FIVE SELECTED FOR CLASS OF 2008 

Five individuals have been selected for induction into the Kansas State High School Activities Hall of Fame Class of 2008.  Awards will be presented during the second semester in conjunction with a KSHSAA-sponsored State function/championship or locally, at the inductee's request.  The time and location of each induction ceremony will be announced at a later date @ www.kshsaa.org.

The Class of 2008 Hall of Fame inductees include:

RON BOWEN, HOLTON – FACULTY
Ron Bowen showed his athletes that” luck happens when preparation and opportunity meet”. Bowen taught and coached in Kansas schools for 39 years, the last 23 at Washburn Rural High School, Topeka, where his teams won Class 5A state football championships in 1985, 1986 and 1989, and were the 6A runner-up in 1991. His season record of 220-127-3 included four undefeated regular seasons and twelve league championships (2 Chisholm Trail and 10 Centennial). He was a Kansas Shrine Bowl coach, is  currently co-chair of their alumni association, and is the recipient of numerous coach of the year honors. Bowen has “Never seen a finer day” to appreciate life, lead by example and seize life’s opportunities.

JEFF BUCKINGHAM, GARDNER – STUDENT (Gardner-Edgerton HS)
He set world age-group records in the pole vault by jumping his age in height - 15’, 16’ and 17’. He is a three-time State Champion and was the second high school athlete to clear 17’ while in high school. He remains #2 on All-time Kansas HS pole vault list. Jeff Buckingham epitomized the ideal student athlete, acting with humility and gratitude and illuminating the impact coaches can have on athletes. His career continued at KU where he set records & was the NCAA champion both indoor and outdoor. In 1983 he was the American record holder, clearing 18’10”. He qualified for the Olympic Trials in ’84,’88 & ’92. The family pit and the “Lakeside Vaulters” launched many Kansas vaulters into the record books.

CRAIG CRESPINO, GIRARD (POSTHUMOUSLY) –FACULTY
Sportsmanship, citizenship, ethical conduct and moral character were not traits that Craig Crespino exemplified some of the time; they were values that he lived on a daily basis. In his 23 years of teaching, coaching & sponsoring activities, Crespino left his mark in the record book, but more importantly, he impacted the lives of countless people. Under his leadership the Trojan football team posted a 96-42 record, captured 5 league / co-league titles and earned CNC Coach of the Year & Kansas Shrine Bowl Head Coach honors. His track teams captured 9 CNC league titles & his basketball officiating earned him several post-season assignments. He truly exemplified what coaching & education are all about – encouraging young people to be successful in life.

KERMIT DETERDING, WELLSVILLE – FACULTY
Kermit Deterding + 29 years of coaching boy’s basketball at Wellsville HS = an excellent formula for success! Posting an overall record of 431-236, Deterding lead the Eagles to 12 league championships. Their 11 state tournament appearances produced 2 state titles (1987 & 1994), 2 runner-up finishes, 2 third place titles and 1 forth place award. He was named the 3A coach of the year in ‘88 and ’94 and NFICA Kansas Basketball Coach of the Year in ’95. A coach of basketball fundamentals, his greatest strength was motivating his players to play at a level of intensity and competitiveness unmatched by their opponents. His influence has resulted in many of his athletes pursuing teaching/coaching careers.

MIKE KARL, HAYS – ADMINISTRATION
Serving 32 years as an educator at Hays HS, Karl served 28 years as assistant principal and athletic director. Some of his honors include Region 6 Athletic Director of the Year (’86), KASSP Assistant Principal of the Year (’90), Kansas Area 4 & AD of the Year (’93), NIAAA State Award of Merit (‘95), President of the KIAAA (’95-’96), NIAAA Distinguished Service Award (’99). In ’88 he earned CAA distinction and became an ASEP instructor. Karl was an educational leader committed to academic and athletic excellence. In addition to the numerous hours of planning, scheduling, traveling and budgeting, he always made time for all school students, whether or not they were involved in athletes. 

The Hall of Fame is housed in the Kansas State High School Activities Association offices, 601 SW Commerce Place in Topeka and is open Monday –Friday during business hours (directions @ www.kshsaa.org).

The honorees were chosen from nominations sent to the selection committee.  To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, an individual must have made an unusually outstanding contribution in interschool activities, either as a student with exceptional talent, or as an adult working with youth (such as an activity coach, director or sponsor, an administrator, an official or a contributor).  Hall of Fame inductees may no longer be active in the field for which they are nominated.