The Brag Board
Jeff Christian
- "I never had the opportunity to coach Jeff, but admired his athletic ability from a distance. Beaverton can be very proud of Jeff and all he accomplished with his running. He just never quit. Jeff just LOVED to run and had a natural form that he took advantage of and developed to the fullest. His desire and intensity served him well. I've seen him running along the roads in the Beaverton area in all kinds of weather, and in the halls of BHS. He just didn't like to walk!"
- Dick Van Wieren
- "You didn't have to say much to Jeff - he was self- motivated and he was going to work hard no matter what. He would always do more than ever asked. I've only had a few people who were fierce competitors, and when he ran a race, he was in it to win it. That team of Jeff Christian, Matt Neal, Chris Parker, Jason Longstreth, Mark Christman, the Greer boys (Daryl and Kenny) and Jay Bruce, that was a heck of a group of distance runners. We've never had anything like that group of kids."
- Jim Emery*
- "No one has ever excelled at track, especially cross-country, like Jeff Christian. An all-state athlete with superhuman-like ability to run distances, Jeff will not likely be matched by another track athlete in Beaverton ever."
- Scott Govitz
- "A great runner, you watch him run around the track and you don’t see him or his head bop up and down he’s just level and smooth."
- Roy Johnston
- "The training and hard work it takes to compete in the 1600 and 3200, and to accomplish the records that Jeff held is unbelievable. A great choice for the Hall of Fame."
- Larry Gerow
-
"I never saw a kid that dedicated himself so entirely to running. He is so self-motivated."
- Pat Dillon*
- "Jeff is the finest long-distance runner I've ever had the privilege to be around. He shined the brightest on the biggest stages."
- Jim Emery*
Doyle Durkee
- "Doyle was one of Beaverton's best on the basketball court. He always managed to find a way to score. Doyle worked hard at his sport. He listened to Coach Johnston and remained coachable through his high school career. Even when you are as talented as Doyle was, it takes work and good coaching to be the kind of star player he was. He enjoyed a close family life as a teen, and was always a gentleman on the court and off. I considered it a pleasure to know Doyle Durkee and his family."
- Dick Van Wieren
- "One of the best we’ve had in Beaverton without a doubt – he could do it all on the court."
- Mike Loar
"A great ball player and great person. I have a lot of respect for Doyle Durkee."
- Roy Johnston
"I only saw Doyle play one time when I was teaching in St. Louis; I saw him playing in a regional. I was impressed with the way he saw the floor and played the game. I know he’s a great shooter and passer having played city league against him. Just a great player."
- Jim Emery
"Doyle was the best shooter Beaverton ever had. I enjoyed rebounding for him - I just wanted to get him the ball. He was a good guy outside of basketball and fun to hang with off and on the court. He was a lot of fun to play with."
- Jeff Roerhrs*
-
"In the summer of 1989, Doyle took Matt Schelich, Jason Stone and Dusty to a 3-on-3 Gus Macker Tournament in Saginaw. With his playing and coaching ability, Doyle guided his team to a division championship in the tournament. What a great experience for these three young guys. It was always fun to watch Doyle on the basketball court."
- Larry Gerow
"Doyle was as smooth on the floor as they come and you didn't have to tell him something twice - he had a wonderful attitude. One of my favorites without a doubt."
- Roy Johnston
* GCR, 01/13/09
Larry Gerow
- "I didn’t know or see Larry Gerow play, but in hearing about him, I knew he was good, and I know he’s worked the sidelines ever since I’ve been around, and he's done it for free. Larry is an All-American, and that takes some god-given ability and a lot of dedication and hard work."
- Roy Johnston
- "The best blocker I ever saw in high school football."
- 1961 BHS Football Coach Joe Mikolajczak
- "Ken Govitz was there on the sidelines when I arrived in Beaverton. He was one of sports’ greatest backers and he was always there for the kids. I can say ditto to Larry Gerow. Both of these guys were outstanding athletes in their time and always wanted the best for the young men of the community. Larry ran the chains for many years and you could always count on him."
- Dick Van Wieren
- "Larry worked the chains at the football games for years. I asked my dad about him and Dad explained what a great person and athlete he was. I can tell that my dad was right."
- Dan Grant
- "To this day, Larry Gerow is the finest place-kicker in football that Gladwin County has ever had. He was a fine offensive and defensive player. Larry had the tools to play for a lot of universities had he so desired. He also was a fine baseball player. When it comes to chain gangs, he runs a mean crew (that is, along the high school field sidelines, not along the highways of South Carolina)."
