Bedford High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame Page
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January 6, 2019
2018-19 Hall of Fame Announced:
The Bedford High School Alumni Association is pleased to announce the 2018-19 Hall of Fame Inductees:
Dr. Tara Breske ‘06 (Athlete) Joe Kennelly (Administrator)
Jodi Manore ’71 (Post-grad accomplishments) Patricia Mull (Administrator)
Robert Weaver ‘73 (Post-grad accomplishments) Dr. Dustin Winkler ‘97 (Athlete)
The 1984, 1985, and 1986 State Champion Wrestling teams.
Click here to view details.
December 2016
Nominations for the Fall 2017 Hall of Fame Induction are now being accepted. The due date is May 1, 2017 (please note the due date may be changed). If anyone would like to nominate someone, please read the guidelines and complete and mail the official nomination form to the BHS Alumni Association.
If you have questions contact
Phyllis (Reese) Boehm '78 by e-mail or phone at 419-349-4081
April 2016
Nominations for the Fall 2016 Hall of Fame Induction are now being accepted. The due date is May 1, 2016 (please note the due date may be changed). If anyone would like to nominate someone, please read the guidelines and complete and mail the official nomination form to the BHS Alumni Association.
March 2016
Click here to view complete information concerning the February 20, 2016 Hall of Fame induction which in includes the following:
1. All photos taken at the banquet.
2. The video of the banquet.
3. The program that was handed out at the banquet.
4. Bios of all inductees
5. Media coverage of the Hall of Fame.
6. List of Eligible Nominees for the 2015 Hall of Fame (from the official ballot) and the procedure for selection
Hall of Guidelines & Nomination Form
Click anywhere on the graphic to the left to view the Guidelines for nominating someone to the
Bedford High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame.
Click anywhere on the graphic to the left to view and print a Nomination Form for the
Bedford High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame.
Click here to view questionnaire form to be completed by nominee after they are nominated.
Click here to view sample memo and questionnaire sent to inductee after selection
Click on the graphic to the left to view and print a Hall of Fame Sponsor Form
Click on the graphic to the left to view and print a Hall of Fame Congrats Brick Form
2018-19 Hall of Fame Information
January 6, 2019
The Bedford High School Alumni Association is pleased to announce the 2018-19 Hall of Fame Inductees:
Dr. Tara Breske ‘06 (Athlete)
Joe Kennelly (Administrator)
Jodi Manore ’71 (Post-grad accomplishments)
Patricia Mull (Administrator)
Robert Weaver ‘73 (Post-grad accomplishments) Dr. Dustin Winkler ‘97 (Athlete)
The 1984, 1985, and 1986 State Champion Wrestling teams.
Dr. Tara Breske was an award winning soccer, track, volleyball, and basketball player at Bedford, earning 10 varsity letters. She was on a State Champion Volleyball Team and state semi-finalist basketball team. She was multi-year, multi-sport all league, Monroe County Player of the year, and 1 st Team All-State (volleyball). Dr. Breske went on to have a successful collegiate basketball career at BGSU where she was a team captain and Academic All-MAC. She was named to the MAC All-Tournament Team. She finished her collegiate career with 916 points, 561 rebounds, and 104 blocked shots.
Joe Kennelly was the long-time athletic director at Bedford, and was at the helm at the beginning of girls athletics at the varsity level. He was a strong proponent of girls’ athletics, providing them with equal opportunities, including but not limited to, facility time and travel allowance. His support of the coaches and teams allowed Bedford girls’ athletics to develop into powerhouse programs early on. Additionally, the boys’ programs grew under his jurisdiction. In addition to the AD hat, Mr. Kennelly also managed facilities and transportation.
Jodi Manore has led her alma mater’s volleyball team to a record setting 2038-348-59 record in her 34 years of coaching. This includes 3 state championships, 5 runners-up, and 16 semi-finalist teams; 24 regional championships, 29 district championships, and 16 of 19 conference championships. Over 100 of her players have gone on to play at the collegiate level. Her teams have also excelled in the classroom with 22 teams having a GPA of 3.3 or better since 1992. Jodi is in multiple coaching Halls of Fame, and has been coach of the year at the state, regional, and national level. She has run many philanthropic events to bring awareness to issues such as cancer and suicide prevention. Prior to coaching at Bedford, she was the 1 st intercollegiate varsity volleyball coach at the University of Toledo.
Patricia Mull started as a volunteer at DRE. In 1986, she moved to the high school where she was an Article 3 aide, Title One aide, parapro, Academic Advisor for Athletics, and School Tutoring/Make-up Test advisor. As part of her role, she was responsible for ensuring athletes met Academic Eligibility for MHSAA requirements. The policy she developed in 1996 is still in place today, and under her advisement, teams often saw 75% or more participants qualifying for Scholar/Athlete awards (GPA 3.0 or higher). Her tutoring program has helped hundreds of students succeed over the years.
Robert Weaver is both an alumni and a retired BHS teacher. As a student-athlete at Bedford, he was a member of the 1973 District Championship basketball Team. As a teacher, he received numerous accolades, including Who’s Who Teacher of America, Teacher of the Month, Outstanding Educator, and Coaches Sportsmanship Award. He coached Junior High basketball, JV boys basketball and tennis, and girls varsity basketball. Bob was the Student Council advisor for several years and in 2001-2002 started the Student Leadership class that taught team building and communication skills. Through this, hundreds of students became involved in Youth Leadership Toledo, making an impact on their communities. He also ran the Mr. GQ program for 17 years.
Dr. Dustin Winkler earned nine varsity letters in high school in track, football, and baseball. He was 6 time all league and four time all Monroe County, and made the All-Region team in football. He held school records in the 100m and 4x100 meter events. As a collegiate football player at Defiance College, he was first team All-Region, 2x All Conference, and 2x League MVP, ultimately being named an All-American. He helped coach UT football to multiple MAC championships. Dustin currently works at St. John’s Jesuit as a teacher, coach, and Assistant AD. While at SJJ, he has coached multiple All-Americans, 11 All State athletes, 1 “Mr. Basketball” , 18 league championship teams, and over 100 Division I student-athletes.
The 1984, 1985, and 1986 State Championship wrestling teams, under Coach Bill Regnier will also be inducted. These teams set points records in the state tournament that still hold today.
Our Hall of Fame weekend will be February 8-9, 2019. We will honor our inductees at the basketball game vs. Monroe on Friday, February 8. Our banquet and induction ceremony will be on Saturday, February 9 in the new gymnasium at the High School. Doors will open at 5 pm for socializing and tours. Dinner will begin at 6 pm.
Reservations are required for the banquet and can be made by emailing Phyllis Boehm at phyllis.boehm78@gmail.com . Tickets are $25 per person, with a discount for inductees.
August 8, 2017
The Bedford Alumni Association is proud to announce the 2017 Bedford High School Hall of Fame selections. They will be introduced to the community at the football game on Friday, September 15, 2017. The honors banquet will be held in the high school cafeteria on Saturday, September 16, 2017. Doors will open at 5 pm for socializing and tours. The dinner will begin at 6 pm. Tickets are $25 and are on sale beginning August 14th in the high school office. (8285 Jackman Rd., Temperance, MI. 48182/734-850-6100). Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
Our congratulations go out to the following:
Logan Lynch (’07): Athlete. Logan was the outdoor state champion in the Pole Vault in 2006 and 2007, leaping 16’ 1 1/3”, which was a state record. Additionally, he added 3 indoor state championships. He went on to compete for Michigan State, where he recorded first place finishes in several invitational meets, clearing 17’ or more on multiple occasions.
Tony Payne (‘75): Arts/Music; Post-graduation. Tony was an outstanding performer in both vocal and instrumental music at Bedford, but his accomplishments in the arts post-graduation are tremendous. He is an Associate Professor of Music, Director of Special Programs and General Manager of the Wheaton College Artist Series, and is also the founder of several global and experiential learning programs at Wheaton College. Dr. Payne has been General Manager of the Wheaton College Artist Series for more than 30 years. He has taught arranging, orchestration, electronic music and composition during his long tenure at the Conservatory, and has also served the Wheaton College Chapel Program. As a lifelong contributor to Christian worship, he has composed and published over 100 psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
Deborah Rollman (’82): Athlete. Debbie was a 3-sport athlete at Bedford, earning letters in volleyball, basketball, and softball. She was Monroe Evening News All-Region in volleyball and softball, as well as All-State in softball. Debbie was one of the first female athletes to earn a scholarship to a major university, Texas A&M, where she played on teams that were NCAA champions (’83) and College World Series runners-up (’84 & ‘86). She also competed on the International Women’s USA softball team in ’87 and served as an assistant softball coach at UNLV.
Ashley Winter Kent (’03): Athlete. Ashley was a key player in the introduction of swimming at Bedford. She was a 3x state qualifier in the 200 FR and 500 FR, and earned a scholarship to Eastern Michigan University where she swam from 2003-2005. At EMU, Ashley was a MAC finalist multiple years in the 500 FR and 1650 freestyle. She continued to serve Bedford as an assistant swim coach for Holly Scheffer for 2 years. Since graduation, Ashley has served the community as a trauma and critical care nurse at St V’s and as a primary care LPN for patients with mental illness.
Kathy Bankowski: Teacher, Coach and Community Supporter: Ms. Bankowski taught Physical Education at BJHS for 24 years (1989-2013). She was district-wide Physical Education chair for nearly 20 years, and student teacher supervisor for 17 years. She was awarded the Bedford Teacher of the Year in 2006. Kathy began volleyball at the JV level in 1980, and was the varsity head coach for 6 years beginning in 1983. She compiled a 256-63 record and led the team to the Final Four in 1988. She was the Monroe Evening News Coach of the Decade in the 1980s. She stepped aside to raise her family but continued to coach at the junior high level from 1989-2009. In 2002, she became the first woman on the Bedford Volunteer Fire Department and now serves as an EMT and Lieutenant. She encouraged the Junior High to become the first school in the district to purchase an AED. She often does presentations for the schools, works football games and other events, continuing in her service to Bedford schools.
David Deppen: Teacher (1959-2000). Mr. Deppen served Bedford Schools for 40.5 years. He started as a 6th grade teacher and was one of the staff members who opened Douglas Rd Elementary. He moved to the staff of the English Dept and was on the inaugural staff at the current high school. Additionally, he was department chair, President and secretary/treasurer of the BEA. As part of the CORE committee, he helped identify substance abusers and developed strategies to deal with them. Beyond his work at the high school, Mr. Deppen also taught at the Child Study Institute in Toledo. He was appointed Program Director for the entire institution, and worked with multiple civic organizations to coordinate funding and special activities.
Mike Murphy: Teacher. Mr. Murphy came to BHS after a career in law enforcement and in broadcast media at several television and radio stations in the Toledo area. He was instrumental in developing the broadcasting program at Bedford, where he instructed his students with technology that he built and engineered himself. The program’s first radio broadcasts took place as “Bedford Cable Radio” and were broadcast over the local access television station. His students broadcast a myriad of local events, from Bedford Township Board meetings to theater productions and varsity athletic events. The student-run radio station, WMLZ, was one of the first in the area to receive FCC approval in 2001. Mr. Murphy donated countless time, effort, and money to developing the most state-of-the-art high school broadcasting program in this area. He has gone on to serve as a member of the Addison Community Schools Board of Education as President, and most recently as Treasurer and continues to serve Bedford Public Schools in the Buildings & Grounds Department.
