Skutt Catholic’s Hall of Fame event began in 2018. The event is set for alternating years and honors individuals, teams, and groups who have contributed to our rich tradition of excellence. Seeking recipients from all areas of the school, members of this group have helped define and advance our institution and its mission. Recipients of the Hall of Fame award are exemplars of exceptional accomplishments and service and thereby set high standards for Skutt Catholic students.
The following definitions and criteria shall apply to the four individual inductee nominating categories. There are no quotas for any category.
Any Skutt Catholic High School student who participated in athletics or activities or excelled in academics during high school. Any such person may not be considered until 10 years after high school graduation.
A team or group, which excelled, served or performed at the highest level at least 10 years prior to the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Must be or have been an employee at Skutt Catholic High School who has coached a sanctioned activity/sport for at least five years. A coach would be eligible for the Hall of Fame induction if they have retired from coaching or reached the age of 55.
Those who have made contributions to Skutt Catholic High School in some capacity other than the aforementioned categories. This category would include benefactors, volunteers, community leaders, administrators or any individual who made a significant contribution to the betterment of Skutt Catholic High School.
Once a person has been nominated, the nomination remains in the Hall of Fame’s active file for five years. If a nominee is not selected within five years the nomination is removed from consideration.
Nominations are always welcome and will be considered for the next Hall of Fame Induction event. Click on the link below to fill out the nomination form. Contact Laura Larson (lauralarson@skuttcatholic.com) or Meghan Sullivan (meghansullivan@skuttcatholic.com) with any questions.
Skutt Catholic’s fourth Hall of Fame Induction was held on January 2, 2026. This event is set for alternating years and honors individuals, teams, and groups who have contributed to our rich tradition of excellence. Seeking recipients from all areas of the school, members of this group have helped define and advance our institution and its mission. Recipients of the Hall of Fame award are exemplars of exceptional accomplishments and service and thereby set high standards for Skutt Catholic students. The honorees for the 2026 Hall of Fame Induction were:
Outstanding Teacher + Coach
A founding faculty member whose tenure began in 1993, Keith Engelkamp was the cornerstone of the SkyHawk community for nearly three decades. Although now retired, his profound impact remains visible every day, ranging from the academic excellence achieved in the sciences to the championship culture embedded in Skutt Catholic athletics.
As an instructor, Keith shaped generations of students through his teaching of biology, zoology, and physiology. His dedication to rigor was formally recognized when he was named the 2017 Archdiocese Educator of the Year. Beyond the classroom, Keith’s legacy extends to the diamond. He coached spring and summer baseball for many years, but his impact on the softball field was truly historic. As head coach, he built a dynasty, capturing four state titles and a state runner-up finish. His sustained excellence is unparalleled; Keith holds the distinction of being the winningest high school softball coach in the state of Nebraska across all classes.
Keith’s handiwork was building the beautiful Skutt Catholic baseball complex, which he transformed through a 27-year labor of love and over a million dollars in improvements. In 2020, it was fittingly dedicated as the Keith Engelkamp Family Field. This honor celebrates a legacy shared with his wife, Gretchen, and their three children—Adam (’02), Genevieve (’04), and Hannah (’07)—who grew up riding in the back of his station wagon while he dragged the infield. Keith Engelkamp is a teacher, coach, father, and grandfather who literally and figuratively built the foundation upon which SkyHawk athletes stand.
Outstanding Academics
From the halls of Skutt Catholic to the high-stakes environment of an urban trauma center, Dr. Anna Heffron’s career is defined by brilliance and a deep commitment to service. As a student, she set the highest possible bar for excellence, achieving a perfect 36 on the ACT, a monumental academic feat accomplished by only nine SkyHawks in school history.
