Category Archives: Sports

Featured WKTV high school sports coverage returns to South Christian Friday

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports


WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director
sports@WKTV.org

With the playoffs looming, WKTV’s featured high school game this week will be a Friday, Feb. 15, boys and girls basketball games with Middleville Thronapple-Kellogg at South Christian.

The rest of the tentative monthly featured game coverage schedule is:

Tuesday, Feb. 19: Boys basketball, Belding at Wyoming Lee
Friday, Feb. 22: Boys Hockey, Grand Rapids Christian at East Kentwood
Week of February 25–29: Boys basketball, TBD

In addition our featured games — where our sports crew and remote coverage truck will be on hand — we also have a weekly list of all local sporting contests for local fans to get out and enjoy in person.

 
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com.

 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Feb. 11
Boys/Girls Bowling
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
Hopkins @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids
Girls Cheer
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Girls Basketball
Zion Christian @ Saugatuck
Girls Gymnastics
Potter’s House @ Rockford
Boys Basketball
Muskegon Catholic Central @ Grand River Prep

Tuesday, Feb. 12
Boys/Girls Bowling
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
Crossroads Charter Academy @ Potter’s House
South Christian @ East Grand Rapids
Boys Basketball
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
Christian @ Wyoming – Teacher Appreciation Night
Holland Black River @ Tri-Unity Christian
Western Michigan Christian @ Zion Christian
Kalamazoo Hackett @ Potter’s House
West Michigan Aviation @ Martin
West Michigan Lutheran @ Algoma Christian
South Christian @ Covenant Christian
Girls Basketball
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Hopkins @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ Christian
Holland Black River @ Tri-Unity Christian
Zion Christian @ Muskegon Catholic Central
West Michigan Aviation @ Martin
West Michigan Lutheran @ Algoma Christian
Covenant Christian @ South Christian
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Ottawa Hills

Wednesday, Feb. 13
Boys Wrestling
Wyoming Lee @ MHSAA Team Regionals
Boys/Girls Bowling
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Girls Cheer
East Kentwood @ Comstock Park
Wyoming @ Comstock Park
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

Thursday, Feb. 14
Boys/Girls Bowling
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House – Boys only
FH Eastern @ South Christian

Friday, Feb. 15
Boys Basketball
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
Belding @ Kelloggsville
Hudsonville @ Wyoming – Hall of Fame Night
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Covenant Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Zion Christian @ Calvary Christian
Potter’s House @ West Michigan Aviation
West Michigan Lutheran @ Barry County Christian
Grand River Prep @ Holland Calvary
Middleville T-K @ South Christian – WKTV Featured Event
Girls Basketball
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
Belding @ Kelloggsville
Hudsonville @ Wyoming – Hall of Fame Night
Covenant Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Zion Christian @ Calvary Christian
Potter’s House @ West Michigan Aviation
West Michigan Lutheran @ Barry County Christian
Hopkins @ Grand River Prep
Middleville T-K @ South Christian – WKTV Featured Event
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood @ Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
Girls Cheer
Wyoming @ Muskegon Mona Shores – Division 2 MHSAA Districts
Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park – MHSAA Districts
Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park – MHSAA Districts
Wyoming Lee @ Comstock Park – MHSAA Districts
Girls Gymnastics
@ Potter’s House

Saturday, Feb. 16
Boys/Girls Bowling
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian
Wyoming @ Christian
Boys Wrestling
@ Grand Haven – MHSAA Individual Regionals
Girls Dance
East Kentwood @ Davenport University Invite
Girls Cheer
East Kentwood @ Rockford – Division 1 MHSAA Districts
Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park – Division 3 MHSAA Districts
Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park – Division 3 MHSAA Districts
Wyoming Lee @ Comstock Park – Division 3 MHSAA Districts
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa

Monday, Feb. 18
Boys Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
Girls Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
Boys/Girls Bowling
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
Tri-Unity Christian @ Wellsprings Prep

WKTV explores what makes local competitive cheer athletes compete

Kentwood Public Schools, Local Faces, Sports

By Drew Dargavell, WKTV Sports Intern
ken@wktv.org

Competitive Cheer, a growing sport in the state of Michigan, requires great stamina, physical strength, and athletic ability. And unlike some other states, the Michigan High School Athletic Association recognizes the female participants in Girls Competitive Cheer as athletes.

For those unfamiliar with competitive cheer, it consists of three rounds of competition.  Each team is scored for each particular round and it’s requirements. The different rounds serve to highlight the strengths of a team in different aspects of cheer.
 

