Category Archives: Local Sports

East Kentwood football team in action.

East Kentwood opens season with 55-point effort against Southfield A&T

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,



By Greg Chrapek
Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor
greer@wktv.org


For a season opener, they don’t come much more impressive than East Kentwood’s 55-0 win against Southfield A&T to open the 2026 high school football season.

The home crowd at East Kentwood was treated to an explosive display of offense, some dominating defensive play and excellent special-team play as the Falcons dominated the visitors from the Detroit area right from the opening kickoff.

On offense, the Falcons amassed 344 total yards, a figure kept in check by the fact that the entire second half was played with a running clock limiting the Kentwood offense to the number of plays it could run. Of those 344 total yards, 252 came via the ground and 92 yards came through the air.

“Overall, I thought it was pretty good,” said East Kentwood Coach Tyrone Spencer. “You know, I wanted to see how smooth we can operate and be efficient and do some of those things. I thought, for the most part, we did a pretty good job of that.”

The Falcons wasted little time in taking control of the game as they scored on their first four possessions and were up 28-0 at the end of the first quarter.

On Kentwood’s second offensive play of the game, senior running back Dallas Moody exploded for a 63-yard touchdown run to start the avalanche of points.


On the second possession, senior quarterback Colin O’Connor connected with Stephan Jones on a 13-yard touchdown pass. O’Connor later added a three-yard touchdown run after the special teams blocked a punt deep in Southfield territory. The Falcons then closed out the scoring in the first quarter with a special teams touchdown when Stephan Jones returned a punt 51 yards. Junior placekicker Jayden Garcia kicked one of his seven extra points on the night to stake the Falcons to the 28-0 lead.

“I liked our ability to run the ball,” Spencer said. “We were able to run the ball and make some big plays when we needed to in the running game. I thought we protected and blocked well, so you know those are things that we want to continue to build, but that was really important, so I liked that and I like the defense didn’t let up as well.”

During the second quarter, the Falcons limited Southfield’s offense to three, three-and-outs. The Falcon offense, meanwhile, tacked on two more touchdowns to go up 42-0 at the half. Moody scored his second touchdown of the game on a five-yard run early in the second quarter and then senior running back Ace Bryant closed out the second-quarter scoring with a one-yard touchdown run.


East Kentwood football team in action.
Southfield A&T at East Kentwood, Aug. 27, 2026. (Photo: WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


East Kentwood was dialed in right from the opening snap. The Falcon front constantly pressured the Warriors while the Kentwood secondary blanketed Southfield receivers and the linebackers cleaned up the rest as the defense set the tone for the game right from the start.


“Defense sets the tone this year”

“That was the plan,” Spencer said. “We know what we have defensively with the guys that we have coming back and I told them, we (the defense) set the tone this year. You know, last year, Kayd Coffman and Ahman Edwards and the offense set the tone, but this year, defense, we set the tone this year.”

With the running clock in play during the second half, the Falcons still managed to put two more touchdowns on the board. Backup quarterback Tyran Harris scored one touchdown on a 30-yard run, while junior running back Ja’Kari Lovelady closed out the scoring with a four-yard touchdown run.

Kentwood’s depth and balance at running back showed through in the final stats as Moody led the way with five carries for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Harris had five carries for 69 yards and a score, Lovelady added four carries for 33 yards and a touchdown, sophomore Davione Harvey, four carries for 25 yards, and Bryant, four carries for 19 yards and a touchdown.

In the passing game, O’Connor connected on six-of-eight passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. Harris, who played receiver in the first half, caught two passes for 47 yards, while Stephan Jones caught a pair of passes for 29 yards and a score. 

D’Mari Love-Simmons led with eight tackles

Senior defensive lineman D’Mari Love-Simmons led with eight tackles, three for loss and one quarterback sack, while senior linebacker Chris Thompson added seven. Senior defensive end Alijah Bondon had six tackles with two tackles for loss and one sack, while senior defensive lineman Zymeire Dannah added three tackles for loss. Junior defensive backs Austin Nelson and Ezekiel Ferrell both intercepted a pass.

With the opening win to their credit, the Falcons face a huge Week Two test this Thursday when they travel to 1-0 Byron Center on Thursday to face a Bulldog team that defeated Hudsonville 41-20.

“This win was a good confidence boost for us,” Spencer said. “We go to Byron Center and we’ll work our butts off to try to get a win over there. I think the key is going to be our ability to take their best shot, They (Byron Center) are a physical team and it’s going to be a physical football game. When they throw their best shot, we are going to have to be able to withstand it and be able to punch back.”

Kelloggsville offensive/defensive lineman Davion Whitfield

Rockets swap experience with grit; replacing a dozen graduates

Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,


By Ty Marzean
Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor
greer@wktv.org

Kelloggsville will have to replace a dozen seniors from a team that made the playoffs for the first time since 2017.


The Rockets (6-4 last year) lost in the first round to Catholic Central 45-16.


“We still have high expectations,” said Kelloggsville Coach Justin Dennett, who’s in his second year at the helm of the Rockets football program. “We want to hold ourselves to high standards.”


The 2026 team will be led by All-Conference senior tackle Davion Whitfield.

Kelloggsville offensive/defensive lineman Davion Whitfield. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)


“He’s our anchor up front; he’s a great leader and the strongest kid on the team,” said Dennett.


Whitfield will be joined on the line by fellow senior guard Se’Marion Nesby to solidify the front five of the Rockets.


“I think this year will go more smoothly,” said Whitfield. “We need to be disciplined; I expect to be even better this year.”


Dennett will use that solid offensive line to do damage on the ground.


“I grew up playing in the Wing-T; we want to be known as a physical running team.”


The Rockets will deploy a running back tandem of Bryshon Parks and Mark Nix.


“(Bryshon) Parks is a really talented running back; (Mark) Nix is a great athlete and really strong,” Dennett said of his duo.

Kelloggsville running back/defensive end Mark Nix. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)


“We’ve been working hard on offense this off-season,” said Nix. “We don’t have a set quarterback yet, but we have made it work. But the defense is locked down.”

The Rockets will put that defense to the test as they start the season Friday at home with an OK Silver matchup against the four-time defending conference champion, the Belding Black Knights. Belding comes into the season with a 23-game winning streak in conference play.


“They are a very well-coached team,” Dennett said. “They lost a lot from last year, but they have the type of program that reloads. They have bought into their system.”

The Rockets got off to a 14-0 lead vs. Belding last season before falling 44-14.


Kelloggsville hosts Laingsburg on Thursday, Sept. 3, in its lone non-conference game of the season before getting into conference play at Calvin Christian on Friday, Sept. 11.


Kelloggsville running back/linebacker Da’Ron Dukes. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)
Kelloggsville wide receiver/defensive back Jean-Claude Pierre. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)
Godwin Heights QB Martellis Forest

Returning talent has Godwin Heights poised for big season

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,



By Greg Chrapek
Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor
greer@wktv.org


After a breakout season last fall, a Godwin Heights football team loaded with veteran talent is poised for even bigger accomplishments this year.

Last season, the Wolverines qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2018 other than the 2020 covid season when every school in the state was in the playoffs. After turning in a 7-2 regular-season record, Godwin Heights also hosted a playoff game for the first time in years and finished with a 7-3 overall mark, notching the most wins in a season since 2017.

This year, with a wealth of talent returning from that team, the sky’s the limit. 

“We’re feeling good,” said Godwin Heights Coach Brandon Kimble. “We have a lot of players back. We lost some good senior talent, but we brought back a lot of skill positions, a lot of linebackers, so we have a lot of good players coming back so we’re excited about the season.”

One of those returnees is at the quarterback position, junior Martellis Forest (6-1, 205), entering his third year as a starter. A talented athlete, Forest has a college-level arm and can make all the throws that a big-time quarterback makes.


Godwin Heights QB Martellis Forest
Godwin Heights quarterback Martellis Forest. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)


“I mean, we’re biased, but I’ll be honest, I think he’s for sure the best quarterback on this side of the state,” Kimble said. “There’s a lot of talent at quarterback this year and I think he’s ready to try to make his case for being the best in the state, but we’re excited about Martellis.” 

Forest has a wealth of targets to throw to as the Wolverines return all of their wideouts from last year. 

Leading the list of returning receivers is senior Isziah Walker. Toss in Martise Raphael (5-10, 155), Aiden Jackson (5-8, 155) and Jakhari Davis (5-11, 150), and the Wolverines are loaded at receiver.

Godwin Heights wide receiver Isziah Walker. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)
Godwin Heights wide receiver Martise Raphael. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)

“Receiver is one of the positions where we are the deepest,” Kimble said. “All of our receivers return. Isziah is really explosive, but then we follow that up with Martise, we follow that with Aiden Jackson, I throw in Jakhari Davis and our tight ends can make some noise, so we are really deep at the receiver position.”

While the Wolverines have a high-octane passing game, they are anything but one dimensional thanks to the return of a big-time running back in senior Julius Hoskins (5-9, 175). Hoskins is a workhorse at running back who can also supply the dynamic big play.

Godwin Heights running back Julius Hoskins. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)

“He’s special,” Kimble said. “I think that he’s going to really make some noise and do some things this year. He had some 200-yard games last year and he’s already put on some weight in the offseason. I’m excited myself to see him play.”

Up front, the offensive line graduated a pair of players but has a trio of veteran linemen to build around. Returning to anchor the line are senior tackle Jeremiah Lee (6-5, 220) and juniors Jayden Ingram and Ethan Spears. Filling out the other two starting spots will be some young linemen.

Godwin Heights offensive lineman Jayden Ingram. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)

“We feel the cohesion is there,” Kimble said. “It’s just the development, the communication and learning each other. I think the three leaders on that line are going to be able to push us early on until they get that experience.”

On the defensive side of the ball the Wolverines return some key starters with plenty of young talent mixing in.

“We lost a core of our defense, but we also will return a lot in our defensive backfield. We’re returning two corners, we return one safety and then we’re also returning a linebacker. So, we lost some key spots, but we also have a lot of juniors now that played as sophomores.”

Up front, the Wolverines are led by Ingram and Lee. Senior Barnard Davis (5-11, 190) has plenty of potential and is set to make a big impact along the defensive line.

Godwin Heights defensive lineman Barnard Davis. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)

Senior Josiah Cox-Guyton (6-0, 215) is a big-play performer up front who will make an impact at defensive end or outside linebacker. A returning all-conference player, Cox-Guyton is versatile and can line up at a variety of spots along the edge and provide impact plays. He also has the potential to play college linebacker. Senior Jesus Gutierrez gained experience last year and is poised to step up and play big minutes at the “Mike” linebacker position.

In the secondary, the Wolverines are loaded with talent. At cornerback, Godwin returns a talented sophomore cornerback Jonquil James, who brings big-time talent to the position. 

Another big-time talent in the secondary is junior Theus McCranie (6-2, 195), who’s a talented cornerback, but looks to play safety.

Godwin Heights safety Theus McCranie. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)

“I think we have a lot of opportunity, but we have to put it all together,” Kimble explained. “We look good on paper, but we got some work to do, but we are excited for what it shows on paper.” 

South Christian wide receiver Charlie Vermaas

Large veteran group has South Christian primed for strong season

Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, ,



Greg Chrapek began covering high school sports in West Michigan in 1988. He retired from Advance Newspapers/MLive in 2019. He also contributed to various publications during his career, including The Hoop Scoop, Spartanmagazine.com and High School Sports Scene Magazine.

By Greg Chrapek
Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor
greer@wktv.org


With a large group of talented veterans returning, the South Christian football team is primed for a big season.


The Sailors turned in a 4-6 record last season playing in the rugged OK Green Conference. South qualified for the playoffs with a 4-5 record during the regular season, but it came to an early end as Portland edged the Sailors 42-41 in the opening round of the playoffs.

This year’s edition of the Sailors features plenty of talent and depth along with plenty of experience.




“I feel like we’ve had a really good offseason with weightlifting and training,” said South Christian Coach Danny Brown. “I’ve been happy with the effort and their commitment. I think one thing we’re blessed with is we return a lot of players from last year’s team. A lot of guys that played meaningful snaps for us, whether it be in the regular season or in the playoff game.”

The depth of the Sailors starts at quarterback where senior Austin Burgess and junior Houston Wildeboer are competing for the starting nod.

South Christian quarterback Austin Burgess. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)


“I think the beauty of this team is we have two guys that can play the quarterback position at a high level,” Brown said. “We have two guys that are just competing their tails off to try to earn that spot.”


Even more talent, depth and competition is available at running back. Returning at running back are seniors Jesse Van De Griend (5-10, 168) and Isaac Osterhaven (6-0, 195), along with junior Kyle Naklizki (5-9, 185) and sophomore Dax Blackport (6-4, 220) all in the mix. 

“Running back is a unique group,” Brown said. “There’s a lot of depth. It’s kind of going to be running back by committee where we ride the hot hand. Whoever’s rocking and rolling that game or that week of practice.”

The receiver positions also bring back plenty of experience with three players back who started at some point last season.

Easton Raak (5-9, 140) is an elusive and speedy junior receiver who gained starting experience last year. Senior Charlie Vermaas (6-3, 190) is a tall target with good hands who started at an outside receiver position last year. Also working in at receiver is Blackport. Another big, tall receiver, Blackport is a hybrid player on offense for the Sailors with his ability to play multiple positions and create mismatches for the defense. Senior Jack Buist is a returnee at tight end who has made plenty of progress since last season, while his cousin, Carson Buist, is looking to contribute at wide receiver. 

South Christian wide receiver Charlie Vermaas. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)


Paving the way for the offense is a line that returns four starters. Providing the nucleus of the offensive line are seniors Jackson Ringnalda (6-3, 210), Jacob Lobbezoo (6-2, 190), Joesph Gritter (6-2, 205) and Cody Jones (6-4, 225).




South Christian center Joseph Gritter. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)
South Christian guard/defensive line Cody Jones. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)




“There’s a ton of starts in that group,” Brown said, “but what happened last year doesn’t dictate what happens this year. We have to buy into what we’re doing, get together as a unit, and for us that all starts up front.”


South Christian tackle/defensive line Jackson Ringnalda. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)


On the defensive side of the ball the Sailors also return a core of veteran starters.

Senior Gavin Bouma (6-3, 205) is one of the returning veterans to the defense. A two-year starter, Bouma can play multiple positions including defensive end and outside linebacker. Bouma has become bigger and stronger in the offseason and has garnered looks from college recruiters.


South Christian tight end/defensive lineman Gavin Bouma. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)


Another versatile defender is Blackport who started as a freshman. Like Bouma, Blackport is a versatile defender who can line up anywhere along the defensive line or linebacker.

Jones is another veteran and two-year starter who returns to the defensive line. Senior Nathan Potter (6-3, 285) is a two-year varsity player who provides plenty of muscle in the interior of the defensive line and brings more experience to the defense. His size and strength are a key to stopping the run.

Linebacker is a key position in fall camp as the Sailors need to replace both starting inside linebackers.

“We are trying to fill linebacker right now,” Brown said. “We have guys repping in and out, who is going to take that over is to be determined. That’s a big part of a defense so we’re hoping that these guys figure it out and get up to speed and we’ll be ready to rock and roll.”