- Ken Govitz
Ken Govitz
- "I didn’t see Ken Govitz play, but I recognized that he was always around and supporting sporting events; he was interested and always talking the game, no matter what it was. I heard from Whitey Wilson of Frankenmuth - who was a great coach - who went to school with Ken at Northern Michigan, and he spoke very highly of him."
- Roy Johnston
- "Ken Govitz was there on the sidelines when I arrived in Beaverton. He was one of sports’ greatest backers and he was always there for the kids. I can say ditto to Larry Gerow. Both of these guys were outstanding athletes in their time and always wanted the best for the young men of the community."
- Dick Van Wieren
- "Ken Govitz was always around sports when I was younger. I’ve heard stories about him from my Uncle Bill, who played sports around the same time as Ken. It’s obvious he was a great athlete, and there is no question about Ken as a person."
- Dan Grant
Dan Grant
- “I was here a couple years after his graduation, but I heard a ton about how good he was. Coach Van talked so highly of him and Mike Loar, and was so proud to coach them. Dan Grant receiving the Golden Helmet Award is amazing; those didn’t get handed out to just anybody. He was working at the elevator when I came to town a long time ago now.”
- Roy Johnston
- “I only remember one time when Dan was tackled one-on-one. Dan said he was trying a new move.”
- BHS Football Coach Dick Van Wieren
- “When we were in high school, we were always very proud to walk by the trophy case and see our dad's awards, especially his 'Golden Helmet.' We are just as proud of him today and would like to say congratulations to a great dad on his Hall of Fame induction."
- Dan's daughters Jeni, Sally, Laura and Missy
- "My grandpa lets me plow snow with him, and he teaches me how to fish and drive the mule. I think he's very smart because he helped me fix my go-cart. I want to play football like him, but I don't think I will be able to run as fast as he did, so I will probably tackle people. "
- Grant Branon, Age 7
- "I only know Dan Grant from his athletic ability and his coaching days. He is a good, community-minded person."
- Ken Govitz
- "Dan Grant has given so much to football. He was an all-state player, a natural runner who loved the game and gave it his all. He played on an undefeated team as a junior and his senior year they lost one game. He was a big part of that effort."
- BHS Football Coach Dick Van Wieren
- "Working with Dan over the months and years has been so memorable. He has taught us all many, many things. He is such an honest and hardworking individual and continues to change our lives and those he come into contact with everyday. We are all so very proud of you and your achievements, Dan. Congratulations on all you have done - you deserve it."
- His Afternoon Partners: Nora, Karee, Carl and Vic
- "Dan: To say 'We are proud of you' seems so little to convey our thoughts - but we certainly are. When I was in high school, I knew you were a very talented athlete, but I am sure I did not appreciate how very gifted you were. I remember cheering from the sidelines for all of those yards you ran and the touchdowns scored. I remember seeing that Gold Helmet in the trophy case and it was just so cool that your name was on it. And I have proudly pointed out that trophy a million times to our children. The lessons learned through athletics of doing your best, working hard to be better, accepting the role that makes the team better, pride in your school and community all served you well on the football field. But more importantly, long after the glow of an award wears off, these attributes will continue to serve you well throughout your life. Those attributes have been evident in the way you and Patty have lived your life, raised your family and are reflected in the way you enjoy your grandson, Grant Leroy. Mom and Dad would be beaming with pride. They were always proud of you - but this would have been the icing on the cake. Congratulations, #32 - we are so proud of you."
- Sue and Joe Mishler & family
- "I’d really like to thank my parents, coaches and fellow teammates for being so supportive through my career at BHS."
- Dan Grant
Roy Johnston
- "Roy Johnston is THE best high school basketball coach in the state of Michigan. He teaches his boys a lot about life, as well as basketball skills. Roy loves working with young people and he puts great effort into every new season. With the unfailing support of his wife, Judy, he has positively influenced many young men and women. He is also a talented football line coach. Roy did a great job with the line in a year that the district had to cut spending and hired NO assistant coaches. Unsolicited, Roy came out to the field every day and helped me put together a team. His efforts were invaluable. He would accept no part of my salary. He spent many hours for no compensation or acclaim. He just wanted to help a friend and the students. My wife and I have enjoyed a cherished friendship with the Johnston family for many years. Roy and Judy are good people."
