Eric Hermanson

Eric Hermanson - Valley High School – Class of 1997
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction 2022
 

In the mid-1990s, Eric Hermanson was a standout multi-sport standout for the Valley Terriers lettering four times in football, wrestling, and baseball. Former Valley wrestling coach Nick Modrcin said, “Eric was a great competitor on the mat for the Valley Wrestling squad. His leadership showed through his hard work and effort both at practice and in meets. He won the NCC Conference crown at 160 pounds, was a state qualifier, and was named 1st Team Academic All-State his senior year. He had a great run!”

Eric was also a highly decorated football player while in high school. He was named 1st Team All-Conference and 2nd Team All-Omaha Area in football in 1995. His most memorable football moment was when he rushed for 182 yards against Syracuse in 1995 to secure Valley’s first win over the Rockets in 15 years. However, for all of Eric’s success on the gridiron and the mat, Eric’s favorite sport was baseball. He earned Honorable Mention All-State honors after the season in 1996 and 1997. He pitched several complete games with double-digit strikeouts during his junior and senior seasons. His most memorable performance was throwing a complete game to claim victory against a highly ranked Millard South Team. Eric stated, “I loved to compete and work hard to make myself and my team better.“

After graduating from high school in 1997, Eric attended Iowa Western Community College on a baseball scholarship and earned an associate degree in Criminal Justice. After two years at Iowa Western, Eric transferred to Midland University to play baseball for the Warriors.

After college, Eric spent seven years as a police officer for the Valley Police Department and as a Deputy Sheriff in Butler County. For the last 14 years, he has worked as a boiler operator for Cargill in Blair. Eric and his wife, Tia, were married in 2008 and have four children, Barrett (20), Saybra (15), Kash (13), and Kane (10). Eric also has three adult stepsons, Chris, Donnie, and Colton TenEyck.

Please welcome Terrier great, Eric Hermanson to the DC West Hall of Fame!