Among the players in the mix at linebacker are seniors Connor Mead (6-0, 186) and Liam Feyen (6-2, 195), and juniors Ky Hunderman (5-11, 175) and Xander Burgess. 

The defensive secondary also brings back a chunk of experience. 

The Sailors return a pair of veteran cornerbacks in junior Brody Schilts (6-2, 185), who started as a freshman two years ago, along with junior Ben Jackson (6-1, 185), who started at cornerback last year as a sophomore. 

The Sailors also welcome back a pair of safeties who have plenty of experience in seniors Mark DeJong (6-1, 184) and Jack Weiss (6-0, 175).

As usual, the Sailors face a rugged conference and non-league schedule that ultimately prepares the team for the playoffs. South opens with Grand Rapids Christian on Friday, Aug. 28, as a home game (at East Kentwood High School), and is featured as our WKTV Game of the Week, and then travels to East Grand Rapids in Week Two before opening conference play at West Catholic in Week Three. 

East Kentwood Football Coach Tyrone Spencer

East Kentwood football team looking to build off last year’s big season

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, ,



Greg Chrapek — Retired sportswriter who began writing about West Michigan high school sports back in 1988. Retired from the Advance Newspapers/MLive in 2019. Also contributed to various publications during his career including The Hoop Scoop, Spartanmagazine.com and High School Sports Scene Magazine. A former high school official who worked youth, junior high and high school football, basketball and girls lacrosse games until health issues sent him to the sideline.

By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org

Last fall, year two of the Tyrone Spencer era at East Kentwood proved to be a big success. This year, with a large group of talented veterans back to lead the way, the Falcons are setting their sights on continuing that success and possibly taking things even further.

Last season was a memorable one for the Falcons. After turning in a 7-2 record during the regular season, the Falcons went on a thrilling playoff run. Kentwood won three straight playoff games before falling to eventual Division 1 state champion Detroit Catholic Central in the state semifinals.

While some key players have graduated from last year’s team and have moved on to college football, the Falcons have a large group of players returning to continue the success they are experiencing under Spencer. In his first two years as Kentwood coach, Spencer has directed the team to a combined record of 15-8 and has led the Falcons to the playoffs in both years.



“I think for us, it’s just all about being the best we can be,” said Spencer, when asked about the success of the program in his first two seasons at the helm. “That’s really what we focus on. So, we haven’t been focusing on, like, really trying to win a championship, but it’s just, ‘Hey, how good can we be individually so we can grow as a group?’ So that’s been our main goal and the results have shown.”

With plenty of veterans returning, the Falcons have a huge upside for how strong they can grow this year.

“We’ve got a lot of guys that played last year,” Spencer said. “Even on the offense, where we have like three, four starters back, we have a lot of guys who have played, and same thing on defense. I’m just excited about this season. We were one game away last year and, you know, we keep working and staying healthy, you don’t know what can happen.”


East Kentwood Football Coach Tyrone Spencer talks to WKTV during practice last week. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)


On the offensive side of the ball, the Falcons have four starters returning.

One position that will have a new starter is at quarterback, where Kayd Coffman, the starter the past two seasons, is now off to Michigan State. Looking to step in at quarterback is senior Colin O’Connor (6-1, 185). A transfer student and newcomer to the Falcon program, O’Connor is no stranger to big-time high school football playing at Servite High School in Anaheim, Calif., the past two seasons. Also in the mix at quarterback is junior Tyran Harris (6-1, 190).  


East Kentwood quarterback Colin O’Connor played for Servite High School in Anaheim, Calif., for two years before transferring. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)


“Both have been really good,” Spencer said. “Both are different, and unique in their own way, but they bring something to this team and we’re excited about it. I think right now Colin kind of has the upper hand and Tyran plays quarterback and receiver.” 

At running back, the Falcons have a number of ball carriers that are ready to make an impact.

Senior Dallas Moody (6-1, 210), who started at corner last year, is moving to running back where he has the coaches excited. Junior Ja’Kari Lovelady (5-8, 160) is another talented running back in the mix along with senior Ace Bryant (5-7, 160). 

 “We’re excited about those guys,” Spencer said. “Donovan Jones could play running back for us, so we have a plethora of guys that I think can help us. Dallas is a playmaker, and we’re looking for big things from him.”

At receiver, the Falcons welcome back Stephan Jones, who committed to Grand Valley State. Jones is a returning all-conference player and one of the top players in West Michigan.

Lining up at the opposite receiver spot is senior Bryce Barnes (6-2, 200), who gives the Falcons another game-breaking wideout. 

A newcomer at receiver to keep an eye on is junior Donovan Rubens (5-11, 180). A standout on the track team, Rubens was on the junior-varsity squad last season. 

When Kentwood uses an H-back, look for junior Lance Wiegand (6-0, 205) and Christopher Warren (5-10, 205) to handle those duties.

Up front, the Falcon offensive line returns Chris Lovelady (6-1, 275) and Leland Croskey (5-10, 280).  Senior Kenyatta Williams (6-3, 295) also saw playing time on varsity last year. Moving in at tackle is junior Jalon Johnson (6-4, 255) with senior Hector Zuniga (6-2, 335) stepping in at center.


East Kentwood offensive lineman Chris Lovelady. (Photo: WKTV/Sam Rangel)

East Kentwood also has another key offensive performer returning in junior place kicker Jayden Garcia. A game-changer on kickoffs as well, Garcia is being recruited by several colleges, including Eastern Michigan University. Garcia also is adding punting to his workload this season.

Even more veteran talent returns to the defense with seven starters back.

The Falcon defensive line returns the bulk of its contributors from last year.

“Our defensive line is where we got most of our starters returning,” Spencer. We are only missing one guy, James Johnson who went to Ferris (State), so we have three starters coming back” 

Among the veterans to look for up front are seniors Alijah Bondon (6-2, 230), Jaden Beard (5-11, 200), D’Mari Love-Simmons (6-5, 250) and junior Daivon Price (5-9, 230). 

At linebacker, the Falcons are led by senior Chris Thompson (6-0, 225), who’s a dynamic defender. Also stepping in at the linebacker positions are juniors Habamungu Olinabanji (5-10, 210) and Jeremiah Adams (5-11, 180).

Defensive back also is a strong point for the Falcons.

(Image Courtesy: East Kentwood High School)

“Our entire defensive backfield returns,” Spencer explained. “Ken Harris is a power-four offer kid, Austin Nelson a power four, and then Major Barnes has committed to Brown University and Donovan Jones who’s going to Grand Valley, so we feel real good about the secondary. Those guys have been playing with us since they were sophomores.”

All this adds up to a Falcons team that will challenge defending conference champion Hudsonville, along with contenders like Rockford, Grandville, Grand Haven, West Ottawa and Caledonia for the OK Red Conference crown.

East Kentwood opens the season at home against Southfield A&T on Aug. 27, our WKTV Game of the Week, and then travels to Byron Center on Sept. 3. The Falcons open conference play at home on September 11 against Grandville.

Local GLIAC Football teams optimistic for 2026 season

Citizen Journalism, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , , , , , ,
Davenport Football Coach Sparky McEwen and offensive lineman Armony Baskin at GLIAC football Media Day.
Davenport Football Coach Sparky McEwen (center) and offensive lineman Armony Baskin (far right) discuss team goals at GLIAC football Media Day. (Photo: WKTV/Bill Rohn)



Bill Rohn — who served as a trial lawyer for 40 years at the Varnum law firm in Grand Rapids — calls himself a “newspaper junkie.” Bill edited his high school and college newspapers. He also has covered sports for Midwestern newspapers such as The Grand Rapids Press, The South Bend Tribune, and The Niles Daily Star. He is a co-host of WKTV Friday Night Highlights. Bill holds a B.A. degree in Political Science from GVSU and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Notre Dame.

By Bill Rohn
Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor
WKTV Friday Night Highlights Host
greer@wktv.org

Can Ferris State University win a third straight Division II football national championship? Or will Grand Valley win its fifth overall? And can Davenport finally beat the big boys?

One thing is for sure: Each of West Michigan’s Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) football teams hopes to win a league championship along its path to fall playoffs.

And there is plenty of optimism at Grand Valley, Ferris, and Davenport, as expressed at the recent GLIAC preseason “Football Media Day.”

The preseason gathering featured comments from coaches and players from all eight conference schools, plus the results of the GLIAC coaches’ preseason predictions as to 2026 final conference standings.

Defending DII national champion Ferris State topped the preseason poll, followed by Grand Valley, Michigan Tech, Davenport, and Saginaw Valley. Northern Michigan, Roosevelt U, and Wayne State were picked to finish sixth, seventh, and eighth.


Five in a row for Ferris?

In Big Rapids, Coach Tony Annese’s Bulldogs appear to be reloading again. Ferris has won four of the last five DII national championships, including crowns in 2024 and 2025. The Bulldogs were a perfect 16-0 last year, including an unbeaten 7-0 GLIAC record.


Ferris Football Coach Tony Annese with lineman Tim Allen and receiver Taariik Brett at GLIAC Media Day.
Ferris Football Coach Tony Annese (far left) shares a light moment with lineman Tim Allen (center) and receiver Taariik Brett at GLIAC Media Day. (Photo: WKTV/Bill Rohn)


“None of the past matters, beyond knowing how it happened,” said Annese, whose Bulldogs have been ranked No. 1 in the national Division II Coaches’ preseason poll, but who also open their season on the road against No. 4 Pittsburg State, in Kansas. While playing a high-seeded opponent on the road on Aug. 27 may be a daunting task, Annese noted that, “All of the other GLIAC schools know us so well that we would rather play against other tough teams in the nation.”


Ferris’ first home game will occur on Friday, Sept. 4 against another 2025 playoff contender, Bentley University, at FSU’s Top Taggart field.

GVSU seeks “unconscious competence”

At Grand Valley, where the Lakers won four Division II national championships between 2002 and 2006, Coach Scott Wooster has emphasized preparation leading to an “unconscious competence” during play. Wooster referenced a style of play through which the Lakers will automatically demonstrate excellent fundamentals and precision performance.


The Lakers finished second in the conference in 2025 with a 5-2 record as part of a 7-3 overall performance. Spirits are high in Allendale where the football program recently reached an all-time high in season ticket sales.


Wooster has been particularly impressed by work done by as many as 92 Laker players at summer workouts, adding, “It’s all about preparation. You’ve got to chop wood and carry water to get ready and you do your chopping in the summer (well before the season starts), not in the winter.”


Grand Valley is ranked eighth in the nation in the DII Coaches’ preseason poll. As Wooster put it on media day, “We’ve got some dogs that will hunt and I would rather say ‘whoa’ than ‘giddyup.’”


The Lakers open play in Charleston, West Virginia, against the University of Charleston before their home season opener on Sept. 3 versus West Texas A&M.


Davenport must beat the ‘Big Boys’

At Davenport University, Coach Sparky McEwen and company have adopted a “compete every day and win every day” attitude prior to the coming season, during which the Panthers will seek their first wins against Grand Valley and Ferris, to say nothing of beating other GLIAC teams whom DU has beaten in the past.


Davenport, which began football in 2015, has steadily improved on a year-by-year basis, but the team has yet to beat the Bulldogs or Lakers, a key to conference championships and playoff runs.


Davenport Football Helmet
Davenport Football Helmet. (WKTV/Bill Rohn)


McEwen — who played his college football at Ferris — professed excitement over a large squad, solid running backs, and a schedule that allows Davenport to play its first three games at home at Meyering field in Caledonia. DU opens play against visiting Gannon University at noon on Aug. 29.



Outstate GLIAC teams also seek wins

GLIAC schools outside West Michigan also have big plans. Michigan Tech, picked to finish third in the preseason poll, will operate under the leadership of Coach Dan Mettlach, who previously quarterbacked at Tech. Northern Michigan features sophomore running back Noah Dobert, who rushed for 243 yards and four touchdowns last season against Davenport. Wayne State and Chicago-area Roosevelt University also feature new coaches and new approaches.

Football players say the strangest things

The GLIAC Media Day was not without humorous moments. Asked what there is to do in the cold at distant Houghton, Mich., where Michigan Tech’s Huskies play, a Tech lineman offered this, “Well, we do have a bowling alley in town, and sometimes you can go ice fishing. That’s if there isn’t three feet of snow on the lake during the winter.”

Hunters Feeding Michigan group in front of barn

Hunt Michigan Collaborative opens new hunting opportunities this fall while supporting farmers, deer management and Michigan communities

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , ,
Hunters Feeding Michigan group photo
Hunters Feeding Michigan. (Photo Courtesy, Hunt Michigan Collaborative/Bryan Farmer. Used with Permission)


By The Hunt Michigan Collaborative
greer@wktv.org

The Hunt Michigan Collaborative is inviting new and experienced conservation-minded hunters seeking land access, looking to make a difference to participate in organized hunting opportunities this fall across Michigan. Through innovative partnerships with farmers, conservation organizations, landowners, and hunting programs, HMC is helping connect people to hunting while addressing some of Michigan’s most pressing deer management challenges.

The Hunt Michigan Collaborative was created in response to challenges identified through Michigan’s Deer Management Initiative, including limited private land access, declining hunter participation, high deer densities, wildlife disease concerns, and the need for improved deer management solutions. The collaborative works to address these issues by connecting hunters with opportunities while helping landowners and farmers manage deer populations responsibly.

“Our mission is simple: connect people, organizations, and opportunities to grow hunting in Michigan while delivering meaningful wildlife management benefits,” said Frank Pizzo, Hunt Michigan Collaborative Board Member. “Whether someone is hunting for the first time, searching for a place to hunt, or wants to help reduce crop damage and support healthy deer populations, there is
a place for them within the Hunt Michigan Collaborative.”

A place for new hunters
For individuals interested in learning how to hunt, HMC serves as a statewide clearinghouse for hunting programs, events, and opportunities. The collaborative works with organizations focused on recruiting, retaining, and reactivating hunters, making it easier for newcomers to find educational programs, mentors, and hunting experiences. By bringing multiple organizations together under one umbrella, HMC helps simplify the process of getting started in hunting.

Opportunities for hunters seeking land access
Access to private land remains one of the biggest barriers facing Michigan hunters. Through the Hunt Michigan Collaborative / National Deer Association Farm Tour program, hunters gain access to organized hunts on private farmland experiencing high deer densities and crop damage. The program provides opportunities for both new and seasoned hunters to hunt properties that would otherwise be inaccessible.

HMC coordinates with participating farmers and works alongside the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to secure Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) permits, allowing hunters to assist with antlerless deer management in targeted areas. Organized hunts include support from Hunt Leaders who assist with logistics, safety, deer tracking, retrieval, and field dressing.

Helping farmers and communities
Michigan farmers experience significant crop damage from excessive deer populations each year. The HMC Farm Tour was developed to provide a practical solution by connecting responsible hunters with farms that need deer management assistance. Farmers benefit from reduced deer impacts while hunters gain valuable access opportunities.

The program also supports local communities through venison donation opportunities. Hunters who participate may keep their harvested venison or choose to donate it through programs such as Hunters Feeding Michigan, helping provide nutritious protein to individuals and families in need.

