Marquette MI, – August 22nd, 2025 – Today, we explore the remarkable careers of the final three inductees in the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame 2026 class: Erica Helmila Smith, Janet Sbar, and Fred Teddy.
Erica Helmila Smith attended Marquette Senior High School, where she excelled as a runner. During her time on the track team, Smith achieved six first-place finishes at the U.P. Finals. She continued her running career at Grand Valley State University, where she earned recognition as an NCAA Division II All-American in the 4×400 relay during the 2002 and 2003 seasons.
Janet (Hallfrisch) Sbar attended Menominee High School, where she set school and conference records in the mile relay and discus events. She went on to make history by becoming a member of the first-ever Michigan women’s track and field team in 1978. The 1978 Michigan Track and Field team has been inducted into the Michigan Hall of Fame.
Fred Teddy had an outstanding athletic career at L’Anse High School. He remained undefeated for three years in the two-mile run and was similarly successful in cross country. Teddy was a four-time U.P. Champion in both cross country and track and field. He set the two-mile record at the 1972 U.P. Championships with a time of 9:22.7. Although Teddy chose to end his athletic career after continuing his education at Michigan State University, he returned home afterward to coach the varsity basketball team, a position he held for the next thirty years.
The 54th annual Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 9th, 2026, at the Island Resort and Casino in Harris.
