2000 Lansing Community College Softball - - 2022 Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame - - July 28, 2022 - - by Chuck Krafft

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE 2000 SOFTBALL TEAM

July 28, 2022

By Chuck Krafft

 

The Lansing Community College Softball Team had a 44-10 record, but that is only the beginning of a big story!!

Bob Every asked all the players to introduce themselves and tell us their position and high school.  Then, as Bob was this team’s coach, he made the acceptance speech as well.  His daughter, Jody was on the team as well.

Bob Every coached softball at Lansing Community College for a while; this was his first team.  LCC added baseball and softball to its athletic program that year.  Bob found out he would be coaching.

All the players on the team were local players from the Lansing Area.  The players worked very hard to become a good team.  Early in the year, they went to Florida for the first part of their season.  They realized their team had some potential when they beat the national championship team from the previous year. 

While they had six early losses in Florida, they also had this win over the previous champion to draw on for confidence.  While the team lost ten games that season, six of them were in the early games in Florida while they were coming together as a team.  After they got back from Florida, they only lost four more games the entire season. 

In their first year of existence as a program, they were invited to the national tournament.  While they were not the champion, this whole season was an incredible accomplishment for a brand new team with all local players. 

Bob Every talked of the special camaraderie between the players that created the bonds that helped the team to its special season.  Bob credited them for having the ability to show him how to coach and how to relate. 

Bob Every also gave Assistant Coach Gordy Hetrick a special shoutout and praised his softball knowledge and coaching ability. 

The award plaque was presented to current LCC Athletic director, Greg Lattig.

For those who wish to read about the entire event, here is a link to the Overview page!

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/2022-greater-lansing-area-sports-hall.html

Roger Callard - - 2022 Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - - July 30, 2022 - - by Chuck Krafft

 

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

ROGER CALLARD

July 28, 2022

By Chuck Krafft

 

Roger Callard was a body building champion who was a good high school athlete as well.  His accomplishments as a body builder include:

Saginaw County Team of the Century

Mr. Michigan

Mr. Western America

Mr. U.S.A.

Mr. America

Mr. International

He was also a fast runner who was a Conference Mile Relay Champions. 

He has acted in over 40 TV shows and movies and is an R & B Recording Artist. 

He also helped train people in the U.S. Airforce and has invented and created workout machines.  He has also written eight screen plays and was a contributing editor for Muscle Builder and Power Magazine. 

I have been blogging the Hall of Fame induction ceremony since 2015 and my opinion is that Roger Callard gave the best induction acceptance speech I have ever heard! 

He started out by thanking Bob Every and the Selection Committee for his induction. 

He told of his dreams as a young boy of being the fastest runner in the world and being a top athlete.  He would imagine himself performing in championship moments.  His older brother introduced him to weight lifting when he was twelve.  His strong physique, combined with excellent running speed earned him a varsity letter as a freshman in high school.  He told of hearing Duffy Daugherty, the former Michigan State football coach giving an exemplary motivational speech while he was in high school.

He went on to help his Chesaning High School Football team win a championship and played for the Michigan State football team.

He told of losing his father at age 16 and how George Perles, an assistant coach at MSU at that time became his surrogate father.  He praised George Perles for the way he genuinely cared about his players. 

He noted that he did some acting in high school.  In fact, his football coach was also his drama coach.  He reluctantly joined the cast for his first play and found out he love acting.  He relayed his experiences meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kurt Russell early in his acting career. 

He relayed the pain of going through his wife’s struggle with cancer for a few years.  There were ups and downs until she finally succumbed to the disease in 2013. 

He again praised George Perles for giving him faith in himself.  He related that there were three attributes that are necessary to success in any sport.  These are Effort, Love and Gratitude. 

He related a story about an important lesson her learned from his father.  It involved making a list of your best allies and worst enemies.  He pointed out that it is important to respect the people who open doors and pointed out that dealing with competitors and enemies can contribute a lot to a person’s growth.

Kudos again to Mr. Callard for an amazing, motivational speech!!

