Battle Creek Public Schools

Coach Bob Schnitzler (Honorary First Member)
Class of 2022
Employee

The three-sport athlete in both high school and college came to Battle Creek in 1962 and the rest is history. His football teams won 293 games with 89 losses. They qualified for the state playoffs 16 times, winning 4 state championships and runners-up 5 times. He coached the boys track team to 4 state championships, 2 state runners-up, 20 district championships and 169 invitational championships. Bob established the girls basketball program in 1974 and amassed a record of 485 wins and 83 losses. His girls made 18 trips to the state tournament - winning it 5 times and runners-up 3 times, plus 18 district championships. All along the way, Bob earned the respect of hundreds of athletes, fans, and spectators as he made Battle Creek a household name across the state. He was the recipient of numerous Coach of the Year awards. He was nominated no less than 5 times for National Coach of the Year. Bob is also a member of the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame, the WSC Athletics Hall of Fame, and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Angie Klein ('96)
Class of 2022
Student/Alumnus

Angie Klein’s long line of success can be traced back to her high school days. The 3-sport athlete and Sports Queen led her basketball team to an undefeated regular season and a state runner-up finish. A couple months later, Angie graduated top of her class. She then earned two bachelor degrees with Highest Distinction from UNL, where she was also Homecoming Queen in ‘99. Angie joined Verizon in 2001 and quickly made her mark in the telecommunications industry. She was an integral member of the startup team that created the industry-changing Verizon Fios, which stood as the 6th-largest TV provider in the US. The marketing titan loved challenges and impossible assignments. She built a reputation as an industry disruptor by challenging the status quo and centering customers in the business model. At the time of her induction, Angie served as the President and CEO of Verizon’s Visible Wireless, the first all-digital wireless carrier in the US. No matter the amount of success she had, Angie always gave credit to her small town roots and the values instilled in her by her family.

Dan Gillespie ('72)
Class of 2022
Student/Alumnus

Dan Gillespie, a third generation farmer, dedicated his life to pursuing the family creed - always leave the land in better shape than when you started farming it. For 33 years, he was the no-till specialist for the National Resources Conservation Services. Being a pioneer in water and soil conservation practices, Dan became well known throughout the Midwest. Thanks to his efforts, Nebraska led the nation in highest percentage of no-till cropland. In 1995, Dan invented and patented the TracPacker, a pivot track filling machine used widely across the US and some overseas countries. Many have also come to know him as Dan ‘The Tree Man.’ For over 30 years, Dan touched the lives of hundreds of elementary students through hands-on planting exercises, resulting in the planting of over 3000 trees. His passion for soil health was evident, but so was his passion for his family. Less time in the tractor meant more free time doing what he loved most - being a supportive father and grandfather.

Linda Schnitzler Walker ('85)
Class of 2022
Athlete

Linda Schnitzler Walker was the cornerstone of Battle Creek’s multi-sport success in the mid-1980s and ‘90s. The daughter of Hall of Fame coach Bob Schnitzler, she earned all-state honors in basketball as the Bravettes won back-to-back Class C-1 state championships in 1984 and 1985 - teams that launched a streak of four straight state titles and 15 straight state tournament appearances. She was an all-conference volleyball player and a four-year state track meet qualifier, winning seven medals and capturing the gold medal in long jump her senior year. At Wayne State, she set numerous basketball and track records while earning All-American honors in both sports. Her 2,224 points established a scoring record for Nebraska state colleges. Linda is also a member of the Nebraska High Schools Sports Hall of Fame and the Wayne State College Athletics Hall of Fame.

Matt Hoskinson ('93)
Class of 2022
Athlete

Matt Hoskinson was a dominant force of the ‘90s. In football, Matt earned All-State all 4 years and All-Nebraska as a senior. His teams were state runners-up his junior year and state champions his senior year. He went on to play for the Huskers, where he was a contributing member of their 3 National Championship teams. Matt was a 2-year starter in basketball for BC. He was also a 2-year starter in wrestling, where he lost only 1 match and also became Battle Creek’s first state champion. Matt was a 4-time state qualifier in the shot put and state runner-up his senior year. His Legion baseball teams were 2-time state champions. Matt led his teams in batting average and home runs all 4 years. Even with all the accolades, Matt Hoskinson has always been grounded and humble. He has a deep love and respect for the Purple and Gold and for the teachers, coaches, and teammates who supported him along the way.

Erma Moore
Class of 2022
Employee

Mrs. Erma Moore spent the majority of her life pursuing and providing education. In 1938, at the age of 16, Erma did the unthinkable. She left the family farm against the wishes of her family and ran away to college. While there, she was informed that farm girls were not meant for college and that she would not make it. This not only motivated her, but it also played a role in her sensitivity towards female students and for them to further their education. Erma went on to spend four decades cultivating her craft as a teacher at BCHS. From 1950-1986, she taught typing, accounting, office practice, and shorthand, along with being the yearbook sponsor. During this time, she built a reputation as a strict yet highly respected teacher. She undoubtedly had a gift for elevating her students to be their best. Her secret lied in being firm but fair; in providing both challenges and guidance. Her mission also extended beyond the classroom, supporting and encouraging her students to be successful in life.

Jeanie Barry ('45)
Class of 2022
Supporter

No one might have loved Battle Creek and its students more than Jeanie Barry. Jeanie graduated from Battle Creek in 1945 and loved the Purple and Gold ever since. She could be seen at any event, whether it was music, speech, drama, or athletics. She played a role in the lives of many students as she loved lifting others up, especially through tough times. Jeanie was famous for sending notes/photos/newspaper clippings to students to encourage and/or congratulate them. She placed a high value in education and learning. She once said, “Someone before me made sure the schools and community were thriving, and it is the responsibility of each generation to continue that work.” Throughout Jeanie’s life, she was a member of 12 local organizations, a winner of multiple service awards, and Nebraska Mother of the Year in 1995. Jeanie’s life philosophy was to make a difference, and make a difference she did.

Bill Hughes ('73)
Class of 2022
Supporter

Since the late ‘70s, Bill Hughes has been a mainstay for Battle Creek Public Schools. Born and raised in Battle Creek, Bill found it natural to get involved and be supportive. For over 30 years, he ran the game clock for every type of event. He volunteered for almost every aspect of home track meets. He was also a volunteer football coach from 1990-2002. Bill just about did it all. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving on the Board of Education for 24 years and serving as President for 20 of those 24. Bill played an invaluable role in the passing of the bond for the 2004 Jr/Sr High School building. Being on the Board kept him involved within the school and gave him an avenue to have an impact on students. Bill was always a major proponent of students getting involved to find something they could excel at and be proud of. He encouraged them to use what they learned to propel themselves into successful futures. When asked about his experiences, Bill couldn’t have been more proud of his lifelong journey with the Purple and Gold.