Ron Polek: Teacher/Coach/Administrator. Mr Polek began his career at Bedford in 1964 as a math teacher at the junior high level. He became the assistant principal at the “new” junior high from 1971-1986. In this role, he was responsible for many of the freshman activities. He was the Assistant Superintendent of Program and Personnel Administration from 1986-1993. Among his accomplishments are establishing the Bedford Chapter of National Junior Honor Society and beginning the Thanksgiving Food Drive at BJHS. He continued strong community service post-retirement.
1982 State Champion Wrestling Team: Coached by Bill Regnier; assisted by Tom Joseph, Dick Brighton, Edd Bankowski, and Doug Turner. The 1982 Wrestling team were undefeated in 7 tournaments, and won 22 dual meets. They were GLL champions, had 10 regional qualifiers and 6 state qualifiers, all of whom scored team points at state. Three wrestlers were individual state champions.
2005 State Champion Volleyball Team: Coached by Jodi Manore. The 2005 Volleyball team excelled on both the volleyball court and in the classroom. Eight members were Monroe Evening News All-Region; five were MIVCA All-Region; four were All-State; and two were Academic All-State. Additionally, they were Team Academic All-State. Several went on to play sports (volleyball, basketball, soccer, and softball) at the collegiate level.
For further information, please contact Phyllis Boehm (phyllis.boehm78@gmail.com) or Edd Bankowski (grapple48@aol.com).
2015 Hall of Fame Inductees - February 20 , 2016
Click here to view all photos taken at the February 20, 2016 Hall of Fame Banquet
Click on the graphic to the left to view all photos taken at the February 20, 2016 Hall of Fame Banquet
Click on the graphic to the left to view the video of the Hall of Fame Banquet February 20, 2016
Click on the graphic to the left to view the official program from the Hall of Fame Banquet February 20, 2016
The Bedford High School Alumni Association 2015 Hall of Fame Inductees Bios:
Jerry Jaffe
Outstanding Post high school-Athlete/Theatre) Jerry is a 1965 Bedford Graduate. He may be remembered the most from high school for his performance as Conrad Birdie in “Bye Bye Birdie” under the tutelage of Mrs. Carolyn Emptage (2006 Bedford Hall of Fame Inductee). She was one of the most influential teachers from Bedford in his life. He was also on the wrestling team for three years and ran track. Jerry combined the two things that he loved most from high school (wrestling and theatre), and parlayed them into a very successful career in professional wrestling. “The Toledo Blade” published a very flattering article July 19, 2009 describing his career “Ex-Wrestler a Showman First”. Jerry gained fame in the 1970’s as Dr. Jerry Graham, Jr. and continued his career until retirement in 1992. During that time he performed all over the world. He was quite popular in Toledo for his participation in the local television wrestling shows. In addition, he appeared in several TV commercials, including Elias Brother’s Big Boy and the Detroit News with Sparky Anderson and Bo Schembechler. Jerry enjoyed his time in Hawaii when he was the star of Polynesian Championship Wrestling in 1980, produced in Honolulu. He worked for Vince McMahon of the WWE, and the highlight of his tour was when he wrestled in the Middle East, in Kuwait. Next, Jerry became business partners with the legendary Dick the Bruiser and they had a promotion call Bruiser Bedlam that was televised all throughout the Midwest, including Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Toledo. In the 1990’s, he went to work for Ted Turner as a promoter for WCW. He also produced an audiobook, “Confessions of a Big Time Wrestler”. Jerry has been recognized in his field many ways. He competed internationally becoming a 5-time WWA Tag Team World Champion with partner Don Kent. He was inducted into the Independent Wrestling Hall of Fame on October 13, 2006. On January 30, 2016, Jerry is being inducted into the W.A.R. Hall of Fame in Lima, Ohio. In addition, Jerry wrestled many famous wrestlers including “The Sheik”, Wild Bull Curry, Flying Fred Curry, Dick the Bruiser, Randy Savage and Abdullah the Butcher. He had the pleasure of appearing with Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and promoted mixed matches between the Great Wojo and boxing champion Leon Spinks. He also had the pleasure of training the Great Wojo and Scott Rechsteiner (Steiner Brothers) as professional wrestlers.
Click here to view additional information concerning Jerry Jaffe
Rick Judson
(Outstanding Athlete) Rick is a 1987 Bedford graduate. During his years at Bedford, Rick played football, baseball and even ran some track. Rick quarterbacked the varsity football team in both 1985-86 and 1986-87. It is in hockey though that Rick excelled the most. From the time he was 7 years old, he played travel hockey, and this included all of his years he was playing football at Bedford, from junior high school on up. He used to go from football practice and travel to the Detroit area for his hockey practices. As a youth hockey player, Rick was considered one of the top 20 players in the country in his age group, and he played on many great teams during his career, including a couple of the teams that won state and national championships, during his junior and senior year in high school He started all 4 years at the University of Illinois at Chicago, which was playing in a “hockey only” conference….the CCHA. Included in this conference were the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, Michigan State University, Bowling Green State University, Ferris State, Lake Superior State, Miami of Ohio and Western Michigan University…..all very good “hockey schools”. Rick was selected to the All Rookie team as a freshman. In 1989, Rick was drafted by the Detroit Redwings, but Rick stayed in school, playing all 4 years. From 1992 to 2009 he played with the Toledo Storm. During that time, he was on 2 ECHL Championship teams (1993 and 1994). In 1994 Rick was the MVP in the Riley Cup Playoffs. He also holds the “all-time” ECHL scoring record. Also during his professional career he played 4 years of Roller Hockey ’94-’97. During his collegiate and professional career, Rick played in approximately 975 games (including playoffs), scored 400 goals, 497 assists, which adds up to 897 points….not counting Roller Hockey. Rick also played in Europe, and was recently inducted into the Toledo Hockey Hall of Fame.
Click here to view additional information concerning Rick Judson
Kelly Meinhart
(Outstanding Athlete/Coach) Kelly is a 1984 graduate of Bedford High School and is currently a teacher at Bedford High School. Kelly was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated 31 st out of 405 students. She was named to the All G.L.L. , All-Academic Team in 3 sports Kelly was a 3 sport athlete at Bedford. She won 2 Varsity letters in both basketball and volleyball and 3 in softball (this was when freshman were in the junior high school). In basketball, Kelly was captain of the team her senior year (1984), and won The Bedford Athletic Booster’s Club award. In volleyball, the Mules went 92-13 during her junior and senior year. Her senior year, Kelly was chosen All-Monroe County (Monroe Evening News), as well as All-State (honorable mention). In addition, she again won the Bedford Athletic Booster’s Club Award. In 1983 and 1984 Kelly was chosen All-Monroe County in softball. Kelly’s senior year she captained the softball team and won the Mudge Spencer Award (all sport/academic scholarship). Kelly continued her athletic/academic career at the University of Toledo where she was one of the top players on a Rocket softball squad that set the pace in the Mid-American Conference in the 1980’s. She earned first-team All-MAC honors as a catcher in 1987 and as a designated hitter in 1988, as well as first-team All-Mid east Region in 1988. As a freshman, Meinhart was a member of the 1985 Rocket squad that went 44-23 and won a regular season MAC Championship with a 16-2 mark. The Rockets also took second place in the MAC in 1986 and 1987. Meinhart holds the school record for triples in a season (8-’85) and triples in a career (13). She also ranks sixth all-time at UT with 81 RBI’s and third in at-bats with 678. In 2013, Kelly was inducted into the University of Toledo Varsity “T” Hall of Fame in 2013. Academically, Kelly has earned a Bachelor of Education degree, Master of Education degree in Leadership, and a Master of Science degree in Biology/Ecology. As a coach, Kelly coached girl’s junior high basketball from 1992-2006 (14 years), junior high volleyball for 8 years, 9 th grade volleyball for 5 years, and served as a post season assistant with the 2005 State Championship Volleyball team. She coached Girl’s Varsity Softball from 1994-1998 and again from 2005-2009. Her teams still hold school records for Batting Average, ERA, and Shut-outs. Kelly was named Monroe Evening News Coach of the Year for Softball in 1998 and again in 2008.
Click here to view additional information concerning Kelly Meinhart
Chris Morris
(Outstanding Athlete) Chris is a 2001 graduate of Bedford High School. During Chris’ high school career, he was a 3 year starter at center and defensive tackle for the Kicking Mules. He was also a 2 year starter on the basketball team. His senior year, Chris was named a “Prep Star” All-American, ranked among the top 80 prospects in the Midwest, as well as among the state’s top players Detroit New (no. 11), Detroit Free Press (no. 17) and the Lansing State Journal (no. 21). On the field, his senior year, Chris recorded 42 tackles, including nine for losses with 5 sacks. Chris continued his football career at Michigan State University. As a freshman, he was a Academic All-Big Ten selection, saw action in the first nine games, grading out at 90% or better in all nine games before being injured and sidelined for the remaining three games. As a sophomore, he was named to several more All-Academic teams, including All-Big Ten again. During this season (2003), Chris started all 13 games at center. He graded out at 90% in 10 of 12 regular season games, recording top grades vs. Illinois (98%), 96% vs. Penn State, and 95% vs. Notre Dame. Chris’ junior year (2004), he was selected All-Big Ten (honorable mention). Again won Big Ten All-Academic honors among other academic awards. He started all 12 games at center, scoring 90% or better in 11 contests. He was a mainstay on an offensive line that helped produce a rushing attack that ranked second in the Big Ten and No. 10 in the NCAA, averaging 238.5 yards per game. He did not allow a sack in nearly 400 passing plays (MSU permitted the fewest sacks in the Big Ten with 8). Some of his grades this year included 96% vs. Hawaii, 98% vs. Wisconsin, 96% vs. Michigan, 98% vs. Minnesota, Iowa and Central Michigan and he had a near perfect game vs. Illinois with a grade of 99%. Chris went into his senior season as an All-American candidate, as well as a candidate for the Rimington Award (College Football’s top center). During his sophomore and junior seasons, Chris started 25 straight games for the Spartans, and was a model of consistency, grading out at 90% or better in 30 of his 33 games played. His senior year he started all 11 of the games the Spartans played. In 2006, Chris was drafted by the Oakland Raiders where he played in 51 games over 4 seasons and he was also briefly with the Carolina Panthers, where he played 4 more games. Chris now resides in Bedford and has given back to Bedford Football through putting on youth Football camps and more. This Spring Chris will finish up his MBA in Finance with honors at the University of Toledo. Chris lives in Temperance, MI.
