ANNETTE INDUCTED INTO THE HALL OF FAME
On Saturday, October 19, 2002, Annette Stapleton was honored at the 26th Annual Enshrinement Banquet and inducted into the Hall of Fame in the city of Port Huron where she grew up and began her skating career at the town's local roller rink, Skateport.
Annette's Enshrinement reads;
"In line roller speed skating is a relatively obscure sport to local Blue Water sports fans. Annette Stapleton has toiled and excelled in that relative obscurity. She attained a level of achievement that earned her recognition nationally and the ability to compete internationally.
Stapleton competed for 14 years winning or placing in many competitions all over the Untied States. Some of the highlights of that career:
In 1997 she was one of six girls from all over the Untied States that were named to Bont Team Extreme. Two of her teammates were world champions. In that same year she placed third in the 10k Elite Female class in the State Tournament in Muskegon. In 1996 she was named a member of the USA Alternate World Team. She was on that team for four years and in 1999 went to compete in Havana, Cuba for the USA in the Cuba Cup. She won the 10,000 meter, placed second in the 15,000 meter race and third in the 5,000.
In 2000 at the state tournament she took a first in the Pro Women class. That same year she placed 4th in the 10,000 meter at the USARS Outdoor Road Race. These are but a few of the many races and awards won by Ms. Stapleton.
She retired from competitive racing and is now coaching. She has been invited to help coach the United States National Team as they practice in Colorado, Springs, CO for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece where in-line skating will be a demonstration sport. No longer in obscurity she is inducted into the Port Huron Sports Hall of Fame."
Rightfully so, Annette's hometown is VERY proud of her. She is so deserving of such an incredible honor.
Her speech touched hearts as she spoke of those who made a difference in her career of speed skating and at the end she added a wonderful surprise announcement.
"Sometime in June or July of 2003, my brothers, parents and grandparents seated at the tables tonight, will all be known as uncles, grandparents and great grandparents."
Congratulations, Annette and Justin on expecting your first child! Annette also said "hello" to everyone!
Article and Pictures by Pam Coletta
