Amherst Schools Hall of Distinction

Amherst Schools Hall of Distinction

Created in 2020, the Amherst Schools Hall of Distinction recognizes former students, coaches, advisors, staff members, teams, groups, and community members who have:

  • Made an exceptional contribution to society

  • Achieved exceptional success

  • Brought honor and prestige to Amherst schools

  • Exhibited such qualities of character and action as to be outstanding role models for our students.

 It is expected that the achievements of persons selected for the HALL OF FAME will be above and beyond the ordinary.

Class of 2022 Inductees

Pete Sippel and George Bures were induced in the Amherst Schools Hall of Distinction during a private banquet on Friday, September 30, 2022, and during a public presentation at the Homecoming football game between Amherst and Nekoosa later that evening.

Sippel was a long-time teacher, coach, and principal at Amherst High School who retired in 2010. Bures, who passed away from COVID in September 2020, was a former student teacher and served as the band director at Amherst from 1988 to 2005. His family accepted the posthumous award for Bures.

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Pete Sippel accepting his award at AHS Homecoming 2022

Who Would You Nominate?

The Amherst Schools Hall of Distinction is looking for the Class of 2023. Who would you nominate to join these awesome Falcons?

Click here to fill out a nomination form.

Class of 2021 Inductees

Gregg Jensen

For 33 years, Gregg Jensen taught and coached in the Tomorrow River School District.

Jensen roamed the sidelines as the head coach of the Girls Varsity Volleyball team for 15 years. In that time, he accumulated a record of 721-259 (.736 winning percentage), including a staggering 183-27 Central Wisconsin Conference match record. Within those 15 years, the Falcons earned the title of Conference champions 11 times and Regional champions four times. In 13 of Jensen’s 15 years at the helm, the Falcons finished either first or second in the CWC.

From 1984 to 2013, Jensen also served as head coach of the Varsity Boys Basketball team. He completed his tenure with a career record of 470-188. During that time, Coach Jensen’s Falcons earned eight CWC titles, seven WIAA Regional titles, and a state berth in 1998.

After taking one year off from coaching, Jensen returned to the bench, but this time as head coach of the Girls Basketball program. From 2014-2019, Jensen again proved to be great at the helm, going 97-26 in five years. The Lady Falcons saw great results with four CWC titles, three WIAA Regional titles, and State Runner-Up in 2018.

Combining his records in boys and girls basketball, Coach Jensen earned a career coaching record of 567-214, for a .726 career winning percentage.

Gregg Jensen and family

Gregg Jensen and his children

Fred Jastromski family

Fred Jastromski's award was accepted by his family

Fred Jastromski

For decades, Fred Jastromski was the organizer and biggest supporter of the Youth Baseball and Softball organizations in downtown Amherst. He financially supported the organization by running the concession stand downtown, with proceeds used to purchase equipment and uniforms and to pay coaches. He maintained the fields to make sure they were ready to go for the many youth events held downtown. He also organized the Amherst Booster Club in the mid-1970s.

Jastromski was a faithful donor to many Amherst organizations, helping them purchase supplies and equipment to increase student involvement. He was always ready to help serve the community, too. When the school needed to buy new basketball backboards and scoreboards, Jastromski was there to cover the expenses. He also contributed financially to the Portage County Police Department to purchase their K-9 officer. Jastromski was also a volunteer firefighter for the Village of Amherst.

Class of 2020 Inductees

Eric Konkol and family

Eric Konkol and members of his family

Eric Konkol, 1995 graduate

  • All-Time AHS Leading Scorer (1,871 points)

  • 4-Time All-Conference

  • 2-Time All-State

  • Academic All-State (Boys Basketball)

  • 3-Sport Letter Winner (Cross Country, Boys Basketball, Baseball)

  • 1994 Team Conference Champion (Cross Country)

  • 1995 Regional Champion (Boys Basketball)

  • Channel 7 All-Star

  • College Basketball at UW-Platteville, UW-Eau Claire

  • Member of 2000 National Runner-Up Team at UW-Eau Claire

  • Graduate of UW-Eau Claire (BS), University of Tennessee (MS)

  • NCAA Division 1 Head Coach at Louisiana Tech (2015-2022)

  • NCAA Division 1 Head Coach at University of Tulsa (2022 - present)

Walter L. Bohman

  • Employed with the Tomorrow River School District for 41 Years as Teacher, Coach, Custodian, Groundskeeper, Building Planner, Guidance Counselor, Hiring Manager, Athletic Director, Accountant, and Principal (1935-76)

  • Consolidated Rural Area Districts to Form the Tomorrow River School District

  • Purchased School Land and School Forests

  • Suggested Bus Drivers Own Buses to Transport Students

  • 35-Year Member of Volunteer Fire Department

  • Active Member of Amherst Lions Club, Portage County Fair Association, Tomorrow River Conservation Club, and Peace Lutheran Church

     

Walter Bohman family

Walter Bohman's award was accepted by his family.

Julie Garske Martin and Shawn Groshek

Julie (Garske) Martin, 1986 graduate

  • All-Time AHS Leading Scorer (1,546 points; averaged 24 points, 12 rebounds per game)

  • 4-Time 1st Team All-Conference

  • 4-Time Letter Winner (Girls Basketball)

  • 1986 Unanimous AP-UPI 1st Team All-State

  • 1986 Miss Wisconsin Basketball

  • 1986 NHS/ACA Converse All American

  • Channel 5 and Channel 7 All-Star

  • College Basketball at Notre Dame, UW-Madison

  • 2012 WFCA Hall of Fame Inductee