Successful swimmers and wrestling coaches who developed some of the greatest grapplers in Trojans history lead the Monroe High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2016 which will be recognized and inducted to the Hall on February 5.

     This year’s class members are:  Amanda Thompson, swimming, 2003-2007; Ashley McLaughlin, swimming, 2000-2004; Ben Notario, baseball, 2005-2009; Bob Butler, wrestling coach, 1971-1992; Dave Strini, wrestling coach, 1972-1978; Cole Sanseverino, track, 2003-2007; Neil Watts, swimming, 1958-1960; and William Stoner, track, 1927-1930. 

     Here are thumbnail bios of the Class of 2016.

Amanda Thompson – A four-year varsity swimmer at MHS, she set school and conference records in the 100-yard butterfly, winning the individual state championship in 2006.  An All American and All-Conference selection, she swam four years at the University of Toledo, qualifying for the USA National Championship, breaking the 100-yard butterfly school record each year and helping U-T win its first Mid-American Conference title. 

Ashley McLaughlin -- A three-time state champion at MHS, she still holds three school varsity swimming records and in 2003 won the USA Swimming Junior National Championship in the 50-meter breast stroke.  Ashley swam at the University of Michigan on a full athletic scholarship and three times was Academic All-Big Ten.  She placed ninth in the 100-meter breaststroke as a senior in the Big 10 championship.

Ben Notario --Twice each Ben was second-team All-State, Monroe County Player of the Year and unanimous All-League selection who went onto the play in the MHSAA All-Star game at Comerica Park.  The MHS single season (8) and career (17) home run record holder, he hit .532 as a senior, with a .591 on-base percentage, collecting 59 hits, 15 doubles, 8 homers and 43 rbi. 

Bob Butler -- Instrumental in establishing the MHS wrestling program, Coach Butler started as JV coach and varsity assistant.  Named varsity coach for the 1978-79 season, his teams were league champs or co-champs 10 of his 13 seasons, compiling a 153-65 record.  Coach Butler developed numerous regional champs and state place finishers, two state champs and several wrestlers who competed collegiately.

Dave Strini -- Launched the MHS wrestling program, building it into a state power in just five years.  He led teams which won the Great Lakes Eight championship multiple times, earned a fourth-place finish in the state meet and produced several individual state champions.  Coach Strini also started a Monroe city-wide wrestling program for youngsters 5 to 14 which still is open today.

Cole Sanseverino -- A two-time MHSAA state champion in the 1600 meter run in his junior and senior years, Cole also was a distinguished cross-country runner, finishing 7th and 3rd in the state cross country meet in his junior and senior years. 

Neil Watts -- Undefeated in dual meets in his junior and senior years, Neil won a state championship in 1960 in the 200-yard freestyle.  He went on to swim at Michigan State University, lettering in 1962-1964.  After graduating from MSU, Neil served 20 years with the U. S. Navy, including time in Vietnam.

Bill Stoner -- He led MHS to its first state track championship in 1930, setting a pole vault record en route to becoming the Class B state champion.  In his senior year, he played on the undefeated 1929 football team that gave MHS’ a 20-game winning streak.