Click here to view additional information concerning Chris Morris
Bill Regnier
(Outstanding Teacher/Coach/ Administrator/Contributor) Bill began his teaching and coaching career at Bedford High School upon graduation from Whitmer High School/Bowling Green State University. Bill coached wrestling at Bedford High School from 1965 to 1995 (30 years). After that Bill became the school’s athletic director from 1995 to 2010 (15 years). Bill also coached football at Bedford 1965-1986 as a varsity assistant, and from 1987 to 1995 he was the head football coach (9 years). Some of Bill’s many accolades/accomplishments include: Wrestling…..9 state championship teams, 4 state runner up teams, 19 regional championships, 20 district championships, 26 G.L.L. Championships/25 in row. Bill coached 27 state champions, 107 state place winners, and over 30 high school and college all-americans. He was voted coach of the year in the following categories: Monroe County 9X, Regional 8X, Michigan Class “A” Coach of the Year 6X, Michigan “all classes” 2X, National Federation of Interscholastic Coaches Association “National Coach of the Year” 1992, among others. Football….Toledo Metro Coach of the Year 1990, Great Lakes League Champions 1990, Michigan High School Football Coaches Association-Regional Coach of the year 1990. In 1990, Bill coached Bedford Football to their first ever appearance in the MHSAA football playoffs. Athletic Director (1995-2010) 15 years….Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association-Region 12 Athletic Director of the Year. In addition, Bill has been inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame, the Michigan Wrestling Association Hall of Fame, The Toledo Whitmer High School Hall of Fame, the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the Bowling Green State University Hall of Fame, the Michigan Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and now the Bedford High School Hall of Fame. Even more, Bill also served as an officer of the Bedford Alumni Association for many years, so he was involved, in a large part, with the building of the Community Stadium, The Bedford Hall of Fame/banquets and more
Click here to view additional information concerning Bill Regnier
Jenifer Sulewski
(Outstanding Athlete) Jenifer is a 2003 Graduate of Bedford High School. Jenifer is one of only a few Bedford athletes to win 12 varsity letters (basketball, volleyball and softball). Over the course of four years in those three sports, Jenifer won All-SEC honors 6X, All-County honors 5X, All-Region honors 7X, All-District 3X, All-Academic several times, and also earn Player of the Week several times. In addition to the above awards, Jenifer was captain of the basketball team her senior year. In volleyball, Jenifer played a big part on the 2001 State Championship team as a sophomore (2001), which has already gone into the BEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME. Jenifer’s junior year (2002) she earned Second Team All-State honors and helped lead the Mules to the state semi-finals. Her senior year (2003), Jenifer again helped lead the Mules to the state semi-finals. She was selected First Team All-State as well as Monroe Evening News Co-Player of the Year and won the Bedford Athletic Booster’s Award. In softball, Jenifer again excelled, gaining some of the above listed honors her freshman, sophomore and junior years. Jenifer’s senior year (2003), she was Captain of the team, and won the Bedford Athletic Booster’s Award. Jenifer still holds school records for “at bats” season (2002), “at bats” career (2000-2003), triples in a career (2000-2003), pitching strikeouts in a season (2003), and strikeouts in a career (2000-2003). Jenifer’s senior year, she was awarded the Mudge Spencer-Chet Karpanty Award, which acknowledges one outstanding male and female student athlete for their outstanding performance academically and athletically throughout their high school career. Upon graduation, Jenifer continued her career at Western Michigan University, where she was a 4-year letter winner in volleyball and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education and a minor in mathematics. She was named 2 nd team All-MAC in 2005 and 1 st team All-MAC in 2006. Her senior season, she was captain of the team, as well as chosen MVP. Jenifer was the first player in WMU history to record two triple doubles (Assists, Kills, Digs) and presently holds the WMU record for single season assists (1,760), second all-time career assists (3,601) and single season assists per game (13.23). In 2008, she was hired as assistant volleyball coach/recruiting coordinator, at Montana State University, where she coached for five seasons.
Mary Lou Zaums
(Outstanding Administrator/teacher/counselor/contributor) Mary Lou was with Bedford Public Schools for 40 years. Included in those years are one year as interim superintendent, 2 years as a chemistry/biology teacher/counselor at Bedford High School. She was principal of Bedford Junior High School for 19 years, assistant principal for two years prior to that and was a teacher/counselor for 16 more years. Accolades she received while teaching include “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and BJHS Outstanding Person of the Year. While principal at Bedford Junior High School, the junior high became one of two “Blue Ribbon” schools in the Bedford School System. During her tenure, the junior high also became “NCA” accredited. Most recently Mary was a member of the planning committee for the 50 th Anniversary of Bedford High School, and was a speaker during the last event of that weekend. Her contributions have been many, including running food drives and “coats for kids” through the school and the Lions Club. She began the girl’s basketball and track programs at Bedford Junior High in 1978-79 with the beginning of Title IX. She was awarded the “Monroe County Minuteman Award” in 1992 for beginning the BJHS Food Drive in partnership with the Bedford Lions Club, whose membership delivered over 80 huge boxes of food to 27-30 Bedford families during the holidays. The BJHS/Lions Club Community Food Drive continues to this day, 23 years later. Mary received the Bedford Public Schools Board of Education “Award of Excellence” for service as Superintendent of Bedford Schools for 2000- 2001, the PTSA Council Educator of the Year award also in 2001, along with the “Friend of Bedford Educators Association Award” in 2010. Mary graduated from Mt. St. Joseph University, Cincinnati Ohio in 1967 with a BA degree in Biology/Chemistry, and received an MA degree from the University of Toledo in 1973 as well as a Specialist degree in Curriculum, (Special Education) and Administration (UT/1989). She also has training In the Lion’s Quest Health Program 1994 and Lindamood Bell Reading Program Instruction 2011-2015. (Mary resides in Lambertville, Michigan. Noteworthy accomplishments since retirement from Bedford Public Schools include Counselor and Board Member at Heartbeat of Monroe, Inc., Success Coach for Student Athletes at the University of Toledo, President, Green Hills Lot Owners Association, and Reading Teacher for Non-reading Adults, and Participant on the BPS School Improvement Committee and is a member of Bedford Alumni Association.
1982 Girls Cross Country State Championship Team
1982 Girl’s State Championship Cross Country Team
This team became the first girl’s team in Bedford history to win a state title. The girls cross country program, only in its 3rd season, finished 7th in 1981. The team won 30 straight dual meets over a 3 year period. During the 1982 season, the team realized that they had something special when they won the Tiffin Columbian Invitational which included a field of 33 teams. At the Ann Arbor Pioneer Invitational, Bedford defeated the number 1, 2, and 5 th rank teams in the state. In 1982, they went 12-0 in dual meets, won 7 invitational's, won the G.L.L. , Regional and State titles. They were undefeated in 22 competitions. The team was composed of seniors, Kara Walcher and Kim Warsaw, juniors Chris Sugg, Kathy Gladieux, and Marie Young, as well as freshman Kristin Penny and Sandy Snarey. Also running on the team were sophomores Kelly Halter and Michelle Cole. Top scorers for the Mules were Kara Walcher who finished second individually for the second straight year, and Kristin Penny who finished 9 th. The top 3 teams were Temperance Bedford 108, Brighton 134 and Flint Northern 175. The Mules were coached by Gary Duhaime.
1979 Wrestling State Championship Team
1979 State Championship Wrestling Team
This team captured the school’s third state wrestling championship. It was also the school’s third state title in any sport. Highlights of this team include: The team broke all tournament scoring records excluding the Bedford Invitational. At the Rogers Invitational, the Mules set a team record….most points ever scored in any tournament (240). They broke the team takedown mark 606 vs. 553. Ed Brighton had 89 to break the individual mark. District Champions (11 regional qualifiers). Regional Champions (11 state qualifiers/team and state record)…..the slogan that year was “Bedford’s Eleven Will Take Us to Heaven”……. State Champions (3 rd time in 4 years)…… 10 of the 11 wrestlers scored points. The Mules scored 105 points, which had only been done once before. The Mules had 7 wrestlers with over 30 wins….Ed Brighton 31, Bill Fitzsimmons 33, Doug Turner 34, Jack Roth 34, Paul “Tex” Miller 37, Mike Snyder 39, and Al Ortman 40. The team had five state place winners, including State Champions Mike Snyder and Paul “Tex” Miller. Other Mule place winners were Jack Roth finalist/2 nd……Bill Fitzsimmons and Al Ortman both placed 4 th. 3 finalists was also a record for Bedford Wrestling. Members of this team include: Seniors…Mike Snyder, Paul “Tex” Miller, Ed Brighton, Ron Binder, Joe Church, Kurt Clark, John Decker, Bill Fitzsimmons, John Grose, Lonnie Osenbaugh, Doug Turner, Bob Warnke, Jeff Wehrle, Dave Wilcox, and Tom Guyton. Juniors….Dale Decker, Dave Bodine, Terry Gill, Dave Meyers, Kevin Nanney, Al Ortman, Don Quigley, Jack Roth, Jeff Striggow, Kirk Trychel, Steve Whaley. Sophomores, Randy Anderson, Kurt Deiner, Matt Hoffman, Jim Howe, Mark Janowiecki, Ron Jurgenson, Matt Kern, Bob Meszaros, Henry Mosqueda, Dan Reis and Tim Selz. Managers were Russ Anderson and Steve Chase. The coaching staff was made up of Bill Regnier (head coach) as well as Tom Swan, Bob Long, Edd Bankowski, Earl McHenry and Steve Klock.
Media Coverage:
Bedford Now October 30, 2015: Nominations Due Nov. 30 For Bhs Hall Of Fame
Toledo Blade November 2, 2015: Nominations accepted for annual Bedford Hall of Fame
Bedford Press November 16, 2015: Bedford HS Alumni Association 15th Annual Hall of Fame Induction
Click here to read a copy of the announcement
October 29, 2015 BHS Alumni Association Hall of Fame Announcement
Click on the graphic at the left to view a copy of the press release concerning the 2015 BHS Alumni Association Hall of Fame.
Media Coverage:
Bedford Now October 30, 2015: Nominations Due Nov. 30 For Bhs Hall Of Fame
Toledo Blade November 2, 2015: Nominations accepted for annual Bedford Hall of Fame
Bedford Press November 16, 2015: Bedford HS Alumni Association 15th Annual Hall of Fame Induction
Click on the graphics to the left to read page 4 (individual inductees) and page 5 (teams) that was published in the Bedford Press February 9, 2016
List of Eligible Nominees for the 2015 Hall of Fame and procedure for selection
Click on the graphic to the left to view the list of 2015 Eligible Nominees
Please note when someone is nominated the following procedures take place:
1. They are sent a letter by the HOF Chairman notifying them that they have be nominated (along with a copy of the nomination form). The chairman also sends a form with the letter for them to complete which asks for any additional info that they would like to submit (by a certain deadline date).
2. When the deadline date mentioned in #1 above has been reached, all new nominations are screened by the "Screening Committee" (which is the current Alumni Association officers) who apply the guidelines that have been established.
3. If a nominee has not met the guidelines that have been established, the HOF chairman will notify them why they have not met the guidelines. The person may submit additional information and ask that their nomination form be resubmitted for future eligibility.
4. The selection committee meets (applying the guidelines) and selects the current Hall of Fame inductees by secret ballot.
5. If an eligible nominee is not selected, their name and application will be placed on the next ballot for possible selection.
Questions concerning the 2015 HOF? Contact Edd Bankowski, HOF Chairman: 419-787-7756
Become a 2015 Hall of Fame Sponsor
Click on the graphic to the left to view and print a Hall of Fame Sponsor Form
Click here to view all of the photos that were taken at the BHS Alumni Association Hall of Fame Game and Banquet. (329 photos)
The Bedford High School Alumni Association proudly announces these outstanding selections to the 2013 Bedford High School Hall of Fame.
