Avondale Athletics & Hall of Fame

Ron Zuehlke

Community Contributor 
Mr. As a member of the Sports Boosters from 1971-1980, and president for six years, Ron Zuehlke was committed to improving and enriching the athletic experience for student-athletes and their families.  He led by example and his leadership paved the way for substantial fundraising initiatives that supported the construction of a new concession stand in 1978. His ability to bring people together for a common purpose ignited the efforts of volunteers who applied skill and determination to complete the construction. Always an Avondale champion, Ron promoted the athletic program to local businesses and community members who provided funding for the design and printing of game programs - now cherished keepsakes holding fond memories for thousands of Avondale alumni. Likely an unintended result but steeped in Ron’s understanding of the lasting impacts of a solid high school athletic program.

Bob Lichtle

AHS Class of 1972 
While attending Avondale High School, Bob was a 3-sport Varsity athlete. As a Varsity football player, he achieved great success and with over 1000 rushing yards and 81 points scored, Bob was named All-League, All-County, All-Metro, and received an All-State Honorable Mention. He was Captain of the Varsity track and field team where he earned All-League, All-County, All-Regional, and All-State Honors; and as a Varsity wrestler he took 1st place at the Oakland University High School Wrestling Invitational. In post-high school athletics, Bob was a running back on the United States Navy Football Team and as a United States Navy Wrestler, he took 2nd place in the East Coast Wrestlers Tournament.

Terri Chapdelaine

AHS Class of 1978 
Terri played Varsity basketball, Varsity softball, and Varsity volleyball and excelled at all three. She was the Team Captain of the basketball team, earning 1st Team All-South Division, All-League, and an All-State Honorable Mention. She also captained the softball team where she earned All-League honors and was also recognized as All-League on the volleyball court. Terri was voted Avondale’s Most Outstanding Female Athlete in 1978 and also served as the National Honor Society President.

David Holston

AHS Class of 2004 
David was an all-star high school Varsity basketball player who continues his success on the court today. As a 4-year starter, he was also the Team Captain. He earned All-State Class A, All-League, All-County, and All-Metro North honors; he scored 1163 career points and was named the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan “Best of the Best”. His post high school athletic career continues his run as the “Best of the Best” with achievements including Chicago State Basketball All-Summit League, NABC All-District Second Team, Independent DI School Player of the Year, All-Independent First Team, NCAA D1 National Record for 3-Pointers, 2019 Euro League MVP, 3-time All Star LDA League, 3-time All Star Jeep Elite League, 2020 Disney Cup Championship, 2020 LNB Leaders Cup Champion, and the 2021 Champions League MVP. In addition, David has generously sponsored and been involved with the David Holston Summer Camp since 2009.

Victor Vettese

AHS Class of 2011 
While attending Avondale High School, Victor was a stand-out wrestler. With a record 172 wins and only 18 loses, he earned several county and statewide honors including MHSAA State Champion (2 times), MHSAA All-State (4 times), OAA Red Champion (4 times), Oakland County Champion, USA Greco Roman State Champion, USA Free Style Runner-Up, and the 2010 Grappler All-America Fall Classic Champion. Victor received a scholarship to attend the University of Findlay and has returned to Avondale as a volunteer assistant wrestling coach.

1970 Avondale High School Varsity Wrestling Team

1st Undefeated Wrestling Team, Oakland A Dual Meet Champions (15-0), Oakland A Tournament Champions, Class B District Champions, and Class B Regional Champions
Coaches: Tom Wheatley and Tom Mendez
Team Captains: Mitch Vogeli and Bruce Walton
The Team: Robert Allen, Dan Barker, Randy Berner, Bill Bye, Gary Harlan, Chuck Harmon, Dave Harper, Richard Kroll, Bob Mutter, Harry Ramsey, Dave Sutherland, Steve Sutherland, Tom Tervo, and Fred Watson

