Athletics Hall of Fame

Inducted: 1998

The Wayne High School Gridders, led by Coach Dale Butler, went through the 1944 football season with the most successful team in the history of the school. Not only did the team go through the season undefeated, but they were the undisputed leaders of the Twin Valley League and the Class B school champions of the state. Rather than depend on brawn and size to out-maneuver their opponents, the boys depended upon brains and finesse, which they were capably taught by Coach Butler.

Game Results

Sept 22: Wayne - 14 | Mt Pleasant - 0

Sept 29: Wayne - 33 | Berkley - 8

Oct 6: Wayne - 21 | Dearborn - 0

Oct 13: Wayne - 25 | Plymouth - 0

Oct 20: Wayne - 28 | Ecorse - 0

Oct 27: Wayne - 47 | Birmingham - 0

Nov 3: Wayne - 18 | Monroe - 0

Nov 10: Wayne - 25 | Trenton - 0

Inducted: 1998

Coach - Doris Busuito

Team Members - Dhurat (Dodi) Ali, Beth Clasgens (mgr), Kim Eldridge, Lisa Hayes, Joan Jackson, Deanna Leverenz, Pam Matyjasik, Chris Poteau, Tina Russell, Carol Stocchi, Cheryl Trudell, Lynne Underwood

Inducted: 1998

Coach - Doris Busuito

Team members - Mary Batterson, Cindy Burnie, Paula Cardin, Noreen Hamlin, Laura Hayes, Lisa Hayes, Joan Jackson, Lynne Nibert, Kris Poteau, Melissa Prevo

Multi-Sport

Inducted 1998
 

Wendy is a lifelong resident and grew up in a sports-minded family with 4 brothers. She attended Marshal Junior High and was an outstanding athlete at Wayne Memorial High School. She received the maximum 9 Varsity Letters competing in Basketball, Softball, and Volleyball. In 1977 she was selected All-League Second Team in Basketball As a Senior Wendy achieved a sweep in all 3 sports. She was 1st Team All-League and also chosen Captain in all 3 sports. She received the William Elliot Memorial Scholarship and the Wayne Booster Club Scholarship for her athletic accomplishments.

After high school, Wendy attended Eastern Michigan University where she played on the Varsity Volleyball Team for 2 years and participated for 4 years on Basketball and Softball Intramural Teams. Wendy has also played recreation softball since 1967 and has received many trophies for the team and individual accomplishments. In 1985 she attained All-World honors playing for Little Caesar's USSSA Class "B" Team. Wendy began coaching high schools ports in 1980.

• 1980-1984 Wayne Memorial Junior Varsity Basketball
• 1980-1982 John Glenn Junior Varsity Volleyball
• 1983-1989 John Glenn Varsity Volleyball

During her span as Varsity Volleyball Coach at John Glenn, her teams won District Championships 1985-1988; were Regional Finalist 1986-87 and Western Lakes Champs in 1986.

Wendy and her husband Ron are still active athletically and have one daughter, Leah. They currently reside in Wayne.

Sports Officiating

Inducted: 1998

Dick has been involved in organized athletics since his days at St. Frances Xavier High School. Dick played Football, Basketball and Baseball and was named to the All-Catholic Division Football Team as a senior. Dick played American Legion Baseball for 3 years and played in the All-Star Game at Briggs Stadium. After high school, Dick played in the All-Star Game at Briggs Stadium. After high school Dick played freshman football for the Carbon Athletic Club. While in the Armed Forces Dick played baseball for the 11th Airborn Division. He was also active in softball and played 15 years of fast pitch softball and 10 years slow pitch. Dick has been involved with the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) since 1962 and received the James J. Coughlin Award in 1990. He was coached at Wayne St. Mary and Inkster High Schools. All of the aforementioned prepared Dick for sports officiating. He has been a MHSAA Official for football, baseball, basketball, and softball since 1969. He has been invited to work the following select games:
 

• 4 CYO Football Championships

Catholic League

• 1994 & 1996 Semifinals Softball
• 1995 & 1997 Finals Softball
• 1995 Football Championship

MHSAA

• Basketball Tournament 20 years
• Baseball/Softball Tournament 8 years
• Football Playoffs 1997

For his officiating Dick was honored by the MHSAA for 30 years service in 1989 and was elected in 1984 to the Catholic League Hall of Fame.

Dick and his wife Mary Lou lived in Wayne for many years where they raised 6 children. They now reside in Canton, Michigan.

Announcer - "The Voice of the Zebras"

Inducted: 1993

Bill was active in athletics in both high school and college, but his real forte is his ability to capture the attention of spectators at sporting events through announcing. A tribute from the Wayne Memorial Football Boosters that was featured in the 1991 Football Program exemplifies the thoughts of his many admirers.

“Bill Brooks has been the voice of the Wayne Memorial Football team since 1972. His long-standing dedication to academics and athletics have made him a very important part of our community. Everyone that has experienced a football game at Wayne Memorial knows how much he brings to every event. All who listen to him are assured they have heard the best commentary in high school football.

Whether winning or losing his loyalty never waivers. There is always a contagious excitement in his voice. And he makes it very clear that Wayne Memorial has so much to offer through our young athletes.

For our athletes at Wayne Memorial there have been many thrills over the years, the thrill of a touchdown, extra point, interception, sack or blocked punt. And that extra thrill every time Mr. Brooks speaks their name. For that moment he makes them feel the pride that we as parents and fans all feel, in a way that no one else can.”

