IRONWOOD AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

“INDUCTEES”

2006

John “Cutz” Cavosie

A 1925 All-State back on the Ironwood High School state championship football team, “Cutz” was a 200# punishing runner, proficient passer and remarkable kicker. He started for Butler (Indiana) University Bulldogs and played professionally for the Portsmouth (Massachusetts) Spartans, which later became the NFL’s Detroit Lions. “Cutz’s” single most remarkable football feat was a successful 55 yard drop kick for a field goal against Menominee High School.

Americo “Mertz” Mortorelli

A Luther L. Wright High School graduate who starred in football, basketball and track and went on to college ranks at Superior State to play football, basketball and to box; then playing professionally for the New York (football) Giants, “Mertz’s” influence on area athletics was just beginning. He returned to Ironwood as a teacher-coach whose impact on student athletics was far beyond providing inspiration and technical skills. He was a mentor, advisor and counselor off “the field” as well. He moved to his college alma mater to accomplish remarkable coaching records and lay a broad solid foundation for the future of (now) University of Wisconsin-Superior athletics.

Ray Ebli

One of St. Ambrose High School’s most prominent student athletes, he was recruited by Notre Dame and played football for two of its historic named coaches; Elmer Layden and later Frank Leahy. In the fall of 1941, Ray played on the undefeated Notre Dame football team. The next spring, he graduated Cum Laude and that summer was selected to the College All Star team, which played the NFL Champion Chicago Bears, in what was then a classic annual event. Serving in the Navy (Pacific Theater), Ebli was discharged as a Lieutenant and went on to play football for the professional Buffalo, Chicago and Cleveland teams in the old “All-American” football conference.

Jack Kraemer

This man’s impact and influence on Ironwood athletics is truly remarkable. The Ironwood High School football/track facilities honor his name. He coached L.L. Wright High School and Gogebic Junior College teams. He was the high school athletic director for 27 years. As head coach, his 1943 football team was the undefeated UP Champions. He coached and was a long-term key administrator in high school baseball and numerous non-high school summer baseball leagues. His track team’s accomplishments were legendary. In the 19 years he was the head coach, Ironwood High School never lost a conference track meet … and in 13 of those seasons never finished less than third place in the Class B UP Track Championships winning it outright 7 times. His influence on New Albany, Indiana, athletics and athletes was such that they honored Jack’s name with a dinner 27 years after he left their system to come here to Ironwood.

Jack “Jocko” Gotta

Jack claims that being “too small” kept him from Ironwood High School athletics. A growth spurt in his later teens plus good skills allowed “Jocko” to live a storied athletic career. A football star at Oregon State, an All Service football team standout while serving with the U.S. Air Force, a try out with the Cleveland Browns, an eleven year All Pro career in the Canadian football league as a player and another 27 years or more as a coach and general manager. He was the head coach of the winning Birmingham Americans in the only WFL championship game ever played. He was the head coach of the 1974 CFL Grey Cup Champions, the Ottawa Rough Riders. He has had a lifetime of success in sports on the field, as a coach and as an executive.

Patrick “Pat” Cvengros

When a young man letters 16 times, stars in 4 major high school sports and is his class Valedictorian, then letters in two sports in the Big Ten Conference’s University of Wisconsin and graduates Cum Laude in banking and finance; you’re probably sure you’ve raised a well rounded “kid”. In addition to these honors and achievements, Pat was the fullback on the undefeated, State of Michigan Class B Champion 1953 L.L. Wright High School football team who won the Barber Trophy. He was a remarkable baseball player being named the State of Michigan’s outstanding “player of the year” for 1954. He is arguably the areas most remarkable sports personality.

Brock Strom

Brock was the first modern ear area athlete to bring national attention to Ironwood athletic programs. In addition to an outstanding high school level performance; All-Conference, All-UP and All-State honors in football; he was also the first college football All-American, the first college Academic Football All‑American, and a member of the first graduating class of officers from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He retired from the Air Force with the rank of Colonel.

1953 Luther L. Wright High School

Football Team

This undefeated untied team rolled over its opponents and won undisputed Michigan-Wisconsin Conference and Upper Peninsula Barber trophies as well as being named the State Class B Champions. Some per game statistics would include:

Ironwood Opponents

Points/game 32 3.6

Total Yards/game 338 94

First downs/game 14 6

Honorary Captains: Al Lopez and Pat Cvengros

Coach: Mertz Mortorelli

Assistant Coaches: John Krznarich and Ralph Spencer

6 All-Conference First Team Players

1953 Red Devil Varsity

Football Team

Leroy Kangas John Ekstrom Bob Moore

Albert Lopez Ray Hatch Jerry Bolich

Tom Strom John Kavinsky Pete Brackett

George Trtan Jack Richards John Tezak

Melvin Werth Dave Stenstrom Dick Ulasich

Harold Leppi Walt Plohocky Roy Cedarstrom

Pat Cvengros Tom Lundin Larry Williams

Dave Shaughency Walt Silvestri Dan Mattson

Don Cedarstrom

2007

Bob Black

Taking on all comers, college teams, all star teams, big city high school teams from Ohio, Illinois, the “other” Peninsula, and Wisconsin; Bob Black led the Ironwood High School Red Devils to an 8 year record of 37-5-4. In the mix were 4 undefeated teams including the 1925 and 1926 teams which (combined) went 12-0-1 and outscored opponents 365 – 0! Quite a feat for a gentleman who left Ironwood before his 30th birthday.

Romanus “Peaches” Nadolney

Nadolney was a multi-sport Luther L. Wright High School athlete who excelled in baseball and was a football team tackle. An opposing team’s baseball coach recommended Romanus to Notre Dame’s famed head coach Knute Rockne. He enrolled there and blocked for his “sponsor” as a lineman. That baseball coach and sponsor was the great George Gipp who compiled a legendary career for the Irish. “Peaches” roommate at Notre Dame was “Curly” Lambeau, who founded the Green Bay Packers and encouraged Nadolney to play for him there. “Peaches” went on to play another 4 years for the Wisconsin Badgers professional team.

Olaf Vicklund

A star on Bob Black’s football teams, an All-UP halfback on the undefeated 1925 Class B State of Michigan Champions; multilingual, Phi Beta Kappa, a Master’s Degree; a published philosopher and poet who served his country in the Army during World War II, a successful high school coach, teacher and administrator, Vicklund can truly be called a man for all seasons.

1925 Luther L. Wright High School

Football Team

This undefeated team rolled over its opponents and won undisputed State of Michigan Class B Champions beating Detroit Redford 47 – 0 in a Thanksgiving Day game. This juggernaut outscored its opponents 212 to 0.

Captain: John “Cutz” Cavosie

Captain Elect: Cazmer “Caz” Zambrovitz

Coach: Bob Black

One “All-State” and Five “All-Upper Peninsula” Players

Players

Onni Maki Clarence Larson Whitney Dixon

Oliver Nelson Clarence Johnson * William Wick

Clifford Brannas Glen Shouldice Reino Nelmark

Arthur Pearse Richard Luoma Wilho Maki

Dominic Mackiewitz Modesto Zancanaro Cazmer Zambrovitz *

Irving Olson Russell Leksell * Sylvester Mueller

Joe Walisiewicz Donald West Samuel Davey

Alex Micholski Armos Rintala Olaf Vicklund *

Waino Helli Anthony Spera John “Cutz” Cavosie **

* All-UP ** All-UP and All-State

Ann (Somerville) Besanceney

Ann is the first woman inducted into the Ironwood Area Sports Hall of Fame. Lettering 12 times in 4 sports during her high school career, she went on to high school “All UP” and “All State” honors in Michigan. She captained basketball, track & field and cross country teams. At Michigan State University, she was captain or co-captain of both the women’s track & field and cross-country teams 1999-2003; earned All Big-10; All NCAA Regional and All-American honors and led Michigan State to a Big 10 cross country championship. Her academic accomplishments are equally as impressive.

Oscar Frangquist

Oscar was awarded 17 varsity letters in 5 different sports during his tenure as a Luther L. Wright High School scholar athlete. He played in the UP Football All Star game in 1950; he obtained both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts Degree from Western Michigan University where he played football and baseball. He coached in 5 different sports over a career that spanned 32 years of teaching, coaching, and administration in the Roseville (MI) Community School District. A charter member of MaComb Co. (MI) Coaches Hall of Fame, Oscar was selected as a Michigan Sports Sage in 2005.

2008

Wayne Melchiori

Coach Melchiori’s 99 wins as head football coach at Ironwood are the most in school history. He won the league baseball championship the first four of the five years he was head baseball coach. The foundation for such success was laid at Stambaugh MI High School where he captained the 1947 team and was elected to the all Menominee Range and all U.P. First Teams as well as the Michigan Football All State second team. Coached by Bennie Oosterbaan at the University of Michigan, Wayne received the Fielding H Yost award for outstanding leadership, character, scholarship and athlete ability. Tri-State Football Coach of the Year; Michigan-Wisconsin Conference Coach of the Year (3 times); U.P. Football Coach of the Year (twice); U.P. Athletic Director of the Year; State of Michigan Area Athletic Director of the Year and charter member induction to the Michigan H.S. Football Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame; speaks to the rest of Wayne’s history of success.

Nancy (McDonald) Osier

This woman’s 582 win record, as a Women’s High School Basketball Coach, is unequaled by any man or woman in the history of the Upper Peninsula. She ranks second all time in the history of the State of Michigan in Women’s basketball coaches number of wins. As recently as 2001, she was a National High School Athletic Coaches Assn. finalist for Coach of the Year. In addition, she has won at least 7 other U.P., State and Regional Coach of the Year honors. Nancy has been inducted into the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame, the Michigan High School Coaches Assn. Hall of Fame, and the Basketball Coaches Assn. of Michigan Hall of Fame – WOW.

John Krznarich

Perhaps the most beloved coach and teacher in the long and storied history of Luther L. Wright High School, “Johnny K” left a clearly worn path for all his students and athletes to follow. He was an outstanding athlete; a strict disciplinarian; a decorated, battle-hardened U.S. Army Veteran; a shaker and mover in community sports circles, the assistant to three U.P. Sport Hall of Fame Football Coaches, the mentor to a college All-American Football lineman; and beloved by all who really knew his heart. He has been inducted into the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame and the Michigan Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Both the Ironwood Little League Field and the High School Gymnasium are named in his memory … enough said.

Jerry “Big Cat” Cvengros

Jerry Cvengros, one of Ironwood’s storied high school athletes who went on to a collegiate sports career that then allowed him to achieve great success as the Escanaba Eskimos High School football coach. His 161 – 41 -3 record and Michigan Class A State Football Championship (1981) gets your attention. In addition to these accomplishments, he then helped guide Michigan HS Coaches and School Administrators through the difficult times of the late 1980’s and the decade of the 1990’s as the 14-year Associate Director of the 1300 member Michigan High School Athlete Assn.; UP Sports Hall of Fame, and Michigan High School Football Assn. Hall of Fame and a charter member, Jerry has brought honor to this City.

