Top Dogs

Craig Christensen

While attending Ogden High School, Craig Christensen was involved in everything there was to offer. He especially excelled in track, still holding the 110 meter hurdles record. After he graduated OHS in 1986, he attended Northeast Missouri State, double majoring in agriculture business and animal science. He returned home and expanded the Highway Farms hog operation with his dad and brother. Representing the pork industry, Craig was elected President of the National Pork Board in 2003. His desire to improve the local community has driven him to serve as President of Ogden Legacy, and in other leadership roles around town. In 2011, Craig and his wife, Carol, opened The Lucky Pig restaurant in Ogden, rejuvenating the town. They received the award for Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin in 2014. Craig’s accomplishments, and all he continues to do for Ogden, have placed him in the Top Dogs Hall of Fame. 

Inducted in 2023

Kim Sullivan

Becoming a judge wasn’t in the mind of young Kim Willett when she first developed her leadership skills in the classrooms of Ogden High School. She was a class representative, drum majorette, well-rounded musician, and model student, graduating in 1977. After attending Iowa State University, she moved to Texas and worked as a division order analyst for an oil company. She enrolled at South Texas College of Law earning her law degree in 2000. From there, Kim Sullivan worked as an attorney, until being elected as the Galveston County Probate Court Judge in 2010, and has served in that capacity since. Judge Sullivan has written legislation supporting heroes who have died in the line of duty, and she is determined to remain impartial, preserving liberty and providing justice to all. The Honorable Kim Sullivan is now permanently honored in the Top Dogs Hall of Fame. 

Inducted in 2023

Tim Tryon

Since growing up in Ogden, Tim Tryon has displayed first-class characteristics of a Top Dog. He played football, basketball, ran track and field, and played the trombone, among other activities in high school. Under his father and coach, Larry, Tim was an all-state quarterback, and led the Bulldogs while expanding the regular season winning streak to 41 games. He graduated in 1985, and attended the University of Northern Iowa with a major in accounting and a minor in business communications, and later received his Masters in Banking. With over 30 years in banking, Tim is currently Regional President of VisionBank. Between his hours at the bank, and time devoted to family, he also serves on the Ames Chamber of Commerce and other various boards, showing leadership and teamwork in all capacities. Tim Tryon has been the model student and citizen from the classrooms all the way to the boardrooms.

Inducted in 2023

1972 Girls State Basketball Team

Team members: Karen Jenkins, Jana Jones, Kyle Boehm, Candy Simpson, Diane Monthei, Martha Rickey, Jodi Lingren, Kathy Marlow, Jo Linder, Cindy Morgan, Susan Dunn, Jeri Jean Doran, Susan Middents, Debbie Townsend, Cindy Sheibley, managers: Sally Bourhill, Cheryl Dutcher, Kim Beebout, Mary Rickey, coaches: John Kean, Jim Houchins.

With an overall record of 22-4 and WCC conference champions, the 1971-72 Girls Basketball team was still the underdog facing Ballard in the District final. But when a last-second shot by Ballard circled the rim and rolled out, the Bulldogs won 71 to 70 and earned their trip to state! Although they lost in the first round, the team experienced the legendary 6-on-6 state tournament in great fashion, and played on the renowned court at Vets Auditorium, with the entire Ogden community behind them. This team played together with determination and met their goal of making it to state.

Inducted in 2022

Kelly Fischbach

While at Ogden, Kelly (Paulsen) Fischbach excelled in academics, four sports, and multiple fine arts programs. After she graduated from OHS in 1983, she continued her education at Westmar University. She moved to Vermilion, SD, eventually earning her Master’s Degree. She was inspired by seeing her parents working within the school district as educators, so she became an educator and coach herself. Just as she was at OHS, Kelly continues to be well-rounded, coaching four high school sports at Vermillion Community Schools. Inspired by her son, Dylan, she also coaches the Nebraska Red Dawgs adaptive wheelchair basketball team, which were national champions in 2019, and she was a Team USA coach in 2017. By devoting her time and energy to her teaching and her many coaching responsibilities, Kelly is a prime example of what it means to be a Top Dog.