1980 Avondale High School Varsity Football Team

N.O.A.C. Champions, 1st Football Team to Finish 9-0, Best Average Points “For and Against” in Michigan, 5 Consecutive Shut-Outs, Averaged 370 Yards per Game
Coaches: Rick “Rhino” Brewer, Tony Messina, Randy Cornell and Tom Conley
Team Captains: Don Hagland and Marc Kuney
The Team: Mike Burch, Jim Burcham, Pete Chronowski, Bill Compagnari, Mike D’Alimonte, Jim DeClerck, Mike Fisher, Scott Freeman, Eldridge Gamble, Greg Humphries, Jim Kroll, Jeffrey LaBroski, Mike Martus, Kirk Matich, Rob Matiyow, Jim McDonald, Rob Miller, Doug Miller, Travis Moore, Mark Pilarski, Chuck Pryde, Dave Rea, Jeff Roberts, Dave Schilling, Terry Sedam, Ryan Sharick, Jim Sherrell, Chuck Snyder, Jim Thompson, Todd Wesley, Derek Woodmore and Bruce Zuehlke

2005 Avondale High School Varsity Girls Basketball Team

Overall Record 23-2 (School Record), League Record 10-2, OAA 2nd Place, Class A District Champions, Class A Regional Champions, and Class A Quarter Finalist
Coaches: Todd Henderson, Roderick McQueen, and Darius Whiteside
Team Captains: CharQuinda Holloman, Brittany Holston, and China Threatt
The Team: Ciara Allen, Lisa Davignon, Krystal Herron, Keshia Hines, Sade Johnson, Caitlin Krisniski, Emily O’Neil, Konstantine Salkeld, Katie Talmage Hanawalt, Talicia Washington, Lakeya Whiteside, Mixon and Rachel Ziegler

Sven Blomberg

AHS Class of 1957 
Sven was a starter on the Varsity football team for 3 years. An accomplished running back, he was named to the All-Oakland B Conference Team and earned an All-Oakland County distinction during his Yellow Jacket years.  In 1957, he was the scoring leader in all of Oakland County, setting the pace for others by scoring five touchdowns in a single game.

Gary Harlan

AHS Class of 1971 
As a member of the Varsity football team, Gary served as the Team Captain while earning honors including All-Area, All-Oakland A, and All-State Honorable Mention. He was also Captain of the Varsity wrestling team. As a grappler, he achieved an unmatched 35-4 record and was named District Champion, Regional Champion, and 1971 State Runner-Up. Gary was the head wrestling coach at Troy High School where he took his teams to 6 League Championships, 15 District Championships, and 3 MHSAA Regional Championships. Gary has also been named Regional Wrestling Coach of the Year 5 times.

Bob Erwin

AHS Class of 1973 
As a Varsity basketball player for 3 years, Bob reached several pinnacles of success including being the 1st player to score 1000 points (1313), setting a School Scoring Record (48), and averaging 30 points / 22 rebounds per game during the 1973 season. In addition, he was named All-Oakland A and All-County Class B in 1971;  All-Oakland A, All-Oakland County, and All-State Honorable Mention in 1972; and All-Oakland A MVP, All-Area, All-Suburb, All-State 2nd Team, and Pontiac Press All-State 1st Team in 1973. After graduation, Bob played basketball at Pikeville College and then on the United States Army Basketball Team.

1975-76 AHS Varsity Wrestling Team

Undefeated (13-0), Oakland A Champions
Coaches: Ray Went and Phil Kraft
Team Captains: Gregg Parker, Jim Saunders, and Keith Strohschein
The Team: Juan Arellano, Jr., Dave Bland, Gary Chapman, Jim Hager, Matthew Hall, John Hurley, Rob Liike, Pat McGuire, Jeff Papple, John Stouffer, Al Travnikar, Martin Vanderbroek, and Mike Wells

Stephani (Frohock) Kolevar

AHS Class of 1987 
Stephani was a member of the Avondale High School Varsity track and field team for 4 years. She served as Team Co-Captain for two years and earned several honors including All-Oakland A – long jump (2 years) and the 880 relay. In addition, she was named All-Area, All-Oakland County, and All-State – long jump (2 years). Stephani attended the University of Michigan where she continued on the track and field team for 4 years and where she won the All-Big-Ten Long Jump in 1991.

