April 2017 // Volume 60, Issue 2 Go Green, Go White

INSIDE THIS ISSUE A Letter From the President Letter from the President...... 1 Written by R. Paul Vance Annual Golf Outing...... 2 Save the Dates...... 3 Dear Varsity ‘S’ Club Members, Honoring the Past: Alderton...... 4 Celebrating the Present: Jankoska...... 5 ince the Varsity ‘S’ Club’s integration as part of the MSU Ath- Supporting the Future: Memberships...... 6 letic Department, several changes occurred within our organi- Spartan Spotlight: Ron Saul...... 7-9 Szation that have been organic, logical and necessary. Indeed, as all organizations grow and mature, they naturally encounter change EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE and need to adapt. As President of the Varsity ‘S’ Club these last Executive Director...... Alan Haller ‘92 few years, I am often reminded of a quote from former President President...... R.Paul Vance ‘01 John F. Kennedy, who once said: “Change is the law of life. And 1st VP...... Lauren Aitch ‘09 those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the R. Paul Vance - Varsity ‘S’ 2nd VP...... Tim Bograkos ‘05 f utu re .” Club President Secretary...... Travis Key ‘07 Past President...... Cheryl Gilliam ‘81 MSU Varsity letterwinners are a large and diverse group. As a result, it is necessary for our organization to continuously evaluate the needs of all of our members and position our- BOARD OF DIRECTORS selves so that we are doing our level best to meet those needs. Sue Selke ‘75, Eldon VanSpybook ‘60, George Johnson ‘86, Wally Dobler ‘58, Don- Our board, along with Executive Director Alan Haller and Director of Operations Ali Grant, ald Weatherspoon ‘65 are constantly assessing where our organization is and how to best serve our entire member- ship. Within the past fiscal year we have made the successful transition from a “dues-pay- YOUNG ALUMNI ing membership” to a non-dues paying donation organization (similar to the MSU Alumni Erica Mann ‘12, Louis Edward Stephens III Association). Our goal is to be an organization of unity and inclusion and the new member- ‘08, Stephanie Collier ‘08, Laura Van Beek ‘10 ship structure has enabled us to reach more letterwinners who were not previously engaged with our Club, while sustaining our existing membership. We would like every letterwinner OFFICE STAFF to have the opportunity to become a part of our Club and to enjoy the benefits of being a Sr. Associate AD...... Alan Haller letterwinner well beyond their days of competition. Office Assistant...... Marilyn Bria Director of Ops...... Ali Grant In addition to the changes in our membership structure, we have also updated our newslet- Graduate Assistant...... Cynthia Watt ter and its distribution system. Another change that will be implemented in the fall will be replacing our reunion banquet with a special reunion weekend tailgate before the MSU/Iowa CREDITS football game on Saturday, September 30th, 2017. We believe this change will allow more Special thanks to MSU Athletic Commu- members to participate in our reunion efforts. In addition, it will allow us to plan a very special event for our members in conjunction with an MSU men’s basketball game! nications, Varsity ‘S’ Club staff and MSU Archive & Historical Collections for photos. Despite any changes that have occurred within our organization, or that may occur in the CONTACT US future, please know that our mission and the core elements of our organization will always 535 Chestnut Rd. - Rm 276 endure. As a board, we are excited about the direction the Club is headed and we will con- East Lansing, MI 48824 tinue to do our best to serve our membership and this great University. We will always strive Phone: (517) 355-8523 to improve our organization and remain committed to honoring the past, celebrating the Email: [email protected] present and supporting the future. Webiste: www.msuvarsitysclub.org Go Green! R. Paul Vance Varsity ‘S’ Club President Men’s Soccer 1998-2001

April 2017 // Volume 60, Issue 2 1 Varsity ‘S’ Club The Spartan Sentinel

LET US KNOW! We value your opinion and want to know what you think about the Varsity ‘S’ Club Newsletter.

Send us an e-mail, call or fax with items or topics you would like to see included in future newsletters. If you have suggestions on how to improve the publication, let us know.

Elections for the Board of Directors of the Var- sity ‘S’ Club are held each spring. If you would like to serve on the Board, simply visit our website, click on the application tab, print the form, complete, and mail to the the club office.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW We want to know what you have been up to since your time in East Lansing! Please send us updates on your career, what you are doing and where you are. Feel free to email us at [email protected].

