Marlyn Goldhammer - Inducted 2023

Marlyn Goldhammer graduated from Wagner High School in 1950. After graduating high school, he served his country during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954.  He graduated from Southern State College in 1958. In 1970 he earned a master’s degree from Northern State University.

Goldhammer served as executive director of the SD High School Activities Association for 22 years. Before that, he was a teacher, coach, and administrator for 21 years in three South Dakota schools. As the SDHSAA executive director, he oversaw many changes, including post-season state-wide football championships, expansion of classes from two to three in basketball, and the addition of new sports such as volleyball. Goldhammer forged and fostered partnerships with other organizations representing athletic directors, coaches, and sports officials in the State of South Dakota.  He served on many National Federation of State High School Associations committees during his career. He served on the national Board of Directors for two terms and was President of the national organization in 2000-01.

Goldhammer was inducted into the Southern State College Pointer Hall of Fame in 1997. He became one of only nine South Dakotans inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame in 2003. He was inducted into the SD Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Hall of Fame in 2018.

Goldhammer retired on July 1, 2001, after 43 years of service to the youth of South Dakota. His family includes his wife Sharon of 67 years, three sons and spouses, six grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. This year he celebrated his 91st birthday.