IGHPS: Simley Inducts Six Into Its 2021 Hall Of Fame

Press release from Inver Grove Heights Public Schools:

09/20/2021

The Simley High School Hall of Fame honors individuals who have distinguished themselves with academic, athletic, and humanitarian achievements. The Simley Hall of Fame also serves as a way to preserve history, build a sense of a community, and connect the past with the present. On September 3, Simley presented the six new members who will be inducted into its hall of fame. This year, the hall of fame inducted:

Jim Bell
Jim Bell, Simley Class of 1988, was an All Conference athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He was the lead tackler in two football seasons, the lead scorer in basketball, and the lead hitter in baseball. He also earned a spot in the Minnesota Coaches All-star Game.

Cory Haala
Cory Haala, Simley Class of 2009, was the first Simley student to win the Minnesota State High School League’s Triple “A” Award for excellence in athletics, academics, and the arts. He was a valedictorian of his class. In addition to his academic excellence, Mr. Haala led the school’s quiz and knowledge bowl team as they qualified for national competition, and he qualified to compete nationally as part of the school’s speech team. In athletics, he earned Honorable Mention and All Conference in tennis and soccer and earned 34 letters from grade 7 through grade 12.

Steve Iverson
Steve Iverson, Simley Class of 1978, was a gifted swimmer on the Simley Swim & Dive Team. He held numerous records at the school and later became the record holder at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. Mr. Iverson coached at Simley and is one of founders of the IGH Thunderbolts Swim Club program.

Pat Kavanagh
Pat Kavanagh, Simley Class of 1976, was a key player on Simley’s 1975 basketball team as they competed in the state tournament. He earned All Conference in football and basketball and carried his talent into his college and professional life. Mr. Kavanagh led Inver Hills Community College to the national tournament while also playing football. He later set rebounding records at North Dakota State. After college, he played basketball professionally in Uruguay.

Kim Madigan
Kim Madigan was the beloved assistant to Simley’s Athletic Director. She tirelessly worked with athletic programs, community programs, and various clubs to integrate them into Simley’s athletic program. Mrs. Madigan dedicated nearly 20 years of service to the Inver Grove Heights community and its children.

Charlie Rea
Charlie Rea, Simley Class of 2007, was a leader of Simley’s adaptive sports teams. He competed in the state championships for floor hockey, soccer, and softball, and he played on Simley’s tennis team. Mr. Rea is an award-winning member of the USA National Special Olympics Team. In 2018, he won gold and bronze as part of Team Minnesota’s bocce ball team. He will return to the games as part of Team Minnesota’s track and field team in 2022.

This press release was produced by Inver Grove Heights Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.