Dennis Tiziani

The eldest son of long time area golf pro Caesar, Dennis Tiziani was an outstanding St. Ambrose Rambler basketball player. He attended Northland College on a basketball scholarship. After graduation, he pursued his first love – golf … and became a PGA Tour Player. He was twice Wisconsin PGA Golfer of the Year; he led the Big Ten Wisconsin Badgers as its men’s head golf coach for 27 years, and women’s head golf coach for 14 of those 27 years. He won numerous Wisconsin PGA events as he continued tournament play while coaching. In addition to his father Caesar; who taught many hundreds of “Yoopers” golf; Dennis’ extended family includes brother Larry, head pro at Madison’s Cherokee CC and also PGA tour winner; his sister Mary an accomplished local golfer, PGA Tour member and son Mario; and PGA golf tour member and world recognized player son-in-law Steve Stricker.

2009

Gary Dravecky

A standout in track and field in the shot-put and discus (where some school records still stand). Gary also was known as a tough hard hitting football full back and linebacker. He owns numerous Conference, Upper Peninsula and Sate honors. When he got to Northern Michigan University, the “Wildcats” recognized “Ironwood tough” and converted him to an offensive guard. He promptly played a prominent role in Northern’s gridiron success when started at guard on three Division II NCAA playoff teams. If you’re at his table and need him to pass something, say “please”.

John Miklesh

Someone from Ironwood’s Miklesh family likely played on a team with or coached one of your relatives. John garnered All-Conference, All-U.P. and All‑State honors in football and had great success in basketball as well He was the first L.L. Wright student athlete to throw the shot-put over 50’. He played for North Dakota when the “Fighting Sioux” power house was ranked 9th in Division II football and the next year when they won the Division II championship at the Camellia Bowl. He lettered, started, and made All Conference! He later went on to coach at North Dakota, Fullerton State and Fresno State all of whom appeared in numerous bowl games during his tenure.

Ed Simonich

A high school four year, three sport letterman and honor student; who then went on to graduate from Notre Dame and started as a full back on 3 Elmer Layden coached “Fighting Irish” teams; “Big Ed” Simonich didn’t stop there. He coached an undefeated, untied, un-scored upon Carroll College (MT) football team, as well as a number of high school State Champions in Montana and Iowa but he saved the best for last. At Montana School of Mines, he was Athletic Director, Varsity Head Football, Basketball, Baseball, Track, Golf and Tennis Coaches and directed the entire school intramural program without administrative assistance! Oh, one more thing. The school gave no athletic scholarships! It is said that 90% of the male enrollees at the school were involved at some level in athletics.

Dr. Jim Sobolewski

If you think a dentist can inflict pain in his dental chair it’s mild by comparison to the “pain” this St. Ambrose Rambler (and future dentist) inflicted on basketball opponents during his 4-year 1,998 point career. 810 points scored in his senior year was a new single season U.P. record, a 38.6 points per game average. A 3‑year All-Conference, 2-year All-U.P., and All-State class D “roundballer”; earned a scholarship to Northern Michigan University playing on the Wildcats NCAA Division II National Finals Runner-up Basketball Team.

Tammy (Anderson) Mrachek

At L.L. Wright, Tammie competed in 3 sports and was the captain of each team. She made the National Honor Society, got a college basketball scholarship, was named All-State twice as well as being selected as the outstanding senior female athlete of her class. She then moved on to Northern Michigan University and became the school’s all time scoring leader in basketball, earned 4 varsity letters and obtained a Bachelors of Science and a Masters Degree.

2010

Dr. John Leppi

John Leppi IHS 1951was an outstanding high school and college athlete. Lettering 3 years in football and 4 years in track. Ironwood U.P. Class B Track Champs 3 of the 4 years he participated and he held school records for the low and high hurdles for many years. At Albion College he helped win 3 consecutive MIAA championships. He was chosen MVP in 1956, MVP in 1957 and captain in 1958. He won MIAA high and low hurdles in 1956, 100 yd dash in 1957 and 220 in 1958. He was a charter member Albion College Athletic Hall of Fame and was given a Distinguished Alumni Award in 1992.

Brad Benton

Brad Benton is a 1990 graduate of L.L. Wright. In high school, he earned 4 letters in football, 3 letters in track & field and 2 letters in basketball. He was All-Conference as a running back in 1988 and he was All U.P. Class C as a running back in 1989. He was All Tri-State as a running back in 1989 and All U.P. Dream Team in 1989 as a running back. Brad played Football at Northern Michigan University (NMU) during 1992-94. He earned letters in 1993 and 1994 at NMU. At NMU he was The Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year in 1992. In 1993, he was the team MVP, the Most Valuable Running Back and earned 2nd Team All Conference. In 1994, he repeated all the honors.

Joe Gayan

Joe Gayan IHS 1976, outstanding high school and college football player and wrestler. Lettered 2 years in football and earned All-Conference and All U.P. honors in 1975. Earned 4 letters in wrestling and was undefeated at 185 lbs. his senior year. U.P. champ and holds 3 school records, most pins, most points and most wins. Attended UW-Superior and was a 4yr. starter in football and was Captain and All-Conference his senior year. In wrestling, he earned 4 letters and captained the 1979-80 team. He qualified for all four NAIA tournaments and NCAA D-I regional in 1979-80. He served as assistant football and wrestling coach after graduation.

Ernie Kivisto

Coach Ernie Kivisto, IHS 1942 was a great high school basketball player who went on to become a nationally famous high school basketball coach. In high school he was All-conference 3 years in a row. He was captain as a senior and was selected All-U.P. and HM All-State. He played college basketball at Notre Dame and Marquette. As a high school coach, he won over 700 games. His 1951 Miami, Arizona’s basketball team compiled a 27-0 record on the way to a State Class B Championship. He is charter member of the Illinois High School Basketball coaches Hall of Fame and he was inducted into U.P. Sports Hall of Fame in 1977.

John Komaromy

John Komaromy received 13 letters in high school; 5 in baseball, 2 in basketball, 2 in football and 4 in track. In baseball he was first team all conference 3 years, league MVP in 1982 and E.J. Oas tournament MVP in 1982. In football he was all conference in 1980 and 1981, he was the all-upper peninsula all class first team quarterback in 1981, and on the 1981 tri-state football team. In track, John was on the 1982 U.P. class C track champs, ran anchor on two relay teams that set records. In basketball, John was all conference in two conferences. In college, John lettered for four years at Elmhurst College in baseball and was the 1983 college baseball rookie of the year.

1974-1975 Men’s Basketball Team

The Ironwood high school 1974-75 Luther Lloyd Wright U.P. Champs Men’s Basketball Team compiled a record of 21-3. The team was Conference co-champs of the Great Northern Conference (Escanaba, Gladstone, Ironwood, Kingsford, Marquette, Menominee, and West Iron County). The team was district champs and Regional champs (U.P. Champs) before losing in the state quarter finals.

2011

Gene Belmas

The Gene Belmas, 1959, was an outstanding three sport performer in football, track and skiing, earning 9 varsity letters. He was recognized by being named to the All Upper Peninsula football team as an honorable mention selection in 1957, selected for the All UP football first team in 1958 as well as taking second in voting for UP Lineman of the Year. He was noted as an honorable mention choice by the Associated Press Class B All State team in 1958. Gene went on to play football at UW Superior for four years. Despite being small for a guard in college football, he earned First team All-Wisconsin State College Conference recognition in 1960 and 1962. The NAIA recognized him as honorable mention as an offensive guard in 1962 and he was voted as captain of his team in that same year. Belmas’ coaching career included assistant varsity football coach and varsity ski coach for Rhinelander High School. In 1967, his team won the Northern Ski League Championship and the State of Wisconsin High School Ski Championship. In 2008, Gene was inducted into the University of Wisconsin-Superior Sports Hall of Fame.

Tom Doman

Tom Doman, 1952, 31 year veteran Social Studies teacher at Luther L. Wright High School, began his coaching career in the junior high basketball program in 1961. In 1963, he moved up to the high school ranks serving as a JV basketball coach under Gene Farrell and as an assistant track coach under Wayne Melchiori. In 1969, he added the assistant football coaching position under Coach Melchiori to his resume, as well as, took over the head coaching duties in track. In 1976, he took over the head football coaching duties for the next nine years. During that time, his 1981 team won the Superior Six Conference championship and he was named UP Class C Football Coach of the Year. But it is his 23 year tenure as head boys track coach (the last twelve of which he served the dual role as head coach for boys and girls track) for which he deserves the recognition that he is receiving today. In that time, Tom created a premier track program that was envied by all track coaches in the UP. For example, his 1982 track team captured 12 first places and one second place out of 13 meets including the UP Class A-B championship. His track teams won over a dozen conference championships (Great Northern and Superior Six), four UP Class C championships and four UP Class C runner-up honors. Tom proudly served our country in the US Army and the National Guard for over 30 years. He also was a charter member of the IASHOF.

Milton Krznarich, Sr.

Milt Krznarich, 1935, was an outstanding high school and collegiate basketball player. He earned 2 varsity basketball letters in high school and All-Conference Team selection and MVP at Gogebic Community College. At UW Superior, he was the leading scorer for 2 of the 3 years he played and earned 3 all-conference awards, being named team captain in his senior Year. Milt’s college career had been interrupted by his military service during WWII with the US Army 3rd Armored Division. In Belgium, he was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart. After graduating from UWS, Milt coached basketball at Watersmeet and St. Ambrose High School from 1950-56. In 1957, Milt began his 25 year middle school teaching career with the Ironwood Area Schools. He had already begun to officiate both high school basketball and football games in 1950 and continued as a referee over the next three decades, serving as a UP regional basketball tournament referee for 20 straight years. His officiating highlight was being asked to referee the 1966 State Class A Championship game. Milt was Inducted into the UP Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.

Dave Lundin

Dave Lundin, 1985, excelled in football, baseball and track and field while a student at Luther L. Wright High School. He earned 4 varsity letters in both baseball and track & field and 3 varsity letters in football. His greatest accomplishments were on the football field as a hard-hitting linebacker where he earned all UP Dream Team honors (1983, 1984), All Tri-State Team (1983, 1984) and All State Honorable Mention (1984) by leading the 84 team to a 6-2 record, only losing to state champs Ashland and Crystal Falls. Dave went on to play for the University of Minnesota, Duluth as a three year starter at linebacker. He led the team in tackles in both his junior and senior years. As a senior, he was voted to be the Bulldog’s team captain by both coaches and teammates. That year he led his team in both tackles and interceptions. Dave was an Ironwood JV assistant football coach and a head hockey coach. He has been a Hurley Midget football coach since 1992, currently serving as defensive coordinator. Dave is an active and charter member of the IASHOF.

