CLASS OF 2022 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Jeffrey Colwell (Athlete) 1988. Jeff was a multi-sport athlete who competed in football, wrestling, and golf. During his high school career, Jeff was a four-year varsity letter recipient in both football and wrestling. As the youngest brother in a large, athletic family he learned the love of sports and competition. Jeff made an impact both as an individual and a teammate on every team he was part of. Whether it was the football field, wrestling mat, or golf course, Jeff represented Alliance as a leader and was selected as captain for multiple sports over several years. Jeff was a two-time state wrestling champion winning heavyweight titles. He won his first individual state championship his junior year. In 1988, he was able to repeat this accomplishment to top off his senior year. Jeff was also a member of the 1985, 1986, and 1987 Alliance wrestling state championship teams.
As a football player, Jeff was selected 1st team All-Western Conference as a center his junior year, and part of the Western Conference championship team in 1985. After high school, Jeff attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln where he joined the football team as a walk-on player. He played his freshman year until recurring knee problems ended his playing career. Jeff graduated from Nebraska in 1992. He and his family currently live in Colorado.
Dan Farrington (Athlete) 1955. Dan moved to Alliance at the age of six. He grew up in Alliance and was a gifted athlete, playing four sports for the Alliance Bulldogs. He is the current 200m record holder. He was a member of the 1955 state champion track team as he recorded gold medals in the 100 and the 880 relay. Dan went on to attend the University of Nebraska on a track scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 1960. Dan was known for his generosity with his time and talent. He was full of energy and involved in many projects. He was a fun-loving optimist living his life full of joy.
Ryan Lovell (Performer) 1992. After graduation from Alliance High School, Ryan attended Chadron State College and earned his degree in Music Performance with a theater minor. Ryan then attended the University of Nebraska-Kearney where he obtained his education certificate. He taught for three years at Crawford High School, and then became employed with the Gordon-Rushville school district, where he has spent the last seventeen years as a music and theater instructor. During his teaching career, Ryan has coached one acts and been in charge of the high school spring play/musical. His one act team has been to the NSAA State Championships numerous times and the high school music groups have continuously received superior ratings at District Music contest.
In 1998, Ryan stared a community theater group in Rushville, NE known as the Sheridan County Players. He was also instrumental in helping to resurrect and restore a 1915 opera house commonly known as the Historic Plains Theater. This is the venue that the Players use to perform their shows. Ryan has either acted in or directed over forty different productions with the players. Most recently, Ryan has been involved in independent film making with some producers from Los Angeles and New York. Their most recent film, “Fortress of Sin” was just released in the summer of 2022, and Ryan plays one of the main characters in this film. They are currently in production with their next movie which will be released sometime in 2023. The reason Ryan chose to go into education, was because of two very special teachers that he had from Alliance High School. Mr. Dick Rischling (band) and Mr. Martin J. Blue-Norton (Theater). These gentlemen formed and molded Ryan into the educator he am today. So very many special memories from Alliance High.
Kory Piihl (Athlete) 1987. Kory was considered one of the top High School Wrestlers in Nebraska. Kory passed away at an early age and left behind his two incredible kids Devon who is serving as a teacher and coach and Bailey who serves as an administrator of public health. Kory has five Grandchildren Coan, Carmen, Ryan, Corinna, and Jase.
After high school Kory attended college at UNO and Kearney State. Kory also worked for the Burlington Northern in Alliance, Denver, Cheyenne and Lincoln as a conductor.
Dave Sautter (Coach). Dave is the winningest Girls Basketball coach in school history. He also coached the only State Girls Basketball Championship in school history for Alliance in 2007. Coach Sautter spent 30 years coaching at some level in Girls Basketball for Alliance. In addition, he led the Bulldogs as a head coach in Volleyball, Boys and Girls Golf, plus numerous assistant coaching positions throughout his career. He was named Nebraska Coaches Association Class B Coach of the Year in 2007 and served on the Board of Directors for the NCA for 14 years. Coach Sautter received the NCA Jerry Stine Level I, II, III, and IV Milestone Awards for basketball and the NCA 35-year coaching award. He also coached in numerous all-star games including the Nebraska Coaches Association’s All-Star Game in 2007. He currently is a Life-Time Member of the NCA.
Mr. Sautter was a dedicated math teacher for Alliance High School for 28 years, serving in many leadership positions during his tenure.