MINNEAPOLIS — Tyrone Wacker, who coached football and basketball at Huron College in the late 70s and early 80s, was inducted into the Minnesota High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame at ceremonies in Minneapolis in October.
He played football, basketball, baseball and ran track at Stewart High School. After graduating, he attended Mankoto State, before transferring to Mayville State College, where he played football and basketball. He got his Master’s degree from SDSU, then embarked on a coaching career that took him from Gaylord (Minn.) High School, to SDSU, Worthington Community College, Huron College, Morningside and on to Jackson County Central High School.
For many years he maintained the baseball field in Jackson, which is now named in his honor. He still assists the Hutchinson, Minn., High School baseball program and coaches a junior Legion team during the summer.

Several years ago, Wacker was also inducted into the Minnesota High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, creating a unique situation in high school coaching circles
During his time in Huron, Wacker was instrumental, with Mike Held, in growing Little League and amateur baseball in the area, including a state championship Little League team that included Wacker’s son Wade. His assistance with amateur baseball allowed his college players to find summer jobs and participate in the teams.
Through the Huron Parks and Recreation department, Wacker encouraged his college players to run baseball sessions for Little Leaguers, where players learned fundamentals and improved their game.
He and Vereen have been married for 53 years and have three children, including Huron volleyball coach Shelly Buddenhagen and son Wade. Another son, Lincoln, passed away. Ty and Vereen have six grandchildren.