For the Gazette

The SPASH Athletic Hall of Fame is a tribute to outstanding individuals, teams, and special contributors who, through their achievements, have brought honor to themselves, their school and their community.

The SPASH Hall of Fame Commission is proud to announce the Fall of 2023, which will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on September 23, 2023, at SentryWorld Atrium.

This year’s class includes four teams, two coaches and 16 individual athletes. 

Inducted into the 2023 Fall Hall of Fame is the 1986 softball team, 1987 baseball team, 1987 girls cross country team and the 1989 baseball team.

Jack Stoskopf (former boys’ hockey coach) and Marcy Mirman (former softball coach) are both inducted into the 2023 class as SPASH coaches. 

Dave Hurlbut, Don Krush, Fran Roman, Dan Roman, Heidi Singer, John Jones, Dean Crueger, Chris Moore and Pam Jackson are inducted for their achievements as multi-sport athletes in their time at SPASH.

Four former track and field athletes and three wrestlers are also in this fall class. 

Jim Turzinski (track and field) was a state champion in the 200-yard dash in 1954. Don Ryskoski (track and field) was a 1955 state champion in the pole vault. 

Mike Meteer and Kris Favor-Payne were also track and field state champions in 1980 and 1983, respectively.

Meteer competed in the pole vault, while Favor-Payne raced in the 800-meter run. 

On the wrestling mat, Dave Mancheski and Jim Upthagrove are celebrated for their state wrestling titles in 1955. 

James Borchardt was crowned champion in 1956 and will also be in this class.

Lastly, Chuck Nason will be inducted as a friend and supporter of SPASH athletics. 

It is a larger induction class due in part to a three-year gap in inductions because of Covid-19 but largely due to the sheer volume of incredible athletic achievements by our former athletes. 

SPASH currently has over 42 team state championships, along with over 70 individual state champions.

Furthermore, SPASH has had incredible success in placing individuals on all-state teams while also winning numerous player of the year awards, and many of our athletes have achieved high levels of success in multiple sports.

This event is open to the public and will begin with a social at 4:30 p.m., with a social and Hors d’oeuvres at the SentryWorld Atrium. The induction ceremony will start at 6:00 p.m.

Individual tickets are $35, or you can purchase a table (8 people) for $250.

Tickets can be purchased through the SPASH TicketSpicket website or in person in the south office at the high school.