In addition to football, Bill has announced on a regular basis both Boys and Girls Basketball, Track and Field, Swimming Invitationals, and school assemblies. He has also announced volleyball state regional and tournament finals. he has been the emcee for many sports banquets and was selected to announce the first Michigan High School Football Coaches All-Star Game.

When Bill announces an event he spends considerable time researching the visiting teams whom are treated to his unique ability of making them feel special It is not unusual to see a visiting player stop during his warmup to listen and pay silent homage to the man on the mike extolling him and his team’s virtues.

Bill is also a supporter of Wheelchair Basketball and has announced for the Detroit Sparks Games and the National Wheelchair Regional and Final Championship Games.

Bill has been active at Wayne Memorial as a sponsor for several classes, yearbooks, and the school newspaper. He organized the S.A.D.D. (Students Against Drunk Drivers). He has also participated in many fundraisers both at the high school and in the community. Last, but not least, he assists in this Hall’s induction ceremonies. Bill currently resides in Westland. 

Volleyball

Inducted: 1992

Doris graduated from Detroit Western High School wheres he was a member of the basketball field hockey, swimming, and tennis teams. A graduate of  Wayne State University, she began her coaching career at Southwestern High School as field hockey, swimming, and tennis coach for seven years. She transferred to Tappan Jr. High in 1958 as Physical Education Department Head. She arrived at Wayne Memorial High School in 1969 and was the volleyball coach for nine years, during which time her teams

amassed a fantastic record of 215 wins and 28 losses for an 88.4% winning record. Along with this outstanding record, her teams won the following championships in nine years:

• 7 Conference
• 4 District
• 3 Regional
• 1 State Runner-Up 1980
• State Champion 1981- 49 Wins,2 Losses
• State Champion 1983-47 Wins, 2 Losses

Other honors bestowed upon Doris were:

• Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coach of the Year- 1983
• Michigan High School Association Coach of the Year- 1984
• National Federation (NFICA) Outstanding Coach - 1984
• Wayne Memorial High School Hall of Fame - Inducted 1989

Several of Doris' players have gone on to coach volleyball at various levels - Jr. High (5), High School (7), and A.A.U. Jr. Olympics (1). Doris retired from teaching in 1991 and she and her husband, Sam, currently reside in Westland.

Multi-Sports

Inducted: 1994

Dale has been a resident of Wayne his entire life and attended Wayne High School where he received 10 varsity letters - 3 in basketball, 3 in track, and 4 in tennis. Dale graduated in 1935 and attended Albion College where he received 8 Varsity letters, 3 in basketball, 2 in track, and 3 in tennis. This was during the era when freshman could not compete on varsity teams. Dale graduated from Albion in 1939 and began his career at Waldron High School in Waldron, Michigan as a principal and athletic coach. In 1942 Dale accepted a position at Wayne High and was a coach and athletic director from 1942 to 1948. During this period he accomplished the following:

• Football - 44 wins 10 losses. 22 straight wins. Five league
• championships. Two state class "B" championships.
• Basketball - 5 district championships and 2 regional championships.
• Track - Coached 2 state champions.

One of Dale's more recent accomplishments was winning two senior tennis tournaments at the age of 76 years young.

Dale's wife, the former Kathryn Dietrich, also graduated from Wayne High School and Albion College. They raised two children, Shari and Bob, who attended Wayne Memorial where they excelled in athletics as well.

Baseball Coach

Inducted: 1998
 

Jim has over 400 career victories as a baseball coach. He was graduated from Saginaw St. Andrews High School and Eastern Michigan University. In his coaching career at Wayne Memorial, Jim coached 9th-grade football, JV baseball (6 years) and varsity baseball (27 years). In his victory total are seven league championships, five MHSAA district championships, one MHSAA Regional Championship and one MHSAA State Final Four.

N.C.A.A. Executive Director

Inducted: 1994

Cedric is a native of Wayne, Michigan and attended Wayne High School. While at Wayne High Cedric received varsity letters in football, baseball, and basketball. After graduation in 1950 from Wayne High, he attended Albion College. At Albion he participated in football, baseball, and basketball, and was named the All-American Inter collegiate Conference-Outstanding Athlete of the Year in 1954. During the 1952 basketball season, he was the second leading small college rebounder in the nation (21.6 per game). He graduated from Albion in 1954 and served as an assistant football and basketball coach, and head coach for tennis, cross country and basketball. He received a Master's Degree from Albion, a Doctorate from the University of Illinois and migrated to Arizona University i 1963 as an assistant basketball coach. He was an Assistant Athletic Director at Arizona from 1963-1967 and was appointed Athletic Director in 1968 at Pacific University and served there for 12 years. He also served as Athletic Director at San Diego State and Houston University before returning to Arizona as Athletic Director. At each of these schools, Cedric has left an impressive record and based on this was appointed secretary-treasurer of the N.C.A.A. in January of 1993. This was followed by his rise to the top office of the N.C.A.A. as Executive Director in November of 1993. Cedric is the recipient of numerous awards and a member of several outstanding civic organizations. He has been inducted into the following Halls of Fame:

• Albion College
• Pacific College
• Pima County Arizona Sports Hall.

Cedric and his wife June are currently residing in Kansas and have three adult children, Linda, David, and Marcia.

