2024 Hall of Fame Inductees

John Ruggiero III

John Ruggiero III comes from a Bowling background with his father being the Captain of the Famous Stroh’s Beer Professional Bowling Team from 1961-1970. John was inducted into the Michigan USBC HOF in 2024 becoming the First Father Son Team to be inducted.

The multi-faceted athlete was a Hockey Goalie for 34 years in the era of 6 teams in the NHL and no Americans, quote (Good enough to get paid, not good enough to make a living). He coached Ice Hockey for 18 years in A, AA and AAA Travel. He and his father have won the GAM Father & Son Golf Championship the largest event of its kind with over 750 teams competing on a single day, 8 times in the alternate shot format including twice as low gross and the Century Division the only father son team to have their names on the non-traveling trophies.

John started competing and winning bowling tournaments since age 14 and has continued his winning ways to his current age of 77. Some accomplishments, 15 – 300 games, 8 – 800 series including the highest score 827 in the nation in 1967 in a tournament in Chicago bowling 5 frames and moving lanes and averaging over 200 for the last 61 years. John has a USBC City Title, 5 USBC State Titles and his Senior Olympic records include 40 State Medals, 10 National Medals, 2 State Records and 3 National Scoring Records. He was a director at large for 14 years for the Detroit USBC and has been an ambassador for Michigan Senior Olympics, Bowling Tournament Director, recruiting bowlers, sponsors and acting as a manager for the National Games in Pittsburgh helping our 26-bowler contingent to win 51 medals and 56 ribbons. the local and national stage.

John and his partner Mr. Bill Arnold are the quintessential example of what the Olympics are about. John’s original partner, Michael Chapman had received a medical exemption because he was fighting cancer, Bill had missed the Ohio Bowling Qualifying so he was qualifying in Michigan. A short time later Michael passed away and made John promise to defend their Gold Medal. I called Bill and asked him if he would like to partner with me in Albuquerque, NM and he said yes, we have become great friends and partners, to quote Bill since our partnership the dynamic duo are 10 and 0 Gold Medals with 3 scoring records and bowl in 5 to 6 tournaments around the country annually. Who would have thought a Buckeye and Wolverine would make such a great team.

As much as John loves the Michigan and National Senior Olympic Movement you will find him bowling in scratch events like the SSO, (Senior Singles Open 50+ sponsored by Ansara Restaurant Group) where he is also a Director, the NASSBT, (North American Super Senior Bowling Tournament 60+ sponsored by Dave Eatmon), State and Detroit Senior events managed by the USBC. He always believes in giving back and helping youngsters with instructions to help promote the Sport of Bowling.

Carold (Bill) Bean

Carold (Bill) Bean was born in 1940 and has been married to his wife, Judy, for 62 years. They have two children and four grandchildren. He retired 20-plus years ago from a long and productive career in the automotive industry. While always an avid hunter and bow enthusiast, Mr. Bean did not actually shoot a single target until he was in his 60s. Since then, he has garnered numerous awards including gold medals in National Field Archery and National Target events, where he was overall champion in the Earl Hoyt tournament. He has also medaled in National 3D Target and State Target contests as well as the Senior Olympics. Mr. Bean is pleased to be selected as a winner and representative of this outstanding organization.

Carold has bee involved in the MSO Archery since 2011, he has been competing in archery since the age of 64. He holds the barebow recurve state records for the MSO in both the 75 and 80 age groups for 2019 and 2021. He also has won gold in the MSO Archery and has broken many records including his own. Carold has won awards in NSGA National Field Archery Association, the Florida State games, The Michigan Archer’s Association, USA Archery, and North American Field Archery Championship.

Judy Smouter

Judy Smouter has said “Throughout my life I have enjoyed sports and was very competitive. Nevertheless, with my desire to win, I was also taught early in my Christian up bringing about the importance of good sportsmanship and how humility is a core value to strive for as an athlete.”

Judy has received a BS in physical education from Michigan State University and a Masters of education in exercise physiology from Wayne State University. She is the Co-Owner of Professional Fitness Systems, a corporate health, fitness and wellness company. She has been a physical education teacher and the Associate Vice Chancellor in student services at Wayne County Community College District.

Judy has had an extensive Ice Speedskating career, starting with the US Speedskating National Team, then she was a Olympic Speedskating Trials participant, She was the Michigan State Champion. Judy was apart of the International FISU Games as a US Long Track speedskating team member. She has been a North American Champion, the Age Group Master’s US Short Track Speedskating Champion, the Age Group Master’s US Short Track record breaker for all distances. She has also been a US Master’s National Long Track (metric style) team member and a Master’s World All Round Long Track (metric style) US team member in the Netherlands.