Edd Bankowski: Athlete - ’66
Tom Estes: Athlete – ‘53
Eugene Holey: Athlete – ’49
Jeff Holly: Athlete – ‘79
Bob Lambert: Athlete – ’90
Bill Salisbury: Athlete –‘77
Kevin Taylor: Athlete – ’70
Bill Zgorzelski: Athlete – ‘71
2001 State Championship Volleyball Team
This great class of Inductees will all be honored at the Bedford High School Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday October 19th at the Bedford High School Cafeteria. Doors open at 6PM, with Dinner at 7PM and the ceremony will immediately follow dinner. For ticket information, please call Lisa Pickard at Bedford High School at 734-850-6106
Any questions concerning the Hall of Fame should be directed to Chuck Faller at 419-290-6382 or e-mail: chuckfaller@bex.net
Current Newspaper Articles Concerning the 2013 Hall of Fame:
Toledo Blade September 30, 2013: Wrestling coach among inductees to Bedford High alumni hall of fame
Bedford Press September 23, 2013: Bedford High School Alumni Association announces 2013 Hall of Fame inductees
The Bedford High School Alumni Association 2013 Hall of Fame Bios:
Edd Bankowski
Edd is a 1966 graduate of Bedford High School. While a good athlete and wrestler in his own right, Edd’s nomination is for the impact he had on Bedford Students as a Coach, and his post high school accomplishments. As a Junior High School Coach, Edd was the first wrestling coach for many of Bedford’s superstar wrestlers. His teachings gave those students a head start over many at the high school level. His career at Bedford spanned over 30 years, and the awards he has won in his field bring a great deal of pride to Bedford High School.
Tom Estes
Tom is a 1953 graduate of Bedford High School, and was nominated as an outstanding athlete. Tom played Baseball for 3 years, and Football, Track, and Basketball all 4 years of High School. Tom was Captain of the 1955 Football team, and set school records in both football and basketball.
Eugene Holey
Eugene is a 1949 graduate of Bedford High School, and was nominated as an outstanding athlete. He earned 12 varsity letters while at Bedford in 4 different sports, and in the 1940’s it was not unusual for a great athlete to compete in a variety of sports since the school was much smaller then. He was voted MVP in 1948 as well as being captain of the football team that year. In addition he was named all Raisin Valley Athletic Conference in 1948 and 1949. He batted over .400 in Baseball in 1949 which was a huge baseball accomplishment.
Jeff Holly
Jeff is a 1979 graduate of Bedford High School and is nominated as an outstanding athlete. Jeff was our quarterback from 1977-1979 and broke 5 school records in 1978. He was named all GLL in 1979 and Monroe County Offensive Player of the Year. He also played Varsity Baseball and Basketball for Bedford, but his football skills are what earned him a full scholarship to Western Michigan University.
Bob Lambert
Bob is a 1990 graduate of Bedford High School and is nominated as an outstanding athlete. Bob played Varsity Baseball for 4 years and Football for 3. In his junior year he set the school record for single season tackles with 167. He was voted 1st. team Great Lakes League both his Junior and Senior years as well as team MVP. His senior year he was our team captain and was voted Monroe County Defensive Player of the Year in football and was voted 1st team GLL, Team MVP, and Team Captain in baseball as well.
Bill Salisbury
Bill is a 1977 graduate of Bedford High School and is nominated as an outstanding athlete. As a football player, Bill was team captain 1976-77, and an all league linebacker. As a fullback his junior year he rushed for over 1000 yards. He was a part of the 1976 and 1977 state championship wrestling teams, and was an individual state champion in 1977 at 40-0, as well as the team captain and has the 3rd highest winning percentage of all Bedford Wrestlers.
Kevin Taylor
Kevin is a 1970 graduate of Bedford High School. He was a multi-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball. Kevin was a member of both the 1970 District Championship Basketball Team and the 1970 League Championship Baseball Team. In football he was all conference his junior and senior years, and went on to play 3 years at Bowling Green State University. Kevin was the Varsity Football Coach at Kalkaska High School for 15 years, and has been a registered MHSAA Official for 26 years.
Bill Zgorzelski
Bill is a 1971 graduate of Bedford High School and Bill was “Mr. Baseball” in his days at Bedford. Bill posted a record for highest career batting average, averaging .429 over his high school career. He led Monroe County in his junior year at .479, and set a record for most home runs in a game with 3 in 1970. Bill was named to the GLL All Star Team his junior and senior years. Bill went on to play college ball at St. Clair Community College and helped his team to a number 2 ranking in the nation. Bill is already a member of the BHS Baseball Hall of Fame, and has served as a coach in our community for over 35 years.
The 2001 State Championship Volleyball Team
In addition to being state champions, this team’s record for the season was 82-1. They won 72 straight matches, 9 tournament championships, and had 5 all-state players on the squad. The members were as follow: Lindi Bankowski, Jill Blanton, Amy Czupich, Shawna Jan, Katie Jefferson, Erica Kaczorowski, Julia Kirkwood, Melissa Meinhart, Cassandra Mohrbach, Melissa Mohrbach, Rachael Pelhank, Abbie Riddle, and Jennifer Sulewski. The team’s Head Coach was Jodi Manore, assisted by Denise Wiczynski.
The Bedford High School Alumni Association is proud to announce the 2012 inductees for its Hall of Fame. The following will be inducted on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Bedford High School:
Ellen Bacon: Teacher ('72 - '07)
Stacey Heams: Athlete – ‘88
Lindi Bankowski: Athlete – ‘01
Jess Hurley: Athlete – ‘92
Jim Long: Post High School – ‘75
Doug Winkler: Athlete – ‘73
Jill Treuhaft: Teacher ('69 - '99)
Bedford High School Wrestling Team of 1977
The Bedford High School Hall of Fame Game is Friday, October 19 th, where we will introduce our inductees as part of the halftime show. The Banquet and Induction Ceremony is on Saturday, October 20 th, at the Bedford High School Cafeteria. Doors open at 6PM for appetizers and a social hour, dinner is served at 7PM and the ceremony immediately follows dinner. Tickets are $25.00 each, and are available from Lisa Pickard in the front office at Bedford High School. If you have any questions concerning tickets, please contact Lisa Pickard at 734-850-6106 or e-mail: Lisa.pickard@bedford.k12.mi.us If you have other questions concerning the Hall of Fame banquet please contact Bedford High School Alumni Association President, Chuck Faller at 419-290-6382 or e-mail: chuckfaller@bex.net
Current Newspaper Articles Concerning the 2012 Hall of Fame:
Toledo Blade Sports Section September 26, 2012: "Bedford Hall of Fame Inductions Oct. 20th"
Bedford Press September 24, 2012: "BHS Alumni Association Announces 2012 Hall of Fame Inductees"
The Bedford High School Alumni Association 2012 Hall of Fame Bios:
Ellen Bacon
Ellen is a 1968 graduate of Bedford High School and is being inducted in our Outstanding Educator Category. Ellen has spent a 35 year teaching career ('72 - '07) at Bedford Public Schools, the last 18 of which were at Bedford High School. Ellen was a teacher who made every effort possible to help her students to succeed. Any student at BHS could go to Ellen for help whether she was their particular teacher, or not. Ellen coached the Bedford Express Robotics Team from 2002-2008, Chaired the Math Department for 10 years, and developed new methods for not only Bedford students, but for other communities as well.
Lindi Bankowski Sallach
Lindi is a 2001 graduate of BHS and is being inducted in our Superior Athlete category. Lindi is without any doubt one of the finest Volleyball Players to ever play at Bedford High School. She was a 4 year varsity letter winner, All State 3 times, first team twice, 3 times MIVCA All Region, Monroe Evening News All Region and 2 time Player of the Year. Member of two State Championship Teams 1998 and 2001, and still holds 6 Bedford High School Volleyball Records. Lindi is an Assistant Coach at Mississippi State University and in 2008 was the inaugural winner of the AVCA Thirty Under 30 Award, given by that association to recognize the nation’s top young volleyball coaches.
Stacey Heams
Stacey is a 1988 graduate of BHS and is being inducted in our Superior Athlete category. Stacey was a very good Volleyball and Basketball player, but Softball was her passion. She was the team MVP her Freshman year, as a Senior was voted Monroe County Player of the Year as she led the region with a 509 batting average. Received a scholarship and played 4 years at the University of Michigan. Rookie of the Year as a Freshman at U of M, outstanding player award in 1991, and captain of the 1992 Big Ten Championship Team. Stacey is a Police Officer in Milan Michigan and is the Varsity Softball Coach at Milan High School.
Jess Hurley
Jess is a 1992 graduate of Bedford High School and is being inducted in our Superior Athlete category. Jess was both an outstanding Wrestler and Football Player. Member of two State Championship wrestling teams 1989, and 1992, he was a High School All American in 1992. He was voted MVP of several wrestling tournaments, and he was also Team Captain twice. He played football for two years and was part of the 1990 GLL Championship team. He was the 1991 Monroe County and Monroe Evening News Defensive Player of the Year, and served as team captain.
Jim Long
Jim is a 1975 graduate of Bedford High School and is being inducted in our Post High School Accomplishments category. Jim was a good student and was a part of the wrestling team for two years, but fast cars and racing was his passion. In 1983 he started as a mechanic in the Winston Cup Racing Series and by 1986 was a car chief for Hendrick Motorsports (one of the most famous teams in NASCAR history). From 1986 to 1994 Jim worked with Geoff Bodine and Kyle Petty as their car chief. From 1995-2005 Jim was a full fledged NASCAR Crew Chief and worked with drivers like Ricky Rudd, Terry Labonte, and Kyle Busch. From 2006-2011 he managed the Hendrick Motorsports R & D Team, at a time when everyone was helping to develop the “ Car of Tomorrow”, which NASCAR races today. Hendrick won the first 5 races with the new car of tomorrow under Jim’s leadership during it’s development.
Jill Treuhaft
Jill was a physical education teacher at Bedford High School, and is being inducted as an Outstanding Teacher/Coach. She taught at Bedford High School for 30 years, 1969-1999. Jill was an outstanding teacher who cared about her students and made every effort to ensure their success in Physical Education. Jill was also the first Bedford High School Volleyball Coach, and the program that is one of the finest in the state began under her leadership. In the first 5 years she amassed a 64-17 record and won a District Championship. She spent over 20 years as a High School Volleyball Referee, and organized and ran Bedford Volleyball Tournaments for many years.
Doug Winkler
Doug is a 1973 graduate of Bedford High School and is being inducted in our Superior Athlete category. Doug excelled in football and baseball, and won 9 varsity letters during his high school career. He was an all state center fielder in 1973 and a 2 time all GLL Player in both football and baseball. Baseball Team MVP in 1973, and held the school record for most touchdowns in a game for 38 years. Doug went on to play minor league baseball for the Kansas City Royals rookie team in Sarasota Florida. He was an assistant football and baseball coach at Bedford for 10 years, and has coached Connie Mack and Stan Musial League teams as well.
