End of an Era for Ledy, Everson

Rick Ledy

St. Ignace sports fans witnessed an end of era with the completion of the Art Huskey and Sons Meet of Champions track meet Tuesday, May 31, as Rick Ledy and Pete Everson took part in their final athletic event as employees of St. Ignace Area Schools.

Mr. Ledy is retiring and has been athletic director for the last 16 years and a coach at every level, including girls and boys basketball, football, and track. He led the Lady Saints to a regional title.

At one time or another he had the chance to coach each of his children: Brad, Darcy, and Jennie.

"It has been a great run at LaSalle," said Mr. Ledy. "I will miss the staff and students."

Pete Everson St. Ignace Superintendent Everson, who has been hired as superintendent of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District, coached track for 14 years, from the spring of 1974 to 1987, and has continued as a volunteer assistant with the pole vault program.

He has coached such standouts as Aaron Gutchess, presently the LHS record holder and three-time state champ at 13'3", Curtis Brown, Daryl Luepnitz, Jo Jo Visnaw, Troy Sayles, and David Welch on the boys side.

The girls event is much newer, but Mr. Everson has already coached Kate Ruegg, who holds the girls’ school record at 9'0," Laura Peterson, Theresa Binger, Melissa Massaway, Jaimee Bloxsom, Jessica Massaway, and Erica Ahlich.

Mr. Everson also was able to coach his two sons, Nick and Dan, who took up the pole vault as well.

"Pole-vaulting is a sport that an athlete wants to compete in and must work extra hard to achieve their success," said Mr. Everson.