Athletic Hall of Fame

Student Athlete 1961-1965

Richie Jordan was an All-American in basketball and football. He earned 16 Varsity Letters which being honored 4 times All-State in basketball and 3 times in football. He was named the 1965 Western Michigan Athlete of the year. He set several records, including career and season records in basketball. In 1999 Richie was nominated by the Michigan High School Athletic Association to the National High School Hall of Fame and was inducted in 2001. He is currently 1 of 8 athletes from the state of Michigan to be inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame.

Basketball - Averaged 44.4 points per game, with 888 points in 20 games his Senior year to raise his career total to 2,210 points. Career average of 31.1 points per game. He ended his career with a 60-point performance in the state regionals (a state record). Averaged 51.2 points his final two seasons in tournament play.

Football - Scored 25 touchdowns his Senior season. In 86 carries he averaged 14.5 years per carry with a career total of 5,132 yards and 47 touchdowns.

Track & Field - 3-time Conference and Regional Champion, helped his team win the Conference title and a third-place finish at the state meet, scoring all the team points.

Baseball - Batted a .550 his Senior year to help his baseball team win its 4th consecutive Conference Championship.

Coach 1959-1990

Coach Morehead coached 26 Varsity teams in his time at Fennville. He is the only coach in West Michigan's history to be named Holland Sentinel's All Area "Coach of the Year" in basketball, football, and baseball. He won this distinction not only once but twice in each sport.

Coach Morehead's basketball teams gave him a career record of 122 wins in Varsity Boys Basketball. During 13 seasons, his teams won 13 MHSAA state tournament games, including 2 conference championships, 3 district championships, and playing in 2 regional finals. The 1984-85 basketball team registered 20 wins in a single season.

Coach Morehead's football teams won 34 games, which include 3 league championships and 3 consecutive undefeated seasons. The Varsity baseball team won a total of 6 conference titles under his leadership. In 1957 he coached the first track team to participate in conference track meets and then recruited George Bruder to take over the FHS track program.

Coach Morehead holds the distinction of coaching in five decades, 50's through 90's.

About Fennville...Coach Morehead always said " Miracles still happen, this day and age it's true. I'll always give thanks to God, and Fennville, for all my years with you."
 

Student Athlete 1945-1965

1949 Graduate Arthur Bowie says that athletics made him "a better man". Art participated in football, basketball, and baseball throughout his career as a Blackhawk. In basketball, Art made a free throw to put the Blackhawks into overtime to eventually win against an undefeated Hopkins team. Art was the first Lions Club Award winner, given to the best all-around male athlete. After graduation, Art had many try-outs and stints with professional baseball teams and earned semi-pro, all-state honors while playing for the South Haven Merchants.

Student Athlete 1957-1961

1961 Graduate John Damanskas says, "Athletics showed him how to be a part of a successful team, which when functioning well can achieve a goal or honor". John participated in basketball, football and in 1960, became the first All-State Athlete in Fennville High School history. After graduation, John played football at Michigan State University for one year and later received his BS in Medical Technology. He then graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Detroit Dental School.

Student Athlete 1974-1978

Coach 1986-2004

Sue Martin, a 1978 graduate, and the first female inductee into the FHS Athletic Hall of Fame, says, "Coaching and participating in sports at FHS has been very rewarding for me. Both have given me life-long memories". Sue participated in basketball and track during her Blackhawk career. In basketball, Sue was named All-Conference for three years, earned All-Area honors, and was 3rd team All-State. In track, Sue placed at regionals in the hurdles for three years. Sue also placed in the high jump for three years at both the regional and state meet. She was also conference champion in the high jump and hurdles and still holds the FHS school record in the high jump. After graduation, Sue played basketball for Central Michigan University for two years. After returning to Fennville, Sue coached Girls basketball and softball, winning the conference tournament championship in 2001.

