Four inductees into the VVHS Hall of fame from left to right, Kirk Hafen, Mary Lynn Leavitt, Greg Johnston and Nikki Hughes Owsley. All were honored at a luncheon and halftime festivities at Friday’s homecoming game.
The Virgin Valley High School Hall of Fame gained four new members Friday afternoon, Sept. 23, at a ceremonial luncheon at the CasaBlanca Hotel. It is the third class of inductees since the honor was created in 2013. Inducted into the Hall were former athletes and teachers. Bob Snell acted as Master of Ceremony for the event. Snell introduced new members in the following order:
Mary Lynn Leavitt graduated from VVHS in 1959 and returned home to begin teaching in 1974. She coached girls softball, track, basketball and volleyball. She was a drama coach and English teacher. She is currently retired in Leeds, Utah, near family members.
Snell then introduced Nikki Hughes Owsley, one of the top female graduates of VVHS. Owsley attended VVHS from 1993-1997 competing in volleyball, basketball and track. She excelled in all sports, especially track. In her freshman year she won the state championship in the 100 meter hurdles. She went on to win 13 state championships in both track and field events. She broke three state records during her senior year. Her state long jump record still stands today. Owsley still holds five VVHS girls record. She went on to compete on an athletic scholarship at BYU. Owsley and her family live in Bunkerville.
Next to be introduced was long-time VVHS teacher Greg Johnston, who arrived in 1979 as a music and choir teacher. His duties increased to include history until the mid-nineties. In 36 years of teaching, Johnston taught a variety of subjects to thousands of students. He was named CCSD educator of the year two times along with other major awards. Johnston continues on at VVHS.
Last but not least, Snell introduced Kirk Hafen who began his teaching and coaching career at VVHS in 1985. Hafen taught many subjects including Biology, Physical Science, PE and Weightlifting. He was the Bulldog coach for over two decades until retiring in 2011. He won two state championships during his stint as head coach plus runner-up five other years. Hafen’s teams qualified for league playoffs 20 out of 21 years when he was coach. His overall record of 166-66 is third highest of all time in Nevada football annuals.
Hafen’s greatest award was being named the Gerald R. Ford All-American High School Coach of the Year for 2007. He is a member of his alma mater Boulder City High School Hall of Fame, the CC Southern Nevada Coaches Hall of Fame plus the Southern Utah University’s Hall of Fame. Hafen resides in Mesquite with his family.
All recipients were introduced at the homecoming games halftime events Friday night in the Dawg Pound. Congratulations to all for their dedication to the young people of the Virgin Valley.
