The Buffalo Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the induction of Bernie Duffy from the Class of 1977. His induction into the Hall of Fame will take place on Saturday, January 24, during the Stanley County vs. Cheyenne-Eagle Butte doubleheader basketball game at Parkview Auditorium in Fort Pierre. The same night as the annual chili feed fundraiser.
Bernie Duffy ’77 was a three-sport athlete for SC, competing in cross country, basketball, and track and field. While competitive in running and jumping, it was on the hardwood, however, where Bernie shined.
A four-year cross country runner, Bernie endured distance running with the help of teammates and lifelong friends. Cross country Coach Glenn Dozark chauffeured the “Purple Pack” in a surplus ambulance. Bernie graduated as a four-year letter winner and the top team finisher in five cross country races his senior year. A reluctant runner, Bernie competed in track and field, specializing in the high jump, and qualifying for three state track meets. His senior year, he was undefeated in the high jump until the state track meet and was named the 1977 SCHS Track & Field MVP.
Basketball is where Bernie made a statewide name for himself, however. He played with older brother Pat and younger brother Dan. In Bernie’s freshman and sophomore years, SC finished 13-10. His junior year, SC was 14-9. All three years, the Buffalos were eliminated by Sully Buttes. Bernie’s junior year statistics were 236 points, 203 rebounds, 30 assists, 90/120 field goals, and 56/87 free throws.
As a senior, Bernie averaged a double-double in points (21) and rebounds (12), leading SC to a 10-10 record. Eventually eliminated by Highmore, it was a memorable season. In addition to perhaps the first game dunk in Buffalo history, Bernie scored 397 points, grabbed 230 rebounds, and dished 18 assists. He shot 154/273 field goals and 89/127 free throws. In an 81-58 victory over Crow Creek, he scored a school record 45 points in a basketball game (36 first half points) and was named SC MVP and Class B 2nd Team All-State.
Bernie was named the SC 1977 Co-Athlete of the Year and was also active in theater, student council, and declam, where he was a state finalist for three years. He was also a Boys State delegate and Voice of Democracy state champion. Bernie played basketball at DWU from 1977-1981 and was active in theater.
Bernie served 34 years as a SD educator, is the father of five children, and lives in Sioux Falls.
The Buffalo Hall of Fame was established to formally honor the memory and contributions of outstanding student-athletes, coaches and supporters of Fort Pierre High and Stanley County High School co-curricular programs. It serves as a symbol of the community’s appreciation for the excellence, honor, and devotion displayed by the inductees.
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