Athletic Director

Inducted: 1992

Don attended Denby High School in Detroit where he participated on the track and swimming teams which won league championships. Don's most proficient endeavor, however, was in football where he starred in the backfield and upon graduation was awarded a scholarship to the University of Detroit.

After one year at U of D, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army. Due to his athletic prowess, Don was assigned to Special Services and coached an elite group of former college players to a 10-0 season. Upon his discharge, Don enrolled at the University of Michigan and graduated with a Bachelors degree in education and a Masters degree in the administration of athletics and recreation. Don began coaching at Wayne High in 1951 and was named Athletic Director in 1958. He transferred to John Glenn High School in 1964 and during this transition period, Don was responsible for the athletic programs of both high schools and also the five Junior high programs. Don spent 31 years in the Wayne-Westland school system and some of his major accomplishments are as follows:

• Wayne High Football Record - 56 wins, 36 losses, 2 ties
• Wayne High Baseball Record - 98 wins, 33 losses, State Runner Up twice
• Wayne High Track Record - 106 wins, 13 losses
• Wayne High J.V. Basketball record - 51 wins, 38 losses
• John Glenn High Athletic Director All Sports League Trophy 8 of 9 years possible - Northwest Suburban
• Initiated girls athletic program in 1965 prior to Title 9, and also junior high programs with 6 sports for boys and girls
• Michigan Athletic Administration Regional A.D. of the Year 1981
• Michigan Athletic Administration State A.D. of the Year 1982
• Michigan Football Coaches Hall of Fame, Inducted 1983
• Michigan Athletic Administration 1st National Award of Merit 1988
• Ruster Foundation - "Man of the Year" Award 1988
• Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame, Inducted 1989
• Michigan High School Athletic Directors Hall of Fame, Inducted 1991

Don retired in 1982 and enjoys golf and travel. He and his wife, "Mac”, resided in Westland for over 30 years and are now living in Northville, Michigan.

Parks and Recreational Director

Inducted: 1993

Ted attended Wayne High School and was awarded six varsity letters, three for football, two for track, and one for basketball. After graduating Ted attended Albion College where he played varsity football. After two years Ted transferred to Eastern Michigan University where he also played football and achieved a Bachelor of Science Degree. Ted's formal education was finalized when he received a Master's Degree from the University of Michigan, Institute of Gerontology. Ted's career began as a Physical Education Teacher in the Redford Union School District. Three years later Ted's love of athletics led him to accept a position in the world of public recreation as a supervisor of Parks and Recreation for the City of Wayne. He was supervisor from 1957 to 1969 and then was appointed Director of Parks and Recreation, a post he currently holds today. During Ted's tenure as director, the City of Wayne recreation programs have progressed and fulfilled the recreational needs of the local community and became a model for other communities to emulate. Some of the programs that can be attributed to Ted's direction are as follows:

• Parks and Recreation Master Plan 1969
• Attwood Park and Anderson Fields 1969
• Parks and Recreation Ordinances 1970
• Tri-City Therapeutic Recreation Program 1974
• The Wayne Community Center 1974 - at the time was considered the finest facility of its kind in the entire Midwest, and 20 years later still state of the art.

In addition, Ted's department has been responsible for providing a multitude of programs to enhance our youth in all athletic endeavors and our adults and senior citizens in their leisure activities. 

Ted has also been a member of many professional organizations that enables him to maintain and improve the quality of the recreational needs of the community.

• Michigan Recreation and Parks Association
• National Recreation and Parks Association
• National Recreation and Parks Society
• Kiwanis Club of Wayne
• Past President
• Southwest Metro Recreation Executive Group - Past President

The community has indeed been recreationally enriched and benefited from Ted's leadership and he is to be commended for his efforts. Ted and his wife, Margaret, have raised four children and reside in the City of Wayne

Football

Inducted: 1997

Tony Drager was born in 1901 and is a life-long resident of the City of Wayne. He attended Wayne High School and

received 4 letters in football and also participated on the baseball, basketball, and track teams. During his 4 years at Wayne High the football team only lost one game. Tony played center for 2 years and halfback for 2 years. The teams that Wayne played against were Dearborn, Ecorse, Plymouth, Northville, Royal Oak, Windsor, Ontario, and Wyandotte. Upon graduation Tony received a scholarship for both academics and football to attend University of Detroit (U of D) College. Tony played 2 years at U of D and was described in his Freshman year by the famous coach Gus Dorais as being very fast and a rugged veritable piece of pig iron. After graduation from U of D Tony played 10 years in the Wayne County Semi-Pro Football League. Tony was an excellent swimmer and was a life guard at the local pool, which was a noteworthy position in the 1920's, and also ran summer camps and was on Emergency Life Saving Team for Livingston County. Tony instructed first aid to the Detroit Police Academy and the Dearborn and Wayne fire departments.

Tony has been active locally for many years and was on the Election Commission and has chaired the Recreation Advisory Board and the Wayne High Alumni Association. He has also been active in St. Mary's Parish and currently residents in south Wayne.

