|
Contents of this site are copyright ©2003-2010,
Sue Susic Ervin. All rights reserved. |
|
July 21, 1998 |
|
|
|
Dear Committee
Members: |
|
|
|
Back in 1967, a few weeks after I had
taken a job as a sportscaster with WTMJ-TV, I received a phone call from
Joe Krueger who said he
wanted to show me some plaques in the lobby of the Milwaukee Arena. The
late founder introduced me to the Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame and
arranged the first of my three appearances as master of ceremonies for
induction dinners. I felt honored and continue to hold the hall in high
esteem. |
|
|
|
I believe there is currently a sport,
the most popular televised event in the Winter Olympics, that lacks
representation in the hall. I’m referring to
figure skating. During my 30 years in Wisconsin figure skating experienced
immense growth as numerous facilities were built to accommodate the
burgeoning number of participants. |
|
|
|
If the hall were to recognize the
important role figure skating has assumed in Wisconsin sports the most
obvious choice for induction is Sue Susic Ervin. A nationally known competitor in her own skating career,
Sue has had an even bigger impact in her sport as a teacher. Many of her
pupils have represented the state in national and international
competition, including Franklin’s Kelly Ann Szmurlo, three-time USA
figures champion. For more than a quarter of a century, from the days when
she would commute between Milwaukee’s Wilson Park Arena and the Brown
County Arena, then about the only facilities available, Sue has been
synonymous with figure skating in
Wisconsin. |
|
|
|
I was pleased to learn of the
induction of Shirley Martin, pioneer women’s sports advocate in Wisconsin.
Sue Susic Ervin merits similar
consideration. |
|
|
|
Sincerely, |
|
|
|
Hank Stoddard |
|
WTMJ-TV Milwaukee |
