Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction 2017 - - James Keyton, Jr.

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

2017

James Keyton, Jr. 

The first year I moved to Lansing, I had the thrill of watching the 1979-80 Lansing Eastern Basketball team, which featured Sam Vincent and future Mr. Basketball Robert Henderson, win the State Class A Basketball Championship.  Another huge (in more than one way) cog in this championship was Center James Keyton.  

He was 6' 6" and an All-State player in basketball, football and baseball.  He was built like a pro football lineman and eventually played in the NFL.  I remember being amazed by how a player that size could move so well.

Mr. Keyton thanked the Committee for the honor.  He wanted to make three points about Favor, Family and Finishing.  These were important in giving him the background he needed to excel.

In regard to Favor, he cited the Book of Proverbs about respecting family and authority.  He also talked of his experiences competing with and scrimmaging with Michigan State players.  These trials made him a better person.  He usually learned more from setbacks than from successes.

He pointed about how it is important to have a strong family.  It helps you to learn to work out problems in person (as opposed to starting a Twitter fight).  He thanked several of his coaches for pushing him to become the best athlete he could be.

Finishing means to do your best in life and not just rely on innate talent.  Nothing is guaranteed.  It is important to be an example and to give back to the youth of the community.  

He closed with a quote from scripture that advises us to live life in hope of a better afterlife.

 

 

Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction 2017 - - Leah Nilsson Kareti

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

2017

Leah Nilsson Kareti

Leah Nilsson Kareti was an All-State Cross Country and Track performer for Williamston High School.   She set school track records in the 800 meter, 1600 meter and 3200 meter runs as well as the 3200 meter relay.

She also competed and captained cross country and track teams at Michigan State University.  She was an NCAA and Big Ten All-Academic honoree as well and achieved a nomination for a Rhodes Scholarship.

Ms. Kareti thanked her coaches for working to make her a better runner.  She made three main points in her speech.  

She believes that sports do a lot to develop athletes as responsible adults and help to build confidence as well as athletic excellence.

She applauds the progress in Women's Athletics helped along by Title IX.  She would like to see more women get into careers as coaches; at this time, many female athletes are being coached by men.

Also, she likes the special bonds that sports help develop between athletes, families and their communities.  They are really important as we help to raise children into adults. 

Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction 2017 - - Marcelle Carruthers

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

2017

Marcelle Carruthers

Marcelle Carruthers was a top quarterback for Lansing Eastern during his playing days.  He was not only named to the All-State Dream Teams, but he was considered the top quarterback in the State of Michigan.  He went on to be the starting quarterback for Central Michigan University for two years.

He was an assistant coach at the college level.  He has devoted most of his working career to coaching, teaching and being an administrator in the Lansing School System.  He has led a number of top quality football and track teams at Lansing Everett High School and will be the Principal at Lansing Eastern High School starting next year.

In his acceptance speech, he thanked his mother, who was always his number one fan.   He credited one of his coaches for instilling in him that a coach should never try to live his life through his players.  Both in his coaching and as he hires coaches in his capacity as an administrator, he always emphasizes this.  

He finished his speech by saying, "I believe in Lansing because Lansing believed in me!"  Our community is truly blessed to have this man working to educate and coach our local athletes!

Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction 2017 - - Charlie Jablonski

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

2017

Charlie Joblonski

Charles Joblonski was an All-State football player in football and a baseball state champion during his high school career.  He was selected for the hall of fame because of his long coaching career at Pattengill Junior High in Lansing where he helped numerous athletes become better players and better people.  He was an important mentor to many athletes.  

He kept his speech brief; he talked of how the people came into Pattengill as "brats" but left as young men and women.  

Many people in the audience as well as a number of local sports commentators also spoke of the great effect Mr. Jablonski had on their lives.