Mitchell High School Honors 2026 Hall of Fame Class: Four Legends, One Weekend
MITCHELL, SD – Mitchell High School and the Mitchell Athletic Booster Club will induct four new members into the MHS Hall of Fame on Sept. 11-12, celebrating decades of Kernel excellence. The Class of 2026 includes Dan Carlson, Raven (Morgan) Ellwein, Amelia (Rew) Endres, and Lonnie Moody, each leaving an unmistakable mark on Mitchell athletics.
Fans can meet the inductees at an open house Friday, Sept. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bradley's Pub and Grille, with the formal program at 7 p.m. The quartet will also be honored at halftime of Saturday's Kernel Bowl football game against Douglas, kicking off at 6 p.m. at Joe Quintal Field.
Who is in the Mitchell High School Hall of Fame Class of 2026?
Dan Carlson: 34 Years of Service
Carlson's dedication to Kernel athletics spans over three decades. A Spirit Lake, Iowa native, he joined the training staff in 1992 as a water boy for football and basketball. Thirty-four years later, he remains a cornerstone of Mitchell sports. Carlson earned the Outstanding Service to MHS award in 2005 and 2010, and received the 'Fly Around and Finish' award plus a state championship ring after the 2016 football title run.
Raven (Morgan) Ellwein: A Pioneer of Girls Basketball
Ellwein was a driving force during Mitchell's golden era of girls basketball. She helped the Kernels claim Eastern South Dakota Conference and district titles in 1993, finishing as Class AA state runner-up. The next season, she was part of the undefeated 23-0 team that swept the ESD, district, and state championships. Ellwein added academic all-state and all-tournament honors in 1995 before continuing her career at Dakota Wesleyan University.
Amelia (Rew) Endres: Gymnastics Royalty
A 2010 graduate, Endres stands as one of the most decorated gymnasts in school history. She won eight individual state championships, including three straight vault titles from 2006-08. Her dominant 2009 state meet saw her win vault, bars, beam, floor, and the all-around. She helped MHS win back-to-back team titles in 2007 and 2008. After competing at Arizona State University, she returned to coach Mitchell to state championships in 2014, 2021, 2023, and 2024.
Lonnie Moody: Speed and Power
Moody, a 2000 graduate, was a four-time most valuable athlete in track. He won the 200-meter state title in 1998 and swept the 100 and 200 in 1999. His 10.60 school record in the 100 still stands. On the diamond, he led Mitchell Post 18 to the 1999 state American Legion championship, stole 34 bases twice, and batted .362. He later earned GPAC honors three times at DWU.
Why this Hall of Fame class matters to Mitchell
This class embodies the American spirit: hard work, loyalty, and excellence. From Carlson's three decades of service to Endres's eight state titles, these four represent the best of small-town America. They prove that individual merit and dedication still matter. The Kernel Bowl weekend isn't just about football; it's about honoring those who built a legacy of winning.
What are the Hall of Fame induction events?
The open house is Friday, Sept. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bradley's Pub and Grille. The public is welcome to meet the inductees. The halftime ceremony on Saturday will take place during the Kernel Bowl game at Joe Quintal Field.
When is the Kernel Bowl football game?
The game against Douglas starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Joe Quintal Field. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will occur at halftime.
How can fans celebrate these inductees?
Attend the open house, cheer loud at the Kernel Bowl, and share your memories of these legends. Mitchell's story is one of grit and glory, and this weekend honors that tradition.
Photo: Yahoo Sports