Softball

Inducted: 1995

Kim has been a member of this community her entire life and began playing softball in the local recreation programs at the age of nine. Several of those teams, The Fantastic Fifteen, Tastee Freeze, Benny's and Rocco's won league championships and Kim was selected to many all-star teams. Kim attended Wayne Memorial High School and received her first varsity letter in gymnastics by competing in floor exercise, vault and tumbling. She was named most improved gymnast for 1977. Although gymnastics was her preferred sport she was coaxed by her softball coaches, Al Campbell and Bill Schwartz (Dad) to concentrate on softball. Kim received three high school varsity letters for softball and two for basketball and was a starting guard on the 1978 Great Lakes 8 League Champions. Kim was co-captain for both the softball and basketball teams her senior year (1979).

Kim began playing Class "A" Softball in 1976. The teams she played for qualified and participated in World Tournaments from 1976-1986 and also won a multitude of invitational championships. These teams were the Swinging "A's", Big Bill's Sports, Stingers, Little Caesar's and Steeles.

WORLD CHAMPIONS
 

• 1980 Stingers, Rally, N.C.
• 1983 Little Caesars, Omaha, NEB.
• 1984 Little Caesars, Southgate, Ml

In addition, Kim received a varsity letter in softball from Central Michigan University and along with her husband, Bob Fallow, was a member of the U.S.S.S.A. 1982 Coed World Championship Team, Petersburg, VA During her Class "A" Softball career Kim was selected to 14 All-Star and All-Tournament teams throughout the country.

Kim transferred from Central Michigan University to Eastern Michigan where she received her degree in Physical Education and has been employed by the Wayne Parks and Recreation Department since 1978. She was selected as the Director in December 1994. Kim and her husband, Bob, currently reside in Wayne with their two children, Lindsey and Billy.

Slow-Pitch Softball

Inducted: 1992

Mike attended Wayne Memorial High School where he was a member of both the varsity baseball and basketball teams for three years. Mike attained All-League and Honorable Mention All-State for basketball in 1960 and repeated All-League honors in 1961. Mike proceeded on to Eastern Michigan University where he once again excelled in both baseball and basketball. He was voted captain in both sports his senior year and was named All-Conference in baseball in 1964 and 1965. His batting average for three years at Eastern was .400. Mike began playing softball during the summer while in college and for the years from 1964 to 197 4 participated in every Amateur Softball Association (ASA) World Tournament except 1968. Mike joined the ranks of professional softball in 1977 and played in the finals of the World Series of Pro Softball 1977 through 1980. Mike and the teams he played for distinguished themselves as follows:

ASA WORLD TOURNAMENT:
 

• 1964-Sth Place, East Side Sporting Goods
• 1966-World Champions, Michael's Lounge
• 1966-Mike Gouin, 1st Team All-World
• 1967 -2nd Place, Michael's Lounge
• 1967 -Mike Gouin, 1st Team All-World
• 1969 -3rd Place, Little Caesar's
• 1970 -World Champions, Little Caesar's
• 1971 -2nd Place, Little Caesar's
• 1973-3rd Place, Little Caesar's
• 1973-Mike Gouin, 2nd Team All-World

PROFESSIONAL SOFTBALL
 

• 1977 - Detroit Caesar's World Series Champions
• 1977 - Mike Gouin, 1st Team All Star
• 1978 - Detroit Caesar's World Series Champions
• 1978- Mike Gouin, 1st Team All Star
• 1979 - Detroit Caesar's World Series Runner-up
• 1980 - Detroit Auto Kings World Series Runner-up

While playing in the professional league, Mike also managed and was a teammate of former Detroit Tigers Norm Cash, Jim Northrup, Jim Price, and Mickey Stanley. Mike was inducted into the Metro Detroit ASA Hall of Fame in 1982. Mike is married to Wayne Memorial High grad Doris Bailey and they reside in Wayne with their two daughters.

Wrestling

Inducted: 1995

Don is a 1950 graduate of Canonsburg High School and a 1957 graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Ml with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He further earned his Masters of Education in 1960 at Michigan State University. At Canonsburg, Don had an outstanding 96-2 record and was a four-time W.P.I.A.L. Champion. In 1949, he was the P.I.A.A. Champion at 138 lbs. and claimed his second title in 1950 at 154 lbs. He was a national A.M.A. Champion in 1948 and was named High School All-American by Body Builders Magazine in 1950. At the University of Michigan, he had a record of 39-5 and was a Wilkes Open and Big Ten Champion.

Don was the head wrestling coach at Wayne Memorial High School, Wayne, Mi where in 10 years at the helm his teams compiled a 115-11 record. During his coaching tenure, Don had a booster club complete with cheerleaders who called themselves the Wolfpack. This group had to be the finest and most enthusiastic booster club ever assembled at Wayne Memorial High School. In 1975, his Wayne team was the Michigan Class A Team Champions and he was named Michigan "Coach of the Year." Don was inducted into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1993.

Don has retired along with his wife Marian. They reside 6 months in Hale, Michigan and 6 months in Fort Myers, Florida.

Basketball

Inducted: 1998

Kevin played three years varsity basketball at Wayne Memorial High School. During that time he earned first team All League, first team All Area, first team All Metro-West and League MVP. He was also voted 6th team All State. The team finished 20-5 his junior year and 21-2 his senior year with two district championships. Kevin continued his athletic career at Saginaw Valley State University. He played every game over his four years and became a starter mid-way through his sophomore year. During Kevin’s time at SVSU the team made their first ever GLIAC Tournament. He also earned three Spirit and Hustle Awards, one Most Improved Player award and made the All tournament Team at the SVSU Invitational. Kevin finished his playing career at SVSU ranked #10 for games played and #3 for career steals.