Hunters Feeding Michigan group in front of farm equipment
Hunters Feeding Michigan. (Photo Courtesy, Hunt Michigan Collaborative/Bryan Farmer. Used with Permission)


A collaborative vision for Michigan’s future
The Hunt Michigan Collaborative believes that hunting can be a powerful tool for conservation, community engagement, and wildlife management. Its vision is centered on building partnerships that increase hunter participation, improve access to hunting opportunities, support farmers and landowners, promote ethical deer management, and strengthen Michigan’s outdoor heritage.

The collaborative has received support from numerous conservation organizations and businesses, including the National Deer Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Women of the Wild, Jay’s Sporting Goods and others who share a commitment to growing hunting participation and responsible wildlife stewardship.

Women of the Wild - two lady representatives
(Photo Courtesy, Women of the Wild/Felicia Engelman)


Get involved this fall
Hunters interested in participating in organized hunts, individuals exploring hunting for the first time, landowners seeking deer management assistance, and organizations interested in partnering with the collaborative are encouraged to learn more at: Hunt Michigan Collaborative

About Hunt Michigan Collaborative
The Hunt Michigan Collaborative is a partnership of organizations dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and reactivating hunters while helping farmers, landowners, and communities address wildlife management needs. By connecting people with hunting opportunities and supporting organized deer management efforts, HMC works to grow hunting participation and promote healthy, balanced deer populations throughout Michigan.

Hot dog with ketchup and mustard.

Speaking of… Hot dogs, shorter days, back to school

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
Hot dog with ketchup and mustard.
(Photo: Courtesy pxhere.com: Free for personal and commercial use)
Bill Rohn, Friday Night Highlights Host. Edited his high school and college newspapers before serving as a trial lawyer for 40 years at Varnum Law in Grand Rapids. He calls himself a “newspaper junkie.” Sometimes serious, sometimes not. Bill has covered sports for The Grand Rapids Press, South Bend Tribune, and The Niles Daily Star. He holds a political science degree from GVSU and law degree from the University of Notre Dame.

By Bill Rohn
Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor
Friday Night Highlights Co-Host
greer@wktv.org


Doggoned if we haven’t reached the second half of summer. The days are getting shorter, and school buses will soon be back on the roads.

Which got me to thinking about what would make the season special.

What Wyoming and Kentwood really need before Labor Day is a good old-fashioned hot dog eating contest.

You know…like they have every Fourth of July in New York City.

After all, what’s New York City got that we ain’t got here in the WKTV viewing area?

Sure, they’ve got Broadway, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty.

But we’ve got Lamar Park, Kentwood’s City Center complex, and plenty of folks who’ve never met a hot dog they didn’t like.

Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

Earlier this summer, ESPN televised the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, where thousands gathered in the Big Apple to watch contestants chase prize money and a chance to wear the champion’s coveted “Mustard Belt.”

Forget the Detroit Tigers. The World Cup is yesterday’s news. For 10 glorious minutes, nothing mattered except how many hot dogs the competitors could make disappear.

The women competed first and winner  Miki Sudo consumed an astonishing 38.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes — nearly four per minute — before a screaming crowd.

Contestants were allowed to dip their buns in water, but only for five seconds. Apparently there are standards.

Sudo’s victory was no huge surprise. According to ESPN, she once ate 8½ pounds of kimchi — whatever THAT is — in six minutes. 

Next came the men, led by 17-time champion Joey Chestnut, the “Mozart of the mandible.” Joey often jumped up and down while chewing, adding rhythm and speed to his digestion. And Chestnut was no choker, skillfully keeping a “wall of meat“ in his stomach, thus dodging disqualification for what officials politely call a “reversal of fortune” — which is a much gentler description of refunding one’s lunch than anything I can think of. Chestnut avoided that unpleasantness while inhaling 66 hot dogs in 10 minutes to claim yet another Mustard Belt.

So, acid reflux and concerns over gastroparesis aside, why couldn’t we stage our own championship here in West Michigan?

Imagine the civic pride. Consider the bragging rights as a traveling Mustard Belt makes its way between Wyoming and Kentwood every summer. Perhaps any money that would be raised could go to a local charity. Or maybe to me.

We already have food truck rallies, concerts, and community festivals. Why not celebrate one of America’s great culinary creations right here in West Michigan? 

South Christian vs. East Kentwood at the table?

As to competitors, how about local high school football teams? After all, aren’t hot dogs the most popular food at a football game? We could have East Kentwood vs. South Christian on the field, and then immediately after a battle at the table underneath the bright lights. Or how about Godwin Heights vs. Kelloggsville?

Or political candidates looking for a boost in the polls as fall elections approach?

Talk about the dog days of summer…, and I know a local TV station that could broadcast the proceedings.

Just don’t ask me to compete. I’d still be wolfing weenie No. 2 while the winner was giving a victory interview.

On second thought, maybe I could still win.

I’d simply wait patiently for everyone else to experience a “reversal of fortune.”

Kody Swanson in a winged race car.

Winged cars and Race for the Million take center stage at Berlin Raceway  

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, ,
Kody Swanson is second in points in the Race for the Million. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)

Greg Chrapek — Began writing about West Michigan high school sports back in 1988 and retired from the Advance Newspapers/MLive in 2019. He also contributed to various publications during his career including The Hoop Scoop, Spartanmagazine.com and High School Sports Scene Magazine.

By Greg Chrapek
Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor
greer@wktv.org


The third leg of the 2026 Race for the Million is the highlight of the racing schedule at Berlin Raceway this Saturday night. 


A four-race series that delivers plenty of winged sprint car action, Berlin Raceway is hosting what promises to be an action-packed race.

The current standing for the 2026 Race for the Million has Aaron Willison of Langley, British Columbia in first place with 43 points. Kody Swanson of Kingsburg, California is second with 35 points, followed by Bobby Santos III of Franklin, Massachusetts, with 30 points; Jeff Montgomery of Langford, British Columbia; Jimm McCune of Toledo, Ohio, in fifth. Rounding out the top 10 are Davey Hamilton Jr. of Tampa, Florida; Chase Cabre; Cornelius, North Carolina; Bryan Gossel, Windsor, Colorado; Colton Bettis of Lutz, Florida and Jake Trainor, Medway, Massachusetts.

Willison won the season opener at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, in April, while Swanson won the second round that took place at Owosso Speedway in June.

Santos is back in the state of Michigan after turning in a pair of impressive performances back in early June. On June 6 Santos won the Must See Racing Sprint Series feature by 1.122 seconds over Swanson. Less than a week later Santos placed second in the Must See Racing feature event at Owosso Speedway.

“It’s been an ok season so far,” Santos said. “It’s not been our best year, but it’s not been our worst season either. We do have one win here which is awesome which I feel brings us a little momentum into this weekend.”  

$25,000 payday for each event

Saturday’s racing will be a double feature program with the largest payout for a winged sprint car race on pavement and the highest in the state of Michigan. The twin feature program will pay $25,000 to win each main event.

The Race for the Million is a truly national/international racing event. Through the first two races a total of 49 different drivers have competed. Those drivers represent 17 states and two Canadian provinces. 

Willison, Swanson and Santos are the big three to watch for in Saturday’s action. The trio has finished in the top five in both of the previous two races. 


Jason Blonde of Litchfield has won 10 winged sprint car features during his career at Berlin Raceway. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


Litchfield’s Jason Blonde lone Michigan driver

The lone Michigan driver in the field is Jason Blonde of Litchfield, who’s making his second start in the series. Blonde enters the event as the all-time winged sprint car feature winner at Berlin Raceway with 10 victories dating back to 2004. Ryan Litt of London, Ontario, who is also racing Saturday, has seven winged-sprint car feature wins at Berlin, while Bobby Santos III has six.

“I’ve ran winged cars here and non-winged cars here,” Santos said. “I enjoy coming here. It’s just a racy joint. I feel like you can move around and go where the guy in front of you isn’t. I just enjoy racing here.” 

Santos expects plenty of outstanding racing come Saturday night.

“I’m excited about tomorrow’s race,” Santos continued. “I think it’s going to be a good show. Hopefully a good, competitive race across the board.”


Bobby Santos III is looking to make a move up the standings in the Race for the Million series. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


Gates open on Saturday at 3 p.m. with racing scheduled to start at 6:30.

Christmas in July

In addition to racing, this Saturday is the Christmas in July celebration at Berlin Raceway. Race fans who donate a new/unopened toy receive a ticket to racing on August, 8. The Last Lap after party is presented by Honor Credit Union and Sushi Roll will be the live band performing on the Electrical Innovations Stage following the racing action.

soccer ball in the corner kick area

Speaking of… World Cup Soccer: Bicycle kicks, curses, great entertainment

Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , , ,
(Photo: Courtesy pxhere.com: Free for personal and commercial use)

Bill Rohn, Friday Night Highlights Host. Edited his high school and college newspapers before serving as a trial lawyer for 40 years at Varnum Law in Grand Rapids. He calls himself a “newspaper junkie.” Sometimes serious, sometimes not. Bill has covered sports for The Grand Rapids Press, South Bend Tribune, and The Niles Daily Star. He holds a political science degree from GVSU and law degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Bill Rohn
Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor
Friday Night Highlights Host

You’ve got to love soccer…or, as the rest of the world insists on calling it, football. What a game!

With high school football about seven weeks away, the televised World Cup matches have provided terrific entertainment. The tournament runs through the middle of July.

The matches feature nonstop action, spectacular bicycle kicks, colorful uniforms, gravity-defying hairstyles, and dramatic penalty kicks that often raise the blood pressure of people who didn’t even know the rules two weeks earlier.

But CURSES?

Yes, apparently world-class soccer has CURSES, too!


Take the Republic of Ghana’s recent match against England. Ghana entered the contest having never reached the World Cup “knockout round,” where the final 32 teams battle in single-elimination play. A loss to England would likely have ended Ghana’s 2026 World Cup hopes.

So naturally…

One Ghana fan — who evidently earns his living as a SPIRITUALIST — decided that it was time to intervene.

His target was England’s biggest scoring threat, Harry Kane.

According to reports, the Spiritualist’s curse recipe wasn’t complicated. He simply gathered four dogs, a collection of leaves, and a photograph of Harry Kane. He then carefully arranged the items just so, hoping that his supernatural curse would succeed where Ghana’s defenders might not.

Imagine that. Apparently there’s a ‘Curse Starter Kit’  that includes exactly four dogs. Three dogs wouldn’t do it. Five dogs would be overkill.

The Spiritualist also noted an earlier curse allegedly placed on Portugal’s star Cristiano Ronaldo before the 2014 World Cup. Ronaldo then suffered a leg injury before Portugal’s opening match, which believers considered evidence that these things actually work.

So this wasn’t just an evil eye, a jinx, or your garden-variety whammy.

This was the deluxe model.

And as to Harry Kane?

During post-curse play, he missed a very makeable 18-foot shot and finished the match without a goal. Ghana thus earned a tie and advanced to the knockout round for the first time. And believers in curses probably took victory laps.

Fortunately for England, the Spiritualist publicly announced the removal of Kane’s curse immediately following the Ghana/England Match.

Sure enough, Kane scored a goal in England’s next contest, and England also advanced to the Round of 32.

Now, I’m not saying there’s anything to this curse business.

Still, it might be nice to get in touch with that Spiritualist — along with four dogs and a pile of leaves — before the Detroit Lions begin training camp.

Berlin Raceway - Victory Lane

Ty Majeski captures first Money in the Bank win Wednesday at Berlin

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , ,
Berlin’s Money in the Bank race took place Wednesday. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


Greg Chrapek — Retired sportswriter who began writing about West Michigan high school sports back in 1988. Retired from the Advance Newspapers/MLive in 2019. Also contributed to various publications during his career including The Hoop Scoop, Spartanmagazine.com and High School Sports Scene Magazine.

By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


Ty Majeski has won plenty of big Late Model races during his career, but coming away with a big win at Berlin Raceway was something that has eluded the 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion.


That was until Wednesday evening, when Majeski not only outlasted a field that included a pair of NASCAR stars in Carson Hocevar and Erik Jones, but some severe storms that rolled through the area, to take the checkered flag in the 10th annual running of the Money in the Bank race.

Majeski, from Seymour, Wisconsin, was making his fifth start at Berlin. Last year he placed fourth at the Tekton 250 Battle of Berlin, which was his highest finish ever at the track. This time, however, Majeski made it first to the finish line as he not only outlasted Hocevar and Jones, but also some of the top Berlin regulars.


One of those Berlin standouts was Wyoming’s Brian Campbell, a two-time Money in the Bank champion, who took second place. Wayland’s Dylan Stovall, who came into the race atop the leaderboard in the Late Model division at Berlin, placed third. The finish was the fifth Top 10 by Stovall this year as he has finished in the Top 10 in all five of the feature races he has competed in this season.


Veteran Wyoming driver Brian Campbell finished in second place in Wednesday’s Money in the Bank race. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Max Reaves took fourth place, while Chase Pinsonneault placed fifth. Evan Shotko, of Coopersville, took seventh and Belmont’s Austin Hull, last year’s Money in the Bank champion, came in eighth. Hocevar, a three-time winner of the race, finished 23rd, while Jones came in two spots ahead of Hocevar at 21st.


Coopersville’s Evan Shotko placed seventh in Berlin’s Money in the Bank race Wednesday. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


More racing action is on tap later this week at Berlin; the Michigan Modified Series, Limited Late Models, 4-Cylinders and VROA.

A look at the Limited Late Models standings shows Josh Frye, of Coopersville, at the top of the leaderboard. Holland’s Nick DeLongpre is in second place with Tyler Rycenga, of Allendale, Mike Root and Billy Eppink, Grand Rapids, rounding out the Top 5. Byron Center’s Eric Bupp is in the 11th spot, while Tyler Davis, of Wyoming, 13th, in the Limited Late Model Division.

In the 4-Cylinders division, White Cloud’s Dennis Holtzlander III is atop the leaderboard. Luke Bouma, of Hudsonville, is in second place, followed by Marne’s Matt McCarthy, Ravenna’s Justin Roelofs and Tyler Westveld, Marne, rounding out the Top 5. Coopersville’s Hunter Wiersma is in sixth, while Nicolas Scholl, of Caledonia, seventh.

In the VROA division, Lowell’s Brady Musser is at the top of the leaderboard with Dave Sensiba, Middleville, second. James Bond is in third place, followed by Wayland’s Jeremy Cutler, fourth and Wayland’s Dave Cutler rounding out the Top 5.   

Michigander Night

This Saturday also will be Michigander Night at Berlin Raceway. Michigander Night Specials (while supplies last) include Founders, Bell’s, Coopersville Brewing Company and Harmony Brewing Company draft beer on special. Peppinos Detroit style deep dish slices will be special at the North Concessions. On the concourse you can enter to win two tickets to see Bring Me The Horizon at Van Andel Arena. Live music after the race will be provided by Sounds Familiar.

Gates open at 4 p.m. Saturday with racing starting at 6:30.

Brian Campbell of Wyoming at Berlin

NASCAR stars Carson Hocevar, Erik Jones headline Money in the Bank race at Berlin Raceway 

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
Veteran Wyoming driver Brian Campbell is looking to win the Money in the Bank race for a third time on Wednesday. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)

Greg Chrapek — Retired sportswriter who began writing about West Michigan high school sports back in 1988. Retired from the Advance/MLive in 2019. Also contributed to various publications during his career including The Hoop Scoop, Spartanmagazine.com and High School Sports Scene Magazine.

