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CITY, N.D. (VCHS) The Hi-Liner Hall of Fame committee is pleased to announce the induction class for 2014. This group of three individuals and one coach will be recognized during the VCHS homecoming parade and the homecoming football game on Friday October 10th, 2014.
Below are the 2014 Hi-Liner Hall of Fame biographies:
Barb Bjorum
Barb Bjorum coached varsity gymnastics for 15 years at Valley City High School, and had a positive influence on lives of numerous young ladies she coached. Barb started her coaching career during the 1976-77 season, only the third year of the gymnastics program at VCHS. During her first season, Barb helped produce the schools first two state qualifiers. This would be a sign of things to come as Barb’s teams regularly placed in the top 4 of the east region, and placed 3rd at the state meet in 1979 and 1980. In 1979, her peers recognized barb as both the regional and state coach of the year. Barb coached guided the gymnastics program up until the 1992/93 season. Barb did however; get back into coaching gymnastics during the 2011-2012 season to mentor one of her former gymnasts who had taken on the position of head gymnastics coach.
Jeff Boschee-Class of 1998
Jeff Boschee was one of the most outstanding high school basketball players the state of North Dakota has ever seen. Jeff was a four-year starter for the Hi-Liners, and led three teams to the state tournament. Along the way, Jeff was a 3 time all state selection, two time ND player of the year, and the 1998 ND Mr. Basketball. National honors include being named 3rd team Parade All American, one of USA Today’s top 25 high school basketball players in 1998, and being selected to participate in the McDonald’s All American Game. Upon graduation, Jeff attended Kansas, where he was a four-year starter on teams that won the Big 12 conference regular season and tournament championships. While playing basketball for the Jayhawk’s, Jeff was voted freshman of the year, and was named 3rd Team All-Big 12 as a senior. He is first all-time at KU in three-point field goals made and second all-time in games started. Jeff’s senior season was capped off by a trip to the 2002 NCAA Final Four.
Justin (Digger) Johnson-Class of 1998
Digger was a busy athlete during his time at VCHS, competing cross-country, basketball and track. Track was where he shined the brightest. Digger was an eight-time EDC outdoor champion, and two-time EDC indoor champion in as a hurdler and member of some outstanding relay teams. As a sophomore Digger placed 6th in both the 300 m hurdles and with the 800 m relay team at the state meet. As a junior at the state meet, he placed 2nd in both the 110 m hurdles and 400 m relay, 3rd in the 300 m hurdles and 8th in the 800 m relay. In 1998 Digger was the state outdoor champion in the 300 m hurdles, placed 3rd in the 400 m relay, 4th in the 110 m hurdles, and 8th in the 800 m relay. Following his career at VCHS, Digger was a four-year letter winner in track and field at UND. While competing for the Sioux, Digger was named team captain for his senior season, received the “Sioux Pride” award from his teammates, and was honored as a two-time Academic All-American.
Nate Keller-Class of 1998
Nate was active in football, basketball, and track during his days as a Hi-Liner. On the football field, Nate lettered on the varsity four years and was an All-Region selection in both his junior and senior seasons. On the hardwood, Nate was a four-year letter winner and played on three teams that participated at the state tournament. Track was where Nate excelled, in both the sprints and long jump. Nate was a six time state champion in track as he won the long jump, 100 m, and 200 m dashes during both his junior and senior seasons. At the state track meet in 1998, Nate broke the state track meet records in the 100 m, 200 m, and long jump. His long jump of 24’6” broke a 56 year-old record in the event and still stands today. Nate was also recognized as the Class A outstanding track athlete at the state track meet following his senior season. Following his outstanding high school athletic career, Nate played football for the NDSU Bison, earning both NCC defensive player of the week and academic all-conference recognition.