To get a more inside look into West Michigan cheer, WKTV caught up with cheer coaches from two local teams with different goals and outlooks. Chris Hudson coaches Division 1 East Kentwood, which not only won their conference last year, but also districts, regionals, and went to the state championships. Viktoria Lissner, from Division 3 Godwin Heights, coaches a team that finished last in their division last year but still has plenty of heart.
 

The common theme for both of these teams, however, is that cheer is more than just a sport to these athletes.

“Cheer for us is about the team bonding and being a part of something here at Godwin,” Lissner said to WKTV.

At Kentwood, they are in it to win it.

“For a lot of these girls, it’s the only sport that they do, they’ve been doing it since they were little kids and it means everything (to them),” Hudson said to WKTV.

This video story and all sports news segments are available on the WKTV YouTube channel. All featured games covered by WKTV’s sports coverage crew, as well as other community events covered, are available on-demand at wktvondemand.com .

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports . 

February’s local high school sports schedule includes beginning of basketball playoffs

Kentwood Public Schools, Sports


WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director
sports@WKTV.org

February will bring some MHSAA State tournaments starting already as the high school winter seasons begin to wrap up, this includes girls cheer, boys wrestling, boys bowling, girls bowling and, starting the last week of the month, boys basketball will tip off “March Madness” in February with the girls version starting the following week.

WKTV will once again bring multiple events to the viewers throughout the month. Be sure to support your local school student-athletes in person by attending an event, but then watch for the broadcast.

This week’s featured game will be Tuesday, Feb. 5: Boys/girls basketball, Zion Christian at Wyoming Potter’s House.

The tentative monthly featured game coverage schedule is:

Friday, Feb. 15: Boys, girls basketball, Middleville T-K at South Christian
Tuesday, Feb. 19: Boys basketball, Belding at Wyoming Lee
Friday, Feb. 22: Boys Hockey, Grand Rapids Christian at East Kentwood
Week of February 25–29: Boys basketball, TBD

In addition our featured games — where our sports crew and remote coverage truck will be on hand — we also have a weekly list of all local sporting contests for local fans to get out and enjoy in person.

 
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com.

 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Tuesday, Feb. 5
Boys Swimming
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Boys Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee – Hall of Fame Night
Wyoming @ South Christian
Lansing Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Zion Christian @ Potter’s House – WKTV Featured Event
West Michigan Aviation @ Creative Technologies Academy
Libertas Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
Grand River Prep @ Wellsprings Prep
Girls Basketball
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Tri-County @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Wyoming – Teacher Appreciation Night
Lansing Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Zion Christian @ Potter’s House – WKTV Featured Event
West Michigan Aviation @ Creative Technologies Academy
Libertas Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
Grand River Prep @ Wellsprings Prep
Boys Bowling
Tri-Unity Christian @ Calvin Christian
South Christian @ Zeeland
Boys/Girls Bowling
Grand River Prep @ Potter’s House

Wednesday, Feb. 6
Boys/Girls Bowling
East Kentwood @ Grandville
NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights
Belding @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ Zeeland East
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Boys Wrestling
East Kentwood @ FH Central – MHSAA Team Districts
Girls Basketball
Grandville @ East Kentwood
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Boys Basketball
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Hopkins @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Girls Cheer
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
Girls Gymnastics
Lowell @ Potter’s House

Thursday, Feb. 7
Boys Swimming
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
South Christian @ Wayland
Boys/Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Kelloggsville @ Potter’s House
Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian
Boys Wrestling
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights – MHSAA Team Districts
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights – MHSAA Team Districts
Wyoming @ Grandville – MHSAA Team Districts
Boys Basketball
Zion Christian @ Wellsprings Prep
Girls Basketball
Zion Christian @ Wellsprings Prep

Friday, Feb. 8
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood @ Chelsea
Boys Basketball
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Belding @ Godwin Heights
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
Wayland @ Wyoming – Coaches vs Cancer
Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Calvary
Grand River Prep @ West Michigan Aviation
East Grand Rapids @ South Christian
Girls Basketball
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Belding @ Godwin Heights
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
Wayland @ Wyoming – Coaches vs Cancer
Grand River Prep @ West Michigan Aviation
Holland Black River @ West Michigan Lutheran
East Grand Rapids @ South Christian
Girls Cheer
Kelloggsville @ Caledonia – Scotastic Invite
Boys/Girls Bowling
South Christian @ Unity Christian

