Stockbridge fans turn out to honor state finalist 1970-71 basketball team

Left Front Row: Gary Allen, Gary Topping, Rod Owen, Tom Campbell, Fred Kester. Left Back Row: Tom Kennedy, Todd Myers, Coach Phill Hora, Gary Ludtke, Jesse Campbell, John Flannery, Dave Chrisinski, John Terrell. Not pictured: Craig Collins, Jim McKune (team manager), and Jan Shackelford (deceased). Photo provided by Clyde Whitaker

by Clyde Whitaker

Families and fans filled Boyd Stadium beyond capacity Friday, Oct. 1, to recognize the Stockbridge High School Boys Basketball Team on the 50th anniversary year of its appearance in the State Finals.

People not only filled the stadium seating area, but lined the fences, standing three to four deep for the halftime ceremony at the Stockbridge versus Lakewood football game.

Cheerleaders, coaches and players from the talented 1971 team were introduced during the ceremony. After walking out onto the field, each received an anniversary plaque to the applause of the crowd.

Following the halftime ceremony, a reception was held in a packed Stockbridge High School Cafeteria. The 1971 State Finals Game played on the TV, and large photos of the players lined the walls.

All of the 1971 team’s players, coaches and cheerleaders received copies of the original game program and a game souvenir program, along with photos of all the players and cheerleaders in a program.

All of the players attended the ceremony, with the exception of Jan Shackelford, who is deceased. His sons, Ryan and Darren, represented their father. Assistant coach Larry White also is deceased. He was represented by his son, Brian White.

Head coach Phil Hora also attended the event. Hora was named the Detroit News Coach of the Year in 1971 and is being considered for two Hall of Fame inductions: the Michigan Coaches Association and the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan. These honors will be announced at a later date.

Cheerleaders for the 1971 team included Debbie Boyd, Jodi Ward, Shirley Steffey, Carol Humrich and Peggy Zeitz. Debbie Boyd Shellenbarger was the only one who could attend. Jodi Ward was represented by her niece, Mariah Ward Krummrey. Shirley Steffey was represented by her sister, Mary Krummrey. Carol Humrich was represented by her sister, Linda Vogel.

The ceremony was filmed by basketball coach Jacob Robidou and is available for viewing on YouTube.  After two weeks, the video already had close to 600 views!

It was incredible to see the strong support for the team and it will be a night long remembered by those in attendance. Seeing all the smiles on everyone’s faces was priceless, and something they will never forget.

Thanks to those who helped with the ceremony

This 50-year anniversary celebration was something I started working on a couple of months ago. I expressed to my friend, Bill Ballagh, what I wanted to do and he was instrumental in helping me set up this ceremony.

Thanks also to the many who helped make the event a huge success. Jacob Robidou filmed the ceremony. Bob Myers helped to transport the table and plaques out on the field. Annette Ballagh ordered and picked up the cake and cookies and set up the cafeteria.

Joey Ballagh, a great kid, helped clean up. Jeremy Killinger allowed extra time at halftime for the ceremony. Christoff and Sons, Jackson, allowed the use of their red carpet. Gordie Kunzelman, a wonderful announcer, made the introductions. Athletic Director Meghan Kunzelman set up the picture feed, removed the State Finals trophy from the trophy case, and set up the stage for the trophy.

Thanks also to Brian Friddle, superintendent, and Jeff Trapp, high school principal, for the schools’ support for the event.

Thank you to sponsors Scott Karns of McDonalds of Stockbridge; Bubber Patrick, Patrick Plumbing and Bill Frazzini, Frazzini Photography.

Bill Ballagh, owner of State Farm Insurance of Chelsea, had great insight about what I wanted to do. He also picked up the plaques, printed copies of the programs, etc., etc. Thank you, Bill!

And thank you, Stockbridge. You have always supported Panthers sports. All of us who played in front of you appreciated all of the vocal support you always showed us at the games. Will it be 50 more years before a basketball team reaches the State Finals again? My hope is that we don’t have to wait that long. Go Panthers!!