Marquette, MI – August 14th, 2025 –
Last week, the 2026 inductees to the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame were announced. The honorees include Burt Angeli, Andy Crouch, Stephanie Lovell, David Miller, Erica Helmila Smith, Lori Juntila Rupert, Janet Sbar, Mark Simon, Gary Sparpana, and Fred Teddy. Over the next few weeks, we’ll take a deep dive into the inductees’ history. Today’s spotlight is on Burt Angeli and Andy Crouch.
Burt Angeli began his journalism career at the Daily News in July 1976, quickly becoming a key member of the sports department. Over his 44 years in the profession, he served an impressive 35 years as the sports editor. Angeli’s colleagues recall his tireless dedication, where he often worked nights, weekends, holidays, and even during vacations to ensure coverage and updates for his community. He’s well-known for his signature “Scuttleburt” columns, which offered a blend of sports insights, community anecdotes, and gentle humor. These columns were widely anticipated by readers, coaches, and athletes alike. Known for his kindness and mentorship, Angeli helped shape the careers of his fellow journalists. Burt sadly lost a courageous battle to cancer, passing away on April 9th, 2020, at age 65. His death was mourned not only by the newsroom but by the community he served so passionately.
Andy Crouch graduated from Lake Linden-Hubbell High School in 1992. Crouch was a standout athlete, earning many awards during his athletic career including All Conference, All UP, and All State honors. He was also the captain on the 1991 football team that reached the state final. After his playing days came to an end, Crouch transitioned to coaching. He began as an assistant, then moved up to the head coach (2002 – 2019) at his alma mater. In Crouch’s time in the role of head coach, he led the Lakes to a 120 – 57 record, guiding the team to 13 playoff appearances, six conference championships, and UP Team of the Year four times. “We have one running play and about six variations of it. That’s Lake Linden football,” he noted. Crouch then moved up to the college level, starting as the running backs coach at Finlandia University, and then moved on to Michigan Tech, coaching defensive backs.
