Ronan Hall of Fame to welcome new inductees
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News from the Lake County Commission
RONAN — The Ronan Hall of Fame Committee will be hosting their annual Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Ronan Community Center. The event will begin with an Indian Taco meal being served beginning at 12:30 p.m. and induction activities starting at 2 p.m. Cost of the meal is $10. The public is invited to participate in the meal and induction program.
Inductees in the Class of 2022 include “Distinguished Athletes” Monica VanMaanen and Bobby Camel, “Distinguished Alumni” Gary Hughes, “Distinguished Coach” Crystal Pitts, “Distinguished Community Member” Dr. Joe McDonald, and “Distinguished Team” the 1974 State Championship football squad.
VanMaanen, a 1991 graduate, was a four-sport athlete who brought home multiple gold medals in the 100, 200, and 400 meter races from the State Track Meet during her high school career. Camel, also a multi-sport athlete, garnered All-State honors in football and basketball in addition to claiming the State Title in the 180-yard low hurdles his junior year in high school. Camel graduated in 1978.
Coach Pitts led the Ronan girls’ and boys’ track teams for 24 years. Nearly 100 of her athletes claimed Divisional Championships under her guidance. Pitts also served as an assistant coach in the girls’ and boys’ basketball programs.
Mr. Hughes graduated in 1960 from RHS before embarking on a 35-year career as a member of the Grizzly Athletic Staff. He was inducted into the Montana Grizzly Hall of Fame in 2021.
Dr. McDonald served as an administrator in the Ronan District before leading an effort to create what is now Salish Kootenai College in Pablo. McDonald retired as President of the college in 2010.
The 1974 football team under the leadership of head coach Wally Sims capped a perfect 10-0 season with a 32-22 win over the Glasgow Scotties in Glasgow. The team remains the only State Championship football team in school history.