Larry Tiziani

Larry Tiziani is the youngest son of a well-known golfing family (father, Caesar, brother, Dennis, niece’s husband, Steve Stricker, nephew, Mario and sister, Mary) and has had an outstanding career as an amateur golfer, professional player and teaching professional. He graduated from St. Ambrose High School in 1965 and went on to the University of Minnesota where he captained the golf team which reached the NCAA finals in 1969. He turned pro in 1975 and promptly won the Wisconsin State Open that year. As the years went by, he continued to excel as both a player and a teaching pro. He won the Wisconsin PGA senior title 3 times in 1997, 2002 and 2003, the Wisconsin Senior Open in 1999 and the PGA Club Pro Championship in 2004. He is a four-time winner of the Wisconsin Senior Player of the Year honor and has twice been named Wisconsin’s top golf instructor. The majority of Larry’s career was devoted to being the head professional at the Cherokee Country Club in Madison, Wisconsin. In 2005, Larry was inducted into the Upper Peninsular Sports Hall of Fame.

1980-1981 Girls Basketball Team

The Luther L. Wright High School 1980-81 Girls Basketball Team compiled an overall season record of 23 wins and 1 loss. The team earned the Superior Six Conference Championship title and was the Upper Peninsular Class C Team of the Year. Three players were selected for All Superior Six Conference recognition*. Two players were named to the All Upper Peninsula All-Class (A,B&C) First Team+. One player was selected for the All-State First Team#. Coach Anderson was recognized as the UP Class A,B,C Coach of the Year. Who knows how far this team could have gone in the playoffs had two of its starters not been injured and missed most of the last half of the season.

Team Players: Dawn Doman Perez, Cheryl Sullivan Roberts, Karen Angwin Jonas, Nancy Dalpiaz, Mary Peterson Tijan, Pam Magdziak Grenda*, Jackie Gayan, Paula Moren Windt*+, Cheryl Angwin Sutton, Michelle Paulsen Cruz*+#, The late Lianne Kivi, Mary Jindrich

2012

Michael “Mickey” Kolesar

Mickey attended Luther L. Wright High School from 1929-1932. He lettered twice in both football and track. He is remembered on the Gogebic Range as one of the most versatile athletes that this area has ever produced.

Kolesar was a star pitcher in the 1930s for several teams across the country, and was named MVP for both the Superior Blues and the Mid-Atlantic All-Star teams. From Superior, he climbed the St. Louis Browns Minor League chain until an arm injury ended his career.

Locally, he was also known for his achievements as a semi-pro boxer and as an accomplished bowler for the St. James’ Hotel team.

Mickey honorably served our country in the USMC for 40 months, serving overseas for most of that time. He was a Grand Knight as a member of the Ironwood Knights of Columbus. He retired from the Post Office in 1976 and resides in Sacramento, CA.

Randy Passint

Randy is a 1976 graduate of Luther L. Wright High School. During his high school career, he excelled in football, basketball and track & field, earning 10 Varsity letters.

As a two year starting guard in basketball, Passint earned Great Northern Conference and All UP First Team honors. He was one of only two basketball players to start on two Ironwood regional championship teams.

In football, Randy was a 2 way player at quarterback and linebacker where he earned both Great Northern Conference and All-UP First Team honors for defense.

Track was also a strong sport for Randy where he excelled as a hurdler and dash-man. He helped set the Regional Class B 440 relay team record, along with setting UP records in the high hurdles in 1975 and 1976. He held the LLW record for fastest 100 yard dash in 1976.

Randy currently lives in Chippewa Falls, WI where he is actively involved in church and community activities.

Scott Paulsen

Scott is a 1974 graduate of Luther L. Wright High School. With his 6’6” frame, he focused in on and excelled in one sport, basketball.

A three-year Great Northern Conference selection, Paulsen was first team all-conference his junior and senior years and a first team All-UP selection in his senior year. In 3 years as starter, Scott averaged 20 points and 17 rebounds per game. He was named the outstanding player of the 1974 regional basketball tournament. He was also named First Team All-State by the UPI and Honorable Mention All-State by the AP in 1974.

He went on to play for Northern Michigan University where he was a 3 year starter and teammate of Tom Izzo, current head basketball coach of Michigan State University. He also earned Second Team Academic All-American honors in 1977.

After graduating from NMU, Scott went on to earn his MA from the University of Minnesota. Scott currently lives in the Twin Cities area.

Darrin Laabs

Darrin graduated from Luther L. Wright in 1988. He earned 14 out of a possible 16 letters in 4 sports which include football, basketball, baseball and track.

Although he excelled in all sports, his major successes were in track where he competed in 4 events per meet, high and intermediate hurdles, high jump and long jump. Over his career, he earned 316 ½ points and, to date, this is 3 times more than any other track athlete has compiled in the history of LLW track. He had also broken 27 records at track meets from Superior, WI to Escanaba, MI.

Darrin was an all-around position player in baseball who was selected to the UP All-Star Legion team that participated in a national tournament.

He captained all four of his teams in his senior year and earned the Scorp Lund MVP senior athlete award and Kraemer MVP award in basketball.

Darrin went on to play for Mesabi Community College in football and basketball, earning 2 letters in each sport and being named as captain of both teams.

He earned an elementary education degree from St. Cloud State University and went on to earn a MA in Administration from St. Mary’s College. He currently resides in Princeton, MN.

Bob Miklesh

Bob is a 1965 graduate of Luther L. Wright High School. Although he was an all-around athlete at LLW participating in football, basketball and baseball, he is most recognized for his coaching success.

Coach Miklesh’s football tenure lasted 21 years with a combination of middle school, assistant varsity and head varsity football coaching experience.

His outstanding accomplishments as the Red Devil baseball manager over a 20 year tenure are numerous, including leading his team to an overall 359-156 record. His teams garnered 15 Western UP Conference titles and 3 Lumberjack Conference titles. He took home Coach of the Year honors 18 times.

Bob was named to the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2001.

His love of baseball extended beyond the Ironwood Red Devils teams as he has spent years coaching Little League and Babe Ruth League teams.

Bob is a graduate of GCC and Northern Michigan University where he earned his BS in secondary education and a MA in elementary education. He taught for 31 years in the Ironwood Area Schools. Bob currently lives in Ironwood.

1982 Boys Track and Field Team

Coach Tom Doman’s squad captured a record 12 first-place finishes and one second in 13 meets, including the UP Class C Regional title and the UP title. Nobody was close to the team in either of the title-winning meets. The squad set 3 UP track records and 4 LLW High School marks. The 400 and 800 relay teams were unbeaten that season and the 1600 team didn’t lose for 2 seasons.

Eleven members of this team earned All UP honors. The team included:

Rod Anderson Steve Wills

Jim Bauer Jon Wilson

Rob Bergquist Mike Blodgett

Chuck Colassaco Fred Dull

Sean Ellsworth Jim Estola

Don Grbavcich Mike Hyry

Paul Hyry Brent Johnson

Pete Kafczynski David Kimball

Jim Kivisto John Komaromy

Kevin Korpi Tim Lombardo

John Lorenson Dave Lundin

Jim Manchester Steve Mazurek

Mark Mazzon Mike McPherson

Jim Passint Darrell Petrusha

Sam Slade Mark Smith

Dave Sokolowski John Sokolowski

Pat Somerville Tim Somerville

Steve Tezak Jont Tyson

Dave Vaara

2013

Robert Peterson

An all around athlete who earned 11 varsity letters total in football, basketball, track and tennis, Robert graduated in 1941 from Luther L. Wright High School. A highlight in his high school career was winning the UP Men’s Doubles Tennis Championship with his partner, Donald Patterson, in 1941.

His football career continued on to Michigan Tech until January, 1943 when he entered the military after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He became a bombardier and was shot down and held as a prisoner of war until he was liberated in 1945. Robert returned to MTU, playing two more seasons of football and becoming co-captain of the Huskies. He graduated in 1948 with a civil engineering degree and was a successful business man.

Robert passed away in March 2013, just after being chosen for this award.

Guy Kangas

Named the Most Valuable Player of the 1965 undefeated football team, Guy was a rugged athlete who graduated from LLW in 1966. Guy was one of the leading offensive scorers as a tight end and played a key role as defensive end. As good as he was in football, Guy may have been a better performer in basketball topping the team in scoring and rebounding. Some of Guy’s special awards included the Kraemer award, All UP Dream Team and Honorable Mention for the Class B All State Team.

Guy went on to earn a football scholarship for Northern Michigan University

where he starred as tight end and defensive end.

Joe Johnson

Joe, a 1968 LLW graduate, was inducted into the 2004 UP Sports Hall of Fame for his notoriety in gymnastics, long distance running and world class canoeing. Although active in LLW sports, he really began to excel while attending NMU. Joe was a 4 year letter winner in gymnastics while there and continued his love of the sport as a nationally recognized coach for Menominee High School.

In endurance running, he has run in over 150 marathons and has never missed running Grandma’s Marathon in its 36 year history. He has competed in nine ultra-marathons.

In national canoeing competitions, he has more than 20 championship titles and has even competed and won many medals internationally from Hong Kong to Australia.

Joe Pertile

Having earned 16 letters in a well-rounded career at LLW (4 football, 5 baseball, 4 track, 3 basketball), Joe’s career was crowned in 1969 when he was named All UP Football Offensive Back of the Year by the Sportswriters/Sportscaster’s Association. He was also named MI WI Offensive Player of the Year. In track, he excelled in the long jump, 880 relay and 100 yard dash. During the spring, you could find Joe behind the plate as a talented catcher for the LLW baseball team.

After graduating in 1970, Joe went on to play the flanker and defensive back positions for the North Dakota Sioux and earned a spot on the 1972 NCAA championship team at the Camellia Bowl.

Joe passed away in December 2003.

Kelly Stempihar

Kelly was a 1996 graduate of LLW and best known for her prowess on the ski hills. Considered among the best skiers ever coached by Theron Peterson, Kelly lettered four years earning All-UP and All-State ski team berths all four years. In high school, she was a MI slalom champion in all classes as a freshman. Kelly never finished below third place in MI competition. She was a three time Junior Olympic qualifier and in 1996 in the top 15 of all four skiing disciplines.

She went on to ski for the University of Wisconsin, earning athletic and academic All-American honors in 1997 and 1998.

1965 Football Team

The team, one of Wayne Melchiori’s two undefeated squads, was outstanding, posting an 8-0 record while scoring 191 points and surrendering only 31. Climbing from the bottom to the top best describes this team, as it turned a 3-5 mark in the 1964 season into perfection the following year. Coach Melchiori said of this team, “No team worked harder, practiced harder, trained better and had more fun than this team.”