Student Athlete 1982-1986

Football - 2 Varsity Letters, 1986 All-Conference, All-Area, Honorable Mention All-State

Basketball - 2 Varsity Letters, 1986 All-Conference, All-Area, All-State, Academic All-State

Baseball - 4 Varsity Letters, All-Conference ('84, '85, '86), MVP ('84, '85, '86), Batting Champion ('85, '86)

Baseball - College - Grand Valley State University - All-Gliac 1st Team ('89), All-Gliac Honorable Mention ('90), All-Academic Team ('90)

Student Athlete 1949-1953

Coach 1960-2004

1953 graduate Larry Morse says, "Playing sports and coaching them gives a chance to share in team play and to see young people gain success while participating in athletics." Larry participated in football, basketball, and baseball during his FHS career. After graduation from FHS, Larry played three years of Varsity Baseball at Central Michigan University earning Most Valuable Player his senior year. Larry returned to FHS, where he started the Blackhawk wrestling program and coahced a wrestling team to a top 10 finish in state competition. He also coached FHS to it's first Regional Basketball victory. In baseball, Larry coached the Blackhawks to over 300 victories and the first District Baseball Championship.

Student Athlete 1968-1972

Coach 1978-1995

Only athlete in FHS history to earn 5 Varsity Letters in one school year.

Football - 2 Varsity Letters, A-O All-Conference End 1971

Basketball - 2 Varsity Letters, A-O All-Conference Guard 1972 2nd Team

Baseball - 4 Varsity Letters - A-O All Conference Shortstop 1972, Team MVP 1971, 1972

Cross Country - 1 Varsity Letter, A-O All-Conference & Regional 1st Place, All-State 1971 6th place finish, 3rd Place Team finish at State Meet

Track & Field - 1 Varsity Letter, A-O All-Conference Distance Events, Captured school records in (800m, 1600m, 3200m), 8th place finish in 3200m at State Meet

College - Cross Country - Albion College - 2 Varsity Letters

Coaching: 15 years Girls Varsity Basketball Coach, 15 years JV Boys Basketball Coach, 3 years JV Boys Baseball Coach

Student Athlete 1985-1989

1989 graduate Eric Wheeler says, "Athletics will teach you to be the best you can be in life. The lessons learned in sports will give you confidence in yourself and position you to achieve whatever you want in your future endeavors." Eric earned 8 Varsity Letters in his Blackhawk career. He was selected All-conference, All-Area and Honorable Mention All-State his senior year in football. He was a two time state qualifier competing in the shot put and was the 1989 shot put Class C State Champion. He held the school and conference records in that event as well. After graduation, Eric went on to a superb football career at Olivet College where he earned Freshman of the Year honors and was a member of a conference championship team his junior year. 

Student Athlete 1991-1995

"Athletics has affored me the opportunity to succeed as a college student-athlete as well as at the professional lever." 1995 graduate Frank Alfieri IV says. "It teaches you to develop a strong work ethis, team work and dedication; all of which you need to succeed, every day, in a professional environment. During his standout career at FHS, Frank was selected as the 1994-1995 West Michigan Athlete of the Year. Frank participated in football, basketball and baseball. He earned 1st Team All-State honors in football, basketball, and was the 1995 Michigan All-Star in baseball. After graduation, Frank went to a superb baseball career at Western Michigan University setting numerous career, season, and game records. Additional honors included: 1st Team All-Mac, Runner-up MAC Player of the Year, and 1st Team All Region. After college, Frank player professional Minor League baseball with the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Nettuno Indians, and Canton Crocodiles.

Student Athlete 1984-1989

1988 graduate Travis Cossey has learned many life lessons by participating in athletics. "The values and lessons that are learned through participating in athletics teach you how to work within a group to achieve a common goal." Over the course of his Blackhawk career, Travis earned 9 Varsity Letters. Among his accomplishments, Travis earned All-Conference honors in football, basketball, and baseball. He also earned All-Area honors in football and basketball as well as 1st team All-State in football. After graduation, Travis went to Hope College and participated in football and basketball.

Student Athlete 1959-1963

Coach 1978-1990

1963 graduate Jan Howard says, "Whether you are teaching/coaching, accomplishing goals and seeing the end result is very rewarding. Participating in athletics will give you insights about what life is all about." Jan coached varsity softball and varsity cross country for 5 years. Before Fennville offered an inter-scholastic girls basketball program in the late 60's, Jan started a girls basketball program. After her coaching career, Jan served as a MSHAA basketball official for twenty plus years. Highlights of her officiating career include officiating the 1978 and 1979 state girls basketball tournament finals.