1977 State Championship Wrestling Team
Each year we honor one of our great teams who have won a title along the way and have added to the athletic pride of Bedford High School. This years selection has two state championships in consecutive years. This team set many school records including best individual win/loss record, Dual Meet Record, and others. The members of that team are: Ron Binder, John Grose, John Dunnigan, Chip Emptage, Chuck Joseph, Rod Luttrell, Lex Potter, Les Paulson, Bill Salisbury, Bob Snyder, Kelley Stanley, Tony Wiederhold, Jim Borragina, Kerry Cousino, Mike Doyle, Steve Fisher, Jeff Folk, Jeff Gamby, Bill Henes, Ron Huskins, Rich Joseph, Steve Klock, Tim Leffler, Tim McPherson, Bob Quigley, Kevin Whitenburg, Greg Smith, Russ Anderson, Ed Brighton, Joe Church, Dave Daggett, Tom Guyton, Rick Hotaling, Mike Kade, Kevin Martin, Lonnie Osenbaugh, Mike Snyder, Doug Turner, Jay Walter, Bob Warnke, Jeff Wehrle, Dave Wilcox, and Jeff Zimmerman. Coaches of this team included Head Coach Bill Regnier, Tom Swan, Bob Long, Edd Bankowski, Earl McHenry and the manager was Jim Fuller.
The Bedford High School Alumni Association is proud to announce the 2011 inductees for its Hall of Fame. The following will be inducted on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at Bedford High School:
Clayton Kelley: Outstanding Coach
Jesse Elzinga ’97: Outstanding Athlete
Rebecca (Neorr) Umpstead ’90: Outstanding Athlete
Terry (Riddle) Ormsby ’88: Outstanding Athlete
Louie Tibai ’92: Outstanding Athlete
Paul Stanifer: Outstanding Teacher (Music)
1998 State Champion Volleyball Team
The inductees will be introduced to the public on Friday, October 14, 2011 at half time of the Bedford High School Football Game versus Monroe. The induction banquet will take place at Bedford High School at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Tickets to the banquet are $25 each and can be ordered by mail. Checks should be made out to “Bedford High School Alumni Association”. Please indicate on your order if you want tickets mailed to you or that you will pick them up at the banquet. Mail your orders to: Lisa Pickard, Bedford High School, 8285 Jackman Road, Temperance, MI 48182. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Bedford High School office. The last day to purchase tickets that will guarantee you a meal at the banquet will be October 12th. If you have any questions concerning tickets, please contact Lisa Pickard at 734-850-6105 or e-mail: Lisa.pickard@bedford.k12.mi.us If you have other questions concerning the Hall of Fame please contact Chuck Faller at 419-290-6382, chuckfaller@bex.net
Here are the Bios for the Hall of Fame inductees:
Jesse Elzinga Class of 1997
Jesse was a Cross Country and Track Star while at Bedford High School. Jesse posted 2 of the top 10 times in BHS Cross Country history, and held the overall school record until last year. He earned All Conference, All Region, and All State honors in both Cross Country and Track, and placed 3 rd in the 3200-meter in 1996. Jesse was named track athlete of the year in both cross country and track by the Monroe Evening News. He was academic -All-State in '96. Sadly a serious injury wiped out his entire senior seasons in track and CC. His coaches felt that if was not injured he well might have been a state champ in '97. Jesse is now a teacher and administrator at St. Edwards School in Oxford U.K.
Clayton Kelley
Clayton was a Teacher, Mentor, and Coach while at Bedford High School, but he is most notably remembered here for being the man who started the Wrestling Program at Bedford High School in 1958. Starting with very little experience he made Bedford a winning program in just two years, and a winning wrestling program has been an ongoing tradition at Bedford for about as long as anyone can remember. He produced 9 conference champions, 9 state qualifiers and one state placer. He attended BGSU, Eastern Michigan, and served in the Marine Corps. After leaving Bedford he taught and coached for another 20 years at Garden City High School in Garden City Michigan.
Rebecca (Neorr) Umpstead Class of 1990
Rebecca was an outstanding athlete during her career at Bedford High School, in addition to being a good student and a great person. She played on the Track, Basketball and Softball teams but her 4-year career sport was Volleyball. While earning honors at the other sports, Rebecca was Class A All District and All Region in Volleyball both her Junior and Senior years. She set team records for service aces and block solos in a match, and was named 2 nd team All State her senior year. Rebecca is married, has 3 children, and is a recreation specialist with the Ann Arbor Recreation Department.
Terri (Riddle) Ormsby Class of 1988
Terri was a gifted multi-sport athlete while a Bedford High School, excelling at softball and basketball. Terri set many individual records and won many individual awards during her career at Bedford including the Golden Glove Award, set the stolen base record, most hits in a single season, and posted the highest batting average. She was named to the first team All District, All Region, and Second team All State during her career. During her senior year she had the misfortune of a career ending knee injury that ended any further opportunities. Terri is married, has 4 children and resides in the Bedford Area.
Paul Stanifer
Paul is a retired music teacher from Bedford High School, and his legacy has been an inspiration for his successors to follow. At the time Bedford had a Symphony, Marching Band, Concert Band, Stage Band, and Paul was involved in them all. He took our programs to first place finishes in state competitions on numerous occasions, and after retirement continued to server in the music community as a respected judge for the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Assn. Paul and his wife reside in Manitou Beach Michigan.
Click here to read a feature story that appeared in the Toledo Blade concerning Paul Stannifer and the other HOF inductees. (August 17, 2011)
Louis Tibai Class of 1992
Louis was a wrestler at Bedford High School and a very successful one. He was a two-time team state champion (89’ and 92’), was the 130 pound individual state champion in 1992, and had a career record of 178-12-1. He was a state finalist his other two years of high school in 1990 and 1991. A three time league champion, three time district champion, and three time regional champion all go toward his impressive resume’. Louis and his wife Heidi have 4 children and reside in Bedford Township.
Back Row: (L-R)
Shayna Munson, Sarah Olesczuk, Katy Grodi, Rachel Parsons, Nicole Salisbury, Valarie Lyczkowski, Melissa Meinhart, Tara Paranick, Lindi Bankowski
Front Row: (L-R)
Melissa Lyczkowski, Bree Hickman, Brooke Burton, Theresa Estes, Melissa Weaver, Sarah Schneider
1998 State Championship Volleyball Team
This year’s team selection to the Hall of Fame is our first state championship volleyball team. The 1998 team consisted of Lindi Bankowski, Brook Burton, Theresa Estes, Katy Grodi, Bree Hickman, Melissa Lyczkowski, Val Lyczkowski, current Hall of Fame member Shayna Munson, Sarah Oleszczuk, Rachael Parsons, Sarah Schneider, and Melissa Weaver. In addition the following girls were brought up from the JV team to participate in tournaments that year; Melissa Meinhart, Nicole Salisbury and Tara Paranick. This team had an 89-3 record, set records for most wins in a season, longest winning streak (46), and won 11 of 12 tournaments that year. This team’s head coach was Jodi Manore who still serves in that capacity at Bedford High School today.
Additional information concerning the Hall of Fame:
August 17, 2011 Toledo Blade : http://www.toledoblade.com/North/2011/08/17/HS-Hall-of-Fame-to-induct-members.html
2010 Hall Of Fame Photo Info
The photos taken at the Bedford football game by Kathy Fye of the Hall of Fame introductions are posted on the “Bedford Tent” Facebook fan page. If you would like to view, save and/or print the photos just click on the “Like” button at the top right-hand side of the “Bedford Tent” page. Click here for the direct link to the “Bedford Tent” Facebook page.
Hall of Fame photos taken on Friday and Saturday night are now posted on the Alumni Association page at www.bedfordsports.com . Click on the graphic to the left to view all photos (300 photos). Below are a few of the group photos from Friday & Saturday night.
L-R: Bill Regnier, Shayna Munson, Dick Harley, Matt Wiederhold, Doug Harper, Arnold Strzelecki (Photo by Kathy Fye)
1976 State Champion Wrestling Team (Photo by Kathy Fye)
Left to right
Edd Bankowski, Kevin Whitenburg, Paul Stokes, Jamie Simmons, Jim Fuller, Bob Long, Ron Huskins (behind), Tom Joseph, Kerry Cousineau, Bruce Heasley, Tom Swan, Bill Regnier, Fred Alcock (behind), Scott Striggow, Phil Whaley, Craig Rank, Tony Wiederhold
(Photo courtesy of Leighton Photography)
Left to Right: Seated: Dave Snouffer (representing inductee Mike Morris), Arnold Strzelecki, Shayna Munson, Doug Harper, Bill Regnier, Dick Harley, Matt Wiederhold
Standing: Terry Doyle, Suzan (Doyle) Kiple, Sherry Doyle,Guy Rank, Bill Salisbury, Lex Potter, Scott Striggow, Tony Wiederhold,Ken Betley, Craig Rank, Earl McHenry, Doug Stevens, Jim Fuller, Edd Bankowski, Ron Huskins, Paul Stokes, Tom Swan, Kevin Whitenburg, Jamie Simmons, Fred Alcock, Kerry Cousineau, Bruce Heasley, Bob Long, Phil Whaley, Tom Joseph, Jeff Folk, Chuck Joseph, Mark Hoffman, Richard Joseph, Mike Stockmaster.
(Photo courtesy of Leighton Photography)
Seated:
Scott Striggow, Earl McHenry, Edd Bankowski, Tom Swan, Bill Regnier, Bob Long, Tom Joseph
Mike Doyle’s Family:(Brother -Terry Doyle, Sister -Suzanne Doyle Kiple, Mother-Sherry Doyle) Guy Rank, Bill Salisbury, Lex Potter, Tony Wiederhold, Ken Betley, Craig Rank, Doug Stevens, Jim Fuller, Ron Huskins, Paul Stokes, Kevin Whitenburg, Jamie Simmons, Fred Alcock, Kerry Cousineau, Bruce Heasley, Mike Stockmaster, Richard Joseph, Phil Whaley, Chuck Joseph, Mark Hoffman, Jeff Folk
2010 Hall of Fame Bios
Richard Harley (Outstanding Teacher)
Richard “Dick” Harley was a teacher with the Bedford Public Schools from 1973 until his retirement in 2009. He graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1968 and taught 7 th and 8 th grade math and science for 5 years at Rosary Cathedral School in Toledo before coming to Bedford in 1973. While teaching at Bedford he earned a Master of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Toledo. Dick taught at Bedford Junior High School the first eight years. He was one of the first teachers to use a computer in instruction in the building. After leaving the junior high he was assigned to teach a variety of subjects over the years at the high school which included Physics, Chemistry, Algebra, Advanced Algebra, Pre-Calculus and Honors AP Calculus. Dick had a keen interest in computer programming. He wrote his own programs to do simulations, to create unique extra credit problems, to generate tests, to grade lab exercises and to compute grades. According to many Bedford graduates, he epitomizes the exceptional teacher at Bedford High School, always willing to assist students before, during and after school. If there was a particularly confusing topic, he always had more than one way to explain it. Dick currently lives in Toledo, Ohio with his wife Josie. They have three sons Ed, Matt and Christopher. Concerning his years of teaching at Bedford he says “I have always felt blessed to be a teacher and to be at Bedford; teaching and being around young people has kept me motivated and feeling young for 41 years”. Dick was nominated by Julianne Krell, one of his former students.
