Ronan Hall of Fame inducts new honorees

The Ronan Hall of Fame Committee hosts its annual Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Ronan Community Center. The event begins at 12:30 p.m. with an Indian taco meal ($10) followed by induction activities at 2 p.m.

Inductees in the Class of 2022 include:

• Distinguished Athletes: Monica VanMaanen and Bobby Camel: VanMaanen, a 1991 graduate, who was a four-sport athlete who brought home multiple gold medals in the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter races from the state track meet; and Camel, who garnered All-State honors in football and basketball and claimed a state title in the 180-yard low hurdles his junior year in high school.

• Distinguished Coach: Crystal Pitts, who led the Ronan girls’ and boys’ track teams for 24 years; nearly 100 of her athletes won divisional championships under her guidance.

• Distinguished Alumni: Gary Hughes, who 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.

• Distinguished Community Member: Dr. Joe McDonald, who was an educator, coach and administrator before founding Salish Kootenai College in Pablo and serving as its president until 2010.

• Distinguished Team: the 1974 State Championship football squad, under the leadership of head coach Wally Sims, which 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.