ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Alleman Athletics Hall of Fame, Class of 2026

We are excited to announce the newest class to be inducted into the Alleman Athletics Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding individual and team accomplishments and highlights the values of teamwork, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence that define the spirit of Alleman Catholic High School. 

1975 Football Team 
Pioneer football excellence was exemplified in 1975, as the team completed a perfect 10-0 regular season, demonstrating grit and determination under the leadership of Head Coach Jim Jorgensen. The Pioneers dominated the Quad Cities, earning key victories that included a homecoming win over Assumption, a 7-6 triumph against Galesburg, and a commanding 35-0 victory over Moline to clinch both the Metro and Western Big Six championships. Following the regular season, the team advanced to the state quarterfinals before a hard-fought loss to Rockford Boylan. Eight members of the squad were named to the Western Big Six All-Conference Team. 

Garon Grigsby ‘79 
An elite middle-distance runner and four-year varsity letter winner, Garon dominated the 880 yard distance on the track in the Quad Cities. In 1978 and 1979 Garon was a two-time State Qualifier, secured titles at the Quad City Metro & Western Big Six Conference (Indoor & Outdoor) meet and reached the pinnacle of college athletics in 1981 as an NCAA Division II All-American in the 4x400 Relay. 

Owen Doak ‘87 
A standout 4-year varsity letter winner, Owen combined gridiron versatility with elite wrestling dominance. As a wrestler, he was a two-time State Finalist with a combined record of 70-10 over two seasons and was the recipient of the Alleman High School “Most Pins” Award. On the football field, Owen was a dominant force on both sides of the ball, earning All-Conference honors as a Western Big 6 Guard and Linebacker, as well as Quad City Metro Area honors for Offensive Guard and was part of the 1986 IHSA Class 4A state final qualifying team. 

Sean Wetherell ‘13 
A premier three-sport athlete, Sean’s versatility earned him the prestigious 2013 Don Morris Multi-Sport Award. On the football field, Sean was a key leader of the 2012 IHSA 4A State Runner-Up team, earning All-State recognition and Western Big 6 All-Conference honors as a defensive back. In wrestling, Sean’s dominant senior season included a Regional Championship, Sectional Runner-Up finish, and a trip to the IHSA State Tournament, alongside multiple invitational titles. On the baseball field, he was a key contributor to the 2012 IHSA 2A State Runner-Up team and a 2013 Western Big 6 All-Conference selection. 

Jerry Burkhead (Honorary Inductee) 
From 2007 to 2022, Jerry Burkhead left an indelible mark on Alleman Catholic High School athletics, most notably as the head varsity baseball coach. Over a 15-year tenure as an assistant and head varsity coach, he amassed 312 varsity wins and led the Pioneers to two IHSA State Finals appearances, a school-record 30-win season in 2018, and a 2021 American Legion State Championship. A three-time Coach of the Year and the 2022 IHSBCA “Man of the Year,” Burkhead mentored over 50 future college players and an MLB Draft pick, while also contributing to the success of the football and basketball programs. His  leadership transformed Alleman baseball into a powerhouse, marked by historic back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances and regional titles.