HASTINGS – The Hastings Public Schools Foundation, the Adams Central Schools Foundation, and the Hastings Catholic Schools Foundation are pleased to announce Hastings High Boys Track Coach Dave Johnson as the inaugural recipient of the Dale and Brad Feeken Memorial Coaching Award.
This award pays tribute to the exemplary dedication of Dale Feeken and his son Brad Feeken, beloved figures in their communities, who devoted their lives to coaching and mentoring young athletes.
Coach Johnson started teaching at Hastings High in 1986 and was an assistant coach for 8 state tournament boys basketball teams and 5 conference champions.
In 2000, Johnson took over as Hastings High’s Head Boys Track coach. Since 2018 – that track team has finished top 10 in the state 5 times – and been district runner up twice. In 2021, Johnson coached the team that won the school’s first district championship in 33 years – and the first state track title in 90 years.
Nominees had to be a current coach of a NSAA sanctioned team at Hastings Senior High, Adams Central, or St. Cecilia High School. Nominations were accepted from employees of the Hastings Public Schools, Hastings Catholic Schools, and Adams Central Schools.
Dale Feeken left a lasting impact during his 25 years as a teacher and coach at Adams Central Jr/Sr High. Dale graduated in 1970 from Doane University after earning his Bachelor’s degree in education and later his Master’s degree in history from the University of Nebraska. Dale was a beloved social sciences teacher and track and field coach at Adams Central from 1970-1995. He also coached freshman boys basketball. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders was evident. Dale passed away in a 1995 car accident on his way to school.
Brad Feeken was a 1994 graduate of Hastings High School – where he still holds records for season and career field goal percentages. He continued his education and basketball career at Doane University where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education. He began his professional career in Gretna teaching middle school reading and assisting the boys basketball program. In 2003, he became head coach and remained in this role the rest of his life. Brad passed away in December 2023 after a battle with cancer.
The recipient of the Dale and Brad Feeken Memorial Coaching Award represents the transformative power of coaching, upholding the Feekens’ legacy of mentorship and service while fostering a culture of positive influence and inspiration for future generations.