This foundation propelled her toward a remarkable educational journey. After attending the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Heffron pursued a rigorous dual-degree path, earning both a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Medical Degree (M.D.) from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Her graduate work also included significant research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Today, Dr. Heffron is an Emergency Medicine physician completing her residency at the prestigious Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Her work transcends the emergency room, with a focus on Critical Care, Global Health, and Health Policy. A champion of social impact, she is actively involved in disaster relief and Social Emergency Medicine, co-authoring compelling publications on race and equity in healthcare. Dr. Heffron represents the very best of SkyHawk scholarship in action.
Outstanding Contributor
The Late Tim Moylan is remembered as a visionary leader whose dedication helped bring Skutt Catholic High School to life. A prominent Omaha businessman and member of a well-known local family, Tim was a pivotal figure in the creation of the school, playing an essential role in the planning and establishment of a new era of Catholic education, specifically in West Omaha.
Tim’s dream was to provide top-tier facilities for the students of Skutt Catholic. Although he passed away in 1996, that vision was realized posthumously with the construction of Moylan Field, the dedicated football and soccer field on campus named in his honor. Beyond the SkyHawk community, Tim was a driving force in nurturing Omaha’s broader sports culture, notably financing the development of the facility now known as the Tim Moylan Tranquility Iceplex.
His legacy of service continues to echo through the halls of the school he helped build, where his daughter, Amy Sauser, now serves on the faculty. Tim Moylan’s tireless efforts to ensure the future of Skutt Catholic have cemented his status as a true SkyHawk legend, whose foundation of generosity supports the community to this day.
Outstanding Student Athlete
Thomas Gilman is a decorated American freestyle wrestler whose dominance began at Skutt Catholic and has since reached the pinnacle of the world stage. A native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Gilman established himself as a legend in Nebraska wrestling history, becoming a four-time state champion across four different weight classes and leading the SkyHawks to three team state championships. Before he even entered the collegiate ranks, he was already making his mark globally as a three-time U.S. World Team member at the age-group level.
Gilman continued his career at the University of Iowa, where he became a fan favorite known for his intensity and aggressive style. As a Hawkeye, he was a Big Ten champion and a three-time NCAA Division I All-American. Transitioning to the international circuit at 57 kg, Gilman became a staple of Team USA. His decorated resume includes a Bronze Medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, two World Silver Medals, and the ultimate achievement: capturing the World Championship Gold Medal in Oslo in 2021.
Following his competitive career, Gilman has transitioned into leadership. After a tenure on the coaching staff at Oklahoma State University, he returned to the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club (NLWC) in Pennsylvania in 2025. There, he continues to shape the sport, mentoring professional athletes and the next generation of wrestlers with the same ferocity he brought to the mat at Skutt Catholic.
Outstanding Team
This squad didn’t just win a title; they established a standard of dominance that has yet to be equaled. The 2003 season was a historical masterpiece. Achieving an unprecedented 19-0 undefeated record, this team swept every major competition they entered, securing First Place finishes in the RCC Tournament, District Tournament, and the Class B State Championship.
Their statistical superiority was overwhelming. The offense was a machine powered by speed and tactical precision, netting an astonishing 78 goals across the campaign. Simultaneously, the defense proved to be a nearly impenetrable fortress, conceding only 11 goals all season and posting 12 clean sheets. The championship match served as the thrilling climax to their perfect run. Trailing 1-0 late in the second half, the team displayed the mental toughness that defined them, scoring a spectacular equalizer in the 75th minute before winning in an overtime shootout 2-1.
The legacy of this team extends far beyond the scoreboard. They were a cohesive brotherhood that instilled a lasting culture of excellence within the program. The depth of that legacy is best measured by the fact that the current Skutt Catholic boys’ head soccer coach, Justin Zabawa, was a key senior on this championship squad. For their flawless dedication and for permanently etching their names into the history books, the 2003 Boys Soccer Team will forever be the team that set the standard of SkyHawk soccer excellence.
