Sports Hall of Fame banquet tickets on sale

Pictured, from left, are MCSHF board members Jordan Goodman, Kathy Surd, Dan Aultman, Tim Genson and Brent Gillett. Contributed photo by Todd “Scoop” Hansen, MCSHF. 

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — The Mason County Sports Hall of Fame has long stood as a testament to the county’s deep and proud athletic heritage, celebrating generations of athletes, coaches, teams and contributors whose impact reaches far beyond the playing field.

That tradition will continue this summer as the 2026 Mason County Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, June 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Lincoln Hills Golf Club. Tickets for the event are now on sale and may be purchased by calling Sharon McCumber at 231-613-2428. In addition, raffle tickets—offering a $500 prize—are available for $10 each through any of the organization’s 24 board members.

The banquet represents the culminating event of a full day of celebration. Earlier that afternoon, the Hall of Fame will host its annual unveiling ceremony at the Mason County Historical Society’s Historic White Pine Village, where the newest inductees will be formally added to the museum’s display. The ceremony is free and open to the public, underscoring the organization’s mission of making local sports history accessible to the community.

Founded as a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and honoring Mason County’s athletic legacy, the Mason County Sports Hall of Fame traces its roots to 2005, when its first class was inducted and its museum established. Since then, the Hall of Fame has grown into a cornerstone of local sports culture, annually recognizing individuals and teams who exemplify excellence, leadership and community impact.

Each year’s induction class is the result of an extensive selection process. Board members review nominations spanning decades of athletic achievement—from standout high school athletes to championship teams and influential coaches—reflecting the county’s rich and diverse sports history. Being selected is widely regarded as one of the highest honors in Mason County athletics.

The Class of 2026 continues that tradition, featuring individuals and teams whose accomplishments have left a lasting imprint. Among those to be honored are standout contributors Kathy Calabretta, Steve Klemm and David Stubbs, along with historically significant teams such as the 1971 Free Soil boys varsity basketball squad and multiple championship fast-pitch softball teams. Their stories—like those of past inductees—represent decades of dedication, perseverance and community pride.

Beyond the induction itself, the Hall of Fame’s impact extends year-round. Its “Value of Sports” museum, located at White Pine Village, offers visitors a permanent space to explore the county’s athletic history, while initiatives like the annual Life Lesson Awards recognize current high school athletes who embody the character and values learned through sports.

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