Longtime Hutchinson teacher, broadcaster Rusty Hilst passes at 82
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Rusty Hilst, a beloved mathematics teacher and longtime sports broadcaster who became a cornerstone of the Hutchinson community over five decades, died after battling ALS. He was 82.
Hilst, who taught at Hutchinson High School for 53 years while simultaneously building a distinguished broadcasting career, was known for his dedication to education and his steady voice calling local sports games on radio.
Born Dec. 29, 1942, in Pratt, Hilst overcame early adversity after contracting rheumatic fever in second grade. Confined to bed for eight months, he taught himself to read, foreshadowing the intellect and resilience that would define his career.
Education Career
His family moved to Hutchinson in 1957, where Hilst excelled as a golfer at Hutchinson High School, helping lead the Salthawks to a four-man state title in 1960.
After earning degrees from Valparaiso University and the University of Kansas, Hilst originally planned to pursue a PhD until a last-minute teaching vacancy at Hutchinson High brought him home. What began as a one-semester position became a 53-year career teaching calculus, trigonometry and college algebra.
Hilst served as chair of the HHS Math Department starting in 1978 and continued teaching until recently. In 2023, he was inducted into the Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame, recognizing his extraordinary impact in the classroom.
Broadcasting Legacy
In 1969, Hilst began his broadcasting career calling games for KWHK Radio, then joined KWBW in 1980. He covered Hutchinson High School, Hutchinson Community College and the NJCAA Tournament for decades.
Hilst served as sports director at Eagle Communications from 1995 to 2019, earning numerous honors including the Hod Humiston Award from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters and Kansas Sportscaster of the Year in 2004.
"Rusty was the most prepared person I've ever met when it came to his sports broadcasts," said longtime broadcast partner Rob Dreher. "We were super early to any broadcast we ever did."
Recognition and Honors
In 2014, Hilst became the first non-player, coach or administrator inducted into the Hutchinson Community College Quarterback Club Hall of Fame for his service to Blue Dragon athletics.
A accomplished golfer throughout his life, Hilst won multiple city championships and was inducted into the Kansas Golf Hall of Fame in 2002.
In 2023, Hutchinson High School dedicated "Rusty's Room," a space for students to reset emotionally and mentally, located in the same hallway where he taught mathematics for most of his career.
Battle with ALS
Hilst was diagnosed with ALS in December 2022 and faced the progressive disease with characteristic dignity and courage, according to colleagues.
"He faced the most difficult ordeal imaginable with dignity, courage, wisdom and humor," said longtime broadcast partner Dan Naccarato.
Glen Grunwald, who partnered with Hilst for more than two decades on Salthawk broadcasts, described him as "a dear friend, a mentor, and truly one of a kind."
"Rusty had a passion for sports, but even more so for the people around him," Grunwald said. "He poured his heart into everything he did."
Memorial service arrangements have not been announced.
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