Roster: Nick Aliano ‘04, Adam Bartels ’05, TJ Bartels ‘05, Alex Becker ‘04, Eric Benzel ‘04, Ryan Broulette ‘03, Nick Buda ‘04, Greg Burke ‘04, Matt Buttner ‘04, Mark Finnochairo ‘05, Keenan Krick ‘04, Kyle Ludvik ‘03, Ryan McCann ‘03, Ben Micek ‘05, Tony Odorisio ‘03, Chris Pacheco ‘04, Joe Pattrin ‘04, Tony Schmitz ‘04, Jon Summers ’05, Mike Urban ‘04, Ryan Wallace ‘03, Dave Waszgis ‘03, Justin Zabawa ‘03
Coaches: Matt Bragg ‘98, Shaun Pattrin ‘02, and the Late Paul Bangura
Skutt Catholic’s fourth Hall of Fame Induction was held on June 21. This event is set for alternating years and honors individuals, teams, and groups who have contributed to our rich tradition of excellence. Seeking recipients from all areas of the school, members of this group have helped define and advance our institution and its mission. Recipients of the Hall of Fame award are exemplars of exceptional accomplishments and service and thereby set high standards for Skutt Catholic students. The honorees for the 2024 Hall of Fame Induction were:
CHRISTIAN DUDZIK ‘10
Christian Dudzik ‘10, Director of Multimedia at the esteemed CAA conference, boasts a rich background blending athletics and multimedia. Hailing from North Dakota State University, his football prowess helped secure four consecutive national championships. At Skutt Catholic, his leadership led to a state championship, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence.
MONICA BAXTER
Monica Baxter’s passion for art education has spanned over four decades. She was the first art teacher at Skutt Catholic, where she spent 22 years building its art program from the ground up. Monica thrived on inspiring her students to become lifelong learners and encouraging them to express themselves creatively. She instilled in them the value of celebrating differences, collaborating, and respecting one another.
KURT STRAWHECKER
Kurt Strawhecker partnered with Tim Moylan to research the need for a West Omaha Catholic high school. Inspired by the results, Kurt and Tim scheduled a meeting with then Archbishop Sheehan and shared the results of their grass-roots research. Their findings led to the founding of Skutt Catholic, where he and his wife helped establish traditions and guide the school through its early years.
THE CAST AND CREW OF LES MISÉRABLES
In November 2011, theater director, Mark J. Schnitzler, and vocal music director, Chris Storm, contemplated the idea that their group of underclassmen students would be capable of something unimaginable on the Skutt Catholic stage. The production rights for the London/Broadway version of Les Misérables had never been available for performance, but would be released in late 2012. With the support of the administration, community fundraising, and a 21-piece live orchestra, the cast and crew of more than 50 students were able to perform for six incredible sold-out audiences in November of 2013.
The production was honored by the Nebraska High School Theatre Awards as one of the top seven musical theater productions of the 2013-2014 academic year, with the cast performing the Act I finale “One Day More” on the Holland Performing Arts Center stage during the awards ceremony. Cast member Zachary Pohlman ‘14 was recognized for leading actor, and cast member Grace Eliason ’14 was recognized for supporting actress at the Nebraska High School Theatre Awards.
Skutt Catholic’s third Hall of Fame Induction was held on January 8, 2022. The honorees for the 2022 Hall of Fame Induction were:
JIM MANGIMELI
Following nine years at Duchesne Academy, Jim Mangimeli joined Skutt Catholic as one of the founding faculty members in 1993. He was the first, and for a time, the only theology teacher at the school and served as the Theology Department head for 20 years. In addition to developing the theology curriculum for the school, Jim also created the “Living the Gospel” service program and managed it for many years. The Archdiocese selected Jim as the Secondary Teacher of the Year for 2007-2008.
MARIE WILLIAMSON
Marie Williamson has been an integral part of Skutt Catholic since before the school even opened. She served as the first admissions director, enrolling 2,213 students during her 18 years at the school. Much of Skutt Catholic’s brand is due to her vision. She had a hand in selecting our school colors, determining the fight song, and naming the SkyHawk as the mascot. Marie helped craft long-standing school traditions, including Hawktober, Under the Lights Dance, HawkFest, and even our dominance in wrestling.
