On Jan. 24, five members were inducted into the Kirkwood Athletics Hall of Fame. They were recognized during a double-header against NIACC in Johnson Hall as the basketball teams went a combined 1-1.
“It’s one of my favorite weekends of the year,” said Todd Rima, athletic director. “To be able to celebrate former athletes, coaches, ADs (Athletic Directors) and teams and to hear their stories and hear their pride in Kirkwood is special.”
Among those inducted were Kelli Alberts, Gregg Bosch, Wes Obermueller, Rich Keel and the 1997 Women’s National Championship Basketball Team.
Alberts was at Kirkwood from 1982 to 1984. She was the first ever dual sport athlete at Kirkwood, playing on the softball and basketball teams. Alberts was a two-time First Team All-American (82-83) for softball and continued her athletic career at Iowa State University, holding the school record for career pitching shutouts.
Bosch spent nine years (1981-89) at Kirkwood as a men’s basketball coach and men’s golf coach, all while being the athletic director. He was also a professor of physical education and recreation at Kirkwood. He notably was the president of the Iowa Men’s Basketball Coaches Association from 1983 to 1989.
Obermueller suited up for Kirkwood from 1995 to 1996, playing both baseball and basketball. He excelled in baseball, both as a hitter and a pitcher. He then transferred to the University of Iowa, where he played until 1999 and was drafted in the second round of the Major League Draft. Obermueller went on to play five seasons in Major League Baseball, where he ended up being one of the best hitting pitchers in recent memory. He is currently the pitching coach for the University of Iowa.
Keel was on the Eagles’ basketball team from 1979 to 1980. He currently holds Kirkwood’s single season scoring record after averaging 28 points per game. After his tenure at Kirkwood, he transferred to the University of Nebraska Omaha, where he continued his basketball career.
The 1997 women’s basketball team won Kirkwood Community College’s first ever national championship. This was notably the first of nine national championships for women’s basketball Head Coach Kim Muhl.
“Those women are still just as close as they were when they were here, and that’s pretty cool to see,” said Muhl.
When reflecting about how special the team was, he said, “They understand tradition because they started it.”
It’s a true testament to the dynasty that Kirkwood women’s basketball teams have been able to create since 1997.
The special day was capped off with the Hall of Fame dinner and induction, which took place at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center.
“We had an unbelievable class, and everybody had a really good time,” concluded Rima, the athletic director.
Categories: Basketball, Sports