Inducted in 2022

Matthew Lindholm

Wrestling for the Bulldogs, Matthew Lindholm learned to be self-sufficient and disciplined. He also learned how to find success, earning his way to the state tournament twice. After graduating in 1995, Matthew continued wrestling as he studied criminal justice at Simpson College. The confidence and resilience he developed while wrestling would help him as he entered his career. He received a law degree from Drake University and is now a managing partner at Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm, PLC. He is a highly sought-after defense attorney making sure to provide a fair trial for those seeking justice. He was selected to the Super Lawyers list for the eighth straight year in 2020. Because of his attention to detail and self-sufficiency, he has found success on the mat, in the courtroom, and can now be found in the Top Dogs Hall of Fame.

Inducted in 2022

Donna Sloan Christensen

A mainstay and idol to the Ogden community is Donna (Baker) Sloan-Christensen. As the first female mayor of the city of Ogden, Donna broke barriers to make a positive impact on the Ogden community. She moved to Ogden her 8th grade year and graduated from OHS in 1959. She worked at the post office up until 1992 when she was elected mayor of Ogden. As mayor, Donna oversaw the building of the library, community center, city hall, and fire station. Her term ended in 2000, but she has continued her service to the town and the children of Ogden through the Ogden Municipal Board, working as an associate for Ogden Middle School, and as a member of many other community organizations. Donna retired in 2006, and she and her husband, Rex, are proud to still call Ogden home, and now she has a home in the Top Dogs Hall of Fame.

Inducted in 2022

Jeff Stearns

Jeff Stearns displays a strong work ethic and always strives for excellence, which has earned him the honor of Top Dog. When he moved to Ogden his freshman year, Jeff played football and wrestled for the Bulldogs, and his favorite memory was playing football at the UNI dome his senior year. He especially excelled in wrestling, going 28-1 his senior year, losing only in the first round at state. He graduated in 1985 and then earned a marketing degree from UNI. Jeff began working at Fareway as a grocer and now holds the title of Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising. He is still involved in high school athletics through Fareway’s sponsorships, specifically the Mr. and Ms. Wrestler award, which he has been instrumental in maintaining. The high standards and diligence Jeff had at OHS have carried through in his career. He says, “You get what you put into it. Don't be content; always be pushing for more.”

Inducted in 2022

Jason Keenan

Growing up wrestling and riding bulls, everyone knew Jason Keenan was tough. When he came to Ogden High School, he found success right away in wrestling. He overwhelmed his opponents in the lightweights throughout his high school career. Jason accumulated a career record of 119-1, with 4 state championships! Coach Reimers described him as dominant, powerful, and tenacious on the mat, but also kind and encouraging off the mat. After high school, Jason chose not to pursue a college career in wrestling, but rather continue riding bulls. He moved to Arizona and continues to be involved with the sport of rodeo with his wife and children. With all of his hard work and dedication, Top Dog Jason Keenan set the bar high for future Bulldog wrestlers and put Ogden on the wrestling map.

Inducted in 2021

Tom Kieffer

Before he came to serve at OHS, Tom Kieffer served our country in the Navy during the Korean War. He remained in the reserves, and returned to Iowa State to become a teacher. Mr. Kieffer came to Ogden in 1955 and taught Industrial Technology, Math and Physics, and was the Vocational Counselor. He served in various positions here for 38 years. He wanted his students to succeed outside of school as well, so he started the Ogden Student Loan Foundation to give students a better opportunity of continuing their post-secondary education. Mr. Kieffer was a great mentor for all students. He wanted everyone to do their best and he would help them get to where they wanted to go. After 22 active years in retirement, Tom passed away in 2017. Tom Kieffer’s service to our school and beyond is what makes him a Top Dog.

