The Fonda Blog

Hank Fonde halfback at Univ. of Michigan (1944-1948) (Photo credit: Joel Thurtell)

Former U-M Football Player/Coach Henry Fonde Dies

Published: Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Former University of Michigan football player and coach Henry Fonde, who also coached the Ann Arbor High School football team for 10 years, died at the age of 85 early Sunday morning of complications brought on by Alzheimer’s disease.  A visitation for Fonde will be held on Thursday from 4-9 p.m. at the Vermeulen Funeral Home, located at 46401 W Ann Arbor Road in Plymouth, followed by a funeral service at First Presbyterian Church in Northville at 11 a.m. Friday.
A native of Knoxville, Tenn., Fonde came to the University of Michigan in 1944 as part of the Navy’s V-12 program and studied engineering while contributing to the strong Wolverines football teams of the mid-to-late ’40s.  Known to many as Hank, Fonde’s highlights as a player included scoring the lone touchdown in Michigan’s 7-3 victory over Ohio State in 1945 and tossing a 45-yard touchdown pass in the 49-0 win over Southern California in the 1948 Rose Bowl.
Fonde compiled a 69-6-4 record (with four of his losses coming in his final season) coaching the Pioneers from 1949-1958, after which he joined Bump Elliott’s staff at Michigan.

Hank Fonde Team Photo

“It still amazes me how many people know the name ‘Fonde’ and it’s because of him,” Fonde’s son, Chuck said. “He made such a mark in this community, both through Ann Arbor High School and the University of Michigan. A lot of people knew him, a lot of people loved him.”  Fonde remained on the staff at Michigan through the 1968 season and became an academic advisor for the football team when Bo Schembechler replaced Elliott in 1969.
“I just remember him being one of the nicest gentleman I’ve ever met in my life,” said longtime Michigan assistant Jerry Hanlon, who arrived on campus with Bo in 1969. “He was that kind of a person. He had everybody’s best interest at heart. The players loved him, and when he decided to leave Michigan as academic advisor, I thought it was a big loss.”
Seth Gordon can be reached at sgordon@annarbornews.com or 734-994-6108.

Hank Fonde (Photo credit: Joel Thurtell)

Henry Fonde’s record in the Fonda family tree is here.  He has a Wikipedia entry here.

The following obituary was excerpted from the Ann Arbor News on MLive.com on 5/5/2009:
“Hank Fonde passed away May 3rd 2009 at the age of 85 years. He was a graduate of U of M School of Engineering and Masters in Education. Head football coach at Ann Arbor High School & Assistant football coach at U of M. Owner and operator of the Stretch & Sew Fabric Store in Farmington Hills for many years. He is survived by his children: our class of ’67 member, Karen (Joel Thurtell) Fonde, Chuck (Linda) Fonde, Mark (Stacey) Fonde, Julia (Max) Davis and Anne (Bill) Potter, his grandchidren: Adam, Abe, Ben, Megan, Rachel, Hayley, Beck, Chelsea, Danielle, Regin and William. He was predeceased by his wife Edith (nee Jordan) and grandchild Aaron. Visitation was Thursday May 7th  at Vermeulen Funeral Home, 46401 W Ann Arbor Road (btwn Sheldon & Beck) Plymouth. The Funeral was Friday May 8th at First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Main, Northville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association . To leave a message of condolence, log on to www.vermeulenfuneralhome.com”

Another good story about Hank Fonde, written by his son-in-law, Joel Thurtell – “I beat Ohio State!”

Andrew Fonde’s record in the Fonda family tree is here.  A cemetery memorial for him is here.
His details: 16-Feb-1798 – Supreme Court of Philadelphia, Oath of Allegiance; 1800 US Federal Census, Southwark, Philadelphia, PA (Andw Funday, household of 6); 1810 US Federal Census, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co., PA (Andrew Fundy, o. Porter, household of 11); 1820 & 1830 US Federal Census, New Orleans, New Orleans Parish, LA; 1822 New Orleans, LA City Directory (Rev. Andre Fonde, Accountant, at 116 St. Philip cor. Perdido); d. New Orleans, LA (Cholera); bur. Girod St. Cemetery, New Orleans, LA