By Greg Chrapek
Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor
greer@wktv.org


On Sunday, NASCAR stars Carson Hocevar and Erik Jones battled it out in the FireKeepers Casino 400 in front of a sold-out crowd at Michigan International Speedway. This Wednesday, the Michigan natives will bring their talents to Berlin Raceway as they headline the Money in the Bank race.

One of the highlights of the yearly schedule at Berlin Raceway, the Money in the Bank race, is a 150-lap National Super Late Model race with an $80,000 purse, including $15,000 to the winner.

Hocevar, a native of Portage, and Jones, a Byron native, come into the second stage of their Michigan week riding plenty of momentum. Jones finished second at the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, while Hocevar finished close behind in fifth place. Low tire pressure at the end of Sunday’s race prevented Hocevar from possibly an even loftier finish.

Hocevar is no stranger to either Berlin or the Money in the Bank race. The 23-year old is a Berlin veteran who began his racing career there at age 12 when he won the Outlaw Late Model Division in 2015. Two years later as a 14-year old, Hocevar won the track championship at Berlin in the Super Late Model Division.

Hocevar is the defending Money in the Bank champion having won the race for the third time in his young career last June.

 This year’s Money in the Bank race is the 10th. Last year’s win by Hocevar broke a three-way tie for the most wins in the race as Brian Campbell of Wyoming and Bubba Pollard also came in with two wins each in the history of the race.


NASCAR star and former Berlin track champion Carson Hocevar is looking to win the Money in the Bank race for a fourth time. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


Hocevar edged Andrew Scheid by 2.392 seconds to win last year’s race with Brian Campbell placing third, Erik Jones finishing fourth and Tyler Rycenga, fifth.

Jones, from Byron, southwest of Flint, won the Money in the Bank 150 in 2023.

This year’s field also includes Ty Majeski who was the 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion. Majeski, a Seymour, Wisconsin native, is one of the top Late Model racers in the country.

Other big names in the field include Pollard and Campbell, who are both looking for their third Money in the Bank checkered flag, Austin Hull of Belmont and Terry Senneker of Wayland.

The field includes the top Late Model drivers at Berlin so far this season, including Dylan Stoval, Wayland, who is atop this year’s leaderboard. Stovall has finished in the Top 10 in all four feature races he has competed in this season. Senneker is second in this year’s standings, while Sparta’s Andrew Scheid, third; Campbell, fourth and Hull, fifth. 


Coopersville’s Evan Shotko takes in some practice laps in preparation for the Money in the Bank race Wednesday. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


Hull is one to watch as he bested a field that included Hocevar, Jones, Pollard and Majeski to win the Tekton 250 Battle at Berlin last August. Hull also won the 2025 Super Late Model season track championship at Berlin.

Also slated to run are Keith Herp (Alto) who’s sixth in points; Scott Thomas, Holland, seventh; Boris Jurkovic, eighth; Rockford’s Ken Wobma, 10th; Justin Thomas, Middleville, 11th; Buddy Head, Middleville, 12th; Lawton’s Chris Shannon, 13th; Evan Shotko, Coopersville, 15th; Blake Rowe, 16th and Tyler Lupton, 18th.  




Ricky LaDuke takes checkered flag in feature race last Saturday at Berlin

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , ,
Ryan Newman gets ready to head out for some practice at Berlin Raceway. (Photo: WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


The brand-new Michigan Modified Touring Series was the race of the evening last Saturday at Berlin Raceway and the race, featuring NASCAR legend Ryan Newman and his daughter Brooklyn, did not disappoint.

In the inaugural race of the new series, the drivers gave the crowd plenty to cheer about. While the Newmans were the big names in the race, it was Ricky LaDuke, a mainstay at Kalamazoo Speedway, who came away with the checkered flag.

Starting out of the four spot in the opening grid, LaDuke turned in a big effort to come away with the win in the 50-lap feature race. The race was pure action from beginning to end as all 50 laps were run under the green flag. LaDuke grabbed the lead around the halfway mark and managed to stay in front the rest of the way despite several cars in hot pursuit.

Brian Bergakker, a former modified champion at Berlin, returned to familiar surroundings and took second place after starting in the seven spot. Matt Dimit of Ft. Wayne, Ind., placed third followed by Nick Larabee of Hastings, fourth and Trevor Berry of Clio, fifth.


Brian Bergakker of Middleville raced his No. 12 car to second place. (Photo: WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



For Bergakker, going against a big-time NASCAR name was nothing new. What was different, however, was that Bergakker was on the same team, 4JTrucking of Grandville, as Ryan Newman. 

“It’s an interesting thing,” said Bergakker, a Middleville native. “We’ve done this a few times in my career, raced against Cup guys, but to have them on the same team this time is a little different.”

Being able to go up against a big name on a familiar track close to home just added to the experience.

“I love racing here”

“I love coming to Berlin,” Bergakker said. “Every time we get a chance, I get excited about it. It’s close to home and I love racing here.”

Bergakker has had a solid start to the racing season. The Berlin race was his third of the season and he came into Saturday’s action with a win in his Outlaw car already under his belt.

Bergakker returns to Berlin a few more times this season, including a pair of races in his Outlaw car and two more races in the Modified division.   

 

Ryan Newman, seventh, Brooklyn, 23rd

Ryan Newman finished the race in seventh place, while Brooklyn Newman finished in 23rd position in a race that had 28 drivers competing. Brooklyn was racing in the middle of the pack for much of the race before car problems forced her into the pits for the evening with 12 laps to go.

The race was the first time that father and daughter competed against each other on the race track.


Ryan Newman looks on as his daughter Brooklyn Newman prepares to head out on to the track for some practice laps. (Photo: WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


Ryan also provided racing fans with another treat as he drove a car for 4JTrucking that featured a paint scheme that paid tribute to  former NASCAR legend Greg Biffle who tragically passed away in an airplane crash this spring.

“It (the paint scheme) is really meaningful,” Ryan said. “Biffle was a great guy. His family was a great family and it was super unfortunate. What he was in the NASCAR world, and what he was and how he stood out, and the tragedies that happened with the hurricane made him a legend. To have the paint scheme and to have, especially in this area, because he was a pretty darn good driver at MIS (Michigan International Speedway), to have these guys put it together with the 16 car all kind of made sense.”

The appearance at Berlin was not new for Newman who competed in an SRX race at the track in 2023. Newman was happy about the opportunity to race against his daughter and give the Berlin fans a good show.

“Jeff Striegle and everybody here at Berlin has helped make all this happen,” Newman said. “I know he has the fans in mind so we wanted to put on a good show for them.”

In the Limited Late Model Feature 1 race, Billy Eppink, of Grand Rapids, took the checkered flag. Tyler Rycenga, Allendale, placed second. Lee VanDyk, who started in the pole position, finished third, while Tim Greene and Josh Frye rounded out the top five.

In the Limited Late Model Feature 2 race, Denny Anderson, Walker, crossed the finish line first. Anderson started in the second position. Scott Root, who started on the pole, came in second. Lee VanDyk took third place followed by Josh Frye and Tim Greene.

Winning the Mini Wedge feature races were Kash Tremble and Jayden Osborne. Matthew Elsey won the National Compact Touring Series race.

Saturday at Berlin:

Racing returns to Berlin this weekend with another exciting show on the docket. The Super Late Models, Limited Late Models, Sportsman and Dwarf Cars are all on the slate for Saturday. Racing starts at 6:30 p.m. as Berlin transitions to their normal summer start time.  

NASCAR legend Ryan Newman to headline at Berlin Raceway Saturday; races daughter for first time

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Ryan Newman and his daughter Brooklyn are competing in the same race during action at Berlin Raceway Saturday.
(WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


Ryan Newman, one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, will headline what is shaping up to be a great evening of racing this Saturday at Berlin Raceway.

Newman was one of NASCAR’s brightest stars during the 2000s and 2010s. Along with winning 18 Cup Series races during his career, Newman won the 2008 Daytona 500 and the 2013 Brickyard 400. During the 2003 season, Newman won a total of eight races. He was a regular at the front of the field during his NASCAR career as he posted 117 top-five finishes during his NASCAR Cup Series career. 

Newman may actually face his toughest challenge yet as a race car driver going against his 15-year old daughter, Brooklyn Newman, who is a promising upcoming race car driver of her own.


Newman and daughter compete for first time
It also will be the first time that father and daughter have competed against each other in a sanctioned race.


NASCAR legend Ryan Newman to headline at Berlin Raceway Saturday.
(WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


“I’m excited,” Brooklyn said. “It’s not something that most people get to do.”

Brooklyn is a rising racing talent who is developing her skills as a race car driver by competing in several classes of racing. Brookly competes in Outlaw Dirt, Intermediate, Winged Micro and 602 Modified classes.  

Ryan, who actively coaches and teaches Brooklyn in the skills of racing, is looking forward to competing against his daughter this weekend.

“This is not like going to the local bowling alley to compete against your dad,” Ryan said. “This is a lot different in many ways. I want to thank the people at Berlin. Jeff Striegle and his staff, to give us the opportunity to come out here and do this and hopefully we put on a great show for the fans.”

Engine replacement Friday night

Ryan Newman and his team will be putting in some overtime getting prepared for the race as their engine suffered a malfunction during practice Friday that will require putting in a new engine Friday night.

“We had some problems with our car so we are going to have to work on changing the motor overnight,” Ryan said, “but we look forward to coming back Saturday night and have a lot of fun.” 

Racing begins at 4 p.m. Saturday
National Compacts get the green flag first with three head races followed by the first Limited Late Model feature race. Next up will be the Mini Wedge feature. After the t-shirt toss, the National Compacts feature race will take place. A Modified B feature may take place after the National Compacts. The second Limited Late Model feature is next, and then the action wraps with the main race of the evening, the 50 lap Modified A feature.

Gates open at 2 p.m. Saturday with practice beginning at the same time. This week’s program also is 49435 Neighbor Night. Marne residents only will be able to purchase $5 general admission tickets at the box office with a limit of two per ID. After the races, the band Thundering Heat performs. 

Whitetails Unlimited: Six steps to youth hunting success

Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Local Sports, Recreation, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
(Public Domain. pxhere.com)


By Whitetails Unlimited
Joe Byers

Introducing youngsters (or adults) to hunting takes special patience and accommodations to build a love of the outdoors and appreciation of our cherished traditions. Take things step-by-step and you will bond a hunting partner for life—and, make sure those cherished bows or firearms get passed down to the next generation.


TIP 1:
Hunt Before You Hunt
Children enjoy doing things with their parents so involve them in as many ways as possible in the preseason. Let them help putting up a tree stand or work in a food plot. Scouting for small and large
game is a puzzle they will love to solve, even if it’s just identifying acorns, rubs, or scrapes.


Michigan white-tailed deer. (Photo: Davin Harsila: Used with Permission)



TIP 2:
Teach Them About Nature.
The sound of a pileated woodpecker’s alarm cry always sparks excitement because it often signals deer on the move. It was one of the earliest birds I learned to recognize because my grandfather talked about eating them during the Great Depression. Teach newcomers to identify birds, squirrels, and other critters, and the sounds they make. They’ll think it’s funny that fox squirrels like to sleep in, and only the greys move at first light.


A pileated woodpecker. (Public Domain. pxhere.com)


TIP 3:
Simulate Practice
Most kids love video games and many of today’s offerings are very realistic. Practice with Nerf, BB, or pellet guns so you can observe that they safely handle a firearm and become proficient. Play with them and talk about important things like shot placement, stopping animals with an “urp,” and careful aiming practices like, “Aim small, miss small.”

TIP 4:
Get a Video Cell Camera
Two of my three grandsons have “their” tree stands with cameras posted nearby. I shared the email address of the camera and frequently get texts about a bear or bobcat caught on camera. This keeps
them in the hunt every day of the year. Often, the first thing they do each day is check their camera. Watching wildlife is always very motivating and engaging. Check local rules, since some states
have restrictive regulations on the use of motion-activated cameras for hunting.

TIP 5:
Make Hunting Fun
Getting up at 4 a.m. and sitting in the cold for hours with nothing to eat or drink is no fun for youngsters, so don’t do it. Analyze your success. How many deer or turkeys have you killed at the
crack of dawn? Probably not as many as you think. If your goal is to develop a hunting buddy for life, make it fun. Use a pop-up blind for warmth and movement. Bring plenty of snacks and hot
chocolate. Bundle up and let them take a nap if they like. Hunting like Jeremiah Johnson is an image many hunters cherish, but it’s not fun for kids. At the end of the hunt, you want to hear, “That was
cool, when can we do it again?”


Wild turkey. (Public Domain. pxhere.com)



TIP 6:
The Hunt is the Trophy
Forget antler size or trophy status. A doe or spike buck is the way most hunters begin, and young or old can be justifiably proud of that success. Being able to obtain a food source from the wild is a monumental achievement that only a minority of Americans achieve. Deer and turkey are locally sourced, free roaming, contain no artificial additives, are low in fat and cholesterol, and high in protein. If you harvested that deer or turkey with a family firearm, so much the better. You have built a relationship
that will last for generations and whether you punch a tag or eat tag soup, the family tradition is bonded, strengthened, and on a path to continue.

BOXING FANS: Check out this WKTV Friday Night Highlights special show featuring the Michigan Golden Gloves Championships

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Golden Gloves, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , , ,



By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director
greer@wktv.org


You’ll want to watch this WKTV Friday Night Highlights special show featuring 19 bouts and eight interviews from the Michigan Golden Gloves Championships on April 10 and 11 at Aquinas College.

Grab your favorite snacks and beverages and settle in to watch this nearly 3-hour video of the state Championships as Friday Night Highlights Hosts Bob Serulla and Jordan Shimmell (7-time Michigan champion) call the action from these exciting bouts featuring many local boxers.


This WKTV Sports special program features most of the bouts from the Championships and includes some great interviews as well!


Trinidad Chambliss speaks at Wyoming High School; a Heisman trophy vote getter/Forest Hills Northern grad

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , , , , , , ,



By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


It’s not often that a potential Heisman Trophy winner makes an appearance in West Michigan, but that is just what happened last Friday afternoon at Wyoming High School when University of Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss spoke at the Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character assembly.

Chambliss, who finished eighth in last year’s Heisman Trophy voting for the top college football player in Division 1, will be among the favorites for the award this fall when he returns to Mississippi.

A 2021 graduate of Forest Hills Northern High School and the son of Wyoming High School assistant principal Trent Chambliss, Trinidad was glad to make the trip to Wyoming and be part of the Alph Wolf 11 assembly.

“It was awesome,” Chambliss said. “It was great to see everyone and celebrate the award winners. It was really cool to see the Wyoming community come together and celebrate that.”


Ole Miss quarterback and Forest Hills Northern graduate Trinidad Chambliss speaks at Wyoming High School’s Alpha Wolf 11 celebration on May 1. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Chambliss spoke to the students, staff and families during a podcast-type interview in the center of the packed Wyoming gymnasium.

Chambliss also was surprised himself at the assembly when he was made an honorary member of the Alpha Wolf 11.

“I was very surprised,” Chambliss said. “It’s an honor. I’m blessed, give a shout out to Mr. Doyle (Wyoming teacher John Doyle), he did a great job of putting this all together. I’m very blessed to be an honorary Alpha Wolf 11.”

