David Radelet; Class of 1974
Dave Radelet (’74) was a three-sport athlete who earned seven varsity letters during his tenure at East Lansing High School: football, 2; basketball, 3; and track, 2.
During his varsity football years, Radelet was a two-way starter at quarterback and safety and also served as punter and punt returner. In his junior year, the Trojans achieved a 7-2 record, narrowly defeated in both losses. Leading the Trojans in total offense, Radelet was named to the 1972 All City and All Conference teams. In his senior year, Radelet led the 1973 Trojans to an undefeated record (9-0), which included three wins against top 10 teams and six shutouts. The mighty Trojans of ‘73 scored a total of 312 points and allowed only 27, setting a record for the highest average point differential (35-3) of any ELHS football team. During this magical season, Radelet amassed nearly 1500 all-purpose yards and scored 15 touchdowns, averaging over 10 points per game. On defense, he had 25 tackles and six interceptions. In 1973, his teammates selected him as team captain and MVP. Named All City, All Conference and All State, Radelet was also honored as the 1973 Lansing Area Prep Player of the Year alongside Coach of the Year, Jeff Smith. While there were no play-offs at the time, media and coaches unanimously recognized the 1973 Trojan Football Team as #2 in the state.
During his three years in varsity basketball, Radelet scored more than 650 points with over 330 rebounds and more than 130 assists. As a junior, Radelet teamed with the towering and talented Ben Poquette, who led the 1972-73 Trojans to a 19-2 season and a top 10 ranking in the state. With Poquette leading the charge, Radelet averaged 12 points per game with 112 rebounds and 50 assists. As a senior, Radelet averaged 15 points per game with 162 rebounds and 53 assists, and was named team MVP.
Upon graduation, Radelet attended Michigan State University where he lettered in football for three years. From there, he attended the University of Michigan Law School and then moved to Chicago, where he became a founding partner of the law firm Franczek Radelet PC. Today, the firm has over 50 attorneys and focuses on representing management in all aspects of employment and labor law, and employee benefits issues.
Active in community outreach, Radelet served as both a long-time member and three-year chair of the Heartland Alliance Board of Directors. This Chicago-based organization advances human rights and responds to human needs of the poor, the isolated and the displaced throughout the country. Recently, Radelet’s home parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, recognized him with a lifetime service award.
Radelet is married to his East Lansing High School sweetheart, Peggy Brennan (’74). The couple has lived in the Chicago area for over 30 years and has raised four terrific daughters. While he cherishes many high school memories, Radelet treasures most the lifelong friendships of his former Trojan teammates.
During his varsity football years, Radelet was a two-way starter at quarterback and safety and also served as punter and punt returner. In his junior year, the Trojans achieved a 7-2 record, narrowly defeated in both losses. Leading the Trojans in total offense, Radelet was named to the 1972 All City and All Conference teams. In his senior year, Radelet led the 1973 Trojans to an undefeated record (9-0), which included three wins against top 10 teams and six shutouts. The mighty Trojans of ‘73 scored a total of 312 points and allowed only 27, setting a record for the highest average point differential (35-3) of any ELHS football team. During this magical season, Radelet amassed nearly 1500 all-purpose yards and scored 15 touchdowns, averaging over 10 points per game. On defense, he had 25 tackles and six interceptions. In 1973, his teammates selected him as team captain and MVP. Named All City, All Conference and All State, Radelet was also honored as the 1973 Lansing Area Prep Player of the Year alongside Coach of the Year, Jeff Smith. While there were no play-offs at the time, media and coaches unanimously recognized the 1973 Trojan Football Team as #2 in the state.
During his three years in varsity basketball, Radelet scored more than 650 points with over 330 rebounds and more than 130 assists. As a junior, Radelet teamed with the towering and talented Ben Poquette, who led the 1972-73 Trojans to a 19-2 season and a top 10 ranking in the state. With Poquette leading the charge, Radelet averaged 12 points per game with 112 rebounds and 50 assists. As a senior, Radelet averaged 15 points per game with 162 rebounds and 53 assists, and was named team MVP.
Upon graduation, Radelet attended Michigan State University where he lettered in football for three years. From there, he attended the University of Michigan Law School and then moved to Chicago, where he became a founding partner of the law firm Franczek Radelet PC. Today, the firm has over 50 attorneys and focuses on representing management in all aspects of employment and labor law, and employee benefits issues.
Active in community outreach, Radelet served as both a long-time member and three-year chair of the Heartland Alliance Board of Directors. This Chicago-based organization advances human rights and responds to human needs of the poor, the isolated and the displaced throughout the country. Recently, Radelet’s home parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, recognized him with a lifetime service award.
Radelet is married to his East Lansing High School sweetheart, Peggy Brennan (’74). The couple has lived in the Chicago area for over 30 years and has raised four terrific daughters. While he cherishes many high school memories, Radelet treasures most the lifelong friendships of his former Trojan teammates.
