Names of those being honored as the inaugural class of athletes for the newly established Flandreau Athletic Hall of Fame have been released as well as the date set for a night to recognize them. Sunday, July 2, 2023, the first-ever FAHOF Banquet and Induction Ceremony will be held at the Royal River Casino and Hotel.
Inductees include Eldon “Gus” Barnes, an FHS Cross Country and Track Coach from 1967-1991, Rick Birdinground, an athlete at Flandreau Indian School (FIS) who graduated in 1970, and Wilson “Buster” Charles, a 1927 FHS standout athlete. Teams being recognized include the 1970-1975 FHS X-C/T&F Team(s) of Excellence as well as the 1947-1950 FHS Football Dynasty which includes four undefeated seasons and a state record 34 wins in a row.
Officers Vern Bechen, Dale Gust, Kenny Rahn, and Mick Ramsdell with the Flier Booster Club are being recognized for their work as Contributors/Builders to the Athletic Programs between 1968-1971.

Also being honored are athletes Casi McFarland (FHS 1992), Andre Roberts (FIS 1981)
Antoine “Andy” Zephier (Athlete FHS 1949/Coach FIS 1957-1980), and Football Coach James “Tiger” McGlone (FHS 1967-1998).
Inductees will receive an award the night of the ceremony and their induction will be memorialized on the Wall of Fame inside the casino. Honorees and their family members or any representatives for the inductees are asked to RSVP for the event by April 30, 2023. Remaining available tickets will open up to the general public once inductees reservations are confirmed and further details sent out from there. Other events, including guided tours of the Flandreau Public and Flandreau Indian School campuses and a dance at the casino are also scheduled for the weekend.
Ahead of the event, the FAHOF is planning two golf tournaments at Rivers Bend Golf Course, one on June 17 and the other on July 1st, with funds raised going toward supporting HOF activities. Sixty rooms are blocked at the RRC & Hotel under the name “FSST Hall of Fame” at a reduced rate until June 2, 2023. You must call 1.877.912.5825, for the Hall of Fame rate.    
“We need memorabilia,” said Stuart Zephier, a former standout athlete and coach himself, as well as one of the primary organizers of the HoF and the upcoming activities. “We have one FHS Lettermen’s jacket and sweater from the 1940s, a 1951 Alumni polo and an FIS child’s cheerleading outfit, circa 1960s. We would like to permanently display donated items at the casino or display borrowed items the day of the banquet.”
Sponsors such as 605Lending, Royal River Casino Marketing, Dakota Layers and First National Bank have stepped up to help get the initiative off to a successful start but the nonprofit is seeking additional donations/sponsorships. To reach Zephier or for more information, message the organization on Facebook, email fahof2023@gmail.com or send any mail to PO Box 341, Flandreau, SD 57028.