(KMAland) -- Ten new members joined the KMA Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday during the annual induction ceremony at Shenandoah's Gladys Wirsig-Jones Auditorium.

The 2026 class featured record-setting athletes, championship teams and individuals whose contributions to KMAland athletics have extended well beyond competition. From the wrestling mats and basketball courts to the track, baseball diamond and softball field, the inductees represented decades of athletic excellence.

Here is a look at this year's 10 inductees:

2007 Creston/Orient-Macksburg Wrestling Team

The 2007 Creston/Orient-Macksburg wrestling team completed one of the most dominant seasons in KMAland history, winning both the Class 2A traditional and state dual championships while posting a perfect 19-0 dual record.

Under head coach Darrell Frain, the Panthers featured individual state champions Andrew Long and Kalab Evans and state runner-up Bret Kautz. Creston/O-M defeated Clear Lake 45-19 in the state dual finals and scored 112 points at the traditional tournament, well ahead of runner-up Ballard's 79.

Frain, who spoke on behalf of the team, recalled how the program developed a culture centered on collective success rather than individual achievements. He credited the team's families, assistant coaches and wrestlers for buying into an approach that emphasized preparation, toughness and supporting one another.

The former coach also reflected on the lasting impact of the program and the success his wrestlers have experienced in their lives since graduating.

"The biggest honor out of all this that I get out of it is I get to say I was their coach," Frain said.

For Frain, the team's legacy was about more than its two state championships.

"You need to use your sport as an avenue to better your life and what you're going to do later in life," he said.

Eddie Freed — Essex

One of Essex's greatest multi-sport athletes, Eddie Freed earned his place in the KMA Sports Hall of Fame following an outstanding high school career and decades of contributions to football.

Freed remains Essex's all-time leading basketball scorer and was a four-sport standout for the Trojans. As a quarterback, he helped transform a football program that finished 0-9 during his freshman year into a 7-2 team by his junior season.

He continued his football career at Northwest Missouri State before embarking on a coaching career that included stops at North Nodaway, West Nodaway and the University of Dubuque. Freed eventually earned induction into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Freed was unable to attend Saturday's ceremony because of a family tragedy. His brother Marvin, who was scheduled to introduce him, was also unable to attend.

KMA Sports' Derek Martin recognized Freed's accomplishments and offered condolences to his family.

"A four-sport standout whose Essex basketball scoring record still stands and whose football career evolved into decades of coaching and mentorship," Martin said while recognizing Freed's induction.

Bruce Ketcham — Shenandoah

Bruce Ketcham was among the premier athletes of Shenandoah's golden era, starring in football, basketball, track and field and baseball before graduating in 1965.

Ketcham was a standout running back for the Mustangs' 8-0-1 football team in 1964 and helped Shenandoah win a state championship in the 440-yard relay. He also won a conference high jump championship and drew interest from a St. Louis Cardinals scout for his baseball ability.

His sister, Kim Leininger, introduced him during Saturday's ceremony, reflecting on the pride she felt growing up as Ketcham's younger sister and the influence he had on her life.

Leininger described her brother as someone whose athletic achievements were matched by his ability to connect with and encourage others.

"He was an exceptional athlete, but he's also a champion at lifting others up," Leininger said.

Ketcham, meanwhile, credited his family, coaches, teammates and classmates for the opportunities and accomplishments he experienced.

"Any success that I had was because of the people standing next to me, not because of something I did alone," Ketcham said.

Carrie (Leber) Erickson — Treynor

Carrie (Leber) Erickson established herself as one of KMAland's most accomplished multi-sport athletes during the 1990s, earning recognition in volleyball, basketball, track and field and softball.

Erickson participated in four state volleyball tournaments, helped Treynor reach state in basketball and softball and earned 11 state track and field medals. She also anchored the Cardinals' 1997 state championship shuttle hurdle relay and received multiple All-State honors in volleyball.

Her presenter, Jennifer Wiech, provided one of the ceremony's most entertaining introductions, recalling their days as fierce high school rivals at Underwood and Treynor.

Wiech joked that Erickson was the competitor she hated facing most because of her athleticism, determination and relentless competitiveness. The rivalry eventually developed into a close friendship, with the two becoming longtime volleyball officiating partners.