In 2021 Judy participated in the Golf Association of Michigan's Senior World Championship where she received first place in her handicap division and in 2022 she participated in the Michigan Women’s Golf Association State Championships where she also received first place in her handicap division.

She has participated in the MSO golf , Ice Hockey, and Cycling tournaments. She has also participated in the National Senior Games as a golf participant.

Charles C. Van Hoose, III, Chuck started playing racquetball later in life than most players (38years old). He instantly fell in love with the game and realized that he needed something to refuel and replace his competitive drive that had previously satisfied him through organized sports. Those sports started in grade school and continued through college (baseball, track, football, cross country, and wrestling).

He started and has been the sole responsible director for the Motor City Rollout tournament since 2001(25 years and running). The MCR is usually one of the best tournaments each year and is noted to be extremely player friendly. He was voted Ram “Contributor of the Year” in 2005-2006, the “Tournament Director of the Year” in 2014-2015, and again in 2015-2016.

He started participation in the Michigan Senior Olympic State Games in 1998 and has continued to the present. He became the Tournament Director of Racquetball for the State Games in 2007 and continues to this day. He also worked with the State Director and National Director to finally get the National Senior Games sanctioned by USA Racquetball. He continues to promote participation in racquetball through the Senior Olympics.

He became a sponsored player and the Team Leader for the State of Michigan for E-Force Racquetball in 2010 and continues in that role. He is responsible for the nomination and recruitment of players that he feels will best represent both E-Force and for Team Michigan Racquetball.

As a Player, Chuck has played in many World, National, State, Regional, and local events in which he gold medaled and represented the State of Michigan proudly. In total, that’s 7 State, 4 Regional, 1 US open, 19 State Senior Olympic, 2 National Senior Olympic Bronze Medals, 1 Meijer State Games, 20 local championships and 64 second place finishes. Chuck has played in more than130 tournaments. He was a part of Team Hastings and played in tournaments every weekend for 5 straight years. He has played in leagues for 30 years and continues to play weekly.

“There are still things I would like to accomplish as a Leader and Player. I would like to put a few State, Regional, and National titles under my belt before I simply can’t play anymore. I would like to get involved with the RAM board and possibly with the State Senior Olympic board to a larger degree. I will continue to promote racquetball through my association with E-Force as Team Leader for Michigan, Michigan Senior Olympics, and continuing to run the Motor City Rollout every year.

” When asked what people will remember about him, Chuck replied: “That I was a Fierce, but fair competitor and I was always promoting and giving back to the sport of racquetball.”

2023 Hall of Fame Inductees

Joe Hill, was born in Chatham, Ontario and first starting cycling at a young age, riding his mother's bike, later delivering newspapers by bike. Track and field, cross country and volleyball were his primary sports during his school years.

A career in telecommunications took him all over the world, and when he was transferred to Dallas, Texas, a co-worker talked him into entering his first triathlon where he raced alongside a teen-aged Lance Armstrong (who beat him).

His running progressed to a total of 13 marathons all over the U.S. and Canada. The cycling progressed to week-long tours in the mountains of Colorado, and the Hotter than Hell 100 in Texas (in August).

Joe returned to Canada in 2002 and got involved in long-distance cycling, doing Randonneuring rides of 200-600km. He later heard from a friend about the Michigan Senior Olympics. Kalamazoo in 2006 was the first of 15 Michigan Senior Games, and Louisville in 2007 was the first of 8 National Senior Games, during which Joe has earned over 50 medals and ribbons over the years. But in 2014, a nearly-fatal bicycle accident resulted in the loss of use of his right arm. Nerve-graft surgery failed to restore the use of his arm, so in early 2015, Joe got back on the bike and learned to ride one-handed on his Cervelo, rebuilt to put all the shifting on the left side. Joe took that bike to the 2015 National Senior Games and participated in all four cycling events.

He has not looked back, and plans on competing in the Senior Games for many more years"

Rebecca Wieland, has competed in MSO competitions from 2009 through present (ages 67 through 80) in Track & Field and Road Races. She has earned a total of 61 MSO medals: 27 Gold, 21 Silver, 13 Bronze. Rebecca set four MSO State Records: 2012 5K Run, 2018 Triple Jump, 2022 50M Dash and 1500 Power Walk. Rebecca won at least one gold medal in 7 MSO Track and Field events during 2009 - 2022: 5K Run, 50M Dash, 100M Dash, 200M Dash, 400M Run, 800M Run, 1500M Power Walk, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Javelin, Hammer Throw.

