2026 Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award

Ron Busch

In 1962, Coach Ron Busch invited Husker Coach Bob Devaney to speak at Spencer High School’s athletic banquet. Busch’s goal wasn’t just to feature the legendary coach, but to proudly showcase a highlights reel of his football players. Devaney stayed so late enjoying the camaraderie, that locals had to line up their cars and shine their headlights along the rural runway, just so Devaney’s small plane was able to take off in the dark. Meanwhile, Busch measured the success of that evening in different terms – his reel piqued Devaney’s attention enough to offer one senior a full-ride scholarship to play for the Huskers.

Since the first time he donned a coaching whistle in 1957, Coach Busch has sought unique opportunities to help players shine. Hundreds of those were highly-talented players who won games, titles, and recognition—but Busch also took immense pride in making sure every player had a valued role on the team. He built a culture of camaraderie that ran deeper than any Xs and Os.

Unofficially, Busch’s coaching career has never ended, as his love of the game and his players has never waned. The examples of this are plentiful, but a recent one exemplifies it well. Just a few months ago, a former player (from Busch’s 1961 Oakdale team) surprised him by stopping by. Despite 65 years having passed by, the two of them sat and recalled plays, teammates, pep talks, shenanigans, and more.

Officially, Coach Busch stepped away from the sideline in 2004 (at age 70), after decades spent building connections with players and fellow assistant coaches in Oakland, Oakdale, Spencer, Tekamah-Herman, George (Iowa), Fullerton, Pender, Plainview, and Creighton. He also coached track, baseball, and basketball at many of those stops. His time in Pender allowed him the privilege of coaching his own son, Bill Busch, who went on to become a Division 1 football coach for 35 years.

His biggest fan and loyal supporter has always been his wife, Sharon. His immediate family – Tammy & Steve Schindler and their sons & families; Bill & Laura Busch and their girls – are also VIP members of his fan club.

Ron’s legacy as a coach is defined less by the victories or records, but by the abundance of stories remembered and shared, even six decades later.

Greg Parr

2026 Outstanding Contributor Award

Thank you very much for this incredible honor. I am grateful and humbled to be selected as the 2026 Outstanding Contributor Award recipient. Athletics has always been a big part of my life. I played all sports in Madison from 1976 to 1979, and that passion carried into coaching, where I began as a high school boys basketball coach in 1997 at Lutheran High Northeast until 1999. I then moved to Neligh, where I coached boys’ basketball from 2000 to 2010 and served as an assistant football coach.  During my time in Neligh, George Loofe (the head FB coach I assisted with) was a great mentor and advisor to me. He had a strong influence on my development both in athletics and leadership.

In August of 2004, my wife Kristy and I started Custom Sports in Neligh, where we operated from 2004 to 2010. All three of our sons have become part of the business—Richard Parr, Matt Parr, and Justin Parr—which has made it even more special for our family. After a year in Battle Creek, we were honored by being awarded the NSAA contract in 2011 and moved to our current location in Norfolk. Glen Morgan and Jay Bellar were a substantial influence in encouraging me to pursue the NSAA contract, and I am very thankful for their support. We are proud to still be serving the NSAA today, and over the years have also added partnerships with the Nebraska Coaches Association, USA Softball, AAU, and Huskerland Wrestling. We take a great deal of pride in serving these organizations. What started with just four employees has grown into a team of 16 full-time staff members today.

What I learned through athletics—hard work, teamwork, and leadership—has played a key role in growing our business and building a talented team of employees.  I’m very thankful for the opportunities athletics have given me and for the many relationships built along the way. I am grateful for being part of this All-Star Game and sharing that moment with everyone.

 

3 Cheer Squads Leading Their Teams On!!

We can’t forget our All Star cheer teams.  Those cheering at the game are Norfolk Catholic, Norfolk Public, & Pierce!