The timing for Chambliss’ trip to Michigan for the Alpha Wolf 11 assembly came together perfectly as he just wrapped up spring practice with the Rebels just hours before heading to Wyoming. 

“Yeah, it actually worked out with perfect timing,” Chambliss said. “We just wrapped up spring ball literally yesterday, so I caught a flight right after that. My dad being the assistant principal here, he was like `this is our big event, Alpha Wolf 11, it’s the big assembly here, I’d love for you to come and check it out,’ and I was all for it. I came here and it was all that I hoped for. It was even more than what I thought to be honest. It was really cool.” 

While Chambliss enjoyed the Alpha Wolf 11 event, the students at Wyoming High School enjoyed the opportunity to hear from Trinidad possibly more. 


Trinidad Chambliss speaks at Wyoming High School’s Alpha Wolf 11 celebration. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



“You know, our student body is just awesome,” said Trinidad’s father and assistant Wyoming High School principal Trent Chambliss. “They showed up and they showed up with a lot of energy, a lot of enthusiasm, and that’s who they are. Just a great group of kids that want to do well for themselves, focus on their future and are driven by supporting one another and it’s a really magnificent thing to see and to be a part of.” 

Becoming an honorary Alph Wolf 11 is just part of what has been an amazing college football career for Chambliss that began in the fall of 2021 at Ferris State University. After arriving in Big Rapids in 2021, Chambliss steadily worked himself up the depth chart at Ferris. That hard work paid off when Chambliss became the starting quarterback for Ferris State in 2024.

Division II title with Ferris in 2024

Chambliss took full advantage of his starting job with the Bulldogs as he led Ferris State to the 2024 Division II national championship. Chambliss turned in a banner season as quarterback for Ferris State as he passed for 2,925 yards and 26 touchdowns and rushed for 1,019 yards and 25 more scores.

In Ferris State’s 49-14 win against Valdosta State in the Division II national championship game, Chambliss combined for five touchdowns. Chambliss capped his career at Ferris State by being named a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, given to the most valuable player in Division II football and similar to the Heisman Trophy of Division 1.

Transfers to University of Mississippi

That season provided Chambliss with the opportunity to move up to Division 1 football last fall thanks to the transfer portal. Chambliss took full advantage as he transferred to the University of Mississippi in the Southeastern Conference where he was slotted in as a backup quarterback.

Due to an injury to the starting quarterback in week two, Chambliss found himself starting against Arkansas in game three of the 2025 season. Chambliss again took full advantage of the opportunity as he totaled 415 yards of total offense and three touchdowns as he led the Rebels to a win.


Chambliss never relinquished the starting job and in a season that captured the attention of college football fans across the country, he led Mississippi to the college football playoffs where they advanced all the way to the semifinals before falling to the University of Miami 31-27 in dramatic fashion.

Passed for 3,279 yards and 31 touchdowns, rushed for eight

Chambliss finished the season passing for 3,279 yards and 31 touchdown passes along with rushing for 527 yards and eight touchdowns.

The offseason found Chambliss still in the national news as he petitioned the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for another year of college eligibility instead of entering the National Football League (NFL) draft where draft prognosticators had him going anywhere from late in the first round to the early second round. Chambliss was successful in his pursuit for a final year of college football and has been busy working at getting ready for the 2026 football season.

“I love it so far,” Chambliss said. “I’m super blessed to be at Ole Miss and playing football. I’m looking forward to next year. I’m looking forward to football and hopefully win a national championship at Ole Miss.” 

Green flag set to drop at Berlin Raceway Saturday; 75th season of racing

Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, ,
Berlin Raceway Opening Day 2026. (Photo: Berlin Raceway: Used with Permission)



By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


The green flag is poised to drop this weekend at Berlin Raceway in Marne as the 75th season of automobile racing is set to fire up Saturday afternoon.

Racing begins at 4 p.m. Saturday with all four classes of cars set to hit the pavement. Super Late Models, Limited Late Models, Sportsman and 4-Cylinders will all be racing on opening day in what looks to be another outstanding season of racing at the venerable race track.

“It’s a pretty robust schedule this year,” said veteran track announcer Matt McKenzie. “Opening day is called the Icebreaker and everybody races. All the divisions race and with some good weather in the forecast it will be a big night.”

Opening day will be the first of a six-month long schedule of great racing dates that take place weekly with the season set to conclude Sept. 12.

Saturday’s racing action kicks off a big spring of racing at Berlin Raceway. After this weekend’s Icebreaker, Cinco De Mayo will be celebrated on May 2 with Outlaw Late Models, Limited Late Models, Sportsman and 4-Cylinders taking to the track.    

May 16 is another racing date to circle on the calendar. That is when former NASCAR superstar Ryan Newman and his daughter, Brooklyn Newman, will be racing together in the Michigan Modified Series opener. Ryan Newman is an 18-time Cup Series winner and Daytona 500 champion who last raced at Berlin Raceway in August of 2023.  Brooklyn Newman, who is 15-years old, is already making a name for herself in the racing world as she competes in the Outlaw Dirt, Winged Micro and 602 Modified classes. The Michigan Modified Series will headline the May 16 event at the track that will also include Limited Late Models, The National Compact Series and the Good Humor Mini Wedges on what should be another big day of racing.

New Michigan Modified Series

The Michigan Modified Series is new this year. It is a multi-track championship series for Modified racers presented by both Berlin Raceway and the Owosso Speedway. The series joins together two iconic Michigan short tracks in an effort designed to elevate Modified racing across the region and will feature three events at Owosso Speedway and two events at Berlin Raceway. The second Michigan Modified race is slated for June 13 at Berlin Raceway.   

As summer settles in, the schedule at Berlin kicks into high gear. Among the highlights for this season are three nights of Outlaw Late Model racing.

“The Outlaw Late Models are the big cars at Berlin for the past 35 to 40 years,” McKenzie said. “They usually come here three times a year.”  

Big Highlights: Money in the Bank 150, Tekton 150 Battle

Two of the biggest highlights of every season at Berlin are the Money in the Bank 150 scheduled for June 10 and the Tekton 150 Battle at Berlin on August 12. The two biggest races are like the Daytona 500 on the Berlin calendar for the season and the races bring in some of the best drivers in the country, including the possibility of current NASCAR drivers showing up. Recently, drivers like Carson Hocevar and Erik Jones have showcased their talents at these races.    

Another highlight on the schedule this year is the Race for the Million that is scheduled for July 25. Berlin Raceway is one of four tracks across the country that are part of the Race for the Million in the Sprint Car Series when a driver who wins at all four tracks is in line for a million-dollar payday.

Cleetus McFarland Weekend Aug. 14-15

Another new event that is sure to generate tremendous enthusiasm is the Cleetus McFarland Weekend on August 14-15 that features the Michigan 100 on Aug. 14 and the Cleetus McFarland Weekend Burnout Rivals on Aug 15.

Cleetus McFarland is a You Tuber and professional stock car driver who has over 4.6 million subscribers.

“Cleetus McFarland is coming to Berlin and that is a big deal,” McKenzie said. “A lot of people are hyped up on him.”

On the track, many familiar names will be back racing this season including reigning track champion Austin Hull who races in the Late Model division, Brian Campbell, and Tim DeVos, who has the most wins of any driver at Berlin Raceway with over 200 career wins at Berlin. 

Kids 15-and-under free

Every night of racing at Berlin has a special theme and the track prides itself on the family friendly atmosphere where kids 15 and under are free for all race events. 

Gates open at 2 p.m. Saturday with the first green flag dropping at 4 p.m. Racing at Berlin begins at the earlier start time of 4 p.m. in the spring due to the cooler night-time temperatures. After Memorial Day racing starts at 6:30 p.m.

Better Desire opening day band

In addition to the racing, live music is offered at the end of racing every week. The band for opening night is Better Desire. Fans at the opening day racing also can enter to win two tickets to see Journey perform in concert at Van Andel Arena on June 14.

Tickets are available at the gate and online at berlinraceway.com. 

Check out our WKTV Friday Night Highlights Robotics edition featuring the FIRST Robotics Michigan District event at East Kentwood

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , , , ,



By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org


WKTV Host and Managing Editor Cris Greer walks you through this Friday Night Highlights Robotics show from the recent FIRST Robotics Michigan District event at East Kentwood High School.


Our WKTV crew got DAY 2 highlights from the competition of the following local teams: East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics, Wyoming Demons and Godwin Heights Robosnacks, and filmed most of the best-of-three Championship Matches between the BLUE ALLIANCE: Wyoming Demons, Freeland Middle/High and North Branch and the RED ALLIANCE: Livingston Christian Schools, Bridgman and Comstock.


We also interviewed Wyoming Demons’ Coach Amy Oostdyk and senior Jeff Oostdyk, whose team was part of the Blue Alliance that placed second in the tournament.


Boxers earn trips to national tournament after winning crowns at state Golden Gloves finals

Citizen Journalism, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
Steven Ramirez (right) is joined by his coach as he displays his state title trophy at the Michigan Golden Gloves Championships after defeating Siderio Mitchell. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


Titles were on the line Saturday evening at the 2026 Michigan Golden Gloves State Championships that took place before a large and pumped-up crowd at the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of Aquinas College.

Boxers from the east side of Michigan (Team East) battled it out with boxers from the west side of Michigan (Team West) for state titles, and for Elite Open division boxers, the opportunity to represent the state of Michigan at the National Golden Gloves tournament that is scheduled for May 11-16 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Elite Open division provided boxing fans with several top-notch matches highlighted by the 143-pound division final between Steven Ramirez and Siderio Mitchell, teammates at the Michigan Golden Gloves Association St. Mary’s Gym (MGGA) in downtown Grand Rapids.

Ramirez and Mitchell battled it out for the West Michigan title last month with Ramirez coming out ahead in a rugged, three-round battle. The results were very similar this time as the two warriors gave the crowd plenty to cheer about during another three-round slugfest.

Mitchell started strong in the opening round, however, Ramirez pressed on the accelerator in round two and kept up the pressure into round three. That full speed ahead strategy paid off as Ramirez again came out ahead in the end.

“I had to put the pressure on,” Ramirez said. “He was going on the outside moving fast on his feet, but I knew I had to put the pressure on and not let him breathe. I had to make it my fight, my style, or otherwise I was not going to get the win.”

The win resulted in a first-ever state championship for Ramirez and a trip to the big stage at the Golden Gloves National tournament.

“It feels great,” Ramirez said. “I think I’m prepared (for nationals). I’m ready for whatever.”


Emily Martinez outlasted Sarah Batenburg to win the 132-pound female open title. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Another rematch from the West Michigan finals came about in the 132-pound female Elite Open division. That was where multi-time champion Sarah Batenburg of MGGA squared off against Emily Martinez of Eli J Boxing in Holland.

Batenburg won a decision against Martinez in the West Michigan finals. In the rematch at the state finals, Martinez took the lessons she learned in the first match between the two and made them pay off as she won a close decision for her first-ever state title.

“The last time I fought her it was my first open fight,” Martinez said, “so I kind of came in inexperienced, not really knowing what to expect, jumping from two-minute rounds to three, so I paced myself and I thought too much. I knew this time going in, I’m like, this time you can’t waste time like that, you need to go. It’s like if your exhausted and you can’t breathe at the end, then you can’t breathe, but you need to do whatever or you’re not going to nationals.”

In the 132-pound Elite Open division another MGGA boxer earned his first-ever trip to nationals. Jason Wells had come close twice in the past, but this year he broke through and won a state championship. In one of the top fights of the evening, Wells held off Carter Brown of Flint to earn the trip to nationals.



Jason Wells won the 132-pound open title to earn a trip to nationals. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



“This feels really good,” Wells said. “All the hard work paid off. This is great to have a moment like this and I earned it.”

Wells kept the pressure up during the fight and scored points by often going to the body.  

“I was just listening to my team,” Wells said. “That’s (body shots) something that I wanted to do better this time. Last match I came up short, so they said touch that body, don’t worry about that head, so I wasn’t worried about that head, I was touching the body and it made the night easier.”

East Kentwood alum James-Tolliver gets title

For amount of punches thrown, the 176-pound Elite Open match between Ontess James-Tolliver of Blue Gym in Grand Rapids and Floyd Santiago of MGGA was one of the best. Both boxers unloaded with punches throughout three rounds of non-stop action. In the end, James-Tolliver had racked up enough points to claim the title. An East Kentwood High School graduate, James-Tolliver is in his second year of boxing after having won the 176-pound Elite Novice division title last year.

In the middle weight classes of the Elite Open division, Evan Jackson of the Kalamazoo Boxing Club won a decision against King Gildersleeve of Flint at 154 pounds. At 165 pounds, Joshua Riley Jr. of Flint outpointed Kyree Wiggins of Flint for the title.

In the upper weights, Maurice Davis of Champsden Boxing in Kalamazoo put on a punishing display of power in his win against Jonathan Jeshurun of Oakland County with the referee stopping the contest in the first round. Davis, a former Olympic Trials boxer, also won his West Michigan title when the referee stopped the bout in the first round.

In Elite Novice action, Strey Hakala of Blues Gym won the title at 165 pounds where his constant pressure against Jesse Garcia-Ramirez paid off with a win by decision. The state title was a first for Hakala who serves in the United State Army.

“I’m extremely grateful,” said Hakala. “I can’t take any of the credit. I give all the credit to my coaches. Dino (Newville), Blues Gym and the Man upstairs. He always comes first. I’m just grateful to be here and get this title.”


Strey Hakala won the title in the 165-pound Elite Novice Division. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Hakala originally got into boxing several years ago at Blues Gym. Newville, his coach, played a huge role in Hakala joining the Army and Hakala wanted to come back and train at Blues Gym for his first experience at a sanctioned boxing tournament.

“I wanted to come back and win it (the title) for the guy who inspired me to join the service,” Hakala said.

A pair of Kalamazoo area boxers won Elite Novice titles for the West team at the finals with Marcos Guzman taking the title at 110 pounds and DeKent Murray winning at 154 pounds. 

Team East boxers winning state titles in the Elite Novice division included Jared Argueta (121 pounds), Joshua Wilson (143 pounds) and Ivory Griffin Jr. (198-plus).

Uncontested Novice champions included Luciano Ramirez (132 pounds) of Warriors Quest, Avery Stevens (176 pounds) fighting unattached, Caleb Rivera (187 pounds) of Grand Valley State, Ahmari Jobe (198) of MGGA and Johana Lugo of United Boxing Club in the female 143-pound division.

Uncontested Open champions included Kyree Westerfield of PK Boxing at 110 pounds, Zoe Hicks of Team Glass at 112 pounds in the female division, Gage Stafford of Flint at 121 pounds, Asha Lake of Team Glass at 143 pounds in the female division and Solomon Jagun of Flint at 187 pounds.

WKTV Friday Night Highlights Golden Gloves PART 1; check out the great boxing action!

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,



By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director
greer@wktv.org


WKTV Friday Night Highlights Hosts Bill Rohn and Jordan Shimmell (7-time Michigan champion) walk you through exciting highlights and interviews from the West Michigan Finals of the Golden Gloves Championships held March 13, 14 and 15 at Aquinas College.


This WKTV Sports special program features some of the best bouts of the West Michigan Finals and three boxer interviews. You’ll want to watch every second of this show!