2010 AHS Varsity Boys Track 1600m Relay Team

Oakland A Champions and State Champions Division 2
Coach: Chris Rennels
Relay Team: Zachary Miklja, Nicholas Rennels, Nate Chapman, Dominic Gordon, and Trevon Salter

2011 AHS Varsity Boys Soccer Team 

District Champions, Regional Champions, and State Champions
Team Captains: Nate Chapman and Joe Davison
The Team: Mike Dinkinen, Mike Hill, Matt Krupa,  Erik Koberstein, Brad Perry, Garrett Ritterhaus, Ben Richter, Patrick Riedy, Stuart Russ, Skyler Russ, Wes Russ, Mark Shoemaker, Zach Silkwood, Kyle Sroka, Danny Swanson, James Turner, and Geoffrey Williston

Leo Strohschein

Community Contributor
Mr. Strohschein stablished and led summer baseball programs for the Avondale community from 1960 to 2000 including Little League (1965), Sr. Little League (1967), and American Legion Baseball (1970). He also served as the State Commissioner of American Legion Baseball, and as a Scoutmaster for Auburn Heights Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Webelos groups. He received the General Motors “Community Activities Program Award” in 1971 and, in his honor, the Avondale Board of Education named the Avondale Middle School Baseball Complex the “Leo Strohschein Athletic Field”.

Rick Bye

AHS Class of 1965 
Playing Varsity football for 3 years, Rick earned All-Oakland A Conference, All-Area, All-Suburban, All-Oakland County (2 years) and All-State Honorable Mention. He also played Varsity basketball (2 years) and ran Varsity track (3 years) and was the Varsity Club President. Rick went on to be a teacher and Head Football Coach at Stevenson High School leading his team to 16 MAC Conference Championships with 9 undefeated seasons. The team also earned 14 Macomb County Team of the Year Awards and celebrated 18 times as MHSAA State Playoff Qualifiers, 12 times as MHSAA District Champions, 10 times as MHSAA Regional Champions, and played in 4 MHSAA D1 State Championship Games. Rick was inducted into the Michigan Coaches Hall of Fame in 1997.

Lee Saunders

AHS Class of 1967 
Lee played Varsity football for 3 years and served as the Team Captain. As a football player, he earned All-Oakland A Conference, All-Oakland County distinctions and received an All-State Honorable Mention. As a 3-year Varsity basketball player and Captain, Lee was named to the All-Oakland A Conference and All-Oakland County teams and received his second All-State Honorable Mention. He played Varsity baseball for 3 years and again served as Team Captain. A Varsity Club member, Lee received the R. Grant Graham Athlete of the Year award in 1967.

Brian Churchill

Class of 1976 
As an Avondale Yellow Jacket, Brian ran Varsity track for 3 years and served as Team Captain. He was named a conference and regional champion in the 100y dash, the 200y dash, and the 880 relay.  Brian holds five Avondale High School records in the 440 relay, the 880 relay, the mile relay, the 200y dash, and the 100y dash. Playing Varsity football, he earned an All-Oakland A Conference distinction and a Team Leadership award. He was also Captain of the Varsity basketball team. Brian attended Alma College where he continued to run track (4 years) and served as Team Captain. At Alma College, he set a school record for the 400-meter relay and was presented with the Smith Distinguished Service Award in 2019.

