Tea Area Titans Hall of Fame 2024
Welcome Message
Tea Area Hall of Fame
As a district, we are celebrating today, tomorrow, and yesterday. The rich traditions of Tea Area are rooted in amazing people. The Tea Area Hall of Fame recognizes the history, dedication, and leadership of those who have made significant contributions to the Tea Area School District.
2024Inductees
Wayne Larsen
Wayne Larsen’s involvement with the Tea Area School District began in 1998 when the area was still part of the Lennox School District. Recognizing the need for better facilities and resources for the students of Tea, he became the public face of the Tea Area School District Association (TASDA), leading efforts to advocate for the formation of a new district After years of intense community outreach, data analysis, and financial planning, the proposal to form the Tea Area School District passed in 2002, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for the community.
Wayne’s impact on the district has been profound. He worked tirelessly to ensure the new district’s success, from creating budgets and growth projections to physically helping build classrooms. His leadership played a crucial role in acquiring equipment and facilities, and his hands-on approach during the early years helped establish a strong foundation. Notably, his efforts in obtaining surplus equipment from other districts and building classrooms in six weeks demonstrated his deep commitment to the district’s success. Wayne’s vision extended far beyond the present, as he helped shape longterm plans that would guide the district's growth for years to come.
Currently, Wayne holds the position of operations manager for the Tea Area School District, having previously served as its business manager and as a school board member. His dedication to the district has spanned more than 25 years. Wayne’s family includes his wife, Margaret, daughter Amanda, son-in-law Chris, and their children William and Abby, who live in Phoenix, Arizona His son Matthew and his wife Jessica reside in Sioux Falls with their children Archer, Holden, and Juliet. Wayne’s unwavering dedication to his community has earned him a well-deserved place in the Tea Area Hall of Fame.
2011BoysState TrackChampions Erik Hill
Erik Hill, a 2011 graduate of Tea Area High School, was a standout three-sport athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and track and field. In 2010, he earned a spot on the AllState football team, demonstrating his exceptional skills on the field. However, it was in track where Erik truly made his mark, winning two individual state titles and anchoring a state champion relay team in 2011 His leadership helped propel the Titan Boys Track Team to the school district’s first-ever team state championship, solidifying his legacy in Tea Area athletics. Erik finished his high school career ranked in the South Dakota AllTime Top Ten in three events, and he still holds five school records.
Erik’s impact on Tea Area athletics goes beyond his individual accomplishments He embodied the ideal student-athlete, combining high academic performance with leadership and character in the classroom. His determination and drive inspired his teammates, and his contributions helped establish a tradition of excellence in Tea Area sports. Winning the state championship with childhood friends was a special moment for Erik, symbolizing the culmination of years of hard work and camaraderie.
Today, Erik lives in Marshall, Minnesota, with his wife, Ashley, and their two-year-old son, Bauer. He has built a successful career as a dentist, while Ashley works as an optometrist. Although his athletic career is behind him, Erik’s time as a Titan continues to shape his values and outlook on life, as he reflects on the strong bonds and unforgettable experience
Dalton Hohn
Dalton Hohn, a dedicated track and football athlete during his time at Tea Area High School, formed strong connections with his teammates both on the field and the track. One of his most memorable moments was walking down the track with his 4x400 relay team before the final race, especially at regional meets That sense of trust and camaraderie, knowing that each member of the relay would give their best effort, created a bond that made the experience even more special, particularly with teammate Erik Hill (E.Chill) by his side.
Dalton's presence in both football and track left a lasting impact on his teammates and the Tea Area athletic community. His dedication, competitive spirit, and teamwork made him a key contributor to the Titans’ success, and his ability to elevate those around him set a standard for future athletes. Whether it was the adrenaline of the last race of the night or the grind of football season, Dalton consistently embodied what it meant to be a Titan hard work, loyalty, and the pursuit of excellence
Now living in Sioux Falls with his wife, Marley, and their 1.5-year-old son, Asher, Dalton is currently pursuing his graduate studies at the University of South Dakota. While he continues his education, the values of teamwork, trust, and dedication he learned as a Titan still guide him. Dalton looks back fondly on the friendships and experiences he shared on the track and field, carrying those lessons with him into his future endeavors.
Brady Ihnen
Brady Ihnen, a standout cross country and track athlete at Tea Area High School, found his passion for competition and camaraderie while running relays, particularly the 4x400 meter relay. Throughout his high school career, Brady formed strong bonds with his teammates, competing alongside some of his closest friends His dedication and teamwork helped propel Tea Area’s track program forward, showcasing his talent and leadership on the track.
