MIKE ARDELEAN Auburn Hills, MIIt is literally true that the first step toward organized horseshoe pitching begins in a backyard. One day, back in 1979, Mike, for some reason that is still unknown to him, bought a horseshoe set from Kmart, went home, pounded the stakes in the ground, and invited a neighbor to come over and pitch with him. Later that summer, while reading the Detroit Free Press, Mike found an article about organized horseshoe pitching with a phone number to call, and he contacted Casey Moubray. He was informed by Casey that there was a tournament in Lapeer that coming weekend, and he was more than welcome to play. On a Saturday morning in mid-September Mike grabbed his backyard horseshoes and he was off to pitch in his first sanctioned tournament. Not knowing anyone Mike nervously approached the club's sign-in trailer where he was warmly greeted by an amiable Bernie DeGroat. After a quick rundown on the rules, and proper etiquette of the game, Bernie then introduced Mike to several members including one of Michigan's greatest pitchers, Doc Maison. Mike was extremely impressed and awed by the neatness of the pitchers, both men and women, as many dressed in white pants and colorful shirts. After finishing second in his class Mike was given an option of receiving either a trophy, or its cash equivalent. He gladly accepted the trophy and thus became hooked to the great game of horseshoe pitching. Upon receiving an invitation from Paul Wishon, Mike joined the Berkley Horseshoe Club in 1980. After a few years of tutelage under Paul's watchful eyes, he became club president Mike's term in office, from 1982 to 1986, saw the club's leagues expanded from two nights to four, which included a ladies league, through a relentless membership campaign. The club's membership grew to 105, one of the largest in Michigan's history, while Mike served as president. In 1999, Mike joined the Lake Orion Horseshoe Club, and in 2001, became the club's tournament director and promotions administrator. In addition to these duties Mike has served as tournament coordinator for the Michigan Senior Olympics. In 1983, Mike was elected state secretary and served for two years. At that time the position of secretary included being the statistician which meant that the stats had to be typed, copied, and either mailed, or hand delivered to the next tournament director each week. If a club had no tournament director Mike filled that position, too. In 2004, Mike became editor of the charter newsletter, Ringer Report, and he has done an exceptionally professional job in that capacity. Taking up a challenge posed by St. Jude Tournament Coordinator Bob Wells, Mike became an ardent supporter of the tournament. Since 2000, he has been able to raise over $14,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through pledges and donations. Throughout Mike's many years of involvement with horseshoes his wife, Cathy, has been very supportive. Cathy recently became an active pitcher and teamed with Mike to win the 2008 Class F Doubles State Championship. Mike has competed in seven World Tournaments. In a quiet and unassuming manner Mike has taken on every challenge presented to him, accepted leadership positions and he has exceeded all expectations. His dedication and passion for the game of horseshoes and the people who play it has greatly impacted the success of organized horseshoes at both local and charter levels. In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments the Hall of Fame Committee extends its sincere gratitude and thanks by inducting Michael Ardelean into the Michigan Horseshoe Pitchers Association's Hall of Fame on this day, Sunday, September 6, 2009. |