By ANNIKA LARA WALEN, News & Sports Editor for The Southerner
Editor’s note: This article first appeared on The Southerner’s website December 2025. We are honored to have permission to reprint this inspiring tribute to a much loved coach and teacher.
Joe Hyser, the newest inductee to the South High Wall of Honor, celebrated his induction on October 8. He received this award for his dedication and contributions to the South community, working as a teacher and coach for the past 33 years. Over the years, he has achieved many milestones as a coach, most notably winning the Class 3AAA Coach of the Year award in 2024 and being a four-time recipient of the Minneapolis City Coach of the Year award. Additionally, he led his team to two state appearances in 1992 and 2024.
Hyser grew up in Minneapolis and has lived in the city his entire life, attending DeLaSalle High School – where he played basketball and baseball – and graduating from the University of Minnesota. Hyser has stayed tied to Minneapolis, even buying his own childhood home from his father. He is only one of three Wall of Honor recipients who did not attend South High. “It is very humbling to be one of the only people to receive this award who did not go to South,” said Hyser. “I’ve been accepted into the community.”
In 1992, Hyser kicked off his career at South as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team. Prior to his role at South, he had been working as a coach at DeLaSalle. He became the head men’s basketball coach in 1996 and acquired a teaching position 3 years later in 1999. He taught physical education for 2 years before switching gears to be the machine shop teacher we know him as today.
Hyser’s role in teaching stemmed from his work in coaching. He is passionate about the competition and the game of basketball, but the real reward is working with kids and watching them grow as students and players. Hyser is grateful for the support he has received for his team over the years, and he is glad that they have always been able to have good competition. He commented, “I’m not receiving this award because of the amount of state appearances I’ve had, but because of the impact I have with the students.” This is exemplified by the dozens of calls he received from his past students congratulating him on winning the award. He remembers each caller and takes time to catch up with each of them. “It’s so awesome to see how students have grown and see where they have ended up.”
Hyser has much appreciation for the honor of receiving this award and comments that it means a lot to him to be recognized for this award while he is still working at South. “It’s nice to know that people recognize your impact while you are still there versus only noticing once you are gone.” Hyser explained that it is very hectic working during the basketball season, but he is passionate about his team and the competition, which is why he puts so much time and effort into it. In the midst of the season, he is “grinding and grinding,” and working super hard with not much recognition if his team isn’t winning. This award gives the opportunity to display the recognition he deserves. Though the team might not be winning state championships, they all work very hard, and it shows through the devotion and impact Hyser has on his players.
Hyser is grateful to be a part of the South family. Upon reflection, Hyser commented that the most important thing he teaches is relationship building. He works to teach kids important life skills and how to build long-lasting relationships. Although Hyser and his machine shop class are being moved to Roosevelt next year, he hopes to continue coaching at South and building a strong team of not just good basketball players, but strong leaders and communicators as well. Following his induction into the Wall of Honor, Hyser’s legacy as an outstanding teacher and coach will carry on for years to come.
