This Friday, Central City High School’s football team will kick off their home opener against the Cozad Haymakers in what promises to be a thrilling game. But the night’s significance will extend far beyond the action on the field. The Central City Athletic Hall of Fame will welcome two distinguished Bison alumni and a former coaching great—Jordan Paup, Dan Cordsen and Gary Maresh—each of whom has left an indelible mark on the school’s athletic history.

Jordan Paup, Class of 2017, was nothing short of a powerhouse during his years at Central City High School. A standout in football, basketball, and track and field, Jordan’s versatility and athletic prowess earned him numerous accolades. On the football field, he was named to the All-Heartland Super Squad, All-Heartland First Team, All-District First Team, and Class C All-State First Team in both his junior and senior years. His dominance didn’t stop there; he was equally formidable on the basketball court, earning All-State Honorable Mention honors in both 2016 and 2017.

Jordan’s talents in track and field were highlighted when he qualified for the state championship in shot put in 2016, and the following year, he helped secure a runner-up finish for the Bison in the 2017 Class C State tournament with his contributions in the 4x100m relay and shot put.

After high school, Jordan continued to excel at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he received multiple academic honors, including being a two-time Academic All-Big Ten and three-time Nebraska Scholar Athlete. His leadership qualities shone through, earning him the Tom Osborne and Brook Berringer Citizenship team recognition. Transferring to Abilene Christian University (ACU) in 2020, Jordan further cemented his legacy as a defensive stalwart, earning WAC Defensive Player of the Week in 2021 and accumulating an impressive list of statistics across his three years. Graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA from ACU, Jordan was also one of two students recognized with the Trustees Student Award for the Class of 2021. Gary Maresh, a name synonymous with Central City wrestling, will also be inducted. His journey in the sport began at Ord High School, where he was the school’s first state medalist and a two-time District, Conference, and State qualifier. After his time as an athlete, Gary dedicated over 40 years to coaching wrestling at Central City High School. His impact was profound, working with athletes from elementary school through high school, developing a program that thrived under his guidance.

Gary Maresh was instrumental in building the Central City Junior Wrestling program, and his coaching led to numerous successes, including a 1981 Class B State runner-up finish. As an assistant coach, he helped guide the 2009, 2011, and 2013 teams to State Championships, including the 2012 State Runner-Up and 2013 State Dual Runner-Up.

Over the years, Gary’s excellence was recognized with multiple awards, including being named the 2011 Nebraska High School Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year and earning the 2020 NSWCA Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Award. For Gary, one of the greatest highlights of his career was guiding his teams to victory over powerhouse programs and sharing the joys of these triumphs with his sons, Matthew and Travis.

Dan Cordsen, from the Class of 1975, will round out the list of inductees, bringing his storied athletic career full circle. A three-year letterman in both football and track, Dan was a cornerstone of Central City athletics during his high school years. He also played center field for the Central City Legion baseball team, but it was on the football field where he truly excelled. Dan earned All-State honors as a linebacker and fullback, with his senior year capping off a stellar career marked by Central 10 All-Conference accolades and a spot on the 1975 Shrine Bowl team.

Dan’s athleticism extended to track and field, where he was a two-time state qualifier in the mile relay. His high school success laid the foundation for a standout college career at Kearney State College. There, Dan was a three-year starter and letter winner at fullback, helping his team to a 25-3-1 record during his tenure.

As the Central City Bison take to the field on Friday night, the energy and excitement will be palpable. But amidst the cheers and the clash of pads, the community will also take a moment to reflect on the achievements of three extraordinary individuals whose contributions to Central City High School athletics have transcended time. Jordan Paup, Gary Maresh, and Dan Cordsen exemplify what it means to be a Bison—dedication, excellence, and a legacy that will inspire future generations.

Their induction into the Central City Athletic Hall of Fame is not just a recognition of past accomplishments but a celebration of the enduring spirit of Central City athletics. As the lights shine bright on the gridiron, the spotlight will also shine on these three Bison greats, forever enshrined in the history of Central City High School.