COMING SOON: Look for our next FNH Golden Gloves show PART 2 featuring bouts and interviews from the Michigan Championships on April 10 and 11 at Aquinas College!

South Christian girls wrap winning hoops season in Division 2 state semifinals; finish 27-1

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,
The South Christian girls basketball team with their Division 2 Regional trophy. The Sailors finished the season at 27-1. (WKTV/Pat Moll)


By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org

Although it ended a day sooner than was the goal, the South Christian girls basketball team had plenty to be proud of during the 2025-26 basketball season.

Ranked among the top teams in the state of Michigan in Division 2 throughout the season, the Sailors put together a 27-0 record before falling six points short of eventual state champion Goodrich in the Division 2 state semifinals in what was a matchup of undefeated teams.

While the loss was disappointing, it could not overshadow all the team accomplished during the season.

“It was such a fun journey this season was,” said South Christian Coach Erika Brown. “From November to March, I watched a group of talented girls come together and grow into a very strong unit. They loved each other, fought for each other and held each other accountable. To go undefeated, until our semifinal matchup with Goodrich, was such a hard task to accomplish. It required near excellence day in and day out. This team, led by outstanding senior leaders, was up to the task. I am incredibly proud of this team.”

South Christian accomplished plenty during the season, including winning the rugged OK Gold Conference with a perfect record. Winning the conference title meant the Sailors had to twice turn back Grand Rapids West Catholic, a team that was also ranked in the top 10 in the state all season. South also had to turn back the Falcons in the Division 2 state quarterfinals to earn a spot in the final four.

Along with winning the conference, the Sailors posted some impressive non-conference wins. The highlight win came in the regular-season finale when South defeated Rockford, ranked No. 1 in the state in Division 1, 52-50. South was one of only two teams in the state that defeated Rockford as eventual Division 1 state champion Muskegon stopped the Rams twice. South Christian also earned a win against Division 1 top-20 team DeWitt during the season.

While the wins were impressive, what stuck out the most from the season for Brown was the relationships with the players.

“Being able to walk alongside my players for the past five months was what made this season special to me,” Brown said. “I could say the games that were exciting and close, where we came out victorious, but to be honest, what stuck out the most to me this season and what I will remember the most was team film sessions, locker room devotions and chats as a team, team dinners, the bus rides, the millions of emotions that came with such a high pressure season, and walking away from a long season feeling accomplished.”

Deep and versatile

The Sailors had a deep and versatile team this year. Leading the way for the squad were a quartet of players who earned all-conference honors.


South Christian’s Sophia Prins. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Walstra)


Sophia Prins led on both ends of the floor

Senior point guard Sophia Prins was a major catalyst for the squad. A captain and leader on both ends of the floor, Prins averaged 13.3 points per game with three assists while shooting 30% from three-point range. Prins also added 3.5 rebounds per game and two steals per contest.


South Christian’s Lizzie Wolthuis. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Walstra)


Lizzie Wolthuis a standout as well

Fellow senior Lizzie Wolthuis was also a team captain and another player who was a standout on both ends of the court. Wolthuis, a shooting guard, averaged 11.7 points per game as she had a 44% field-goal percentage and was 36.4 % from the three-point arc. 



South Christian’s Meredith Helmus. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Walstra)


Meredith Helmus made 56% from the field

Junior Meredith Helmus saw time at both point guard and shooting guard. Helmus averaged 10 points per game on 56% shooting from the field and dished out 3.5 assists per game.


A defensive standout as well, Helmus pulled down 3.2 rebounds and added two steals per game while routinely guarding the best guard on the opposing team. 


Abby Prins made 38.9% from the arc

South Christian’s Abby Prins. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Walstra)

Sophomore Abby Prins gave the team great versatility with her ability to play shooting guard or wing. Prins averaged 11.7 points per game, making 38.9% from three-point range and 77% from the free-throw line. Able to defend guards and post players, Prins also pulled down 4.4 rebounds per game, dished out three assists and added 1.7 steals per game. 

Finishing her third year as coach of the Sailors after being an assistant the previous four years, Brown sees the Sailors continuing their success next season despite graduating some key players.   

“The future looks bright,” Brown said. “We were young this season. We have big shoes to fill, but I believe the younger girls have learned so much from our senior leaders this season they will be prepared to come back strong. They will continue to grow and develop and I am excited to walk alongside them next season.” 

South Christian girls turn back West Catholic in Division 2 state quarterfinal Tuesday

Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , , ,
South Christian senior Sophia Prins (12) led the Sailors in scoring with 14 points. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org

With time winding down and its double-digit lead gone, it could’ve been easy for the South Christian girls basketball team to play it safe in a Division 2 state quarterfinal game against Grand Rapids West Catholic.


Instead, the Sailors kept their foot on the pedal and continued shooting open shots from beyond the three-point arc. The aggressive approach worked like a charm on St. Patrick’s Day as the Sailors went on to defeat the green clad Falcons 61-48 Tuesday at Hudsonville Unity Christian High School.

With the win, they head to the Division 2 state semifinals Friday evening at the Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State University, facing Goodrich at 7:30 p.m. in a battle of teams with identical 27-0 records.


South Christian players celebrate after defeating West Catholic in a Division 2 state quarterfinal game at Unity Christian.
(WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Up 51-38 halfway through the fourth quarter, the Sailors were zeroing in on the win when West Catholic made one last run. In less than 30 seconds the Falcons strung together six points to cut the South lead to 51-44 with under four minutes remaining.

At that point, when many basketball teams might decide to back off and play conservatively to protect the lead, the Sailors answered by attacking. Senior Sophia Prins stepped up first and nailed a three to get the margin back to double digits. After a stop on the defensive end, freshman Kinley Regnery then came down the floor and drained another three-ball putting the Sailors up 57-44 with 3:12 left and putting an end to the West Catholic run.

“That is just who we are,” said South Christian Coach Erika Brown. “To ask them to slow down would put us in a weird feel. We just know that’s us and we like to run. We just have to be smart. If it’s not there, first and foremost, we look to then kick it out and run offense. I wasn’t going to stop them. The horses were running today.”    

The game was a tight struggle most of the way as the two teams were meeting for the third time this season, with South having won the two regular-season meetings between the state-ranked powerhouses.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Brown said. “First, playing a team three times and second, playing the second-best team in the conference. We knew it was going to be a battle from start to finish. We really talked about staying composed and not getting rattled. We are at the point in the season where discipline matters and we have to rise to the challenge.”

South Christian was up 16-12 at the end of the first quarter and had a slim 18-17 lead late in the first half. The Sailors, however, closed out the first half with a flurry as they went on a 9-2 run in the final minutes to take a 27-19 lead into halftime. A three-point shot from Regnery was a key part of the Sailor run.

Up 33-26 midway through the third quarter, the Sailors went on another major run. South outscored West 12-4 on the run to build a 45-30 lead late in the third.

“I thought we played hard,” West Catholic Coach Derek Paiz said. “We didn’t make enough plays tonight. When you play a team as great as South Christian is there is little margin for error. There was a drought in the second quarter when we didn’t score, they went on a run.


“We went from being down one to being down by eight and that same thing happened in the third quarter. We tried to limit the three-point shot and we didn’t do a good job of that. I don’t know how many they hit, I know it was at least six plus. Credit to South Christian, they are a great team.”

South Christian finished the game hitting seven treys, with Regnery leading the way with three and Lizzie Wolthuis and Sophia Prins adding a pair each.   

The win was especially gratifying for the Sailors as South fell to West Catholic in last year’s state quarterfinal game that was also played at Unity Christian.

“I have to give this one to my senior leaders,” Brown said. “The girls that have been on this journey for four years. Being on the varsity as freshman and getting to that point last year. Now this year as seniors, no, they didn’t want this to be the end. They were there, they felt it and there was just a fire lit. The real special thing about this group, the senior leaders that we have, the younger girls respect and really follow them and that’s a really huge part of who we are.”  



South Christian’s Abby Prins (15) looks for an opening against West Catholic. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


South Christian was paced by a balanced offensive attack. Sophia Prins led the way with 14 points, while Lexi Vermaas and Regnery added 12 points apiece, Meredith Helmus, nine.

“Normally, you see that kind of talent and depth at a Division 1 school,” Paiz said. “They (South Christian) are very talented. Probably the most talented roster in the whole state. They don’t lose much when they sub one through eight.” 

West Catholic, which finished the season with a 20-6 record, was led by sophomore Kenley Slanger with 19 points and junior Alexis Asekomah, 13.  

Champions claim their crowns Sunday at finals of West Michigan Golden Gloves

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
Local boxer Aneudy “Junior” Rios (left) claimed another title at the West Michigan Golden Gloves Finals Sunday, defeating Jason Wells in the 132-pound Elite Open Division. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


It was championship Sunday at the 2026 West Michigan Golden Gloves and there was plenty of non-stop action as West Michigan titles were up for grabs before an enthusiastic crowd at the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of Aquinas College.

Three days of rugged boxing came to an end with both the winners and runners-up in each weight class now moving on to the Michigan Golden Gloves State Championships that are scheduled for April 10 and 11 when boxing resumes at the Aquinas College facility.

The fight of the day took place in the 143-pound Elite Open Division which came as no surprise as the Division was similar to a World Cup Soccer group of death. A total of six outstanding boxers were in the 143-pound class and after three days of grueling boxing, Stephen Ramirez, fighting unattached, came out with the win.

Ramirez, who defeated Gohan Estavez Marte of Wyoming’s PK Boxing on Friday and then came back to defeat Michael Guzman on Saturday, squared off against defending champion Siderio Mitchell of Michigan Golden Gloves Association (MGGA) in Sunday’s final. In a bout that featured non-stop action from beginning to the final flurry, Ramirez came away winning a decision.


Siderio Mitchell (left) and Stephen Ramirez size each other up during their 143-pound Elite Open match at the West Michigan Golden Gloves. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


“Siderio is a tough guy,” Ramirez said. “He’s fast. I’ve sparred with him so I knew it was going to be tough, but man was it a war. He’s got speed, he’s got power, he’s got everything, but at the end of the day I got the win. I did just enough.”

Going up against a talented boxer like Mitchell, Ramirez knew he had to stick to the game plan of putting on maximum pressure and attacking.

“The strategy was just get in the pocket and throw more punches and it worked,” Ramirez said. “He was feeling the pressure.”    

Ramirez won a novice championship in 2024, but this was his first open title at the Golden Gloves.

“I’m very proud of this,” Ramirez said. “This is a big win for me.”

A win made all the more meaningful after going through three grueling fights in three days in a division littered with former state champions.

“As soon as I saw the card at 143, I knew it was going to be tough,” Ramirez said, “but I knew I had it in me. I was sure of myself and with my trainer that we could change up the game plan.”

A former champion reclaimed a title in the 132-pound Elite Open division. That was where Aneudy “Junior” Rios won an action-packed, three-round decision against Jason Wells of MGGA. The match was close throughout as Wells utilized his quickness and counterpunching skills against Rios who sustained a steady offensive barrage throughout the fight.

“This fight for sure was to stay busy and keep up the pressure,” Rios said, “because the fighter I was fighting against is strong and he’s fast. I know him pretty well, but I knew if I stick to the game plan I would definitely take the win.”

Along with dealing with the skilled Wells in the ring, Rios also had to deal with his conditioning as he dropped 20 pounds to get to the weight limit for the division.

“I did enough to win, but I didn’t look as good as I wanted to look,” Rios said, “but I’ll get there. Just having to drop 20 pounds in two weeks takes a lot out of you.” 

Making the win even more meaningful for Rios was the fact that it was his first win in a while.

“This feels really great,” Rios said. “I came off of a losing streak. I’ve lost like five straight fights. After losing that many fights that just made me hungrier, so coming into this tournament, I was definitely coming stronger for sure. So it was a great feeling to actually get a W.”   

In the female 132-pound Elite Open Division, former champion Sarah Batenburg of MGGA added another trophy to her collection as she claimed a decision against Emily Martinez of the Eli J Boxing Club.

In the upper weights of the Elite Open Division, Evan Jackson of the Kalamazoo Boxing Club won a decision against Kolbe Lewis of TCB Boxing of Muskegon Heights at 154 pounds. At 165 pounds, Joseph McDaye of Kalamazoo Westside Boxing Club turned back Nate Dotson of Lansing Crown Boxing when the referee stopped the contest in the second round. In the 198-pound plus Division Maurice Davis of Champsden Boxing Club earned the win against Jeremiah Crawford of the Muskegon Boxing Club when the referee stopped the contest in the first round.

At 165 pounds, Floyd Santiago of MGGA won by a disqualification. Uncontested Open champions included Kyree Westerfield of PK Boxing at 110 pounds, Zoe Hicks of Team Glass at 112 pounds in the female Division, Asha Lake of Team Glass at 143 pounds in the female Division and Zamyla Thurman-Houston of Team Glass in the 165-pound female Division.

In the opening bouts in the novice divisions, Jose Jimanez-Gonzalez of PK Boxing of Wyoming kicked things off by winning a decision against a familiar foe in Samuel Fryer of MGGA in a bout filled with plenty of action in the 145-pound Junior Novice Division.

“It feels pretty nice,” Jimanez-Gonzalez said. “I feel even better because this is actually a rematch. I had lost to this guy the first time I fought. I was proud that I got the rematch and won it. This is a big accomplishment for me.”

A change in strategy helped Jimanez-Gonzalez earn the win the second time around.

“The first time I fought him it was a rough start,” Jimanez-Gonzalez said. “I didn’t know how he was fighting or anything, but once I got to fight him the first time I looked back, I studied the video and I knew what I needed to do. He fights with a high guard so the body was one of my most important targets in there. I could tell that he was getting hurt cause through each round he was getting slower and slower.”   


Jose Jimanez-Gonzalez (right) looks for an opening against Samuel Fryer during action at the West Michigan Golden Gloves Sunday. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


In the Elite Novice Division, Ashton Kamps of the Grand Valley State University Boxing Club came away with a title in his first-ever Golden Gloves competition. Kamps, a Grand Valley student from Coopersville, won the 165-pound title in the Elite Novice Division when he claimed a decision over Strey Hakala of Blues Gym.

Kamps, who has been boxing for three years, improved his record to 6-2 with the win. Competing in the Golden Gloves for the first time, however, was a special milestone in his young boxing career.

“It’s been cool, really cool,” Kamps said. “I fought in other tournaments, but nothing like this. Obviously, everyone knows about the Golden Gloves, it’s been around forever. It means a lot more, when random people ask ‘Are you Golden Gloves’ and I used to say nah, nah, but now I can say yeah, which is cool.” 


Ashton Kamps (right) keeps up the pressure against Strey Hakal during action at 165 pounds in the Elite Novice Division. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



A second Grand Valley State University boxer, Caleb Rivera, also brought home a title as he was an uncontested champion at 187 pounds in the Elite Novice Division.

Also winning uncontested championships in the Elite Novice Division were Ahmari Jobe of MGGA at 198 pounds and Johana Lugo of United Boxing Club in the female 143-pound Division.

Boxers from Kalamazoo Boxing claimed a pair of Elite Novice titles. DeKent Murray won the 154-pound title when he edged Troy Taylor of PK Boxing in an action-filled bout from start to finish. In the 198-pound plus Division Nathan Morehouse won a decision against Randy Brock Jr. who was fighting unattached. 