- Dick Van Wieren
- "I want to congratulate Roy Johnston on his induction into the Beaverton Rural Schools Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2009. In my humble opinion, I can think of no one more deserving of this honor. Roy has been a credit to his profession, his community, and to the game of basketball in the state of Michigan. Throughout the years, Roy has proven to be a loyal friend and a man of impeccable character and integrity. On a more personal note, I would also like to add that he is an incredible basement remodeler. Roy, congratulations again on your induction, and thanks for all you have done for so many people.”
- Tom Izzo, MSU Men's Head Basketball Coach
- "Roy Johnston was and still is one of my heroes. He took a group of raw kids, pushed us, taught us and turned us in to a pretty decent basketball team. He was tough on us but we always knew he would be there for us if we needed him. I remember a new pair of high-top shoes showing up in my locker when I sprained my ankle severely my senior year. He knew my parents could not afford to buy me that pair of shoes. As was his style he never mentioned where they came from but I always knew."
- Doyle Durkee
- "Roy’s will to win was my biggest motivator. Like a father-figure, I never wanted to let him down. Still to this day Roy lets every individual in the gym know he wants a 'W' more than anyone. His passion for the game and demand for success has continued in my life and many others who have had the privilege of playing for him.”
- James Ruhle
- "Roy definitely deserves to go in. What can you say, he’s a good coach and he’s done a great job and kept a program going for a long time. There are a lot more peaks than valleys. Lots of teams just roll the ball out, but he always has an emphasis on discipline and doing things correctly. When I came to Beaverton, I didn’t plan to coach basketball until meeting Roy, and I’ve been at it 32 years. I'm not sure I could have done it with someone else."
- Jim Emery
- "Not everybody has always agreed with Roy's method or philosophy, and I'm sure not all the kids that played for him didn't completely understand him. But we all have to respect him for what he has done for Beaverton basketball and the Beaverton community. A solid addition to the Hall of Fame."
- Larry Gerow
- "Very conscientious and very dependable. He can be hard, but he educates his ballplayers to play the game the way it’s supposed to be played. He expects excellence in his players and is a winner, and also a good family man. The kids and grandkids love him."
- Tom Bieganek
- "The man singlehandedly changed the culture of an entire town with an old school philosophy, passion and love for the game of basketball that made us all proud to be Beavers. Players would fear but admire (he always got the best out of all of us); fans would cheer and applaud; refs would fear for their lives; and opposing teams would mark us on the calendar every year. Remember the movie the 'Hoosiers'? That's what Beaverton basketball is all about - no gimmicks, no showboating, just guts and hard work. Coach Johnston embodies it all. If you play as a team, dive on the floor, take a charge and give it 110 percent, when the clock reads zeros, you'll be a champion. Rock on, Coach Roy! Thanks for everything!"
- Brandon Calhoon
- "Roy has been a credit to the coaching profession. He has not only been a mentor for his players but has helped many of his fellow coaches become true professionals. Roy truly loves coaching and is one of the most repected coaches in the entire state. It has been an honor to be in the fraternity of coaching because of professionals like Roy Johnston. My sincere congratulations on a well deserved honor!"
- Phil Odlum, Michigan Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame member, and Roy's brother-in-law
- "I consider myself very fortunate to have spent nearly 25 of my 33 years in and around the Beaverton basketball program and Coach Johnston. From basketball camp and being a water-boy in the eighties to playing for him in the nineties to currently coaching on his staff, it has been a privilege to learn about the game of basketball from one of the greatest teachers our state will ever know. I would also like to thank Coach Johnston for teaching me so much about the game of life, the values of hard work and the importance of surrounding yourself with good people. Outside of my family, I can't think of anyone who has made a bigger impact on my life. Congratulations, Roy!"
- Shad Woodruff
- "Congratulations to Roy on his selection to the Beaverton Hall of Fame. Roy's record and accomplishments speak for themselves, as evidenced by his induction into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan's Hall of Fame several years ago. What I find even more impressive, however, is the fact that Roy coaches as he lives every day, with passion, honesty and integrity. And don't be fooled by the crusty, competitive guy you see on the basketball court. Inside is a heart filled with compassion for those around him, his players, students, family and friends alike. Roy (and yes, Judy too), enjoy the moment, and take pride in knowing what a positive impact you have had on so many people, both young and old. I would like to thank Roy for all he has done for coaches all over Michigan and for being a special and trusted friend over the last 27 years. You are indeed special. Congratulations."