Doug Harper (Outstanding Athlete)
Doug Harper is a 1985 graduate of Bedford High School. There have been many outstanding wrestlers at Bedford High School over the years, and Doug definitely is a member of that group. He was Bedford’s first three time state place winner in any sport (wrestling). He placed 5 th in the state (first sophomore to place in the state) in 1983. Doug was the state champion in 1984 (50-0 @98 pound class) and 1985 (51-0 @ 105 pound class. He has the second highest won/loss % for a 3 year career at Bedford 94.7% (winner of 102 consecutive matches). His career record was 143-8. He was a High School All American three different times. After graduating from Bedford he wrestled at Clackamas Junior College in Oregon City, Oregon. While at Clackamas he was a team captain, academic All-American and placed 3 rd @ the Junior College Nationals. In 1988 he transferred to Eastern Michigan University. As a member of the wrestling team, he was a two time NCAA qualifier, Mid-American Conference runner-up in 1988 and champion in 1989. He was named the outstanding wrestler at the MAC Tournament in 1989. From 1988 to 1992 he was ranked in the top 6 on the Olympic ladder and in 1992 was ranked #3 in the United States. Doug currently lives in Orting, Washington with his wife Cathryn and children Ryan and Sarah. His love for wrestling has guided him to volunteer with a local wrestling program. He serves as an assistant manager for Les Schwab Tires where he has worked for the past 17 years. Doug was nominated by his junior high wrestling coach Edd Bankowski.
Mike Morris (Outstanding Post High School Accomplishments)
Mike Morris was a 1964 graduate of Bedford High School. Mike was the sports editor for the school paper, “The Goalpost,” a member of the Varsity Club, cast member of the Senior play and was chosen outstanding senior class member by the Kiwanis Club. He also participated in football, track and baseball. Currently serving as President, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Columbus, OH, based American Electric Power; Mike could be considered one of the most successful businessmen to have ever graduated from Bedford. (Google Michael G. Morris and see.) AEP is the largest electricity generator in the USA. For 8 years prior to AEP, he was President, Chairman and CEO of Connecticut based Northeast Utilities System. While he was President and CEO of our own Consumers Energy, Mike offered his efforts to provide the lighting for Bedford's Community Stadium. He is past chairman of the Edison Electric Institute and presently serves on the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Advisory Board, where he has testified before Congress, held round tables with T. Boone Pickens and met with President Obama concerning energy policy needs. Mike presently also serves on the Executive Board of Alcoa and The Hartford Financial Services Group. Mike graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1970 & 73 with a BS and MS in Biology. Eastern Michigan named him a Distinguished Alumnus in 1995. At EMU he was Commander of the ROTC Brigade and served on their Board of Regents from 1997 to 2004. In 1980 he received a law degree (cum laude) from The Detroit College of Law (now at MSU) and is currently a member of the Michigan Bar Association. Presently, two of his passions involve the development and deployment of carbon capture and storage technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the improvement and restructuring of the American power grid. Mike, with his wife Linda, call Northville, MI, home. They have two children, Ryan (30) and Justin (deceased). Mike was nominated by high school classmate Dave Snouffer.
Shayna Munson (Outstanding Athlete)
Shayna Munson was a 1999 graduate of Bedford High School. She was nominated by her high school volleyball coach, Jodi Manore, who regards her as one of the top volleyball players to graduate from Bedford. Shayna was a 4 year varsity volleyball player. Her high school accomplishments include the following: Monroe Evening News “Player of the Year” both her junior and senior year, Monroe Guardian 1 st team All-Region in her junior and senior year, 1 st team All-State her as a junior and senior. In 1998 she was a member of the first state championship volleyball team for Bedford. She still holds the records for blocking points for a season (239 in 1999), highest kill % in a career (.440) and highest kill % for a season (.460). Her 4 year accumulated record was 321-24-8 as a team. Shayna also excelled as a member of the Mule basketball team. She was a three year varsity starter in her junior and senior year was named to the Monroe Guardian and Monroe Evening News 1 st team All-Region. After high school she went on to Kellogg Community College where she was a 2-year starter on the volleyball team. She was named 1 st All-American both seasons. In 2001 she transferred to Eastern Michigan University, starting on the volleyball team for 2 seasons. While at Eastern Michigan she was named co-captain her senior year. After graduating from Eastern she continued coaching the volleyball team there for two years. She then left Michigan and moved to Clearwater, Florida and became a member of the Beach Volleyball Tour where she was named the top player in the state of Florida (her fist year). Shayna currently plays on the Beach Volleyball Tour as a professional and international team member.
Arnold Strzelecki (Outstanding Athlete)
Arnold Strzelecki was a 1951 graduate of Bedford High School. He was a member of both the football and track teams while in high school. Arnold (“Arnie”) excelled as a member of the track team in 1949, 1950 and 1951. He was known as an outstanding track speed runner, scoring 16 points in most of the meets that he competed in all three years. Arnie competed in the 100 and 220 yard dashes, broad jump and anchored the half mile relay team. The 1951 track season proved to be one of the finest in Bedford’s history. The Mules, led by Arnie Strzelecki, concluded an undefeated season in dual and triangular meets. At the state regional meet in 1951 Arnie finished 1 st in the 100 yard dash, 220 yard dash, broad jump and anchored the 1 st place 880 relay team. In 1950 & 1951 he was named the track team’s most valuable member. He held the Bedford record for the 100 yard dash for several years. After high school he spent 2 years in the United States Army. Arnie is currently retired from the Ford Motor Company where he served as a machine repairman for 35 years. In 1987 and 1988 he participated in the Michigan Senior Olympics where he won two gold medals in the long jump. He also played in a dance band for 15 years and enjoys gardening; many of his friends refer to him as the “Tomato Man”. Arnie and his wife Betty Joann still live in the Temperance area. They have four grown children Terrie, Kellie, Tracie and Matthew. He was nominated by fellow classmate and Hall of Fame member Jerry Kish.
Matt Wiederhold (Outstanding Theater Arts Student & Post High School Accomplishments)
Matt Wiederhold was a 1987 graduate of Bedford High School. While in high school he was an outstanding member of the Bedford High School Symphony and Marching Band as a percussionist. After graduating from high school Matt attended the University of Toledo where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Art History in 1992. While attending college he was member of the Bedford Community Theatre group (1988-1994) serving as board president, producer, director, actor, set design and marketing. From 1995 to 2000 Matt worked for the Toledo Museum of Art serving as Coordinator of The Inform Project, Partner Liaison for Art & The Workplace and as a Public Information Associate. In the professional arena, Matt’s major accomplishment is his work on the Main Street Program and with which he became an economic development specialist in June 2001. This program is 25 years old and its focus is for preserving historic commercial districts while promoting the support of local economies and districts as destinations. He started working for this program in the Toledo area where he received two awards for his work on Adams Street. Matt then moved onto the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization in Cleveland, Ohio as its Economic Development Director. From 2003 to 2006 he oversaw the restoration of nine Cleveland storefronts which also included a $7 million project to revitalize the Capitol Theatre. Matt has been a contributing arts writer for a number of publications. Currently Matt is the executive director for Main Street Medina which is a program to revitalize the historic district of Medina, Ohio. He was nominated by fellow classmate Kristine Lefor (Neorr) who states on her nomination form “Matt has done things since high school that many of us only dream about”.
1976 Bedford High School State Championship Wrestling Team
Top Row from left to right: (Standing) Manager, Jim Fuller, Guy Rank, Paul Stokes, Phil Whaley, Bill Salisbury, Bruce Heasley, Craig Rank, Ron Huskins, Fred Alcock, Mike Stockmaster.
2 nd Row from left to right: (Kneeling) Tony Wiederhold, Richard Joseph, Lex Potter, Rod Luttrell, Co-Captain -Scott Striggow, Co-Captain-Tom Joseph, Chuck Joseph, Jamie Simmons, Kerry Cousineau, Mike Doyle.
1976 Bedford High School State Championship Wrestling Team
Bedford's 1976 Wrestling Team captured the hearts of many people in the community and many wrestling alumni. Along with this, the Mules captured the FIRST TEAM STATE CHAMPIONSHIP in Bedford and Monroe County history. On their way to this historic accomplishment, the Mules racked up many First (1st) for this fledging program.
Here is a sampling of Mule FIRST'S:
1) First Regional Championship.
2) Most Regional Champions (4).
3) Most State Place Winners (5).
4) First UNDEFEATED team in tournament competition (10-0) including the STATE TOURNAMENT.
5) Most points scored in Bedford's History in the following tournaments: GLL (184.5), Bedford Invitational (154.5), Battle Creek Invitational (148.5), District Championships (67.5), Regional Championships (82) and STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (65).
6) Bruce Heasley, pinned every opponent in the GLL, in the duals and tournaments for 2 straight years.
There were so many factors that contributed to the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, from our tremendous coaching staff, to our 1975 Seniors that gave us the blue print to accomplish this goal, to our excellent community and grapplerettes that came to cheer us on, to all of our support groups that kept us going. But in the long run, it all came down to a group of young men that decided, pursued, sacrificed and dedicated themselves to the one goal for our team - a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. The seven wrestlers that were in the final tournament, the others that sacrificed time to help them prepare for the tournament and made them the BEST CONDITIONED TEAM in the State. Volleyball Coach, Jodi Manore nominated this fabulous team for this Great honor.
Team Members:
Seniors : Fred Alcock, Bruce Heasley, Tom Joseph, Dan Mockensturm, Craig Rank, Jamie Simmons, Paul Stokes, Mike Stockmaster, Scott Striggow, Phil Whaley
Juniors: Mark Boudreau, John Dunnigan, Chip Emptage, Dave Fry, Charles Joseph, Jim Labadie, Rod Luttrell, Ted Overman, Lex Potter, Les Poulson, Guy Rank, Bill Salisbury, Bob Snyder, Kelley Stanley, Mike Venia, Tony Wiederhold
Sophomores : Ken Betley, Jim Boraggina, Kerry Cousineau, Mike Doyle, Steve Fisher, Jeff Folk, Jeff Gamby, Mark Hoffman, Ron Huskins, Richard Joseph, Steve Klock, Eric Lawn, Tim Leffler, Scott Lutman, Bob Quigley, Greg Smith, Doug Stevens, Rick Webster, Kevin Whitenburg
Manager: Jim Fuller
Coaches: Bill Regnier, Tom Swan, Bob Long, Edd Bankowski, Dennis Hubbard, Earl Mchenry
Click on the graphic at the left to view a copy of the 1976 Wrestling Banquet Program (36 pages).