Student Athlete 1965-1969

1969 graduate Tom Wolters says, "Athletics will teach you two things. First, once you are involved in something - you stick with it until the end. Secondly, you give it your best shot and everything else will take care of itself." Tom earned 11 Varsity Letters in his Blackhawk career. During his career at FHS, Tom participated in basketball, track, football, and baseball. he was a member of the 1967 and 1968 district basketball championship teams. Tom was an All-Conference and two time All-State Honorable Mention in basketball. After graduation, Tom went on to a great basketball career at Hope College where he won 4 Varsity Letters, earned All-Conference Honorable Mention honors and was the team captain his senior year. After college, Tom taught and coached in Zeeland Public Schools from 1974-1999.

Student Athlete 1961-1965

1965 graduate Chuck Green says, "Participating in sports has given him many life long friendships." Chuck participated in baseball, basketball, football and track. Over the course of his Blackhawk career, Chuck earned 14 Varsity Letters. Among his accomplishments, Chuck earned All-Conference honors is football and track. He also earned All-State Honorable Mention honors in football. In track, Chuck was a two time league champion in both the 100 and 200 yard dash. He was a member of two league football championships, three league track championships and four league baseball championships. After graduation, Chuck was actively involved in coaching and officiating. 

Student Athlete 1995-1999

1999 graduate Amber Craddock has learned many life lessons by participating in athletics. "Athletics teaches you to test yourself, learn from your mistakes and most importantly to support and encourage others." Amber participated in basketball and track during her Blackhawk career. She excelled in track by qualifying and placing at the State meet all four years (1996 - 400m 3rd place, 1997 - 400m 8th place and 200m 4th place, 1998 - 400m 1st place and 200m 2nd place, 1999 - 400m 2nd place and 200m 7th place). She also earned Academic All-State Honors in 1997 as well as Detroit Free Press Scholar-Athlete in 1999. After graduation, Amber attended Albion College. 

Student Athlete 1963-1967

FHS graduate Bill Barron said, "Athletics has given me life long friends and taught me to hold nothing back - play every game like it was your last." Over the course of his Blackhawk career, Bill earned 10 Varsity Letters. Bill participated in cross country, basketball and track. He was a member of the 1965 and 1967 Class C District Basketball Championship Teams and the 1964 Regional Cross Country Championship Team. He was also nominated to the Basketball All-State Honorable Mention Team in 1966 and 1967. After graduating in the top 10 of his class he was a sponsored competitive windsurfer from 1993-1996. 

Community Member at Large

Stan moved to Fennville and established Alexander's Drug Store in 1965. During his time in Fennville, Stan was a strong supporter and made significant contributions to Fennville Athletic Programs. 

He served as an official starter for track and cross country for over 20 years and was given a plaque by the MHSAA for his dedication. A soda fountain was located in the drugstore and he would give free sundaes to all team members when they won a game.

Stan gave the greatest effort and stood firm in his determination toward Blackhawk Athletics and the needs of the program. He always supported and promoted school board issues and was the driving force behind building George Bruder Memorial Field as well as supporting the installation of the first electronic scoreboard on the football field. He was a True Blackhawk and FPS man. 

Student Athlete 1981-1985

A 1985 graduate of FHS, Joe Cossey states, "Playing high school athletics taught me hard work, teamwork, trust, discipline, desire and fortitude; all have helped me to become a successful adult." During his Blackhawk career, Joe earned a total of 8 Varsity Letters. Among his accomplishments, Joe had a .497 batting average his junior year, rushed for 1227 yards his senior year, and earned All-State Honorable Mention Honors in football. After graduation, Joe went on to play football at Hope College, receiving an Offensive MVP award and catching the game tying touchdown that put Hope College into he playoffs for the first time in school history. After college, Joe served as the varsity assistant football coach at Fennville High School, South Haven High School, West Ottawa High School and Muskegon High School, coaching at the latter when they won the State Championships in 2004, 2006 and 2008. Joe's commitment to sports and education is clearly evident given his years of dedication.