Team members included: Guy Kangas, Ben Finco, Ed Tafelski, Mike Czerneski, Dan Saari, Tom Bidgood, Bob Longhini, Marty Murto, Loren Sievila, Louis Vlasich, Tom Carli, Don Mattson (deceased), Mike Albert, Lee Belmas, Bill Ceccon, Bob Gothblad, Gilman Hill, Fred Lahtinen, Eugene Maki, Roy Minkin, Darrell Morey, Mike Swanson, Larry Trevarthen (manager), Alan Trudgeon, Mike Winkowski, Don Koivisto, Jim Olson, John Spetz, Steve Slining (deceased), Dennis Berg (deceased), Jim Wilson (deceased), Bill Larson (deceased), Jim Winkowski (manager), Tom Niksich, Jack Grandahl (deceased), George Lucas, Dennis Anderson, Art Pertile (deceased), Jon Krznarich (deceased), Tom Eckstrom , Wayne Melchiori (coach), Gene Farrell (deceased) (coach), Harold Palmer (coach), John Krznarich (deceased) (coach)

2014

Percy Smith

Mr. Smith is a 1961 graduate of LLW HS earning a combined 12 athletic letters in football, basketball, track and baseball. He was the captain of the ‘60/’61 basketball team and went on to play basketball at Gogebic Community College for 2 years. Personal honors are 1st team All MW Conference in football; 2nd team All U.P. in football; All State honorable mention in Class B football. During his successful career has an educator, Mr. Smith remained involved with sports by coaching football, basketball and track. Percy was driving force in establishing the Ironwood Area Scholarship Foundation in 1988 and was a founding member of the IASHOF in 2005.

Jay Synkelma

Jay is a 1981 LLW HS graduate excelling in one sport, golf, lettering 3 times (Ironwood did not have a golf team his senior year). In the fall of ‘81, Jay enrolled in Palm Beach Junior Community College. The PBJCC golf team, with Jay’s leadership, took a respectable 5th place in the ‘84 Junior College National Golf Championship. Jay turned profession in 1990, qualifying for the Nike Tour, earning full exemption in 1997. Some of Jay’s accomplishments include winning the championships at the Southwest Kansas Open, San Juan Open, Sierra Vista Open, AT & T Arizona Open, Southwest PGA Sectional and a 3-time qualifier for the FBR Open in Phoenix, AZ. Jay has taught golf at the El Conquistador Country Club in Tucson, AZ for the Hilton Golf Academy for over 20 years. Jay has been a PGA member since 1995.

Larry Passint

Larry is a 1971 graduate of LLW HS who was an outstanding and versatile athlete, lettering in football, basketball, tennis and baseball. As an agile and talented receiver, Larry earned 1st Team M-W Conference and 1st Team All U.P. Class B honors in football. As a senior, Larry led the Red Devils in scoring on the hard court with 336 points. That same year, he was honored with receiving the Kraemer Award, along with being named to the 1st Team M-W Conference and the 1st Team U.P. Class B. Larry played for Gene Farrell’s Samson’s at Gogebic Community College, leading the team in scoring with a 20 PPG average during the ‘72-’73 season. Larry continued on in the world of sports as a high school referee, along with coaching several teams from the youth level, to high school level and to the college level.

Kristen (Anderson) Ruppe

Kristen is a 2003 graduate of LWW HS. She lettered 11 time: basketball (4); volleyball (4); track (3). In volleyball, Kristen was named to the West-Pac All Conference Team in the 2002 & 2003 seasons, being votes as the West-Pac Volleyball Most Valuable Player in 2003. Kristen held the 2003 U.P. track high jump record with a leap of 5’8”. In basketball, Kristen was named to the All West-Pac Conference 1st Team 3 times, along with being named the conference MVP in 2001. She was elected to the Class A-B-C 1st Team twice, along with being named to the U.P. All-Class Dream Team in 2002. She earned Class C All-State honorable mention in both 2001 & 2002. At Gogebic Community College, Kristen averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds per game over her 2 years there. At the time of her graduation of GCC, Kristen was the 2nd all-time leading scorer for the Lady Samsons. Kristen went on to play basketball for 2 more years at Condordia College, where she averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. She was honored as the Northern Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year in ‘05-’06 and in 2007, she was named to the Northern Athletic All-Conference Team, along with being named the Concordia Invitational Tournament Most Valuable Player.

Coach Harry Peterson

Coach Peterson started his stellar career in 1961 at Rogers City, MI, before becoming the Red Devil head coach in 1966. He compiled a combined record of 308 wins and 166 losses as head basketball coach over 24 years. His record as the Red Devil head coach is 254 wins and 159 losses. At the time of his retirement from coaching in 1886, he had the highest team winning percentage at 62% and is 2nd in career victories. His Red Devil teams have captured: (9) District titles; (2) Class B Regional titles; (2) Great Northern Conference titles; (4) Superior Six Conference titles and (1) M-W Conference title. Coach Peterson was named the M-W Conference Coach of the Year by the M-W Coaches Assocation in 1971 and Class B Coach of the Year by the UPSSA for years ‘74-’75 and ‘75-’76.

1963 Ironwood Red Devil Football Team

Team Record: 8 Wins and 0 Losses

Game Scores:

Ironwood 12-Wakefield 0

Ironwood 12-Iron Mountain 6

Ironwood 13-Superior East 6

Ironwood 39-Hurley 0

Ironwood 20-Calumet 7

Ironwood 38-Menominee 0

Ironwood 39-Ashland 6

Ironwood 13-Superior East 6

Team Members

J. DuPra, D. Longhini, W. Bassett, T. Slining, J. Palmgren, C. Ravey, D. Buckovitz, B. Landretti, T. Negri, R. Pakonen, R. Kovacevich, M, Karna, D Keskey, E. Tafelski, J. Litshiem, F. Verbos, A. Bjorkquist, S. Sheridan, T. Tezak, D. Albert, P.B. Carlson, P. Belmas, L. Anderson, W.P. McDonald, D. Holst, R. Miklesh, J. Zawlocki, J. Longhini, G. Kangas, D. Quiram, L. Tremain, J. Grandahl, T. Saari, J. Krznarich, D. Berlin, R. Paavola, J. LaBlonde. Coach W. Melchiori, Coach J. Krznarich, Coach G. Farrell

W. Bassett: All-U.P. 1st Team and All-State 1st Team Class B. R. Pakonen: All-U.P. 2nd Team. F. Verbos: All-U.P 2nd Team. R. Niksich: All-U.P. Honorable Mention. T. Slining: All U.P. Honorable Mention

2015

Lee Belmas

Lee, a 1967 graduate of LLW HS, was one of the most outstanding players in Ironwood Red Devil football history, as an offensive guard and linebacker on defense. Belmas was Co-Captain on the 1966 team. Belmas was named the Upper Peninsula Lineman of the Year in 1966 by the U. P. Sports Writers Association. Lee went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of arts Degree in Christian Education. Lee is also a success story in the organ donor program, as the recipient of a lifesaving liver with the transplant taking place in 2007.

Pete Kopecho

Pete is a 19651 graduate of LLW HS, lettering 6 times, 2 each in basketball, tennis and track. Kopecko was selected as the winner of the M-W Conference John Kraemer Memorial Award for the 1960-61 basketball season. Along with M-W All Conference honors, Pete was also selected to the All U.P. Class B first team and the All-State Class B fourth team in ‘60-’61. Pete continued his successful basketball career playing for the GCC Samsons. Pete was named to the ‘62-’63 Northern Junior College Conference All-Conference Team, as selected by the conference coaches.

Shawn McMullin

Shawn, a 1992 graduate from LLW HS, is a 4 sport, 11-time letter winner. The stellar football player earned several awards: All-West PAC Conference Defense 1st Team: All-UP All-Class Defense 1st Team: All-State Class C Defense 1st Team selected by the Detroit Free Press: All-Tri State Defense selected by the Duluth Tribune. In basketball, along with being an outstanding player for LLW, Shawn went on to play for Gogebic Community College and St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN, earning the following honors: All-West PAC Conference 1st Team: West PAC Conference Player of the Year: All-UP, All Class Basketball Dream Team: National Junior College Athletic Association All Region 13 Team for ‘93-’94.

Theron Peterson

Theron Peterson started his ski coaching career in the Ironwood Area School System in 1957. He established a grade school racing program in Ironwood for gym class at each grade school, along with establishing the Mt. Zion racing program for grades 1-12. Theron’s notable accomplishments as related to skiing were many, including being a charter member and organizer of the Northern Ski League: being named the Detroit News Ski Coach of the Year in 1968 and the Michigan High School Region 5 Coach of the Year in 1989. In 1992, Theron was inducted into the State of Michigan High School Ski Coaches Hall of Fame. Theron proudly served our country is the U.S. Army and is a WWII veteran. He received several medals and citations, including the Bronze Star Medal.

John Serbin

Details of John’s athletic accomplishments were not properly recorded for the 1929 LLW HS graduate, but articles state he was one of LLW’s finest athletes, excelling in football, basketball, baseball and boxing. His football biography in the 1928 yearbook read as follows: John Serbin, playing at halfback, ranked this season as the classiest ball-toter and all-around grid star in the Upper Peninsula. A fine passer, an exceptional open field runner, and equipped with football intelligence of a high order, John takes his place amount LLW HS’s “greats”. John led the ‘28-’29 basketball team in scoring. He continued his post high school sporting activities, playing baseball for the Ironwood Monarchs and playing football for the Semi-Professional Ironwood Polar Bear Football Team.

Andrea Smith

Andrea is a 2002 graduate of LLW HS who earned numerous awards in both volleyball and track, continuing to play volleyball as a scholarship player at Northern Michigan University. In her junior year at LLW, she became the 1st high school female athlete in the U.P. to break the forty-foot barrier in the shot put, with a mark of 40 feet 7 1/2 inches. In her senior year, she broke the IHS record in the discuss with a toss of 124 feet. Andrea capped off her stellar high school volleyball career by being named Co-Most Valuable Player in the West-PAC Conference. Her volleyball talents took her to NMU, as a scholarship player, where she also excelled in the sport.

1943 IHS Football Team

The 1943 IHS Football Team was an undefeated squad posting a 7-0 record who outscored their opponents 158 to 19. This team captured the Michigan-Wisconsin Conference Title.

Team members included: F. Stano, N. Pavlovich, J. Gotta, N. Lakvold, J. Klug, R. Kuklenski, J. Carpenter, J. Domencich, J. Dixon, W. Hirvela, J. Gotta, M. Treado, R. Mazurek, D. Siskonen, R. Sandell, W. Erickson, R. Hendrickson, R. Gorilla, E. Moderson, E. Rose, J. Jones, W. Mazurek, W. Olson, R. Ahonen, R. Osborne, J. Slivensky, R. Begalle, L. Winkowski, C. Swanson, J. Dravecky, P. Kolesar, R. Kalcich, D. Johnson, L. Griewski, C. Kusz, R. Sendek, J. Komaromy, J. Sobolewski, J. Gutowski, D. Pudas, M. Garland, W. Hendrickson, R. Pertile, B. Krause, B. Zuchowski, R. Ackerman, A. Puller, J. Banfield, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Dear, Coach Kraemer, B. Lyne, M. Newcomb.