Inducted in 2021

Brian Reimers

Brian Reimers came to Ogden High School in 1979 to teach physical education and start a brand new wrestling program. During his 37 years coaching at OHS, Coach Reimers accumulated a record of 353 dual meet wins, with 80 individual state qualifiers, 36 wrestlers placing in the top 8, and he was the first coach in Iowa to crown two 4-time state champions! Mr. Reimers also became the Athletic Director, and his impact went beyond the gym and wrestling room. He is remembered by students as straight-forward, and intimidating at first, but someone who truly cares for kids, and expects the best out of them. One of the reasons the Senior Trip still happens is because Mr. Reimers has been on 39 of them. There aren’t many who have given as much to Ogden as Brian Reimers, which places him in the Top Dogs Hall of Fame.

Inducted in 2021

Becky Blair

Becky Lindholm Blair graduated from Ogden High School in 1972. She returned to Ogden in 1981 to raise her family and teach 2nd grade. As a teacher, she made learning fun and exciting. Mrs. Blair pushed her 2nd graders to reach their full potential. One characteristic that stands out is her kindness, and how she was a caring influence to all of her students. Before retiring in 2013, she spent one year as principal of Howe Elementary School. In retirement, she published a children’s book with a former student as the illustrator, and continues to read and write including a column for The Ogden Reporter. Because of her love and positivity, countless students have cherished memories of Mrs. Blair’s class.

Inducted in 2020

Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith loved science and always dreamed of a career in medicine. After graduating from Ogden in 1996, he studied Biology and Biochemistry at Wartburg College, and then attended medical school at the University of Iowa. Dr. Smith specializes as a surgeon in Emergency Medicine, where a well-rounded expertise and immediate decision-making and actions are necessary. Headquartered in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, Dr. Smith rotates shifts and hospitals managing the Emergency department and performing time-sensitive, and sometimes life-saving, procedures. His dreams, coupled with hard work, have earned Dr. Smith a permanent spot in the Top Dogs Hall of Fame.

Inducted in 2020

Greg Stanley

Greg Stanley’s athletic achievements have earned him the distinction of “Top Dog”. Once he moved to Ogden in 8th grade, Greg immediately earned his spot as varsity pitcher on the baseball team, and currently holds the record for most career strikeouts. Some of his favorite memories were playing running back in football. His senior year, he led the Bulldogs to state basketball in 1979. The name, Greg Stanley, is still on the record boards as a member of the Distance Medley team. After high school, Greg’s hard work and talent took him to Boone Junior College to play baseball. He hopes someone will break his records soon, and encourages kids to get involved in extracurricular activities and make great memories.

Inducted in 2020

Terry Wendt

Terry Wendt started teaching at Ogden High School in 1972, and quickly made Ogden his home. In his 38 years, he taught nearly every social studies class, in addition to coaching speech and establishing a successful debate program. Mr. Wendt was a very animated teacher, who wanted success for his students. He showed compassion and respect, and received the same from everyone around him. Whenever adversity presented itself, Mr. Wendt showed resilience. He is a role model who shows how to persevere with a smile. Mr. Wendt retired in 2010, and now enjoys farming and family time. A generation of Ogden students will forever feel his impact.

Inducted in 2020

Dr. Bonnie Beer

Bonnie (Beer) Orth is a 1985 graduate of Ogden High School, and a talented student-athlete. Bonnie was sectionals champ in basketball, a conference champion in softball, and a state qualifier in cross-country. She is a graduate of Iowa State University and the University of Iowa College of Medicine. Dr. Beer did her residency in Indianapolis at Indiana University Medical Center Obstetrics/Gynecology. In 1996 Dr. Beer came back to Central Iowa as a physician at McFarland Clinic in Ames. Her favorite part of the job is the amazing emotional ties that she shares with families as they bring babies into the world.

