NW to Add HOF Members

The Northwest High School Athletic Hall of Fame is pleased to announce its sixth class that will be honored during Thursday’s intermission at the Dave Gee Track Invitational at Northwest High School. The current class includes two athletes, a state championship team, as well as a special contributor to Northwest. The Northwest Hall of Fame committee was formed in the summer of 2020 with the goal of developing a permanent hall of fame to recognize past Northwest teams, students and coaches who displayed excellence during their time at Northwest High School. Additionally, the committee will recognize community members who had a lasting impact on Northwest athletics.

“Our committee is honored to induct this class that continues to have an impact on Northwest High School,” committee President Mike Saddler said. “We are excited to have them back home this Thursday to honor and induct them to our hall of fame.”

Dave Keil (1985): One of the most decorated cross country runners in Nebraska prep history, Keil was an immediate success for coach Vince Zavala after playing football as a freshman. He won 27 of his 30 high school races over 5,000 meters and didn’t lose his junior or senior season winning two Class B state championships at Kearney County Club. He also led the Vikings to three consecutive conference and district titles during that time, and the 1984 Vikings were the Class B state runners-up as a team. On the track, he won the Northwest Invitational in the 1,600 and 3,200 each of his past three seasons and added conference and district titles as a junior and senior. He placed second at state in the 3,200 as a junior and third as a senior.

Jeff Casper (1989): A multi-sport athlete, Casper was a decorated offensive lineman for two Northwest Viking playoff teams in 1987 and 1988. A two-time all-conference performer, Casper was named to the Class B all-state teams by both state newspapers after his senior season and was selected to play in the 1989 Shrine Bowl. He excelled in both the shot put and discus setting both school records during his senior season. He won the conference title and was second in districts before winning the state shot put title with a throw of 56’2.75” in Omaha. His state title was one of four gold medals the Vikings won in Omaha on their way to a Class B state track championship.

Ann Beckmann (special contributor): Ann Beckmann has been an indispensable part of Northwest High School since November of 2015, and her impact on the Activities and Athletic Department has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since stepping into the role of Administrative Assistant to the Activities/Athletic Director in 2019, Ann has served as the steady force behind the scenes, ensuring that every detail is handled with precision and care. Throughout her tenure, Ann has worked seamlessly alongside three activities directors providing continuity, stability, and unwavering support. Her ability to adapt, anticipate needs, and maintain organization across changing leadership has made her a cornerstone of the department. Without Ann, the smooth operation of Northwest High School’s activities and athletics would not be possible. Her dedication, work ethic, and commitment to excellence make her more than deserving of Hall of Fame recognition.

TEAM – 1989 Boys Track: Buoyed by four gold medals, the Northwest boys track team of 1989 ran away with the Class B state track championship with 56 points, outdistancing second place McCook by 22 points in the team race. Highlighted by an all-class gold medal and school record performance of 7:56.09 from the 3,200-meter relay team of Jeff Pape, Jeff Mattingly, Lanny Boltz and Dean Bowling, the Vikings hit the ground running in Omaha. Bowling added gold medals in the 800 and 1,600 meter runs and Jeff Caspar added his own in the shot put. The Vikings depth was also on display in the 800-meter run as they added fourth and fifth place finishes from Pape and Boltz. Northwest capped off the meet in the 1,600-meter relay when Boltz and Pape teams with Gary Styskal and Todd McCoy with a fourth-place finish.