1. William d. Homrighausen
Central Dewitt Hall of Fame
Induction Class 2005

2. Inducted for Outstanding Contributions as an Friend of Central High School

3. Biography
William D. Homrighausen is a 1943 DeWitt High School graduate.  During his high school career, Bill was very active in both fine arts and athletics.  He lettered in Basketball and Track, wrote for the school newspaper, performed in plays, assisted in the library, and was a four-year member of the band.  Following graduation, Bill went to work for Iowa Mutual, a job he expected to last only a few years as he gained experience for other endeavors.  42 years later, Bill retired from Iowa Mutual Insurance.  During his time in DeWitt, Bill devoted his talents to the DeWitt and Central sports teams serving as Basketball timekeeper and Football announcer.  Bill Homrighausen spent 25 years as the Public Address announcer for Football, initially calling the game from the sidelines, later moving into the friendlier confines of the press box.  Bill has also given back to students at the school through scholarships from the Paul B. Sharar Foundation at Clinton Community College.

4. Article from the Observer
With all of his vast knowledge about DeWitt, it’s hard to believe Bill Homrighausen was born in Clinton and spent the first five years of his life in Grand Mound. At the age of five, Bill and his family moved to DeWitt. He’s been here since. Homrighausen began in the DeWitt school system as a kindergarten student. He remained in the system until graduating with the DeWitt High class of During his high school days he lettered in both basketball and track, wrote for the school paper, performed in class plays, assisted in the library, was a four-year member of the band and wrote sports stories on the DeHawks for the Clinton Herald. He was elected president of his junior class as well as president of the DeHawk letterman’s club. Homrighausen’s association with the school did not end after his graduation. For 25 years he was the announcer at varsity football games. In the early years he performed his job along the sidelines. His microphone was plugged in near the 50-yard line and Homrighausen was able to stroll up and down the sidelines to give accurate accounts to the fans, many of whom sat in their cars on the cinder track encircling the field. Later a platform was built on the north side of the field. The area was big enough for Homrighausen and two others.

5. The Observer (cont.)
To know where the ball was spotted after each play, Homrighausen had a spotter on the field who relayed the information to him. Homrighausen chuckled about the time when the DeHawks were playing Clinton St. Mary’s and the fan in him took over for the public address announcer. When the St. Mary’s offense broke from their huddle Homrighausen yelled to the DeWitt defense, “watch for the end run.” To the consternation of the St. Mary’s fans his microphone was live, broadcasting his instructions to everyone in attendance, including the DeHawk defense. “Boy, I thought the St. Mary’s fans were going to tear me apart limb by limb, they were so mad,” Homrighausen recalled. “Back in those days there were no lights so the games were played in the afternoon. Friday was very exciting because all of the stores were closed; none of them stayed open on Friday nights. Almost everybody went to the football games.” When the current field was built he moved upstairs to the press box. His debut in the new facility was delayed a week when a thick fog rolled into DeWitt blanketing the field so thoroughly the game was called off. Homrighausen also spent 15 years as a time keeper for the home basketball games. Later he served as the secretary of the DeHawk booster club selling tickets for football and basketball games as well as writing press releases.

6. The Observer (cont.)
Somewhere along the way, Homrighausen picked up the moniker, “Mr. DeWitt.” It is a well-deserved nickname. Along with his remarkable memory and knowledge of the town’s history, Homrighausen is an exceptional ambassador for DeWitt. He is involved in so many groups and organizations it is hard to believe he has any time to sleep. He is an active member of the Elmwood Cemetery Board of Directors; the Central Community Historical Society; the Clinton Community College Paul B. Sharar Foundation; the DeWitt United Manor Senior Housing Board of Directors; DeWitt Noon Lions; the memorial, finance and endowment committees at the DeWitt United Methodist church; the DeWitt Jaycees; the DeWitt Chamber of Commerce; and the DeWitt Community Hospital Auxiliary. Recently Homrighausen was honored by the International Lion’s Club as the recipient of the Melvin Jones award, the association’s highest honor. Whew! I got tired just typing all of that. Although out of high school for over 60 years, and having no family connection to the athletes, Bill is a regular attendee of Central sporting events. It’s not just the home games he attends. If there is a big game on the road, Bill will be there – as long as his busy schedule permits. Both DeWitt High School and Central High School have been fortunate to have many great friends through their long history. Bill Homrighausen ranks among the best friends the school and the community of DeWitt has had.