CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (January 21, 2026)–Kirkwood Community College will celebrate an exceptional group of Eagle legends as the Kirkwood Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026 is honored this Saturday, Jan. 24. This year’s honorees will receive a special recognition inside Johnson Hall, as well as a formal dinner and induction ceremony to be held later that evening at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center.
The class will be recognized in between the Kirkwood women’s and men’s basketball games against North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC), followed by the induction ceremony honoring five of the most accomplished individuals and teams in Kirkwood athletics history: Kelli Alberts, Gregg Bosch, Rick Keel, Wes Obermueller and the 1997 NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship Team. While the dinner is sold out, the recognition ceremony in Johnson Hall is open to the public with paid admission to the women’s and men’s basketball games.
“This Hall of Fame class represents the very best of Kirkwood–record-setting performances, championship success and lasting impact,” said Kirkwood Athletic Director Todd Rima. “We’re excited to welcome them back and celebrate everything they’ve meant to Kirkwood athletics.”
Kirkwood Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026:
- Kelli Alberts (Softball/Basketball, 1982-84) – A rare two-sport standout, Alberts earned NJCAA First Team All-American recognition in softball and helped Kirkwood reach a national runner-up finish before going on to set records at Iowa State, including 21 career pitching shutouts (No. 1 all-time).
- Gregg Bosch (Athletic Director/Coach, 1981-89) – A key leader during a major era of growth, Bosch served as athletic director and coached men’s basketball and golf while also leading statewide as president of the Iowa Men’s Basketball Coaches Association (1983-89).
- Rick Keel (Men’s Basketball, 1979-80) – A 1st Team All-Region and NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American, Keel still holds Kirkwood’s single-season scoring average record (28 ppg) and helped lead the Eagles to a Region 11 Championship.
- Wes Obermueller (Baseball/Basketball, 1995-96) – A NJCAA Second Team All-American in baseball, Obermueller hit .418 during a 46-win season and later became a second-round MLB Draft pick, continuing his baseball career at the highest level.
- 1997 Women’s National Championship Basketball Team – Kirkwood’s first-ever national champions, the 1997 Eagles won the NJCAA Division II title with a 34-3 record, adding an ICCAC championship and a 76-67 national title win. Coach Kim Muhl was named NJCAA National Coach of the Year, and Desiree Francis earned All-Tournament MVP honors.
Kirkwood’s Hall of Fame began with the inaugural class in 2022, and the Class of 2026 continues the tradition of recognizing individuals and teams who built the standard of excellence for Kirkwood Athletics.
For more information about Kirkwood Athletics, including the Kirkwood Hall of Fame, go to www.kirkwoodeagles.com.
*****EVENT*****
What: Kirkwood Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Recognition Ceremony
Where: Johnson Hall, on Kirkwood’s main campus in Cedar Rapids
When: In between the women’s and men’s basketball games vs. NIACC
- Women’s game begins at noon
- Men’s game begins at 2 p.m.
Cost:
- General (11 and older) – $5.00
- Seniors (60+) – $3.00
- Kids (10 and under) – FREE
- Kirkwood students and staff are free with Kirkwood ID