Student Athlete 1943-1948

Participating in athletics meant everything to 1948 graduate Everett Barnes. "I wanted to be the best that I could be, so as a young boy I remember tossing the baseball on the roof and the house to practice catching." During his Blackhawk career, Everett participated in football, basketball and baseball, earning a total of 12 Varsity Letters. Among his accomplishments, Everett had over a .400 career batting average during four years of varsity baseball. His biggest would-be thrill turned out to be a disappointment as well as a life lesson. Everett recalls going undefeated in football with the last game of the year. The team believed they had already won the game in the locker room, but lost the game on the field to Martin, 6-0. After graduation, Everett tried out for the Chicago Cubs and was offered a Minor League contract; however, he decided to return home to make more money at Michigan Fruit Canners for the family. Once he returned to Fennville, he played shortstop and second base for the South Haven Merchants. Everett continues to make sports a part of his life and is a vital member of the Fennville community. 

Student Athlete 2008-2011

Wes was one of the most dedicated and beloved athletes in Fennville's proud athletic history. During his three-year Blackhawk career, Wes earned 7 Varsity Letters and numerous accolades while leading his teams to conference and district championships.

In football Wes was named to the SAC All-Conference teams a combined 5 times on offense and defense. Following his junior year (2010), Wes was named AP Honorable Mention All State for a season in which he passed for 2,590 yards and accounted for 40 total touchdowns (33 passing and 7 rushing) in eight games. That season Wes also set MHSAA records for touchdown passes in a game (7) and for touchdown passes in a half (6).

In basketball Wes earned SAC All Conference honors three times and was named AP Honorable All State as a sophomore (2010). In 2011, Wes' junior season, he earned First Team All State honors from both the Associated Press and the Detroit Free Press. Wes accumulated 1,146 career points and was a member of the 2010-2011 undefeated (20-0) regular season team - the first such team in school history.

His athletic prowess and passion for competition made him one of the greatest athletes ever to wear a Blackhawk uniform. Wes' ready smile and caring personality made him a fan favorite and brought people together. Through is life and athletic career were tragically cut short, his legacy will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him.

Student Athlete 2002-2006

Luke McFarland graduated from FHS in 2006 after establishing himself as one of the all-time greats in Blackhawk athletics. He was an All-State and All-Area football standout for the Blackhawks, recognized by the Holland Sentinel as a Dream Team member in both football and basketball. He was MVP and Team Captain during his senior year and in his final season of Blackhawk basketball he was ranked fourth in the state for three-point shooting.

McFarland's biggest thrill as a Blackhawk came during the regional semifinal football game against Mendon in 2005. Having just returned from a long injury, McFarland played wide receiver instead of his regular running back position, to protect his injured shoulder. He had eleven catches during the game, including a crowd-thrilling 55-yard touchdown catch thrown by Tyler Sessions. He remembers feeling on top of the world listening to the roar of the Blackhawk crowd.

McFarland said he will always remember playing for his hometown of Fennville. "The friendships and family feel of athletics is something that is hard to find anywhere else." he said. "Participating in sports teaches you more life lessons than you realize at the time. It teaches you how to be a part of something bigger, how to work as a team to achieve a greater goal, and how to master your own athleticism." McFarland encourages each student athlete who wears the Blackhawk uniform to always keep moving forward towards the goals they've set, and to work hard to live a balanced life.

Coach 1986-2012

Tim Schipper was a FHS teacher and coach for twenty-six years. As a football coach he recorded a 123-95 career record and was named an Associated Press 2010 Michigan Coach of the Year. His teams qualified for the state playoffs seven times and won a district title in 2004. Coach Schipper's teams won numerous conference titles and he coached numerous All-State and All-Conference players. Former players refer to Coach Schipper as a great coach, but also a man of great integrity, sincerity, and humility.

Coach Schipper remembers many thrilling moments of the sidelines and considers himself lucky to have worked and coached in Fennville. "I've been very fortunate to have so many thrills, both personally and professionally." he said. "I had the good fortune of coaching many outstanding student-athletes and great kids, all of whom contributed to great wins and happy moments, but often it was watching an average player work hard and perform at levels far above his expectations that made coaching the best job in the world. Coaching is just teaching students to work hard reach their potential and that hard work pays off."

Coach Schipper reminds Blackhawks that athletics is a place where students can learn things they will not learn in the academic part of school. "Athletics teaches you to get back up when you are tired and hurting, both physically and mentally. In the athletic program, students get to experience the thrill of competition and the joy that comes from belonging to a team." He says it is one of his biggest rewards to see former players who have now entered the real work, knowing that the skills and experiences they learned in athletics have a great deal to do with their lasting success.

