Athletic Hall of Fame

Rick Heller

Rick grew up right here in Eldon, Iowa, and started his journey on the ballfields of Cardinal. He continued his baseball career in college and eventually turned his passion for the game into a coaching career. After several coaching stops, Rick made it to the big stage—head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes baseball team!

With over 1,000 wins under his belt and a legacy of leadership and dedication, Rick Heller continues to make Cardinal proud. His story is a true example of how far hard work, heart, and hometown roots can take you.

Congratulations, Coach Heller.

Tara Isable

Tara McClure-Isable, a Cardinal alum from Batavia, Iowa, has built a Hall of Fame legacy at every level. From a standout high school career with over 1,200 strikeouts to setting national records at Indian Hills and making history as the first softball player inducted into the University of Louisville Hall of Fame, Tara’s dedication and work ethic have always set her apart.

Beyond her playing days, Tara has given back to the sport as a coach and mentor, helping young athletes reach their full potential. Whether on the field or in her community, Tara continues to inspire with her passion and leadership.

We are honored to welcome Tara McClure-Isable into the Cardinal Hall of Fame.

Nikole Johns

We’re proud to honor Nikole Johns, a standout athlete whose running career has taken her from small-town roots to the national stage and beyond.

At Adams State College in Colorado, Nikole was a 9-time All-American in cross country and track, a 4-time NCAA Division II National Champion in cross country (1993–1997), and earned a 2nd place finish in the 10,000m at the NCAA Championships her senior year.

After college, she moved onto the road racing scene — representing the U.S. in the 2002 Ekiden Marathon Relay in Seoul, South Korea, qualifying for and competing in two U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (2004 & 2008), and running 10 marathons as a Saucony-sponsored athlete from 2004–2012.

From the track to the roads, Nikole’s career is a testament to hard work, determination, and excellence.