Complete details concerning the Hall of Fame can be found on the BHS Alumni Association web pages at the following web sites:
Bedford Public School : http://www.bedford.k12.mi.us/alumni_assoc.html
Bedford Yes: http://www.bedfordyes.com/BedfordAlumniAssociationHome.htm
2010 Hall of Fame Newspaper Articles
Toledo Blade Neighbors September 22, 2010: "Bedford High's Hall of Fame event tickets cost $25"
Monroe Evening News September 19, 2010: "Heading into the Hall of Fame"
Bedford Now September 18, 2010: "6 plus wrestling team slated to enter Alumni Hall of Fame"
Bedford Now June 26, 2010: "Hall inductees announced"
Toledo Blade Neighbors June 23, 2010: "6 individuals, '76 wrestling team to enter hall of fame"
Monroe Evening News June 22, 2010: "Alumni Association announces Hall of Fame inductees"
Bedford Press June 21, 2010: "BHS Alumni Association announces 2010 Hall of fame inductees"
Monroe Evening News June 19, 2010: Sports Section "2010 Bedford Hall of Fame Announced"
Photos by Kathy Fye:
2009 Hall of Fame Inductees. Taken at Bedford Community Stadium Friday, September 11th
L to R: Ellen Bacon, Karen Adamski (for Phyllis McMacken), Tony Gill, Ray Kwiatkowski (1966 Football Team), Steve Danforth
Terri Bosma (Blok), Matt Bell, Bill Hammerstein
Members of the 1966 Football Team.
Photos by Edd Bankowski:
Matt Bell Terri Bosma (Blok)
Steve Danforth Tony Gill
Phyllis McMacken-Maschke Family Bill Hammerstein
1966 Football Team
All Inductees
We are proud to announce that the following individuals and team will be inducted into to the Bedford High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame on September 12, 2009:
Martin “Bill” Hammerstein Jr. (Class of 1959 – Athletics)
Steve Danforth (Class of 1969 – Athletics)
Terri Blok (Bosma) (Class of 1977 – Athletics)
Matthew Bell (Class of 1991 – Music & Post High School Accomplishments)
Tony Gill (Class of 1991 – Athletics)
Phyllis McMacken-Maschke (Teacher)
The 1966 Bedford High School Football Team (Coached by Ray Kwiatkowski - see list of team members and coaches below)
The inductees will be introduced to the public on Friday, September 11, 2009 at half time of the Bedford High School Football Game versus Ann Arbor Huron. The induction banquet will take place at Bedford High School at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2009. Tickets to the banquet are $25 each and can be ordered by mail. Checks should be made out to “Bedford High School Alumni Association”. Please indicate on your order if you want tickets mailed to you or that you will pick them up at the banquet. Mail your orders to: Lisa Pickard, Bedford High School, 8285 Jackman Road, Temperance, MI 48182. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Bedford High School office starting on August 31st. The last day to purchase tickets that will guarantee you a meal at the banquet will be September 9th. If you have any questions concerning tickets, please call Lisa Pickard at 734-850-6105.
At the banquet each individual inductee will receive an engraved plaque with their photo commemorating their induction. A duplicate plaque will be placed in the entrance to Bedford High School. Each member of the 1966 football team will receive a personalized medallion commemorating the induction of the team. A plaque with the team photo will also be placed in the entrance to Bedford High School.
Again this year, the alumni Association will offer sponsorship/advertising opportunities to local businesses and individuals. The sponsorship is $200. Donors will be recognized in the Hall of Fame program and will also receive an 8”x8” brick which identifies the donor as a Hall of Fame Sponsor for 2009. The bricks will be placed permanently in Alumni Plaza adjacent to the Victory Bell at the Bedford Community Stadium. For more information, contact Laura Collins at 734-854-2926. (Click here for a Brick Sponsor Form) Any profit from the Hall of Fame banquet will be used to reduce the debt on the loan for the Bedford Community Stadium which currently is $280,000 on the one million dollar note.
Additional information concerning the Hall of Fame and the Bedford High School Alumni Association can be found at the following web page: www.bedford.k12.mi.us/alumni_assoc.html Any questions concerning the Hall of Fame should be directed to Gene Stock at 734-847-6358 or e-mail: stocksportsinc@yahoo.com
Click here to read newspaper articles concerning the Hall of Fame that were published in the Bedford Press, Bedford Now and The Toledo Blade in July 2009.
The Bedford Now August 22, 2009
Toledo Blade Neighbors August 26, 2009
The Bedford Press August 31, 2009
Monroe Evening News September 5, 2009
The Bedford Now September 19, 2009
Matthew Bell ( Music & Post High School)
Matthew Bell was a 1991 graduate of Bedford High School. While in high school he participated in Symphonic Band, Marching Band and Pep Band. In high school he earned 11 first division ratings at District Solo and Ensemble Festival, performing solos with the violin, trumpet and as a member of a brass quintet. Matt was a 4 time All-State Band member. One of Matt’s major musical achievements at Bedford was being named as the Michigan representative to the 1991 McDonald’s All-American High School Band. Additionally, Matt wrestled one season, ran track two seasons and was the single Bedford High School National Merit Scholar his senior year and graduated 4 th in his class. He attended Michigan State University. He was a member of the MSU marching band for 5 seasons. In 1995 he graduated with honors from the Honors College in Chemical Engineering. After graduation he took a job with DuPont in Orange, Texas. He continued his musical career by playing professionally with “Key West The Band” from 1996 to 2005. The band played more than 100 shows per year throughout the United States and Mexico. Matt spent two years in Guatemala doing missionary work with his wife, Dr. Heidi Bell. Matt has also recorded with the Japanese pop band, Ninja, and recorded a theme for ABC Sports. He is now playing with “Spare Change”, a band based in LaGrange, North Carolina. Currently he resides in Winterville, North Carolina with his wife and son Isaac. Matt was nominated by his high school band director, Ron Koch.
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Terri Blok (Bosma) (Outstanding Athlete)
Terri Blok was a 1977 graduate of Bedford High School. She was nominated based on her outstanding contribution to the growth of girls’ athletics at Bedford. Terri put the Lady Mules on the high school athletics map with her stellar performance and dedication from 1975 to 1977. While in high school she earned 8 varsity letters in 3 years playing basketball, volleyball and softball. In volleyball she was a 2-time All-Region player and had 122 serving points in 1976 (much shortened season compared today). In 1977 as a member of the softball team she earned All-Region honors and had a .458 batting average on a team that won a regional championship and finished ranked 3 rd in the state of Michigan. Her strongest sport was basketball. She was a 2-time All-Region point champion with a 17.8 points per game average in 1975 and 22.5 points in 1976. In 1976 in a game against Ann Arbor Pioneer, Terri scored a game high 42 points while sitting out for almost half of the 4 th quarter. This record was set before there was a 3 point line and has held this Bedford record for 32 years. In fact, Terri outscored the entire Pioneer team, who only scored 41 points. She was the team MVP in ’74,’75 & ’76. Terri was also selected Monroe County Region Player of the Year in 1976 and was also listed as a High School All-American. She received a basketball scholarship to Eastern Michigan University, graduating in 1982. Terri now makes her home in Snellville, Georgia with her husband Harry. They have two sons, Brian and David. She was nominated by her good friend and former teammate Phyllis Reese Boehm.
Steve Danforth (Outstanding Athlete)
Steve Danforth was a 1969 graduate of Bedford High School. While in high school Steve ran track and cross country. He still holds the record for the 1600M, with a time of 4:16.8 set in 1969. Steve was also a state champion in the mile run in 1969 and finished first in the Champion of Champion’s meet that year. After high school he attended Bowling Green State University. He was a member of the BGSU track and cross country teams, serving as captain of the cross country team in 1972. Steve had some outstanding accomplishments while at BGSU which included the following: 1970 All-American as a member of the 4 mile relay team and in 1973 was a member of the 4 mile relay team that set the American record that year. In 1972 he was an All-American in cross country. He graduated in 1973 with a degree in Accounting. Steve has worked as a certified healthcare consultant, certified financial planner and certified public accountant. In 1979 he became the youngest person to pass all parts of the certification examination to become a certified health care business consultant. He is now retired from The PM Group, a business consulting and accounting firm specializing in working for physicians and dentists (1974-1999). Today he still keeps busy managing commercial real estate and trades stocks for a living. Steve lives in Sylvania, Ohio with his wife Amy. They have two children, Justin and Lindsey. He was nominated by fellow runner and friend Joe Caruso.
Tony Gill (Outstanding Athlete)
Tony Gill was a 1991 graduate of Bedford High School. He was an outstanding athlete while in high school winning 9 varsity letters (4 baseball, 3 football and 2 basketball). In football he was a member of the 1990 GLL championship team. He was a 2-time GLL first team member in ’89 & ’90. He also was All Region and All Monroe County in 1990. Tony excelled as a member of the Mule baseball program. Among his baseball honors were MVP in ’90 & ’91, All-GLL 2 nd team in 1990 and first team in 1991, All Region and All-Monroe County in ’90 & ’91. He was named to the Michigan All-State second team in 1991 and was the first Bedford player to be selected to play in the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game at Tiger Stadium. Upon graduation he held 16 Mule football and 9 baseball records, some of which he still holds today. He still holds the Michigan state record for most interceptions in one game (5 against Northview in 1990). Upon graduation Tony received a baseball scholarship to Bowling Green State University. He was a 4 year starter in centerfield for the Falcons where he served as captain of the 1995 team that captured the Mid-American Conference Championship. In 1995 he graduated with a degree in Education with a major in Sport Enterprise Management. While at BGSU, he also took courses in Aviation Technology. Tony completed his aviation training in 2007 from Delta Connection Academy. After graduation he worked in the front office of 3 minor league hockey teams ( Birmingham, Peoria & Toledo) and 1 baseball team ( West Michigan). Currently he is a pilot for Mesaba Airlines, a subsidiary of Northwest Airlines. Tony lives in Temperance with his wife Keri and daughters Britony & Kerigan. Tony was nominated by fellow Bedford athlete Brent DuKate.
Bill “Marty” Hammerstein (Outstanding Athlete)
Bill Hammerstein was a 1959 graduate of Bedford High School. He won 8 varsity letters as a member of the football, basketball and track teams. Bill was a great running back as well as a place kicker on the Mule ’58 and ’59 football teams. He is best known and remembered for his outstanding track career. As a sophomore he was selected as the MVP of the track team where he completed in the high jump, long jump and half mile. In his junior year he was a regional meet double winner placing first in the high jump and ½ mile. At the state meet that year he tied for second in the high jump giving the Mules their only points. Bill’s senior season was superior. He was a double winner in every track meet except for the state finals. In the SMC conference meet he placed 1 st in the mile run and high jump while setting both league and school records. At the regional meet he set the Class B ½ mile record. He became Bedford’s first state champion in any sport when he won the ½ mile run in which he became the first area runner to run under two minutes. It was also the fastest time of all ½ milers in all classes at the State meet. At the Champion of Champions meet in Kalamazoo he ran the ½ mile in 1:57.3 to beat a record set in 1938. After high school he attended the University of Michigan. As a member of the track team he set a freshman 800 meter record. He then transferred to Western Michigan University and continued running track. In his sophomore and junior years he placed 2 nd in the 880 at the MAC meet. His senior year he placed first in the MAC meet in the 880 run. He had many outstanding meets his senior year including taking first place as a member of the Distance Medley team at the Drake relays that set a school record. After graduating from WMU he coached at the high school level in Delton and Adrian, Michigan from 1964 to 1974. Over the years he worked as a salesman for Aermotor receiving recognition as salesman of year several times and is currently the owner of MH Pump & Supply. Bill currently lives in Adrian, Michigan with his wife Mary. They have 4 children, Angela, Julie, Sally and Kimberly. He was nominated by Edd Bankowski.