1978 Avondale High School Varsity Football Team

1978 Oakland Conference Champions, 1st Class B Team to win OAC Football Championship, 1st League Championship in 17 years

Coaches: Rick Brewer, Randy Cornell and Tony Messina
Team Captains: Steve Auger, Tom Liike, Larry Parker
The Team: Juan Arellano, Jr., Mike Beier, Craig Davis, Nick Desotell, Rich Gossman, Bryan Guerin, Bill Haskee, Scott Hewett, John Janes, Terry Jones, Phil Konopitski, Gregg Laskowski, David Mather, Mike McCruden, Wade Spurlin, Kevin Wall, Pete Auger, Jim Chasar, Peter Chronowski, Mike French, Randy Hargraves, Robbie Johns, Mike McKinney, Bill Priest, Tony Rogowski, Jack Stanley, Bill Spellman, Mike Sundberg, Troy Teadt, Ed Travnikar, Bill Watson, and Chuck White

Mike Fisher

AHS Class of 1982 
Mike played Varsity football for 2 years, serving as Team Captain and earning All-Conference (2 years), All-Oakland County, All-Area, and an All-State Honorable Mention. In addition, he was Captain of the Varsity basketball team and was named All-Conference (2 times) and received an All-Area Honorable Mention. As Captain of the Varsity baseball team for 3 years, he received All-Conference honors (2 times) and an All-Area Honorable Mention. Mike was the Varsity Club President, received the R. Grant Graham Athlete of the Year award in 1982 and the Rochester Elks Scholar Athlete of the Year award in 1982.

Derek Woodmore

AHS Class of 1982 
A starter on the Varsity football team for three years, Derek served as Team Captain and earned All-Conference (1980, 1981), All-County (1980, 1981), All-State Honorable Mention (1980), All-State (1981), and All-American (1981). He also was selected to play in the Michigan High School All Star Football Game. As Captain of the Varsity basketball team (3 years) he was named All-Conference (1981, 1982), All-State Honorable Mention (1981), All-County (1981) and All-Area Honorable Mention (1982). On the Varsity Track team, he was named All-State and took 2nd Place (100m and 200m) at the State Meet. Derek received a football scholarship to attend University of Michigan.

John Morton

AHS Class of 1988 
While attending Avondale High School, John played on both the Varsity football and basketball teams. He attended Western Michigan University and was named All Mid-American Wide Receiver (football) for the 1991-92 season. He was an NFL receiver, playing for the Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Toronto Argonauts and Frankfort Galaxy. Following, he continued in football, coaching with the University of Southern California, the New Orleans Saints, the San Francisco 49ers, the New York Jets and the Las Vegas Raiders. John has generously donated to the Avondale Athletic Program to purchase equipment to be used by athletes in the AHS Weight Room.

Kayla (Mannino) Halmaghi

AHS Class of 2021 
Kayla played Varsity soccer for four years. Serving as the Team Captain, she earned multiple titles including All-State (4 years), Dream Team (2009), All-Conference, and All-District (4 years). She played Vardar soccer where she was the Team Captain for 5 years. She led her team two State Cups and earned two MVP awards.  Kayla attended the University of Michigan where she continued her soccer career, helping her teams to the NCAA Quarterfinals in 2013. She was selected to the Detroit City FC Women’s Team in 2020.

Bryan Williams

AHS Class of 2021 
As a Varsity swimmer, Bryan was a 4-time High School All-American, a State Champion (100 butterfly), a 6-time All-State Athlete, A 3- time All- County Athlete, and a 4-time All-League Athlete. He attended Michigan State University and is a record holder in the 200y/400y Medley Relay, and the 200y/400y/800y Free Relay. He was also named the Michigan State University Swimmer of the Year in 2014. In 2012, Bryan was an Olympic Trial Qualifier in the 100m Butterfly and in 2013, he was a World Championship Trial Qualifier in the 50m and the 100m Butterfly.

Frank Crowell

Athletic Director and Varsity Football Coach 
Mr. Crowell is being inducted posthumously into the Avondale Sports Hall of Fame. While a coach at Avondale High School, he earned two Oakland A Conference Championships. He also won two league titles later in his career as the head football coach for Madison Heights High School. Mr. Crowell served in the United States Marines and earned a degree from Central Michigan University.

