National Greco-Roman Coach Steve Fraser mentors T.C. Dantzler at the 2008 Olympic Games. Fraser will be inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. Larry Slater photo.

DETROIT --- The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (MSHOF) will induct a new class on September 13, 2010 at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi – marking the 54th Induction Event in the Hall’s history. 

Class members include Bob Becker, George Blaha, Steve Fraser, Bill Fleming, Marian Ilitch, Rick Leach, Meg Mallon, Herman Moore, Eddie Murray, Jack Roush and Jon Urbanchek. In addition, Peter Karmanos, originally a member of the 53rd Class of Inductees, will be inducted with the new class.

Fraser was a 1984 Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, the first American to win an Olympic title in Greco-Roman. He has served since 1995 as USA Wrestling’s National Greco-Roman Coach.

“I am honored to be selected among the many superstars that are being inducted to this year’s class,” said Fraser. “Many of these individuals were my heroes when I was growing up. I went to school at the University of Michigan with Rick Leach when he was our star quarterback. And the great U of M swim coach, Jon Urbanchek, has always been in inspiration to me.”

Fraser will be able to attend the awards banquet, after returning from Moscow, Russia where he will coach the U.S. Greco-Roman World Team at the Wrestling World Championships, Sept. 6-8.

“I feel very grateful to have been able to grow up and play sports in the State of Michigan where so many great athletes have played,” said Fraser. “The State of Michigan has a tremendous sports tradition. It also has one of the best kid’s development systems in the country. I was very fortunate to have been touched by so many outstanding coaches that took an average kid from Hazel Park and guided him toward excellence, not only in wrestling but in life in general. What a blessing it has been to be a small part of the huge Michigan sports tradition. I am excited and so looking forward to the evening in Novi.”

STEVE FRASER BIOGRAPHY (by MSHOF)

Fraser is America's First Olympic Gold Medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling and is currently the National Greco-Roman Coach for USA Wrestling, where he leads our Olympic Greco-Roman effort. Fraser competed in football, track and field, and wrestling as a high school student. He won a wrestling scholarship to the University of Michigan in 1976. He won national Greco-Roman championships in the 198-pound division in 1982 and 1983, when he also won a gold medal at the Pan-American Games.Fraser won the national freestyle title in 1984 but finished second in Greco-Roman championship. However, he placed first in the 1984 Olympic trials and then became the first U. S. athlete ever to win an Olympic gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling at the Los Angeles Games. Inducted into the U. S. Wrestling Hall of Fame and the UM Hall of Honor.

The Michigan sports community is excited about this induction ceremony.

“It’s been a long time coming for this induction ceremony and we appreciate the patience shown by our class of inductees,” said Scott Lesher, chairman of the MSHOF board, referring to the fact that these inductees were announced in 2008. “And we are very excited to honor them with their rightful place in the Hall of Fame. Mainly due to the economic challenges we have all faced, the Hall and the board has reluctantly postponed the induction ceremony for the past two years.”  

For the first time in its history, the MSHOF will hold their Induction Ceremony in Oakland County. Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson will serve as the honorary chairman for the Induction Ceremony.

“Looking forward,” Lesher added, “we have teamed up with some great new partners in the Rock Financial Showplace and Epoch Catering and we are very excited to have Brooks Patterson join our efforts as we host our event in Oakland County for the first time.” 

The MSHOF’s 54th Induction Event will begin at 5:00 pm with a private VIP reception. Festivities will include a strolling dinner reception beginning at 6:00 followed by the induction ceremony. More than 100 current Hall of Famers have been invited to honor this induction class. Current inductee bios can be found at www.michigansportshof.org/inductees/current.

“We are thrilled to announce our event plans at an exciting new venue,” said Jim Stark, executive director of the MSHOF, “and having the support of Brooks will make it even more special.  Our organization has worked diligently to create a focused, forward-reaching plan and is committed to honoring the members by making the Hall a viable, self-sustaining, not-for-profit business. Personally, I’m extremely optimistic and excited for the future of the MSHOF.” 

Tickets and further information for the MSHOF’s 54th Induction Event are available by calling 248-473-0656, or by visiting the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame’s Web site (www.michigansportshof.org). In recognition of the ongoing economic situation, ticket prices have been reduced for 2010.  A limited number of the private, VIP reception tickets are available at $225, general event tickets are $125 and a special youth ticket for those 15 and under is priced at $75. Ticket packages and group rates are also available. 

The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 organization. It is comprised of 270 former champions, medalists, and great contributors to the world of sports. The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, honoring and displaying the amateur and professional history of sports in the State of Michigan through compelling events, exhibits, interactive e-displays and community outreach programs. Through these activities, the hall honors the athletes, coaches and administrators enshrined as Hall of Fame members who have brought fame, success and glory to the state. 

For more information regarding the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, please visit 
http://www.michigansportshof.org/