Saturday, Feb. 9
Girls Dance
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Boys/Girls Bowling
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Wyoming Lee @ Hudsonville
Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Wyoming @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Boys Wrestling
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven – MHSAA Individual Districts
Wyoming @ Grand Haven – MHSAA Individual Districts
Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park – MHSAA Individual Districts
Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park – MHSAA Individual Districts
Wyoming Lee @ Comstock Park – MHSAA Individual Districts
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood @ Chelsea
Girls Cheer
East Kentwood – @ DeltaPlex Invite
Wyoming – @ DeltaPlex Invite

Monday, Feb. 11
Boys/Girls Bowling
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
Hopkins @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids
Girls Cheer
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Girls Basketball
Zion Christian @ Saugatuck
Girls Gymnastics
Potter’s House @ Rockford
Boys Basketball
Muskegon Catholic Central @ Grand River Prep

Kentwood’s Freeze Fest disc golf tourney, food drive returns

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Recreation, Sports
Disc golf in the snow? Always possible at the Kentwood Freeze Fest. (Wikimedia Commons)


By City of Kentwood

The City of Kentwood has partnered with Great Lakes Disc to host its fourth Freeze Fest, a doubles disc golf tournament and food drive, on Saturday, Feb. 16.


Community disc golfers of all levels are invited to partake in the event at Jaycee Park (1088 Gentian Dr. SE). Funds raised will be used for Jaycee Park disc golf course improvements and food donations will help stock Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.

On-site registration begins at 9 a.m. and the first round of the tournament starts at 10 a.m. The cost is $40, along with one canned food donation per team. Preregistration is available online at: www.kentwood.us/freezefest .

“This disc golf tournament is back by popular demand,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “We had a great turnout for last year’s Freeze Fest with more than 120 participants and a successful food drive.”

In addition to restocking Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry with canned goods, last year’s event raised nearly $2,300 for the Youth Scholarship Fund, which allows recipients to receive up to 50 percent off of one program per season. It also raised an additional $235 for the pantry.

Located in the Kentwood Activities Center at 355 48th St. SE, Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is a year-round resource for area residents to take or donate food and personal care items. No applications necessary. No questions asked. More information about Kentwood Little Free Pantry, including a list of suggested donations, is available online at kentwood.us/littlefreepantry . 

Kentwood Police Department visited by Detroit Tigers winter caravan

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Sports,
Members of the Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan paid a special visit to the City of Kentwood Police Department on Friday, Jan. 25. Supplied/City of Kentwood)

By City of Kentwood

The Detroit Tigers visited the Kentwood Police Department on Friday, Jan. 25 to celebrate the department’s 50th Anniversary.

Detroit Tigers Manager Ron Gardenhire and players presented a special jersey to Kentwood Police Chief Thomas Hillen. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

Tigers players and coaches presented Kentwood Police Chief Thomas Hillen with a framed jersey after joining police officers in training for a private lunch.

The visit was part of the Tigers Winter Caravan, where players and coaches make stops around the Detroit metro area and other parts of the state leading up to the annual TigerFest at Comerica Park. The tour allows fans unable to make it to TigerFest a chance to see some of their favorite players in person before the season.

Detroit Tigers Manager Ron Gardenhire with Kentwood Police Chief Thomas Hillen. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

“We were honored to be included in the Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan in recognition of our 50th anniversary,” Chief Hillen said. “The Kentwood Police Department has been dedicated to serving the residents of our community with excellence since 1968. We are always humbled by the incredible outpouring of support shown to our officers and staff.
“It is with great pride we continue our efforts to make Kentwood a great place to live and work for the next 50 years.”

Now in its 51st year, the Kentwood Police Department operates with 71 sworn officers who serve a growing population of approximately 51,000 residents through several innovative programs and community engagement efforts.

Of special note is the Department’s Data-Driven Approach to Crime and Traffic Safety, or DDACTS, program. DDACTS is an operational model that uses the integration of location-based crime and traffic data to establish effective and efficient methods for deploying law enforcement and other resources. The goal is to reduce the incidence of crime, crashes and traffic violations in the community.

DDACTS helps the Department further refine patrol efforts on specific areas based upon a temporal analysis of crime. This narrows down the days and times of crashes and criminal activity, allowing for a more effective presence and deployment of resources.

In 2016, the Department started a School Resource Officer Program as a collaborative effort between the community, schools and law enforcement to provide proactive law enforcement. Currently, the Department has two dedicated certified police officers assigned to specific school districts in the City. By working with educators, students and parents, officers work to reduce crime, increase security and promote a positive role model between youth and law enforcement.

Operation P.R.I.C.E., which stands for Preventing Retail Theft Through Initiative, Collaboration and Enforcement, has had a proven track record in helping local businesses decrease incidents of retail fraud since it was started by the Department in 2014.