Rounding out the Elite Novice champions were Tyrone Harris Jr. of Lansing Crown Boxing who defeated Marcos Guzman of Kalamazoo Westside when the referee stopped the contest in the second round. Luciano Ramirez of Warriors Quest won a decision against Mohannad Barati of MGGA at 132 pounds, while DreAun Ellis of Built on Stone Boxing Club of Battle Creek won a decision against Brennan Bolen of United Boxing Club at 143 pounds in an action-packed matchup.     

Opening night of West Michigan Golden Gloves produces plenty of action

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Michael Guzman (right) looks for an opening against Anthony Bridgeforth during their 143-pound Elite Open match at the West Michigan Golden Gloves, 2026. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


The opening night of the 2026 West Michigan Golden Gloves kicked off with a flurry Friday as 12 high-action bouts gave the crowd at the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of Aquinas College plenty to get pumped up about.

The first of three days of boxing saw a number of newcomers have breakthrough moments and also featured some familiar names giving the large crowd plenty of the action they came to witness.

The main event of the card came at the end in what were actually three main events in the loaded 143-pound Elite Open division.

In the first of the three 143-pound matches Stephen Ramirez, boxing unattached, squared off against Gohan Estavez Marte of Wyoming’s PK Boxing. In a bout that featured plenty of non-stop action, a bloodied, but game Ramirez claimed a decision in a fight that went the distance.

“He (Estavez Marte) is a hard hitter,” Ramirez said. “I started off working the outside, but that was not working out so I decided to go inside on him. I pressured him on the inside and I think that was what made the difference.”

The action continued at a furious pace in the next 143-pound Elite Open match between veteran Michigan Golden Gloves Association (MGGA) boxer Michael Guzman and Armand Bridgeforth who boxes unattached.

Both boxers came out throwing plenty of punches at a quick pace. Guzman, however, began to gain momentum throughout the match. That momentum paid off in the third round as he continued pushing the pace and racking up shots to the body and the head. Guzman eventually recorded a standing eight count on Bridgeforth as he went on to win a decision.

In another bout at 154 pounds in the Elite Novice Division, DeKent Murray of Kalamazoo Boxing was the winner when the referee stopped the contest in the second round of his bout with Larry Carter of Blue Gym of Grand Rapids.

Guzman’s plan coming in to the match was to wear out his opponent and eventually put away the win.

The final match of the evening was a battle between Michael’s brother Mike Guzman and Michael Carbajal of PK Boxing.


In one of the most competitive bouts of the evening, the Guzman brothers made it a perfect night as Mike defeated Carbajal by a decision.


Mike Guzman (right) squares off against Michael Carbajal (left) during their 143-pound Elite Open match at the West Michigan Golden Gloves 2026. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)

Both fighters threw plenty of punches throughout the fight and there were no surprises as the two boxers were meeting for the fifth time over the course of their careers.

“I’m 4-1 against him now,” Mike Guzman said. “I knew I had to continue to box him. He is a brawler and I knew that is what he wanted to do so I concentrated on boxing.”

Both Guzman’s, along with Ramirez, had little time to recuperate from their matches as all three boxers competed in Saturday’s semifinals along with defending champion Siderio Mitchell who had the bye.

The evenings action was kicked off by some strong efforts from PK Boxing fighters in the first three bouts on the card. In the first match of the evening, Gino Corona of PK Boxing won in the third round when the referee stopped the 132-pound Junior Novice contest with Jamison Perry of MGGA.


Gino Corona of PK Boxing receives instructions from Golden Gloves referee Buster Mathis Jr. during action at the West Michigan Golden Gloves at Aquinas College, 2026. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


Corona, who is 16 years old and a student at Grand Rapids Union High School, was making his competitive boxing debut. After a slow start, Corona gained confidence as the match wore on and eventually had all the momentum in the fight before it was stopped in the third round.

“I felt a lot of adrenaline for sure,” Corona said. “I was really pumped up and I really felt all that adrenaline in the first round. After a while I felt like I loosened up some.”

In the second bout, another high school student, Jose Jimanez-Gonzalez of Grand Rapids University Prep High School, picked up a win.

Jimanez-Gonzalez also had a relatively slow start including a standing eight-count being called on him in the opening round. That standing eight seemed to ignite a fire in Jimanez-Gonzalez who battled back and piled up the punches in the later stages of the bout.

“When I received that standing eight count I said to myself, `I can’t let this happen,’” Jimanez-Gonzalez said. “I had to keep fighting back and countering. It was a tough fight. He backed me up against the wall but I fought back.”

PK Boxing picked up another win in the third bout of the evening when Jourell Constant won a decision against My’Khi Jackson-Sims of TCB Boxing of Muskegon Heights in a 154-pound Junior Novice bout.

Also picking up a win in the Junior Novice division was Gustavo Pedraza of United Boxing Club who won a decision against Carlos Soto-Brooks of Muskegon Boxing Club at 165 pounds.

In the Elite Novice Division, Shadiez Butler of PK Boxing defeated Shaad Smith of TCB Boxing when the referee stopped the contest one minute into round two of the bout at 154 pounds.


Shadiez Butler won his match at 154 pounds in the Elite Novice Division at West Michigan Golden Gloves at Aquinas College, 2026. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)

Also in the Elite Novice Division were three more bouts. At 132 pounds Luciano Ramirez of Warriors Quest won a decision against Trevor Lewis of Blues Gym. At 143 pounds Brennan Bolen of United Boxing Club won his bout against Patient Byiringiro of Blues Gym when the referee stopped the contest in the second round. At 165 pounds, Strey Hakala of Blues Gym won a decision in a tight battle against Corbin Trickery of United Boxing Club.

Boxing resumed Saturday night with the semifinals and Sunday afternoon with the West Michigan finals.

Michigan Golden Gloves Championships kicks off 94th year March 13

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Golden Gloves, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
(Photo Courtesy, Golden Gloves)


By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


It may still be basketball season in some corners of Michigan, but it’s always time for boxing and one of the highlights of the local boxing scene, the Golden Gloves state tournament, is set for the opening bell to ring on Friday.

The 94th annual Michigan Golden Gloves Championships runs this Friday, Saturday and Sunday as boxers compete for West Michigan Golden Gloves titles. This year’s tournament will be held for the second consecutive year on the campus of Aquinas College as will the State Championships that will take place at the same location next month. The location on campus, located at 1580 Fulton St. SE, is the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center located at the front of the campus.

While many boxers wait until fight night to register, pre-registration has been taking place and a large group of boxers are expected to take part. 


Golden Gloves state champion Siderio Mitchell 2025. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


“We are still getting entries coming in,” said Tournament Director Brian Lentz. “We still get 20 to 30 percent of the boxers waiting to enter on the day boxing begins, but the signups are going all right.”

The West Michigan Golden Gloves draws boxers from a wide swath of West Michigan and that is the case once again this year.

“We have entries coming in from all over West Michigan,” Lentz said. “We will have boxers from Lansing, Muskegon, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Niles, Hastings, Edwardsburg, Bangor, Sturgis, Shelby and from all over the Grand Rapids area.”

Mike Guzman. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


A number of familiar faces return to this year’s tournament led by Siderio Mitchell who is a returning state champion.

“Both Guzman brothers, Mike and Michael have registered,” Lentz said. “Zoe Hicks is a past national champion who has entered and will be in the 113-pound female division. Junior Rios has also entered again. These are all past champions who have entered so far.”


Golden Gloves State Champions Jordan Shimmell (left) and Junior Rios co-hosting on WKTV’s Friday Night Highlights Golden Gloves edition last year with Bob Serulla (not pictured). Rios will be competing again this year as well as announcing ringside for WKTV.


Lentz, who runs the PK Boxing gym in Wyoming, has a stable of boxers slated to compete in this year’s tournament.

“I have nine or 10 boxers so far and that’s a pretty good number,” Lentz said. “I think it’s the largest group we’ve had in a single year. We are probably the number two gym in terms of number of boxers at this year’s tournament. MGGA (Michigan Golden Gloves Association) is probably number one as they have a couple more boxers entered than we do. Kalamazoo also has quite a few kids this year so far.”

Lentz and his PK boxers are led by a couple of familiar names and a promising newcomer.

“We have Michael Carbajal and Gohan Estevez-Marte back this year,” Lentz said. “We also have a 110-pounder, Kyrie Westerfield, he’s pretty good. He just turned 18 so this will be his first year.”


Wyoming Lee alum Michael Carbajal. (Courtesy Photo)


The West Michigan Championships draw boxers in from Lansing to the West. The East Michigan Championships will be held at The Real Flint Golf Club in Flint on March 27 and 28 for boxers East of Lansing. The champions and runners-up from the West Michigan and East Michigan Golden Gloves will square for a spot on the Michigan team for the National Golden Gloves tournament. This year’s National Golden Gloves Tournament is scheduled to take place in Tulsa, Oklahoma from May 11 through May 15.

The Golden Gloves is split into different divisions. There is a novice division, for beginning boxers that have had fewer than 10 fights, and an open division for more experienced boxers. There also is a female division.
 

Along with the big names, the tournament is the birthplace of boxing dreams for young boxers making their first appearances in the ring as several match bouts will take place with young boxers getting their first taste of the ring.


Local boxer Junior Rios in the ring. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)


The opening night of this year’s Golden Gloves takes place Friday, March 13. The doors open at 6 p.m. and boxing begins at 7. Action continues Saturday, March 14 with the finals set for Sunday, March 15 at 2 p.m.


The Michigan State Championships are scheduled for Friday and Saturday April 10 and 11 at Aquinas College. Bouts begin at 7 p.m. each day with the doors opening at 6.

South Christian girls continue undefeated run with regional title win, advance to state quarters

Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , ,
The South Christian girls basketball team with their Division 2 Regional trophy. (WKTV/Pat Moll)


By Mike Moll
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org

Behind the scoring of Lizzie Wolthuis and Sophia Prins, with 18 apiece, South Christian grabbed a 67-38 win over host Otsego Wednesday in a Division 2 Regional championship.

The win gave the Sailors a perfect 26-0 record.     
                                                         

Each team had a basket early in the game, but then Otsego missed several layups, allowing South Christian to establish a significant lead with a 9-0 run, bringing the score to 12-2. Otsego’s lone senior, Audrey Lingbeek, responded with a three-pointer to close the quarter.

Seniors Wolthuis and Sophia Prins contributed five points each in the opening period.

The Sailors intensified their interior defense in the second quarter, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting Otsego’s opportunities for second-chance points. This defensive effort translated to increased scoring on offense.


Their defense was so strong the entire game that Otsego never had consecutive baskets without an answer from South in between them.

South Christian’s Avery Lutke had several key blocked shots. (WKTV/Pat Moll)



“We focus on that and have the saying that defense starts the offense and we like to play fast,” South Christian Coach Erika Brown said.

South Christian outscored Otsego 15-11 in the second quarter to take a 27-16 lead into the locker room.  Otsego managed just four field goals and five free throws in the half, led by Lingbeek who scored nine points on three treys.

Sophia Prins maintained her strong performance with six additional points, totaling eleven, while sophomore Abby Prins contributed eight points in the quarter, including two three-pointers.

In the second half, South Christian extended its lead to 18 points, 39-21, before encountering foul trouble with players Lexi Vermaas, Meredith Helmus, Abby Prins and Isla Ogle receiving multiple fouls.


“That was surprising to me, and we know that it can happen again, but the team pulled together, overcame it, and learned from it,” Brown said.


Lexi Vermaas gets her hand on a pass from Otsego’s Mya Engbers.(WKTV/Pat Moll)


These fouls sent Otsego to the free-throw line, helping them close the gap to 46-30 after three quarters. Lizzie Wolthuis buried two more three-pointers in the quarter, bringing her point total to 12, while Sophia Prins added three and Abby Prins contributed five, resulting in totals of 14 and 13, respectively. Lingbeek drained her fourth three-pointer for Otsego, finishing with 12 points through three, while Mya Engbers added eight for a total of 10 points.

South Christian’s Wolthuis and Sophia Prins led with 18 apiece

In the final quarter, South Christian further demonstrated its strength, outscoring Otsego 21-8. Wolthuis recorded two additional three-pointers, ending with 18 points, tying Sophia Prins as top scorers. Abby Prins finished with 13 points.


The South Christian girls basketball team holds up its Division 2 Regional trophy. (WKTV/Pat Moll)



Lingbeek led Otsego with 14 points, followed by Engbers with 12.

South Christian next travels to Hudsonville Unity Christian for a D-2 quarterfinal matchup with OK Gold rival Grand Rapids West Catholic, who defeated Grand Rapids Catholic Central 64-31 in regional play. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17. The teams met twice in the regular season, with South Christian securing victories both times: 73-62 at home and 50-44 away.


“As you get farther and farther in the tournament, you need to remain focused and disciplined,” Brown said. “You can not let things rattle you as things are not going to go your way all the time.  At the end of the game, hopefully we are the last one standing.”

If the Sailors can win three more games, they will be the last ones standing at Michigan State University’s Breslin Center on Saturday, March 21, with a championship trophy in their hands.

LOOK HERE: WKTV Friday Night Highlights (March 9, 2026); check out these great local basketball clips from the girls’ state tourney

Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , ,


By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director
greer@wktv.org


Check out these new and exciting local Girls Basketball MHSAA Playoff clips from our latest Friday Night Highlights show.


Just like football season, every week we’ll bring you much of the local high school basketball home stadium action from your local varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting Friday Night Highlights show.


Thanks for tuning in!

Mr. Basketball contender Cam Ryans sinks last-second three to edge East Kentwood; Northview advances to state quarterfinals

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, , , , , , ,




Bill Rohn — who served as a trial lawyer for 40 years at the Varnum law firm in Grand Rapids — calls himself a “newspaper junkie.“ Bill edited his high school and college newspapers. He also has covered sports for Midwestern newspapers such as The Grand Rapids Press, The South Bend Tribune, and The Niles Daily Star. He is a co-host of WKTV Friday Night Highlights. Bill holds a B.A. degree in Political Science from GVSU and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Notre Dame.

By Bill Rohn
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org

Whoever thought that one player can’t single-handedly beat five opponents probably missed the artistry of Northview’s Cam Ryans in Thursday’s regional basketball final against East Kentwood.


Ryans, a 6-4 senior and Mr. Basketball candidate was spectacular, nailing a three-point buzzer-beater to cap a 30-point performance as the Wildcats defeated the Falcons 52-50 before a sellout crowd Thursday at Caledonia.


Spectacular? Absolutely.


Just ask hundreds of Northview fans who stormed the court after Cam’s game winner. The victory sends the winners to a March 10 Division 1 quarterfinal matchup against Rockford.


Scoring only two points in the first half — after which Northview trailed 24-15 — Ryans owned the ball and personally outscored the Falcons 28-26 following intermission.


Ryans completed his masterpiece, grabbing an inbound pass with four seconds remaining, then dribbling twice before sinking a three-pointer from 10 feet beyond the free throw line as time expired.


Spectacular? 30 total points. 28 in the second half. 19 in the fourth quarter. And three steals in a game that Northview never led until a Ryans’ bucket put the winners ahead 49-48 with 28 seconds left. EK responded with a bucket by Andrew Kenyi to recapture the lead with 16 seconds remaining, setting the stage for Ryans’ game ending heroics.


