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Frankenmuth News

Serving Frankenmuth since 1906

Volume 120 ~ No. 50

June 17, 2026

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  ART PELZER . . . looks on as his Frankenmuth varsity girls' basketball team competes in a contest in the late 1980s. The coach who compiled a lifetime record of 432-44 will have the FHS gym named after him: The Art Pelzer Gymnasium.

FSD Board OKs naming of the Art Pelzer Gymnasium

  When you think and reflect back on the Frankenmuth High School girls’ basketball program, you think of all the success the Lady Eagle cagers have enjoyed on the hardwood since its founding in 1973.

  While many coaches have been at the helm of the program and posted great records, the Godfather of this sport is none other than Art Pelzer.

  At the June 8 Frankenmuth School District Board of Education meeting, the board unanimously approved the commemorative naming of the FHS gym as the Art Pelzer Gymnasium, recognizing the extraordinary contributions of this longtime teacher, coach, mentor, and Hall of Fame member.

  The recommendation originated in April when Joe Jacobs, the current Lady Eagle varsity coach, FHS alumnus, and former student/athlete of Coach Pelzer, submitted a formal request to the board seeking to honor the legendary educator and coach.

  The board took the recommendation under advisement, consulted with community members, and discussed the proposal at its May and June convenings before voting unanimously for the measure.

  “This recognition reflects not only on Coach Pelzer’s remarkable achievements, but also the lasting impact he has had on generations of students, athletes, and families in Frankenmuth,” FSD Board President Colin Maurer said.

  The decision follows a long-standing district tradition of commemorative naming for individuals whose contributions have left a lasting mark on Frankenmuth Schools. Previous recognitions include the Marco Marcet Baseball Field in 2005, the Al 𠇌hick” Rodammer Press Box in 2022, and the Mary Anne Ackerman Memorial Library in 2024.

  A legacy of excellence was left by this man and few individuals have shaped ‘Muth athletics and student life as profoundly as Art Pelzer.

  Pelzer served as a physical education teacher at FHS for 27 years, including 22 years alongside his wife, Penny. Together, they helped create a culture of excellence that impacted generations of students both in the classroom and through athletics.

  During his coaching career, Pelzer served in numerous roles, including a year as softball coach, boys’ freshman basketball coach for two years, junior varsity football coach for nine years, boys’ JV basketball coach for 10 (compiling a 141-33 record), and boys’ varsity track coach for 20 years, which during his tenure, the Eagle thinclads won 14 conference championships and four regional titles. However, his greatest legacy may be his impact on Lady Eagle hoops. ..... 

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