Excerpt from “Ancestors of Charles Henry Fonde” website
“It is believed by the family that Andre Fonde came to America from France, but that the family originally came from the Lombardy area of Italy, and that Fonde was originally spelled Fondi. There is a town in Italy called Fondi, located on the west coast about halfway between Rome and Naples. David Fonde quotes the Chambers Encyclopedia, published in England, as describing Fondi this way: “A small town in Italy on the Appian Way between Rome and Naples, located near a pestiferous swamp and noted during the Middle Ages for its brigands and horse thieves.” The family story is that during some political disturbance it became necessary for an early Fondi to escape from his own country if he could. This may have been when Napoleon overcame Venice and gave Northern Italy into Austrian (German) control. There is a poem written in Italian among the Fonde papers which lends some credence to this theory.”
“According to a letter written by his great-granddaughter Elizabeth Fonde, Andre relocated in France, where he served as a scrivener, writing documents beautifully in more than one language. Later (between 1790 and 1794) he removed to America, probably to Philiadelphia, where records of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania document that he either made a Declaration of Intention (to become a citizen) or an Oath of Allegiance on February 16, 1798. (Philadelphia Naturalization Records, edited by Wm. Filby, Gale Research Co., Detroit, MI, 1982, page 197). His nationality is given as French.”
“We have copies of letters that Andre Fonde wrote, one from New Orleans to his wife in Philadelphia, and another (1818) from Philadelphia to his son, John P. Fonde, who had recently moved to Washington, D.C. It is believed that Andre and Sarah Fonde moved to New Orleans before 1830 and that they are buried there. Although their marriage in 1794 and the baptisms and burials of several Fonde/Fondy children are recorded at Christ Church (Episcopal), Philadelphia, not all their known children are in these records. (Henry and John Philip are not recorded, nor is the birth of two Fondy children who were buried at Christ Church — Calipso in 1803 and Andrew in 1801). I have made some estimates about the birth order of these children and their dates of birth.”

written by admin \\ tags: Achievements, Fonde, Michigan, Sports

ESS EXTRA!! – Fonda Speedway, Fonda, NY

The “Track of Champions” continues to thrive in Upstate, NY under the promotions of Ric and Laura Lucia and the race directing of Marty Beberwyck. While many tracks are pulling back the reins with the state of today’s economy, Fonda Speedway goes on the offensive by adding bigger events with a very aggressive schedule for 2010.

Be prepared to experience real racing action and actually feel the thunder at the track of champions! Fonda Speedway boasts over 50 years of championship dirt track racing just off exit 28 of the New York State Thruway at the Montgomery County Fair Grounds; less than 30 minutes from Albany. This famous egg shaped half-mile oval has seen the likes of Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, Shirley Muldowney, Pete Corey, Steve Kinser, Brett Hearn and Jack Johnson just to name a few.

Fonda’s history dates back to 1927 since the AAA days. NASCAR Grand National division toured Fonda in the 50’s with Petty, Baker, Johnson and others visiting the small hamlet. The ¼ mile dragstrip opened in 1958 (Closed in 1969) with the legendary Shirley Muldowney starting her career in Fonda.

For the better part of four decades now, big block modifieds have called this half-mile, odd shaped oval home. Lazzaro, Corey, Johnson, Lape, Coville, Romano are names of Fonda lure with names such as Varin, Delorenzo, a second generation Johnson, Trombley, Camara and others play host to big crowds weekly.

In 2010, Fonda will once again kick off and close the full point season for the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints with the 7th annual Earl Halaquist Memorial on May 29th and the crowning of the 27th Anniversary champion on Sept. 25th as a part of the historical McDonald’s Weekend. Also, Fonda will play host to the All-Star Circuit of Champions sprint cars, where many ESS teams will be on hand to support, for the first time ever the Lucas Oil Late Model Tour, the Thunder Series for mods with Utica-Rome Speedway and tribute nights for the late Lou Lazzaro and Dave Lape.

ESS drivers of local interest will be Cory Sparks, Jami Russell, Jessica Zemken, Warren Alexson, Jared Fink, Mark Zemcik, Tyler Rice and many-time Fonda Speedway champion Bobby Varin who will make another appearance in a winged sprint car on each night. Fonda is also the closest to several New England racers such as Anthony Cain, Russ Bennett and Billy White.