After Saginaw Valley, Kevin played one year of professional basketball in Denmark where he lead his team to the best record in club history. He lead the team in scoring with a 25 points per game average and rebounding with 12 per game.

Coach - Athletic Director

Inducted: 1994

Bill attended Wayne Memorial High School (WMHS) and participated all 3 years in football, basketball, and golf. As a junior he led the football team at quarterback as the Zebras won the Huron Rouge League Championship. After graduation, Bill attended Western Michigan University and received a Bachelor Degree and also followed this with a Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University. He began his teaching career at Franklin Junior High in 1962 and coached football, basketball, and track for 5 years in addition to being Athletic Director for 4 years. Bill transferred to WMHS in 1967 and coached basketball for 12 years and won 2 league championships. He also coached track for 10 years and won 4 league championships and has been honored as Coach of the Year. He became Athletic Director in 1975 and has been very active in this capacity. He has held the following offices:

• Secretary-President - Great Lakes Eight League
• Secretary-President - Wolverine "A" Conference
• Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Assoc.
• Regional Representative Vice President - 1989
• President - 1990
• National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Assoc.
• State Delegate - 1983, 1990
• Regional Delegate -1990
• Regional Speaker - 1990

Outside of WMHS Bill is very active locally in his church, the Rotary Club, and has been a member of the Wayne Recreation Advisory Board since 1980. He directed the Wayne Junior Basketball Association for 7 years and has been the Tournament Director for the Associated Newspapers Five Cities Golf Tournament for 25 years. This tournament is played at Fellows Creek, which was built by Bill's father and uncle. Bill is an avid golfer himself and scores in the low 80's. Bill and his wife, Darlene, reside in Wayne and have 4 adult children, Bob, Jeff, Steve, and Cheryl.

Football

Inducted: 1995

Chuck has been a resident of this community since 1942. He attended Wayne Memorial High School where he excelled in both baseball and football. He received three varsity letters as an outfielder in baseball and was named Captain his senior year. In football he received four varsity letters as a defensive back and was also captain of the football team his senior year. He was proclaimed to be "Best All-Around Athlete I Ever Coached" by former coach and Athletic Director Don Domke. After graduation in 1956 from Wayne Memorial Chuck received a football scholarship to Pittsburg State University which is located in Pittsburg, Kansas. While at Pittsburg State, Chuck achieved the following honors. He was selected to the All-League First Team Defense as a Defensive Safety and was named to the N.A.I.A. (honorable mention) All American Football Team. After receiving his degree in Education from Pittsburg State, Chuck continued playing football with the semi-pro Melvindale Redskins for five years and was selected All-League as an Offensive Back.

Chuck was also an original member of the Daly Drive-In Softball Team that is enshrined in this Hall of Fame. Chuck pursued and received a Masters Degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University. During his teaching career, Chuck was an assistant at John Glenn, Southgate, Garden City West, and Wayne Memorial High Schools. He was named Head Football Coach at Wayne Memorial in 1985 and guided the 1992 team into the state playoffs.

While at Wayne Memorial Chuck had the rare opportunity to coach against his son, Matthew, who excelled for the John Glenn football team. Chuck married a Wayne Memorial graduate and fellow teacher, the former Judy Leatherman and they currently reside in Wayne with their children Kristen and Matthew.

Football

Inducted: 1992

Don Mason attended Wayne High School and lettered in 4 major sports - baseball, basketball, football, and track. Don was the starting fullback and a member of the 1944 and 1945 State Class "B" Championship Football Teams. He was honored as All State Fullback in 1945. Don was recruited from high school and accepted a football scholarship to Syracuse University. After his freshman year, Don transferred to Michigan State University (MSU) where he starred at the guard position for the next three years and was acclaimed an All-American his senior year in 1950.

After Don's graduation, he coached at MSU from 1951-1957 for the freshman team and also the varsity team as line coach under the tutelage of Biggie Munn and Duffy Daugherty. From 1957-61, Don was an Assistant Alumni Director. From 1961-63, he was the organizer and director of the Ralph Young Fund for MSU. 

Don also officiated high school basketball and football. He advanced to the ranks of a college official for both the Mid-American and Big Ten conferences. He had the distinction of officiating the East-West Shriners Game for 1975 and 1976. He had played in this postseason spectacular 25 years prior. He also officiated the 1978 Rose Bowl Game between U of M and USC and films show him making the correct call that was overruled allowing the phantom touchdown by All-American Charles White that beat Michigan. Don and his wife Lillian raised three children. Don passed away in 1986. His wife Lillian currently resides in Grand Blanc.

Swimming

Inducted: 1994

"A.J." attended Lincoln Park High School and was captain of the swim team. He graduated in 1966 and enrolled at Henry Ford Community College (HFCC). While attending HFCC "A.J." was a member of the swim team that won the national championship in 1967 and was the national runner-up in 1968. 

