It's no coincidence that Earvin Johnson and Muhsin Muhammad helped the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame draw its biggest turnout in 37 years Thursday night.  Star power sells in sports and it did in Lansing in this case.  The Hall now gets $100,000 over the next five years from Johnson to help it continue to grow in its new location.

     I'd keep up the momentum-- star power is needed in next year's class.  Give Earvin another award, like in softball and see ifhe'll return.  Seriously, who's the star to draw 'em all in next year?  How about DeWitt's Jordyn Wieber?  Capture her popularity now before it fades if it is going to over time.  Figure out her schedule next summer and have her be a part of the 2013 class.  Earvin was inducted individually back in 1980 and that was after his rookie NBA season so it's not as if it hasn't been done this way before.  Stars sell tickets at these things and they sure did this year in Lansing.