CAROL (CHMELKA) BALERUD 

Class of 1979
​Inducted in 2014

​Carol was inducted into the SHSAA Packer Sports Greats in 2014.

Carol (Chmelka) Balerud earned three letters in gymnastics while at SHS. She was the state vaulting champion in 1977 and placed second on both the uneven bars and in the all-around, and third on the floor exercise. In 1978, Carol placed second on the vault, third in state all around, and fourth on both the balance beam and floor exercise. In 1979 she finished second on the balance beam and third in the vault, floor exercise and all around.

After graduation, Carol attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and was a member of the UNL Women’s Gymnastics team. She graduated from UNL with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Carol has continued her gymnastic involvement by judging girls’ and women’s gymnastic competitions from beginners to NCAA National Championships. She has worked for Nebraska Public Power District in Columbus, NE for 22 years.