In addition, she competed in the Wisconsin Senior Olympics in 2012 qualifying for NSG by earning Golds in 50M Dash, 100M Dash, 200M Dash, 400M Run, 800M Run, and setting a new WSO State Record in Long Jump.

Rebecca has represented Michigan in the National Senior Games in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2022. In total she earned: one Silver in 4X100 Relay; six Bronze medals: one 800M Run, one Long Jump, one 4X100 Relay, and three in different years in Triple Jump; and thirteen NSG Ribbons: one 200M Dash, three in different years in 400M Run, two times in 800M Run, one 1500M Run, one 4X100 Relay, one 5K Road Race, one Long Jump, and one Hammer Throw.

In spite of three major surgeries (Open Heart 2016, Total Hip 2020, 2nd Total Hip 2022), Rebecca returned to competitions, recovering by training for different sports in the MSO as well as local road races.

Rebecca is an advocate for MSO by gathering Midland area participants for photo shoots following MSO summer competitions and National Senior Games, celebrating athlete successes. She then submits articles for publication in the Midland Daily News, including information about the MSO and National Games to encourage more participation by senior athletes.

A personal note: Rebecca was born in St. Louis, MO 1942, lived in Indiana and Wisconsin, then moved to Midland, MI with her husband Bill in 1967. She completed undergraduate at University of Wisconsin - Madison, and graduate degree at Central Michigan University, with a career as nurse, educator, and college administrator, retiring in 1998 as Associate Dean at Delta College.

In 1980 Rebecca began competing in local 5K, 8K, and 10K Road Races every year to the present, medaling in over 170 local events during 43 years. She invites others to run in races with her, encouraging athletic fitness, and demonstrates by example the fun of trying many sports.

Robert R. Doud, was born 4-27-1923 in Battle Creek to Raymond and Doris Doud. He graduated from Battle Creek Central HS in 1941. He attended Michigan Tech where he studied electrical engineering.

In his youth he was an Eagle Scout and always enjoyed swimming and canoeing. He was a lifeguard at Saugatuck. He married Loris Schuster in 1955 and they enjoyed over 50 years of marriage and travel to all 50 states, Canada and Mexico. They had 3 children Mary Ann, Daniel and Thomas. Bob was employed at Clark Equipment for many years as an electrical engineer. After his retirement he joined the Masters Swim Team at the Battle Creek YMCA. He was very successful at swim events and was active in swimming until just a few years ago. He also was a hockey player until his late 60s and a pretty impressive ice skater! He now has a quiet happy retirement. His 100th birthday was celebrated with many friends, family members,his children, all 10 of his grandchildren and all but 1 of his 8 great grandchildren.

Hal & Beth Ambrose, are the first athletes/volunteers to be inducted into the MSO Hall of Fame in the VOLUNTEER category. Beth and Hal Ambrose have volunteered for many years with the Michigan Senior Olympics at multiple events each year. They also supported MSO at fundraisers including the annual Golf Scramble, Tigers games, and many other events. Hal played softball for many years. Beth also participates as an athlete in Golf, Disc Golf, and Corn hole (along with some of her children). They have both contributed so much to the success of the Michigan Senior Olympics over the years. Hal passed away in 2022 but his legacy will live on!

2022 Hall of Fame Inductees

Antoon Huyghe, was born in the year 1931, he immigrated to Canada from Belgium in 1957 and then in 1963 arrived with his family in the Detroit Michigan area, working as a toolmaker. In 1971 his 12-year-old son asked him to start bicycle racing as his son did before in Belgium. That was something Antoon always wanted to do, but his mother never agreed with that. (Yes, his mother was the boss). Since Antoon was going to be his son's coach, he decided that he needed the experience so they both joined the A.B.L American Bicycle League (now Cycling USA) and started racing. Philip was in the intermediate 12 to 15 age category and Antoon was in the Veteran 40 years old and over category. In the second or third year a friend invited Antoon to join the Senior Olympics and he has enjoyed that ever since. The first National Senior Games Antoon attended was in upstate New York and that was a great learning experience for him. Antoon has since participated in most Michigan Senior Olympics games, only missing a couple when he was hurt. Antoon also has competed in a few National Senior games such as Baton Rouge, Pittsburg, West Virginia, New York State, Cleveland, and Orlando. In 2007, Antoon won gold in all 4 the categories of Bicycle races in Louisville, Kentucky. Antoon attended other national Senior Games where he was able to medal and ribbon. Antoon was also racing as a Cycling USA master and won the national Criterium championships in 2001 at Spokane ln Washington State. Antoon also won in 2003 in Louisville Kentucky for the 70 to 74 age group. Most and for all Antoon would like to thank the Michigan Senior Olympics Organization for promoting healthy activities for our Seniors here in Michigan.

