McDonald inducted into U.P. Sports Hall of Fame

Don McDonald will be officially inducted into the Upper Peninsula Hall of Fame in May of 2023. (submitted photo).

By Patrick Browne
IRON RIVER — For his years of dedication as football coach for the West Iron Wykons, Stambaugh and Bates high schools; Don McDonald has been selected for induction to the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame.  An official ceremony will take place in May of 2023.  
During his youth, McDonald was a promising athlete at Iron River High School. As a two-year starting center in football and a three-year starting guard in basketball, he demonstrated outstanding athletic prowess which most likely would have led to college scholarships. 
McDonald graduated in 1944 as the Second World War was intensifying and made the decision to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He served his country as a radioman during the war, returning in 1946.
After his time in the Navy, McDonald eventually did  continue his education, enrolling at Western Michigan University where he earned a bachelor’s degree  in 1950. He earned his master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan in 1956.
Returning to the Iron River area saw him embrace a life of teaching, coaching and raising a family with his wife Julie. The two met at Bates Township High School where she was the music teacher and where McDonald taught science, physical education and history and coached.
 In 1962, he started working for Stambaugh High School and compiled a 29-10-3 football record in the final six years during which Stambaugh operated as a separate high school. He was named “U.P. Coach of the Year” in 1963. 
After the merger of Stambaugh and Iron River, McDonald was selected by the Board of Education to lead the football program during its first years, beginning in the fall of 1968. 
“Mr. McDonald is regarded by fellow coaches as one of the top prep coaches in the Peninsula,” the board stated in its announcement. “We feel extremely fortunate to have a coach of his ability to work with our boys. He has a great challenge in initiating a program for the combined high school.” 
Charles Greenlund and George Grailer served as McDonald’s  assistants — Greenlund as offensive back and line coach, and Grailer as defensive backs coach. Together they established a program that McDonald’s son and former player Kevin McDonald described as being known for, “strict discipline, fundamentals and respect.”
“The first year we had a lot of athletes, and my dad always emphasized team over individual talent,” Kevin continued. “His emphasis ran so deep that one night when the police showed up at the house, indicating to Coach McDonald that a few of his ‘stars’ had been caught being out after curfew. 
Without missing a note, McDonald said the police must be at the wrong house because his team had no ‘stars’.” 
Despite myriad challenges of having the boys learn to play as a team, McDonald was able to compile a 17-6-1 record and establish West Iron High School’s reputation as a hard-nosed, well-disciplined program. 
Despite more than 50 years having passed since Coach McDonald last led the Wykons onto the field, his legend lives on. 
Jim Cederna, one of the first two football captains of the West Iron Wykons, put it this way: “After my parents, he had the most impact on my development of anyone. He was much more than a coach.”
Those wishing to congratulate the coach on his recognition are invited to drop in to the Super One Coffee Shop (833 Riverside Plaza, Iron River), on Tuesday, Aug. 9 at 9 a.m. where he will be with his son Kevin. Written notes are especially appreciated.