By Olivia Espinola, Austin Mayo and Shaun Taylor Posted March 28, 2025
Lowry High School held another Hall of Fame induction this year, bringing recognition back to Keith Neary, Chelsea Cabatbat, Beau Billingsley, Michael Billingsley, and Robert Neary.
“This year’s hall of fame class was an outstanding representation of past and present athletic success at LHS,” said Lowry principal Shaun Taylor. “The wrestling inductees showcased the start of LHS wrestling dominance, our induction of Coach Cabatbat displayed the recent dominance of LHS Hoops. We are fortunate to have outstanding community support of LHS Athletics.”
Keith Neary (1984) inducted 2025
Keith Neary was a standout in wrestling, becoming the first freshman in Lowry High history to win a state championship in 1981 at the 115 lbs weight class, finishing the season with a record of 18-9. In 1982, he was the state runner-up with a record of 18-5. Keith went on to win two additional state championships, claiming first place in 1983 at 129 lbs with a record of 25-3-1. In 1984, he was again a state runner-up at 135 lbs, finishing the year with a record of 35-6. His overall wrestling record at Lowry was 96-23-1.
Chelsea (Mendiola) Cabatbat (2002) inducted 2025
As a coach, Chelsea’s Cabatbat achievements are remarkable. She led the Lowry High School girl’s basketball team to a State Championship in 2014 and received Coach of the Year honors. Her teams also won State Championships in 2023 and 2024, earning another Coach of the Year title. Chelsea was a standout athlete herself, earning four letters in golf and basketball. She was part of the state championship golf team in 1999 and a key player in the 2001-2002 State Championship basketball team.
Beau Billingsley (2015) inducted 2025
In wrestling, Beau Billingsley’s accomplishments are unmatched, earning four state championships, three team state titles, and the prestigious National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award. He was a National High School Coaches Association All-American and a 3-time Sierra Nevada Classic finalist, with one victory. His academic achievements were equally impressive, with three Academic All-State honors and recognition as the NIAA Top Ten Student-Athlete of the Year.
Michael Billingsley (2013) inducted 2025
In wrestling, Michael’s Billingsley achievements were remarkable, with 4 state championships, 4 team state titles, and recognition as a 2-time National High School Coaches Association All-American. He was a Rollie Lane Invitational Champion and a 2-time finalist, earning the title of Team MVP and serving as team captain for 3 years. Additionally, Michael was a 4-time Academic All-State honoree and the Reno Gazette-Journal Wrestler of the Year.
Robert Neary (1981) inducted 2025
Robert Neary attended Lowry High School from 1978 to 1981, participating in wrestling, football, track, baseball, and band. He also served as the student council Vice President.
While Robert competed in several sports, he excelled in wrestling. In 1978, he won the junior varsity state championship. In 1980, he became the varsity state champion at 130 lbs with a record of 17-6, leading the team in takedowns and contributing to the 1980 State Championship. In 1981, he was the state runner-up with a record of 22-4.
After high school, Robert continued his wrestling career at Pacific University. While training for wrestling, he was recruited by the cross country coach and went on to compete for the cross country team. He was honored with the Coaches Award and lettered in both cross country and wrestling.
Robert later coached wrestling for a year at Union High School in Union, Oregon, before returning to Nevada. He currently resides in Whitehall, Montana.
1979-1980 Wrestling team inducted 2025
In 1980, Yerington High School was on the verge of winning its 10th consecutive Nevada AA State Championship, a remarkable feat that no other 2A team in Nevada had ever achieved. With Yerington the clear favorites, the 1980-81 Lowry High School wrestling team entered the tournament as determined underdogs. Against all odds, the team delivered the performance of a lifetime, upsetting Yerington and securing Lowry’s first-ever Wrestling Team State Championship. This victory would come to be seen as the foundation for one of the most successful programs at Lowry High School. The 1981 team boasted four individual state champions: Jimmy Kracaw (123 lbs), Robert Neary (130 lbs), Paul Kerr (167 lbs), and Steve Lopes (194 lbs). Additionally, three wrestlers earned second-place finishes: Ricky Jurado (98 lbs), Kenny Roybal (148 lbs), and George Miller (Heavyweight). Arlan Fagg secured a third-place finish (115 lbs), while Karl Baker placed fourth (177 lbs).
Other key contributors to this historic accomplishment included Kelly Pollock, Wade George, Jim Rickley, Jeff Ellifritz, Tom Baker, John Baker, Curtis Baker, Sam Glasglow, Tim Davis, and Rich Donaldson. The team was coached by Jim Billingsley, with Mark Brandenburg serving as assistant coach. Although several members of this team are no longer with us, we honor their contributions to Lowry Wrestling, recognizing that their efforts helped lay the foundation for the program’s legacy. The success of the 1980-81 state championship team remains an integral part of what has become a storied wrestling tradition at Lowry High School. Robert Neary (1981) inducted 2025. Robert Neary attended Lowry High School from 1978 to 1981, participating in wrestling, football, track, baseball, and band. He also served as the student council Vice President. While Robert competed in several sports, he excelled in wrestling. In 1978, he won the junior varsity state championship. In 1980, he became the varsity state champion at 130 lbs with a record of 17-6, leading the team in takedowns and contributing to the 1980 State Championship. In 1981, he was the state runner-up with a record of 22-4. After high school, Robert continued his wrestling career at Pacific University. While training for wrestling, he was recruited by the cross country coach and went on to compete for the cross country team. He was honored with the Coaches Award and lettered in both cross country and wrestling. Robert later coached wrestling for a year at Union High School in Union, Oregon, before returning to Nevada. He currently resides in Whitehall, Montana.
