Cody's Kennedi Niemann and Luke Talich Win Milward Simpson Awards

For the first time, Cody High School swept the Milward Simpson Awards. The 2023 winners are Kennedi Niemann and Luke Talich.

They were announced as this year’s winners at the 48th Milward Simpson Award luncheon in Cody on Saturday.

Niemann is the first female winner from Cody High School. Talich is the second male winner, joining Mike Mees in 1978.

This award is considered the most prestigious award a prep student-athlete can receive from their high school career.

WyoPreps visited with Niemann after the celebration. Niemann was very thankful for the honor.

WyoPreps will be reaching out to Luke Talich for a conversation. Unfortunately, he had to report to the University of Notre Dame for summer football workouts and was unable to attend this year’s award ceremony. His family was in attendance, and his younger brother, Jacob (pictured) received the honor for Luke.

Niemann earned multiple letters in volleyball, basketball, and soccer player at Cody High School. She was an all-state and two-time all-conference selection in volleyball. She helped the Fillies finish as the Class 4A runner-up in 2022. On the basketball court, Niemann was a three-time all-state and all-conference choice. She was named the 4A West Defensive Player of the Year twice. She led Class 4A in assists during the 2022-23 season. Niemann led the Fillies to two 4A West regional championships, two state runner-up finishes, and the 4A state championship in the 2022-23 season, which was Cody’s first state basketball title with a 25-0 record. Niemann played in the Wyoming-Montana All-Star Basketball series and will be participating in the Wyoming Coaches’ Association All-Star game in July. On the soccer field, Niemann was a two-time all-state and all-conference pick. She helped Cody win the Class 3A state championship the last two years with an overall, two-year record of 34-0. Niemann also received the prestigious Wilford Mower Award. She will attend Pima Community College in Tucson, AZ, to play basketball and plans on majoring in communications.

Get our free mobile app

Luke Talich earned multiple letters in football, basketball, and outdoor track at Cody High School. He was a three-time all-state and all-conference selection at quarterback and safety on the gridiron. Talich led the Broncs to the Class 3A state championship in 2020 and 2021. They were runner-up in 2022. In his senior season, Talich threw for 1,682 yards and 25 touchdowns. He ran for 582 yards and seven TDs. On defense, Talich made 41.5 tackles from his safety position. He was chosen the Class 3A West Defensive Player of the Year, selected to the Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 team twice, and played in the Wyoming Shrine Bowl All-Star football game last weekend. In basketball, Talich was a three-time all-conference pick and was all-state as a senior. In track and field, he received three all-state and all-conference awards over three years. As a sophomore, Talich was runner-up in the 4A 100 meters and long lump. In his junior years, Luke placed second in the 4A 100 meters, 200 meters, and long jump. As a senior in 2023, Talich won the 4A state championship in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and long jump. He also captured first place in the 100 meters and long jump at the Wyoming Track Classic. Talich declined football scholarship offers from Wyoming, Utah, Oregon State, Colorado State, San Jose State, and Montana. Instead, he chose to fulfill a childhood dream of playing football for the Irish at the University of Notre Dame. He will be a preferred walk-on this fall.