M-W Conference 1st Team Award Winners: R. Mazurek, J. Erickson, J. Carpenter, N. Lakvold, R. Sandell, J. Klug, R. Kuklenski

M-W Conference 2nd Team Award Winners: N. Pavlovich, R. Hendrickson, J. Gotta, M. Treado

All-State Honorable Mention Award Winners: R. Mazurek, R. Kuklenski

2016

Bill Bassett

A 1964 graduate of LLW HS, Bill was known as the best offensive lineman on a run-oriented football team that posted an 8-0 record in 1963. For his efforts, the senior earned 1st Team All M-W Conference honor, All-U.P. 1st Team honor, U.P. Lineman of the Year honor and an All-State Class B 1st Team honor. Bill was known as a scholar and earned the Copper Country Memorial Scholarship at attend Michigan Technological University, where he played offensive and defensive guard for the Huskies. He was selected to the GLIAC NCAA Division II All Conference 1st Team.

Brian Eggleston

Although he never had a formal golf lesson, Brian lettered all 4 years as a member of the LLW HS golf team. He made the West-PAC All-Conference Team his junior and senior years. Brian went on to play golf for Saginaw Valley State University where he led his team to the NCAA Division II tournament finals in 1997 and 1998. Brian honors included being named a 6-time NCAA College Division II medalist and SVSU’s MVP in 1997 and 1998. Brian continued on with his golfing career by playing in numerous professional and mini-tour events from 1999 to 2004.

Ingrid Gallo

A 1972 LLW HS graduate, Ingrid was an outstanding golfer and skier. Although there was no golf team, Ingrid captured the Gogebic Country Club Women’s Championship on her first try at age 17. She continued on for the University of Minnesota’s golf team by winning the Big Ten’s Women’s Golf Championship. She played on the women’s professional golf tour and qualified to play in the Women’s U. S. Open in 1978. As a skier, she led the LLW HS girls to the Great Northern Crown, placing 1st in slalom, giant slalom and downhill events. This performance let to winning a position in the national finals of the U.S. Ski Association’s junior alpine competitions. As a teaching professional, Ingrid developed and promoted golf programs in the U.S. and abroad, including Germany and Spain. Golf Digest honored Ingrid as one of the top 15 Minnesota golf instructors.

Frank “Skip” Gregory

Known to be an all-around athlete, lettering 13 times, Frank saved his best for the basketball court, despite being only 5’ 9” tall. He was quick-footed and could stop on a dime to put up one of his soft and deadly jump shots. Frank’s basketball honors included: All U.P. Class B Honorable Mention (‘52): 1st Team All M-W Conference (‘53): 1st Team All U.P. Class B (‘53): All State Class B Honorable Mention (‘53).

Rudy Perhalla

Rudy is a 1955 graduate of LLW HS, who continued his education at Gogebic Community College and the University of Wisconsin, Superior, WI, where he received his teaching degree. In his 10 seasons coaching at Ewen and Ewen / Trout Creek High Schools, Rudy’s teams posted a brilliant 151-32 record for an .825 winning percentage. Those wins included a perfect 26-0 season, 5 Class D District Titles, 3 Class D Regional Titles, 1 Class D State Runner-Up Title and 1 Class D State Title in 1972. He was named U.P. Class D Coach of the Year in 1972 and 1974.

‘60-’61 IHS Boys Basketball Team

The ‘61-’62 Red Devils posted an 8-2 mark in sharing the M-W Conference crown and finished the season with a 16-5 record, including the 59-49 win over the Negaunee Miners to win the Class B Regional U.P. Championship.

Team members: Bruce Hedstrom, Jim Kangas, John Kasmarick, Pete Kopecko, Jim Ollila, Ed Saari, Dave Salmi, Jim Salmi, John Slavin, Percy Smith, John Tregembo.

Team Managers: Bob Backon, Jim Bracket, Chris Wangaard.

Coaching Staff: Head Coach Jin Betchek, John Krznarich, Wayne Melchiori.

Frank Verbos

Frank lettered 9 times at LLW HS and played a key role in his football team’s success scoring 80 points in 1964. His honors include M-W Football Conference Honorable Mention: All Class U.P. Football Team and named to the All Tri-State Football Team in 1964. Frank continued playing football at the University of Wisconsin, Superior, where he was a 4 year starter and letter winner at the defensive tackle position. Frank taught for 36 years in the Ashland, WI School System, coaching varisty athletics for 17 of those years.

2017

Samual Leonard (Lenny) Carpenter

Sam, with the nick name “Lenny” is a 1940 graduate of LLW HS who earned 8 varsity letters. In his senior year, Sam was the captain of both the track and football teams. In 1939, Sam was selected as a fullback to a 12 player all-conference team. His coaches commented that he could hit the line with the best of them and was one of the fastest men in the conference. While running track, “Lenny” set a school record in the 440 yd. dash, with a time of 52.8 seconds on a cinder track. This record held for nearly 40 years.

Dominic Longhini

Dominic is a 1964 graduate of LLW HS. He played both offense and defense as a wide receiver and defensive back for the undefeated (8-0) football team. From ‘60 to ‘65, Dominic was a U.S.S.A. Ski Meister, competing to be the best overall performer in 4 skiing disciplines: jumping, cross country, slalom and downhill. Coach Longhini has had a long and illustrious career in a variety of teaching, coaching and administrative positions in the sport of skiing at regional, national and international levels. Dominic was the Northern Michigan University Varsity Ski Coach, President of the Central Intercollegiate Ski Association, Ski Director of the Great Lakes Academy and the Marquette Area High School Ski Coach. While as MHS, Dominic was named U.P. Girls Coach of the year in ‘92 and the U.P. Boys Coach of the year in ‘93.

Roland Pakonen

Roland graduated from LLW HS in 1964. He was a well-rounded athlete, lettering 8 times. Notable sporting accomplishments include M-W Basketball 1st Team All-Conference ‘64: All-U.P. 1st Team Basketball (Class B) ‘64: All-U.P. 2nd Team Football (Class B) ‘63. Roland was the recipient of the John J. Kramer Award as the Outstanding Basketball Player at LLW HS in ‘64. From ‘77 to ‘85, Roland coached a variety of high school sports, along with being the Assistant High School Principal and Athletic Director at Cass City, MI.

Michael Pawlak

Michael is a 2006 graduate of LLW HS. A versatile athlete, he earned 12 letters in 6 different sports. Michael received several athletic awards including: ‘06 Basketball Class C All-State Honorable Mention: ‘06 Basketball U.P. Class A-B-C 1st Team: ‘06 Basketball U.P. Class A-B-C Player of the Year & Class A-B-C 5-person Dream Team Member: ‘06 Basketball West PAC Conference 1st Team and West Pac Conference Most Valuable Player: Kraemer Award winner for Most Outstanding Male Basketball Player: ‘05 Football West Pac Conference 1st Team-Offense Receiver. Michael continued his basketball career with the GCC Samsons. While at GCC, Michael was awarded: National Junior College Athletic Association All-Region XIII Team: GCC Men’s Basketball Team MVP, being the teams assist and steals leader.

Alan Peterson

A 2010 graduate of LWW HS, Alan set the standard for cross country and track accomplishments. As of 2017, Alan holds the school record in the 1600-meter run and was part of the current record setting 4 x 800-meter relay team. In 2010, Alan set the U.P. finals record in the Division 2 1600-meter run, and along with his teammates set the U.P. record in the 3200-meter relay. Also in 2010, Alan was an individual U.P. finals champion in the 800-meter run, mile run and 2-mile run. Alan was awarded all U.P. track honors in ‘08, ‘09 and ‘10. As a Red Devil cross country runner, Peterson was the U.P. Division 2 Champion in ‘07, ‘08 and ‘09. Alan attended Grand Valley State University, where he lettered 4 straight years in both track and cross country. While at GVSU, Alan was awarded several All-GLIAC honors in track and cross country, along with twice earing All-American status in cross country. Alan also excelled in the classroom, twice earning All-American Academic accolades.

1995 Girls Track and Field Team

The 1995 Girls Track and Field Team had an overall record of 9-0 earning the following accomplishments:

Simpson Invitational - 1st Place

U.P. Indoor Track Meet Marquette HS - 1st Place

Eagle River Invitational - 1st Place

Ironwood Triangular - 1st Place

Kingsford Triangular - 1st Place

Kraemer Invitational - 1st Place

West PAC Conference Meet - 1st Place

U.P. Class Meet - 1st Place

Regional Class C Meet - 1st Place

Team Members: Jamie Bunt, Christin Garske, Amanda Kinnunen, Jenny Shull, Kim Pavlovich, Naomi Baksic, Lori Carlson, Angela Arthur, Jamie Milakovich, Cassie Potinsky, Jenna Davis, Tara Makinen, Nicole Erickson, Holly Magiera, Amy Kinnunen, Gina Rodeghiero, Jill Pollack, Jenny Maki, Anne Spaete, Jennifer Kamarianen, Ann Somerville, Jenny Routheaux, Kacy Garske, Marissa Lupino, Sarah Hagstrom, Amy Kamarianen, Haley Puotinen, Head Coach Dave Davis, Assistant coaches: Dan Finco, Pete Auvinen, Don Holst.

Spencer Slade

Spencer is a 1993 graduate of LLW HS, earning 7 letters, with his major sport being tennis (4 letters). His basketball talents gained him West PAC All Conference 1st Team Honors in the ‘92-’93 season. He was awarded the Jack J. Kraemer award for Outstanding Basketball Player in 1993. Spencer was also named the MVP of the Holiday Basketball Tournament 2 years in a row. Most notable are Spencer’s tennis accomplishments and recognitions, which are in part: U.P. Boys Class C-D Singles Title in ‘92 and ‘93: named to the 1993 Michigan High School Coaches Association All-State Class C-D Tennis Team. He was one of nine singles players to make the MHSCA team and the only player from the U.P. Outside of sports, Spencer excelled in music, receiving 1st in Class A competition in band for 4 consecutive years. He is a member of the National Honor Society.

2018

Steve Slining

Steve is a 1967 graduate of LLW HS earning 9 letters in track (4), football (3) and basketball (2). Slining was an excellent middle-and long-distance runner for the Red Devil Track Team, earning several awards: U.P. Class A-B Regional Track Meet 2nd place half-mile run ‘66: U.P. Class A-B Regional Track Meet 1st place high jump ‘67: U.P. Class A-B Regional Track Meet 2nd place shot put ‘67: U.P. Class A-B Regional Track Meet 1st place mile relay (Bruce Jackson, Brian Peterson, Bill Waitanek), which was a track record at 3:39.5 in ‘67: M-W Conference Track Meet 1st place mile relay (Bruce Jackson, Brian Peterson, Randy Ruby). Steve was the leading scorer with 60 points for the ‘66 Red Devil Football Team. He earned honors for M-W All Conference Offensive Team-Fullback ‘66: U.P. Class A-B-C Offensive Team-Fullback ‘66: All U.P. Offensive Team-Fullback ‘66. Steve signed on to play football for Coach Rollie Dotsch at Northern Michigan University.

Joseph Komaromy (Coach)

Joe is a 1971 graduate of LLW HS, earning 5 athletic letters. In 1982, he started his stellar coaching career at Irving Crown HS. Joe then spent 25 years coaching girl’s varsity basketball at Dundee-Crown HS (‘83-’08) with tremendous success. A portion of his coaching career accomplishments being: Illinois HS record of 450 wins / 271 losses: (12) Illinois HS Association Regional Titles: (3) Illinois HS Association Sectional Titles: (3) Illinois HS Association Sweet 16 Appearances: (3) Illinois HS Association Elite Titles: (5) Fox Valley Conference Championships. Coach K was also personally honored with the following: 4-Time Illinois HS Association Division 6 “Coach of the Year”: Inducted into the Dundee-Crown HS HOF in 2005: Inducted into the Illinois Basketball Association HOF in 2006.

Don Koivisto

Don is a 1967 graduate of LLW HS, lettering in baseball (4), football (3) and baseball (2). Several honors received by Koivisto as an athlete for the Red Devils are: All U.P. Class B Basketball 2nd Team ‘67: M-W All Conference Basketball 1st Team ‘67: M-W All Conference Football Team Offensive-Quarterback ‘65. Some of Don’s notable individual accomplishments: throwing the game winning touchdown pass against Calumet, securing the Red Devils undefeated ‘65: basketball team leader in points and assists ‘67: pitching a 16 strikeout-no hit baseball game against the Hurley Midgets ‘67. Don was invited to try out for the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates. He was recruited in football by Michigan Tech. Univ., Dartmouth College, Western Mich. Univ., NMU and Vanderbilt. Don decided to play baseball for Central Michigan Univ., but his career was cut short due to an accident his freshman year. Mr. Koivisto honorably served the people of Michigan as the State Representative for the 110th Legislative District (‘80-’86) and as the State Senator for the 38th District (‘90-’92). In 2006, Don accepted an offer to take a position on Governor Granholm’s cabinet as Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Don had the privilege of serving under four governors: Milliken, Blanchard, Engler and Granholm

1983 Ironwood Red Devils Girls Basketball Team

Compiled an overall record of 23 wins - 2 losses.

Superior Six Conference Champions

U.P. District Champions Class C

State Regional Champions Class C

U.P. Team Of The Year (Pam Seldon Trophy)

U.P. Coach Of The Year (Russ Anderson)

Team Members: Danette Bull, Jennifer Johnson, Anita Harvey, Tammie Anderson, Jan Halverson, Darla Aspinwall, Beth Wertanen, Sue Thomas, Blythe Bretall, Yvonne Jenko, Mary Smith, Head Coach Russ Anderson.

Dr. Fred G. Albert

Fred is a 1948 graduate of LLW HS who lettered once in basketball and four times in Tennis. Mr. Albert started winning local city league boys titles at age 12 and continued on from there to win many city league tournaments at the boys and men’s levels. Notable high school accomplishments and recognitions: FOUR U.P. Boys Tennis Singles Titles (‘45 thru ‘48): M-W Conference Boys Singles Tennis Titles (‘46, ‘47, ‘48): Tennis Team Captain ‘48. Albert helped lead the Red Devil Tennis Team to one M-W League Championship (‘47) and two Class B U.P. Championships (‘46 & ‘47). After high school, Fred continued playing men’s tennis tournaments, with great success, in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Florida and California. Fred was a member of ROTC, The I-Club, The Spanish Club and The National Athletic Honor Society. Following high school, Fred went on to play tennis at the University of Minnesota, winning the Big 10 Tennis Title.

Jack “Reino” Nelmark (Legend)

Jack is a 1926 graduate from LLW HS lettering 6 times, 2 each in basketball, baseball and track. Mr. Nelmark was a stelar player for Coach Black’s 1925 undefeated Class B State Championship Football Team. It was said of Reino that he was a powerful, aggressive player and every inch a fighter. His crushing tackles were the feature of many games. Jack was a valuable member of the Ironwood Red Devils Boys Basketball team, with the team going a combined 22-5 over his junior and senior years. The 1925 basketball team made it to the State regional championship game. After high school, Jack played football for 2 years at the University of Minnesota. After taking a year off from college, Jack transferred to NMU, where he lettered in 3 sports. He was a lineman and kicker in football, played guard in basketball & was a distance runner for NMU. Mr. Nelmark was inducted into the U.P. HOF in 1982.

Jim LaBlonde

Jim is a 1997 graduate of LLW HS. A premier all-around athlete, he earned 10 letters in football (4). track (4) and baseball (2). Several honors received by LaBlonde as an athlete for the Red Devils: All State Track and Field awarded by the Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association-’97: All State Track and Field-’96: Basketball West PAC All Conference Honorable Mention-’96 & ‘97: All State Honorable Mention-’96: All U.P. Football Team, Defensive Back-’96: All West PAC Conference Football 1st Team, Defensive Back-’95 & ‘96. Notable individual accomplishments: 1,572 all-purpose yards, including 17 touchdowns-’96: 32 solo tackles, 19 assists, 2 interceptions-’96: LLW, West Pac and U.P. Class C record 100m dash (11.13 sec.): LLW, West PAC and U.P. Class C record 200m dash (22.78 sec.). Jimmy continued on with his football and track career playing for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Eagles. LaBlonde earned (3) football and (1) track letters while at La Crosse. Since 2001, Jim coached at several levels, including: summer speed and strength coach: 5th / 6th grade boys’ and girls’ basketball coach: high school track coach and high school football coach.

2019

Daniel Baker (Coach)

Dan is a 1972 graduate of LLW HS, lettering in for sports: track, cross country, football and baseball.

Coach Baker continued on with his education at GCC and Ferris State University, where he majored in education. Dan started his stellar coaching career in 1977 at Green Bay West High School and continued coaching at De Pere High School until his retirement in 2010. While at De Pere HS, he coached cross country, track, football and weight training for the Red Birds. A portion of his coaching career achievements: 7 athletes earned 13 State Championships in track and field, multiple girls track and field Bay Conference championships: multiple boys cross country Bay Conference championships: boys cross country Brown County championships and East Division Cross Country championships. Coach Baker was also personally honored with the following: Wisconsin HS Track Coaches Association District Coach of the Year: The De Pere Track Invitational has been renamed the Dan Baker Track Invitational in recognition of his service to our community.

Don “Bucky” Laabs

Don graduated from LLW HS in 1987. He was an outstanding four-sport athlete earning 12 letters in (4) track, (4) baseball, (2) basketball and (2) football. As captain of the ‘87 track team, he was instrumental in leading the Red Devil team to wins at the Kraemer Invitational, the Simpson Invitational, the U.P. Class C Regional Track Meet and the ABC Class Conference Track Meet. Bucky ran to (3) 1st place and (1) 2nd place finishes in the 1600m run at these meets. He set the 1600m run record at the Kraemer with a time of 4:34:43. His notable individual awards include: Scorp Lund Most Valuable Senior Athlete, Team Captain (track and basketball), National Athletic Honor Society. After high school, Bucky lobbied and was successful in helping reinstate track at Gogebic Community College after a 20-year absence. He represented GCC in a triangular track meet held at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, where he captured 1st place in the 1600m run, qualifying him for the Region 13 meet. In ‘90-’91, Don was a Captain on the Michigan Tech. University track team, where he placed in the top 5 in several meets; injuries cut his track career short.

John “Otto” Klug

John, known as “Otto” to his friends and teammates is a 1944 graduate from LLW HS, lettering in (3) basketball, (2) football and (2) track. John played an integral part in the ‘43 Red Devil Football Teams undefeated season. He was a great blocker and punishing running back, who could also pass and kick the ball. With his help, the team won both the M-W Conference and U.P. Championships. John was named to the M-W Conference All-Conference 1st Team. John was also a leader on the 15-1 boy’s basketball team that won the ‘43-’44 M-W Conference Title. In ‘46, John enrolled at Moorhead State Technical College, where he became an outstanding running back for the MSTC Dragons, earning All-Conference honors 3 times and was the team captain in ‘48. “Otto” had the 5th longest run from scrimmage in school history of 86 yds. and his single game puning average of 56 yds. is the best in school history. John received the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Glen Galligan Award for academic excellence and contributions to his school.

Robert M. Miklesh, Jr.

Robert is a 1987 graduate from LLW HS and earned 11 athletic letters in (4) baseball, (3) track, (2) football and (2) basketball. During his Red Devil sports career, Bob had several noteworthy accomplishments and received many awards including: Baseball All-WUP Conference 1st Team-’85, ‘86, ‘87: Baseball WUP Conference MVP-’87: Football Gogebic Range Conference 1st Team Defense-’86: Football U.P. Class ABC Honorable Mention defense-’86: Baseball WUP Conference Most Outstanding Pitcher (5-0)-’87. In ‘87, for the Class C Regional Track Championship Team, Bob ran a leg of the 1600m relay team that broke the regional record with a time of 3:35:63. Bob was also the ‘87 U.P. champion in the pole vault with a vault of 12’ 6”. After high school, Miklesh went on to play football at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he was a 4-year letter winner. He started 34 straight games and in ‘91 was selected to the Wisconsin State University Conference 1st Team as a defensive back. In his last year at UW-EC, Bob earned the Best Tackler Award and was named Team MVP/Defense.

1965-66 Ironwood Red Devils Men’s Basketball Team

The team compiled an overall record of 17 wins and 3 losses.

M-W Conference Co-Champions

U.P. District Champions Class B

Team member: Tom Carli, Art Pertile, Guy Kangas, Louis Vlasich, Marty Murto, Ben Finco, Don Koivisto, Steve Slining, Al Trugeon, Darrell Morey, Lee Belman, Larry Fafford, Coach Gene Farrell, Team Managers Dinnis Helander and Terry Erickson.

Ginger Polich

Ginger is a 2002 graduate of LLW HS and a two-sport letter winner: (4) track and (4) cross country. In ‘99 and ‘01, Ginger was a member of the Red Devils girls relay team that won the U.P. Championships in the 800m, 1,600m and 3,200m relays. In ‘02, Ginger’s senior year, she was the U.P. Champion in the 800m run. Her outstanding achievements in track and cross country earned her the John Jarvi Award for top senior cross-country runner and the coveted John R. Ostrom Award as top senior female athlete. Ginger’s running career continued at Amherst College in Massachusetts, where she earned 12 varsity letters: (4) indoor track: (4) outdoor track: (4) cross country. Notable accomplishment include:

NCAA National Championship Team Qualifier Cross Country: ‘03-’04

Amherst School record holder indoor track 4 x 800 relay, 600m, 800m: ‘05

NCAA National Championship-indoor track 800m and indoor medley: ‘05

Team Co-Captain Track: ‘06

ESPN’s The Magazine District 1 College Division 2nd Team: ‘06

Amherst school record outdoor track 4x800m relay and track distance medley: ‘06

NCAA Finals indoor track distance medley 9th place: ‘06

For her outstanding accomplishments, Ginger was twice awarded with All-American status.

