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Posted: Mar 07, 2025 2:24 PMUpdated: Mar 07, 2025 3:55 PM

Two Local Coaches Joining Oklahoma Coaches Association HOF

 

A former Bartlesville basketball coach and a Pawhuska football player, who later went on to serve as a coach at Pawhuska, are two of 12 coaches selected to join the 2025 Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class. 

Steve Hesser led the Bartlesville Bruin basketball team to three state championships and another runner-up finish during his tenure as head coach from 1985-1992. During that time, he compiled a 146-47 record.

Hesser was a graduate of Stillwater High School and after his time at Bartlesville, went on to have great success at Drury University in Springfield, Mo. Upon his retirement at the end of the 2021 season, Hesser's 354 wins ranked him in the top ten among active Division II Coaches. 

Pawhuska's Duke Atterberry, who went on to play collegiatley at Oklahoma State University, coached 48 years and had stops at two high schools in Texas, Liberal, Ks, Sand Springs, Ada and a brief stop with North Texas University. Atterberry's final stop was back in Pawhuska helping the offensive line. 

Upon his passing in early 2021, Pawhuska Coach Matt Hennesy said jersey number 69 would be retired and the athletic center for the football team would be known as the Duke Atterberry Championship Factory or, "The DUKE." 

This year's induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 26th at the Southern Hills Mariott Hotel in Tulsa. 

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