"Volleyball may be where our story began, but our friendship has grown so far beyond the court," Wiech said.

Erickson expressed appreciation for the people who supported her athletic career and the Treynor community that helped make her success possible.

"I was blessed to be part of a wonderful Treynor community. I was surrounded by great teammates and coaches," Erickson said.

Tony Osburn — Mound City

Tony Osburn put together one of the most prolific scoring careers in Missouri high school basketball history, finishing his time at Mound City with 3,080 points and helping the Panthers win 105 games and four district championships.

A four-time All-State selection and three-time KMAland Missouri Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Osburn delivered numerous memorable performances, including a 62-point effort against Worth County in a district championship game.

He also won a state pole vault championship before continuing his basketball career at Omaha, where he helped the Mavericks reach the NCAA Tournament.

His father and former coach, Ryan Osburn, introduced him during Saturday's ceremony and recalled his son's dedication to basketball from an early age. Ryan also reflected on Tony's memorable performance in the Summit League Tournament, when he scored 30 points and connected on eight 3-pointers against South Dakota.

"Passion and relentless work ethic. And that kid has all that, and we are so proud of him as parents," Ryan Osburn said.

Tony reflected on the friendships he developed throughout his playing career, particularly those formed at Mound City.

"My high school teammates were the best friends I've ever had," Osburn said.

1963–1967 Red Oak Boys Cross Country Teams

The Red Oak boys cross country teams of 1963 through 1967 established one of the greatest dynasties in southwest Iowa distance-running history, collecting seven state team championships during a remarkable five-year stretch.

The Tigers won three consecutive state cross country championships from 1965 through 1967 and four consecutive state team mile titles from 1964 through 1967. Under the guidance of Walt "Tuffy" Stanton, Red Oak also produced individual state champions, including Paul Fish, Lynn Ellis and Bob Wilson.

Fish and Wilson spoke on behalf of the teams during Saturday's ceremony, reflecting on the remarkable success of a program that began with athletes from several different sports coming together to try cross country.

"Cross-country is a team sport. That's why we're all up here together today," Fish said.

The former Tigers emphasized that their championships were the product of an entire program, including runners who never received individual recognition but played essential roles in the team's success.

Wilson also recognized the influence of the program's coaches and the relationships developed among teammates during their championship years.

"What a legacy that they leave," Wilson said.

Both speakers paid tribute to former teammates and coaches who have passed away, while celebrating the opportunity to reunite and receive recognition for their historic accomplishments.

Julie (Sherwood) Gallagher — Sidney

Julie (Sherwood) Gallagher was one of the most accomplished athletes in Sidney history, winning consecutive state softball throw championships in 1978 and 1979 while also starring in basketball and softball.

Gallagher established an Iowa state record with a softball throw of 276 feet, 11 inches and earned multiple All-State and All-Conference honors during her high school career. She continued her athletic career in basketball and softball at Missouri Western, where she earned induction into the school's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000. She is also a member of the Sidney Athletics Hall of Fame.

Gallagher received two introductions during Saturday's ceremony, beginning with her brother, Ross Sherwood, who recalled their competitive childhood in Percival. He described his younger sister as a determined athlete who regularly competed against the boys and helped make everyone around her better.

"She rose above her competition with will and grit," Sherwood said.

Former track coach Bill Schneider also spoke about Gallagher's remarkable athletic abilities, sharing stories about her record-setting softball throws and the work she put into becoming one of the state's best athletes.

Schneider emphasized that Gallagher's character was even more impressive than her athletic accomplishments.

"Julie, you are one of the best people I have ever known and it's been my honor to have been your coach and your friend," Schneider said.

Gallagher delivered an emotional acceptance speech centered on the word family, using its letters to recognize the people, values and experiences that helped shape her career.

"The records we set or the awards that we receive, they are measured by the lives we touch and the example that we leave behind," Gallagher said.

She thanked her parents, siblings, coaches, teammates and children, explaining that her greatest accomplishments extend well beyond the awards she earned during her playing career.