Bob Burt

AHS Class of 1968 
Bob was a 3-year starter on the Avondale Varsity basketball team; he served as captain for two years; was named All-Oakland A Conference and All-Oakland County (two years); was selected in the Top 500 Basketball Players in the United States 8th Annual Basketball Magazine (1968); and he achieved 6th in Oakland County scoring in a season. In addition, he was a 3-year starter on the Avondale Varsity football team, serving as team captain, earning All-Oakland A Conference and All-Oakland County 2 years. He was also a 3-year starter on the Avondale Varsity baseball team, serving as captain and being named All-Oakland County.

Richard Kramp

AHS Class of 1954 
Richard’s success included achievement on and off the field of play. Not only was he an accomplished athlete but he was also a scholar and a leader serving as Class President (2 years), on Student Council (2 years - 1 year as President), in National Honor Society (2 years) and in the high school band.  His athletic successes included 4 years Varsity football (quarterback); 4 years Varsity basketball (Team Captain), 4 years Varsity baseball; and 4 years in the “A” Club.

Robert Mutter

AHS Class of 1971 
Bob was a 3-year starter on the Varsity football team, earning All-Oakland A Conference, All-Oakland County, All-State and he was the team Captain. He was also captain of the Varsity wrestling team and a Conference Champion. On the Varsity track team, Bob was a Conference Champion in the 100 yard, 120 high hurdles and the pole vault. He was awarded the R. Grant Graham Best Athlete Award in 1971.

Jean (Tingley) D’Alimonte

In track and field, Jean was Avondale's 1st All-State Freshman (long jump 1978); a 4 year Varsity letter winner; 2 years as team captain; 12 time All-League honors; 6 time Regional Champion; 3 time All-State; 1981 State Champion (400m relay team); Rochester Eccentric All-Area team - 1980 and 1981; The Oakland Press All-Area - 1981; 1980 Oakland A Conference MVP; 1980 Oakland A Female MVP; and she held 6 school records upon graduation (4 still stand). Jean played Varsity volleyball for AHS for 3 years, serving as team captain in 1981 and earning All-League. She ran cross country for 2 years at Avondale on the boys team as there was not a girls team at the time and then she captained Avondale’s 1st girls cross country team as a senior. In 1981 she received the Avondale Superintendent’s Award and she was the highest scoring senior in the Marine Physical Fitness National Championship. Jean was also in the Class of 1981 Top Ten Academic Scholars.

Gary Balliet

AHS Class of 1968 
As a member of the AHS golf team, Gary's list of accomplishments includes: Avondale High School Sports Athlete of the Year (1966); Oakland A League and Regional Medalist (1966-67); 1966 State High School Championship (6th place); State Championship Class B Lowest Score; and University of Michigan Golf Scholarship. He also played in 5 State Publinx Championships; finished in 3 National Publinx Championships (3rd, 6th, and 28th); served as captain of the U of M golf team; qualified for the 1984 PGA Championship and he is a Life Member of the PGA.

2002 AHS Varsity Boys Basketball Team

Class B State Champions (25-3 Record)
Coaching: Tim Morton and Casey Colussi
The Team:  Brandon Borden, Justin Bradford, Kerry Cole, Korey Cole, Steven Ellsworth, Jeremiah Handley, Dave Holston, Brandon Larvadain, Mike Lewis, Kevin McConnell, Dionte Miller, Kory Powell, Greg Riley, and Wes Whiteside

1958 AHS Varsity Football

Oakland B Conference Champions
Coaches: Frank Crowell and Dick Bye
The Team: Gary Acker, Walt Arnold, Don Barnhart, Bob Benedict, Stan Blomberg, Ken Brown, Sid Blomberg, Walt Cooley, Walt Davis, Ron Doucette, Jim Douglas, Larry Douglas, Jon Fruytier, Tom Greenlees, Herb Harris, Bill Jennings, Bruce Kilian, Fred Krupp, Jim Malane, Ken Mather, Jim McDonald, Bud Peel, Bill Reid, Tom Selhost, Dennis Shaw, Pat Shurtz, Dick Smith, Gary Wright, and Harry Saeger, Manager

