Hall of Fame

It was no surprise that long-time men’s basketball coach and athletic director Jerry Mosser was Bellevue University’s first inductee into its athletic Hall of Fame in 2013.

“This is a great honor, and I have so many people to thank,” said Mosser, who retired as athletic director in 2008. “This made my day and is something I will never forget.”

Mosser played a pivotal role in growing the athletic department to where it is today with the addition of the Gordon Lozier Athletic Center, adding women’s sports, and joining the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference.

“When you think of Bellevue athletics, you think of Jerry Mosser,” said current athletic director Ed Lehotak. “He was the face of the athletic program for decades and touched the lives of so many players, coaches, and parents."

His greatest impact on the athletic program won’t be measured by wins or championship banners but rather by his leadership, which has had a long-term effect on those he’s coached.

“My relationship with coach Mosser kept me on the right path,” said Buzz Garlock, who played both baseball and basketball at Bellevue and is the Senior Vice President of RBC Wealth Management. “He was a mentor and big brother when I needed one.”

Former basketball player Dr. Kevin Riley, who is now the superintendent at Gretna Public Schools, said Mosser taught him how to believe in himself.

"Coach Mosser taught the team how to be proud of ourselves, our team, and our school," said Riley. "He was always there when you needed him, and I am blessed to have him in my life."

With all his accomplishments during his time at Bellevue, Mosser credited the other coaches in the program.

“The success of the program during the time I was the athletic director was because of the dedication of all the coaches on staff,” said Mosser. “The coaches made my life easier and successful.”

In addition to being the first inductee into the athletic Hall of Fame, an endowed scholarship fund has been established in the name of Jerry and his wife, Gloria.

The floor inside the Gordon Lozier Athletic Center will also be named “Coach Jerry Mosser Court."

Ron Petak, the executive editor of the Bellevue Leader, said Mosser had an impact on a lot of people and always made him feel a part of the Bruin program.

"Jerry tells people what they need to hear, not what they want to hear, and they are all better for that," said Petak. "I have never met anyone that cared so much for Bellevue University and helped build its athletic program into one of the top NAIA programs in Nebraska."

Mosser said he has always been proud of the athletic tradition and the people he's been associated with at Bellevue.

"I loved everyone I worked with and missed seeing them since the day I left," said Mosser.

Career Accomplishments:

• 35-year career in the Bellevue University Athletic Department
• Athletic Director, 1972-2008
• Men's Basketball Coach, 1972-92
• Oversaw the construction of the Gordon Lozier Athletic Center
• Collected more than 200 wins as the head coach of the Men's Basketball Team
• Started the women's sports programs at Bellevue University
• Instrumental in the formation of the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference
• Athletic Department attained National status under his direction