Greendale High School inducted three new members to its Athletic Hall of Fame on a frigid Friday night, January 23, 2026. The excitement and celebratory atmosphere warmed the crowd in attendance as two former GHS athletes Mary (Pospyhalla) Reeder, Class of 1979 and Ben Ericksen, Class of 2009, along with Chris Mackenzie, LAT, the school’s athletic trainer, were welcomed as the Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Welcomed by Greendale High School Athletics Director Mark Pollex and Principal Steve Lodes, inductees were announced by the individuals who nominated them. The crowd laughed and cried along with the nominators as each presented their inductees amazing accomplishments as a student-athlete in the G (Ericksen and Pospyhalla Reeder) and friend of GHS athletics, Mackenzie's recognition which encompasses his more than 25 years of care for Panther student-athletes. Inductees also had an opportunity to share their thoughts and memories from the podium with family and friends in attendance.
The event included displays of memorabilia of each inductee.
The Hall of Fame award recognizes and honors outstanding achievements of individual athletes, coaches, and friends of Greendale High School who have contributed to the integrity, promotion, and growth of athletics at the school. Members of the Hall of Fame will have performed at both an exceptionally high athletic level and represented Greendale with high standards of citizenship and character. This award will also recognize and honor people who have been instrumental in creating an excellent athletic tradition in the ideals of “Panther Pride”.
Nomination forms, including complete eligibility requirements and information on the selection process, are available online here. The Greendale Athletic Hall of Fame nominations are accepted on a rolling basis. Hall of Fame inductions are now expected to take place on a biennial basis. Hall of Fame nominations are accepted at any time. For more information, please contact the athletics office at 414-423-0590.