Thelma Strathman to be inducted into the Highland Community College Hall of Fame
The Highland Community College Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is pleased to announce it’s 2015 candidate for induction in the Hall of Fame: Thelma Schmitz Strathman.
In 1981, a standout student athlete from B & B High School (Baileyville, KS), Thelma Schmitz Strathman chose to continue her academic and athletic careers at Highland Community College.
Strathman enriched her talent in both volleyball and basketball under the leadership of veteran coaches Batchelder and Allen. Her athletic ability and team leadership helped pave the way for both programs to continue Scottie success. The 1981-82 basketball team recorded a 21-9 season. The 1982-83 volleyball team went 21-13, winning the NJCAA Region VI Independent Volleyball Tournament, and Thelma received selection to the NJCAA Region VI Volleyball Team.
Academically, Strathman was a NJCAA Academic All American both years, and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honorary Scholastic Society, plus a member of Who’s Who in American Colleges.
In 1983, Strathman continued her athletic and academic careers at Kansas State University. She was a member of Kansas State University’s volleyball team and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration.
Strathman’s career as a volleyball coach and math instructor has been recognized with the following accomplishments:
Chosen as Kansas Volleyball Association’s 1A Volleyball Program of the Year
Kansas Volleyball Coaches’ 400 Win Club
Coaching State/College Post Season All Star Matches
Kansas Governor’s Scholars Teacher of Influence Award
Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers
Strathman comments, “with a wonderful coach, a great group of teammates, and the support of the entire Highland community, I couldn’t have asked for a better college experience.”
The 2015 induction will take place on Saturday, September 19, in the Walters Wellness Center on the Highland campus. Along with Strathman’s induction, a reception and recognition will be conducted of the 1982 Scottie Volleyball Team which was the NJCAA Region VI Independent Tournament Champions.
Activities will begin with registration at 9:30 a.m. in the Walters Wellness Center. Strathman’s induction will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the recognition of the 1982 volleyball team and a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Those assembled will then convene in the Barber Room of the Scottie Stadium Center for a reception and to watch the Scotties as they host Ellsworth Community College with a 1:00 p.m. kick-off on Kessinger Field. Strathman and the 1982 team will then be recognized again at the half-time on the field.
Those wishing to attend the Hall of Fame induction and recognition of the 1982 team in the Walter Wellness Center are encouraged to reserve the $6.00 luncheon tickets in advance by contacting Athletic Administrative Assistant, Darla Tracy, at 785-442-6040, or dtracy@highlandcc.edu. Payment for the luncheon can be made during the 9:30-10:30 a.m. registration.
