Battle Creek's Amateur Sports Wall of Fame welcomes 2022 class
For years, the Wall of Fame honored those who have made an impact on amateur baseball in Battle Creek.
Now, the wall will include names important to sports in our community in other ways.
The Battle Creek Area Amateur Sports Association honored the Class of 2022 for the Wall of Fame at Nichols Field at Bailey Park on Wednesday. It is the 22nd year for the Wall of Fame.
The following volunteers and workers in amateur sports over the past years have set them apart from all others. This year the BCAASA is expanding the criteria for nominations to the Wall to reach beyond baseball.
2022 inductees: Louis and Sheila Guerra, Art Frith, Vicky Groat, Steve Higgs, Joan Larson, Michael McGinnis, Roy LaFountain.
The festivities were in conjunction with the start of the 108th National Amateur Baseball Federation World Series, being played throughout the weekend in Battle Creek.
The opening game featured the host Battle Creek Merchants at C.O. Brown Stadium, but was postponed due to poor weather. Pool play continues Thursday and Friday with the Battle Creek Merchants playing at 7 p.m. each night at C.O. Brown Stadium. The NABF World Series final is set for noon on Sunday.
The Wednesday ceremonies included past inductees as well as family and friends attending to help welcome the group of amateur sports volunteers and former players to the Wall of Fame.
2022 Inductees:
Roy LaFountain: A longtime Battle Creek radio personality who has become involved with the NABF World Series.
Steve Higgs: Softball umpire in Battle Creek dating back to the 1970s. Also worked MHSAA basketball, baseball and football competitions for over 20 years.
Vicky Groat: State championship volleyball player and coach at St. Philip. Also a youth volleyball coach in Battle Creek for more than two decades as well as being St. Philip athletic director for 14 years.
Louis and Sheila Guerra: Sheila Guerra was a pioneer in women's coaching in the state and a multiple-time state championship volleyball coach at St. Philip. Louis coached and taught several years at Battle Creek Public Schools. Both served the Battle Creek athletic community in several capacities for over 35 years.
Art Frith: A sports photographer in Battle Creek for decades, his work was featured in the Battle Creek Shopper and Battle Creek Enquirer. Has also been a longtime photographer for the NABF World Series.
Mike McGinnis: Longtime tennis coach for Lakeview Schools.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Battle Creek's Amateur Sports Wall of Fame welcomes 2022 class
