Hall of Famers
Blissfield announces Hall of Fame Class of 2011
The Blissfield Hall of Fame is announcing the Hall of Fame Class of 2011. Al Diver, Judy Beagle, Don Mulder, Carlos Santiago, Bud Friess, Adam Benschoter, Becky Martinez and Mike Newsted will be inducted on Saturday, Sept. 17 during the Hall of Fame Dinner.
• Al Diver — Taught and coached at Blissfield from 1972-1992 is best remembered as the boys varsity basketball coach from 1983-1990. His career record was 129-32 (80 percent) and his teams won six LCAA and four MHSAA District titles.
• Judy Beagle — As the Athletic Department Secretary for 23 years, Judy was responsible for training five different Athletic Directors. As in most well run offices, Judy was the glue that held everything in place.
• Don Mulder — From the class of 1941, Don was a three sport athlete (football, basketball, baseball) but was a standout on the basketball court. Don earned all-county and all-state honors in both his junior and senior years and went on to play basketball at Hope College. Don’s college career was interrupted for WWII when he took time to pilot P-51 Mustangs before returning to Hope to finish his basketball career and his education.
• Carlos Santiago — From the class of 1973, Carlos was the first great player in the modern era of Blissfield baseball. As a member of the 1973 state champion Royals, Carlos was 1st team all-state and held the Blissfield season batting average record for 30 years.
• Bud Friess — From the class of 1977 Bud was a three sport standout (football, basketball, baseball) and earned all-league honors in all sports. Bud was an all-state catcher on the 1976-77 state champion teams and earned a scholarship to Eastern Kentucky. Bud returned to Blissfield baseball where he served as an assistant coach on the 2002-03 state champion baseball teams.
• Adam Benschoter — From the class of 1987. Another three sport standout (football, basketball, baseball), gathering all-LCAA honors in all sports. Adam was a two-time all-state shortstop, earning a baseball scholarship to Siena Heights. Adam also played in the San Francisco Giants organization.
• Becky Martinez — From the class of 1991, Becky was a two sport standout (basketball, softball), who really excelled on the softball field earning all-LCAA as well as all-state honors. Becky followed up her stellar high school career by playing softball at Michigan State and at Siena Heights. Becky currently is on the softball coaching staff at Siena Heights.
• Mike Newsted —From the class of 1997, Mike was a standout in golf and baseball earning all-LCAA honors and MVP honors in golf both his junior and senior years as well as being a two-time all-state pitcher. Mike earned a baseball scholarship to Wayne State where he has also been elected into their Hall of Fame. Mike also excelled in the classroom as he is the only Blissfield athlete to win the MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Award.
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