For those who wish to read about the entire event, here is a link to the Overview page!

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/2022-greater-lansing-area-sports-hall.html

 

 

 

Roland Carter - - 2022 Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - - July 28, 2022 - - by Chuck Krafft

 

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

ROLAND CARTER

July 28, 2022

By Chuck Krafft

 

Roland Carter was a fine pole vaulter from Carson City High School.  He was the first pole vaulter in Michigan to top sixteen feet, seventeen feet and eighteen feet.  In 1964, he won the Michigan High School Pole Vaulting Championship. 

He went on to compete for Michigan State University.  He was a Big Ten indoor and outdoor Pole Vaulting Champion and held the NCAA record for a while.  He was an All-American.  His 16’ 4” vault was a Michigan State record for 30 years.

He was the U.S. Interservice Champion when he was in the army.  He also won many AAU and U.S. Invitational Events.  He was the AAU National Indoor Champion in 1975 and 1976 as well. Roland Carter also was a finalist for the U.S. Olympic Team trials in 1972 and 1976.

He was the fifth pole vaulter in history to complete an 18 foot vault.  They showed a video of this achievement right before Mr. Carter spoke. 

He pointed out that this was the second induction he had gone through in his life.  The first one was into the army.  He joked that he likes this induction ceremony much better!

He thanked many supporters who helped him achieve his accomplishments.  He also thanked Bob Every, the Hall of Fame Chairman, for all he does to help make the Hall the fine institution we all appreciate.  He noted how many coaches are being honored this year and pointed out all they do to help athletes to be the best they can be.

He joked about how his wife pretended to be a pole vault fan to be closer to him.  He has been married to Sandy for 49 years. 

He also mentioned the “White Moment” which is the moment your mind clears right before you perform a feat. 

For those who wish to read about the entire event, here is a link to the Overview page!

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/2022-greater-lansing-area-sports-hall.html

 

 

 

Dan Olsen - - 2022 Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - - July 28, 2022 - - by Chuck Krafft

 

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

DAN OLSEN

July 28, 2022

By Chuck Krafft

 

Dan Olsen was one of the finest golfers to ever come from the Lansing Area.  He had a fine career at East Lansing High School and the University of Indiana.  He went on to be a professional golfer.

He was an individual and state champion at East Lansing high school and achieved All-State recognition in 1984 and 1985.

At the University of Indiana, he was the Indiana Amateur Winner in three different years and had the lowest stroke average on the University’s Golf Team in two different years.

He was on the PGA and National Golf Tours as well.

Mr. Olsen said he was proud to be at the induction ceremony.  He was the product of parents who lived across the street from a golf course.  While he started his athletic journey as a basketball player, he eventually started in golf to give him a fall sport.

Because East Lansing had a rare opportunity for a freshman to be on the varsity golf team, he spent four years on the varsity.  He thanked his coach as well as his family and other families who golf for their help in making his golf career a success.

For those who wish to read about the entire event, here is a link to the Overview page!

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/2022-greater-lansing-area-sports-hall.html

 

Lansing Everett 2000 and 2001 Girls Basketball - - 2022 Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - - July 28, 2022 - - by Chuck Krafft

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

2000 and 2001 Lansing Everett Girls Basketball

July 28, 2022

By Chuck Krafft

 

Lansing Everett was a huge factor in Michigan Girls’ Basketball from 1998 to 2001.  In those four seasons (starting in December 2997, the team complied a 103-4 record.  Everett spent the first of those four seasons getting the attention of the basketball community.  I believe the only game the team lost was in the state tournament.

In 1999, the only game that the Everett Vikings lost was in the State final.  In 2000, they were undefeated state champions.  In 2001, the had a one point and a two-point loss during the season, but won the state title with a 53-43 win over Saginaw Heritage. 

After the players from the teams introduced themselves, Darrell Scott, one of the assistant coaches made the acceptance speech as Coach Johnny Jones was not able to come.

Darrell Scott stressed the importance of understanding the journey that helped to form the players into this championship unit.  He had to learn how to communicate with them, so it was a growth experience for him as well. 