Inducted in 2019

John Emerson

John Emerson came to Ogden High School in 1973 to teach chemistry and physics and stayed for 36 years until his retirement in 2010. During those years, Mr. Emerson was well respected for his dedication to the students and his willingness to help them with their homework. Students left his classes well prepared for college and life after high school. He sponsored OHS teams for Science Bowl, Physics Olympics, and Knowledge Bowl competitions and oversaw the many activities of the Computer Math Science Club. Mr. Emerson also prepared boys for the future as a leader in Boy Scout Troop 155 and as a substitute teacher until his death in 2019. Many memories were made in Mr. Emerson’s class.

Inducted in 2019

Wade Sundell

Wade Sundell, 2018 Saddle Bronc World Champion, graduated from Ogden High School in 2003. During high school Wade rode bulls before switching to saddle bronc. This change paid dividends as Wade has won every major rodeo in the United States and Canada riding saddle bronc. As a professional, Wade participates in at least 80 rodeos every year and has earned a spot at the National Finals Rodeo NFR eight times. When Wade became the Saddle Bronc World Champion, the first words out of his mouth were “Hello, Iowa!” Wade is proud to put his hometown of Boxholm on the map and still makes time for his friends, family and fans.

Inducted in 2019

Steve Tonsfeldt

A studious and dedicated student, Steve Tonsfeldt graduated from Ogden High School in 1978. Steve was a member of the National Honor Society in high school and graduated with honors from the University of Iowa with a BA in Accounting. He then studied Law at the University of California-Berkeley. Throughout his career dealing with high-stakes transactions, Steve has built a reputation as a respected and trusted attorney.  Over the past several years he has worked with companies including Yahoo, Google, and Dollar Shave Club making deals worth well over $100 billion. He is currently a partner at the law firm of Cooley LLP. Steve Tonseldt is a prime example of someone from a small town making it in the big city.

Inducted in 2019

Jodi Tymeson

When Jodi (Lindgren) Tymeson graduated from Ogden in 1973 she began a life of service to our country. She enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard in 1974 where she advanced through the ranks to become the first woman ever promoted to Brigadier General in Iowa. During Tymeson’s years in the military she also served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 2001 to 2011. She retired from the military after 33 years of service in 2007. In 2011, she was appointed executive director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs from 2013 to 2017. She took over as CEO and then Commandant of the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. Brigadier General Jodi Tymeson is a true role model of patriotism, and excellent representative of Ogden High School.

Inducted in 2019

2000 State Champion Shuttle Hurdle Team

The 2000 State Champion Shuttle Hurdle Team, comprised of Karen Swanson, Lindsay Clark, Kristin Peterson, and Annie Blyth, raced their way into Ogden history. They are the only relay team to have won a state title for Ogden Girls’ Track, winning the 1A Shuttle Hurdle race in a time of 1:04.61. The girls’ coach, Kara Kruse, described them as “self-disciplined, hard working, and very goal-oriented. The girls were continually working toward improving their time. They spent countless hours working on techniques, drills, and endurance to become their best!” Despite only having a cinder track in Ogden, these girls went above and beyond to prepare for the highest level of competition. Hoping to place in the top eight at the state level, they surpassed their goal. They set the school record with their championship run, and that record still stands today. All four ladies have looked back on that moment in May of 2000 as a highlight of their high school careers.

Inducted in 2018

Mike Banks

Mike Banks moved to Ogden his freshman year of high school. He found he had an interest in football and put in extra effort to improve his game. By senior year, Mike led the Bulldogs to finish with a record of 7-3. He graduated in 1998, and was the first Ogden football player to receive a Division I scholarship. He played for Iowa State University from 1998 to 2001, went to two bowl games, and proudly never lost to the University of Iowa. Mike was drafted into the National Football League in the 7th round by the Arizona Cardinals in 2002. He played for two years with Arizona and one year with the New Orleans Saints. Mike left the NFL and moved back to Iowa with his wife and family. His accomplishment of reaching the NFL is proof that with hard work, anybody can live out their dream.