Student Athlete 1956-1960

During his athletic career at FHS, 1960 graduate David Turner won 1st Team All-Conference honors in four sports: football, basketball, baseball, and track. Turner also held school and conference records in the 220-yard dash, and a regional record in the broad jump. David was a member of the Blackhawk football team that won 28 straight regular season games, never losing a regular season game during his high school playing career.

After graduation David joined the navy and had the thrill of playing baseball while in Hawaii.

Turner enjoyed passing on his knowledge to his grandkids, including many lessons he learned as a Fennville Blackhawk. "Participating in athletics prepared me for life in the real world." Turner said. "I was able to build long-lasting friendships, learn how to win and lose with class, and to always have respect for others."

Student Athlete 1978-1982

Lettered in football, basketball, and track & field

Athletic Honors: 1981 All State Track & Field, 1982 Football MVP, 1982 Allegan Ottawa Conference Team, 1982 All Area Holland Sentinel Football Team, 1982 Track & Field MVP, Allegan Ottawa Conference Team in 1980,81,82. 1982 All Area Holland Sentinel Team, Received the Fennville Pullman Athlete Award 1982.

Career highlights: 1980 Track & Field school record 440 dash 51.3, 1981 Track & Field record 4x440 relay - anchor 44.9, 1981 Track & Field 7 records broken. 1981 440 dash State Runner Up.

Biggest thrill in athletics "Being part of a team that respected and trusted their teammates and being part of a team that worked hard but at times know how to have fun."

Student Athlete 1963-1967

Coach 2001-2013

Lettered in Football, Baseball, Basketball and Track & Field

Athletic Honors: Lions Club Award, MVP in football, Honorable Mention All-State Full Back and Inside Linebacker, State Qualifier 800 Track & Field, Golden Gloves Champion as well.

Career Highlights: Playing and competing with the athletes of the 1965 class who dominated. Football, baseball, basketball and track & field for 4 years. Coming up to varsity ball as a sophomore to play in undefeated seasons starting full back. Received a letter from Miami of Ohio College to try out for the football team. Was a Golden Gloves light heavy weight champion state qualifier in 1968.

Post-Graduation Achievements: Coached Varsity Track 2001-2001, volunteered 2011-2013. Coached 4 school records: Brandon Schipper 1600m, Joseph Schut discus, Leo Banaszack 100m, 1600m relay - Joseph Schut, Leo Banaszak, Matt Helser and Marc Murphy. Has worked for FPS and prepared the football field that we use for pictures and which was also entered in a State Turf competition and came in second to Detroit only because of the other use (soccer) the field endured.

"I thank God for the gift of being an athlete. Participating in whatever sport I was in was just a desire to compete and enjoy the common bond we had as classmates and teammates.

Student Athlete 1992-1996

Lettered in Volleyball, Basketball and Track & Field

Athletic Honors: 1993-1996 Track & Field State Qualifier, All-Conference, All-Area, All-Region, MVP. 1996 Basketball All-Conference, All-Area, Honorable Mention All-State. 1996 Volleyball All-Conference, All-Area.

Career Highlights: Scored 29 points in a basketball game, Hold the school record in track for: Shuttle Hurdle Relay, 100m. Was a member of the 1994 SAC Championship team.

Post Graduation Achievements: Received a basketball scholarship to KVCC where she played one year of college basketball.

Student Athlete 2001-2005

Lettered in Football (3), Basketball (3), Baseball (2), Track (4)

Athletic Honors: Football All-Conference 3 years, All-Area Team 2 years: GR Press, Holland Sentinel & Allegan Gazette, Team Captain & MVP 2003. Basketball 1st Team All-Conference 2005. Baseball All-Conference 2005. Track MVP 2005, State Qualifier High Jump.

Career Highlights: Captain of football team that won the first playoff game in school history. Received Lion's Club Award 2005. Graduated with Honors (3rd in class) and NHS Member.

Post Graduation Achievements: Alma College Football (lettered 2005-2008), Alma's Defensive Player of the Year 2007-2008, MIAA Honor Roll Athletes 2007-2008, Second Team All-Conference 2008.

