Wayne Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame

By Sarah Shurge – On Saturday, December 20, 2025, five former student-athletes were inducted into the Wayne Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame.
There was a dinner for the inductees prior to the basketball game and then the induction ceremony was held at halftime.
“We looked at previous criteria to determine who to be inducted, as well as people who are giving back to the community or the athletic department. People who are doing things our younger people can look up to – positive contribution to the community,” said Mark Woodson, Wayne Memorial Athletic Director.
The five former student-athletes selected were: Anavia Battle, Michael Bates, Al Slamer, Rob Woodson, and Montel Hood.
Anavia Battle is an Olympic sprinter specializing in the 200 meters. She is a record holder in both the 100 and 200 meters at Wayne Memorial High School, as well as a 12 time Big Ten Champion and a three-time NCAA National podium finisher from 2019 to 2022 during her time at the Ohio State University.
In 2021, Battle placed third at the US Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon, earning a spot on the Tokyo Olympic team, and became the first collegiate female athlete ever to run under 22 seconds in the 200 meters.
Battle received her degree in Human Development and Family Science and is in her third year as a professional sprinter. She has finished inside the top 10 in the world multiple times and continues to compete at the highest level. She represented Team USA on the world stage in Japan at the World Games and finished fourth.
“I’m surprised no one had the idea to honor her before me,” said Woodson. “For me to meet her, it was special.”
Each inductee received a Hall of Fame jacket and plaque. Battle was surprised with a banner of herself that is hanging on the wall in the Wayne Memorial gym.
“Now every time I go home, I can go look at myself,” said Battle. “Being inducted was so cool. It made me feel super special and I’m grateful.”

Michael Bates WMHS class of 1986.

Michael Bates is a Wayne Memorial class of 1986 graduate. He was a student-athlete whose love of sports led him to pursue a degree in Journalism with a focus on Sports Reporting at Wayne State University.
After graduating, by chance Bates entered the General Motors Dealer Development Program. In 2004, at 35 years old, he purchased a struggling dealership in Massachusetts and invested everything he had. He turned that dealership around, later expanding his success by purchasing a Chevrolet dealership in Virginia. In 2017, Bates returned to Michigan and bought another dealership in Woodhaven, which now bears his name: Michael Bates Chevrolet.
Bates has been recognized as a Buick Dealer of the Year in Massachusetts and a Top 100 Chevrolet Dealer in Michigan. He is a longtime supporter of Wayne Memorial Athletics, the Champions Program, ESCOT Kronk gym, and a 2017 Wayne Distinguished Alumni and Commencement Speaker.
“He does so much and never asks for anything. He’s always there and provides for student athletes. It was a great honor to have him there at the ceremony,” said Woodson.

Al Slamer WMHS class of 1974.

Al Slamer is a Wayne Memorial class of 1974 graduate. He was a student-athlete of football, basketball, and baseball. He went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education with a Minor in Recreation from Eastern Michigan University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University, and Physical Education Teacher Certification.
Slamer was a four year starter at Eastern Michigan University with 271 career tackles (#27 all-time career tackles at EMU). In 1978, Slamer signed with the Toronto Argonauts and was released after injury.
Slamer went on to teach and coach at dozens of schools, receiving countless awards and recognitions throughout the years.
“About 20 years ago when I was a college coach, I went to Battle Creek and Al was the head football coach there. It was great meeting him for the first time back then and it was really great reconnecting with him now. He’s a classy and great guy,” said Woodson.

Rob Woodson with WMHS Athletic Director Mark Woodson.

Rob Woodson is a Wayne Memorial class of 2009 graduate. He was a three-year varsity basketball and team captain. As a senior, he averaged 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. His performance earned him All-Area First Team honors by the Westland Observer and First Team All-Metro All-West recognition. He graduated as a founding member with the Southfield Transition AAU team.
Rob continued his basketball career at Grand Valley State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education/Sports Management. During his time at Grand Valley State, he recorded a career-high 29 points in a road win at Wayne State, as the only senior. He was named the 2013-2014 Defensive Player of the Year, team MVP, and All-GLIAC Second Team.
Rob later played professional basketball overseas, including stints in Denmark, Ukraine, and China.
“It was a great honor. Rob is my nephew. It’s so special when you’re able to do something for a family member like that. He was so excited,” said Woodson.

Montel Hood’s mother Antoinette Booze-Battle accepts his award along with his sister Anavia Battle and WMHS Athletic Director Mark Woodson.

Montel Hood is a Wayne Memorial class of 2016 graduate. He set the Wayne Memorial school record in the 400 meters with a time of 46.29 seconds.
Hood continued his athletic journey at Mississippi State University and received a bachelor’s degree with academic focuses in Kinesiology, Business, and Psychology. During his early collegiate career, he suffered a hamstring tear, however, he committed himself to recovery and continued training.
Since graduating, Hood has served as a leader within his church and mentoring the next generation in the Mississippi community.
“Montel had a flight that morning but unfortunately, he couldn’t get out and he couldn’t make it. His mother was there and she wore his jacket. It was a special night for her to be down there with her daughter, Anavia and accept Montel’s award for him. I’ve heard nothing but good things about him,” said Woodson.
Woodson has been the Athletic Director at Wayne Memorial since 2022. “My favorite part is working with young people,” said Woodson. “We have a great administration team. Everyone has everyone’s back and we’re here for the kids. I look forward to going to work.”
Woodson mentioned possibly doing another Athletic Hall of Fame in the fall during a football game.
“It was such a special night,” said Woodson.
Former inductees heard about the Hall of Fame jackets, attended the basketball game, and were able to get a jacket during the ceremony.
“Now I gotta make a few more jackets for the ones that found out,” said Woodson.
Congratulations to the five former student-athletes who were inducted into the Wayne Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame!