Athletic Hall of Fame
If you would like to nominate an individual, please download the nomination form.
Inductees
The Kewanee High School Athletic Hall of Fame is dedicated to the outstanding athletes, teams, coaches and supporters of the Boilermaker community who, through their efforts and achievements have brought honor and recognition to themselves, Kewanee High School, their families and our community.
History
During the summer of 2001, the Costenson brothers David ’67 and Garry ’80 were having a discussion with their father John ’39 about the lack of recognition for the great athletes at Kewanee High School. John, who was in ill health and passed on not long after, charged his sons with the duty of honoring great Kewanee High School athletes, coaches, friends, and teams.
The Costenson brothers sought out their friends and fellow Boilermakers to make this happen. Charter members were Bill Breedlove, John Blachinsky, Jerry Salisbury, and then to follow is now a 17 member strong Hall of Fame committee.
This labor of love has become a phenomenal success with inductions in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022.
With the support of Kewanee Schools Foundation and CUSD #229, the Hall of Fame ceremonies are a first class weekend for our honorees.
In 2004, our first induction was held in the foyer of the Petersen Auditorium with past state champions, and the initial class inducted. In 2006, the induction included a banquet and an expanded program.
Due to increased attendance at the ceremonies, the 2007 banquet moved to Good’s Gym at Kewanee High School, with the induction ceremony held in the Petersen Auditorium.
In 2009, the banquet was dedicated to the late Dot Larson and officially was named as the Dot Larson Memorial Hall of Fame Banquet. Expanded video presentation was provided at the induction ceremony.
The 2011 induction ceremony was another memorable evening for those in attendance. Some of the ceremony's best moments revolved around family. Phil Miler mastered the ceremony with all the laughs he generated. Phil's knowledge and delivery of KHS sports history added flair and class to the event.
The Hall of Fame committee is a volunteer group who gives of their time and effort. As we have lost members of the group, others have stepped in to fill the void. The entire group, that “bleeds orange”, is committed to Kewanee sports. We look forward to the new home and the future of the Kewanee Sports Hall of Fame.
The Costenson brothers sought out their friends and fellow Boilermakers to make this happen. Charter members were Bill Breedlove, John Blachinsky, Jerry Salisbury, and then to follow is now a 17 member strong Hall of Fame committee.
This labor of love has become a phenomenal success with inductions in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022.
With the support of Kewanee Schools Foundation and CUSD #229, the Hall of Fame ceremonies are a first class weekend for our honorees.
In 2004, our first induction was held in the foyer of the Petersen Auditorium with past state champions, and the initial class inducted. In 2006, the induction included a banquet and an expanded program.
Due to increased attendance at the ceremonies, the 2007 banquet moved to Good’s Gym at Kewanee High School, with the induction ceremony held in the Petersen Auditorium.
In 2009, the banquet was dedicated to the late Dot Larson and officially was named as the Dot Larson Memorial Hall of Fame Banquet. Expanded video presentation was provided at the induction ceremony.
The 2011 induction ceremony was another memorable evening for those in attendance. Some of the ceremony's best moments revolved around family. Phil Miler mastered the ceremony with all the laughs he generated. Phil's knowledge and delivery of KHS sports history added flair and class to the event.
The Hall of Fame committee is a volunteer group who gives of their time and effort. As we have lost members of the group, others have stepped in to fill the void. The entire group, that “bleeds orange”, is committed to Kewanee sports. We look forward to the new home and the future of the Kewanee Sports Hall of Fame.