Phyllis McMacken-Maschke (Outstanding Teacher)
Phyllis McMacken-Maschke was a teacher with the Bedford Public Schools from 1962 until her retirement in 1984. She graduated in 1944 from the University of Toledo and did her graduate work at Eastern Michigan University. While at UT she worked for the Sun Oil Company in their labs. When her children were all in school, she began her teaching career at Luella Cummings School in Toledo. In 1962, Phyllis was hired to teach at Bedford High School. She taught many different subjects including: Home Economics, Biology, General Science and Math. She was one of the first women in the State of Michigan to be certified as a driver’s training instructor. She was the cheerleader advisor for many years and could be found at most athletic events. “Mom” as she was called by many of her students, also served as a class advisor for the classes of ’67 & ’73. She was activities director and student council advisor during the 70’s up to her retirement in 1984. Phyllis was always there to help students who were in need and to enhance high school events. Fellow teachers and administrators remember her as a person who went above and beyond her duties as a teacher. Phyllis was married to Jack McMacken, who died in 1999, for 54 years. They had four children who all graduated from Bedford High School: James ’65, Chris ’67, Ellen (Bacon) ’68 and Karen (Adamski) ’73. Phyllis married former Bedford High School teacher, coach and principal, Art Maschke in 2000. He passed away in 2005 and Phyllis passed away in December of 2005 at the age of 84. Phyllis was nominated by her daughters Ellen Bacon and Karen Adamski.
The 1966 team won the first GLL Championship in football. It also was the first championship for Bedford in football since 1958. The Mules went 3-6 in 1965 losing three games by seven points or less before blanking Whitmer 6-0 in the final game of the season. The Whitmer game is the one that Coach Ray Kwiatkowski believes gave the players a winning attitude and the necessary confidence. Coach Kwiatkowski stated that “I believe that our accomplishment began during the final game of the 1965 football season. Bedford had never beaten Whitmer. This Bedford team, which was all about breaking barriers, playing tough, and handling pressure, captured each moment of that last game. Coach Kwiatkowski went on to say “this win gave our team and our school pride, dignity, and a belief in creating our own destiny”. Each and every member of the 1966 team began working toward the 1966 season with REAL expectations, even winning a GLL Championship!
The goal sounds simple, but there were (almost) insurmountable odds. Whitmer was three times the size of Bedford. Rule variations between Ohio and Michigan did not help. Bedford was the only Michigan school in an otherwise Ohio league. Ohio's pre-season practices began three weeks before Michigan's starting date, which included two-a-day practices. Ohio was allowed three scrimmages with opponents while Michigan had only one. Ohio's game schedule began a game before Michigan's. All this gave Ohio considerably more experience when we met on the field. The Bedford players were well aware of the differences and chose to work through them to achieve their goal, GLL CHAMPIONS.
With only 33 players on the varsity, starters, scout and special team players, managers, and coaches each contributed toward the ultimate goal. Jobs overlapped and practices were constant movement for everyone involved in the preparation for the exciting season. To name individuals for leadership, outstanding performances, enthusiasm, and simply hard work would be an impossible task because there were so many equal contributions. A team is capable of accomplishing things that no individual can, regardless of how talented he may be. This is a team award and it is deserved by this team in its entirety.
The following is information listed in the end-of-the-season banquet program:
Team Captains: Dave Long & Chris McMacken
Rushing Leader: Dave Long carried the ball 188 times for 1,208 yards, scoring 92 total points.
All Great Lakes League Team:
1 st Team: Dave Long, Tom Johnson, Bill Wingate, Mike Ferguson, Wayne Rumple
2 nd Team: Chris McMacken, Joe Urbaniak, Fred Warren, Darrell Mossburg, Jerry Brescol
Honorable Mention: Pat Leonhardt, Gary Sherman, Doug Dold, Bruce Gamby, Paul Preketes, Blaine Geer, Dennis Hubbard.
Team Members:
Seniors:Roy Butler, Dave Covell, Doug Dold, Mike Ferguson, Bruce Gamby, Dennis Hubbard, Tom Johnson, Dick Kindle, Pat Leonhardt, Dave Long, Chris McMacken, Chuck Meader, Mike Milano, Kinsley Renshaw, Wayne Rumple, Guy Seymour, Joe Urbaniak, Fred Warren, Bill Wingate, Jim Bacon
Juniors: Jerry Brescol, Thomas Dusseau, Rob Edgington, Tim Fitzmorris, Robert Hudson, Darrell Mossburg, Paul Preketes, Mark Sherer, Gary Sherman, Norm Shinkle, Tom Towne
Sophomores: Roger Brown, Blaine Geer
Coaching Staff: Ray Kwiatkowski, Al Studer, Jerry Berndt, Bill Regnier, Larry Skeldon, Bob Ritz, Tom Swan
Managers: Phil Covell, Bruce Dull, Tom Hendrix
Bedford High School 1966 Varsity Football Team Info
Click anywhere on graphic at the left to view a copy of the 1966 Banquet Program.
Click anywhere on graphic at the left to view yearbook photos from the 1966 Football Season.
Click anywhere on the graphic at the left to view newspaper articles from the 1966 Football Season.
Click anywhere on the graphic at the left to read about Coach Jerry Berndt being inducted into the Waite High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Click here to read the Bio for Dave Long and Chris McMacken when they were inducted into the Bedford High School Hall of Fame Chris was inducted in 2001 and Dave was inducted in 2006.
Listed below are notes from teammates who could not attend the game and banquet. (Just click on name to read the message.)
E-Mail from Jim Bacon
Note from Roger Brown
2008 Bedford High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame:
Joe Caruso, Mark Banks, Don Geis, Janet Geis, Mary Linzie, Jennifer Bringman West, Kellie Nowak, Michelle Andrews King, Kevin Vogel
Click here to view the bios of the 2008 Hall of Fame Inductees
Click here to view a list of current HOF members by year inducted.
Click here to view a list of current HOF members by last name (alpha)
Click here to view a list of current HOF members by graduation year.
Bob Andrews (Community Supporter)
William Early (Coach)
Chester & Lottie Karpanty (Community Supporter)
Gerald Kish (Athlete) ‘51
Dick Oswald (Athlete) ‘52
John Stafford (Teacher)
Reid Stout (Administrator & Inventor)
Dr Warren Tolly ( Athlete & Post High School) ‘49
Richard Trychel (Athlete) ‘53
Jon Whitman (Athlete) ‘73
Etta Mae Chapman (Teacher)
Chris McMacken (Athlete) ‘67
Art Maschke (Administrator & Coach)
Karen Sapp (Crowe) (Athlete) ‘83
Jennifer Shrader (Williams) (Music, Theatre and Post High School) ‘91
Ron Boehme (Athlete & Coach) ‘55
Tom Gannon (Athlete) ‘52
James McHugh (Administrator)
Paul Swy (Athlete & Community Supporter) ‘49
Oyce Whitesell (Teacher)
Jerry Wing (Administrator)
Bill Alexander (Athlete) ‘52
Charlie Holmes (Teacher)
Dennis Kinney (Athlete) ‘70
Fred Lowe ( Athlete & Post High School) ‘65
Chuck Rimmer (Community Supporter) ‘59
Paul Whitman ( Community Supporter & Post High School) ‘40
James Kindle (Athlete) ‘70
David Simpson (Athlete) ‘85
Buffy Williams (Ruddy) (Athlete) ‘89
Robert Boehme (Athlete) ‘51
Dennis Brighton (Athlete) ‘74
Gary Duhaime (Coach)
Lew Horn (Teacher & Coach)
Liz Renius (Smith) (Athlete) ‘95
Gene Stock (Community Supporter) ‘64
2006 (Click here for bios of 2006 Inductees)
Richard Boehme (Athlete) ‘49
Walter Chany (Athlete) ‘65
Eleanor Gordon (Administrator)
Shane Heams ( Athlete & Post High School) ‘94
Leslie Keane (Athlete) ‘96
Carol Emptage-Kwiatkowski (Teacher)
David Long (Athlete) ‘67
Ken Moyer ( Athlete & Post High School) ‘84
Lynn Parachek (Teacher & Coach)
Edward Rudd (Community Supporter)
Kara Walcher (Shavo) (Athlete) ‘83
2007 (Click here for bios of 2007 Inductees)
Lowell Cauffiel ( Post High School)’69
Douglas Dove ( Athlete & Post High School) ‘59
John Hittler (Athlete) ‘70
Brett Holey ( Post High School) ‘78 Click here to watch video of Brett Holey acceptance speech.
Todd Lezon (Athlete) ‘82
C. David Parker (Teacher)
Edward Tutelian (Teacher)
2008 (Click here for bios of 2008 Inductees)
Terry Banks (Athlete) ‘79
Joe Caruso ( Athlete & Post High School) ‘72
Michelle Andrews (King) (Athlete) ‘83
Mary Linzie ( Athlete & Post High School) ‘89
Kellie Nowak ( Athlete & Post High School) ’96
Kevin Vogel ( Athlete & Post High School) ‘87
Jennifer Bringman (West) Athlete & Post High School) ‘92
Matthew Bell ( Music & Post High School) ‘91
Terri Blok (Bosma) (Athlete) ‘77
Steve Danforth (Athlete) ‘69
Tony Gill (Athlete) ‘91
Bill “Marty” Hammerstein (Athlete) ‘59
Phyllis McMacken-Maschke (Teacher)
1966 Bedford High School GLL Championship Football Team (Class of '67)
Richard (Dick) Harley: Outstanding Bedford High School Teacher from 1973-2009
Doug Harper: '85 Outstanding Athlete (Wrestling)
Michael Morris: '64 Outstanding Post High School Accomplishments
Shayna Munson: '99 Outstanding Athlete (Volleyball/Basketball)
Arnold Strzelecki: '51 Outstanding Athlete (Track)
Matt Wiederhold: '87 Outstanding Theater Arts Student and Post High School Accomplishments
The 1975-76 Bedford High School State Champion Wrestling Team
Clayton Kelley: Outstanding Coach
Jesse Elzinga ’97: Outstanding Athlete
Rebecca (Neorr) Umpstead ’90: Outstanding Athlete
Terry (Riddle) Ormsby ’88: Outstanding Athlete
Louie Tibai ’92: Outstanding Athlete
Paul Stanifer: Outstanding Teacher (Music)
1998 State Champion Volleyball Team
Ellen Bacon: Teacher ('72 - '07)
Stacey Heams: Athlete – ‘88
Lindi Bankowski: Athlete – ‘01
Jess Hurley: Athlete – ‘92
Jim Long: Post High School – ‘75
Doug Winkler: Athlete – ‘73
Jill Treuhaft: Teacher ('69 - '99)
Bedford High School Wrestling Team of 1977
Edd Bankowski: Athlete - ’66
Tom Estes: Athlete – ‘53
Eugene Holey: Athlete – ’49
Jeff Holly: Athlete – ‘79
Bob Lambert: Athlete – ’90
Bill Salisbury: Athlete –‘77
Kevin Taylor: Athlete – ’70
Bill Zgorzelski: Athlete – ‘71
2001 State Championship Volleyball Team