Inducted in 2018

Dr. Ben Paulson

Ben Paulson had always dreamed of grand things. During his years at OHS, he participated in a variety of activities to find his passion. He ran cross-country and track, but also placed first in Physics Olympics. He graduated from Ogden in 1996. Ben pursued a degree in physics at Washington University in St. Louis. He then went to the University of Duke and earned his medical degree in 2004. He had a five year residency/internship at the University of Texas in Houston, where he studied general surgery. Dr. Paulson moved back to Des Moines and works at Iowa Ortho as an orthopedic surgeon, specializing in the hand and upper extremities. Dr. Paulson is described as hard working, creative, and an excellent example of what it means to be a Top Dog.

Inducted in 2018

Claudia Paulson Shepherd

Claudia Paulson attended Ogden from 1966-1970. She participated in softball and track, but where Claudia really shined was six-on-six basketball. She earned her place in the Ogden record books as the all-time leading scorer - 2,708 points, highest points in one game - 64, all-time best percentage shooter in one season - 62%, and all-time high career average - 31.63 points per game. She also earned All-State, All-Regional, and All-District honors. Ogden High School even retired her jersey #34 after she graduated. Claudia continued to play basketball at Wayne State College in Nebraska. After college, she and her husband, Everett Shepherd, moved to Stuart, Iowa where Claudia taught and coached. Sadly, Claudia passed away in 1999 of a brain tumor, at the young age of 47. In Ogden, we remember Claudia as the best basketball player our town has seen, and we attribute that to her hard work and determination. 

Inducted in 2018

1992 State Runner-Up Football Team

1992 State Runner-Up Football Team:

Seniors: Eric Trudo, Jamie Moorman, Bobby Ahrens, Dwayne Consier, Bill Sego, Rex Yewell, Ryan McClain, Jeremy Purdy, Ryan Nelson, Gary Iles, Justin Johnson, Ryan Anderson, Dan Troutwine

Juniors: Scott Perdue, Jacob Zellweger, Brad Freeman, Bill Huebner, Shane Sorenson, Julian Schmidt, Erik Swanson, Christian Kirkegaard, Josh Stark, Jeff Thede, Rob Freier, Chris Henning, Jim Kramer, Ian Miller, Andy VanPelt, Chris Bogue, Danny Church

Sophomores: Brent Faber, Corey Harvey, Matt Lindholm, Marc Claire, Kevin Henrichs, Joe Foss, Justin Shadle, David Dannen, Chris Paulson

Freshmen: Joey Iles, Adam Thomas, Mike Mallette, Jim Young, Steve Smith

Coaches: Larry Tryon, Dave Larsen, Tom Perdue, Ken Vigdal

Inducted in 2017

Gary Alban

Gary Alban grew up in Ogden, Iowa graduating from Ogden High School in 1956. While in high school he took a part-time job working at the local newspaper, where he discovered his love for news and reporting. After graduation he passed up college to stay in his hometown because of his love for Ogden and the newspaper. Ten years later he and his wife, Sharon, purchased The Ogden Reporter. His career as the owner and editor of the newspaper meant countless nights covering all sports and activities of his beloved Ogden Bulldogs. In 1988 Gary received the Master Editor-Publisher Award from the Iowa Press Association. Gary Alban gave absolutely everything to his profession and the town noticed and appreciated all he had done. Gary died in 2010, and fittingly, The Ogden Reporter paid tribute to his lifetime of service to the newspaper.

Inducted in 2017

Stan Friesen

Stan Friesen came to Ogden High School as a principal in 1970 and continued his work for over 30 years until his retirement in 2004. Mr. Friesen’s legacy at Ogden High School is highlighted by the OHS senior trip to Washington DC and New York City, which he started in 1971. It is a tradition that is still enjoyed by students today. He was very supportive of school activities and respected by everyone at school. He was known to be hard-working, organized, and a positive role model. After his retirement, Mr. Friesen served on the Ogden School Board for 2 years and was active in multiple school, church, and community projects for Ogden. Even though he passed away in 2011, Stan Friesen left an enormous impact on countless students in Ogden.