Richard Fisher

Community Contributor 
As president of the Avondale Booster Club for eight years, Dick helped shape a partnership between school and community that is still the standard today. By example he moved others to join together to work toward common goals that would enrich the lives of Avondale students and families for years to follow. With resolve, he emphasized the importance of advancing the Avondale Athletic program while safeguarding capacity to serve diversity in student interest and aptitude. His message was clear – athletic programs exist for all students and they must have parent and community support to sustain. Dick was also a founding member of the Avondale Education Foundation.

Dick Smith

AHS Class of 1960 
Graduating from Avondale in 1960, Dick was on the Varsity football team for three years, earning League MVP (1959), All-League (2 years), All South Oakland County (2 years), All-County (2 years), All-State, and Avondale Scholarship Program (2 years). In addition, he was on the Varsity basketball team for three years, earning All-League (2 years), All South Oakland County (2 years), All-County and All-State. He also played three years on the Varsity baseball team and three years on the Varsity track team. He played in a High School All-Star Game at Wisner Stadium and went on to be a college athlete, playing for Central Michigan University, Northwood Institute and Soo Tech. During his college athletic career he held many starting positions and received recognition including being named Captain and MVP at Northwood Institute. Dick went on to become a teacher and coach in the Madison District Public Schools. He continued to mentor and lead young athletes as Coordinator and State Board Member for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Dennis Acker

AHS Class of 1964 
Dennis graduated from Avondale High School in 1964. He was on the Varsity football team for three years. He was Team Captain in his senior year and was named to the All-County team and was a leader in county-wide scoring. Dennis was also on the Varsity basketball team, serving as Team Captain in his junior year and earning Co-MVP distinction. On the Varsity baseball team for four years, he was a pitcher and 3rd baseman. Dennis was President of his senior class and President of the “A” Club. He was also selected for the National Honor Society and served on the Avondale High School Student Council.  After high school, Dennis went on to play football at Western Michigan University.

Avondale High School 1972 Varsity Boys Cross Country Team

With a record of 22 – 0, the team, consisting of Jory Bowen, Jon Call, Jay Graham, Devon Hind, Larry Krause, Tony Luttrell and Mike Stouffer and coached by Barry Davis, captured the first State Championship in Avondale High School history when they were crowned 1972 Cross Country State Champions. The team captured two League titles and two Regional titles and had four All-State Athletes (Jon Call, Jay Graham, Devon Hind and Tony Luttrell). They were also the winners of the “1972 Meet of Champions”, competing against teams from Class A, B, C, and D. In 1971 the team was named State Runner Up with a record of 21 – 1.

Dick Bye

Athletic Director 
Dick was an accomplished athlete prior to beginning his teaching and coaching career in 1952 at Brimley High School and then at Richmond High School. He came to Avondale in 1955 to coach basketball, football, and track. As the Varsity basketball coach, he led his teams to four conference championships and was named the Oakland County Basketball Coach of the Year in 1956. Earning his M.A., Education from the University of Michigan in 1959, Dick became the Avondale School District Athletic Director in 1964, building and leading the program for 11 years. Serving twice as President, Oakland B Conference of Athletic Directors, Dick never lost focus of the reach of a strong high school athletic program. He understood the role athletic involvement plays in the healthy growth of students as athletes, team members and community members. He also knew that investing time, money and resources into an athletic program was an investment in the future of our young people. He never stopped advocating for expansion and improvement of Avondale facilities and programming, initiating projects that would enhance the athletic experience not only for the athletes but for the entire Avondale community. Following his untimely death in 1975 and validating the impact of Dick’s service to the District, the Avondale BOE voted to name the high school athletic complex in his memory. Designated the “Dick Bye Field” in 2011, the complex honors the man known as “Mr. Avondale”. Dick was inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame (posthumously in 1987) and the Northern Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (posthumously in 1988).

