By John Mesh
Rusty Hilst was interviewed by me for a feature story that was published in the Hutchinson News on Feb. 19, 2023.
It was an honor to interview him because like many Hutchinson natives, I grew up listening to Rusty Hilst broadcasting the NJCAA Tournament, the Blue Dragons and the Salthawks.
Rusty Hilst was a beloved broadcaster, storyteller, teacher and coach in Hutchinson for 54 years.
Hilst died early Wednesday morning at the age of 82 after a long battle with ALS.
The disease unfortunately is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease because it claimed the life of the legendary New York Yankees’ slugger in 1941 at the age of 37.
There is expensive medication for ALS patients, but there is no cure.
Rusty Hilst beat ALS in his own way. He fought the disease for 2 years, 7 months and 4 days.
Rusty Hilst knew he was in the fight for his life against ALS. He said he was grateful for all the support he received from the Hutchinson community since he was diagnosed with Bulbar Onset ALS on Dec. 14, 2022.
For five decades, Hutchinson residents heard Hilst’s familiar voice on Hutchinson Community College and Hutchinson High School football and basketball games — first at KWHK and then on KWBW. He also broadcasted NJCAA Tournament games from the Hutchinson Sports Arena.
“I am humbled, appreciative and overwhelmed by the generosity of people,” said Rusty. “It has meant a great deal to me. There have been a great number of students that have been willing to help.”
“I’ve had a heck of a life. I’ve had a job I love and never had to work a day in my life,” Hilst said. “I’m looking ahead to what adventures are out there for me. As for the disease right now, I’m trying to be as positive as I can be and try not to dwell on it. I plan to go day by day and hope tomorrow is as good as today.”
Hilst had an amazing career as a teacher, coach and sports broadcaster. He estimated that he covered more than 5,000 games in more than 50 years.
“I taught for 54 years at Hutch High — 53 in the same classroom,” Hilst said. “I taught calculus to the high school students. I covered Hutch High and HCC men’s and women’s basketball and Hutch High and HCC football for 50 years. I coached golf at Hutch High for 31 years.”
Hutchinson High School dedicated “Rusty’s Room,” a calm space for students to reset emotionally and mentally, fittingly located in the same hallway where he taught math for most of his 54-year teaching career.
The Hutchinson Invitational, hosted by the Hutchinson High School boys golf team at Carey Park, was renamed the Rusty Hilst Invitational in 2024 by Hutchinson golf coach Charlie Pierce (who succeeded Hilst as Salthawks’ coach). The 31-team tournament is like another state tournament.
Hilst also worked with the Kansas Golf Association for 47 years. The KGA merged with the Kansas Women’s Golf Association and the Kansas City Golf Association to form Central Links Golf.
Hilst was also associated with the United States Golf Association and provided scoreboard calligraphy at USGA tournament events.
“I have worked with a lot of people at golf tournaments, primarily with Junior Golf programs,” Hilst said. “I have had an opportunity to meet a lot of people.”
Longtime Hutchinson sportscaster Rusty Hilst takes on ALS (from Feb. 19, 2023) — https://www.hutchnews.com/