He noted that they practiced like a track team during the summer to develop the endurance necessary to play tough basketball on offense and defense without letdowns.  He also thanked the players and Coach Jones.  Coach Jones established an atmosphere that allowed all the coaches and players to grow and play their best!

For those who wish to read about the entire event, here is a link to the Overview page!

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/2022-greater-lansing-area-sports-hall.html

Rachel Turney Justice - - 2022 Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - - July 28, 2022 - - by Chuck Krafft

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

RACHEL TURNEY JUSTICE

July 28, 2022

By Chuck Krafft

 

Rachel Turney Justice was an All-State Softball Pitcher and an All-Conference basketball player on Lansing Everett’s 2001 and 2002 State Championship Girls basketball teams!

In softball, she was an All-Conference, All-District, All-Region and All-State pitcher.  She was also an All-American at Lansing Community College and went on to pitch for Michigan State.  She was the MVP of at least two tournaments and pitched a no-hitter in 2007.  She was also Academic All-Big Ten for two seasons.

She thanked the community for supporting her and felt that the resilience and other lessons from playing sports helped her in every part of her life.

She also pointed out the power of positivity and pointed out how one small act of kindness or a kind word can really powerfully impact the life of another person!

For those who wish to read about the entire event, here is a link to the Overview page!

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/2022-greater-lansing-area-sports-hall.html

 

Josephine Mask - - 2022 Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - - J

 

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

JOSEPHINE MASK

July 28, 2022

By Chuck Krafft

 

Josephine Mask was a track and field star for Sexton High in the 1970s.  We was the State Champion in the shot-put and the discus in 1978.  She still holds the Sexton record for the discus with a throw of 133 feet and 11 inches.

She also played Varsity Volleyball for three years and is a member of the J.W. Sexton High School Hall of Fame.

Ms. Mask told us that she was proud of Lansing as well as the people who recognized her talent and encouraged her to compete in sports.  As she had a difficult childhood at times, this helped launch her on a path to a productive life.  The confidence she gained from doing well at sports carried over to other parts of her life.

She thanked God for his direction in her life as well and also thanked the Selection Committee for her induction.

She has opened a foundation for children from foster homes. 

For those who wish to read about the entire event, here is a link to the Overview page!

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/2022-greater-lansing-area-sports-hall.html

 

Rupert (Rocky) Shaft - - 2022 Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

 

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

RUPERT (ROCKY) SHAFT

July 28, 2022

By Chuck Krafft

 

Rocky Shaft was the Holt High School wrestling coach for 47 years.  He compiled a 624-108 record. 

His teams won 25 league titles, 35 district championships, 15 regional titles and three state titles!

He was twice nominated for National Coach of the Year and is a member of both the Michigan and National Wrestling Halls of Fame!

Mr. Shaft is deceased, so his widow, Liz Shaft and his former assistant coach, Stan Granger, (who is now Holt’s varsity wrestling coach) accepted the Induction Plaque.  Stan Granger made the acceptance speech as well; he had also been coached by Rocky Shaft when he was in high school. 

Stan Granger pointed out that Coach Shaft had a gruff exterior, but a really warm heart.  He never yelled at his wrestlers.  He always was positive and encouraging, even to the students who were not top wrestlers.  He always tried to find ways to make sure that everyone got chances to wrestle.  He never cut anyone from the wrestling team.  (At a school as large as Holt, that means a lot!)

What Stan remembered most about Coach Shaft was his humility and his phenomenal memory for sports facts and detailed accounts of wrestling meets from years past. 

Stan Granger showed some emotion during his speech.  His favorite quote from Coach Shaft was, “The fun is in the memories.”  This sums up both Stan’s respect for his former coach as well as Coach Shaft’s humility, spirit and all he brought to several generations of wrestlers!

For those who wish to read about the entire event, here is a link to the Overview page!

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/2022-greater-lansing-area-sports-hall.html

 

 

2022 Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - - Jim Brandt

 

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

JIM BRANDT

July 28, 2022

By Chuck Krafft

 

Jim Brandt coached Track at Grand Ledge for 28 years; he also coached Cross Country for 19 years and Basketball for 10 years.  He had a big hand in founding the Lansing Invitational Cross Country Meet in 1989.