Avondale High School 1981 Varsity Girls Track Team

The team, comprised of team captains Kathy Kaehler, Sandi Rohe (Carter), Lissa Stohler (Green) and Jean Tingley (D’Alimonte); with team members Chris Durkin, Noreen Durkin, Sarah Harless, Lynette Hipple, Gayle Leitch, Joan LaRose, Shawn Shepard, Dorothy Sullivan, Debbie Crager, Maria Dubbs, Linda Hagerman, Terri Kuney, Louise Schlegelmann, Sandy Thomas, Nancy Thacker, Sherry Wilder, Anne Bortner, Paula Buckhaulter, Tania Cargill, Margaret Cifani, Laura Gawel, Julie Heffernan, Carol Latulippe, Becky Lee, Sherry Roberts, Sue St. Onge, Marie Brown, Gretchen Hagerman, Kay Buckhaulter, Kamela Cummings, Tere Stouffer, and Jody Harker; and coached by Rick Snede, Don Wold, Richard Collins and Ken Glupker was named NOAC League Tournament Champions (League Championships in 13 different events). In addition, the team placed 2nd at Regionals with five Regional Champions and eight State Qualifiers; took 1st place in the Oakland County Meet of Class B, C, and D Divisions; took 4th Place at the Class B State Meet with the 400m Relay Team of Kassandra Buckhaulter, Paula Buckhaulter, Kathy Kaehler and Jean Tingley crowned State Champions, the 800m Relay Team placing 2nd and taking 4th place in the Discus.  In addition, five members of the team, Kassandra Buckhaulter, Paula Buckhaulter, Kathy Kaehler, Sandi Rohe and Jean Tingley were named All-State. Of no surprise, as of 2018, three individual AHS records and three AHS relay records set in 1981 still stand.

Devon Hind

AHS Class of 1973 
Graduating from Avondale High School in 1973, Devon was a three-sport athletic, on the track team, cross country team and basketball team. He took 2nd place in the State Cross Country Meet in his senior year; 1st place in the State Outdoor 2 Mile, also in his senior year; and set a 2 Mile AHS record of 9:17.6 in 1973 - the record still stands.  At Jackson Community College, he placed 2nd in the NJCAA Cross Country National Meet; 1st place at the Indoor Nationals (2 mile); 2nd place at the Indoor Nationals (1 Mile); was a Co-MVP of the Indoor Nationals; and placed 4th in the Outdoor Nationals (3 Mile). Devon attended the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa and was a five-time All-SEC taking 3rd place in the Indoor Mile, 2nd place in the Outdoor Steeplechase, 2nd place in the Outdoor Mile, 4th place in the Outdoor 3 Mile and 6th place in Cross County. His time in the Steeplechase is still in the top 10 (8:48.5). Accepting a high school teaching position, he was also the coach for boys and girls cross country and indoor and outdoor track, Devon’s teams have earned 35 State Varsity Team titles, 29 State Runner Up titles, 47 State Championship Relay Team titles, and 2 National Championship titles in the Shuttle Hurdle Relay. In addition, 134 individuals became State Champions under his coaching. In 2013 he was named Indoor National Coach of the Year.

Chuck Nurek

AHS Class of 1958 
Chuck graduated from Avondale High School in 1958, having played Varsity basketball and football and receiving an All-State Football Honorable Mention. Following graduation, he received his BS in Education from Northwest Missouri State University and his Master of Science in Education from Eastern University. He also played semi-pro football with the Pontiac Firebirds. Chuck began his teaching career in the Pontiac School District but moved to Avondale in 1967 where he was the P.E. and Health teacher. A year later he accepted the position of Assistant Athletic Director until 1978. He was appointed as the district’s Athletic Administrator in 1978 and served until 1999. From 1997 – 1999 he was also the K-12 P.E. Curriculum Coordinator, Avondale School District.  Named MIAAA Region 8 Athletic Director of the Year (1991); Oakland County Athletic Directors Association, Athletic Director of the Year (1996); and Michigan Athletic Director of the Year (1999), Chuck also received an MIAAA State Award of Merit and recently, the MHSAA Forsythe Award (2017). In 2012, the Avondale School District named the indoor sports facility the “Chuck Nurek Field House” in his honor.  In addition to the many awards he received, Chuck also demonstrated commitment to the development of programming and leadership around the county and state to the benefit of student athletes everywhere through participation in developing a coaching education program and the manual “Elements of Effective Administration”.

