Former Wildcat Tony Skiba heads to Hall of Fame

Courtesy Photo
Tony Skiba is seen posing for hockey photos in his Alpena hockey jersey from his years in high school. The 1992 graduate is one of four to be inducted into the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame at this year’s banquet on Saturday.

ALPENA — In high school sports, few athletes excel in more than one sport, and Tony Skiba lll stands out as a rare exception. This dual-sport star carved out a distinguished career in both soccer and hockey, earning accolades and recognition that secured his place among Alpena High School’s athletic legends.

Skiba, AHS Class of 1992, is one of four to be inducted into the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame at their annual banquet on Saturday.

Skiba’s talent for soccer and hockey was apparent from a young age. He quickly emerged as a major player earning awards for his exceptional performances in both sports. His knack for scoring and playmaking became evident early on, particularly on the ice.

As captain of his PeeWee hockey team, Magnaloy Coupler, he led them to numerous all-tournament selections. His performance earned him a place in the all-state game in Hancock, where he played for Team Michigan and led the team in scoring.

Later on, Skiba earned seven letters as a Wildcat, four of which came from his significant contributions to the hockey team. His skill in scoring placed him among the top 15 scorers in the program’s history, amassing 124 points. His junior and senior years were especially notable, leading the team in scoring and securing all-state honors in both seasons.

Aside from his dominance in hockey, Skiba also shone on the soccer field. In his senior year, he earned all-conference honors as a standout player on the Alpena soccer team, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.

“Playing soccer in the fall with coach Randy Stark ensured I was in top shape by the time hockey season started,” Skiba said. “Coach Tony Beyers also emphasized fitness, establishing we were the best-conditioned team, even if not the most talented.”

Reflecting on his high school career, Skiba credited his teammates for his success.

“I was fortunate enough to play alongside a bunch of tremendous athletes in both soccer and hockey during my time at AHS,” he said. “We pushed each other in practice and games to be at our best. I would not have achieved my accolades without all of them.”

After high school, Skiba continued to excel in hockey with the Michigan Nationals and Wayne Chiefs. During the 1992-93 season, he was the third leading scorer and Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the Chiefs, also serving as team captain.

Tony Skiba’s achievements reflect his dedication, hard work, and talent. His success in both hockey and soccer is a rare accomplishment that speaks to his extraordinary athletic abilities.

On Saturday, Skiba will be officially recognized in the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame along with Ashley Hunault Williams, Nathan Barden, and Eric Muszynski.