In cross country, he had 66 consecutive dual meet wins and won 11 CAC Championships in 12 years.  He also won 3 Regional Championships and coached 6 All-State Runners.  He was the Lansing State Journal Coach of the Year in 1994.

In track, he won one CAC Championship, two West Central Championships and ten Eaton County Championships.  In 2005, he was entered into the Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

His first comment was a story about a Magic Johnson dunk against one of his basketball teams that was so impressive that his Grand Ledge bench gave its props!  He noted that Magic Johnson went on to coach in the NBA while he went on to coaching track!  (Like most inductees, Mr. Brandt was quite humble!)

He thanked his athletes for their hard work and dedication.  He also thanked the coaches that helped his teams to achieve on a level that earned this recognition.

He showed a great sense of humor throughout his talk as he ended by telling us that he was happy to see his grandchildren at the event.  He noted that if he had known about grandkids, he would have skipped the “kids” part of the process!

For those who wish to read about the entire event, here is a link to the Overview page!

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/2022-greater-lansing-area-sports-hall.html

 

2022 Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - - Overview

 

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

 

July 28, 2022

 

By Chuck Krafft

One of my favorite annual events every year is annual induction ceremony at the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame.  Of course, as I do every year, I played piano during the happy hour portion of the evening.  For those of you who missed it, (from my You Tube Channel) here is one of the songs I played.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAyGsC_FuNo

 

Bob Every, the Executive Director of the Hall of Fame made some opening remarks.  He told us the story of moving the Hall of Fame from Lansing Community College to its present home in the Lansing Center. 

 

He acknowledged the sponsors and the Selection Committee Members and reminded the audience that they can submit names for consideration for the 2023 Class of Inductees.  He also thanked Barry Kiel as well as Brian Calloway and several other reports from the Lansing State Journal for publishing articles that highlighted each of the inductees.

 

The sponsors include:

Applegate Home Comfort

AF Group

Mary Ellen Sheets

Gregory Eaton & Associates

Dean Transportation

Dan Henry Distributing

ASAP Printing contributed the beautiful brochures that everyone received as a memento of the occasion!!

He also thanked Scott Keith, director of the Lansing Center, for the wonderful buffet dinner with great service as well as for the beautiful home that is provided for all of the Hall of Fame’s exhibits.

Sarah Anthony, the State Representative for the Lansing Area got up to salute the 2000 and 2001 Lansing Everett Girls Basketball Teams as well as the 2001 Lansing Community College Softball team.

Bob then introduced Jim Brandt, a long-time track, cross country and basketball coach at Grand Ledge High School.

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/2022-greater-lansing-sports-hall-of.html

At this point, Bob Every introduced all the former inductees who made it to the 2022 ceremony!  I did not count, but would estimate that at least 40 former inductees were there to be saluted by the audience!

After a quick “Happy Birthday” complete with official song to former honoree Kim Spalsbury, it was time to introduce the next inductee, Rupert (Rocky) Shaft.

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/rupert-rocky-shaft-2022-greater-lansing.html

The next inductee was Josephine Mask.

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/josephine-mask-2022-greater-lansing.html

After that, Rachel Turney Justice was inducted into the hall.

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/rachel-turney-justice-2022-greater.html

 

Now, it was time for the 2000 and 2001 Lansing Everett Girls Basketball State Champions to take their place on the stage!

 

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/lansing-everett-2000-and-2001-girls.html

 

The next inductee was Dan Olsen.

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/dan-olsen-2022-greater-lansing-area.html

Roland Carter came up to the stage next.

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/roland-carter-2022-greater-lansing-area.html

Roger Callard was the next inductee.

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/roger-callard-2022-greater-lansing-area.html

The final induction of the evening was the 2000 Lansing Community College Softball team.

https://lansingcivicevents.blogspot.com/2022/07/2000-lansing-community-college-softball.html