Class of 2024
Roger "Moose" Love
L to R: Wayne Salo (1975 grad), Mike Rademacher (1973 grad), Tony Sweet (1975 grad), Roger Love (1962 grad)
Roger “Moose” Love has Grand Ledge running through his bones. He was born here, he spent his youth and adolescence here, he met his wife, Sandy, in Grand Ledge (with whom he was married to for 52 years); they lived here, and they raised their daughter Kelly here.
For many years, Roger Love has served as one of the greatest ambassadors for youth sports in the Lansing area. From 1958-1962, Roger played Baseball, Basketball, Football and ran Track for Grand Ledge High School, graduating in 1962. In 1963, Roger helped start the Grand Ledge Youth Football League using his own money to purchase uniforms. Since that time, he has been constantly involved with youth sports at varying levels including coaching football, basketball, and baseball at the high school level.
Coach Love coached both Grand Ledge Football and Baseball at different high school levels from 1963-1987. He played Basketball for the Army during his service (1965-1967). Following his tour of duty, he took over the Grand Ledge Youth Football League and worked with PONY Baseball (1967). In 1968, he ran 5th-8th Grand Ledge Football and Scouted all Grand Ledge Varsity Football opponents.
From 1979-2011, Coach Love owned and operated First Place Sports and supplied many uniforms for teams in Grand Ledge. In 1987 he became the Grand Ledge JV Football Coach as well as the Assistant Athletic Director and currently serves in that capacity while also helping to manage and maintain all athletic facilities.
For 25 years, Coach Love donated all the trophies for the Diamond Classic Baseball tournament, and was / is active with First Place Sports when it comes to awards to young people in the entire Mid-Michigan area.
In 1998, the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame began honoring Lansing Area citizens whose efforts, and dedication have improved the quality of life for the greater Lansing area. Citizens who have given to young people through sports, and other recreational activities an opportunity to grow into contributors of the community. The Richard “Dick” Letts Community Service Award reflects the spirit of his namesake. A humanitarian, public servant, and civic leader, Letts symbolized the Lansing area’s allegiance to worthy causes. His work with the City of Lansing spanned 44 years and his work with volunteer organizations was endless. In 2019, State Representative Angela Witwer presented Coach Love with the award for his endless work as one of the greatest ambassadors for youth sports and sports in general in Grand Ledge and the Greater Lansing Area.