"Playing sports at Fennville has shaped me into the person I am today. I had the chance to develop lifelong friendships with my teammates and coaches, whom I still count on and cherish to this day. Being an athlete helps instill discipline, builds character, teaches you to push yourself through adversity and shows you what you are actually capable of accomplishing with hard work. Being an athlete will help set you up to succeed in every aspect of life."

Student Athlete 1980-1984

Lettered in Basketball (4 years) and Track & Field (4 years)

Athletic Honors: Basketball - Class C Honorable Mention All-State '83, MVP '83, A-O Conference Champions '83

Career Highlights: Led the Blackhawks in scoring and rebounding throughout her 4 year career in basketball. Finished with 825 career points and 1011 career rebounds (school record). Averaged a double-double senior season with 14.4 pts and 16.3 boards per game, with a shooting percentage of 43%. Helped to lead the Blackhawks to a best 18-3 record in 1983, which included a 14 game winning streak.

Biggest thrill in athletics: Defeating a state ranked Saugatuck squad that was previously undefeated, with a 21 point and a 25 rebound performance. The 51-41 victory propelled the team to their next victory over a very talented Paw Paw squad.

"Participating in athletics taught me the value of teamwork. When you spend all those hours with your teammates you bond and as a result are lifelong friends."

Student Athlete 1970-1973

Lettered in Wrestling (4 years) and Track & Field (4 years)

Athletic Honors: Wrestling MVP and Team Captain '73, Most Improved Player '71

Career Highlights: Wrestling 1971 State Qualifier, seeded first at Regional Tournament, 1973 State Qualifier, seeded first at Regional Tournament, Undefeated personal record '72 & '73, Undefeated Team record '73. Track 1973 State Qualifier 880 Relay.

Athletic Contributions after High School: coached little league baseball '86-'94, assisted with Middle School wrestling '08-'09, HS Wrestling '10-'12, sports photographer.

Biggest thrill in athletics: "Going to state competitions in both wrestling and track. And when I had children of my own, I would follow them everywhere to watch them play - win or lose. Now my sons are coaching my grandkids and doing the same thing. From generation to generation - my family legacy."

"Participating in athletics helps you to stay out of trouble, learn respect for coaches and others, and to have fun. An important part of athletics is learning to lose. As an athlete, it made me practice harder and be committed to my team. As a coach, you have to continue to teach the athletes, win or lose. My coaches, Mr. Frens and Mr. Bruder, taught me that. As a parent and grandparent, you are making a commitment to support your children/grandchildren. Thanks to Coach and Mrs. Morehead for their inspirational words: God First, Others Second, Self Third."

Student Athlete 1980-1984

Coach 1995-2004

Athletics participated in: Football (4 years), Track (3 years), Basketball (4 years)

Athletic contributions after High School: Coached football at Fennville 1995-2004, Served on the Fennville School Board 1998-2005, Presided over the Alumni Association Board 1992-Present, Officiating football/basketball since 1984 (Registered with the MHSAA 1986), President for Southwest Michigan Officials Association (2000-present), Secretary for West Michigan Officials Association (2015-present).

Career Highlights: Athletics led him to becoming a lifelong sports official. Officiated his first post season game in 1992 for Boys Basketball Districts. Since then, as of April 2024 he has officiated 111 post season games between basketball and football. Out of those, 35 were Regional, Quarter Finals, Semifinals, and 3 Final games. He has been fortunate to referee in some of the biggest sports venues in Michigan, including Ford Field, Breslin Center, and U of M Stadium. Lowell was both an athlete and a coach for FHS. As an athlete he was coached by legends such as Sam Morehead, George Bruder, Gus Charles, Jim Sexton, and Larry Morse, all of whom are fellow Hall of Fame inductees. As a new coach he learned and studied from mentors who taught him patience, how to be an effective coach, and reminded him to have fun along the way. He attributes these coaches, both those who coached him, and those whom he coached alongside, to helping to mold him into the person he is today. He believes athletics teaches you self-discipline and the power of teamwork. Setting goals and accomplishing those goals leads to positive self-worth.

Biggest thrill in athletics: Refereeing at Ford Field, Breslin Center, and U of M Stadium. Next to that, coaching his son, Chaz, at the varsity level for 3 years and then being privileged to coach Wes Leonard and all the great athletes who surrounded him. Coaching both teams gives him immense joy knowing he was a small part of their lives like his coaches were.