Several new plaques have been added to the Wall of Fame in the AHS commons. The 2021 Wall of Fame inductees include two coaches, one individual athlete, and two teams.
Howie Stephen was an AHS basketball coach for 17 years, from 1960 to 1977. During this time, he won six North Central Conference titles, had an overall record of 282-159, and took four teams to the State tournament. He was also inducted into the Iowa High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988.
Dave Rosonke was an AHS basketball coach for several years, from 1968-69, 1974-1997, and 1998-99. During his coaching career, he served for the Army Rangers for two years, from 1969-71. As head coach, Rosonke helped lead basketball teams to a pair of State tournaments, including being runner-up in 1996. His career record stands at 81-28, and none of his teams ever finished worse than 4th in the NCC.
Tom Claude, from the class of 1967, was a prized athlete in football, basketball, baseball, and golf. He qualified for State basketball in 1966 and led the NCC in scoring. Even when Claude graduated, he continued to be involved with athletics, playing baseball and basketball at Luther College and then officiating later in life. The Iowa High School Athletic Union’s Hall of Fame inducted Claude in March of 2003. He officiated football, baseball, basketball, and softball; highlighting his officiating career were accomplishments such as four State football championships, 17 football playoffs, and eight State basketball games, including two title games for boys’ and girls’ basketball.
The 2005 volleyball team had an astounding season. They had a match record of 40-1 and won the NCC with a 9-0 record. This team also made it to the State championship game, finishing runner up. Many of the players were recognized as talented and amazing athletes, including four All Staters and nine Conference selections.
The 1996 boys’ basketball team had a stunning season. Their Conference championship record was 17-1. The team made it to the State championship game, finishing as runner up. Five team members were named to All Conference teams, and one earned All Tournament team captain honors.
These new members were inducted during a ceremony on August 27th, 2021. “It was a great night to see Algona’s past athletes get recognized,” proudly stated Mr. Connick, one of the organizers of this event.
You can nominate an athlete, coach, or team for the Algona High School Wall of Fame from now until March 1st. Nomination forms are under the Wall of Fame tab on the Algona Community Schools’ website, or you can pick one up at the Central Administration office.