WHO WE ARE Established in 1915, this Michigan State Univer- sity Varsity ‘S’ Club operates to further the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics’ goal of unifying the athletics family of past, present and future Spartan athletes. The department provides coordinated administrative support, access to a broad range of communication and technology capabilities, opportunities for personal engagement, support for recognizing achievements and organizing celebrations, as well as other enhanced resources and opportu- THE VARSITY ‘S’ GOLF OUTING nities for collaborative mentorship.

t’s that time again to register for the annual golf outing! The Varsity ‘S’ Golf Outing ANNUAL EVENTS Iis a program hosted by the Club to help bring former and current athletes together // Varsity ‘S’ Club Golf Outing to enjoy a fun day of golf! The event will begin with a brunch at the University Club The annual Golf Outing is a program hosted followed by a program where we will announce this year’s annual award recipients and by Varsity ‘S’ to help bring former, current and honorary member inductees. Golf will begin shortly after the program and will consist new athletes together to enjoy a fun of a four person scramble. We will feature a silent auction, skins and mulligans, lowest day of golf. The event will have a catered score (men, women, & coed), longest drive and closest to the pin shots. brunch prepared and served at the beginning of the program. Snacks and refreshments at the cash bar are offered towards the end of All letterwinners, family and friends are welcome! Price is $100 per golfer. Don’t golf? the day. During the program, the annual and We have a brunch only option for $40! You can register or sponsor the event at https:// honorary award winners are recognized for commerce.cashnet.com/msu_3719 that following year. So, come out and join us at Forest Akers Golf Course every first Questions? Email Ali Grant at [email protected] or Marilyn Bria at Wednesday of June. [email protected], or call 517-355-8523. // Varsity ‘S’ Club Reunion Weekend Varsity ‘S’ Members are encouraged to come back to spend a weekend at Michigan State to honor the past and to celebrate the present. The weekend kicks off on Friday with an open house in the Varsity ‘S’ Clubroom. Come enjoy Root Beer/ Vernors floats and refreshments, provided while they last. On Saturday, the Varsity ‘S’ will host a tailgate featuring a program that highlights this year’s award recipients and honorary members before heading over to the stadium to end the weekend with some football!

April 2017 // Volume 60, Issue 2 2 Varsity ‘S’ Club Official Newsletter of the Varsity ‘S’ Club

ANNUAL AWARDS SAVE THE DATES! One of the most important things we do is to honor outstanding Spartan Varsity ark your calendars the 21st Annual Celebration Weekend will be held on Sep- Letter Winners through the Jack Breslin Mtember 30th! This year we will feature a social hour in the Club room on Friday Life Achievement, Nell Jackson Outstanding (9/29), tailgate with program before the game on Saturday and tickets to the game Alumna, Henry Bullough Service, Clarence “Big- MSU vs Iowa football game. Details regarding the events of the weekend will follow! gie” Munn Extra Effort Award, Retired Coaches Lifetime Achievement and Honorary Member- ship Awards.

MEMBERSHIPS Active– Those who have earned a varsity letter while attending Michigan State qualify for a membership into the club.

Honorary– This category of Club membership is accorded to individuals based on extended service and devotion to the betterment of athletics at Michigan State University, and to those MSU staff members who distinguish themselves by long and devoted service to the e are starting to gear up for this fall season of MSU Football! Join us on the University and continued to express an active following dates for tailgates at Old College Field. Tailgates are FREE to letter- interest in and devotion to MSU athletics. A Wwinners and their family and friends! Tailgate times are determined by game time, but maximum of six (6) Honorary memberships may be conferred annually upon nomination by typically start 3 hours prior to the game. a member in good standing and upon approval by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. MICHIGAN STATE VS. BGSU // SEPT. 2 Honorary members have all the privileges of membership except voting and holding office.

Associate– Individuals who participated on a varsity intercollegiate athletic team at Michigan State University but did not earn a letter (e.g., an individual who participated for a full one or more years without earning a varsity letter, an individual whose career was interrupted or concluded by injury) may obtain Associate Membership upon nomination by an Active member in good standing and upon approval by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Associate members have all the MICHIGAN STATE VS. NOTRE DAME // SEPT. 23 privileges of membership except voting and holding office.

Memberships to the Varsity ‘S’ Club are offered to the following: - Student-athletes who have earned a varsity letter while attending MSU - All team managers earning a varsity letter - Elected honorary letter winners

MICHIGAN STATE VS. INDIANA // OCT. 21 // HOMECOMING

April 2017 // Volume 60, Issue 2 3 Varsity ‘S’ Club The Spartan Sentinel

HONORING THE PAST :: GEORGE ALDERTON & THE SPARTANS

At the Sparty rededication ceremony, George Alderton (left), who called the former “Aggies” the “Spartans” instead of the se- lected nickname, the “Staters” and Irene Jungwirth (right), the widow of the Sparty creator, Leonard Jungwirth.

An excerpt contributed by Mike Pearson. A conversation with George Alderton before he passed on how MSU came to be the Spartans.

eorge Sidney Alderton was the sports editor of the Lansing State Journal from 1923 through 1962. He co- Gfounded the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1954 and was named Lansing’s “Citizen of the Year” in 1956. Michigan State University saluted Mr. Alderton in 1982 when it named its male and female athletes of the year in his honor. He died in 1993 at the age of 95.

“When Michigan Agricultural College became Michigan State College (May 13, 1925), the nickname Aggies did not adequately apply. Everyone at the university felt that the teams should have another nickname, so they had a campus contest. The one that they chose was the Michigan State “Staters”. Well, I knew that this didn’t have what it took to be a good nickname for the teams. So, I called Jim Hasselman who was the publicity man for the university. He was a one-man band in public relations. I asked him if he still had the entries. He said ‘Yes, but they’re in the waste basket.’ I asked if I could look at them. He said, ‘Come on out.’ So, I looked them all over and I found one that was the Spartan. It rang the bell instantly. And I’m very sorry that I don’t know the name of the person who really originated that name. But it would have never have seen the light of day had I not looked through the waste basket. There’s a connotation in the Spartan name that escapes most people. The Spartan in ancient Greek history stood for the state. Everything the Spartan had was for the state of Sparta … his family, his clothing, his riches, everything. All they had to do was ask him and he did it, free of charge. But I knew better than just to impose the name on Michigan State and say they were going to be the Spartans. Perry Fremont, catcher of the baseball team, was my student correspondent for the baseball team. When the team was playing a series in the south that spring, Perry would send me the box score from the games and I would write the story back here in Lansing. Well, I thought this was the way to introduce the name ‘Spartans.’ So, I took ‘Aggies’ out of the story and I inserted ‘the Spartans from the north.’ It appeared in the headline of the newspaper. Within two or three days, the student paper began using ‘Spartans’. So the Spartan was born and the date of his birth is April 2nd, 1926. And I hope that some- day someone will remember that birthday and we could have a little celebration on the campus.”

April 2017 // Volume 60, Issue 2 4 Varsity ‘S’ Club Official Newsletter of the Varsity ‘S’ Club

CELEBRATING THE PRESENT:: TJ1 FOR ALL-AMERICA - TORI JANKOSKA

ongratulations to Tori Jankoska on becoming only the ninth AP All-American in the history of MSU Women’s Basket- Cball. Tori received the award after posting an incredible senior campaign. The Spartan guard became MSU’s career scoring leader and the first Spartan Women’s basketball player to exceed the 2,000 point mark when she ended her career with 2,212 total points. She also became MSU’s leader in 3-pointers made and free throws made with 320 and 478 respectively. She is also the only women’s basketball player in the Big Ten to post a triple-double this season and only the third triple-double in MSU program history!

April 2017 // Volume 60, Issue 2 5 Varsity ‘S’ Club The Spartan Sentinel

SUPPORTING THE FUTURE :: MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

he Varsity ‘S’ Club just recently transitioned from a dues paying membership to an all-inclusive Club. What Tthat means is that all letterwinners regardless of their previous status with the Club are now active members and can take advantage of the benefits of being a member of the Varsity ‘S’ Club! We encourage you to spread the word of the change in membership to your fellow letterwinners. If you have not already activated your new mem- bership and claimed your new Club card, you can do so with this link: https://mms.msuvarsitysclub.org/members/newmem/registration.php?orgcode=MSUV

Membership Benefits: • Complimentary tickets to select home football games based on availability • Access to the Varsity ‘S’ Club room during home football games • Free admission for you and a guest (with membership card) to regular season home events for MSU Olympic sports • Priority over the public to post season games such as bowl games and final fours • Event invitations (golf outing, Celebration Weekend, Reunion Weekend) • Access to the website and letterwinner database

The Club also coordinates a program with several campus-area merchants to give club members a discount on purchases when you present your membership card. **Discounts may vary by merchant, so please check with your cashier or wait staff prior to ordering**

