HOF 2007 – Athletics
While at CHS, Jark was all ESD in football and basketball, All State in football and basketball and a high school baseball player for the Smitty’s. At NSU, he was on four Conference and three District 12 baseball championship teams, two conference championship SDIC football teams, and two conference and two District 12 basketball championship teams. He was youth baseball coordinator and served on the Aberdeen baseball committee for many years. Jark was instrumental in baseball’s growth in Aberdeen.
Achievements and awards at CHS:
All ESD in football and basketball
All State in football and basketball
Great high school baseball player for the Smitty’s
Unique contributions to Central High School:
Vern was a four sport athlete throughout high school. He taught and coached 10 years in the Aberdeen Public Schools, coaching football, and boys and girls basketball and track.
He was the head coach of girl’s basketball for 7 years, making 3 state tournament appearances.
Vern had a connection with athletes that he participated with, coached and watched. He was an individual mentor to many kids at Central and always made himself available to listen and encourage them. Vern was a fan supporter of the athletes and also the coaches. Vern’s positive attitude toward all athletics showed through from the time he participated until his death.
Other achievements and awards (received elsewhere than Central High School)
Vern received a B.S. degree from Northern State University in 1976 and a Masters Degree in 1980.
1972…Honorable Mention All-SDIC conference baseball team
1973….All-Conference SDIC Baseball team
1973…All-District 12 Baseball team
1973…Honorable Mention All-Region Baseball team
1974…All-District 12 Baseball Team
1974.. .All-Area (Northwest Region) Baseball team
1975…All-District 12 Baseball Team
1975.. .All Area (Northwest Region) Baseball Team
1975…Honorable Mention NAIA All-American Baseball Team.
1976…Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 13th round of 1976 Free Agent Baseball Draft
1997…Inducted into Northern Athletics Hall of Fame
Vern was a three sport athlete at NSU for four years. He was on 4 Conference and 3 District 12 Baseball Championship Teams, 2 Conference Championship SDIC football teams and 2 Conference and 2 District 12 Basketball Championship teams. He earned twelve varsity letters in the sports of football, basketball, and baseball. He pursued a professional baseball career with the Chicago Cubs minor league organization before he began teaching and coaching at Aberdeen Central.
Other accomplishments:
Vern worked for Glaxo Pharmaceuticals for 18 years where he continued to work until the time of his death. He received “Outstanding sales representative of the year” for his District in 1991,1993 and 1995. He was awarded the Presidents’ Club in 1998. Vern was promoted to Sr. Executive Sales Representatives 2000, top sales level within Glaxo Smith Kline. In 2004 he was awarded the South Dakota Pharmaceutical Sales person of the year and the Winner’s Circle in 2005. He was the winner of many sales contests and received numerous Bronze and Silver Spirit awards.
Additional information to share with the selection committee:
Vern was the youth baseball coordinator for a number of years for the city, he had an ongoing desire to give all kids a chance to participate in sports. He was on the Aberdeen baseball committee for many years and was an active part in helping to keep baseball growing in Aberdeen. Vern was a long tune basketball referee and was voted to referee at a state tournament. He was also an active part of the organization committee for Fellowship of Christian Athletes at NSU. He was a NSU Wolves Club member. Vern taught Junior High Sunday School and was a Deacon at his church. He was on numerous committees at First Baptist Church.
It is an honor for our family to have Vern considered for the Hall of Fame at Aberdeen Central. I know that he would be overwhelmed with this honor. Hopefully I have answered these questions in the way that Vern would have wanted me to. I do know how much Vern loved Aberdeen and the many people that played a part in his life. He always considered it a privilege to have participated and later taught and coached at Aberdeen Central. Thank you for this nomination!