Alpena Sports Hall Of Fame banquet has been rescheduled
ALPENA, Mich. — Every year, the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame committee holds a banquet in the month of May. Not only that, but that’s also where they would induct its newest members. However, that wasn’t the case this year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s banquet had to be moved to August 8. The banquet will still take place at the APlex. Seven former athletes and coaches will receive honors at the 37th Annual Alpena Sports Hall of Fame.
James Hubert (CCHS-1957): Was selected by members of the Hall of Fame’s senior committee. James started his career playing all sports and competed at the highest levels. He was a basketball star for the Thunderbolts. However, he was well known for his efforts behind the plate in baseball. He was nicknamed Yogi, after New York Yankees star Yogi Berra. He was also a coach, who coached basketball and baseball in several levels.
Bob Kelley (AHS-1954): Was selected by the Hall of Fame’s senior committee. Bob was a multi-sport athlete (football, baseball, and basketball)
- Earned eight varsity letters (Alpena)
- Was a standout on a mound where he was selected All-Conference (Alpena Community College)
- He was also a slow pitch softball star and a local speedskating champion
- Was named Michigan High School Football Coach of the Year, winning 81% of his team games
- Won the Detroit Metro Catholic League Championship in Tiger Stadium (Baseball)
Tom Lavoie and Terry Thomas (AHS): Spent 13 years together coaching the Alpena High girls basketball team.
- Recorded 147 wins
- One Conference Title
- Two District Titles
- Two Regional Titles
Eric Puls (AHS-2007): Eric had an outstanding athletic career at Alpena High. It’s safe to say that he is one of the best basketball players at Alpena High. After high school, he took his talents to Ann Arbor where he played for the Michigan Wolverines from 2007-2009.
- Currently No. 4 on the all-time scoring list
- Earned All-State Honorable Mention (2006)
- First Team-All Conference – Big North Conference (2007)
- All-State – Third Team (2007)
- Detroit Free Press Scholar-Athlete (2007)
- Academic All-State (2007)
- BCAM All-State – Second Team (2007)
Bruce Vanderwall (AHS-1967): Bruce was a tremendous athlete on the hardwood.
- Earned All-State Honors from the Detroit Free Press and United Press International
- Graduated as the No. 2 scorer in program history behind Harvey Marlatt
- Averaged 16.2 points per game for his career and scored 711 career points
- Helped Alpena capture two district titles and a regional championship
Shannon Domrase Woloczyk (AHS-1993): Shannon was well known for her talents on the softball diamond. After high school, she went on to play softball at Alma College.
- Dominated in Huron Shore softball (Alpena)
- Earned three varsity letters (Alpena)
- Was named MVP as a junior and won the Coaches Award as a senior (Alpena)
- Two-year letter winner (Alma)
- Was the starting catcher in the NCAA Tournament (Alma)
Tickets are on sale at The Alpena News and Perch’s Market. They must be purchased before the banquet.
