Published on July 9, 2026 8:37 am
Last Updated on July 9, 2026 8:37 am
LOUISVILLE, IL — The National Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee is proud to announce several of the 2026 inductees.
The 2026 induction ceremony will be held Friday, November 13 at the Teutopolis Banquet Hall in Teutopolis.
Jeff Mihlbachler
Jeff Mihlbachler an inductee in the Student Athlete Division.
Mihlbachler was a standout multi-sport athlete at St. Anthony High School, competing in basketball and baseball from 1973-77. On the basketball court, he contributed to a varsity team that posted a 17-3 regular-season record and earned a No. 14 Associated Press state ranking during his junior year (1975-76). a two-year letterman, he received All-State Honorable Mention in 1977 and finished his career just shy of 1,000 points, achieving this in an era before the three-point shot.
On the baseball field, Mihlbachler anchored the Bulldogs’ pitching staff throughout National Trail Conference play and IHSA Class A regional competition. A four-year letterman, he became one of the rare athletes drafted directly out of high school, selected in the 25th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Cincinnati Reds. Over two professional seasons, he logged 190 innings and led the Pioneer League in strikeouts in 1978.
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Mihlbachler has been a long-time supporter of athletics and community recreation in Effingham. He currenlty served as a Grand Ambassador for the Effingham Chamber of Commerce and is also a 22-year member of the Effingham Sunrise Rotary.
Tom Clark
Tom Clark is an inductee for the Twelfth Man Award.
Tom Clark has been a familiar and beloved voice at Newton High School Eagles football games for 50 years and counting, serving as the Public Address announcer with unwavering dedication and enthusiasm.
Beyond his long-standing commitment to local athletics, Clark has demonstrated exceptional service to the Newton community. He has contributed his time and leadership as a member of the Newton Rotary, a Jasper County Health Department Board member, and a member of the Newton City Council Zoning Board. His decades of volunteerism and civic involvement exemplify the spirit of the Twelfth Man Award.
Jim Wagner
Jim Wagner is an inductee in the Official’s Division.
Wagner has served as a licensed IHSA official for 35 years, contributing his expertise across multiple sports: basketball (35 years), baseball (25 years), softball (25 years) and football (25 years). His dedication to officiating extends to the collegiate level as well, having spent 15 years as a junior college basketball official in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference (GRAC). During that time, he officiated 12 women’s basketball regionals and earned one National Tournament appearance.
Throughout his career, Wagner has exemplified leadership and mentorship, while guiding countless young officials and helping to strengthen the officiating community across Illinois.
Andy Pullen
Andy Pullen is an inductee in the Official’s Division.
Pullen has devoted 59 years as an IHSA-certified official, serving across multiple sports including basketball (59 years), track and field (22 years) and cross country (five years). His officiating career also extended to the collegiate level, where he spent 22 years officiating junior college basketball in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference (GRAC) and 15 years in the Mid-West Athletic Conference (MWAC).
Throughout his distinguished career, Pullen has officiated countless regional contests, eight boys’ basketball sectionals and two girls’ basketball sectionals. His commitment to the officiating community is further reflected in his mentorship of new officials and his dedicated service to Special Olympics Basketball.