Cora Hill, began running at the age of 55, due to the tragic, unexpected death of her son. Running helped her during her grieving process. Initially, she ran long distance running such as the Boston Marathon, the New York Marathon, the Detroit Marathon, then half marathons, 10ks, and 5ks. Later she looked into Track and Field and was inspired. She decided that she would compete in the 400-meter, 800-meter, and the 1500-meter race on the track. She has earned gold in the 800-meter, as well as the 1500-meter. Afterward, she joined the Senior Olympics and began training and competing in the USATF races. She was more confidence, competent, passionate, and was more determined during her competitions. Cora has traveled the world for various games. Cora is thankful for the support and for the friends she has made both locally and internationally. Track and Field has given her self-actualization, and a feeling of belonging to a group that has the same likes and interests that she has. Cora enjoys the sport and continues to train and maintains a lifestyle for competition. Cora became a personal trainer as a result of her passion for health and fitness. In that role, she inspires others to reach their health and fitness goals, no matter what age. She also tries to steer her clients in that direction as a result of being partial to track and field.

Jeffrey Ellis, is from West Bloomfield, Michigan. He began his powerlifting career as a student at Michigan State University as a member of the Michigan State University powerlifting team which was a club sport. In Jeffrey’s senior year he won the 1981 Michigan Intercollegiate Power Lifting Championship in the 181-pound division setting three meet records in the bench press, squat and three lift total for his weight class. Jeffrey continued to lift weights after college but did not compete until he turned 50 when he realized the Michigan Senior Olympics had a bench press competition. Between 2010 and 2022 Jeffrey has competed in the Michigan Senior Olympics twenty-one times winning nineteen of those competitions. Jeffrey has set the Michigan Senior Olympic bench press records in each age group and weight class he has competed in, the 50 – 54, 55 – 59 and 60 – 64 age groups in the 198-pound division. Jeffrey has also competed in bench press competitions with the American Powerlifting Federation and Amateur American Powerlifting Federation. He competed in the master age groups and currently holds the Michigan bench press records for both Federations in the 55 – 59 age group for the 198-pound division. In 2018 Jeffrey competed in the Amateur American Powerlifting Federation’s national championship winning a national title in the 55 – 59 age group.

As the father of five and grandfather of 14, Joe Gormley, entered the Senior Olympics when he was 61. Joe quickly found out that he was finishing last in almost every event except the 100 meter sprint. Joe was in good condition for the Triathlons. Joe learned that The competition didn’t just show up, they also trained too. That’s when Phil, a Senior Olympian started training Joe for three days on the track and for three days in the gym for several weeks. It paid off for Joe when he qualified for the Virginia National Games. Senior Olympics provides Joe a chance to keep fit after retiring from Ford 27 years ago where he was the first Director of Systems Engineering. Joe was a Control System Engineer at Honeywell prior to advancing into the automotive industry. After that Joe follwed this up by doing some years of military work. Joe spent four years on active duty as a trained Combat Medic in the Korean War. Joe then did five years in a Washington DC think-tank where he designed communications and control systems for the Polaris Nuclear Submarine Missile system. Now that Joe trains regulary, he qualities for the National Senior Games much more. Joe just received 5 ribbons and a second place finish for 4 x 100 relay medal in Florida. Joe has no plans to quit as long as he can keep doing it. The Senior Olympics are what keeps his juices flowing.

2021 Hall of Fame Inductees

William (Bill) Betz, and his wife, Marcia, have been ballroom dancing for over 22 years and have competed for 20. Bill and Marcia were amateur ballroom dancers who practiced an average of 3-6 times a week, they even built a ballroom (1500 Sq. feet) in their house so they would always have a place to practice. Bill and Marcia have won many prestigious competitions in various cities in the United States and in Canada. Bill and Marcia have competed in many MSO competitions and found them all to be wonderful. They won best couple 3 times and won all 5 dances multiple times. After Marcia had back surgery, Bill continued to dance with Patricia Pappas for about 5 or 6 years. Bill and Marcia have always hoped that they could give inspiration to all the senior citizens that may think they were too old to dance. Early on in Bill’s life he used to road race motorcycles for 18 years. Bill no longer races motorcycles, and he is no longer able to dance. Though Bill would love to keep on dancing, his legs just will not let him do it. He knows that at some point all good things must come to an end, but that does not stop him from continuing with his other passions in life. Bill is a certified scuba diver, and he has a private pilot’s license. Bill and Marica also own a commercial sign company and have been in business for 67 years! Bill plans to never retire.

