Swetkis and Ingalls Shine in UPSHOF Class of 2024 | Latest News, Sports, and Job Updates

Candy Swetkis, a softball legend from Escanaba, was posthumously inducted into the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame during its 52nd Annual Induction banquet at Island Resort & Casino. Swetkis, who passed away in 2022, was honored for her remarkable career spanning over five decades.

Known for her prowess as a pitcher, Swetkis boasted a .705 winning percentage and a .360 batting average during her 36-year tenure in the women’s fastpitch league. She clinched two state titles before transitioning to slowpitch softball, where she continued to excel with a .881 winning percentage and another state title under her belt.

With over 1,800 softball games played, Swetkis left an indelible mark on the sport and inspired many with her humility and dedication. Anne Okenek, a UPSHOF Council Member, praised Swetkis for her quiet strength and noted that she will also be inducted into the Michigan Softball Hall of Fame in October.

In addition to Swetkis, Doug Ingalls and Jill Wettuhn Beaudo were also inducted into the 2024 class. Ingalls, a standout basketball player, achieved success at Gladstone High School and Northern Michigan University before making a name for himself as a coach. Beaudo, a decorated basketball player from Carney-Nadeau, was recognized for her outstanding achievements on the court.

The rest of the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 includes Shel Chapman, Harold “Buddy” Duggan, Dave “Whitey” Horka, Mark Marana, Karen Olson-Flanagan, Terry Smith, and Fritz Wilson. Each inductee has left a lasting legacy in their respective sports and communities, embodying the spirit of excellence and sportsmanship.