District adds 11 to its Hall of Fame

Eleven players were inducted into the Southwest Coast District Hall of Fame on March 17 at Bradenton Shuffle Club.

District President Jerry Stannard first honored Paul Knepper as “Captain of The Good Ship Bradenton Shuffle Club,” for his many years of leadership at our largest venue and host club. Knepper is also a very productive player and good friend.

Betty Downing was inducted in absentia for her 25-year career as a head tournament director. Downing resides in Michigan in retirement.

Ann Hersom was inducted posthumously for her long years as a stellar player and as an officer at the district and state levels. A long-time resident of Golf Lakes, she and her husband, Ed, retired to California over a decade ago after many years of service.

Erika and Peter Berg of Ontario and Imperial Lakes were inducted. Both are strong players and have served as helpers in many ways. Peter Berg is our webmaster and photographer and promotes the sport as well as anybody.

Larry Taylor, now of Golf Lakes, was inducted as a player. He has been a frequent winner and is well respected after a shorter previous career as “equipment manager” for his wife, Judy, who is already a hall member.

Lois Wegner of Wisconsin and Tri-Par, has become a top winner also. She and her late husband, Al, not only played in many tournaments, but they also occasionally admitted to being partial to the Green Bay Packers. Lois also placed first in our last district tournament of this season.

Ron Nurnberger was inducted as Past President of the Southwest Coast District and is a top player at state and district levels. He and Pam, first lady the past three years, can now relax. Both retired from Michigan and spent many years at Seabreeze in West Bradenton.

Anna Nuttal, a player and past District Keeper of Records, hails from Massachusetts and Ridgewood. She also served as first lady of the district when her husband, Al, was president for three years, finishing in that role about six years ago.

Dona and the late Earl Dunn, of Michigan and Sugar Creek, were faithful players and contributors to the district for a couple of decades. Dona Dunn was a tournament director and Earl Dunn spent many years helping maintain the Bradenton courts. My frequent partner, Earl showed me the most efficient route to negotiate traffic on the way to Clearwater. We all miss the Dunns. Dona continues to live on the farm near Battle Creek.

Happy Shuffling.

RESULTS

COMING UP

This story was originally published March 21, 2017 at 4:52 PM with the headline "District adds 11 to its Hall of Fame."