Jump to content



  • Photo: Photo/Tony Rotundo

    Mark Palmer •

    Photo: Photo/Tony Rotundo

    Simmons brothers, Kellerman among Lansing Hall of Fame honorees

    A trio of former college wrestlers with Big Ten titles -- Michigan State NCAA All-Americans Andy and Nick Simmons, and University of Michigan mat champ Fritz Kellerman -- will be among the members of the Class of 2015 to be inducted into the Greater Lansing Hall of Fame on Thursday, July 30.

    Nick Simmons battles Angel Escobedo at the 2015 U.S. World Team Trials (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)
    Andy Simmons was a four-time Michigan state wrestling champ for Williamston High School from 1999-2002, compiling a perfect 219-0 mark. He then wrestled at Michigan State, where he was a two-time NCAA All-American at 141 pounds in 2005 and 2006. Simmons was also a Big Ten champ in the same weight class in 2006.

    Elder brother Nick Simmons was also a four-time state champ in Michigan from 1998-2001, crafting a flawless 211-0 overall record at Williamston. As a Spartan, Nick Simmons was a four-time NCAA All-American at 125 pounds (2003, 2005-06) and 133 (2007). He was a Big Ten champion three consecutive years (2005-07). Beyond Michigan State, Nick was twice an Olympic alternate for the U.S. men's freestyle teams at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Games.

    Fritz Kellerman first made a name for himself at Lansing Sexton High School, capping off an undefeated senior season by winning a Michigan state title in 1958. Kellerman then headed east to Ann Arbor, where he wrestled for legendary coach Cliff Keen at University of Michigan. As a Wolverine, Kellerman racked up three consecutive Big Ten individual titles, winning the 130-pound crown in 1960 and 1961, and, in 1962, claimed the championship at 137.

    Fritz Kellerman
    In addition to the brothers Simmons and Fritz Kellerman, other members of the 40th anniversary group of honorees include Chuck Block (Lansing Community College track/cross country), Jesse Gallegos (boxing), Scott Kemp (Grand Ledge/Eastern Michigan baseball), Stephanie Smiley (Holt/Eastern Michigan basketball), Kim Spalsbury (DeWitt/Fowler/Grand Ledge cross country/track), and Jamie Wesley (Morrice/MSU basketball), along with the 1960 Haslett football team, the 1977 DeWitt softball team, and the 1979 Lansing Eastern boys golf team.

    The first induction ceremonies of the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame took place in the bicentennial year of 1976, according to the organization's website. Ten individuals and three teams were enshrined with the purpose of giving lasting recognition to outstanding athletic teams, individuals and coaches from the city of Lansing -- the state capital of Michigan -- and surrounding communities. Since then, individuals and teams have been inducted each July.

    The Class of 2015 will be welcomed at a special induction ceremony on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at 5 p.m. at Lansing Center. Tickets may be purchased online at lansingsportshalloffame.org.
    Go to articles

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    There are no comments to display.



    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...