Three Alumni named to 2025 Hall of Fame
Hat Tip Katelynn Farley
Friday, February 21 marked Bluffton High School's Hall of Fame Game, in which three former Tigers were honored during the boys' basketball games against Bellmont High School. These inductees were Sara (Hazelton) Barbera, J.D. Collins and Kirk Wheeler.
The inductees' biographies are listed below, as shared by Bluffton High School.
Sarah (Hazelton) Barbera - Class of 1989
A 1989 graduate of Bluffton High School, Sara earned eleven Major B letter awards in total as a Tiger athlete qualifying for a Circle B blanket. She earned three varsity letters in Gymnastics, four in Swimming, and four in track. She excelled in three sports.
While a student at Bluffton High School, Sara excelled in the classroom graduating third in her class while earning an Academic Honors Diploma as well as numerous academic scholarships. After graduation, she attended Lake Forest College to pursue a degree in Economics and German.
At Lake Forest College, Sara was a dual sport athlete participating in and earning six varsity letters in Soccer and Swimming. While in swimming, Sara was recognized as an all-conference, a conference champion, and an academic all-conference recipient.
For the last twenty-five years, Sara has continued to serve in the sport she loves as a high school swimming coach. Sara sets the standard of excellence in everything she does.
J.D. Collins - Class of 1981
A 1981 graduate of Bluffton High School, J.D. earned nine Major B letter awards in total as a Tiger athlete qualifying for a Circle B blanket. J.D. earned three varsity letters in cross country, three in basketball, and three in track. In 1981, J.D. was awarded the Ensign Robert Baumgartner award for the outstanding male athlete of his class.
After graduation, J.D. earned an associate degree from Tri-State University and a bachelor’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. After college, he returned to work at Hartford Concrete Products, later becoming President/CEO.
J.D.’s professional life extends to the basketball court as a college official where he has officiated in numerous Division conferences, the NCAA Tournament, including two Final Fours, and international tournaments. He then continued his love for officiating and mentoring officials by serving as a Director or a Coordinator of officials in various organizations, including eight years as the NCAA Coordinator of Men’s Basketball Officiating.
Kirk Wheeler - Class of 1979
A 1979 graduate of Bluffton High School, Kirk earned ten Major B letter awards in total as a Tiger athlete qualifying for a Circle B blanket. He earned three letters in football, three in basketball, and four in baseball. He was an instrumental member of the 1977 Sectional Championship basketball team. Later, as a senior, he earned all-conference in football, basketball, and baseball. Kirk capped off his high school career by being awarded the Ensign Robert Baumgartner Award for the outstanding male athlete.
Kirk was named captain of every team because of his leadership, team-first attitude, and strong work ethic. His mindset helped him to become the all-time Wells County leading point scorer in a single game when he scored fifty points and grabbed twenty-three rebounds against Blackford. Kirk’s senior year he finished as Indiana’s third-leading scorer in the 1978-79 season.
After graduation, Kirk attended Ball State University and Manchester College to earn his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He continues to lead others and excel in his profession to this day.
As far as game play goes, it was a very tight game played by Bluffton and Bellmont. The Tigers earned a 45-42 win over their guests, with Declan Grieser earning 24 points, Kaleb Green earning 8, Marshal Gerber earning 7, and both Ben Maggard and Nolan Lambert earning 3 points.
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