Kurt Spomer — Tri-Center

Kurt Spomer was one of the most versatile athletes in Tri-Center history, earning All-State honors in football, basketball and baseball before continuing his athletic career at the collegiate and professional levels.

Spomer scored approximately 1,900 career basketball points and helped the Trojans reach the state tournament in 2007 and 2008. He also starred on the baseball diamond, eventually pitching at Creighton University, where he recorded 13 saves during his junior season.

Following his college career, Spomer signed with the Angels organization and spent seven seasons in professional baseball, reaching Triple-A in five different seasons. He is also a member of the IHSAA Basketball Hall of Fame.

Tri-Center coach Chad Harder -- an assistant during Spomer's career -- introduced Spomer, recalling the considerable expectations surrounding him even before he entered high school. Harder described an athlete who combined exceptional talent with a relentless work ethic and a willingness to perform in the biggest moments.

However, Harder said Spomer's greatest qualities extended beyond his athletic abilities.

"He was humble, he cared about his teammates and he understood that being a great athlete meant very little if you weren't also a great person," Harder said.

Spomer expressed appreciation for the coaches, teammates and family members who helped him throughout his career, emphasizing that his accomplishments were never achieved alone.

"This honor is a reflection of you guys as much as it is to me," Spomer said.

He particularly thanked his parents for their sacrifices and the coaches who helped him develop into a successful multi-sport athlete.

Darby Thomas — Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln

Darby Thomas put together one of the most decorated track and field careers in KMAland history, earning 14 state medals and multiple championships at both the state meet and Drake Relays.

The Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln standout won three Class 4A state long jump championships in 2016, 2018 and 2019, along with three Drake Relays titles in the event. Thomas also captured state and Drake Relays championships in the 100-meter hurdles.

She continued her athletic career at the University of Nebraska, where she earned All-American honors, captured a Big Ten championship in 2022 and received four USTFCCCA All-Academic awards.

Former coach Don Schwartz introduced Thomas, recalling how her athletic potential was evident long before she became a high school champion.

"Her abundance of speed stood out very early in her PE classes," Schwartz said.

Thomas reflected on the friendships, relationships and experiences she gained during her high school career and how those opportunities prepared her for competition at Nebraska.

"Thank you so much for bringing me back to my roots, but it's always gonna be Go Big Red," Thomas said.

The former Lynx standout also expressed appreciation for the coverage she received throughout her high school career and the opportunity to revisit those memories during her induction.

Gary Wax — Carson-Macedonia/Riverside

2026 Eberly Family Legacy Award Recipient

Gary Wax received the 2026 Eberly Family Legacy Award in recognition of his decades of contributions to southwest Iowa athletics as a coach, administrator, educator and softball official.

Wax guided three softball teams to the state tournament, including one at Carson-Macedonia and two at Riverside. He also coached football, basketball, track and golf before serving as Riverside's athletic director.

After beginning his umpiring career in 2003, Wax became one of Iowa's most respected softball officials, working 21 consecutive state tournaments. His accomplishments earned him induction into both the Iowa Girls Coaches Association Coaches Hall of Fame and Officials Hall of Fame.

Former player Donell (Hotze) Kvaal introduced Wax during Saturday's ceremony, sharing memories of his dedication to the softball program and the influence he had on generations of student-athletes.

Kvaal recalled the countless hours Wax spent preparing the softball field and his ability to motivate players through both challenging and successful seasons. One of her favorite memories involved an impromptu practice following a difficult loss in 1993 that helped the team rediscover its enthusiasm for the game.

"He found a way to help us find that little girl inside of us that loved to play the game of softball," Kvaal said.

Wax reflected on his years in athletics and the relationships that have remained important long after his coaching career ended.

"I still get a warm fuzzy feeling when a former athlete greets me as coach or a former student addresses me as Mr. Wax," Wax said.

He also recognized the sacrifices made by his family, particularly his wife, Linda, whose support allowed him to devote so much of his life to coaching and officiating.

Wax closed his acceptance speech with an emotional reflection on a phrase he frequently used during his coaching career.

"As Donell mentioned, I used to say, I just want one more game. At my age now, I say, I just want one more day."

Check out the complete induction ceremony linked here and find more on the KMA Sports Hall of Fame here.