UPDATED: Legacy, inspiration, and community spirit shine at the 40th Annual Alpena Sports Hall of Fame Banquet | News, Sports, Jobs

ALPENA — Cheers, memories, and heartfelt reflections filled the air Saturday night as the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame welcomed its Class of 2024 at the 40th annual banquet, held at The APlex in Alpena. The event honored five exceptional individuals whose athletic talent, leadership, and lifelong impact continue to resonate throughout the community.

This year’s inductees — Sue (Piper) Geyer, John Keller, Kevin Konczak, Eric Krebs, and Marsha (Beaubien) Parker — each brought unique stories of grit, achievement, and service to Alpena athletics, proving that greatness isn’t only measured by wins, but by dedication, character, and the lasting mark left on others.

A standing ovation for the 1992-93 State Champs

Before the individual honors began, the crowd took a moment to recognize one of Alpena’s most iconic teams — the 1992-93 State Championship Alpena High School hockey team — as Team of the Year. The team’s banner season and lasting bond remain a symbol of what teamwork, coaching, and community support can achieve.

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One of Alpena’s most iconic teams — the 1992-93 State Championship Alpena High School hockey team — was named Team of the Year at the annual Alpena Sports Hall of Fame awards banquet held Saturday at The APlex.

Marsha (Beaubien) Parker: Speed, power, and perseverance

Among the evening’s standout moments was the induction of Marsha (Beaubien) Parker, a nine-time varsity letterwinner who made her mark on Alpena High School in basketball, volleyball, and most notably, softball. A 2005 First Team All-State softball selection, Parker carried her talents to the collegiate level, playing four years at Saginaw Valley State University, where she helped lead the Cardinals to back-to-back conference titles.

Known for her blend of speed and power, Parker exemplified what it meant to be a complete athlete — and a humble one.

“To be inducted alongside so many incredible athletes and community members is something I’ll never forget,” Parker said. “Alpena gave me my foundation, and I’m proud to represent the Wildcat legacy.”

The rest of the Class of 2024: Grit, passion, and impact

Courtesy Photo Matthew Amlotte and Meghan Cameron were named Boosters of the Year, honored for their tireless commitment to Alpena athletics.

Sue (Piper) Geyer made waves as both an outstanding golfer and an advocate for youth sports. Her decades of involvement have left an indelible mark on Alpena’s youth athletic programs.

“Geyer’s decorated golf resume is a testament to her talent and ability to win on some of Alpena’s biggest golf stages,” states a summary about Piper in the Sports Hall of Fame program. “Because of Sue’s success on the links being one of the most consistent and winningest women’s golfers in Alpena, she joins her mother Pat Piper — a Class of 1995 Inductee — in the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame.”

John Keller was celebrated for his years of coaching, leadership, and dedication to excellence on the track.

“A 1978 graduate of Alpena High, John led the Wildcats as a sprinter, hurdler, and relay team member during a standout varsity track and field career,” a summary reads in the Sports Hall of Fame program. “Decades after graduating, two of his track records sill stand after 40+ years.”

Kevin Konczak, a standout in track and cross country, was known not just for breaking records, but for inspiring younger generations to chase their potential.

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Local broadcaster Al Randall is this year’s Voice of the North recipient. Known for calling countless Alpena games across multiple sports, Randall brought Alpena athletics into living rooms and car radios for decades.

He has continued his “exceptionally prosperous and decorated career as a distance runner, triathlete, and Ironman competitor,” the summary about Konczak states. “With an impressive list of accolades that continues to grow, Konczak is a 20+ time USA Triathlon All-American and a five-time member of Team USA.”

Eric Krebs is a name synonymous with local baseball excellence, and he also showed considerable talent in football.

“Eric was a multi-sport star for the Wildcats, earning letters in football and baseball, including four years as a starter for the AHS baseball team,” the program summary about Krebs states. “Krebs first four success as a youth on Alpena’s Junior Babe Ruth All-Star teams from 1966 to 1968, winning a state championship in 1967.”

Boosters of the Year: Behind-the-scenes champions

Matthew Amlotte and Meghan Cameron were named Boosters of the Year, honored for their tireless commitment to Alpena athletics. From fundraising to organizing events, their behind-the-scenes work keeps local sports alive and thriving.

“For over two decades, Matthew Amlotte has quietly and selflessly shaped the future of youth sports in Alpena,” a summary in the program reads. “As a longtime board member and secretary of Alpena Huron Shores Little League, Matthew has logged countless behind-the-scenes hours to ensure smooth, successful baseball and softball seasons — year after year.”

Amlotte has worked tirelessly without fanfare to ensure that “nothing falls through the cracks,” the summary explains.

“His leadership has been central to the ongoing Light the Park initiative, a complex-wide lighting project nearing completion, thanks to his perspective and vision,” the summary continues. “Matthew is not just a volunteer — he is the standard of what a dedicated community member looks like.”

Cameron has dedicated her talents to figure skating in Alpena and beyond.

“When it comes to figure skating in Alpena, it’s hard to find someone more dedicated to the sport than Meghan Cameron,” a summary in the program reads. “Cameron was a member of the Alpena Figure Skating Club from 1988 to 1998 and was awarded its highest honor, the Elroy Downing Award, in 1996. She would then go on to skate for the Michigan Technological University Synchronized Skating Team while attending college. Cameron’s biggest achievement was competing at the U.S. National Team competition in Colorado Springs, CO.”

She has coached for the Alpena Figure Skating Club for eight years and is the head coach of the Alpena High School Figure Skating Team.

Voice of the North: A tribute to Al Randall

The evening also featured a heartfelt tribute to legendary local broadcaster Al Randall, this year’s Voice of the North recipient. Known for calling countless Alpena games across multiple sports, Randall brought Alpena athletics into living rooms and car radios for decades.

Sharing stories filled with humor and heart, Randall recalled some of his favorite memories — including a soccer broadcast he admittedly had to “learn on the fly.”

“We had no clue what was happening, but we made it work — because it mattered to the kids, the coaches, and the families,” Randall said with a smile.

Mike Kollien, who introduced Randall, summed it up best:

“Al’s voice was the soundtrack to Alpena sports for generations. This recognition is long overdue.”

A community celebration

As the evening drew to a close, the themes of gratitude, family, and perseverance echoed through the banquet hall. Whether it was an athlete recalling the coach who pushed them forward or a broadcaster remembering the parents who thanked him after games, one thing was clear: this night was about more than sports. It was about Alpena.

“Athletes and statistics aside, the fine qualities and characteristics of our inductees are a reflection of their hard work and success,” said Liz Klemens, Alpena Sports Hall of Fame president. “Guiding lights for our continuing work.”

And as the Class of 2024 took their place in Alpena’s proud history, they also lit the way for the next generation — proving that excellence doesn’t end with the final whistle. It lives on in community, commitment, and the courage to give your all.