• Albert’s Furniture - ph.: 734/728-3111 - 32344 Michigan Ave. - Wayne • Applebee’s - 2284 Woodlake Drive - Okemos • Arby’s - 2220 Jolly Rd. - Okemos • Bell’s Greek Pizza - 1135 E. Grand River Ave. - East Lansing • Bravo! Cuchina Italiana - Eastwood Town Center - Lansing • Dusty’s Cellar - 1839 W Grand River Ave. - Okemos • Forest Akers West Pro Shop - MSU Golf Courses • Grand Traverse Pie Co. - 1401 E Grand River Ave. - East Lansing • Grand Traverse Pie Co - 3536 Meridian Crossing - Okemos • Gilbert & Blake Steak & Seafood - 3554 Okemos Rd. - Okemos • Great Soak Hot Tub Company - ph: 517-727-0660 Horton Rd. - Jackson • Harper’s - 131 Albert Avenue - East Lansing • Kellogg Hotel - State Room Restaurant - MSU Campus • Kellogg Hotel - Gift Shop - MSU Campus • Leo’s Lodge - 2525 E. Jolly Rd. - Lansing • Leo’s Outpost - 600 S. Pennsylvania Ave. - Lansing • Leo’s Spirits and Grub - 2085 W Grand River Ave. - Okemos • Michael’s (Framing Dept. only) - Frandor Shopping Center - Lansing Twp. • Panera Bread - Frandor Shopping Center - Lansing Twp. • Panera Bread - 4738 Central Park Dr. - Okemos • The Pizza House - 4790 S. Hagadorn, Suites 114-116 - East Lansing • Reno’s East Sportsbar & Grill - 1310 Abbot Rd. - East Lansing • Reno’s West Sportsbar & Grill - 5001 W. Saginaw Hwy. - Lansing • Spartan Book Store - International Center - Campus • Spartan Hall of Fame Cafe - 1601 Lake Lansing Rd. - East Lansing • Student Book Store - 421 E. Grand River Ave - East Lansing • Velocipede Peddler - 1353 E. Grand River Ave. - East Lansing

April 2017 // Volume 60, Issue 2 6 Varsity ‘S’ Club Official Newsletter of the Varsity ‘S’ Club

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT:: IRON MAN FOOTBALL - RON SAUL

IRON MAN FOOTBALL :: RON SAUL Contributed by: Gerald Sternberg (Football)

on Saul’s story, a true football family story, began in Butler, Pennsylvania where his father worked in the coal mines to sup- Rport his wife and nine children. His mother, Ruth, and father, Craig, had the master bedroom, with his three sisters sharing one room and the six brothers occupying the other.

Born on February 5, 1948 with his late twin brother Rich (All-Big Ten and All-Academic, and later an All-pro with the LA Rams), the Saul brothers grew up playing sports. Their older brother, Bill, was a great role model for the twins. Bill Saul played football at Penn State under Rip Engel. He was an academic scholar, carrying close to a 4.0 GPA, with a major in English. Bill went on to play professional football for eight years as a hard-nosed linebacker, most of them with Pittsburgh.

By the time Ron and Rich ended their sophomore year in high school where they played for the Butler Tornadoes, college coaches were eyeing the twins. Ron and Rich were two-way players. Ron played middle linebacker and fullback. Rich starred as a tight end and defensive end. The competition in Butler was fierce in all sports with rosters displaying famous names including Joe Namath and Terry Hanratty.

Rip Engel and his staff at Penn State felt confident they would be spending four years at Happy Valley in spite of the fact they were recruited nationwide. Cal Stoll, an assistant coach at Michigan State was trying to recruit them at a time when Ron and Rich were pondering offers.

But when MSU head coach, Duffy Daugherty, flew into Butler to meet these two blue chippers, it was over. “I mean, he came to our house and danced the Irish jig in front of me, Rich and my parents. When Duffy comes over to your house to dance the Irish jig, I guess that means you gotta become a Spartan!”

In East Lansing, Ron Saul, class of 1970, earned the nickname “Hercules” for his exploits in the weight room. This former Michigan State All-American and All-Academic offensive guard could dead lift 670 lbs. and bench press 465. “Gordie Serr, my offensive line coach, gave me the name when he saw me out-lifting our All-American heavyweight wrestlers,” Ron explained during our phone conversation from his home in Charlestown, West Virginia.

It wasn’t until 1972 when freshman were allowed to play for the Varsity team. So Ron did not become a starter until 1967. “I must have impressed somebody,” he recalled “because I beat out a returning starter from the championship team.” The 1966 team known for the “Game of the Century.”

