Celebrating Excellence: Alpena Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025

The Alpena Sports Hall of Fame is rolling out the red carpet for its esteemed Class of 2025. The annual induction banquet will take place on June 6 at the APlex, and it promises to be a memorable event celebrating four remarkable individuals who’ve made significant contributions to the sports culture in Alpena.

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Meet the Class of 2025

This year’s inductees are Lisa (Gallagher) Datema, Becky (Jore) Rommel, Brian Stibitz, and Jaime (VanMassenhove) Bieber. Each of these athletes has etched their name in the annals of Alpena sports history, showcasing talent, dedication, and sportsmanship.

Lisa (Gallagher) Datema

Alpena High School Class of 1980

Lisa Datema made waves on both the basketball court and the softball field. She was a key player for the Alpena basketball team, contributing to a district championship in 1977. Datema set several records during her time, including the single-game scoring record of 25 points against Petoskey in 1979, and she amassed a staggering 798 career points over three seasons. Her achievements earned her all-state honors and the title of MVP. On the softball diamond, her talent shone brightly as she was named first-team all-state by the Detroit News in 1979.

Becky (Jore) Rommel

Alpena High School Class of 1992

Becky Rommel’s journey began with an impactful high school career that laid the foundation for her future successes in college basketball. Starting with an undefeated JV team, she quickly made her mark as a varsity player, leading her team to district and regional championships in back-to-back years. An all-state honorable mention in 1991-92, she remains the record holder for blocked shots at Alpena High School. Rommel went on to play for Ferris State University and Saginaw Valley State University, where she was captain during her final season, paving the way for her team’s NCAA Tournament appearance.

Brian Stibitz

Alpena High School Class of 1993

Few athletes have left a mark quite like Brian Stibitz in Alpena hockey history. His senior season in 1992-93 was a standout, as he co-captained the Wildcats to their third state championship. Stibitz was not only recognized as Mr. Hockey by the Michigan Hockey School Coaches Association but also earned all-state honors and a spot on the Hockey Dream Team. Beyond hockey, Stibitz was versatile, earning letters in soccer and tennis, showcasing a well-rounded athletic ability that is truly commendable.

Jaime (VanMassenhove) Bieber

Alpena High School Class of 2000

Jaime’s legacy is rooted in her dual-sport versatility, shining in both hockey and softball. As a four-year starter in softball, she consistently received academic honors while also being recognized for her on-field prowess, securing all-district and all-regional selections. In hockey, she was one of the few females to play on the Wildcats’ JV team and was instrumental in her team’s success. Her impressive youth hockey career led her to the University of New Hampshire, where she played Division 1 hockey, consistently earning accolades such as tying the school record for game-winning goals and landing a place in the all-conference academic honors.

The Selection Process

The Hall of Fame board meticulously selects these inductees, reflecting the community’s collective commitment to honoring sports excellence. The voting process involved more than 650 members of the Hall of Fame Voting Association, each receiving ballots to ensure a fair and democratic selection.

Banquet Details

Tickets for the induction banquet are priced at $30 and can be purchased either at Jimmie Garant’s Party Store or through Venmo at @AlpenaSportsHOF. This event not only recognizes these incredible athletes but fosters a sense of community, allowing fans, family, and fellow athletes to come together and celebrate their legacies.

What’s Next?

In the upcoming months, the Hall of Fame will also announce its Team of the Year, along with accolades for Boosters of the Year and the recipient of the third Voice of the North award. The festivities promise to highlight the spirit and camaraderie that sports bring to Alpena.

As the Class of 2025 prepares for induction, their stories serve as inspiration for current and future athletes, reminding us of the power of dedication, passion, and community support in building lasting legacies.