Boerne ISD Athletic Hall of Honor welcomes latest class

Boerne ISD Athletic Hall of Honor welcomes latest class

BY BRYAN BENWAY Special to the Star

The Boerne Independent School District inducted the Athletic Hall of Honor Class of 2023 last week at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch.

This year’s recipients are Chad Pechacek, Richard Herbst, Madeline Hurdt, as well as the 1987 and 1988 Boerne High girls cross country teams, with Gina DeWall earning the Bill Canavan Memorial Benefactor Award.

“The 2023 Athletic Hall of Honor inductees represent the best of the best in Boerne ISD history,” Boerne ISD Athletic Director and Athletic Hall of Honor Chair, Stan Leech. “When you look at the accomplishments of these outstanding individuals you see excellence, not only in their athletic accomplishments but in giving back to the community. We could not be prouder to induct this special group of people to the Athletic Hall of Honor.”

Chad Pechacek

Chad Pechacek will enter the Hall of Honor thanks to his football and baseball accomplishments for the Boerne Greyhounds. A 1995 Boerne graduate, Pechacek was 11-0 in his senior season as a starting pitcher for the Greyhounds baseball team. His career varsity pitching record was an impressive 28-7.

Pechacek was selected to play in the THSBCA All-Star Game in the Astrodome. He was also recognized as an All-State punter and kicker during the 1994 football season.

After high school, he attended Baylor University, where he played baseball for one season with the Bears.

Richard Herbst

Richard Herbst will enter the Hall of Honor as both a player and coach. Herbst was a twotime All-District basketball player and a three-year letterman. He went on to play at Howard Payne University from 1972-1976. Herbst was a standout in the classroom as well, as he was the Salutatorian of the Greyhound Class of 1972.

In 1999, Herbst became Star photos by Kerry Barboza

the Greyhound girls basketball coach and led them to tremendous success. The 2000 Greyhound team played in the state semifinals and reached two other regional finals during Herbst’s eight-year coaching stint in Boerne. Herbst’s 2000 team was inducted into the Hall of Honor in 2014.

Herbst had a stellar coaching career with more than 600 total victories that spanned through high school and college coaching at the Division 2 and Division 3 levels, as well as an assistant coach at Division 1 Colorado State University.

Madeline Hurdt

Madeline Hurdt excelled for the Champion Chargers and Boerne Greyhounds track and field teams, earning multiple state, regional and district championships.

In 2009, Hurdt won the state championship for the Chargers in shot put in the school’s first year. She also earned the regional and district championships that season as well.

From 2008-2009, she won three district titles, one regional championship and one state title. Hurdt qualified for the state meet in 2010 as well. She won the silver medal in shot put at the 2009 Junior Olympics.

During her stellar career, she broke several school and grade-level records in shot put and discus. She also was a member of the 2007 Boerne Greyhounds state championship softball team prior to attending Champion.

Hurdt, a 2010 graduate of Champion, competed collegiately for Ohio State University and UTSA. She currently is at O’Connor High School in Helotes where she is the head girls track coach.

1987 and 1988 girls cross country teams

The 1987 and 1988 Boerne High girls cross country teams earned backto- back state medals, with the ‘87 team winning silver and the ‘88 team earning bronze. The 1988 team also won the regional championship for the Greyhounds.

Team members from those two historic Greyhound teams are Cathy (Flatley) Jameson, Helen (Taylor) Green, Joanna Marsh, Melinda (Raby) Claypole, Shannon (Harris) Sivek, Jennifer Wennermark, 2021 Hall of Honor inductee Jennifer (Standefer) Doenges, Sheri (Barberee) Taylor, Shannon Faulkner Mims and Keena (Nietenhoefer) Shelmir.

Mike Mazelin coached the 1987 squad, while Richard Sunvison led the 1988 team as coach.

Gina DeWall

Gina DeWall is the recipient of the Bill Canavan Memorial Benefactor Award as she has been instrumental in the growth and success of Boerne ISD athletics. DeWall is in her 12th year as the Boerne ISD Athletic Secretary, where she is being honored for her tremendous service to the entire athletic community.

DeWall has been a major contributor to the Athletic Hall of Honor program and the distinguished alumni luncheon. Her tireless efforts in organizing these events ensure they are a rousing success. She is beloved by the community for her kindness and excellent customer service.