43
Poland Athletic Hall of Fame inductees honored
Photo
Neighbors | Sarah Foor .The inductees into the 2011 class of Poland Athletic Hall of Fame gathered during Poland's Sept. 16 home game to celebrate the honor. The inductees are, from left, Mel Klinger, Jim Perry, Don Christian, Eric Spiegel, Candace Bates, Jeff Wiery, and representing posthumously inducted athlete Micah Harris, Diane and Rick Harris. Inductee Kenneth Granger was unable to attend the festivities.
By SARAH FOOR
There were more than just well-wishers in the crowd of Bulldog fans at Poland Seminary High School’s Sept. 16 football game. That night, seven athletes and one family gathered to celebrate their induction into the Poland Athletic Hall of Fame and honor their contributions to the proud legacy of Poland sports.
The ceremony for the inductees began with a pregame tailgate party, where friends, family, and colleagues gathered to congratulate the athletes on their initiation.
“This year’s inductees are a very unique group of athletes,” explained Hall of Fame committee chairman Rocky Nattoli. “Today, we’re inducting our very first golfer into our ranks. We’re also very proud that this class represents many championship teams throughout our athletic history.”
Inductees in the 2011 Poland Hall of Fame include Kenneth Granger ‘36, a champion runner; Don Christian ‘69, star baseball pitcher; Poland baseball and football coach Mel Klingler; Eric Spiegel ‘76, star student and athlete and current CEO of Siemans USA; Candace Bates ‘00, a basketball, soccer and track dynamo; Jim Perry ‘90, golf all-star; Jeff Wiery ‘00, track star and starter on the 1999 championship football team; and Micah Harris ‘01, honored posthumously for his skills in football and basketball.
With their induction into the Hall of Fame, the honorees will be remembered and offer inspiration to future athletes in Poland.
“The induction is a great honor. I’m very humbled,” shared inductee Mel Klinger at the Sept. 16 event.
“In all my years of coaching, and since I’ve retired, I’ve found that Poland sports has a wonderful focus on tradition and a warm family atmosphere. It’s great to be part of that permanently,” added Klinger.