Kearney High School will celebrate athletic excellence, leadership, and legacy during the KHS Hall of Fame Game on Friday, January 9, honoring three distinguished individuals whose contributions have left a lasting impact on Bearcat athletics.
The evening will feature games at all levels including a girls varsity basketball game at 6:00 p.m., followed by the boys varsity game at 7:45 p.m. The KHS Athletic Hall of Fame presentation will take place at halftime of the boys game, recognizing this year’s inductees.
2026 KHS Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
Kyle Hoehner
Boys Basketball Coach (1985–2007)
Coach Hoehner remains the winningest boys basketball coach in KHS history with 256 career wins. During his 21-year tenure, he led teams to nine state tournament appearances, including five Final Four finishes, and recorded 42 current all-time KHS records. His leadership extended beyond the court, coaching 77 Academic All-State athletes and earning multiple honors, including two-time Nebraska Coaches Association All-Star Coach.
Hunter Bamford
A standout Bearcat wrestler, Bamford was a four-time Nebraska State Championship finalist, earning three state titles and one runner-up finish. He compiled a remarkable 163–3 career record with 116 falls and was a member of the 2010 and 2011 Class A State Runner-Up teams. Bamford was also recognized as the 2013 Kearney Hub Territory Wrestler of the Year and received the NSWCHA Class A Senior Scholar Award.
Greg Limbach
Head Athletic Trainer (1986–2018)
Limbach dedicated more than three decades to the health and safety of KHS student-athletes. His service included volunteering at numerous NSAA state championships and earning statewide and national recognition, including NSATA Athletic Trainer of the Year, NSATA Hall of Fame inductee, and the NATA Service Award. He was also named Kearney Public Schools Educator of the Year in 2007.
“The 2026 Hall of Fame class represents everything that makes Kearney High School special when it comes to the strive for excellence, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to serving others,” said Ryan Hogue, Kearney High School Athletic Director. “Coach Hoehner, Hunter Bamford, and Greg Limbach each impacted Bearcat athletics in different ways, but all three left our programs better than they found them. Their legacies continue to influence our student-athletes, coaches, and community, and we are proud to welcome them into the KHS Athletic Hall of Fame.”
Additionally, Kearney High School is partnering with the Forever Pink Foundation to raise awareness and raise funds for those in need. It’s PINK OUT theme night as both teams, players, coaches and event staff will be dressed in Pink to show their support. Community members, alumni, and Bearcat fans are invited to attend and help celebrate this special night honoring KHS athletic history.
KYLE HOEHNER
Boys Basketball Coach (1985-2007)
ALL-TIME KHS SCHOOL RECORDS
- 256 Career Wins
- 9 State Tournaments in 21 years
- 5 State Tournament “Final 4” Finishes
- 11 Top Ten/State Tournament Finishes
- 8 District Tournament Championships
- 11 District Championship Finals
- 42 Current All-Time KHS Records
- 2-Time NE Coaches Association All-Star Coach
- 2-Time NBDA All-Nebraska Senior Team Coach
- Nebraska vs. So. Dakota All-Star Game Coach
- 77 Academic All-State, 46 All-Conference,
- 12 All-State, and 9 K. Hub Players of the Year
HUNTER BAMFORD
- 4-Time Nebraska State Wrestling Championship Finalist
- 3 State Championship titles and 1 Runner-Up
- Member of the 2010 & 2011 Class A State Runner-Up Teams
- 4 Year High School Career Record 163 wins with 3 Losses
- 116 Career Falls
- 2013 Kearney Hub Territory Wrestler Of The Year
- 2013 NSHCA Senior National Championship All American placing 4th
- NSWCHA Class A Senior Scholar Award Winner
GREG LIMBACH
Head Athletic Trainer (1986-2018)
- Volunteer Athletic Trainer – Nebraska School Activity Association State Football Championships 1996 – 2000
- Volunteer Athletic Trainer – NSAA State Track and Field Championships various years from 1996 – 2005
- Volunteer Athletic Trainer – NSAA State Soccer Championships – 1996, 1997, 2004
- Athletic Trainer – Nebraska American Legion Baseball
- State Seniors Tournament – 1992, 2003
- NSATA “George F. Sullivan Athletic Trainer of the Year” Award –recipient 1997, 2018
- NSATA 25 year Service Award – recipient 2011
- NSATA Hall of Fame Inductee – 2012
- NATA Service Award – 2013
- Kearney Public Schools Educator of the Year Award – recipient 2007
- Kearney High School Booster Club Award – recipient 2008-09