"A.J." transferred to Eastern Michigan University (EMU) and in addition to swimming on the EMU team he coached swimming at Lincoln Park High School. The EMU team won the N.A.I.A. Swimming and Diving Championship in 1969. "A.J." completed his Bachelor's Degree at EMU in 1971 and attained two Master's Degrees in 1975 and 1981. After graduation in 1972 "A.J." began coaching at Wayne Memorial High School (WMHS) and started the Wayne Recreation Dolphin Swim Club. "A.J."  at WMHS for 18 years and established an amazing record 307 wins - 71 losses and 5 ties. During this period his teams won 12 league championships and from 1976-1983 had 4 undefeated seasons with only 3 losses. He has coached 2 All-Americans, several state-qualifiers, finalists, and numerous all-league swimmers and divers. He has been named Coach of the Year by both the Observer and Associated Newspapers and 15 times in the Great Lakes 8 League. Aside from coaching "A.J." was honored as Wayne Jaycee Teacher of the Year in 1986. 

"A.J." and his wife, Cheryl and three children, Jill, Jamie and Jimmy, current reside in Westland, Michigan.

Wrestling

Inducted: 1994

Rodney began his wrestling career in junior high school and won the State A.A.U. Championship (130lb. class) in 1961. 

He joined his brother, Wally, at Wayne Memorial High School (WMHS) in 1962 and immediately made an impact by placing first in the Christmas Tournament. While at WMHS he received varsity letters in wrestling all 3 years, and was captain of the team in 1963 and 1964. As a Junior he placed first in the league and regional meets (145 lb. class) and was named to the All State Team. As a Senior he went undefeated and was All League, All Regional, and All State (154 lb. class). In addition to wrestling, Rodney received varsity letters in football and track and was WMHS Athlete of the Year in 1964. After graduation, Rodney received an athletic scholarship to Michigan State University. While participating for the Spartan wrestling team they won the Big Ten Championship from 1965 to 1968. They were first in the nation in 1967 and in 1968 Rodney finished 6th in the nation {167 lb. class) to become a college All-American.

After leaving Michigan State Rodney coached 1 year at Eastern Michigan University. Due to the involvement of Rod and his brothers, and their excellent record in wrestling a tournament was held each season for several years at WMHS and was named the "Ott Tournament", in recognition of their accomplishments. Rodney currently resides in Cicero, Indiana, with his wife Diane and their children David, Sara, and Lynda

Wrestling

Inducted: 1994

In 1958 Wayne Memorial High School (WMHS) began their inaugural wrestling program. The program struggled in the beginning with several setbacks. One of the bright spots of the early wrestling teams was Dennis Ott who graduated in 1960. His enthusiasm for the sport was passed along to his younger brothers Wally and Rod. As so often happens the older brother will serve as a sports model and enhance the ability of the younger brothers. 

Walter (Wally) Ott entered WMHS in 1960 and his first major accomplishment was to place second in the State A.A.LI. Competition as a sophomore. Each succeeding season Wally improved his performance. As a Junior in 1962 he placed second in the league tournament and fourth in the State Regional Tournament in his weight class. In 1963, his senior year, Wally helped WMHS attain a fifth place finish in the Michigan State High School Tournament which established WMHS as a team to be respected. Wally was undefeated in league meets, and first in his regional meet with a record of 23 wins and no losses. Wally advanced to the finals of the state meet in the 127 pound class, and lost a three-point decision which may have been averted had it not been for his suffering a broken index finger early in the match. Coach Norm Boyea of WMHS was quoted saying, "Pound for pound Wally Ott is still the best wrestler in the State". After graduation Wally attended Moorhead State University in Minnesota, where he was the Conference Champion in his freshman year. Longing for his home surroundings, Wally returned to Michigan where he won many A.A.LI. Wrestling Tournaments and was widely known for his wrestling feats. He was the head wrestling coach at Schoolcraft College and has assisted other schools in the area in their wrestling programs. 

Wally is still very enthusiastic about the sport of wrestling and is very intense when he participates in his leisure activities of shooting pool and playing softball. Wally is single and resides in Westland.

Football

Inducted: 1992

"Udge" is a gifted athlete whose two brothers Jack and Dennis were also known for their athletic abilities. "Udge" achieved first team status as a freshman running back on the Wayne High football team in 1942 and was a starter throughout his high school career. He starred for the 1944 and 1945 Wayne High football teams that were acclaimed as State Class "B" Champions. He scored four touchdowns against Dearborn High his senior year and finished the 1945 season with a total of 17 touchdowns scored. For his outstanding season he was selected to the Detroit Times 1945 All-State Team. 

"Udge" was also proficient in baseball and maintained a three-year batting average of .450 in high school with a .517 average for his senior year. After returning from the Armed Forces, "Udge" was a player for the LeRight's Fastpitch State Championship Team and also played on the Daly Drive Inn Slowpitch State Runner-up Team in 1962. "Udge" married Barb Blythe, a Wayne High graduate, and raised six children. "Udge" and Barb currently reside in Westland and winter in Port Richey, Florida.

Golf

Inducted: 1993

Thom comes from an athletically inclined family and follows his dad, "Udge," into the Hall of Fame. His uncles, Jack and Dennis were also renowned local athletes and his brothers and sisters have all been active in sports. Thom was an outstanding baseball and football player in junior high. Thom also played varsity football at Wayne Memorial High School as a sophomore. After graduation from high school, Thom became heavily involved playing Class "A" Softball, but eventually his natural athletic ability became directed toward golf. As one of the top golf amateurs in the state of Michigan Thom has achieved the following accomplishments. 