Inducted in 2017

Annika Gustafson Parker

Annika (Gustafson) Parker grew up in Stanton, Iowa. She was a student leader from the moment she came to Ogden her sophomore year. Academically, she was named to the National Honor Society. Athletically she was named as 2nd Team All-Conference and 1st Team Mid-Iowa for volleyball. She was also named to the Midwest All-Star basketball team. Annika lettered and both volleyball and basketball for 4 years at Simpson College. She joined Wells Fargo in Des Moines in 2003 and was recognized at the 2017 Top Performer Service Conference in July for her leadership skills. Competing as a high school and collegiate athlete prepared her for overwhelming success in her career.

Inducted in 2017

Gaile Carlson

Gaile Carlson came to Ogden in 1962 and taught math and physics at OHS. He started the CMS club, and was a student council advisor and speech coach. He won an Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award from the Iowa Academy of Science in 1981, and was named Iowa Math Teacher of the Year in 1985. With many accolades, Mr. Carlson retired from Ogden in 1997 after teaching for 35 years. In 2004, he died of cancer at the age of 71. Mr. C will always be remembered for being a dedicated, patient teacher who impacted countless students.

Inducted in 2016

Lillian Kruse

Lillian taught at Howe Elementary School for 40 years. She taught 1st grade and took the time to work with each and every student until they were proficient in reading. Because of her dedication, she was a candidate for the Iowa Teacher of the Year, and a recipient of the Golden Apple Award. Mrs. Kruse retired from her teaching career in 2005, but continued to help around the school and substitute teach. Although she died in 2012, she will remain in the hearts of the many people she taught and influenced through her life.

Inducted in 2016

Bob Morgan

Bob Morgan grew up in Ogden and graduated from Ogden High School in 1952. He was a member of the 1952 state basketball team. After graduation, Bob was a Battalion Leader and saw live combat in the Korean War. He returned to Ogden and became a softball and basketball coach. He coached the basketball team to state in 1972, and the softball team to state in 1986, 1988, and 1991. He has always emphasized sportsmanship and treating others with respect. Many people will still describe Bob Morgan as an honest, genuine man.

Inducted in 2016

Gary Paulsen

Gary Paulsen came to work in Ogden in 1969 as the Middle School Principal. For years, he has been an official for baseball, softball, basketball, cross-country, football, and track at the high school and collegiate levels. Mr. Paulsen helped with the development of the new high school track, and started the Gary Paulsen Jr. High Relays. He retired from his role as principal in Ogden in 2002. Mr. Paulsen would always be seen helping teachers and kids during the school day, and still loves and supports the kids of Ogden.

Inducted in 2016

Jesse Sundell

Jesse Sundell grew up in Boxholm and started wrestling in 2nd grade. Jesse came to Ogden High School to wrestle, and made his mark right away. Jesse accumulated win after win, and became a four-time state champion, with a record of 134-1. Jesse graduated from Ogden High School in 2001 and continued to wrestle at Iowa State University. Mr. Sundell returned to Ogden and is currently the Technology Coordinator and Wrestling Coach. Jesse was a hardworking wrestler and student, and now a hardworking teacher and coach.

Inducted in 2016

Larry Tryon

Larry came to work at Ogden High School in 1977. While in Ogden, he taught science and coached football, track, and softball. As a football coach, he accumulated a record of 155-51 while in Ogden and took the 1992 team to the championship game. Coach Tryon continued to coach until 1998 with a career record of 228-89-3, and taught science until 2004. Many people have spoken of him as a very genuine and positive man. Although Mr. Tryon died in 2008 his legacy lives on in the many students he taught and coached.

Inducted in 2016