Dusty Kohl

Since 1968-69 the name Dusty Kohl and Hastings College tennis has been synonymous.  As a Hastings College freshman in 1969, Dusty finished second in the singles competition in the Nebraska College Conference Championships.  That league included Nebraska-Omaha and Creighton University.

In 1970, he led his Hastings Bronco teammates to the league title in the first ever Nebraska-Intercollegiate Conference Championships by winning the individual single title.  He again repeated that feat in 1971 and 1972 he finished second in the singles competition.  A marvelous four year playing career - two runner-up finishes and two titles.

Dusty returned to the tennis scene at his alma mater in 1974 when he assumed the Head Men's Tennis Coaching duties on a voluntary basis.  He maintained the position as Volunteer Head Coach for over 20 years until he officially retired from the position following the 1995 season.

During the 20 plus seasons that Dusty coached the team he labored out of love as he demonstrated his devotion and loyalty to his players, to the game of tennis and to his alma mater.  During this entire time Dusty never requested, or did he receive a penny of compensation from the College.  His only fringe benefit was that he could play tennis at the PFF without charge; and ninety per-cent of the time he did that - often playing very late at night with member of his tennis team.

Some of Dusty's teams were very fine; he coached two conference championship teams and several other runners-up - and a few team that were not all that great.  But they all seemed to have one thing in common, the played the game with enthusiasm and they all seemed to express their appreciation  for the Coach and his time and efforts with them.

A splendid Collegiate player in his own right, Dusty is being inducted in the category of meritorious service because of the dedication that he has demonstrated to Hastings College and to it's student-athletes.