City Tournament
 

• Winner and Medalist 4 times State Tournament-Qualified the last 10 years and advanced to match play 6 years.
• Michigan Publinx Golf Association (M.P.G.A.) Honor Roll - Selected as one of the top ten golfers 13 years in a row since 1980 and was named M.P.G.A. Player of the Year in 1982.
• United States Golf Association (U.S.G.A.) -Qualified seven times for the National Publinx and advanced to match play four times. In 1983, was a quarterfinalist one step from automatic invitation to the Masters Tournament.

Other Major Events
 

• Won Horton Smith Memorial in 1986.
• Won Sadowski Memorial in 1983.
• Won Syran Memorial in 1985 & 1992.

Thom continues to play outstanding golf and also holds the competitive course record at two state courses, Faulkwood Shores in Howell -67 - and the Pines in Mt. Pleasant -66. Thom, his wife Toni, and three children currently reside in Wayne.

Volleyball

Inducted: 1997

Kim attended Wayne Memorial High School where she received 6 letters, 3 for varsity volleyball, 1 for varsity basketball, 1 for junior varsity basketball, and 1 for varsity track. She was All Conference in volleyball her senior year. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and graduated in 1977 with Summa Cum Laude honors. After high school Kim attended Western Michigan University and was a member of the volleyball team for 4 years. In addition to playing volleyball during college Kim was head coach at Comstock High School from 1978 to 1984, during which time Comstock was District Champions in 1979 and Conference Champions in 1983. After graduating from Western Michigan she was selected to the All Decade Team spanning from 1973 to 1983. She also was head coach at Kalamazoo Valley Community College from 1981-1985 and head coach of the Kalamazoo Junior Volleyball Club (AAU & USVBA affiliation) from 1982-1988. Kim began coaching at Gull Lake High School in 1987 and led them to a district championship in 1992 and attained the ultimate in 1994 when Gull Lake won their conference, district, regional, and was crowed State Class "B" Champions. In addition, the team attained a 3.71 G.P.A., and was honored as State Academic Team. These achievements were the catalyst for the State Volleyball Coaches Association to name Kim as Class "B" Coach of the Year. Kim has kept active with Western Michigan University as an alumni "W" club member. She was selected as Woman of the Year in 1990 and was elected President for two terms from 1995 through 1997. 

Kim is also active in many civic organizations in the Kalamazoo area. Kim's husband Mike Foster, a sportsperson in his own right was a recipient of the prestigious Charles Forsythe Award presented annually by the MHSAA for outstanding contributions to athletics. Kim and Mike both remain very active and currently reside in Richland, Michigan.

Softball

Inducted: 1997

Larry grew up in the City of Wayne and began playing Little League at the age of 8 years. As the years progressed he played on Babe Ruth and Connie Mack teams and one year of varsity baseball at Wayne Memorial High School. After graduation Larry began playing softball at the age of 20. He eventually evolved into managing softball teams as a player/ manager. Larry advanced from managing his local recreation softball team into a higher level of softball competition. The most notable sponsored teams were as follows; J & D, Morris/CWK, J & K, and Jimmies. Since 1980 Larry's teams have qualified every year to participate in world tournaments played on Labor Day weekends. This in itself is an accomplishment that many teams would be proud of. Larry's teams have ascended to even higher accomplishments. They have won a multitude of tournaments and the following are the most prestigious:

• Anderson Tournament Champs - J & K
• U.S.S.S.A. Class "B" World Champs - J & K
• Airline World Series Champs
• Anderson Tournament Champs - Jimmies
• "AA" Kircofe National Champs - Jimmies

They have been nationally ranked in the Class "A" Top Ten 3 straight years. In addition to managing softball Larry was the softball director for the City of Wayne for 1 0 years. He has been the catalyst and tournament director for the Leonard J. Anderson Memorial Invitational Tournament which has been held in the City of Wayne for the last 21 years and will continue to do so. Larry and his wife Julie, currently reside in Florence, Kentucky and have two children, Tony and Leslie. 

Inducted: 1998

Tony Robertson Is married to Jimi Robertson and they have three Children.  Jasmine Knowles. Anthony Robertson Jr and Kayla Robertson.

Tony attended Vandenberg Elementary, Franklin Junior High and Wayne Memorial High Schools. After graduating in 1988, he received a full, four year athletic scholarship to Northwood University. In 1992 he graduated with a Bachelors in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing.

Tony played 12 consecutive seasons of organized football. He started playing Pee Wee Football with the Westland Meteors. Tony earned three-sport letters all three years at Franklin Junior High playing football, basketball and track. He was voted Athlete of the Year by his classmates in the ninth grade. At Wayne Memorial, Tony earned varsity letters in football, basketball and track (including team captain for all three sports). He was voted All Area and All Conference in football and track and the Class of 1988 voted him Class Jock. Tony was a four year starter as a defensive back at Northwood University and a team captain for three of those years. He was voted Freshman Defensive Back of the Year and was Co-MVP of the team his senior year at Northwood.

Inducted: 1998

Pollis was born in Massachusetts and raised primarily in Wayne. He attended Vandenberg Elementary, Franklin Junior High and Wayne Memorial High School. After graduating from Wayne Memorial in 1985, Pollis attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison on an athletic scholarship. He earned a BS in Agricultural Economics, Business Emphasis from Wisconsin.

Pollis started his athletic career with the Westland Meteors and continued at Franklin Junior High participating in basketball, football, track and baseball. At Wayne Memorial, Pollis was a member of the varsity football team for two years and the varsity basketball team for three years. In 1985 Pollis was nominated for the McDonald’s High School All American Team. He played four years of basketball at the University of Wisconsin and earned the “W” Club Athletic Award for student athletes.

