Kearney High School, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — Kearney High School is proud to announce the induction of three outstanding contributors to its athletic legacy into the 2024 KHS Athletic Hall of Fame. The honorees include the 1995 Girls Track and Field Team, Tyler Shields (Class of 2011), and Kelli (Dring) Fleek (Class of 2005).
“These inductees represent the very best of Kearney High School athletics,” said Ryan Hogue, KHS Assistant Principal/ KPS Activities Director. “Their achievements, dedication, and sportsmanship have left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire our current and future Bearcat athletes. We are proud to honor them as part of the 2024 KHS Athletic Hall of Fame.”
1995 KHS Girls Track and Field Team
The 1995 KHS Girls Track and Field Team made history as the first team to achieve an undefeated season in all competitions. The team dominated the regular season, winning each invitational by an average of 70 points. With 48 members, 14 qualified for the State Meet, contributing points across eight events and earning 19 total medals.
Highlights include the 3200m Relay team capturing the All-Class gold medal with a state record time and Kendee Koster winning All-Class Gold in the 800m, both records still standing 30 years later. Their thrilling State Championship victory came by one point, clinched by a second-place finish in the final 1600m Relay.
Under Head Coach Ross Armstrong and assistants Deb Bausch, Chris Richardson, Eric Kitzelman, and Don Clark, the team’s legacy endures as a testament to excellence in athletics.
Tyler Shields (Class of 2011)
A multi-sport standout in football, basketball, and track, Tyler Shields left an indelible mark on Kearney High athletics. Shields was a multi-year letter winner, earning Class A All-State recognition in football, setting three single-season records, and being named Kearney Hub Athlete of the Year in 2010 and 2011.
In basketball, Shields set career records for rebounds, free throws, and was second in all-time points. He was named to numerous All-State and regional teams, and he excelled in track with top finishes at the State Meet and conference championships. Tyler’s collegiate career spanned UNK and Colorado Christian University, where he was a team captain and academic honoree.
Today, Tyler resides in Omaha, NE, with his wife Sally, and they expect their first child in January 2025.
Kelli (Dring) Fleek (Class of 2005)
Kelli (Dring) Fleek redefined excellence in track and field as the first female KHS athlete to compete at the Nebraska State Track & Field Championship in four events for four consecutive years. She claimed two state records and All-Class championships in the long jump (2004, 2005) and consistently excelled in sprints and relays.
At the University of Nebraska-Kearney, Kelli earned six All-American honors and numerous RMAC accolades, including Field Athlete of the Year and Athlete of the Meet. Her success continued post-college as a coach and professional.
Kelli and her husband Chad live in Seward, NE, with their daughters Kennedi (8) and Khloie (5).
Honoring Excellence
The 2024 Kearney High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, December 13, at the KHS varsity boys basketball game, recognizing these exceptional athletes and their contributions to KHS’s rich athletic history.
“The inductees showcased remarkable individual talent bolstered by the support of their coaches and teammates, earning them this prestigious recognition. Along with the 1995 Girls State Champion Track Team, they will be outstanding additions to the KHS Hall of Fame.
We are proud to celebrate their achievements.” said Clint Edwards, Co-Chair of the KHS Athletic Hall of Fame
