BRYAN BUSTEED

Coach
​Inducted in 2026

Coach Bryan Busteed was inducted as a coach into the SHSAA Packer Sports Greats in 2026.

Although Coach Bus did not graduate from Omaha South High School, his influence on the school—especially in powerlifting—has been extraordinary. For 22 years, he served as the head coach of the South Powerlifting program, guiding both the boys’ and girls’ teams to sustained excellence. Under his leadership, the program earned four boys’ state championships and three girls’ state championships. He also coached 46 boys’ state champions and 32 girls’ state champions, a remarkable testament to his impact on the sport.
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Bus’s most accomplished male lifter was Mark Stewart (SHS-1999), and his most dominant female lifter was Molly Fredrickson (SHS-2009). Across both programs, 13 of his athletes earned the prestigious “Best Lifter” award at state championship meets—an achievement that reflects the high standards and competitive culture he built.

When Bus took over the Omaha South powerlifting program in 1999, the longtime Fremont coach who had been running the state meets was preparing to step down. Bus stepped into that leadership role and immediately helped expand and elevate the sport. His strong relationships within the metro powerlifting community were instrumental in the growth of the activity. Through his influence, new school programs were created, struggling programs were revitalized, and participation across the metro area increased dramatically. Today, powerlifting in the Omaha metro is a well‑established, highly competitive sport with multiple levels of involvement—due in large part to Bus’s early efforts.

Bus built his South program on discipline, determination, and uncompromising standards. His coaching approach was structured and principled, with clear expectations for school attendance, academic performance, and commitment to the team. As the program grew, cuts became necessary, and Bus ensured that only the most dedicated and responsible students remained. His teams consistently featured athletes who excelled both in the classroom and on the platform.

The discipline and work ethic Bus instilled in his athletes have had a lasting impact. The values he emphasized—responsibility, focus, perseverance—continue to benefit his former lifters long after their time at Omaha South.

In 2021, Bus was offered an assistant powerlifting coaching position at Midland University.  During his 6 years, Bus helped coach many athletes to All-American status and was part of a very dominant run in collegiate powerlifting history.  During these 6 years, Midland men and women’s teams won a total of 22 out of a possible 24 team national championships.