Baseball

Inducted: 1992

Pat Sheridan graduated from Wayne Memorial High School in 1976 where he achieved All-League status in baseball, basketball, and football. Pat attended Eastern Michigan University on a baseball scholarship and was honored as a 2nd Team All-Conference selection in 1978 and in 1979 was 1st Team All-Conference, 2nd Team All-American, and 1st Team All-Academic. The Kansas City Royals drafted Pat in the 3rd round in 1979. He has played with the following teams since that time and has achieved many career highlights. Kansas City 1981, 83-85, Detroit Tigers 1986-89 San Francisco Giants 1989, and the New York Yankees in 1991.

Highlights:

• 1984 - Kansas City Player of the Month, August
• 1984 - Kansas City Club Leader in Game Winning RBl's
• 1984 - Kansas City Western Division Champions
• 1985 - Kansas City World Champions - Hit 2 home runs in A.L.P layoff
• 1987- Detroit Eastern Division Champions - Hit game-winning playoff home run
• 1988 - Detroit American League Player of the Week, June 27th
• 1989 - San Francisco National League Pennant Winners

Pat was inducted into the Wayne Memorial High School Hall of Fame in 1984. Pat married Wayne Memorial graduate Melanie Kozorosky in 1986 and they are currently residing in Farmington Hills with their daughter Paige.

Football

Inducted: 1996

George is a third generation Waynite and attended Washington and Roosevelt grade schools. George was an outstanding athlete at Wayne High School. He participated and earned 4 Varsity Letters in both Football and Track. In track George was State Champion Shot Putter 1945 and 1946. In football George was Quarterback for 4 years during which time he was All League 3 years and All State in 1945. The Wayne football team was named State Class "B" Champs in 1944 and 1945. George attended Syracuse University as a freshman and Michigan State (MSU) the following 3 years. He received Varsity Football Letters all 4 years under Coach Biggie Munn. While at MSU George also was a light heavy-weight boxer and won the Sugar Bowl Boxing Championship in 1947. George led the nation as an extra-point kicker in 1949. After graduation George became involved in real estate and played as well as sponsored George and his wife Mary Elizabeth raised 5 children whom all attended Wayne-Westland Schools. George and Mary currently reside in Plymouth, Michigan and winter in Naples, Florida.

Coaching

Inducted: 1996

Larry began playing organized sports in the 9th grade at Wayne St. Mary. He participated in Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Track. By the time Larry graduated he had been awarded 12 Varsity Letters. Larry's initial coaching experience was at St. Mary's coaching the 5th and 6th grade boys while Larry himself was only a 7th grader. He coached until the 9th grade in 1953 and had a coaching void due to his participation in organized sports until 1959. Larry has continued to coach and has amassed a total of 39 years to date. He has instructed grade school boys involved in Catholic Youth Organization (C. Y.O.) sports at St. Mary, St. Simon and Jude, as well as sports sponsored by the Wayne Ford Civic League and the Westland Youth Athletic Association. Larry's teams have won many league and tournament championships too numerous to mention.

He has been a member of both Wayne Memorial and John Glenn Football Boosters. He was Wayne Football Booster of the Year in 1970 and was secretary of the John Glenn Boosters for 4 years. He has been honored twice by the C.Y.O. as a Recipient of the Ed Crowe Award and this year (1996) received the James J. Poplin Distinguished Service Award from the City of Wayne. Larry has been the catalyst for many athletics who have advanced to the high school, college, and professional level. Larry and his wife, Veronica, are the proprietors of Chum's Donuts across from Wayne Memorial High School where many an athletic event has been recanted and enjoyed with the ever jovial Larry. Larry and Veronica are the parents of 5 children and currently reside in Westland.

Track

Inducted: 1993

Doug began excelling in distance running early. He was the City half-mile champion in the eighth grade and runner up in the ninth grade while participating at Adams Jr. High School. As a high school track star at Wayne Memorial High School, he accomplished the following achievements:

• 1978 - High School All State Cross Country
• 1979 - High School State Champion Cross Country 1st Place
• 1979 - High School All American
• 1980 - High School State Champion Cross Country 1st Place
• 1980 - High School State Champion Two Mile 1st Place
• 1980 - High School All American

During his junior and senior years, Doug was undefeated in Cross Country and also won several prestigious invitational track meets such as the Spartan and Bedford meets. In many of these meets, Doug was called upon to run three to four events and quite often anchored winning relay teams in addition to the individual events which he won.

After graduation from high school, Doug accepted a track scholarship at the University of Tennessee where he also excelled. He was named All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) Cross Country four years, All-SEC Indoor Track four years, All Sec Outdoor Track five years, All American Cross Country- 1983-84, All American Track-1985. He was named the captain of the Cross Country team in both his junior and senior years and track captain as a senior. In 1987, he was also a member of the U.S.A. Cross Country Team and participated in the World Championships in Warsaw, Poland. Doug was also a finalist in the Olympic Trials for the 5000 meter event in 1988.

Doug's running abilities motivated his younger brothers Mike and Ron to also participate and distinguish themselves at Wayne Memorial High School.

Doug was also an assistant coach at the University of Texas for one year. Doug has since returned to Tennessee where he and his wife Pam reside in Powell Tennessee, near the University.