Three Generations of State Appearances for the Mebius Family

While this is undoubtedly a thrilling season to be a Spartans fan as the boys basketball team makes its third-ever appearance at the state tournament, the Mebius family has another reason to celebrate.

With 21 consecutive wins and a victory in the SoDak 16, Wessington Springs has earned a trip to the state tournament in 2024 — the first appearance for the boys in 30 years.

Only two other Spartans Boys Basketball teams have previously earned a trip to the state tournament — in 1994 and in 1967 — with each appearance having one thing in common: a Mebius on their roster.

Mike Mebius was a starter on the state-bound team in 1967, his son Darrin started on the 1994 state team and now this year, their grandson/nephew, Karter Mebius.

'I really didn’t think about it until toward the end of the regular season when I thought our chances of making it to state were getting pretty good,” said Mike Mebius. “Then when the wheels started turning I thought, how neat, three times to the state tournament and a Mebius has been on each team that went to the state tournament.”

In 1967 there were only two classes, A and B, and Mebius shared that with well over 100 Class B teams participating in the tournament, the games were held in the Sioux Falls Arena that posted a capacity of 9500.

“Thinking back to 1967, it was definitely exciting. We starters didn’t know how to act when we got on the floor,” said Mike, who started on the 1967 state team alongside Jim Higgins, Jerry Higgins, Craig Larson and Larry Olson. 'We were the number one rated team going into the tournament and we played Harriet. We got beat the first game, we won the second game to Custer and got beat the third game to Beresford finishing in sixth place,” remembers Mike.

Darrin recalls having a similar nerve-wracking experience in his state basketball appearance in 1994.

“Until the game got going, there were butterflies and nerves, but once we got in the game and touched the ball we started relaxing.”

Darrin, who started on the 1994 state team alongside Cory Van Bockern, Shane Speck, Cole Hurley and Aaron Olson said that in 1994 the Spartans were seeded fourth going into the tournament and came out 1-2.

Darrin credits much of the 1994 Spartans’ success on being committed and dedicated to the game.

“The year before our state appearance, we were 5-15 on the season. The next year we were able to turn it around and go 20-5 on the season,” he recalled.

He sees much of the same qualities between 1994 players and fans to present day.

“You can tell that this team works very well together. They all know the roles they play,” he said. “When I got to the Huron Arena, the Springs community that followed the Spartans in 1994 is just as strong now as it was then. It’s pretty exciting for a small town,” he shared. “Good luck to the Spartans. They are a good, well-coached team and I am looking forward to how they turn out. Hopefully they can go get a championship!”

While he may not be starting in the Spartan’s state tournament appearance like his grandpa and uncle both did, Karter plays a very crucial role in the teams success.

“He has been the ideal sixth man, defends people well, rebounds and assists, and gives us a few points on the side. He plays his role perfectly,” said Wessington Springs Head Boys Basketball Coach Kenny Huether.

Karter said he’s taking it one day at a time and remaining focused as the Spartans advance.

“I remember four years ago when the Spartans team made it to the SoDak 16, but ended up losing. Now we are finally getting to take one more step and going to state,” he said. “All three times the Spartans have gone to state, there has been a Mebius in some form playing. That doesn’t happen to a lot of people, and its really cool.”