Tiger Tales
Hudson Area High School Alumni News
Winter 2021
Claude Rowley, Class of 1964, is the volunteer construction manager for Hudson's new sports complex. The sports complex will replace the press box, which has been a prominent feature at Thompson Field for over 50 years.
Sports Complex Continues Hudson Tradition
For 100 years, Hudson has been blessed with an athletic field that has never failed to bring our community together. In 1921, G.I. Thompson and his son William gifted the field to the City with the condition that “the younger people and students in the schools be given preference in the use of the grounds (Hudson Post-Gazette, 6/17/1921).

The former North Branch schoolhouse (located on West Street) was converted into a clubhouse that included dressing rooms and showers for the athletes. Bleachers that could hold 500 spectators were located on the hill overlooking the ball field. Although baseball was the preferred sport at that time, the athletic field also included a football field and a running track. In the winter, the field was graded so that it could be flooded and used as a large ice skating rink.

In 1954, the City deeded its interest in the field to Hudson Public Schools, and a committee was organized to further develop Thompson Field. Included in the plans was a new football field complete with a lighting system and permanent bleachers. The project was completed in 1955 with the help of enthusiastic supporters.

It wasn’t until 1964, that the current press box was built. The press box included a concession stand, restroom facilities and an observation deck. With only a few renovations made in 1999, the press box looks much the same as it did when it was first built. Fifty years of wear and tear, together with features that are not to code, make the replacement of the press box a necessity.

Plans to demolish and replace the press box, along with fundraising efforts, have been underway since 2018. Claude Rowley, Class of 1964, owner of Rowley, Inc., was chosen to be the volunteer construction manager of the project. “It’s just my way of giving back to the school and community,” he said.

Bids were taken through February 1, 2021, for the work to be done on what will now be called the sports complex. With the blessing of the Board of Education, and with thanks to the many donors (including many sub-contractors who are donating their time and/or materials for the project), demolition is set to begin shortly. According to Claude, the plan is to finish the project in time for fall football.

Champions and leaders have emerged from Hudson’s modest home field. From their perch overlooking the field, announcers, coaches, and members of the press have witnessed the exploits of the outstanding football teams that have defined Hudson’s legacy. The new sports complex will not only reflect Hudson’s proud history, but will also help to shape future champions.
Alumni Announcers Remember Calling Games
When the football field was completed in 1955, Hudson State Savings Bank was one of the supporters that made not only a monetary donation to the project, but also contributed the use of a sound system to announce the games. Jim Baker, Class of 1935, and bank president, always wanted a bank employee to do the announcing, according to Gene Elliott, Class of 1963. Gene said that Walter Rupp, Class of 1947, announced the games for awhile until Gene took over in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Gene said being an announcer was crazy at times. Dick Hazen, Class of 1946, was Gene's spotter, who sometimes gave the wrong player's number when calling a tackle. "He was blinder than a bat," Gene said. In one game, the wrong player was given credit for a tackle that Rick Sherman, Class of 1974, made. Rick's mom wasn't happy with Gene, and let him know from her seat in the bleachers.

During the Streak years, Pat Malarney, Class of 1963, was the announcer. During those years, the crowds grew to several thousand fans as they watched the Hudson Tigers climb to the top and win the national title.

Next, Mike Opsal, Class of 1970, took over as announcer and called the games up until 2004. Sadly, Mike passed away in 2019.

Jim Bills, Class of 1970, (pictured above in the press box) the current voice of Tiger Football, has been announcing games since 2005. The game that stands out for Jim was the double overtime against Mendon in 2009. "It was the greatest game I remember as an announcer," he said. "I got so wrapped up in the game and excited, I forgot to turn on the mic in the second overtime." That game was the Fox Sports Game of the Week, and Herman Moore, former Detroit Lions player, was color commentator that night. In the end, Hudson won by one point. "Afterwards I could hardly talk," Jim recalled.

The sports complex will have updated features that will help to make the job of announcing games easier. Jim, who also is a Hudson Board of Education member, said of the new sports complex, "I'm looking forward to walking up stairs, instead of climbing up a ladder."
It's not too late to donate to the Press Box Fundraiser!
Tiger Strong: The Power of the Hudson Alumni Community 

Send your tax deductible gift to Hudson Area Schools, Attention: Press Box Fundraiser, 781 N. Maple Grove Ave., Hudson, MI 49247
Did you know?
Hudson Ski Club
Did you know that the Hudson Ski Club was officially organized in the 1966-67 school year?

After trying to organize a ski club for 1965-66, club advisor Mr. Storrer was finally able to find an enthusiastic group the next winter. Weather conditions being ideal, the students had many enjoyable and fun-filled hours on the ski slopes.