MAYME CONROY ’11
Mayme Conroy ’11 was a tremendous competitor at Skutt Catholic, earning school records in basketball and soccer. Her junior year, she was named Gatorade Player of the Year, and was the All-State Team Captain. Under Mayme’s leadership, the basketball team was a contender at state, while the soccer team won the state championship every year, with the exception of a runner-up finish her freshman year. She remains an active volunteer at Skutt Catholic, serving as an assistant soccer coach and occasionally helping with basketball.
KASEY KOHL ‘00
Kasey Kohl ’00 won Skutt Catholic’s first individual state championship title in wrestling his freshman year. He went on to become the first Class B, four-time state wrestling champion in Nebraska. Kasey set an impressive 139-1 high school record and still holds the record for the most consecutive wins. He was named a five-time Asics Junior Cadet Nationals All American and qualified for the 2000 Asics High School American First Team. Kasey was inducted into the Skutt Catholic Hall of Fame in 2018, as a member of the 1998 wrestling team.
2005 FOOTBALL TEAM
In 2002, Matt Turman took over as head football coach at Skutt Catholic with a freshmen group looking to create a tradition of excellence.
On November 19, 2005, history was made when the SkyHawks capped an undefeated season and won the Class B 2005 football title with a dramatic win over the McCook Bison, 6-0. The undefeated season in 2005 matched the 2002 undefeated freshman season by the members of the senior class and set the tone for the outstanding tradition of the Skutt Catholic football program.
All-State members of the 2005 team included Alex Anderson, Wayland Latham, Andy McNeil, and Ryan Patera. They were also the captains of the 2005 team.
On January 4, 2020 more than 150 guests attended Skutt Catholic’s second Hall of Fame Induction. The honorees for the 2020 Hall of Fame Induction were:
SUE DOBEL
Sue Dobel joined the Skutt Catholic family in the mid-’90s when she first served as a member of the board of directors. She became an active volunteer before her children, Andrew ‘99, Sarah ‘01, Susan ‘03, and Christine ‘06, were even enrolled at Skutt Catholic.
Sue helped with the first-ever Angel Flight in 1994 and has continued to play a key role in the event every year since. Sue and her husband, Mike, co-chaired the event in 1996 and 1997 and were honorary chairs in 2010. Sue’s current role as “Auctioneer Goddess” has been vital to making Angel Flight what it is today.
She says she has thought about stepping away many times but has been drawn back by the people involved and the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the school. “I always feel like part of the family when I’m in the building, and the Angel Flight room is basically my home office,” she said.
BRUCE HANEY 
Bruce Haney is one of the founders of Skutt Catholic, spearheading the effort that made the dream of a west Omaha Catholic high school a reality.
As a result of Bruce’s involvement with the board at Ryan High School and other archdiocesan boards, Bruce developed a strong relationship with Archbishop Sheehan. When Ryan High School was closed the archbishop asked Bruce what he should do and Bruce said: “Go west and build a new high school.” Archbishop Sheehan then asked Bruce to spearhead the committee to create the new high school in west Omaha that became Skutt Catholic as we know it today.
He served as the chairman of the entire project from start to finish. For seven years, Bruce was committed to building the new school: finding land, helping with the design and seeing the project through. He says that this school was the crowning jewel of his volunteer career and he feels blessed to be a part of the development of Skutt Catholic, making it possible for generations to receive a quality, Catholic education in west Omaha.
SARAH MENGHINI PERCIVAL ’00
Sarah Menghini Percival ‘00 was a standout track athlete at Skutt Catholic, where she was not only a state champion in the 100 and 200-meter dashes but also an All-Class Champion in the 100-meter dash in 2000. By winning the all-class gold in the 100-meter dash, she was the fastest woman in the state of Nebraska. Her performances led the girl’s track team to their highest state meet finish (7th) in school history. Sarah went on to compete at UNO where she was a four-time All American and co-captain of the team. She holds several meet and stadium records that are still standing today.
