Jason Costello distinguished himself as both an academic and athletic standout during his four years at Big Piney High School. As the salutatorian of the Class of 1985, young Costello received a number of academic and leadership recognitions. He was a member of the National Honor Society and was a delegate to the American Legion Boys’ State. In school offices held included President of the Letterman’s Club as well as being a class officer during his four years. He was runner-up in the prestigious SW District’s Administrator’s Student/Athlete of the Year Award.
As a basketball player, Jason was a three-year letter winner and a two-year starter for successful Puncher teams. He helped lead the talented Punchers to consolation championships in his sophomore and senior years. He was selected to the SW All-Conference team his junior and senior years. He also was selected to the SW All-Tournament team during those same years. Highlighting his awards was being named to the second team in the Casper Star’s 2A All-State team as well as being an honorable mention to the Wyoming Coaches Associations’ All-State team. Earning the Hustle Award as a junior was an indicator of his approach to athletics.
Costello earned three letters as a football player. As a junior, Costello started as both the quarterback and defensive backs positions. At the season’s end, Jason was selected to the All-Conference team as a defensive back. As a senior, he helped lead the Punchers to a winning season and was selected to first team All-State as a defensive back. Despite being recruited by Dartmouth, Jason decided to pursue his education by attending University of Wyoming.
In track, Jason lettered by qualifying for the Wyoming State meet during three of his years. He qualified for the 400m dash as well as various relays. A runner-up finish in the 400m relay at set a school record and helped enable the Punchers to a third-place finish at the state meet.
Jason’s dream of working for NASA while attending UW ended tragically in a car accident after his sophomore year but his accomplishments in Big Piney High School will be forever enshrined in the BPHS Hall of Fame.