Luitjens inducted into national hall of fame

Custer High School head boys basketball coach Larry Luitjens was inducted into the Nations Federation of State High School Associations Hall of Fame on July 11 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Luitjens has compiled a 704-283 record in 41 years as a head basketball coach, 40 of which have been in South Dakota. After one year in North Dakota and four years at DeSmet High School, Luitjens has coached 36 seasons at Custer High School. His teams have won seven state championships and finished second five other times. Off the court, Luitjens has been instrumental in reconciliation efforts with Native American schools in South Dakota.

Twelve individuals were chosen after a two-level selection process involving a screening committee composed of active high school state association administrators, coaches and officials, and a final selection committee composed of coaches, former athletes, state association officials, media representatives and educational leaders. Nominations were made through NFHS member associations.