Four individuals, one team and one business were inducted into the Central Community College Athletic Hall of Fame on Nov. 10 at its eighth annual banquet and induction ceremony at the Ramada Columbus River's Edge Convention Center in Columbus. The inductees were:
Jessica (Glatter) Ahern
Ahern led the 2005 CCC volleyball team to a top eight finish at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) tournament. She was named to the all-tournament team and garnered Second Team All-America honors.
"I remember having so many good times," said Ahern. "I have made so many good friendships and I just really thank everyone for a wonderful opportunity. I definitely won't forget anyone of you and I think you for the journey that I had at Central."
Jim Dolezal
Dolezal served as a student manager and statistician for the CCC men's basketball team from 1981 to 1983. He had positive influence on the 1983 squad, which finished in second place at the National Little College Athletic Association tournament.
During his induction speech, Dolezal spoke fondly of his favorite CCC instructor, Dave Fulton, who assured him that it was all right to take time to figure out what he wanted to do.
"It was guys like that and guys like Jack (Gutierrez) who gave some crippled kid from Columbus a scholarship to go have fun," said Dolezal. "I had fun."
Dr. Elizabeth Przymus
Przymus served as the associate dean of students at CCC-Columbus from 2006 to 2018. She oversaw athletics during that time and was instrumental in the addition of men's golf, men's soccer, softball, women's basketball and the Raider Rex mascot.
"It was very evident to me that our coaches and everyone who was associated with Central athletics and even the staff on campus who didn't work directly with us, there was a deep appreciation and a mutual agreement that what was being done was being done for the students," said Przymus.
Troy Zierke
Zierke was a standout member of the CCC men's basketball team from 1987 to 1989. Averaging 19 points and eight rebounds per game, he earned All-Region IX honors.
"I had a great time here at Central," said Zierke. "We didn't have any cell phones, we didn't have any cable TV and we didn't have the internet. Man, we had a lot of fun."
2005 Volleyball Team
The 2005 Raiders won the Region IX tournament and finished in the top eight at the NJCAA national tournament. Multiple players earned post-season honors. CCC head coach Mary Young delivered the induction speech.
"The 2005 team really put our volleyball program on the map in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II ranks and that team is incredibly close to my heart," said Young. "Their hard work, their determination, competitiveness, character, team spirit and pride has created a tradition for Raider volleyball."
Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee has provided steadfast support for CCC athletics for several years, which has been instrumental in the success of all programs. The Raider Booster Club, Raider Night and Go-Play Multi-Sports Clinics are just some of the things that Hy-Vee has graciously sponsored throughout the years. Columbus Hy-Vee store director Chad Dyhrkopp gave the induction speech.
"Athletics has been near and dear to me all of my life," said Dyhrkopp. "In the 10 years I've been here, it's been a partnership with CCC more than anything. It'spretty cool to have CCC here in town because it's a very progressive school and it's a great part of the Columbus community."
Pictured front row (l-r): Jim Dolezal, Dr. Beth Przymus, Willy Kilgore and Chad Dyhrkopp. Second row: Coach Mary Young, Jessica Glatter Ahern, Kylie True Hulme, Amanda Cielocha Malone, Katie Volk Webster, Katie Marquette Trambly and Cassie Hall Anderson. Third row: Heidi Zoucha Wilshusen, Jamie Moran, Alissa Tonniges Disney, Keo Zierke Leiser, Jenna Molle and Melanie Remmereid Jensen. Back: Troy Zierke.