The Ski Club members traveled to the Irish Hills Sports Park each Tuesday after school where they received lessons in how to stop or snowplow, and how to make snowplow turns by shifting their weight on skis. The lessons usually lasted for an hour, and afterwards the students were on their own to practice what they had learned previously. A new chairlift was added in 1970 greatly enhancing the facilities at the Irish Hills Sports Park.

The high point of the skiing season came with slalom racing. There was competition within the ski club itself and with other schools at various lodges.

The Ski Club was one of Hudson's many organizations through 1978.
The 1966-67 Ski Club. FRONT ROW: Jolyn Monahan, Shelley Veneros, Beth Coleman, Antje Brammer, Chris Wollet, Karen Townsend. SECOND ROW: John Malarney, Pat Reuter, Jack Veneros, Bob Mayer, Terry Kingsley, Cindy Grill, Barb Onweller. THIRD ROW: Brian Veneros Bruce Coleman, Joyce Baker, Kris Kunkle, Beth Betz, Mr. Storrer.
What have you been up to?
Mindy (Jones) Valdez, Class of 1995, K-5 virtual learning lab academic coach, left, and Aubrey (Laughlin) Horton, Class of 2009, K-5 virtual learning lab teacher, right, work with a virtual student on her reading skills.
Aubrey (Laughlin) Horton helps to take Hudson Virtual
When the coronavirus struck in March 2020, Hudson, like schools around the state and nation, closed to help slow the spread. Little was known at the time about how long the crisis would last, but one thing was certain, children’s education had to continue. Educators quickly rethought how students are taught, and adjusted to teaching in the midst of an international pandemic.

Aubrey (Laughlin) Horton, Class of 2009, knew that virtual classrooms were going to be an option for students and families in the 2020-21 school year, and thought she may enjoy becoming an instructor. She has been teaching elementary school children for seven years (four at Hudson), and thought that teaching kids in a virtual learning environment would be a nice change of pace. When the position for an elementary virtual learning lab teacher was posted she inquired, applied, and was hired. “I like new things,” she said. I like teaching and learning something new.”

Although Aubrey’s students’ have a daily schedule, she doesn’t have the day-to-day interaction with them like she did when she taught in a traditional classroom. Instead, parents work with their children at home, and Aubrey grades a lot of short answer essays, quizzes and tests. She is available 8-10 hours, five days a week for parents of students who need extra help.

A virtual education, taught under Aubrey’s guidance, can be a real advantage for parents who want to educate their kids at home, but at times, it can be a challenge for Aubrey. “The hard part is when a parent calls and says their child needs help because I haven’t worked with them to know how they learn best,” she said. “It helps me to be creative. I have to learn the child quickly, and find what works.” Searching through new activities or going through materials she already has, Aubrey tries to find a way to help struggling students grasp new concepts.

Although Aubrey currently oversees 70 students, she said it’s a nice change of pace from her years of teaching traditional school. It is also a nice option for her students because they have flexible hours and can work at the time of day that best suits them. “They can do their work tomorrow or the next day, or wait until the weekend,” she said. Assessments given to virtual students are the same as are given to in-person students to determine their progress. These assessments, plus quizzes and assignments, help Aubrey to know that her students are staying on track.

Virtual education may not be the ideal for everyone, but it is a reality in today’s coronavirus world. With teachers like Aubrey, students and parents can be assured that their students are in good hands.
Alumni Updates
Milestones
As read in the Hudson Post-Gazette:

Denver Hedge, Class of 1964, elected, Village of Clayton trustee

Daniel Monahan, Class of 1969, supports cause, Hudson’s first Memory Walk to end Alzheimer’s

James Bills, Class of 1970, elected, Hudson School Board

Tim Sallows, Class of 1972, retired, Hudson Market House after 50 years

Kevin Monahan, Class of 1977), supports cause, Hudson’s first Memory Walk to end Alzheimer’s

Lori (Miller) Deline, Class of 1978, elected, Village of Clayton Clerk

Mark Monahan, Class of 1978, supports cause, Wreaths Across America

Sherrie (Kope) Monahan, Class of 1980, supports cause, Hudson’s first Memory Walk to end Alzheimer’s

Kristi (Kope) Saunders, Class of 1988, supports cause, Hudson’s first Memory Walk to end Alzheimer’s

Nancy Jenkins-Arno, Class of 1982, elected, Lenawee County Commission

Dan Spencer, Class of 1988, receives award for outstanding service and leadership 2012-2020, Congress of Chiropractic State Associations

Michelle (Sanborn) Jedele, Class of 1991, elected, Hudson School Board; supports cause, Hudson’s first Memory Walk to end Alzheimer’s

