News Photo by Jonny Zawacki The Alpena Sports Hall of Fame inducted its class of 2016 on Saturday during the 34th annual banquet at the APlex. Pictured from left to right are: Jerry LeTourneau, Dick Spencer, Ryan Krueger, Jack Discher, Mike Cadarette, Mary Schulke and Pete Skiba.

Mike Cadarette, Ryan Krueger, Jerry LeTourneau, Jack Discher and Dick Spencer achieved great things, whether it was on the field playing or coaching over the course of their careers. On Saturday, all five took their rightful place in the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame as part of the 2016 class during the 34th annual banquet at the APlex.

The 2010 Midget BB hockey team was honored as the Team of the Year and Mary Schulke and Pete Skiba were recognized as Boosters of the Year.

Spencer played sports at Flint Northern for two years where he was awarded six letters (two in football, basketball and baseball). His only year at Alpena High School, he lettered in basketball, baseball and track. Spencer graduated from Alpena Community College in 1956 and during his time as a Lumberjack he was a standout on the basketball court as he was a third team all-conference selection both years and ended his career as ACC’s leading scorer.

“It was great to be back in Alpena and to be inducted into the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame,” Spencer said. “I am grateful to be honored with a group of fine people. This Hall of Fame and everything associated with it has done such a fine job since this all began and I’m happy to be apart of this.”

Jack Discher attended high school in Fargo, North Dakota and later moved to Alpena to take over an Alpena Gymnastics program that was struggling. During his coaching career at Alpena (1967-1977), the program reached new heights as Discher was named 1976 Detroit News All-State Coach of the Year. The 1977 team set a state record for points scored with 140.9 and was a mentor to some of the game gymnasts to come through Alpena High.

“I had many fond memories about the times I had coaching at Alpena. It is truly an honor to be inducted into the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame,” Discher said. “If it wasn’t for the quality of athletes that we had on our teams at the school, none of the success would have been possible. I had so much help in developing the program into a winner and I’m so very thankful for so many people who helped me along the way.”

Jerry LeTourneau was a standout at Alpena Catholic Central on the gridiron. LeTourneau was the first four year letterman in the schools history. During LeTourneau’s senior season he was second in scoring to the Michigan High School scoring champion despite playing hurt much of the season and played both sides of the ball. LeTourneau helped the Thunderbolts to go a combined 15-2 overall during his junior and senior seasons.

“I would like to thank all of the board members who voted me in and especially Gary Mischley who had not given up on me and he was after me for a long time about joining this special group and I finally gave in and I’m so glad I did,” LeTourneau said.

Whether it was on a baseball diamond, soccer field, hockey rink or in the classroom, Ryan Krueger excelled in all. Krueger earned a total of eight varsity letters during his time at Alpena High and also received Academic Excellence award for all three sports each year. Krueger was a key player on Apple’s District championship soccer team in 1997 and was also an important piece of the Wildcats baseball team that made it to the state quarterfinal and hockey team that made it to the state semi-final game. Krueger was an all-state baseball player and eventually went on to play baseball at Central Michigan University.

“I am humbled to be in the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame. There were a lot of thoughts going through my head once I got the call that I was being inducted. I was happy to be home and see so many friends and familiar faces and it means so much to me,” Krueger said. “It’s special to be inducted into a Hall of Fame that includes family members, teammates, friends and former Chippewas. So many things that I learned during my time at Alpena, I used during my collegiate career and now in every day life and I am grateful for all of my coaches and teammates I had because they are a big reason why I am here.”

After growing up in a baseball family and having a stellar playing career, Mike Cadarette took over coach the Alpena High School baseball team and led the Wildcats to great success. Cadarette taught the basics, he improved player skills and his players understood how to play the game and win. Cadarette led the Wildcats to a regional championship in 1997, which is the programs last regional title. Cadarette is known for putting Alpena on the map.

“I’d like to thank all of the board members who voted for me and all of my family and friends who were able to make tonight and support me during this wonderful honor,” Cadarette said. “You can’t accomplish much without constant support from the people you come into contact with. It was always my goal in my coaching career was to bring recognition to Alpena and the athletes at Alpena High. Not many people knew where Alpena was and didn’t know about the talent the baseball program had, but over time they found out and if community members continue to get involved, everyone will know about Alpena.”