HOT SPRINGS – The Hot Springs Bison Athletics Hall of Fame will host its Induction Banquet on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the American Legion, where one team, one coach and three athletes will be recognized.
New inductees including the 2003 Bison football team, volleyball coach Kelly Northrup, golfer Mark Moller and multi-sport athletes Janet Wass and Amanda Sides.
Banquet tickets are available online at bisonhof. com, as well as at the door of the event. Following is information about each of the 2026 inductees.
2003 Football Team
The 2003 Hot Springs Bison football team combined record-setting performance, c h a mp i o n s h i p - l e v e l teamwork, and tremendous community pride to produce one of the most memorable seasons in school history.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Trent Pikula and his coaching staff, the Bison completed the 2003 season with a Black Hills Conference championship and 10–2 record while providing the school’s firstever appearance in the state football championship game at the Dakota Dome where they finished as the Class 11A runner-up.
Their state runner-up finish completed a landmark season and gave the Hot Springs community an opportunity to rally behind a team competing on the state’s biggest stage.
The championship run remains one of the defining accomplishments in the history of Bison football.
Along the way, the 2003 Bison established numerous then-school records through their production on offense and their dominance on defense including 368 points scored in a season, five shutouts, 10 victories in a season, and most total yards in a season Quarterback Charlie Baker directed the Bison offense during its record-setting season. His leadership helped the team establish new standards for scoring and total offensive production.
During his career, Baker set school records for 30 career touchdown passes, 18 touchdown passes in a season and five touchdown passes in a game Running back Joe Beehler, known to teammates and fans as “The Joe Show,” produced one of the most accomplished individual seasons in Bison football history.
His records included 1,955 rushing yards in a season, 3,447 career rushing yards, 2,501 all-purpose yards in a season, 5,777 career allpurpose yards, 182 points in a season, 30 touchdowns in a season,53careertouchdowns, 520 return yards in a season, a 99-yard kickoff return and an 85-yard punt return The team’s success was built through contributions across the roster. Several other players established individual records during the season or over the course of their high school careers.
Notable achievements included Kyle Bachand (216 tackles in a season), Cameron Weiss (3,590 career rushing yards), Riley Northrup (10 career interceptions), and Josh Redden (518 receiving yards in a season and seven receiving touchdowns).
The Bison were guided by Head Coach Trent Pikula, along with assistant coaches Scott Beehler, Adam Mines, Levi Klippenstein, James “Jim” Hayes, Scott Harkless, andBarryScott.Theteamwas also supported by manager Mike McGowan, whose contributions were part of the program’s collective success.
The impact of the 2003 season extended beyond the footballfield.Theteamcreated excitement throughout Hot Springs and brought together students, families, alumni, and community members.
Fans of all ages followed the Bison’s championship run and shared in the pride generated by the team’s accomplishments. The players represented Hot Springs with determination, character, and sportsmanship, providing an example for future generations of Bison athletes.
Janet Wass
Janet Wass’s years at Hot Springs High School were defined by athletic versatility, fierce competitiveness, school spirit, and an uplifting presence that remained with her family, friends, and community throughout her life.
A 1976 graduate of Hot Springs High School, Janet participated in a wide range of athletic and school activities throughout her four years. Her involvement included Track and field, Gymnastics, Basketball, Volleyball, Cheerleading, Pep Club and Royal Blues and other school-spirit activities Janet made an immediate impact during her freshman year when she qualified for state competition as a member of the 880-yard relay team. She returned to state competition in the 880 event during her sophomore season, establishing herself as a dependable member of the Bison track program.
Janet continued competing in track and field throughout high school, earning medals and ribbons while contributing in both individual events and relays. Janet’s signature track and field accomplishment came during her senior season when she established a Hot Springs High School record in the long jump.
Janet also became an accomplished member of the Hot Springs gymnastics program. As a sophomore, she placed ninth in the balance beam competition. She continued competing in gymnastics during her junior and senior seasons, helping the team achieve a second-place finish during her final year.
Janet’s athletic versatility extended to the basketball and volleyball courts. She played junior varsity volleyball during her freshman and sophomore years and later competed in basketball as a senior.
Throughout her high school years, she participated in cheerleading, Pep Club, the Girls Letter Club, and Royal Blues activities. These roles allowed her to represent the school not only as a competitor, but also as an enthusiastic spokesperson and ambassador for Bison athletics.
Friends remembered Janet as someone who could lift others with her smile, listen when someone needed support, and bring energy to every activity in which she participated.
At the conclusion of her senior year, Janet was voted Best Female Athlete of 1976. The recognition reflected the breadth of her contributions across track and field, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, and school activities. It also honored the competitive drive and dedication she displayed throughout her four years at Hot Springs High School.
Amanda Sides
Amanda Sides distinguished herself as an exceptional multisport athlete, state champion, record-setting performer, and accomplished student.
A 2001 graduate of Hot Springs High School, Amanda competed in track and field, volleyball, and basketball.