2020 No Induction Ceremony due to Covid19

2021 No Induction Ceremony due to Covid19

2022

Robert Petrusha

Robert is a ‘45 graduate of LLW HS. His tennis career started before high school, by playing in the WPA City Tennis League during his later grade school days and in 1940 won the WPA CTL boys singles title and boys doubles title. He followed up by winning the WPA CTL boys singles and doubles titles in ‘41 & ‘42. In ‘42, as a freshman, Robert was the M-W Conference Singles Champion and the U.P. Singles Champion for Class B. In ‘43, Robert was the M-W Conference Singles Champion and the U.P. Singles Champion for Class B, along with participating in the Western National Junior Tennis Tournament, where he was ranked 10th among the competitors. His junior year (‘44), Robert was once again M-W Conference Champ and U.P. Class B Champ in singles, along with taking the U.P. Class B Doubles Championship. Finally, Robert was M-W Singles Champion his senior year in ‘45 but enlisted in the U.S. Navy before being able to complete in the U.P. Championships.

Dave Shaughency

Dave graduated from LLW HS in 1954. He was a three-sport athlete, excelling in football. As a Junior in ‘52, playing for the M-W Conference Championship Team, Dave was honored with making the M-W Conference 1st Team & All-U.P. Honorable Mention. Playing for the undefeated ‘53 team, Dave was honored with making the M-W Conference 1st Team & All-U.P. 2nd Team. Dave also participated in track and field at LLW, where he ran the 100 yd. dash, 200 yd. dash, half mile relay and the broad jump.

Sam Dubow

Sam was born in an area of Russia, which is now Ukraine, in 1917, immigrating to the U.S. in 1924. He does not have direct ties to LLW, although his journey’s brought him to the “Ironwood Area”. Sam played football for Racine Horlick HS where, as a senior, he was the teams’ quarterback and captain. He also played halfback/fullback and was the team captain for Ripon College, before enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during WWII. In 1946, Sam was hired by Gogebic Junior College (GCC today), to restart their athletic department that had been dormant since 1937. He coached football, basketball and track at GJC from ‘46 to ‘52. The GCC Samson’s draw their name from Coach Sam Dubow (Sam called his players his sons; thus “Samsons”. His ‘47 GCC football team went 7-1 and outscored their opponents 231-31. After his GCC, Sam continued coaching at Kaukauna HS & Sault Ste. Marie HS, where he was also the athletic director. Sam’s outstanding service to his community, as a coach, teacher and administrator, led to his induction into the Michigan Education Hall of Fame and the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame.

Lauren Korpi

Lauren, a 2006 graduate of LLW HS, earned athletic letters in (1) track, (3) soccer, (4) tennis and (4) skiing. For 3 years, she was the #1 singles player for the Red Devils tennis team, during that time winning the M-W Conference singles championship and placing 3rd in the U.P. tournament her senior year. Lauren earned a spot on the Junior Olympic Ski Team six consecutive years from grades 7 through 12. As a freshman & sophomore, Lauren received All-Region, 1st Team All U.P. and 2nd team All-State honors. In her junior and senior years, Lauren received All-Region, 1st Team All U.P. and 1st Team All-State honors. She received the Theron Peterson Scholarship in Skiing, the Maurice Bennett Award for tennis and the J.R. Ostrom Award for the ‘06 Female Athlete of the Year. Lauren lettered three years at the Western State University of Colorado, skiing for the Division I school.

Ray “Kirby” Kuklenski

Ray is a 1944 graduate of LLW HS. He was a member of the 1943 undefeated Red Devil football team that captured the M-W Conference and U.P. championships. He played on the ‘43-’44 boys basketball team that won the M-W Conference with a 15-1 record. In his senior year, Kirby was the football team’s leading scorer with 67 points. He was also stalwart on defense as a linebacker. He was selected to the 1st Team All M-W Conference and made All-State Honorable Mention. After high school and after serving two years in the U.S. Navy, Kirby went on to play football for the Moorhead State College Dragons, where he awarded with All-Conference honors in ‘47, ‘48 & ‘49. He was a light heavyweight Golden Glove boxing champion from ‘46 to ‘50. Ray coached football for several years, compiling 145 wins; 65 losses and 1 tie. He won the North Dakota State Title in 1971 coaching Wahpeton HS & was selected North Dakota “Coach of the Year” that same year. In 1999, Ray was inducted into the Moorhead State University Sports Hall of Fame.

Michael Rubatt

Michael, a 1988 graduate from LLW HS, lettered in (3) football, (2) basketball, (3) baseball and (4) track. Mike was captain of the football team his senior, leading the team in rushing and touchdowns and received ABC Conference Honorable Mention recognition as a running back. In his junior year in basketball, Rubatt received ABC Conference Honorable Mention recognition, along with being selected to the Gogebic Range All-Tournament Team. As a senior in basketball, he was again selected to the Gogebic Range All-Tournament Team, along with making the ABC Conference 1st Team and 2nd Team All-U.P. As a junior and senior, Mike was selected to the WUP All-Conference Baseball Team. As a senior, he led the WUP League with a .520 batting average. Mike was the captain of the Red Devil track team his senior year. Mike was the U.P. Class C long jump champ, his junior year, along with being the ABC Conference long jump and 100m dash that same year. Mike was named to the Tri-State Honor Roll in the long jump, set a Simpson Invitational record in the 55m dash and anchored the record setting 8-lap relay team. Mike amassed over 50 track medals at various meets. After high school, Mike went on to play and letter in track and baseball at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

2005 Football Team

Team Record: 9 wins-3 losses

5 wins-1 loss in the West PAC Conference

24-17 double overtime victory over Iron Mountain put the Red Devils into Michigan’s Division 6 Elite 8, which advanced them to the regional final game.

Team members include: Kyle Aho, Mike Wasley, Chasz Cameron, Max Pertile, Pete Auvinen, Jordan Barto, Dan Basom, Max Miller, David Richie, Michael Pawlak, Corey Pertile, Kyle Cisewski, Roberto Villa-cortaquerra, Eric McRae, David Erickson, Ricky Allen, Brian Wennersten, Ben Ranta, Shane Winchester, John Schmaltz and Jeremy Blodgett, Chuck Vitton (Head Coach), Peter Auvinen (Asst. Coach), Gordy Erickson (Asst. Coach), Pat Krause (Asst. Coach).

2023

Doreen Ahonen

Doreen was an avid golfer spanning 5 decades. She golfed at the Gogebic Country Club. She won 12 Gogebic Country Club Women’s Titles, the first coming in 1958 & the last in 1958. She was runner-up 9 times. She participated in the Women’s Tournament from 1955 to 2002.

Ahonen regularly played tournaments throughout the area. She won the Mellen Invitational, Eagle Bluff Invitational, Minocqua Invitational and in 1977 the Gogebic Country Club Invitational.

Doreen married Roy Ahonen in 1951. It was her father-in-law, Arvey Ahonen, who encouraged her to play golf. She took lessons from Cesaer Tiziani and began playing golf in 1952. Dorren had five holes-in-one, with her favorite happening while playing at Trout Lake CC with her husband and two sons, Tom and Jeff, on the par 3 eighth hole.

One of her favorite memories is while working at Kings Gateway Lodge, she met Walter Hagen and Gene Sarazen. She enjoyed many rounds of golf with her group made up of Ginny Krznarich, Anna Mae Vukovich and Pam Mack.

Dorreen and her husband retired to Lehigh, Florida. They have 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

James Ursini

James graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1940. He was a guard on the 1939 football team. His awards were Michigan-Wisconsin All-Conference, Honorary All-Conference Captain, as voted by the coaches, All Upper Peninsula Eleven, All-State Honorable Mention. Vingee, as he was known, played under the handicap of being deaf. Signals were obtained by lip-reading and watching for the snap. At 5 ft. 7 in. and 140 lbs., he wasn’t big enough to be rough - he out-maneuvered the opponents and hit hard. He never missed a play due to injury. Few knew he was any different than the other players. James and his wife Eva raised seven children. He passed away on February 27, 2001.

Angela (Arthur) Kortemeier

Angela graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1995. She lettered four years in track. Her specialty was the sprints. She was undefeated in the 200-meter dash in her four-year career at Ironwood, which included four 1st place finished at the UP Finals (1992-95) and Simpson Invitational in Superior, WI. Angela participated in the 100 and 200 meter dashes, the 400 and 800 meter relays and the long jump. In her sophomore year, she broke teh 1988 Kraemer Track Meet record in the 200 meter dash with a time of 26:91. In her junior year, the 1994 girls track team won its 1st UP Class C track title, followed up by winning the Class C track title in her senior year. Angela was named the MVP of teh West Pac Conference meet 2 times.

John Kusz

John graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1967. He participated in track and field. John first learned to ski at the age of 5, off the snow-covered mounds of dirt and crushed rock excavated from within the mine shafts of Ironwood. Kusz went to many ski competitions, winning approximately 20 times. He competed in the National Masters Class USSA Central Division, skiing at Iron Mountain, Ishpeming, Madison, Wesby, Wolverine & many more locations. In order to compete at Copper Peak, John had to qualify at Pine Mountain.

In 1978, John received honors for being the top scorer of the Masters Class USSA Central Division. In 1978 & 1981, John competed in 25 Copper Peak jumps, with his 1st jump being 341 feet. John is the only official resident of Ironwood to jump Copper Peak.

Adam Mackey

Adam is a 2014 graduate of Luther L. Wright High School. A versatile athlete, he earned 12 letters in three sports. In basketball, Adam earned Indianhead All-Conference 1st Team 4 times, Indianhead Conference East Player of the Year twice and Indianhead Conference Overall Player of the Year his senior year. Basketball awards also included All UP-Class ABC 1st Team and All UP Class ABC Dream Team. The Associated Press honored Adam with making the Class C All-State Team/Honorable Mention. Adam is the Red Devil all-time leading scorer with 1,654 career points. In football, Adam earned West Pac 1st Team All-Conference honors 3 times. Adam earned Western UP 1st Team All Conference honors in baseball 2 times. Adam has won the Kraemer Award, the John Krznarich Award and the “Scorp” Lund Award. Adam was on the Academic High Honor Roll, noted as a Scholar Athlete and a member of the National Honor Society.

Adam continued playing basketball at Gogebic Community College and UW Stout. Adam began his teaching and coaching career in Ironwood in 2019. He and his wife Maria reside in Ironwood.