Jason Borck, Class of 2003, elected, Hudson School Board

Burke Hart, Class of 2012, elected, Hudson School Board

Drew Marry, Class of 2020, completes certification, FANUC Robotics
Births

Rowan Daniel, born to Brittany Johnston, Class of 2014, and Tyler Lindeman, Class of 2014

Deaths

Priscilla (Goodrich) Potter, Class of 1949, November 18, 2020

Velma (Britten) Sturtevant, Class of 1949, September 26, 2020

Merton Deuel, Class of 1950, December 25, 2020

Beverly (Million) Sattler, Class of 1952, September 24, 2020

Evelyn (Schilling) Myers, Class of 1955, September 2020

Earl Charles “Mickey” Bishop, Jr., Class of 1958, September 16, 2020

Judy (Doud) Friedrich, Class of 1960, November 6, 2020

Shirley (Milliman) Morris, Class of 1961, September 18, /2020

Gary Doud, Class of 1962

Norm Willitts, Class of 1964, November 13, 2020

Patrick Geeting, Class of 1965, January 25, 2021

Gloria (Sanford) Bump, Class of 1966, January 5, 2021

John “Jack” Winn, Class of 1966, October 10, 2020

Mike Mettler, Class of 1969, November 7, 2020

Michael Kope, Class of 1987, December 13, 2020

Chris Weichmann, Class of 1990, September 19, 2020
Do you have news to share? We'd love to hear from you!
High School
From the 1965 Yearbook
High School is adventure—
A maze of halls with endless doors
A mass of new, friendly faces.

High school is fun—
Working on a float or prom,
After game dances and dates,
Elephant jokes, fads, sponge week.
Everyday is exciting and unforgettable.

High school is new problems to solve—
Brain-racking chemistry equations,
Themes to write, projects to make,
Hopeful attempts at good grades.
High School is the thrill of victory,
The agony of defeat, the roar of the crowd.
Hard, long practices, the pride of a well played game.

Finally, high school is belonging—
Being a part of the crowd, being “in,”
Knowing who’s who and what’s what.
High school is four golden years.
Class of 1914 First to Graduate From Washington School
Many of us know this building as Miller School, but back in the day when it was first built in 1912, it was known as Washington School. Classes started in the fall of 1913, and the Class of 1914 was the first to graduate from there.

The school, designed by architect Edwin Bowd of Lansing, had distinct features that were incorporated to promote efficiency, health, and safety. High School classes were located on the second floor, with the elementary school classes and the Superintendent's office on the first floor. The Kindergarten room contained a hearth fireplace with bookcases just opposite to help provide a homey atmosphere for the little ones. The third floor housed the physical, chemical, and biological labs, as well as a dark room and a sun room. The Assembly Hall or Auditorium seated 275 students, and featured a spacious, modern stage that would seat a chorus of nearly 200.

The many windows were deliberately designed into the building's structure to ensure that students would have proper lighting. It was found at the time that older school buildings did not have proper light resulting in a great number of children with poor eyesight. To remedy that problem, Mr. Bowd designed Washington School with large windows that allowed the light to enter the room from the rear or over the students' left shoulders.

The school was made of reinforced concrete, tile and brick, to ensure that disasters, such as the Collingwood School Fire that killed 172 students and two teachers in 1908, would not happen in Hudson.

As the first class to graduate from the Washington School, the Class of 1914 generously gifted the school with a statue of Minerva Giussiani, the Greek goddess of wisdom. The statue stood seven and a half feet high and was placed in the auditorium to the right of the stage. The statue cost about $85 on its pedestal (approximately $2,200 in today's currency). Some members of the class are pictured above arriving for their Senior Picnic. One memory book describes them as "the class that truly believes in having a good time, which is one thing for which they are noted."

As with any new venture, the opening of the new school building did not come without some challenges. An article about the Class of 1914's graduation ceremony concluded with these words, "The school year just closed has been successful, although there were some disadvantages. In the first place the opening was delayed until the building could be completed, and with new rooms it was a difficult matter to have good organization. But the school board and faculty by persistence and good work surmounted all these difficulties and made a record which we are sure will popularize the schools for coming years."

Whether you knew it as Washington School or Miller School, a lot of memories were made there.
Got Stuff?
If you're going through your closet, pulling out old Hudson stuff, and don't know what to do with it...

think about donating it to the Hudson Alumni Association


We Like Stuff!
Call Nancy at 517-448-8912, Ext. 456, or email me at njenkins@hudson.k12.mi.us
Let's reconnect

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Hudson Alumni Association
550 E. Main St. * Hudson, Michigan 49247
(517) 448-8912, Ext. 456
njenkins@hudson.k12.mi.us