Back Row (L to R) - Wilber Lebsack, Lonnie Tapp, Robert Farber, Susie Hansen Pehrson, Albert Mussen, Randy Haas (representing T.O. Haas), Dee McCall Novacek,

Front Row (L to R)Ginny Schnabel (representing Al Schnabel), Abbie Klein, Margie Smith-Haas, Harold Kelley, Gary Garrett

With 11 former athletes and coaches inducted in 2002, a total of 334 have now been recognized for their distinctive contributions which have provided leadership in the various athletic programs at Lincoln High School. This is a very elite group since only about five percent of the total number of lettermen at Lincoln High are included.

Developing a lasting competitive spirit through more than a century of athletic participation has led to success on the playing field of which Lincoln High School graduates proudly boast. This has carried on through the good and also lean years and is so enthusiastic that its exuberance sometimes is said to border on arrogance.

In an effort to recognize and permanently record some of the exceptional achievements of Red and Black athletes, the Lincoln High School Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1983. It is estimated that over 8500 letters have been issued to well over 5500 students who have competed in athletics throughout these 111 years.

The planning committee established the following statement: "The purpose of the Lincoln High School Athletic Hall of Fame is to recognize the athletic accomplishments of Lincoln High student, and others associated with Lincoln High School, whose contributions to athletics are worthy of merit."

The primary determination for selection to the Lincoln High School Athletic Hall of Fame is based upon the accomplishments of the individual during the years at Lincoln High. Beyond this, the Board may consider any other contributions to the field of athletics which might be worthy of consideration.

One important criteria is that a period of 15 years must have passed since graduation before an individual becomes eligible for consideration to the Hall of Fame. Each year a new group of inductees will be selected.

Nominations for coaches and athletes to be included in the Lincoln High School Athletic Hall of Fame have been received from former lettermen during the past several years. It is hoped that the growth of interest in this project will cause more nominations to be forthcoming to guide the Board in making the final selections.

Beginning in 1997, certain teams have been selected to be recognized at the induction. Those who were members of these teams whose addresses are available will be invited to attend. In future years, other teams will be selected to be recognized.