Dick Reddaway

AHS Class of 1965 
A natural athlete, Dick graduated from Avondale High School in 1965. He was a three-year starter on the Varsity football team where he served as Co-Captain and was named to the All-Oakland A Conference roster. As a Varsity baseball player, Dick was a three-year starter and Co-Captain of the team. He was also named a baseball All-State, All-County and All Oakland A Conference athlete. He played for the Auburn Heights Boys Club Summer League, leading his team to the 1964 Class D State Championship. Dick was voted Senior Class President and served as the Varsity Club President. He was selected as a Boys State Representative and attended the summer program designed for high school students with an aptitude for leadership. Dick received a baseball scholarship to the University of Southern Colorado.

Jim McDonald

AHS Class of 1961 
As a member of the Avondale High School Class of 1961, Jim was a four sport Varsity player. On the Varsity football team for three years, he was named All-League (1960), All-County (1960), Oakland A Football League MVP and Team MVP (1960). In his senior year, he was also named Team Captain and scored 15 touchdowns. Jim played two years on the Varsity basketball team, serving as Captain (senior year) and receiving All-League and All-County in 1960. He was also the Varsity Basketball Team MVP. Rounding out his four sports, Jim was on the Varsity baseball team for three years and on the Varsity track team for two years.  His commitment on the field was matched by his commitment to the City of Auburn Heights (Hills) as he served on the City Council for 24 years and served as the city’s Mayor for 12 years.

Duane McLaughlin

AHS Class of 1968 
Graduating from Avondale High School in 1968, Duane played for three years on the Varsity football team as a two-way starter. Named to the All-State1st Team in his senior year, he was a stand-out among athletes across the state. Reaching the pinnacle of achievement in defensive play, he was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year in the State of Michigan. After graduation, his football achievements continued as he became a starter for Michigan State University as Defensive Tackle.

Dan Avery

AHS Class of 1972
Dan graduated from Avondale High School in 1972 as a three-sport Varsity player. On the Varsity football team for three years, Dan was named All-Conference, All-County and All-State and served as the team’s Captain in 1971. He played three years on the Varsity basketball team, serving as the Team Captain in 1972 and being recognized as All-Conference, All-County and All-State. He was also All-Conference, All-County and Team Captain (1972) during his three years on the Varsity baseball team. Dan received Avondale’s R. Grant Graham Award in his senior year, honoring his athletic achievements. After graduation he attended Western Michigan University where he played Varsity football and for seventeen years he coached many youth baseball, softball and basketball teams.

Rick Brewer

Varsity Football Coach 
As head coach of the Avondale High School Varsity football team for 18 years, Rick achieved an unmatched record of 128 victories and 41 defeats. Under his leadership, Avondale teams qualified for the State Playoffs in 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1990.  He led the 1988 team to become State Region 3 Champions and the 1990 team to become a State Region 4 Finalist. Rick was honored as Coach of the Year Five times; The Detroit News Metro North Coach of the Year two times; and the Michigan High School Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year four times. His documented successes are matched by countless stories from athletes inspired by his strong work ethic and dedication to the success of the individual players as well as the team. Touching hundreds of athletes throughout his career, he held high expectations and undaunted belief in the abilities of those willing to work to reach their potential. Understanding the power of a strong athletic program and knowing its impact on the players and the community, he never wavered in his commitment to establish a legacy of excellence and achievement that is the standard for coaches who follow in his footsteps.