Chet Bruce was a standout multi-sport athlete at Hot Springs High School during the mid-1920s, leaving a legacy that still resonates nearly a century later. In 1926, he set a remarkable mark in the 220-yard dash, finishing in 21.2 seconds—a time that remains both the HSHS school record and an unbreakable South Dakota state record, as the event is no longer contested by the SDHSAA.

Gerald Collogan, Class of 1970, helped shape the foundation of distance running at Hot Springs High School. A member of the school’s very first cross-country team, Collogan excelled on the track as well, winning the 1969 South Dakota state title in the two-mile. His time stood as the school record for an extraordinary 39 years. Collogan carried that talent into his collegiate career at Black Hills State University, where he recorded the third-fastest 10,000-meter time in program history and was recognized in the school’s “Who’s Who.” In 2015, he earned a place in the BHSU Hall of Fame as part of the legendary 1973 cross-country team.

A 1978 graduate of Hot Springs High School, Quinten Hofer was a standout multi-sport athlete who excelled in football, basketball, track, and summer baseball. On the football field, he earned All-Black Hills Conference honors in both 1977 and 1978 and was named All-State as a senior. In track and field, he captured a state championship in the shot put and held the state record for a full decade; he remains the school record holder in the event today. Hofer continued his athletic career at South Dakota State University, competing in both football and track (indoor and outdoor), and was drafted in the spring of 1982 to play professionally for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.

When Tays arrived in Hot Springs in 1960, he quickly became a driving force behind the growth of Bison athletics. Over the next 37 years, he served as a teacher, coach, and administrator, starting with a three-year stint as basketball coach before taking over as both Athletic Director and Head Track Coach. His track teams became a powerhouse, winning five Black Hills Conference championships and producing 18 individual state champions. As Athletic Director, Tays helped usher the school through the Title IX era, expanding the athletic program from three boys’ sports to seven offerings available to all students. His career left a lasting imprint on generations of Hot Springs athletes.

A 1977 graduate of Hot Springs High School, Paul Oberpriller was a standout three-sport athlete, earning multiple varsity letters in football, basketball, and track. On the football field, he was twice named All-Black Hills Conference (1975, 1976) and twice selected All-State (1975, 1976). His impact was felt long after graduation, as several of his scoring records—including 161 points and 26 touchdowns in a single season—stood unbroken from 1976 until 2003. In track and field, he capped off his senior year as part of the 1977 state-champion mile relay team alongside Doug Fluke, Dan Moller, and Jon Schuchardt.

Dave Scott was a cornerstone of Hot Springs High School from 1971 until his passing from cancer in December 2005. Over more than 33 years, he led the wrestling, cross country, and track programs, guiding his teams to 14 Black Hills Conference championships, 23 region titles, and five state championships. In recognition of his remarkable career and lasting impact on generations of Bison athletes, the school named its track in his honor—now known proudly as the Dave Scott Track.