Lansing Civic Events: 2021 Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony -

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

July 29, 2021

By Chuck Krafft

Last year’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony had to be postponed because of the COVID crisis. This year, things came together and the Hall of Fame was able to formally induct the people who were selected in 2020.

Bob Every, the Executive Director of the Hall of Fame, made some opening remarks. He let us know of the fine collection of plaques and artifacts in the museum located in the front hall of the Lansing Center. He told a story about Magic Johnson being enthused about the Hall and giving a $100,000 donation.

It was time for the invocation and because the regular person was in the hospital, I was given the honor of doing it. As the ceremony was not disrupted by a lightning strike, I’m hoping that my invocation was acceptable!

He then acknowledged the generous sponsors:

Applegate Home Comfort

Shaheen Chevrolet

AF Group

Magic Johnson Enterprises
Auto Owners Insurance

Dean Transportation

Edward Jones Investments

Dan Henry Distributing

Bob then introduced and thanked the Hall of Fame Board Members. He also suggested that people complete forms in the Official Brochure for the event if they want to nominate someone to be inducted next year.

He then introduced inductees from previous years to honor them. About 30 inductees or their representatives were introduced and honored by the crowd.

Paul Stein, a football, basketball and baseball player from Lansing Eastern, who also played quarterback at the Air Force Academy and set seven records while he played was the first inductee. He had a successful Air Force career and retired as a Lieutenant General and Superintendent of the Air Force Academy. As he is deceased and his family was not able to attend, they sent an email that Bob Every paraphrased.

His family thanked the hall for the introduction and said that Paul Stein’s secret of success was the ability to put others first.

The other inductees were either able to accept their awards in person or through a representative.

Wayne Terwilliger:

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2021/07/wayne-terwilliger-2021-greater-lansing.html

Pete Schmidt:

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2021/07/pete-schmidt-2021-greater-lansing-area.html

Joseph Farhat:

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2021/07/joseph-farhat-2021-greater-lansing-area.html

1977 DeWitt Girls Basketball Team:

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2021/07/1977-dewitt-girls-basketball-team.html

Denny Hill:

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2021/07/denny-hill-greater-lansing-area-sports.html