It was a sold out crowd Thursday night at Caledonia as Northview beat East Kentwood 52-50 to win a Division 1 regional title. (WKTV/Bill Rohn)



So what did Northview’s sharpshooter, who has committed to play at Western Michigan University following graduation, think of his performance?

“I couldn’t let my teammates down,” Ryans said. “This is what I practice for and I put in long hours getting ready for that. Every day — day after day — I get ready for that. I dream of it.“


Noting Ryans’ low scoring during the first half, Wildcat Coach Brandoen Guyton evidently knew just what to say during the break.

“I just told him at halftime to go out there in the second half and ‘just be Cam,’ said Guyton in the middle of a celebrating mob following the final buzzer. “I told him to just be who he is. And that’s just what he did.”


Guyton also praised his team’s defense.


“We knew we needed defense to win it, and the kids came through in the second half,” Guyton explained. “Northview clogged the middle of the lane throughout the third and fourth quarters. The Wildcats also produced numerous turnovers, blunting a balanced EK scoring attack that led to Falcon leads of 19-10 after the first quarter, 24-15 at halftime, and 37-31 entering the final eight minutes.

EK’s early success was led by CJ Reynolds, Jeremiah Cook and Jaxon Tabor, whose combined 16 points led the Falcons’ first half effort.


East Kentwood’s Jaxon Tabor stretches for a rebound. (WKTV/Bill Rohn)



Ryans simply took over in the second half. Occasionally dishing off to teammates, he led the winners on a 13-2 scoring run in the middle of the third, cutting EK’s margin to 32-29 with 1:52 to play in the quarter.

East Kentwood hung onto its shrinking lead with solid guard play from CJ Reynolds and two buckets by 6-8 Andrew Kenyi, but Ryans was dominant in the fourth quarter, scoring again and again while also grabbing two steals to cut the Falcon lead to 46-43 with 90 seconds to play.

Northview got help on the scoreboard from Izzy Haitbu, with 10 points, plus five more from Brayden Williams.

East Kentwood, which finished a great season at 22-3, got 13 points from Reynolds, nine from Jeremiah Cook, and eight from Kenyi. The team had only one senior on its roster, so Coach Mike Thomas’ squad may be poised for another outstanding season next year.

The Falcons react to Northview buzzer-beater. (WKTV/Bill Rohn)


WKTV Friday Night Highlights (March 2, 2026); check out these local boys basketball team clips from the MHSAA tourney

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,



By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director
greer@wktv.org


Check out these new and exciting local Boys Basketball MHSAA Playoff clips from our latest Friday Night Highlights show.


Just like football season, every week we’ll bring you much of the local high school basketball home stadium action from your local varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting Friday Night Highlights show.


Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Monday night! Thanks for tuning in.

WATCH THIS! WKTV Friday Night Highlights (Feb. 23, 2026)

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,



By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director
greer@wktv.org


Check out these new and exciting basketball clips from our latest Friday Night Highlights show.


Just like football season, every week we’ll bring you much of the local high school basketball home stadium action from your local varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting Friday Night Highlights show.


Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Monday night! Thanks for tuning in.



WKTV Game of the Week

Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.

You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org

Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.

South Christian boys cruising along despite heavy graduation losses

Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, ,
South Christian junior Max Zichterman (1) scored six points and hit a game-tying three-point shot with a minute remaining in a loss to Coopersville. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org

Leading up to the boys basketball state tournament, the South Christian Sailors got in a pair of good tune-up games with road trips to Coopersville and Wyoming.

The Sailors, who are ranked in the top five in the state in Division 2 in the Michigan High School Activities Association power rankings, dropped a 45-43 decision at Coopersville last Monday, posted a 72-47 win at Wyoming last Tuesday and then wrapped up the regular season with a 73-27 win against Middleville Friday.

Monday’s game against Coopersville was a perfect state tournament tune-up as it was not only a road game, but a road game against a Division 1 opponent with a 15-6 overall record.

The game was a tight, defensive struggle that came down to the end. South Christian tied the contest at 43-43 with a minute remaining in the game when junior Max Zichterman hit a three-point shot. Coopersville then scored the eventual game-winning bucket on a shot by Clayton Bosch with 20 seconds remaining. South Christian had a final opportunity to claim a win, but a three-point shot at the buzzer missed its mark giving the host Broncos the 45-43 win.

“They (Coopersville) are just a really, really good team,” said South Christian Coach Taylor Johnson. “Coopersville is really well coached and they run a system probably unlike anyone in the state and they were just better. They were better defensively and really, really good in the passing lanes. They create so many turnovers and hecticness and we were just not there today.”

The game was close from start to finish with South leading 10-7 at the end of the first quarter and up 22-17 at halftime. Coopersville gained momentum early in the third quarter when the Broncos went on an 18-5 run to take a 37-33 lead heading into the fourth.


The Broncos led most of the final quarter until South tied the game at 43-all on Zichterman’s three-point shot.


South Christian junior guard Austin Burgess (10) sets up the offense against Coopersville. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



While the Sailors came up a bucket short, the game was an excellent primer for the state tournament. The contest also was an excellent learning opportunity for an overall young Sailor team that counts just four seniors on the roster and has four combined freshman and sophomores on the varsity. 


“I think there is always value in losing,” Johnson said. “You can learn a lot from losing. I’d rather lose now then a week from now. This was a game that we needed to kind of humble ourselves a little bit. To get back to work and to get better. This is a young group, we are still growing and we haven’t been in these situations much.”


South Christian senior JJ Modderman (22) totaled 11 points in the game against Coopersville. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)


Despite the setback, the Sailors have been putting together an impressive season. A win Friday against Middleville in the home finale would give the Sailors an 11-1 conference mark and a share of the league championship with Northview, a team that is ranked 11th in the state in Division 1. South also entered the Coopersville game riding a nine-game winning streak that began after a 43-41 overtime loss against Northview on Jan. 9. South Christian turned the tables on Northview when it defeated the Wildcats 50-47 in overtime at Northview on Feb. 6.  

“I think it’s been a great year because it’s such a new group, a young group, such a different group,” Johnson said. “We don’t have a 20-point scorer, we have seven guys that average over five, six points. I really like our team. I believe in our team. I think we are still growing. As much as we have been able to win, I still think we haven’t seen our potential. We just have to continue to get better and we have to do it fast with the tournament right around the corner.”

The young Sailors have made steady progress since the season began.

“I think we have made the most improvement by just believing in our culture and letting our culture take what we need to do in order to win games,” said Johnson, “and that’s defense, which again our defense has been pretty good. We share the ball, being an unselfish team and knowing it can be a different guy every night. We’ve had six different guys score 20 points this season so that makes us hard to scout and a fun team to coach.”

       

Senior Caleb Krosschell led with 13 points and senior JJ Modderman added 11 points and six rebounds. Junior Max Zichterman added six points followed by senior Josh Fles with five points.

In South’s 72-47 win against Wyoming the Sailors were led by Caleb Krosschell with 16 points, followed by Max Zichterman, 11 points and 11 rebounds, and JJ Modderman, 11 points and nine rebounds. 

South Christian wrapped up the regular season by defeating Middleville 73-27. Zichterman with 15 points, while Josh Fles added 11 points, and JJ Modderman, 10.


The Sailors ended the regular season with a 19-3 overall record and shared the conference championship with Northview with an 11-1 OK Gold mark.

They begin district tournament play Wednesday against West Michigan Aviation Academy at 7 p.m. in a Division 2 district semifinal game at Godwin Heights.

WATCH THIS! WKTV Friday Night Highlights (Feb. 16, 2026)

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,



By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director
greer@wktv.org


Check out these new and exciting basketball clips from our latest Friday Night Highlights show.


Just like football season, every week we’ll bring you much of the local high school basketball home stadium action from your local varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting Friday Night Highlights show.


Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Monday night! Thanks for tuning in.



WKTV Game of the Week

Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.

You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org

Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.

WKTV Friday Night Highlights (Feb. 9, 2026)

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,



By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director
greer@wktv.org


Check out these new and exciting basketball clips from our latest Friday Night Highlights show.


Just like football season, every week we’ll bring you much of the local high school basketball home stadium action from your local varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting Friday Night Highlights show.


Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Monday night! Thanks for tuning in.



WKTV Game of the Week

Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.

You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org

Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.

Godwin Heights twins put in the work, and find success on and off the field

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan,
Godwin Heights twin Antonio Rolon-Rosado. (Courtesy Photo)
Godwin Heights twin Higinio Rolon-Rosado. (Courtesy Photo)



















Greg Chrapek — Greg began writing about West Michigan high school sports back in 1988 and retired from the Advance Newspapers/MLive in 2019. He also contributed to various publications during his career, including The Hoop Scoop, Spartanmagazine.com and High School Sports Scene Magazine. He had a passion for officiating games for youth, junior high and high school football and basketball and girls lacrosse until health issues sent him to the sideline.



By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


When it comes to hard work, twin brothers Antonio and Higinio Rolon-Rosado are always ready to put in the hours, be it in the classroom, on the football field or in the weight room.

Seniors at Godwin Heights who have been playing varsity sports since early in their high school careers, the twins are putting the finishing touches on a high school experience that has seem them excel in the classroom and in sports.

They played football together during their athletic careers at Godwin. As seniors, the hard work they and their teammates put into football paid off with a winning season and a trip to the playoffs.

Antonio was a big part of the Wolverine offense line as a three-year starter at center, while Higinio played linebacker for the Godwin defense.


Godwin Heights Football Coach Brandon Kimble says twins will be hard to replace

“Antonio and Higinio are two of my favorite players I have ever coached,” said Kimble, also the Athletic Director at Godwin Heights. “They are extremely hard workers on and off the field, and have been that way since they entered high school. They both have great character and use it daily in our building.

“They go over and beyond to help coaches and players in any way they can. They show up early and they leave late. I have a lot of work to do this off season, finding athletes that will replace them in our program. What they brought on the field will be hard to replace, but what will be harder is finding leaders that will lead like them.”

This past football season was a big highlight for the twins as the Wolverines turned in a 7-3 record and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

“This football season was very memorable,” Higinio said. “We accomplished something that hadn’t been done in a long while at Godwin.”

An offensive lineman for the Wolverines, the wins and playoff experience were not the only things that stick out for Antonio who also is an accomplished weightlifter.


Godwin Heights twin Antonio Rolon-Rosado. (Courtesy Photo)



“To make and host a playoff game, going 7-3 this season, was a blessing,” Antonio said. “Also, some personal accomplishments were only allowing one or two sacks my whole high school career. Also being able to bench press 315 pounds and squat 450 pounds, before the season started, even though this is not a big accomplishment to some, it means a lot based on how much time I spent practicing. Also trying to help my teammates become better at football.”

When it came to football, it was not just the excitement of game night and the winning that made the sport special for the brothers.

“It (football) wasn’t just a team, it was a family,” Higinio said. “I spent my summers and school with my teammates, even being closer with than some of my actual family.”

Football a coping mechanism

Football was more than just a game for Antonio as it helped him cope with the loss of his father.

“Football is my favorite sport because it has helped me break away from reality,” Antonio said. “It has become my way of therapy in a way. Seeing my father pass away (May 16, 2020), I was lost and in a really bad spot in my life honestly. Later, down the road I came across football and gave it a try. This was the best decision I have made, helping me with my grief and bad things happening in my life. Football has turned into even more than a therapy. I really wanted to do something with football. Putting the next five years of my life into football is trying to be the best at my position.”

Being teammates on the football team also was extra special.

“Getting to play all four years with my brother is something not everyone gets to experience and glad we ended it with a great season,” Higinio said.

 Football was Antonio’s primary sport at Godwin Heights although he also is active in Esports.

Higinio is a multi-sport athlete at Godwin Heights … he also wrestles and plays baseball, and is looking to get into powerlifting.



Godwin Heights twin Higinio Rolon-Rosado. (Courtesy Photo)



Currently in wrestling season, Higinio has a 12-8 record and recently placed third at 150-pounds at the Fennville tournament.

“I started wrestling in sixth grade when I asked what sports I could do in middle school,” Higinio explained. “Wrestling was the only sport allowed at the time for sixth grade so I joined.”

Higinio began playing football a couple years later.

“For football, I did join for a bit in eighth grade,” Higinio said, “but what got me hooked was when I was practicing for soccer in the summer and I saw the football team conditioning and practicing, it looked way more intense. I then thought about joining to be a kicker, but liked the more contact part of the sport. I did baseball on and off, but what got me to like baseball was my teammates and friends who were on the team. It’s more of a fun sport for me.”

The physical element of football also peaked Antonio’s interest in the sport.

“Something that got me hooked into football is the contact and being able to show my strength and show people what I can do” Antonio said. “And when I put my cleats on and get on the field it’s like I am experiencing the joys of life for the first time.”

Classroom Standouts

While the twins made an impact as athletes at Godwin Heights, they have been standouts in the classroom as well. Higinio has a 4.0 GPA, while Antonio has a 3.5. Higinio also is in the running to be the valedictorian at Godwin this school year.

Higinio said that his dual-enrollment classes that are related to 3D modeling are his favorite ones and is planning on a career in engineering, while also looking to be a weightlifting coach on the side.

Antonio lists interactive classes as his favorite and includes weight training and broadcasting among his favorites. Antonio also said he would like to do something in the sports realm including coaching football or a strength coach.


Sports Fans

“The college football team I am a fan of is the Michigan Wolverines and the NFL team is the Detroit Lions,” Antonio said. “Some players I admire are Jason Kelce, Creed Humphrey and Frank Ragnow. All of these players play center and I study off of these people to get better and make my own style of play. Jason Kelce is the one I watch the most and try to take the most from.”

Higinio is more of a pro football fan.

“I don’t follow any college players, but the pro would be Aidan Hutchinson,” Higinio said. “How dominant he is at his position and how he came off an injury to still be a top player in his position, and Cam Skattebo, how he made it to the NFL while still being shorter than many others, not just making it but being a good rookie.”

Away from school and sports, Antonio likes to lift weights and play video games, while Higinio also likes lifting weights and getting healthy and doing anything active.

The brothers also have a wide range of musical likes.

Musical Tastes

“I like R & B and Pop,” Higinio said, “some rap favorite singers and Bruno Mars, Tyler the Creator, The Weekend and PartyNextDoor.”

“I like all kinds of music,” Antonio said, “but two artists I like are Rod Wave and Lloyd.”

Favorite Foods

Higinio likes anything that contains chicken or beef and eggs with his favorite being chicken Alfredo. Antonio lists Hispanic food as his favorite.

Movies, Binge-watching

Antonio lists One Piece as his favorite series, while Stranger Things and Percy Jackson top the list for Higinio.

With their high school athletic careers winding down, the brothers point to memories unrelated to the wins and scores as being among the memories that stick out.

“How close I was with all of my teammates through all the sports,” Higinio said. “They were the ones that made the sport more fun and what had me willing to push myself more. Also, some of my graduated teammates coming to support us in the offseason and during season.”

Antonio also put the emphasis on personal relationships.

“Some of the most special things about my time at Godwin were the people,” Antonio explained, “and the friendships I made and playing sports and all of the opportunities Godwin has given me.”