Smeins, Gingerich to the Hall of Fame

DES MOINES — Two area greats will be inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame this Friday at Wells Fargo Arena, during the 2024 boys’ state basketball championships.

Former Washington head coach Bryce Smeins, and current Hillcrest Academy head coach will both be inducted on Friday night.

“It's not a phone call you're expecting to get as a coach,” said Smeins. “I was stunned and shocked and surprised, and obviously thrilled as well.”

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Smeins led three different schools to the boys’ state tournament, winning 387 games in 33 seasons. The last of those was Washington, which he took to state in 2006. Smeins finished coaching at Washington in 2015.

Smeins also took Clear Creek-Amana to state in 1992 and 1993, getting second in Class 2A in 1992. When Smeins begun coaching at CCA, it was still just Clear Creek high school.

Along with Washington and CCA, Smeins led Lost Nation (now part of Midland-Wyoming) to state. Before that, he coached at Steamboat Rock.

Smeins was also an assistant coach for the Iowa City Regina girls’ team after his head coaching career was over. With Regina, the Regals made a pair of state tourneys.

“It's really an honor, and a thrill,” Smeins said. “It really makes you reflect on the years.”

Gingerich ended the 2023-24 basketball season with 738 wins, tied for fifth all-time across his 42 varsity seasons. Gingerich has led 12 teams to the state tournament, including a state title in 1992 and four second-place finishes.

Gingerich came to Hillcrest Academy, then named Iowa Mennonite, in 1981. He was a head volleyball coach and an assistant track and field and soccer coach.

“This honor is a reflection of all who have given so much over the last 40 years plus,” Gingerich said. “I am grateful for each player that has come through our program, including those who laid the foundation early on.”

Now the principal at Hillcrest Academy, Gingerich still is the head coach of the boys’ basketball team. This year’s Raven squad went 15-8 overall and 10-5 in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North Division.

“I am very lucky to have had terrific assistant coaches and support staff, and I’m so thankful for each of them,” Gingerich said. “I’ve been fortunate to have had tremendous administrator support, support from our faculty and staff and parents, and from so many in the larger community.”

Gingerich also gave thanks to his family for sticking by his side.

“I’m grateful for the incredible sacrificial support I have received from my family, including wife Mo, and our children, Michaela, Eli, and Caleb,” Gingerich said. “I’m also so grateful for the support of my siblings and parents. I am most grateful to God for the opportunity to serve the IMS/ Hillcrest community over these many years.”

The 2024 Hall of Fame honorees will be named during halftime of the Class 3A championship.