ESS Facts – Fonda Speedway:
ESS Events Run: 8
Different Winners: 7
Most Wins: Justin Barger (2)
Last Event Run: Sept. 26, 2010
Most Recent Winner: Lance Yonge

Fonda Facts:
Location: Exit 28 off of I-90, Montgomery County Fairgrounds
ESS Date(s): May 29th and Sept. 25th
Track Promoter: Ric Lucia
Track Phone: (518) 853-4235
Website: www.fondaspeedway.net

Sites of Interest:
Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown (45 min. away).
The famous Howes Caverns in Howes Cave (30 min. away)
Historical Fonda Speedway display at the local McDonald’s right in Fonda
City of Albany just 30 min. away.

written by admin \\ tags: Events, Landmarks, Sports, Village of Fonda

Fonda-Fultonville stops Watervliet for Class B title

Hidde leads Braves to first sectional crown since 1970

2010 Section II Class B Champion Fonda-Fultonville Braves

Glens Falls – The drought is over.  The Fonda-Fultonville boys basketball team downed Watervliet 62-54 in the Section II Class B final at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday to clinch the program’s first sectional title since the 1969-1970 season.

Seth Hidde scored 22 points and pulled down nine rebounds to lead the top-seeded Braves (22-0 overall) and keep their perfect season alive.  “It feels great,” Hidde said on winning the title. “That was a good team effort for us on both sides of the ball. Both teams played well, but it was a good feeling to get a sectional title after coming up short the past few years.”

FFCS was making its fourth trip to the Glens Falls Civic Center in the last five years. This season was the first time the Braves advanced to the finals, and they made the most of it.  Hidde scored six of the Braves’ first eight points to help FFCS jump out to an 8-2 lead. He also scored six points, while keying a 12-0 run in the third quarter to help the Braves distance themselves from the Cannoneers.

“A lot of guys were finding me with good passes,” Hidde said. “Our chemistry was flowing all game. Everyone had their heads up looking for people, and we were dishing the ball around, making good passes for easy shots.”  Hidde finished with 12 points in the quarter; including two three-point plays to help FFCS outscore Watervliet 27-15 in the period and take a 52-35 lead into the fourth quarter.

“Seth [Hidde] is a great player and a phenomenal athlete,” Fonda-Fultonville coach Eric Wilson said. “It was nice to see him break out a little bit and get some opportunities where he caught the ball in good spots. He was finishing his shots and had some huge rebounds for us. It’s nice to see him step up for us in a game like this.”

FFCS never allowed Watervliet (18-4 overall) to get into its trademark run-and-gun transition offense, holding Section II’s top scoring team 17 points under its average.  “It was a total team effort,” Wilson said. “The kids came out focused, and I think we had a pretty good game plan going in, and we executed it.”   (…)

FFCS silenced its critics during the run to the Class B crown. The Braves beat three Colonial Council teams, a league in which they’ll be moving to next season, as well as local rival Johnstown.  “Since we are in a lower league, people don’t think we’re that good,” Hall said. “But we’re definitely good, and we proved it tonight.”

Hidde was named the tournament’s most valuable player.  “That caught me off guard,” Hidde said with a laugh. “I didn’t see that coming, but it’s definitely a good feeling.”  He was joined on the all-tournament team by teammate Brandon Mercado, Watervliet’s Jordan Gleason and Nick Durocher, Johnstown’s Ian Yost, and Schenectady Christian’s Chris McCarty.

FFCS advances to the regional semifinals where it will face Section VII champion Plattsburgh (17-4 overall) on Friday at 6 p.m. at Hudson Valley Community College. The winner moves on to face Section X champion Potsdam (18-2 overall) in regional finals on Saturday at HVCC.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the group of guys in there,” Wilson said of his team. “They deserve this. They have worked so hard this year and have been committed and dedicated. They work hard every day in practice. I’m happy for them.”

written by admin \\ tags: Achievements, Montgomery Co., Sports, Village of Fonda

Gotta be “Fonda” the Tigers

Vohland Fonda running for Caruthersville Tigers

Caruthersville, MO — Something had to give going into Monday night’s second-round playoff game between the Caruthersville Tigers (10-2) and Crystal City (7-5) at Hopke Field.  The Hornets came in averaging 46 points per game in its last four contests, while the Tigers’ defense had allowed just six points and pitched three straight shutouts during that same span.  The CHS defense bent, but did not break and allowed only a last second score in dominating the visitors 35-6 to advance to the round three Saturday at Brentwood.