Gail Kantak, was born and raised in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Gail attended Michigan State University for undergrad. While at MSU, Gail was on MSU's first ever Women's Varsity Softball team in 1972. Gail went on to attend graduate school at UW Madison, and there she played on the UW Women's Rugby Club team. Gail returned to Michigan in 1984 for a position at Saginaw Valley State University where she is still currently a Professor of Biology. Living in Midland, Gail started running in local 5K road races and participated in city adult leagues for soccer, volleyball, and softball. Gail won many awards while participating in these activities and she also practiced Tae Kwon Do and earned a 3d degree black belt. Gail looked forward to turning 50 so she could start competing in track events in the MSO Games. Since then, Gail has participated in 19 MSO Games. She has won 53 gold medals, 15 silver, and 4 bronze. Gail has also won 8, 1st place ribbons in Track and Field, Bench Press, Volleyball, and Pickleball. She has set 18 MSO records, 1 in the bench press and 17 in Track and Field (50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, High Jump, Shot Put). Gail has represented Michigan in 7 National Senior Games, winning 3 gold medals, 3 silver, 11 bronze, and 11 ribbons. She also set the National Record in the 50m and the 4 x 100m relay. It was not until her 60's that Gail discovered her favorite fitness activity, pickleball. Gail has won 28 medals playing on 52 events in 36 tournaments, most of them were USA Pickleball Association sanctioned tournaments. Gail notes that pickleball is a game in which people of all abilities and ages can have fun playing. She encourages everyone from kids to seniors that are looking for a way to keep active, to try pickleball out, it is the fastest-growing sport in America.

Enrico Odorico, is a Wayne State University graduate. While at Wayne State he majored in Physical Education and played on the football and baseball teams. Enrico began his journey at MSO as a volunteer in 1996 and then in 1997 he began participating in the games. In 1997 he bowled with Del Corey, and they won the National gold in doubles while in Tucson, AZ. He bowled a 299 game and a 734 series. Enrico has also competed in MSO golf and has won 2 state records for age groups 65-69 (score 71), and 70-74 (score 75). He has 1 record in MSO Bowling singles, he nearly bowled a perfect score of 299 (doubles) in NSO Tucson and he has bowled 5 perfect games. Enrico has won 35 gold medals (bowling & golf) in MSO, 1 gold medal and 1 silver in the National Games. Enrico has participated in 9 National Senior Games. He also participates in the MSO fundraisers (Golf scrambles & Jimmy Johns Field, attends other MSO events, and he has even recruited 6 friends to join MSO Golf!

2020 Hall of Fame Inductees

Congratulations to the undefeated Detroit Metro Basketball Team! Members include: Victor Deihl, Raleigh Graves, Fredde Jackson, Robert Kiner, Timothy Przekop, Robert Rossin, Roy McNeely, Roland Bynum, James Bubba Ellison, Dane Mathews, and Jim Price. Together they have won GOLD in six National Senior Games, representing Michigan without a single loss (2003, 2005, 2011, 2013, 2015, & 2017).

George Freeman has participated in the MSO for 20 years participating in Track & Field, Golf, Bowling, Shuffleboard, 5K Run, Swimming, and Triathlon. He is one of the “GREAT 8” having competed at all National Senior Games (16 total) and holds 3 state MSO records. George's personal achievements include running in 27 marathons including 6 Boston marathons, majoring in Health & Physical Education, and coaching Varsity Football, Soccer, Boys and Girls Basketball, wrestling, baseball, and cross-country.

Wendell Dilling has participated in the MSO for 18 year in Track & Field (Indoor & Outdoor), Road Races, Cycling, and Canoeing. Proudly winning 155 MSO Medals (23 Gold, 60 Silver, 72 Bronze, 2 ribbons) and setting 3 state records: 2006 Hammer Throw, 2006 Triple Jump, 2019 Powerwalk 5000M. Along with being a long time MSO Advocate his lifetime accomplishments include a PhD in research chemist, a member of the 1000 mile competition club, he cycled from California to Maine (3,957 miles in 7 weeks), and assisted in getting bike lanes added to streets in Midland.

