Art Gillespie - Athletic Alumni 2007

Art was born and raised in Ann Arbor.  He graduated from Ann Arbor High in 1943 as VP of his class, as an All State Fullback and as captain of the undefeated 1943 State Champions FB team.  He attended Northwestern University and graduated from WMU in 1949 after a stint in the Navy.  Art is recognized by WMU as the only athlete to receive 5 varsity letters in one sport.  After graduation Art heard the call of the north and began his teaching and coaching career in Boyne City.  He taught there and at South Haven High for a few years but the draw to a town starting with the letter “A” was too strong.  Art has lived, worked, and improved the town of Alpena since 1955.  He’s been a teacher and coach of Football, Track, Wrestling and Basketball.  He’s also been an official with the MHSAA in Football, Wrestling, Basketball, Track, Cross Country, Swimming and Gymnastics. 

 

For his many accomplishments, Art has been named to many Halls of Fame – the Wrestling Coach’s Hall of Fame, the Detroit Free Press Hall of Fame, the State Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Alpena Athletic Association Hall of Fame.  He was also named Alpena Citizen of the Year in 1995.