Meanwhile, the Tigers got five touchdowns and 278 yards on 30 carries from star running back Vohland Fonda, who continued his impressive run in the playoffs. Fonda has now rushed for 550 yards and eight touchdowns in the two Caruthersville wins.  Caruthersville coach Brad Gerling said he challenged the Tigers to be at their best on every play and they delivered.  “That is what they stepped up and did. I really think they answered that call this week. They came out and battled on every single snap whether it was nothing to nothing at the beginning of the game or 35 to nothing at the end of the game.” (…)

Middleton hit speedy Peter Lloyd for gains of 15 and 35 yards and after two runs by Antonio Hopkins out of the “Wild Tiger” set netted 18 yards, Fonda took it in from 22 yards out at the 1:11 mark to make it 6-0. Jeffery Massengale, who was a perfect 5-for-5 on the night, added the PAT to make it 7-0. (…)

Middleton found Lloyd for a 29-yard hookup on third-and-12, with Lloyd making a circus catch to keep the drive alive. Three plays later, Fonda made it 14-0 with a nine-yard run with 2:41 left in the half. (…)

The Tigers got a first down and goal from inside the one yard line when Smith hauled in a 28-yard reception from Middleton, but were unable to punch it in on two running plays to Fonda before Middleton was picked off in the end zone. (…)

A late hit by Crystal City on Fonda set up the Tigers’ third score. Fonda then took it from midfield to the house with 5:33 left in the third quarter to make it 21-0.  Fonda added a 12-yard TD run with 3:06 left in the third quarter to make it 28-0 and the Tigers invoked the mercy clock on an opponent for the second week in a row when Fonda broke a 94-yard touchdown run with under 30 seconds left in the third quarter.  (…)

Vohland Fonda was selected for the 2009 Semo-Central All-Conference Team 1st Team.

Also see article on the Caruthersville Basketball Team.

written by admin \\ tags: Achievements, Great Plains, News, Sports

Raiders’ return never was assumed

East Peoria, IL – There was Julie Fonda on Thursday morning, driving the Glenbard South team bus on a familiar path to East Peoria.

Glenbard South's Danielle Chitkowski (left) gets some instructions from coach Julie Fonda in the bottom of the 7th inning during the Class 3A semifinal against Chatham at East Peoria Thursday.

Boy, has it been an interesting ride back.

Glenbard South, the lone team returning to the state softball tournament in either Class 3A or 4A, will play Chatham Glenwood today in a noon 3A semifinal at EastsideCentre.

The Raiders (24-12) lost five starters, including ace pitcher and 2008 Daily Herald All-Area captain Jill Trzaska, off last year’s third-place team. They started the season 1-8 but have been a different team since a 5-4 extra-inning win over Naperville Central on April 11.

Keying the Raiders’ resurgence are sophomore shortstop Jenny Wittenberg, senior center fielder Lauren Podgorski and freshman second baseman Brianna Meath. Sophomore pitcher Jess Wilkes has shut out two of the Raiders’ last three playoff opponents.

“That’s the goal, is to be playing your best at state tournament time,” Fonda said. “If you can play your best at the end, you have a chance of going somewhere.”

In an eerie parallel Chatham Glenwood (27-8) has not lost since an 8-0 defeat to Edwardsville, which will play Naperville Central today, on May 8. In supersectional Chatham Glenwood upset Mattoon, which beat Glenbard South in last year’s Class 3A semifinal and was ranked No. 1 in the latest Illinois Softball Coaches Association poll.

Leading the attack for Chatham Glenwood is senior catcher Kaitlyn England, hitting .416 with 17 extra-base hits and 39 RBI.

Fonda’s knowledge of her opponent is limited – but the same went for the Raiders’ supersectional opponent, Trinity.

“We’ll show up and play our game,” she said. “That’s the best we can do. We’ve been good at adjusting as the games go along.”

In the first semifinal Burlington Central (25-5) will play Oak Forest (29-4), which lost to Glenbard South in supersectionals last year.

Fonda is hopeful her group can draw on the experience of last year, both the highs and lows. Glenbard South lost a 5-0 lead in a semifinal loss to Mattoon, then rallied to beat Marengo in eight innings in a thrilling third-place game.

“That gives us an advantage,” Fonda said. “They know what the field looks like down here, and they know what it feels like to win and lose down here. I feel like that experience is definitely going to help us.”

written by admin \\ tags: News, Sports