On Saturday, January 27th seven individuals, as well as the 2008-2009 Triton Boys Basketball team were inducted into the Triton Athletic Hall of Fame. Read the individual information about the inductees below!
Coming off a 20 win season in 2007-2008, and a runner-up finish in Section 2AA the 2008-2009 Cobras had high expectations. During the 2008-2009 season the Cobras finished with a record of 24-7, and were crowned the Section 2AA Champions following their victories over Kasson-Mantorville, NRHEG, Byron, and WEM during the section tournament, making them the first Triton basketball team to qualify for the state tournament.
Bruce Huber started his coaching career in 1978 and has coached 94 seasons during his 44 year coaching career. Bruce’s career at Triton included 19 seasons as an assistant football coach, and 20 years as the head track and field coach. During his time at Triton Bruce has coached on the staff of two state champion football teams, one state runner-up football team, and has coached many track and field state qualifiers. Recently Bruce was named the Minnesota State Track and Field Coaches Association Class A Volunteer of the Year! Congratulations Bruce!
George and Doris Gilman graduated from Dodge Center High School in 1951. After they were married George and Doris had five children all who graduated from Dodge Center High School. A quick calculation of the number of volleyball, football, basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball as well as track and field events they have attended during their lifetime totals well over 1,000 Dodge Center High School, and Triton High School events.
Doug Miller is a 1974 graduate of West Concord High School. During his time at West Concord Doug participated in football, wrestling, as well as Track and Field. Doug even joined the basketball team during his senior year after the wrestling program was cut due to lack of participants. Doug played four seasons of varsity football, earning all-conference honors during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. Doug’s strong play helped the Cardinals to the conference championship during his junior season. Doug also qualified for the State Track and Field Meet in discus during his senior year.
Al Thiemann participated in football, basketball, and baseball earning 4 varsity letters in each sport for the Parrots of Claremont High School. Additionally, Al was awarded two all-conference awards in both basketball and baseball, and one all-conference award in football. During his time at Claremont, Al and his teammates won 2 basketball conference championships and one football conference championship. Due to Al’s hard work on the court, Al was nominated to the McDonald’s All-American basketball team.
Bill Thiemann graduated from Claremont High School in 1980 where he participated in football, basketball, and baseball. Bill earned two all-conference awards in basketball, two all-conference awards in baseball, and one all-conference award in football. Bill earned 5 varsity letters in basketball and baseball and 4 varsity letters in football. Bill feels his success in life is largely due to the skills he learned during his sports career and would like to thank his coaches, teammates and parents for teaching him and guiding him throughout his high school years! Congratulations Bill!
Next up is Leigh Ann (Pearson) Snow, a 1995 graduate of Triton High School. During her time competing for the Cobras Leigh Ann participated in softball, volleyball, and basketball. Leigh Ann was known as one of the top middle hitters and blockers for the volleyball program and held down the center spot for the Cobras on the hardwood. Leigh Ann still holds the single game scoring record of 41 points, as well as the single game rebound record after racking up 24 rebounds in one game during the 94-95 season. Her work ethic earned her all-conference nominations for her senior year in both volleyball and basketball.
Jaye Schmoll, a 1996 graduate of Triton High School participated in football, basketball as well as Track and Field and also earned the accommodation of Eagle Scout. At the time of his graduation Jaye held eight individual and team relay records. Jaye’s high jump record of 6’3” still stands today. Jaye also went to state in the 110m hurdles in 1995 and 1996. Due to his high levels of performance, Jaye was selected as All-conference in Track and Field during his junior and senior seasons. Jaye also lettered three times in football and was a member of the teams earning state tournament berths in 1993 and 1995, as well as the state championship team in 1994. Congratulations Jaye!
Jeff Pitzenberger is a 1999 graduate of Triton High School. During his time at Triton Jeff participated in football, wrestling and baseball. Jeff was selected as All-conference in football as a junior and a senior, and received all-conference honors his senior year in baseball. However, Jeff excelled on the wrestling mat. Jeff finished his high school career with the school record of 162 wins, 28 wins more than the next wrestler. Jeff earned all-conference honors five years in a row, earned three trips to the state tournament, won two section titles, and earned all-state honors during his sophomore year after he placed 5th at the state tournament. Jeff went on to wrestle at Minnesota State - Mankato and the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. At UW-L Jeff compiled a 28-8 record while his team finished 2nd, 4th, and 7th in the NCAA tournament from 2003. Jeff was selected as an Academic All-American in 2003.