Pete “Coach Lew” Lewinski

Pete graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1974. In his senior year, he was named to the Great Northern Converence All-Conference Team and was Honorable Mention ABC Upper Peninsula. He was also named to the All-Region Tournament Team. Pete played basketball for 2 years at Gogebic Community College

Coach Lew’s first varsity coaching position was at El Paso Andress High School. In his 3 years he had a record of 68 wins and 29 losses. In 1989, Pete returned to Ironwood and coached JV boys basketball for 3 years. He took over the boys and girls varsity coach position in 1992. He coached the boys for 28 years and the girls for 15 years. He estimates that he traveled over 87,000 on a school bus. Pete retired in 2020 with 582 total varsity wins. In total, Pete coached 117 All-Conference players, 56 All-UP players, 5 All-State players and 28 Kraemer Award winners.

Team records: Girls (173 wins / 143 losses): Boys (341 wins / 247 losses). The 341 boys wins are the most in Ironwood’s history for a coach.

Coaching Awards (Boys): Coach of the Year by UP Sportswriters/Sportscasters Assn. in 2005/06. Conference Coach of the Year in the West Pac (3 times) and Indianhead (3 times). Pete’s teams won the Indianhead Conference (3 times) and West Pac (3 times). His 2005-06 team was the UP team of the Year. Pete also coached teams that won 8 Gogebic Range Holiday Tournaments. On the Girls side for coaching awards: West Pac Coach of the Year in 1992 and UP Coach of the Year. His girls team was named UP team of the year in 1992.

Pete and his wife Sylvia reside in Ironwood. They have 2 sons, Jon and Peter II

1973-1974 Ironwood Girls Basketball Team

The Ironwood Girls Basketball Team ushered in the modern era of girls basketball in Ironwood following the passage of Title IX. On June 23, 1972 Title IX was signed into law.

In November of 1972, the Ironwood School Board of Education agreed to enter a girls basketball team into the newly formed Western UP Girls Athletic Conference. Games began in October 1973. The Conference consisted of Bessemer, Wakefield, Ironwood, Ewen-Trout Creek and White Pine. Diana Oman was named the 1st head coach. The Ironwood Daily Globe referred to the team as the ‘Wright Girls”. The team ended up with an overall record of 7 wins and 8 losses. They participated in the first Michigan State-Wide Tournament. The Wright Girls beat Calumet 38-25 in win the Class B District Tournament. They followed that win with a win against Gwin 46-36 in the first Regional Game and then lost to Iron Mountain 46-41 in the Regional Finals game.

Team members included Ginny Martell (1st Team All-Conference Western Girls Athletic Conference), Kathy Cvengros, Julie Perry (both receiving Honorable Mention to the All-Conference Western Girls Athletic Conference), Joy Hautanen, Sue Luoma, Judy Trousdell, Jane Kuklenski, Donna Burzinski, Jean Priante, Kathy Mattson and Manager Bonnie Siirila.

2024

Ron Trethewey

Ron graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1956. He received his associate’s degree from Gogebic Community College in 1958 and his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Northern Michigan University in 1960. He then later returned to NMU and received his Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling.

Ron taught English at LLW HS and worked as a Guidance Counselor from 1962 to 1968. From 1972 to 1974, he taught GED classes at Camp Ojibway in Marenisco, MI.

In 1976, Ron started working at the Ironwood Daily Globe as a Sportswriter/Editor. In 1980, he started writing a sports column. Ron was honored by the UP Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association. He received the James Trethewey Award for his dedication to high school sports.

Ron had many interests and hobbies. He enjoys running. He ran the Paave Nurmi Marathon in the 80’s and early 90’s and still walks 3 to 4 miles a day. He was active in Theatre North in the 60’s and 70’s, having lead roles in Barefoot in the Park and Oklahoma. He volunteered for the March of Dimes and the Ironwood Historical Society. He is a member of the Wesley Methodist Church where he was an usher and sang in the choir.

Ron likes to travel. He as visited most of the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, along with 6 of the 7 continents.

In 2006, Ron was instrumental in organizing the Ironwood Area Sports Hall of Fame. He was the first president and was active in the HOF until his retirement in 2017. Ron’s wife Carol passed away in 2023. He has a daughter, Amy Trethewey-Mattson and son-in-law Joe Mattson.

Gordon “Big Slim” Kennedy

Gordon graduated from St. Ambrose High School in 1949. At 6’4” tall, he played center and in his junior and seniors he led the basketball team in scoring and rebounding. Gordon was a 4-year letter winner in basketball and football and earned 1 letter in track. He was captain of the basketball team in 1948-49. He was the team’s leading scorer with 284 points. He received numerous awards and was named to a number of All-Tournament Teams and State Honors. In 1945-46, St. Ambrose won the Little Six Conference Basketball Championship.

Honors and Awards:

Most Valuable Player of the Upper Peninsula Parochial Basketball Players in the 1948-49 season.
Michigan All-State Basketball Team Honorable Mention in 1949 voted by the Detroit Free Press.
Unanimous Choice All-Tournament Team 1949 UP Catholic High School Basketball Tournament.
St. Joseph’s All-Opponent Team 1948-49.
Leading scorer in the 1948-49 Class D District Tournament and UP Catholic High School Tournament.
Led St. Ambrose over the Mass Rockets in breaking the Rockets 59 game winning streak (a Michigan high school record).

Gordon and his wife Janet had two sons and three daughters. He passed away on January 2, 2001.

Jan (Halverson) Swetkovich

Jan is a 1984 graduate of Luther L. Wright High School where she lettered in basketball and track. Jan played basketball for 2 years under Coach Russ Anderson. As a senior, Jan was named All-Conference 1st Team, All-UP 1st Team and All-State 1st Team.

Jan received a scholarship to play basketball at Gogebic Community College (‘84-’86). In 1988, Jan received a scholarship to play basketball at Northland College. She was named Rookie of the Year at Northland College (‘88-’89). In the ‘89-’90 season, she was name Team Most Valuable Player and was named to the NCCAA District Team

Jan graduated from Northland College in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education.

She got her first job in Hurley, WI as a Special Education Associate where she worked for 5 years. Jan left Hurley to pursue an Early Childhood Education teaching position in the Ewen Trout Creek School District from ‘95 to ‘97. She returned to Hurley in 1997 where she has been teaching Elementary Education ever since.

Jan has coached junior high and junior varsity basketball in Ironwood, Bessemer and Hurley.

Jan lives in Pence, WI with her husband Dan. Between them, they have 5 children, 9 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.

Jim Kivisto

Mr. Kivisto graduated from Luther L. Wright in 1982. In 1989, Kivisto was named the 1st coach of the newly created softball program in Hurley, WI. In its first year, the team won the WIAA Regional Championship. As a member of the Indianhead Conference, Hurley won 23 Championships and had a combined record of 253 wins and 19 losses. Kivisto was the Indianhead Conference Coach of the Year 19 times. Under Kivisto, Hurley won 22 WIAA Regional Championships, 8 Sectional Championships and was State Runner-up 3 times. His overall coaching record stands at 519 wins and 143 losses.

In 2008 and 2021, Jim coached the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball All-Star Game. Jim was inducted into the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2019. He was also inducted into the UW-Superior Athletic Hall of Fame and the Hurley Athletic Hall of Fame. His 1982 high school track team was inducted into the IASHOF in 2012. He received the Mertz Mortorelli Coaching Achievement Award.

Jim also coached over 20 years of junior high boys and girls basketball. He coached girls varsity basketball, with a record of 57-14. He had 2 Conference Championships and 1 WIAA Regional Championship.

Jim and his wife Gina have 3 children, Jessic, Cody and Cole.

Jacob (Jake) DiGiorgio

Jake graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 2015, earning 14 letters: 4 each in football and baseball, 3 basketball, 2 track and 1 cross country.

He was a 2-time team captain and 3-year starter in basketball. Jake earned 1st Team Indianhead All-Conference Honors 3 years and MVP his senior year in basketball. He was 1st Team All-UP as a senior, 2nd Team All-UP as a junior and Honorable Mention as a sophomore. As a senior he received Associated Press Honorable Mention and Basketball Coaches Association Honorable Mention. He received the Jack Kramer Most Outstanding Basketball Player award his senior year. Jake was a 2-year starter in football and team captain his senior year. He was 2-time Honorable Mention All-Conference in football. He was a 3-year starter in baseball and team captain his senior year. In track, he was a six-time UP Finals Qualifier. He was a High School Scholar Athlete in the Michigan High School Athletic Association with a 3.93 GPA.

Jake attended Illinois Institute of Technology (‘15-’19) where he played basketball for 4 years and was 2-time Team Captain and MVP. He received 2-time Second Team and 1-time First Team Associated Independent Conference Division 3 honors. As a senior, he received 1st Team Northern Athletic Collegiate Conference honors. Career totals at Illinois Tech: 1st in rebounding, games played, minutes played and most double/doubles; 2nd in blocks, field goals make and field goal percentage.

Jake is a 2019 graduate of Illinois Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. He was selected in 2019 to the Air Force Officer Training Program. Jake currently has the rank of Captain and just became a pilot in the Air Force at Columbus AFB, MS.

1990-1991 Girls Volleyball Team

Team Members: Sarah Thomas, Amy Ciesieczyk, Anne Borowski, Janet Sweeney, Michele Erickson, Laura Newberry, Miori Eto, Stacey Byrns, Angie Jenko, Kelli Blank, Heather Chiapusio, Leslie Grimsby, Jennifer Johnson, Kathy Routsala, Jody Le Kander, Michelle Kanipes ( Coach).

Overall Season Record: 26-0

West Pac Conference Champions, District Champions, Region 31 Champions, Class A-B-C Upper Peninsula Finals Champions, MHSAA Sportsmanship Award, Michigan Coaches Association (MIVCA) All-Acedemic/All-State Award (Team: 3.5 GPA).

Laura Newberry and Angie Jenko received All-UP and All-State Honors.

1997 Girls Cross Country Team

Team Members: Ann Somerville, Tara Makinen, Jenny Shull, Nicole Chiantello, Katie Strong, Chelsea Finco, Diane Corcoran, Jennifer Chiantello, Bruce Beckman (Coach).

Academic All-State GPA 3.69, 1997 Team of the Year voted by the UP Coaches Association, 1997 West Pac Champions, 1997 UP Finals Class C Champions.

1st Place Team Results at the following meets: Ishpeming Relays, Ironwood Triangular, Rhinelander Invitational, Calumet Invitational, Carson City-Crystal Invitational, Swain Invitational-Duluth, West Pac Conference Meet, UP Finals Class C.

Awards:

Runner of the Year-Ann Somerville; Dream Team-Ann Somerville and Chelsea Finco; All-UP Class C-Ann Somerville, Chelsea Finco, Tara Makinen, Katie Strong, Jenny Shull; All-State Class C-Ann Somerville, Chelsea Finco, Tara Makinen, Katie Strong.

Ironwood Area Sports Hall of Fame

Ironwood Area Sports Hall of Fame

Inductees

Ironwood Area Sports Hall of Fame

Ironwood Area Sports Hall of Fame