2002 GIRLS STATE CHAMPION TENNIS TEAM
The 2002 women’s tennis team was the first female team to win a state title at Skutt Catholic. Allison Wilkie was the #1 singles champion and the team title was the first of nine all-time girls tennis team titles. They catapulted future women’s tennis success at Skutt Catholic and initiated conversations about the building of our current tennis complex.
Coached by Jeanne Wilkie, the 2002 state team members are Allison Wilkie-Miller, Kelcey Hamilton, Angela Polodna-Kenney, Emily Strawhecker-Kauffman, Normandy Fox-Smith, Diana Arp. Other team members were Lauren Burns, Julie Dunning-Farmer, Elizabeth Gawley-Bullington, Michelle Koenig-Vu, Dani Latham Brink, Jenna Marchese-Anzalone, Sofia Parmes, Megan Roche, and Michelle Zych-Rhoden.
The first Hall of Fame Induction was held on March 24, 2018 and honored Msgr. James Gilg, Mike McMahon (posthumously), Brad Hildebrandt, and the 1998 State Champion Wrestling Team.
MONSIGNOR JAMES GILG
Monsignor James Gilg was a founder of V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School and served as the school’s first president, from 1991 to 2006. Msgr. Gilg went on to serve as the superintendent of all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Omaha, from 2006 until his retirement in 2013.
Originally from Atkinson, Nebraska, Msgr. Gilg was ordained in 1966 and first taught at Cathedral High School in Omaha from 1966 to 1968. He also served as superintendent of the school from 1968 to 1970. In 1970, Msgr. Gilg moved to Elgin, Nebraska, where he taught religion and co-chaired the humanities department at Pope John XXIII High School. In 1972, he returned to Omaha and served a total of 19 years as director and principal of two high schools – Dominican High School and Father Flanagan High School.
MIKE McMAHON (1952-2014)
Mike McMahon joined the Skutt Catholic family as the girls basketball coach in 1998. The West Point, Nebraska native dedicated nearly 17 years to the Skutt Catholic Activities Program, serving as director for the last 13. During McMahon’s tenure, Skutt Catholic won 36 state championships, was state runner-up 18 times and won the World-Herald Class B All-Sports Championship 12 times.
Prior to joining the SkyHawks, McMahon served as the assistant coach in boys basketball, softball and football in North Platte for 13 years and spent four years coaching in Battle Creek. He guided the American Legion baseball programs in both communities.
COACH BRAD HILDEBRANDT
Few teams have enjoyed the dominance of Coach Brad Hildebrandt’s wrestling teams. During his tenure from 1993 to 2015, he led the SkyHawks to a total of 20 state wrestling championships – 17 team titles and three dual championships. The run included 13 straight Class B titles from 1998 to 2010. After a runner-up finish in 2011, the SkyHawks embarked on another string of state titles that carried on beyond his retirement. An Omaha firefighter whose passion was coaching wrestling, Hildebrandt strived to use wrestling to prepare his students for life. His teams produced 63 individual champions, six high school All-Americans, 101 state medalists and 154 state qualifiers.
1998 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING TEAM
The 1998 State Championship Wrestling Team defined the school’s wrestling culture and paved the way for Skutt Catholic’s success in every other activity. They set the bar through hard work, program buy-in, and selfless acts for the good of the team. There is much to be said about the six individuals, who scored the actual points to collect the first state wrestling championship, as well as the other dedicated team members. The efforts of the six that played out on that magical weekend are legendary, but behind the scenes, day-to-day, in the trenches, lies the real story. Everyone who showed up faithfully, suffered through Black Flag days, and believed in their coaches’ vision, made the dream a reality.
