ISLANDER FOOTBALL
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1990 team
One of the most dominant teams in Islander history, the 1990 team finished as the “Class A” State Runners-Up. The 1990 Islanders finished 11-1 on the season and their 11 wins are still the most wins by a team, in a single season, in school history. On the season, the 1990 squad defeated Kearney 29-0, Fremont 34-7, Lincoln High 28-7, Hastings 49-0, Lincoln Northeast 16-7, Columbus 21-17, Lincoln Southeast 16-7, Norfolk 42-0, Lincoln East 50-0, Lincoln High (playoffs quarterfinals) 34-20, and Kearney (Semi-Finals) 14-7, before falling to Papillion 42-21 in the state title game.
Jerry Ball
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One of the most dominant teams in Islander history, the 1990 team finished as the “Class A” State Runners-Up. The 1990 Islanders finished 11-1 on the season and their 11 wins are still the most wins by a team, in a single season, in school history. On the season, the 1990 squad defeated Kearney 29-0, Fremont 34-7, Lincoln High 28-7, Hastings 49-0, Lincoln Northeast 16-7, Columbus 21-17, Lincoln Southeast 16-7, Norfolk 42-0, Lincoln East 50-0, Lincoln High (playoffs quarterfinals) 34-20, and Kearney (Semi-Finals) 14-7, before falling to Papillion 42-21 in the state title game.
Jared Goodwin
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A standout running back and linebacker for the Islanders, Jared Goodwin rushed for over 1,000 yards during the 2000 season and was selected to play in the 2001 Nebraska Shrine Bowl. Goodwin was a two-year starter for the Islanders and was so versatile he played not only running back but middle linebacker, outside linebacker and corner. Jared earned All-Conference and All-District honors in 2000 and went on to an outstanding career at UNK. Jared was a two year starter as well as a Loper Team Captain in 2005. Goodwin earned All-RMAC honorable mention honors in 2004 and 2005. Jared was an outstanding multi-sport athlete at Sr. High excelling in track and field as a hurdler. Goodwin was a 3x state qualifier in both the 110m HH and the 300 hurdles as well as both the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. Jared was a 3x conference champion in the 300 intermediate hurdles as well as the conference champ in the 110m high hurdles. Jared capped off his career with a 3rd place finish in the 110m highs at the state meet.
Paul Hoos
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An outstanding offensive lineman for the Islanders in the late 1980’s, Paul Hoos earned All-Heartland, All-State (OWH) and Super State (LJS) honors for Coach Ken Fischer’s 9-1 squad of 1988. Hoos went on to star as an offensive lineman at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. While at UNK, Paul was a two and a half year starter at left offensive guard and was named a Co-Captain of the offense during his senior year.
Darrel pinkston
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One of the all-time great Islander athletes, Darrel Pinkston was always a threat to go the distance for Jerry Lee’s 1953 squad. Pinkston was an elusive speedster and backfield mate of Islander Hall of Famer Claire Boroff. Pinkston earned All-Big Ten Conference and All-State honors in 1953 and helped lead the Islanders to the 1953 state championship. Darrel’s exceptional skills helped him earn a football scholarship to the University of Nebraska where his career was cut short after the discovery of a serious medical condition. After earning his degree, Darrel went on to become an educator and coach at Exeter, Doane College and North Platte High School.
ed richards
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Ed Richards was a two-way standout and three year letterman for the Islanders of 1956, 1957 and 1958. Ed was the heart and soul of the 8-0-1 Islander Hall of Fame Team of 1958. Richards helped Jerry Lee’s Islanders to a 22-4-1 record over his three seasons. The 1958 team outscored opponents 246-78 and averaged 325 yards per game. Richards was a bruising fullback who gained the tough inside yards and was also a versatile athlete, with excellent hands, catching touchdown passes in all but one game. On defense Ed was a relentless linebacker playing both inside and on the perimeter. Teammate and quarterback Max Noel said of Ed, “Ed symbolized and was the epitome of a hard-nosed Jerry Lee football player.” Richards earned All East Big Ten Conference Honors and was selected to play in the first ever Nebraska Shrine Bowl in 1959. Ed went on to play football at Nebraska before his career was cut short by an injury.
Chad Vokoun
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A standout lineman for the Islanders, Chad Vokoun helped lead the Islanders of 1990 to a State Runner-Up finish. Vokoun earned All-State Honors following a dominant senior campaign and went on to a standout career at UNK. Chad was a four year starter on the Loper offensive line, a two-time team captain and earned first team All-RMAC honors in 1995. Chad also earned CoSIDA Academic All-District and Academic All-American honors in 1995. Vokoun was named the 1996 UNK Male Student Athlete of the Year. Chad was also a standout on the mat for the Grand Island Sr. High Wrestling Team finishing as the state runner-up in 1991.