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Friday April 19, 2024
Manistique's Ketcik Gets State HS Basketball Honor

MANISTIQUE---"It's all about the kids".

That's what Dick Ketcik had to say Tuesday about his induction into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan's Hall of Honor last weekend in Lansing.

Ketcik has been the voice of Manistique Emeralds boys and girls basketball, and of Emeralds football, since 1992, on WTIQ-AM (1490). Before that, he was the public address announcer at Emeralds home games from 1976-1991.

Dick Ketcik has bled Emerald Green and White for more than three decades.

"It's all about the kids," Ketcik said about his award. "They're the ones who do the work. We just get to have the fun. These kids in the Upper Peninsula are so dedicated. They go to school all day, then get on the bus at quarter-to-three, and then get home at midnight. They go to school the next morning, while us old guys sleep in."


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Dick Ketcik Comments
Ketcik is well-known in the Manistique community for being a veteran, and for being involved in many community events.

He reached his 80th birthday last winter, and did so while sitting on a  Manistique School bus during a blizzard on the way to an "away" game. But he wouldn't have it any other way.

"The kids do all of the work," he repeated. "So what if I have to ride on the yellow submarine (school bus)? And even though I am on the older side, the kids all treat me really well. I was honored, to be sure."

Ketcik is retired, so he feels that he has plenty of time to be there for the kids, no matter where the Emeralds are playing. And that has been from as far away as Rudyard to the east and Houghton and West Ishpeming to the northwest. He feels a need to be there.

"I have always chosen the road games, and that has been our radio station's policy for years," Ketcik said. "Some stations choose more games. (But) I want to be where we can be where the most people can't be. And that is places like Iron Mountain, on the road."

So, how long will the 80-year-old Ketcik stay with the WTIQ microphone?

"They told me I could do the job until I got it right," he smiled. "And hopefully, it's gonna take a long time to get it right. The fans have been great, too. It's just been a lot of fun."

"I don't hunt or fish, I enjoy doing the games. Who knows? The Good Lord is gonna tell me that I've gotta quit someday."

But until then, the Manistique Emeralds will have their Hall of Famer at the mic!






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