2019 Hall of Fame Inductees

Lisa A. Hypnar, from Rochester Hills, has a diverse history as an athlete. While at Michigan State University, Lisa competed in gymnastics. She began to play competitive tennis at the age of 36 and continued through 2010. In her 40’s and 50’s she was Midwest tennis singles champion multiple years and was ranked in the top 25 in those age groups. She competed her first and last time in tennis in the 2010 Michigan Senior Olympics where she won both singles and doubles. In 2009 at the age of 55 she joined OPC swim team and began training. Although she learned to swim as a youngster she never swam competitively until the 2010 Michigan Senior Olympics when she swam 4 events, won gold in each event, and set 3 MSO records. Since 2010 Lisa has won 33 gold, 7 silver and 1 bronze and set 12 MSO records. Lisa has represented Michigan at the National level competing at National Senior Games since 2010. She was National Champion in 2015 in 2 events and National Champion in the 200 free in 2019. In 2019 she won 1 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze at National Senior Games. She holds all-time Top Ten finishes for NSGA in multiple age groups and events. In 2012 Lisa became active in US Masters swimming at the State, National and International level. From 2012-2019 she has won 18 gold, 7 silver and 2 bronze at the State Championships. In 122 events swum within the US Masters from 2012-2019, Lisa has won 58 gold, 27 silver and 5 bronze

Howard Booth, three time World Pole Vault Champion, retired EMU volunteer pole vault coach, and EMU Emeritus Biology Professor has over the last 15 years competed in nearly every MSO T&F meet; winning 22 gold,12 silver and 5 bronze medals while setting 10 records in pole vault (5) long jump, 50m, 60m, 60 hurdles, and the 300m. He has traveled to National Senior Games of America 5 times winning pole vault, 4x100 relay, silver in long jump and a total of 10 medals. In the NSGA listings of All-Time Top Pole Vaulters he is ranked 4th . In world championships, he has vaulted for 3 golds, run on Team USA for silver in the 4x100 relay and place top 10 in three other events. At world regionals he has won 4 gold and a total of 7 medals. Nationally he is a nine time national pole vault champion, also winning 9 golds collectively in long jump, sprints, hurdles, and relays to earning a total of 60 national medals. Howard has been the MSO ambassador to Washtenaw Co. for 10 years, twice represented MSO marching in the NSGA Parades of Athletes and he with his wife Lu, had display tables in MSO’s Poster Session at Blue Cross Blue Shield Conference “dispelling the myths of old age” in 2018 as a life-long advocate of the principles of the MSO. Howard practices and preaches participation for all, clean competition, friendship, sharing and reinforcing a healthy lifestyle. Howard’s research, teaching, and speaking engagements strongly support this long, strong healthy lifestyle.

Janet Brady lives in Canton, MI, and has been involved with the Michigan Senior Olympics since 2009. She started throwing events at the MSO at the age of 51 and has won 164 medals in local, state, and national competitions. She received the 2017 Canton Achiever Award for representing Canton, Michigan in sports. In 2016, she received the National Congress of State Games Adult Female Athlete of the Year and was the first Michigan adult to receive this award. Also, in 2016, she won the Meijer State Games of Michigan Adult Female Athlete of the Year. Janet has been and is currently a Michigan Senior Olympics record holder. She received the 2016 Canton Community Support Award for all of her volunteer work in the Canton Community. She won 31 Gold, 8 Silver, and 5 Bronze so far in Michigan Senior Olympics and participated in track and field events (hammer throw, discus, shot put, javelin, long jump), horseshoes, shuffleboard, powerlifting and volleyball. Janet has received 101 gold, 40 silver, 23 bronze from Canton Western Wayne County Senior Olympics (WWCSO), MSO, USATF, Meijer Michigan State Games, Canton Senior Game, State Games of America and National Senior Olympics. Janet has received letters, special tributes, and certificate of recognition for all of her accomplishments in sports from the Michigan Governor, US Senator, Michigan Senator, US Congressman, and Michigan Representative. Despite having no experience in track and field, she learned the basics from YouTube and suggestions from the other participants.

2018 Hall of Fame Inductees

Kurt Olzmann, from Rochester, MI, has been involved with the Michigan Senior Olympics since 2008 and a strong advocate ever since. The past few years has found him coaching swimmers at the Older Persons’ Commission, many who now are MSO swim participants. He began swimming shortly after retiring with the simple objective of getting some exercise. Since then he has set more then 20 MSO swimming records (age groups 60/65/70) and has been a National Champion in National Senior games. He began swimming with US Masters Swimming (USMS) in 2015. His current USMS resume includes 10 Michigan Masters Swimming records, more then 30 USMS Top Ten ranks, multiple All-American awards, 5 national records and 3 world records.

