GICC Announces 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Grand Island, NE — July 27, 2025 — Grand Island Central Catholic High School (GICC) is
proud to announce the inductees for the third annual Athletic Hall of Fame. The 2025 Induction
Ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Balz Banquet & Reception
Hall, celebrating a new group of athletes, coaches, and teams whose achievements have made
a lasting impact on GICC’s storied athletic tradition.

The Hall of Fame’s 2025 class features twelve new inductees, each of whom brought pride,
leadership, and excellence to Crusader athletics. This year’s honorees include legendary
athletes, championship coaches, and iconic teams from across decades of GICC history.

2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
Tali (Fredrickson) Reeves, Class of 2008 – A driving force on the volleyball court during a
dominant era, Tali helped lead the Crusaders to two State Championships (2005, 2007) and
one runner-up finish. She also competed in Basketball and Track & Field and starred
collegiately at Wayne State College.

Youhanna Ghaifan, Class of 2015 – A three-sport force in Football, Basketball, and Soccer. He
was a Super State All-Class selection in football and earned All-State honors in all three
sports. He continued his career as a defensive tackle at the University of Wyoming, where
he was a standout for the Cowboys.

Kenny Howard, Class of 2005 – A multi-sport standout in Basketball, Tennis, and Track &
Field. Kenny was a State Champion in Doubles Tennis (2004), won gold in the Discus at the
2005 State Track Meet, and was named Captain of the Class C All-State Basketball Team.

Matthew Novinski, Class of 2017 – A dominant swimmer who went undefeated (38–0) in his
four-year career in the 100 Backstroke. He won six gold medals at the State Meet (four in 100
Backstroke, two in 200 Freestyle) and went on to swim for the University of Wisconsin.

Gary Schmidt, Class of 1971 – A four-sport athlete who earned All-State honors in Football
and was selected to the prestigious Sunkist All-American Team (1970). He also competed in
Basketball, Track & Field, and Baseball and played in the 1971 Nebraska Shrine Bowl.

Jeremy Wissing, Class of 2000 – GICC’s all-time leading scorer in boys basketball. Jeremy
led the Crusaders to their first-ever boys basketball state title in 2000 and also captured a
state title in No. 2 Doubles Tennis in 1998, helping secure the Team State Championship.
Jeremy played at Chadron St. College where he is the all time leader in Made 3 Point Field
Goals and is 6th all time in points scored.

Coach Bill Gavers – Led the Crusader Boys Basketball and Boys Tennis programs from
1991–2013, compiling a 421–127 basketball record and leading the team to the 2000 Class
C1 State Championship. He also coached five state championship tennis teams and
returned to GICC in 2022 as Activities Director.

1982 Wrestling Team – Captured the Class C State Championship, marking the only
wrestling team title in school history. After finishing 46th the year before, the team surged to the
top behind individual state champions Mark Jones (105 lbs) and Mike McClaren (112 lbs).

1987 Volleyball Team – Led by Hall of Fame Coach Sharon Zavala, this team battled through
a thrilling state tournament, defeating Omaha Mercy and Ogallala before clinching the Class B
Championship in a three-set win over Blair.

1988 Volleyball Team – The first volleyball team in school history to go undefeated (26–0).
Known as the “Cardiac Kids,” the Crusaders captured their second straight Class B State
Championship under Coach Zavala with a series of come-from-behind victories.

2000 Girls Tennis Team – Dominated the Class B State Tournament, winning three of the
four divisions and finishing the season with an extraordinary 169–1 record in total matches.
Individual titles included KC Cowgill (No. 2 Singles), Megan Lachnit & Lisa Schreurs (No. 1
Doubles) and Karen Wagoner & Maggi McDermott (No. 2 Doubles).

2000 Boys Basketball Team – Made history as the first boys basketball team to win a state
championship at GICC. The Crusaders defeated Aquinas, Chadron, and Pierce (53–35) to
capture the Class C1 State Title, showcasing grit, leadership, and unshakable team chemistry.

Event Details
● Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
● Time: 9:00 a.m.
● Location: Balz Banquet & Reception Hall
213 N Sycamore St, Grand Island, NE 68803

The ceremony will include the presentation of Hall of Fame plaques, speeches from inductees
and school leadership, and a reception to celebrate this remarkable class of Crusaders. The

GICC community — including alumni, families, students, and friends — is invited to join in this
special occasion.
“This class represents the very best of what GICC athletics stands for —
excellence, determination, and tradition,” said Bill Gavers, Activities Director of
GICC. “We are thrilled to honor their legacy and welcome them into our growing
Hall of Fame family.”