The Ypsilanti Courier
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
A great tradition
High school inducts past athletes into Hall of Fame
By TIno Lambros, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: October 18, 2007
Ypsilanti Public Schools recently held its fourth annual Athletic Hall of Fame induction as 10 athletic greats from the high school's distinguished heritage were honored for their contributions programs, coachingand service to their communities.
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The 2007 honorees spanned Ypsi High's athletic history from 1930 to 1993 throuhgout 67 memory filled years.
This year's class was again filled with impressive student-athletes. Accomplishments included many all-state and state champions, college athletes with All American status as well as being members of National Champion teams, professional athletes, and those dedicated to public, community, and school service.
A social hour was held before the ceremony for the inductees, school officials and friends and family. Several honorees had not visited their high school in many years.
The reunions included lots of smiles, handshakes, hugs, and even a few tears, and, of course, great stories. The new inductees were moved and honored to be recognized for their accomplishments and show great pride in being part of this grand evening.
The Ypsilanti High School Athletic Hall of Fame now has 53 Braves inducted into the Hall. It is a strong tribute to the history, the legacy and the traditions of the Ypsilanti Public Schools.
These two great tributes to YHS alumni are inspirations to current students, staff, administration, board members and the community.
Lou Batterson, 1930
Batterson quarterbacked the 1928 Ypsi football team to a state championship.
After high school he attended the Michigan State Normal College, (now Eastern Michigan University) and lettered in baseball and basketball.
Batterson went on to play professional baseball in the Tigers' system; being selected to four minor league All-Star teams.
He returned to YHS where he coached and taught for 25 years. In 1975, he won the Michigan Senior Golfers Championship. In 1979 he was inducted into the EMU Athletic Hall of Fame. Batterson died in 2006.
Michael Bradley, 1964
Bradley was the state wrestling champion in 1964 and was a member of two state championship teams in 1962 and 1964.
Bradley went on to Michigan State University where he continued to excel in sports. He was a three-time Big Ten wrestling champion and was a 1967 All American, finishing 2nd in the NCAA Wrestling championships.
In a rare collegiate double, Mike was also on the MSU football team. The 1966 to 1967 college year was quite a year for Bradley, one that would be hard to match. As a member of the football team, Mike played in the 1966 Rose Bowl. Both the 1966 football team and the 1967 wrestling teams won national championships, Bradley being a member of both.
He continued to compete in wrestling earning national and international honors in Greco- Roman and freestyle for many years and was a medalist in the World Games in Greco-Roman in 1973.
Bradley returned to YHS as a coach and teacher for 35 years. He coached wrestling at EMU for many years.
Leo Clark, 1948
Clark was a tough, aggressive member of the "glory year" YHS football teams that dominated the state in the late 40s and early 50s. He also participated in baseball and basketball.
Clark earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State Normal college and his master's from the University of Michigan.
He became a coach and teacher in the Ypsi schools, teaching science, and later became a principal and took over the helm of the nationally renowned Perry Child Development Center.
Under his leadership, this program became a showcase for the nation. Clark was the consummate professional, great leader and a model for his students.
In 1981, he was honored with an Outstanding and Unselfish Service to the Community Award.
He retired soonm after that, with more than30 years of service to the Ypsi Schools.
Jeff Fulton, 1974
Fulton is a third-generation YHS graduate. He lettered in football for the highly successful teams of the early 70s.
Fulton is a tireless behind-the-scenes worker for the Ypsi Schools and the community. As the owner of Hickory Woods golf course, Fulton organized and held many fund-raisers for the schools, athletic departments and community for both Ypsilanti and EMU.
Fulton organized the YHS Women's Golf Team, Ypsi Brave Golf Invitational, helped refurbish the YHS weight room and did much volunteer work for the athletic departments at both YHS and EMU.
He was a trustee on the Ypsilanti Board of Education, and has given much time and money without headlines or fanfare.
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