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Brady's ability to foster meaningful relationships with his teammates and his relentless pursuit of success left a lasting impact on the Tea Area athletic community. His experiences running for the Titans instilled a deep sense of discipline, perseverance, and commitment, all of which he has carried into his professional and personal life. Brady's time on the relay teams stands out as a highlight of his high school years, symbolizing not just victories but the friendships that defined his athletic journey
Today, Brady lives in Papillion, Nebraska, with his wife, Jessica, and their two young children, Emmie (age 2) and Beckham (nearly 1). He is thriving in his career as a Physician Assistant in Omaha, where he continues to apply the dedication and teamwork he developed as an athlete to his professional life. Brady's memories of running relays and competing alongside friends remain some of his most cherished from his time as a Titan.
Riley Knutson
Riley Knutson, a multi-sport athlete at Tea Area High School, excelled in football, basketball, track, and baseball. As a member of the National Honor Society, Riley balanced his academic achievements with his athletic endeavors, demonstrating leadership and dedication on and off the field One of his fondest memories is winning the 4x400 relay, a victory that sealed the team’s state championship, along with the memorable road trips he shared with his teammates. Riley’s ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments left an indelible mark on the Titans' athletic program.
Riley's impact extended beyond his individual accomplishments, as his character and drive helped elevate his teams to new heights. His leadership and commitment to excellence were evident not only in his sports but also in his academic pursuits and involvement in the school community. Whether in the classroom, on the track, or competing on the field, Riley embodied the Titan spirit, setting a positive example for his peers and future athletes
Now living in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with his wife, Lexi, and their Dalmatian, Ranger, Riley works as a physician assistant at the Surgical Institute of South Dakota. He and Lexi stay active in the community and in their personal lives, participating in fitness classes, pickleball, and sand volleyball. They also contribute to causes close to their hearts, such as the 437 Project, which raises funds for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, and the Global Soles Gala, which supports Samaritan’s Feet International Riley’s commitment to health, wellness, and community continues to reflect the values he cultivated as a Titan.
Corbin Lawler
Corbin Lawler, a standout athlete at Tea Area High School, made his mark in football, basketball, and baseball, showcasing his versatility and leadership across multiple sports. One of his most memorable moments was winning a state championship, an achievement that felt surreal given the challenges the team faced, like not even having a home track or jumping pits. Despite the odds, Corbin and his teammates thrived, proving their determination and grit as Titans.
Corbin’s impact went beyond the scoreboard, as his resilience and team-first mentality left a lasting impression on his peers and coaches Whether on the field, court, or diamond, Corbin’s competitive drive and leadership helped establish a winning culture in Tea Area athletics. His ability to push through adversity and rally his teammates reflected the core values of what it meant to be a Titan, and those lessons continue to inspire athletes who followed in his footsteps.
Now living in Kansas City, Missouri, Corbin works in medical device sales for Stryker, specializing in interventional spine solutions. He and his wife, Lauren, are raising their three children Lily (3), Coby (2), and baby Cash (3 months). Corbin's time at Tea Area High School shaped the way he approaches both his professional and personal life, carrying the lessons of teamwork and perseverance with him every step of the way.
Lucas Ortmeier
Lucas Ortmeier, a multi-sport athlete at Tea Area High School, excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, forming deep bonds with his teammates throughout his athletic career. One of his most cherished memories is winning championships with his best friends, a testament to the teamwork and camaraderie that defined his time as a Titan Whether on the field, court, or diamond, Lucas was known for his competitive spirit and his ability to bring people together to achieve success.
Lucas' impact went beyond his personal athletic accomplishments. His leadership and dedication to his teams helped create a culture of excellence in Tea Area sports, inspiring those around him to give their all in pursuit of victory. The relationships he built with his teammates and coaches were central to his athletic experience, and his commitment to the Titans has left a lasting legacy in the Tea Area School District.
Today, Lucas lives in Tea with his wife, Alexis, and their 16-month-old daughter, Layla Lynn. He serves as Vice President of Mortgage Operations at Windsor Mortgage in Sioux Falls, where he applies the same principles of hard work and teamwork that he cultivated as an athlete. Lucas continues to stay connected to the community where he built lifelong friendships and celebrated some of his greatest victories as a Titan.
Tyler Panek
Tyler Panek, a standout member of Tea Area High School’s track team and an active participant in student council and the National Honor Society, played a key role in the Titans' athletic and academic success. One of Tyler’s most unforgettable moments was helping to bring home Tea's first state title, a milestone that not only highlighted the team’s talent but also marked a proud moment for the school and community. In addition to his contributions on the track, Tyler was involved behind the scenes in basketball, tracking stats and supporting his team in every way possible.
Tyler’s impact extended beyond his athletic achievements, as his leadership in student council and his academic excellence in the National Honor Society exemplified his commitment to the broader school community. His dedication to both his studies and his sports made him a well-rounded and respected student, inspiring others to pursue excellence in all areas. His role in winning Tea’s first state title, along with his involvement in various school activities, left a lasting legacy at Tea Area High School
Today, Tyler lives in Tea with his wife, Audra, and their 10-month-old daughter, Rylan. He works as a software engineer at Case IH in Sioux Falls, where he continues to apply the discipline and work ethic he developed as a student-athlete. Tyler cherishes the memories he made at Tea Area High School, particularly the experience of winning that historic state title, and carries the values of teamwork and perseverance with him in both his personal and professional life
Ryan Decker
Ryan Decker, a long-time coach and educator at Tea Area High School, has played a pivotal role in the development of the school’s athletic and academic programs for nearly two decades. As a coach for track, cross country, Educator's Rising, FCA, and girls basketball, Ryan has guided countless students through both their athletic and personal journeys. One of his most unforgettable memories was hearing that Lucas had won the triple jump at state a surprise victory that gave the team an unexpected boost in points and renewed hope for winning the championship. After facing adversity the previous year, when the team placed third despite having the potential to win, Ryan felt this time things were finally going their way
Ryan’s impact as a coach extends far beyond the victories and state titles. His dedication to his athletes and students, both on and off the field, has helped shape a culture of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience at Tea Area. He has always been a mentor to students, instilling not just athletic skills but also life lessons in leadership, hard work, and overcoming challenges. His commitment to fostering growth in each of his students has made him a beloved figure at Tea Area, with many athletes and students looking up to him for guidance and support throughout their high school years.
Currently in his 18th year at Tea Area High School, Ryan lives in Tea with his wife, Kristi, and their five daughters: Lydia, a sophomore at USD, Meredith, a high school junior, Daphne, a freshman, Genevieve, a fifth grader, and Britta, a first grader His deep connection to the school and community remains strong, and as both an educator and coach, Ryan continues to inspire and influence the next generation of Titans. His dedication to the district, his family, and his students stands as a testament to his unwavering passion for education and coaching.
Tori Miles
Tori Miles has been a key figure in Tea Area’s track and field program, currently serving as the head girls' track and field coach and the event coach for both boys and girls sprinters and hurdlers. In addition to her coaching role, she teaches 6th-grade English Language Arts. Coach Miles fondly remembers the 2011 season when the team practiced at USF in the evenings, often leading to four-hour-long sessions. Despite not having their own track facility, the athletes were hardworking, talented, and dedicated, making those long practices rewarding She credits the athletes' commitment, fun, and driven nature as key factors in the team's success.
Tori’s impact on the program goes beyond her technical coaching. She’s been instrumental in fostering a positive and supportive environment, encouraging athletes to grow on and off the track. As a coach, she has seen many former athletes mature into successful adults and professionals, and she finds great joy in following their life journeys The 2011 team holds a special place in her heart for their hard work, camaraderie, and the lifelong bonds they built, which Tori continues to cherish as she leads the next generation of Titan athletes.
Tori lives in Tea with her husband, Derek, and their son, Ariston, a 5th grader at Legacy Elementary Balancing her role as a mother, teacher, and coach, Tori remains deeply committed to inspiring her students and athletes with her dedication and passion for education and sports.
Kent Sattler
Kent Sattler, a dedicated educator and coach, has been a pillar of the Tea Area School District for 23 years. Throughout his tenure, Kent has served as an assistant high school football coach, head track, and later an assistant track coach, guiding athletes to numerous achievements. One of his most enduring memories was the 2011 boys' track team, whose talent, hard work, and relentless effort in practice and at meets stood out. That team’s dedication and drive were truly remarkable, and Kent remains proud of that team
Kent’s impact reaches far beyond the football field and track. As a member of the Titan Wellness Committee, he has contributed to fostering a culture of health and well-being for both students and staff. His role as a coach has always been about more than just winning; it’s about developing character, teaching resilience, and pushing his athletes to reach their full potential. Kent has left a lasting legacy on the Titan athletics program.
Living in Tea with his wife, Tracy, Kent is a proud father of three sons who are or have been Titans. His oldest boys, Kellen (20), attends SDSU, and Klayton (20), attends Augustana, while his youngest son, Kolt (13), is an 8th grader at Tea Area Middle School Kent continues to be a dedicated member of the Tea Area community, shaping the lives of students both on and off the field. His deep connection to the school district and his lasting contributions have made him a beloved and respected coach.
Tea Area Congratulations Hall of Fame 2024