- Doug Herner, Lansing Sexton High and Michigan State University
Mike Loar
- "I just have a childhood memory of Mike Loar that I feel I need to share. The funny thing is that I could not have been over seven years old. I remember my Dad playing with Mike on a men's softball team at the old ball field that was between the elementary and the middle school. It does not exist anymore. What I remember so vividly was that Mike was playing left field with a runner at third just 45 feet from the plate. A long fly ball was hit to Mike and the runner tagged and Mike caught the ball and rifled a throw that I can still see in my mind. The ball never got more than five feet off the ground and seemed to be shot out of a cannon. Needless to say the runner was out, standing - no need to slide when the ball beats you by seconds.
I was a better than average ball player at Beaverton and every time - every time - I was able to catch a fly ball or just needed to get the ball to the plate, in the back of my mind I thought of that One Throw from a man that I hardly knew. Thanks, Mike. One day I was approached by an old-timer after we beat the pants off Roscommon my senior year and he told me that I played football like Mike Loar. I knew Mike was great and I thanked him. I just wish I would have appreciated it then as much as I do today."
- Channon Neal
- "Mike Loar was the best "pure" football player I've ever coached. He was very coachable with a natural ability that is rare to find in a teen. Mike worked extremely hard and gave everything he had on every play. He was one tough player on both offense and defense. He made coaching fun and rewarding. It was a great pleasure to work with Mike, a superior player and a fine young man."
- Dick Van Wieren
- "He’s the best ballplayer I’ve ever seen. I made all-conference two years in a row because of Mike Loar, period. He was the defensive end and I was the outside linebacker. If there was a sweep or run our direction, Mike would get them and I’d get any leftovers, and believe me there wasn’t much left over. When he played ball, he was out there to play football. He should have been playing professional ball, football or baseball."
- Steve Brubaker
- "With a guy like Mike, there was no rivalry or jealousy between us - he just wanted to win. There is so much good to be said about someone like Mike. I don't really think, especially defensively, there was anyone that could compare to Mike Loar. It was pretty cool to be in the huddle with him; we had so much fun. It was intense but fun - he'd swat me on the top of the helmet with that big mitt after a good run and say, 'Good job, Danny.' It was sometimes worse than getting hit by the other team. He was an intesnse and serious player, but fun at the same time."
- Dan Grant
- "Mike Loar is one of my childhood heroes. Watching him was like watching a man play football with a bunch of boys. He was the most dominating high school football player I ever seen in this area. He could do anything he wanted on a football field and there was not much the other team could do to stop him."
- Doyle Durkee
- "Mike Loar was the best pro prospect that I had the privilege of coaching during my tenure at Beaverton. Mike had a motor that never slowed down. He just kept going, and he was a great person."
- Dick Van Wieren*
- "It was always fun to see Mike display his talents on the football field. A hard hitter as a defensive-end and linebacker, and the best fullback ever to play at Beaverton. His accomplishments in softball after graduation confirms an opportunity missed when Mike did not play high school baseball. He was always willing to help - Mike, his brothers and dad put in a lot of work on the football field renovation in 1987-1988."
- Larry Gerow
- "When I think of Mike, I am reminded of integrity; he is rock solid and the most honest man I know. He held himself accountable on and off the field, a standard for all others to follow. Mike was the most skilled, complete football player in Beaverton High history. I witnessed the respect our competitors held for Mike as a fullback, and their fear of his precision and toughness as a linebacker. Coach Van empowered all of us to be successful as individuals and as a team; Mike, as our leader on the field, expected the very best from us each and every play. When we needed a few yards, Mike would say, 'Shreevezy, I need five yards,' and I remember the feel of his spikes on my back as he plowed for a few more! Mike always gave his teammates and Coach Van 110 percent. Without question, Mike would have excelled at the collegiate and professional levels, but chose family and commitment over personal goals. I am honored to know Mike and respect him for having the toughness to make the right decisions on and off the field. Mike’s unselfish efforts and outstanding performance as one of Beaverton’s finest were an inspiration to all who observed him playing the game."
- Mike Shreeve
- "Coach Van talked so highly of Dan Grant and Mike Loar, and was so proud to coach them."
- Roy Johnston
Clarence Metzger
- "I worked with Mr. Metzger a few years before his retirement. He was Mr. Beaverton as far as I was concerned, and I hope to outlast him in years of service."