Amanda’s impact on the Hot Springs track and field program began before she entered high school. As an eighth grader, she qualified for the state track meet and established a school record in the high jump. Three years later, she surpassed her own high jump record, demonstrating the continued development and determination that defined her athletic career.
Amanda regularly competed in high jump, long jump, triple jump, individual running events and relay events. She frequently won all three jumping events at regular-season meets and qualified for the state meet in multiple events during several seasons.
Amanda was especially successful at the Black Hills Conference meet, where she won the high jump, long jump, and triple jump during three consecutive seasons. Sweeping three field events at the conference level required an exceptional combination of power, technique, focus, and versatility. Her sustained success made her one of the most accomplished field-event athletes of her era.
Amanda was also a key member of the Lady Bison volleyball program during one of the most successful periods in school history. She contributed to Hot Springs’ state championship teams and earned recognition for her individual performance, including All-Conference honors, All-State honors, and was a selection to an All-Star team following graduation. Her contributions helped establish the Lady Bison as one of South Dakota’s premier volleyball programs.
Amanda’s athletic accomplishments extended to the basketball court, where she was one of the Lady Bison’s leading scorers. She earned All-Conference recognition and ranked among the team’s top two scorers, further demonstrating her ability to compete successfully across multiple sports.
Amanda’s accomplishments were not limited to athletics. She maintained a 4.0 gradepoint average while balancing the demands of three varsity sports and other school activities. Her academic performance reflected the same discipline, preparation, and commitment she displayed in competition.
Mark Moller
Mark Moller’s golf career was defined by steady improvement, championshiplevel performance, and an enduring connection to Hot Springs.
A 2002 graduate of Hot Springs High School, Mark became an integral part of the resurgence of the Bison golf program beginning with his first full varsity season in 1998. His scoring average improved throughout his career: 1998 (78.0), 1999 (76.6), 2000 (76.6) and 2001 (71.6).
Mark helped continue one of the most successful periods in Hot Springs golf history. He was a member of the final four teams in the program’s run of five consecutive Black Hills Conference championships from 1997 through 2001. His consistency and competitive ability made him an important contributor to a program that established itself as one of the region’s best.
In addition to his contributions to the team, Mark compiledanoutstandingrecord of individual achievement. His accomplishments included: 1999 Region 4A Champion, shooting a 74 and winning a playoff in Winner; 2000 Black Hills Conference runnerup, shooting a 73; Seventh place at the 2000 Region 3A Tournament; 2001 Black Hills Conference Champion, shooting a 74; Tied for first at the 2001 Region 2A Tournament, shooting a 71.
Mark concluded his high schoolcareerwitharemarkable senior season in 2001. After winning the Black Hills Conference championship and tying for first at the regional tournament, he captured the South Dakota State Golf Championship in Hartford with rounds of 75 and 74. Following his success in high school and statewide competition, Mark was also named the 2001 South Dakota Golf Association Player of the Year.
After graduating from Hot Springs High School, Mark continued his golf career at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he competed successfully at the collegiate level.Helaterpursuedthegame beyond college, competing in professional mini-tour events throughout the Southwest for three years.
Mark credits much of his success to the support of his parents, Gary and Gladys Moller. They traveled with him to tournaments throughout the Midwest, encouraged his development as a golfer and instilled in him the value of hard work. His years playing at Southern Hills Golf Course, representing Hot Springs High School and competing alongside teammates who became lifelong friends remain among his most meaningful memories.
Kelly Northrup
Kelly Northrup’s coaching career was defined by championship success, unwavering dedication, and a lasting commitment to developing young women both on and off the court.
As head coach of the Hot Springs Lady Bison volleyball program, Kelly brought exceptional energy, discipline, and passion to the court. Her teams were known not only for their talent, but also for their preparation, resilience, and ability to compete at the highest level. Through demanding practices, clear expectations, and steady leadership, she helped establish Hot Springs as one of South Dakota’s premier volleyball programs.
Under Kelly’s leadership, the Lady Bison achieved an extraordinary run of success at the state tournament: 1999 (Eighth-place state finish); 2000 (State champions; 2001 (State champions); 2002 (State runners-up).
Winning consecutive state championships in 2000 and 2001 placed the Lady Bison among the most accomplished teams in school history. The program’s return to the championship match in 2002 further demonstrated the consistency and high standards Kelly established.
Kelly’s impact extended far beyond victories, trophies, and championship banners. She created a team culture rooted in Accountability, Respect, Discipline, Determination, Grit, Trust and Family.
Former players remember Kelly as more than a volleyball coach. She was a mentor whose lessons continued to influence them long after their playing careers ended. Her guidance helped young women understand the value of perseverance, teamwork, preparation, and personal character. Many of her former athletes have carried those lessons into their families, careers, and communities, passing them along to the next generation.
Kelly’s influence has been felt across generations of Hot Springs athletes. The standards she established and the relationships she built created a legacy that continued long after the final point of each season.