1967 was a rebuilding year for the defending national champs. It also marked the beginning of the end of Duffy Daugherty’s tenure at State. “We had some great defenses when I attended State—starting with my brother Rich and All-Americans like Ron Curl, Brad Van Pelt, Bill Dawson and Jesse Phillips. We had a ton of talent on offense with great players like Billy Joe Dupree

April 2017 // Volume 60, Issue 2 7 Varsity ‘S’ Club The Spartan Sentinel

Ron (left) and his brother, Rich (right), pose to- gether in Spartan Stadium prior to the 1969 season.

(tight end), Eric “The Flea” Allen (running back) and Al Brenner (wide receiver). “But injuries up and down the offensive line was the reason we were unable to contend for a Big Ten championship. Although we never won over five games during my three seasons as a starter,” Ron proudly noted, “we were able to beat some great Bo Schem- blecher coached Michigan squads three times in four years and upset Notre Dame in ’68 at Spartan Stadium as a three touchdown underdog.”

Receiving his degree in Physical Education, (with honor) was just as important to Ron as being named the state’s most valuable player. (Although, Ron believes his “super brother”, Rich would have captured the MVP crown until a horrific knee injury in 1968 slowed him down).

“We had to go to all of our classes and I’m glad I did. My education and communication skills that resulted from it helped me make a decent living in my life after football. In my first year of pro ball, I met more than a few great players from southern schools who couldn’t read or write! I would certainly encourage any young man who is thinking about turning pro before graduation to stay in school and get the degree. One fluke injury can end a football career but the degree is forever.”

Following his first team All-American season in 1969, Ron played in the East-West Shrine Game, The All-American Game and the Hula Bowl. He was drafted in the fifth round by the Houston Oilers. Until he was traded to Washington in 1976, Ron helped Oilers’ coach Bum Phillips develop a championship con- tending club. “What a great man Bum Phillips was,” Ron contin- ued. “Before my trade was completed, he asked my permission. He wanted to know if I’d rather stay in Houston or what was in the best interests of my family. I was traded for a third, fifth and sixth round draft choice. Bum gave me an option of moving me to Atlanta or Washington.” And sixteen years later, he ended his playing days as a member of the Washington Redskins where Ron had acquired a new nickname. This time, they called him a “ H o g ”.

So how does Hercules become a Hog? “Well,” said Ron Saul, the only offensive lineman ever to capture the “Governor’s Trophy”

April 2017 // Volume 60, Issue 2 8 Varsity ‘S’ Club Official Newsletter of the Varsity ‘S’ Club that honors the most valuable college football player in the state of Michigan, “ gave me the name. Joe was my o-line coach when I played for the ‘Skins (1976-82) and wanted to give his crew an identity and some well-deserved recognition. Defenses had their names—“The Fearsome Foursome” from Los Angeles, “The Doomsday Defense” in Dallas and Minnesota’s “Purple People Eaters”, Ron explained.

“So, Joe came up with “The Hogs”. “Hogs get down and dirty. That’s us. We get down and dirty. Do whatever it takes to win and us ‘Hogs’ will be wearing rings,” was Bugel’s message to a line that was blocking for (an hon- orary Hog) and protecting their All-pro quarterback.

No story about the Hogs would be complete without men- tioning their most loyal fans—The Hogettes. The Hogettes were a group of blue collar middle aged men, who would wear dresses with wigs to go along with their homemade cardboard pig noses. They attended all the games and took money out their own pockets to follow their heroes on the road.

At last count, the Hogettes have raised over $160 million dol- lars for Children’s Hospitals. And as fate would have it, four years ago Ron met the love of his life at a Hogette sponsored golf tournament when he partnered up with his fiancée, Robin. The Saul brothers, Rich and Ron, both earned All-America honors at MSU before both were selected to the in the 1970 draft.

After concluding my conversation with Ron, I spoke to Robin and with great pride stated: “Ron has been given a great gift from God and I have been given many gifts too. Now, Ron and I are channeling our efforts to ‘give back’ using his celebrity status to help raise awareness for many causes and assist in raising money for various charitable organizations. We receive great joy and happi- ness by doing so together.”

Robin also told me that she had been a victim of severe domestic violence. In fact, she planned an “Ending Domestic Violence” golf outing. “Unnecessary roughness needs to stay on the football field and not in your home against your wife and children,” she concluded.

Always a great family man, Ron has three children. The oldest, Amy Raines, age 47, holds a degree in Animal Science, and owns a farm is Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Brian Saul, age 42, is a chiropractor, running his own successful business in Dallas. Finally, the youngest son, Evan, is 15 years old and playing football for Jefferson High School, not far from Ron and Robin’s house in Charles Town, West Virginia.

April 2017 // Volume 60, Issue 2 9 Varsity ‘S’ Club