Chuck Sochor, of Gowen, MI, began his running carrier when he was asked to run with the Grand Valley University Track Team at the age of 60 as an honoree member to provide motivation to the team. He ran with them for 14 years! Starting in 1989 he began to run in Nationals and the World Champion, (Won the World Record for most Gold Medals (8) won at a single World Championship) which led him to eventually race in the West Michigan Golden Games and Michigan Senior Olympics. Chuck has broken many records in his days of running. His greatest accomplishment was winning the gold at York University Toronto, Canada Meet. He beat all the age groups in the 100-400. (No one has ever done that.) He won a total of 23 National Championship titles and 12 World medals, including 6 gold medals at age of 71.

Janet Sanderson, from Quincy, MI, started cycling at the age of 65 after reading an article in the local Midland paper about MSO. After graduating from Western Michigan she married Marion Sanderson, (just celebrated 60 years of marriage) and raised four children. Janet has been a swim instructor, 5th grade teacher, and currently a full time Farmer with her husband. She still has time to cycle about 400 minutes a week with two rest days. Janet currently holds 8 state has participated in the MSO since 2001 as an Athlete & Ambassador. Janet has displayed so much determination throughout the years that one year she fell and broke 7 ribs and still finished the race! After 6 years of pushing forward to the National games, she finally won gold in her division.

2017 Hall of Fame Inductees

Clara “Lulu” Gamble of Kalamazoo has been involved in the Michigan Senior Olympics since 1990. She has participated in various events throughout the years including Pickleball, Badminton, Racquetball, Powerlifting, and Track & Field. Lulu has also attended several National Senior Games competitions and represented Michigan by bringing home multiple medals. She also holds several state records in javelin and shot put. "The most popular kid on the block had a bat and ball. I was not that kid. Few sporting activities were available in my youth especially if you were a "southern belle"." After my wage earning years I discovered the senior games and started to sample as many as available. What fun. Wonderful friends surfaced. Aided by some super pals, I have had many experiences on the state and national level. Winning a lot of medals impresses my family and friends. To me, they are reminders of good times and fun with a host of playmates.

Stan Koster, currently a resident of Zeeland, has always competed in athletics, including winning 12 varsity letters in three sports in the small rural high school in McBain. He continued competing in numerous track and field events at Calvin College where he was a record holder in pole vault and javelin. In 2000 he returned to competition by competing in the Senior Olympics, focusing on the javelin, all as part of rehab from a bout with cancer. Stan has competed in the MSO games 14 times, winning the gold every year except his first year. He holds the state record for age brackets (65,70,75,80). He has also competed in numerous National Senior Games, winning the gold medal 5 times (2001, 2005, 2007, 2011 and 2015) breaking the national record in Houston in 2011. He currently is listed in the top 10 national performances in three age categories (70,75, 80). And in 2005 Stan won the World Masters Games javelin competition in Edmonton, Canada. “MSO has been an important part of my life and I am most grateful for this. At a time when I needed to refocus Senior Olympics provided an opportunity. Along the way we have met some wonderful people who have enriched our lives in ways that likely would not have happened without these experiences.”

Manny Hauer is a good example of why a healthy active lifestyle is something for which we should all strive, Manny is 106 years old. When asked for his advice for living a long life he always says walk daily, eat healthy foods, and limit red meat. He said that the MSO played a large roll in his ability to implement his philosophy. Manny Competed at 100 years old and the last time at 101 years old. He won a gold medal and set the record for 100+. The Olympic committee had to establish a new category of 100+ for Manny. He also holds the record for 95+ years old. The Michigan Senior Olympics gave Manny a focus for his life. As soon as he completed one race he began training for the next year’s race. He was an inspiration not only to those who competed in the Olympics with him but too many people in the community who know him. His perseverance and resilience has been a wonderful example and inspiration to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and other family and friends.

2016 Hall of Fame Inductees

Frederick Winter from Holland, Michigan is a U.S Navy Veteran who served during World War II. He has participated in many different sports while competing with the Michigan Senior Olympics. He has held multiple National Records including Shot Put, Discus, Hammer throw, 50M run and 100M run. He made history while at the National Senior Olympics by being the first man over the age of 100 to complete the 100-meter run. He is also one of six individuals being featured in a Chicago museum exhibit focusing on centenarians from across the country. Frederick generously gives his medals away to those that are needy or deserving of them. He is a true testament to how far determination can take an individual.

Dorothy Comstock Ray was the type of individual that inspired everyone around her. After 33 years of teaching Dorothy retired and soon after was introduced to the love of walking. She started competing at the age of 70 with a quest for the Gold. At the age of 82 she had already earned over 100 medals and represented Michigan in five National Senior Games. She held the records in her age group for Shot Put, Javelin, Discus, 1500M Run, 800M Run 400M Run and 100M Run at the age of 85. Dorothy enjoyed participating in the Michigan Senior Olympics and was a fierce competitor.

Michael Fiorillo competed for the first time with The Michigan Senior Olympics in 1985. He only missed 3 years due to injury and earned over 100 medals while competing. He has competed in many different events including softball, volleyball, badminton, and track & field where he set the triple jump record in 2010 and he still continues to participate to this day. He spent many years traveling around to different competitions. He also spent much of his life starting programs for mentally and emotionally disturbed children in Michigan State Hospitals. Due to his instrumental work in starting the organization, MATEDC (Michigan Association of Teachers of Emotionally Disturbed Children) he was recognized with the “Outstanding to Service Youth Award”. He has seven children and has been a member of Sigma Delta PSI, a National Honorary Athletic Fraternity, since 1953. Michael has changed the lives of many individuals, and continues to do so everyday.

2015 Hall of Fame Inductees

Hilary Goerge, from Lansing, MI, resumed his post-collegiate throwing career in 1984 and has been participating in MSO events since he became eligible in 1998, missing only the 2009 & 2011 meets. He routinely sets age group records when he enters a new age group and currently holds 8 MSO records dating to 2001 in the javelin, shot put, discus, and hammer throw. Hilary has participated in 10 events during 4 National Senior Games and has come away with 8 medals, including 3 golds in shot put and discus. He set national meet records in the shot put in 2003 and 2005 and still has shot put distances ranked #2 & #6 in the National Senior Games Association Top 10 Performances list for the 55-59 age group and #2 in the 65-69 age group. He also has distances ranked in the Top 10 for discus and hammer throw. In addition to the MSO Hall of Fame, Hilary also is a member of the Alma College Hall of Fame as a member of record setting football and track teams.

Marika Blumerick has been an athlete since she was a teenager. At a very young age, she lost her hearing, and sports were an area where “hearing” didn’t really matter and she could express her inner competitive passion. In 2004, at the age of 60, she started to participate in dozens of Michigan and National Senior Olympics Games and other sporting competitions racking up well over 150 medals in various sports including discus, javelin, shot put, basketball free throws, 5k Cycling Time Trail, Race walk, 100M Run, 50M Run, Powerlifting, Pickleball, and long jump.

Jerry White has competed in many events every year at the Michigan Senior Olympics since 1993 (22 years). He has won 53 gold medals in Track & Field, Road Race, and Race Walk events. Mr. White has held state records for his age group in the 400 and 800 meter runs

2014 Hall of Fame Inductees

Art & Mary Holland from Grand Rapids, MI began participating in the MSO Track & Field and shuffleboard events since 1986 and Mary since 1988 with support from their family and friends. Together they have been champions all the way until Arts passing in May of 2005. Mary is still participating and breaking records in the MSO at the age of 90 years old

James Kales from Whitmore Lake, MI is still participating in the MSO games at the age of 99. He has participated in Track & Field, Bowling & his favorite Tennis. Mr. Kales has broken many state records since he began with the Michigan Senior Olympics. He will be celebrating his 100th birthday Sept. 24, 2014.

Jerry Gawura from Canton, MI has been involved in the MSO Softball tournaments from 1988 until 2010. She is also in the 2012 National Senior Softball Hall of Fame, USATF Master Champion, played in the 1988 National Senior Softball games, and won 1st in the USSSA 70+ games from 2002-2008.

Wally Dobler, from Lansing, MI has been in involved with the MSO since 1989 in Swimming and Triathlon. Wally is an current MSO Ambassador for Ingham County. His Swimming resume reads 18 time All-American, 13 national records, five world records, and 19 national championship meet titles since 1973.

Lois Kivi Nochman who currently resides in Rochester Hills, MI began swimming competitively in her early 60’s when she joined a Masters Swim group in 1988. She currently holds 39 MSO Swim records in three age groups dating back to 2000. She also has received the Michigan Masters Swimming Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 and is in the US Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame.

2014 Hall of Fame Distinguished Members

Marye Miller has been Chair of the MSO Board for 35 years. She was one of the founding members of the National Senior Games Association where she also served on the Board of Directors. Marye has volunteered many hours and dollars into keeping the Michigan Senior Olympics going for all these years. We appreciate all her hard work and dedication keeping the MSO dream alive!

Mary Boes served as MSO Coordinator for many years. She always filled in whenever needed with a smile on her face as a sports coordinator and participant. We have the annual Mary Boes 5K Fun Run/Walk in her honor. Mary passed away in 2010 and is greatly missed.