GICC Announces 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Class

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Few names are more synonymous with Grand Island Central Catholic athletics than Fred Northup. This fall, the legendary "Wizard of Ruby Street" will take his place in the Grand Island Central Catholic Athletic Hall of Fame as part of a remarkable 2026 class that spans more than 80 years of Crusader excellence.

The 2026 Grand Island Central Catholic Athletic Hall of Fame Class honors seven distinguished individuals and four championship teams whose accomplishments have helped define Crusader athletics through championship performances, record-breaking achievements, exceptional coaching, and decades of dedicated service.

The Hall of Fame Class will be recognized during halftime of the Crusaders' home football game against Wood River on Friday, September 25, before being formally inducted during the Grand Island Central Catholic Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, September 26, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Balz Banquet Hall.

"Every Hall of Fame class tells the story of Grand Island Central Catholic athletics, and this year's class is truly exceptional," said Bill Gavers, Grand Island Central Catholic Athletic Director. "These athletes, coaches and teams represent generations of excellence. Their accomplishments brought tremendous pride to our school, but even more importantly, they exemplified the values, work ethic and sportsmanship that continue to define what it means to be a Crusader."

The Class of 2026 includes five exceptional athletes whose accomplishments rank among the finest in school history.

Jeff Riley (Class of 1997) established himself as one of the most accomplished multi-sport athletes to wear a Crusader uniform. A standout in basketball and tennis, Riley captured three Nebraska State Doubles Tennis Championships while still holding the school record for points scored in a basketball game with an incredible 56-point performance. His outstanding accomplishments earned him Grand Island Independent Male Athlete of the Year honors, recognizing him as one of central Nebraska's premier high school athletes.

Tyler Wortman (Class of 2004) was one of the most versatile athletes in Grand Island Central Catholic history, earning 12 varsity letters while competing in football, wrestling, and track. As a senior, he helped lead the Crusaders to the 2004 Nebraska State Track & Field Championship as a member of the championship 4x800-meter relay team. Wortman continued his football career at the University of Nebraska, where he received multiple Big 12 Academic Honors while competing for the Cornhuskers.

Linsey Clark (Luther) (Class of 1995) enjoyed one of the most decorated athletic careers in Grand Island Central Catholic history. A standout in volleyball, basketball, and tennis, she helped lead the Crusaders to three consecutive state volleyball championships while also capturing an individual state tennis singles championship. Her remarkable accomplishments earned her Grand Island Independent Female Athlete of the Year honors before continuing her volleyball career at Kansas State University.

Mallory Pinger (Class of 2006) excelled in cross country, basketball, and track. She won the 2003 Class C Individual State Cross Country Championship while also capturing three state championships in the pole vault. She later continued her athletic career in basketball and track at Midland University.

Kelli Libel (Luther) (Class of 1993) was one of the premier multi-sport athletes of her era at Grand Island Central Catholic. A standout in volleyball, basketball, and tennis, she earned All-State honors in both volleyball and basketball while also capturing a Nebraska State Doubles Tennis Championship. Libel was a key contributor to the Crusaders' 1992 Class B State Championship volleyball team, helping establish the foundation for one of the greatest volleyball dynasties in Nebraska high school history as Grand Island Central Catholic went on to win three consecutive state championships from 1992 through 1994. Following her Crusader career, she continued her volleyball career at both the University of Wisconsin and Kansas State University, competing at the NCAA Division I level. 

Legendary Coaches Honored
Fred Northup is being inducted posthumously following a coaching career that began at Grand Island Central Catholic in 1964. During his decades of service, Northup coached boys basketball, cross country, tennis, golf, and served as an assistant football coach.

While successful in every role, he became synonymous with Crusader basketball, earning the nickname "The Wizard of Ruby Street." His leadership, commitment to student-athletes, and lasting impact on Crusader athletics have made him one of the most respected coaches in school history. His induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes a lifetime of dedication to Grand Island Central Catholic and the countless student-athletes whose lives he influenced.

Few individuals have shaped Grand Island Central Catholic athletics more than Howard Schumann.

Serving nearly four decades as Activities Director and Assistant Principal, Schumann guided the growth of the school's athletic department while expanding opportunities for countless student-athletes through the addition of several NSAA-sponsored sports. Beyond his administrative leadership, he coached girls basketball, assisted with boys basketball, and served as the jumps coach for the track program.

Even after retirement, Schumann continues to dedicate countless hours to Grand Island Central Catholic athletics by mentoring basketball players and coaching high jumpers each spring. His lifelong commitment to Crusader athletics continues to impact student-athletes today.

Championship Teams Remembered
The Hall of Fame Class also recognizes four teams whose accomplishments forever changed the history of Grand Island Central Catholic athletics.

The 1945 St. Mary's Cathedral Six-Man State Championship Football Team captured the state championship while becoming one of Nebraska's premier six-man football programs. Led by All-State performers Bob Meister and Bob Kunz, the team featured one of the state's most explosive offenses. Kunz established a Nebraska six-man scoring record with 216 points during the championship season, an extraordinary accomplishment that helped cement the team's place in school history.

Also entering the Hall of Fame are the legendary 1992, 1993, and 1994 State Championship Volleyball Teams, coached by Hall of Fame coach Sharon Zavala. Together, the three teams established one of the greatest volleyball dynasties in Nebraska high school history.

The 1992 Crusaders finished 29-1 and captured the Class B State Championship, overcoming a 7-0 deficit in the opening set of the championship match before defeating Ogallala. The team also claimed the prestigious Illinois Small Schools Tournament championship during an unforgettable season.

The 1993 team successfully defended its state title with a 30-2 record. After rallying from a 13-2 deficit against Elkhorn in the state semifinals, the Crusaders erased an 11-2 deficit in the deciding set of the championship match against Columbus Scotus to capture a second consecutive state championship in one of the most memorable comeback victories in program history.

The 1994 Crusaders completed the historic run with a 31-2 record and the Class C State Championship. After winning the Illinois Tournament during the regular season, GICC defeated O'Neill and Wood River before avenging two regular-season losses to Columbus Scotus in the championship match, securing a third consecutive state title and forever cementing the team's place among Nebraska's all-time volleyball greats.

Continuing a Proud Tradition
Together, the members of the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Class represent generations of excellence and account for multiple individual state championships, four state championship teams, collegiate athletic careers at the University of Nebraska, Kansas State University and Midland University, decades of coaching excellence, and one of the greatest volleyball dynasties in Nebraska high school history.

The Grand Island Central Catholic Athletic Hall of Fame was established to recognize the athletes, coaches, teams, and contributors whose dedication, character, leadership, and accomplishments have built one of Nebraska's most respected athletic traditions.

Grand Island Central Catholic invites alumni, former teammates, family members, and friends to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Class during Hall of Fame Weekend on September 25-26.

The recognition of these outstanding individuals and teams serves as a reminder that while championships and records are celebrated, the true legacy of Crusader athletics is found in the leadership, commitment, faith, and lifelong impact of those who have proudly represented Grand Island Central Catholic. Their achievements have inspired generations of Crusaders and will continue to do so for years to come.