Montezuma Hall of Fame Class of 2019

Saturday, September 14th was a big deal for sports fans. Yes, there was a big football game that happened between Iowa and Iowa State, but also the Montezuma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Current athletic director, Tim Burgess, former athletic director and the 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 would introduce their inductee discussing 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. She 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 creator 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 of her graduating class. 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 today. 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 take away from participating in sports. Its 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 just an incredible place to be.