach Juan Schmidt, presented Deb (Kercheval) Holte, crediting her hard work and dedication getting her to where she went in athletics.
Her senior year, she was the valedictorian. Her graduation was in the afternoon, the next morning she ran the open 800 at the state track meet and set the record of 2:12 that still stands.
She was also a part of two trips to the state cross country meet. The first, her team was just two points from the championship. The second, they were fourth. The Bravettes haven’t been back as a team since.
The big takeaway from the ceremony was the importance of what you can get from participating in sports.
It’s the life lessons of hard work, the relationships made, and the memories that last.
Each speaker gave credit to how unique Montezuma’s athletics are – the coaches, facilities, and community members are what make it so great. It is, they said, just an incredible place to be.
