John Raffel
Sports Scene
Ovid-Elsie now has its very own Hall of Fame.
The first list of inductees were honored on September 17 in Elsie.
Six individuals and the 2004 competitive cheer team were inducted.
The 2004 cheer team won the Class B state title.
Also honored was Robert D. Forebeck who was the boys varsity basketball coach from 1968 to 1996. His teams earned 292 wins, five league titles, and seven district titles and Foreback was state coach of the year in 1978-79.
Another honoree was Mary Hudecek, girls varsity basketball coach for eight seasons with a record of 119-54. Three league titles, five district titles, two regional championships, and 1984 Associated Press Class B coach of the year were among her accomplishments.
Jack Nutter was honored for a 17-year varsity baseball coaching stint which garnered four league and two district titles. He’s a leader in the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association with 303 wins.
Harold Slowinski, a staff volunteer, was inducted for the work he’s done with the school as a chain gang member for 13 years, stat keeper for six years, and equipment manager for 19 seasons.
Two student-athletes were inducted, including Mary Perrien, who was all-state in basketball and all-conference and team MVP in softball. An athlete at Ovid-Elsie from 1982-85, she played basketball at Chadron State College in 2005 and was honorable mention All-American.
Also honored was Cal Woodard, a student-athlete from 1968-71. He was the school’s first all-state athlete, being named all-state offensive end in 1970. He also held 13 single-season school records in basketball and set the school record in high hurdles.