Where Legends Live: Wayne Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame

Family members proudly accepted the Wayne Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame honor on behalf of the late Michael Lee Jr., a 2008 graduate of Wayne Memorial High School. Lee went on to showcase his basketball talents on the world stage as a member of the legendary Harlem Globetrotters from 2017 to 2022. Lee passed away on August 26, 2026, but his remarkable athletic achievements and lasting legacy continue to inspire the Wayne community.

By Sarah Shurge – On Friday, September 25th, several former student-athletes were inducted into the Wayne Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame.
There was a dinner for the inductees at US12 and then the induction ceremony was held at halftime of the football game. Each inductee received a Hall of Fame jacket and plaque.
The former student athletes selected for induction were: Deborah Berry-Bryce, Lisa Nibert Chichilla, Bill Gray, Ron Mason, Rick Blaha, Michael Lee Jr., and the 1971 WMHS varsity football team.
Michael Lee Jr. was a Wayne Memorial class of 2008 graduate. He was a three-year varsity starter for basketball. He led the team to a 19-3 record his senior year.
After graduating, he went on to play and graduate from Owen’s Community College and South Dakota Wesleyan University. He then began his career with the Harlem Globetrotters from 2017 to 2022. With the Globetrotters, he traveled to all 50 states and 30 different countries.
Lee Jr. passed away on August 26th, 2026. His father, mother, brother, aunt, fiancée, and two children attended the induction ceremony in his honor.
“It was an honor. I appreciate Wayne Memorial for inducting him,” said Tyrone Lee, Michael’s brother. “It was emotional. It brought up a lot of memories during my journey at the school.”
Tyrone attended Wayne Memorial too for 9th and 11th grade. “I was there during his journey at Wayne Memorial with his basketball career. It inspired me,” said Tyrone. “He was a great person, a leader, and a very powerful influence to his peers. Everybody was inspired by his journey.”
Inducting someone into the Hall of Fame even after they passed was important to Lee Jr.’s family. “I’m very thankful. It’s amazing that they did that,” said Tyrone. “It keeps their legacy going for the school. Some dreams were introduced through my brother. He was one of the best players and people they ever met.”

Rose Mason and family proudly accepted the Wayne Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame honor on behalf of the late Ron Mason, one of the fastest middle-distance runners in Wayne Memorial High School history.

Lee Jr. wasn’t the only former student athlete whose family was representing them that night.
Ron Mason was one of the fastest middle-distance runners in the school history for WMHS. Mason excelled at anything from the 3200m to the 400m. He also ran the 300m hurdles when he needed to. Mason received All State and All Conference honors his senior year, along with being named co-captain of the track and cross-country team.
Mason went on to compete at Wayne State University on a track and cross-country scholarship.
In memory of Mason, his wife, Rose Mason, and family represented him. “Ron passed away a few years ago. His wife and kids were there. It was very emotional and special for all them to be there,” said Mark Woodson, Wayne Memorial Athletic Director.
Rick Blaha was one of the fastest distance runners in the history of WMHS.
Blaha received All State honors in cross country and track. He was a three letter winner in track and cross country. He also received All Conference honors for three years. Blaha was the co-captain of the track and cross-country team.
He went on to run for Wayne State University on a track and cross-country scholarship.
In memory of Blaha, his wife, Brandi Blaha, and family represented him. “Rick has also passed away. For Rick and Ron to not be there, it was emotional. But they all deserved it,” said Woodson.
Deborah Berry-Bryce ran track for WMHS. Her long jump record of 17 feet 8 inches lasted 28 years. She had the honor of being the first female in the history of Wayne Memorial to earn All State honors and claimed two Class A regional titles along with being a two time All Starter.
She also led the girls’ team to the Great Lakes Eight Team title scoring 35 of the 74 points. In that meet, she won four league titles in the long jump, 100 yd, 220 yd dash and anchored the 4×100 relay to victory and was named Outstanding Athlete of the meet.
She is most proud of being the trailblazer for women’s track. “Her former coach called and said Deborah really deserved to be in there. It was really special to have her come. She was delighted to be mentioned,” said Woodson.

Brandi Blaha, along with her daughter and granddaughter, proudly accepted the Wayne Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame honor on behalf of her late husband, Rick Blaha. One of Wayne Memorial’s most accomplished distance runners, Blaha earned All-State and All-Conference honors in track and cross-country before continuing his athletic career on a scholarship at Wayne State University. In a special tribute to his memory, his granddaughter wore Rick’s Wayne Memorial class sweater during the ceremony, making the recognition even more meaningful for the family.

Lisa Nibert Chichila has held the high jump record of 5 feet 8 inches since 1977. It was a regional record at that time.
Chichila was undefeated in her three years in high school. She claimed three league titles and two regional crowns. She was on the 1976 team league championships. She was the first female athlete to earn All State honors for three years. She also earned All League honors in the long jump.
“Lisa held the record for almost 50 years,” said Woodson. “Having the chance for her and Deborah to come back together, it was really special. They were really excited to be back there.”
Bill Gray has worked with Wayne Youth for almost 60 years. He has mentored, supported, and coached Wayne Memorial students for thirty years.
Gray would like to thank Leo Schuster, Val Orr, John Mills, Greg Baracy, Cory Gildersleeve, and Steve Brooks for their support in allowing him to be of service to the Wayne Community.
“Bill is still around the program. It was really special to get him in here and he was really happy because he does so much,” said Woodson.
The 1971 WMHS varsity football team was also inducted as a group.
The team consisted of: Tony Lapere, Sam Still, Gene Taylor, Terri Schultz, Don Miller, Bill Gilreath, Bruce Davis, Harold Duprie, Kerry Bud Casler, David Culps, Joe Jackson, Steve Brown, Coach Chuck Howton, and Coach Floyed Carter.
“Don Miller called and told me about the team’s accomplishments. For all those guys to come back, it was really special. They hadn’t seen each other for years,” said Woodson.
Woodson would like for more teams to be inducted, along with individual athletes.
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.”
Congratulations to the former student athletes who were inducted into the Wayne Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame!