Andy Zephier - Inducted 2006

The 1949 Flandreau Public High grad made the Flandreau Indian School one of the most successful cross country programs in the state. Zephier, a 1957 Augustana grad, coached and taught at the Flandreau Indian School for 33 years (1957-1990). He coached excellent teams in track and basketball, but it was in cross country where FIS was especially dominant. In 17 years as cross country coach, his teams finished first or second 11 times. Competing against the biggest schools in the state, FIS won seven state championships (1960, '61, '62, '63, '65, '66, '69) and was runner-up four times (1970, '72, '73, '76). His 1962 track team was state champion, snapping Washington High's streak of nine straight titles, and the Indians did so with only seven boys. It was the first state track title in FIS history. The South Dakota Sportswriters Association voted the achievement the Upset of the Year. Rick Bird-in-Ground, Mike Talks Different, Paul Moss, Victor Hereford and Narcise Hart were a few of the outstanding athletes coached by Zephier. Under Zephier, FIS set a state record in the two-mile relay and Moss set a state mark in the mile. Zephier coached track for 12 years and basketball for 15 seasons. Twice his basketball teams played in the state "A" tourney. He also coached football for three seasons. He is a member of the S.D. Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He is a recipient of Augustana's Lefty Olson Award, which recognizes lifetime service and achievement in athletics or athletic administration. In high school, Zephier participated in basketball and track and was on football teams that won 34 consecutive games. He was a Class B all-state basketball player in 1948, and he also played at Augustana.