- Roy Johnston
- "His glowing smile showed best on September 4, 1989, when in his honor the BHS football field and sports complex was aptly dedicated and renamed Metzger Field - a fitting memorial for a man who touched so many lives for so many years and made such a lasting imprint on our community."
- Scott Govitz
- "Clarence Metzger was always the same, to your face or behind your back, a wonderful man all way around. I felt very fortunate to have him as my administrator for many years. His support and enthusiasm was very important to building a new program."
- Dick Van Wieren
- "Clarence Metzger was Mr. BHS while I was in school. My parents spoke highly of him years before I knew who he was. I always trusted their judgment."
- Dan Grant
- "Clarence Metzger was a student’s principal. He loved being among the students and making conversation. You could always find him giving a helping hand, whether it was driving the bus to ballgames, liming the football fields or picking trash up around the school. If you had a personal problem, he would always be a listening ear. When it came to discipline, he could bend (not break) the rules, depending on the circumstances of each case."
- Ken Govitz
- "I remember Clarence Metzer mainly from the classroom. He was pleasant, and it was easy to learn what he wanted us to know. It was obvious that he loved kids."
- Becky Phillips
Becky Phillips
- "Of course she played before I arrived, but she taught and coached girls later in her career. She could coach all levels - girls at 7th grade through varsity. She was a part of Beaverton basketball and the evolution of full court, five-on-five basketball."
- Roy Johnston
- "I didn’t work with Becky Phillips, but I have been grateful for her work with the girls’ sports. I have two daughters and wanted them to have a chance to be a part of the teamwork and camaraderie that comes with playing on a team, too."
- Dick Van Wieren
- "Becky Phillips coached my wife, Patty, in basketball; Patty always liked her. I never knew her as a coach, player or teacher, but have since respected her as a youth teacher and active member of her church. She is a special lady."
- Dan Grant
- "Becky has the heart of a champion and expressed it in whatever she did, whether it was in a sandlot game, high school basketball game, her church or as a teacher."
- Ken Govitz
Dick Van Wieren
- "With Coach Van, we became good friends in life. I was a quarterback in high school, and so was he at Cadillac, and then he went on to play at Indiana. When we coached together, he put me in charge of the line. I made sure we had good protection for the QB. He would just show me what to do, and I’d do it. He was a strict disciplinarian, and I grew into one too. He would get on peoples' butts, but if you get on them and they do it right, you can’t say enough good about them after they do it right."
- Roy Johnston
- "Coach Van was the one everyone looked up to while I was in school. He taught physical education and coached football, basketball and track, but he was a lot more than that. He controlled the halls and had a shoulder pinch that would make you see things his way! A lot of other teachers were glad there was a Coach Van in the building."
- Dan Grant
- "Coach Van:
From a player's perspective, my husband Joe relates you were his coach for JV basketball and Varsity football. Although he remembers you as a great coach, it is the man he addressed as "Coach" that probably left the greatest impression. The respect you were given as a high school coach has continued long after graduation. You will always be "Coach Van".
The Grant family knew you as a coach, a neighbor and a friend. My parents so enjoyed the days they spent at Beaverton High School working as sports boosters or just doing what they could to contribute to the school. I remember how much they looked forward to the Sports Booster meetings and watching the game replay movies with your play-by-play commentary. They respected you and the job you did as a coach and teacher, instilling the same values they also believed were important. You were then, and remain today, a real first-class person and a role model for so many. As a neighbor and friend, you and Donna were always available to give a hand when needed. We had great times together, and during the tough times you and Donna were also there as some of the first to lend your support when we lost our parents. We are grateful that you and your family have touched our lives.
Congratulations on your induction to the inaugural Beaverton High School Hall of Fame. You are truly a deserving honoree."
- Sue ('69) and Joe ('67) Mishler
- "His outstanding character truly makes him a legend of the game. Van Wieren never ran the score up on his opponents, even when they could have beat teams 70-0. He never did it, out of respect."
- Dan Grant
- "Coach Van was the best 5-4 and 6-3 coach (along with owning a couple of conference championships) that I’ve known. He played all of his players, and they loved him for it. I have never heard a bad word about Coach Van. He coached discipline, sportsmanship and respect. I have a lot of admiration for this guy. I am sure he held the same respect from the students he taught."
- Ken Govitz