The Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame celebrated its 21st class at our November 5th banquet. The class was full of athletes who achieved incredible heights. The Horizons Center was freshly decorated for the holiday season and the mood was festive. Old friends and teammates were able to reunite and swap those familiar stories of the highest of heights while laughing about the lows.
Class of 2023 Inductees:
Jason Richardson – Was the NBA Slam Dunk Champion in 2002 and 2003. Golden State Warriors draft pick. 2000 Michigan State National Champion. Attended Arthur Hill High School.
Don Voorheis – Still holds records at Frankenmuth High School in the 100 and 200m events after 70 years. Michigan State varsity letter winner in track.
Tori Jankoska – One of the best female basketball players in Michigan State history. All-time scoring leader in Saginaw County through her efforts at Freeland High School.
Hugh Bernreuter – The sportswriter from The Saginaw News has written stories about everyone on this list during and is now the most senior member of the sports team at the newspaper. He also went to Michigan State University.
Coach Larry Graf – From Hemlock High School, the coach guided countless numbers of young women to be their best on the softball diamond. He was also a top-notch player in his own right as well as being a top-tier coach.
Ken Tolfree – The Merrill High School gridder took his talents to the newly established football program at Saginaw Valley State College and is still the career interception leader.
Alfonso Boone – Boone made some great plays at Arthur Hill High School and got a college scholarship, but that college football program folded. After three years out of the game, he walked on at Mt. San Antonio Junior College. He is the only junior college football player ever drafted (7th round of the 2000 draft by the Detroit Lions). He had a 10-year career with the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs among other teams.
Nouvel Girls Basketball 2006-08 – The back-to-back champions won the 2006 championship before a court ruling changed girls high school basketball in Michigan to being a winter sport from the fall. They were a dominant force both seasons and worked together as a team to accomplish their goals.
Other highlights of the evening included the display of artifacts related to the inductees, testimonial videos about the inductees, and their acceptance speeches. The meal was fantastic, and the evening was enjoyed by all in attendance.