Harvey Hammrich - Inducted 2023

Harvey Hammrich was a South Dakota athletic director for 38 of his 43 years in education, 26 at Watertown, 1977-2003; 12 at Webster,1965-77; and five at Eureka, 1960-65. He graduated from Ipswich High School in 1954 and South Dakota State College in 1959.

Hammrich was a tremendous high school and college athlete in multiple sports. He led Ipswich to the 1952 State B basketball championship, earning first-team all-state and all-tournament awards. At SDSC, he played football, basketball, and baseball. He earned six letters, three each in football and baseball. In 1959, he led Jacks to the North Central Conference baseball championship. In football, Hammrich helped the Jacks win the 1957 NCC title. After college, Hammrich was drafted by baseball’s St. Louis Cardinals but instead went into the Army, serving as a medic.

As an administrator, Hammrich was active in high school athletics, managing 64 state events for the SDHSAA and serving on numerous committees. He gave Steve Kueter and Larry Luitjens their first jobs at Webster. He also officiated college and high school basketball for many years.

Hammrich received many awards throughout his lifetime, including state and national Athletic Director of the Year. He was inducted into the South Dakota High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1995, the South Dakota Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Shrine in 1997, the SDIAAA Hall of Fame in 2006, and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2007.