Football=
The Mustangs have made the state football playoffs 12 times—1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1995, 2002, 2003, 2008. In addition to the state title in 1979, Hempstead finished as the state runner-up to Mason City (coached by Barry Alvarez) in 1978.
Two players - Tom Rusk and Tom Holt - are members of the IHSAA Football Players Hall of Fame. Rusk was a fullback/linebacker and 1975 graduate. He later played linebacker for the University of Iowa. Holt helped lead the Mustangs to the state title in 1979.
Read more about this topic: Hempstead High School (Dubuque, Iowa)