Hall of Fame History
Champions Forever: The Journey of the Muskegon Sports Hall of Fame
Organized in 1985, the Hall of Fame was a dream of longtime Muskegon Chronicle sportswriter Dick Hedges. As president, Hedges assembled a board of directors and the group went about the task of organizing the new entity. Geographic boundaries, spanning from Ludington to the north and Grand Haven to the south, were established and funding to start the Hall was raised.
A home to display memorabilia was found at the Muskegon County Museum. The group solicited the community to suggest candidates for the hall of fame and the first group of honorees were chosen in September of 1986.
After 11 years and two different physical locations at the museum, the Hall of Fame made plans to move to the renovated L.C. Walker Arena (now known as the Trinity Health Arena) in 1997. New showcases and displays were designed to house the organization’s growing collection of artifacts and memorabilia.
The Muskegon Sports Hall of Fame boasts a vibrant history and remains dedicated to recognizing outstanding athletes and coaches from Muskegon and its surrounding regions as it forges ahead.
Hedges
Dick Hedges, founder of the Muskegon Sports Hall of Fame
Main Showcase
The move of the Hall of Fame to the L.C Walker Arena, 1997
Original 7
Images of the hall’s first seven inductees were captured by renowned sports artist Rick Lighton (1953-2020).
board exhibit
Exhibits include details on numerous honored members and their sports careers both in Muskegon and beyond.
Student Ath9
Student-Athletes honored by the Hall of Fame receive recognition with a separate exhibit on the mezzanine of the arena.
Muskegon Hockey
Inductees Joe Kastelic, Moose Lallo, Bryan McLay, Gary Ford, Jock Callander and others help tell the story of Muskegon’s rich hockey history
Showcase_2
The collection includes memorabilia from a host of Hall of Fame inductees. This exhibit includes items from SuperBowl referee Dick Dolack and Michigan State’s Sonny Gradelius. Muskegon Chronicle photo by Ken Stevens
Kenny Lane
Muskegon native Kenny Lane twice battled for the title belt as a lightweight. During his career, Kenny gave his hometown Muskegon industry, Continental Motors Corporation (manager Petroskey’s employer), some national exposure by displaying their corporate Red Seal emblem on the back of his boxing robe.
Kenny Sutton
Muskegon High School graduate Kenny Sutton earned gold at the Pan American games.
Original bro
Muskegon Sports Hall of Fame original brochure