As part of the program, Kentwood Police educate store employees on how they can discourage shoplifting and how to identify potential crime, as well as what to do when a shoplifter is caught. The partnership between police and store owners also provides increased police presence in stores and on the streets.

 
For many years, Kentwood Police has partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration on its Drug Take Back program. Recognizing the need for community members to have a secure location to safely dispose of unused and/or unwanted prescription medications, the Department offers a free and anonymous drop-off location in the lobby, located at 4742 Walma Ave SE. Providing a secure location for proper medication disposal helps keep the community safe by helping to prevent potential accidental poisoning, misuse and overdose.

Beyond the Department’s programs, events such as National Night Out, Touch-A-Truck and Trunk-or-Treat are just a few of the activities that the Kentwood Police Department engages in to stay connected and build meaningful relationships within the community.

The Kentwood Police Department’s mission is to reduce serious crime, increase traffic safety, and serve our community with excellence.

More information about the Kentwood Police Department is available online at kentwood.us.

Whitecaps ask fans for food ideas, winner receives sweet suite for game

3-bottom, Local Food, Sports


The West Michigan Whitecaps will soon begin play at Fifth Third Ballpark. (Supplied/West Michigan Whitecaps)

By West Michigan Whitecaps

Tigers pitchers and catchers report to Lakeland in a couple weeks, which means baseball and warmer temperatures are getting close!

When you think of baseball in West Michigan, you think of summers at Fifth Third Ballpark with the West Michigan Whitecaps and the smell of hot dogs, peanuts, and the wide variety of food selections.

To help us add to that variety, the annual Whitecaps Fan Food Submission presented by Visit Central Florida is now up and running. We’re asking fans to submit their ideas for what new food item they would like to have at Fifth Third Ballpark and thanks to Visit Central Florida the winning submission will receive a suite for one night.

This is the 10th consecutive year that a food item submitted by fans will be on the menu. Past winners include Ballpark Digest’s “Best New Food Item” for 2017, Beer cheese Poutine (a combination of pulled pork, waffle fries, beer cheese and bbq sauce), the Baco, Hot-To-Tot, and last year’s winner, Mt. Wing-Suvious, a mixture of mac ‘n cheese, beer cheese and buffalo chicken filling the center of a tower of onion rings, submitted by Grand Ledge native John King.
 
“The past couple years have been all about flavor, compared to when this first started which was about the weird, wacky, and unique,” said Whitecaps Vice President Jim Jarecki. “The submissions from our fans always make this a fun and exciting process.”

Submissions will be taken through Friday, Feb. 1. They can be made via e-mail at playball@whitecapsbaseball.com . All submissions should be accompanied by a complete description and a picture, if possible.

The ideas will then be pared down and starting Tuesday, Feb. 26 fans will be able to vote for their choice for the new 2019 concessions item. Voting will take place on the Whitecaps website. The winning entry will be on the menu for all fans to enjoy.

The Whitecaps open their 26th season on Saturday, April 6, against the South Bend Cubs at 4 p.m. Season and group tickets are now on sale. Individual tickets will go on sale in February. Complete ticket information, including season and group ticket prices and perks, is available at whitecaps whitecapsbaseball.com .

WKTV sports features retiring East Kentwood swim coach, who talks memories, gratitude

3-bottom, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Faces, Newscast, Sports, WKTV Featured sports,


By Drew Dargavell, WKTV Sports Intern
ken@wktv.org

After an illustrious career that spanned 38 seasons over 43 years, Jock Ambrose, head swim coach for the East Kentwood Falcons boys swim team, is stepping down from his position.

Ambrose accomplished a lot in his 38 seasons as head swim coach including 17 league titles, three state runner-ups, two state championships, and five Coach of the Year honors.
 

In his 43 years in the East Kentwood community, Ambrose not only served as the boys head swim coach but also as the boys water polo coach from 1977-1992, girls swim coach from 1994-1997, and athletic director from 1997-2001. He also served as Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (MISCA) area vice president for seven years, and MISCA water polo chair for five years. He was the founder of the West Michigan Water Polo League, and a founding member of the West Michigan Swim League.

But it wasn’t any of the awards, honors or positions that Ambrose said he will miss most.

“It’s the people around here, in this community that have made it as special as it is and will make it tough for me to walk away,” Ambrose said to WKTV.

Ambrose had a lot of praise for his final team as head coach, currently in its winter swim season, and its group of seniors — “This senior class is a tremendous group of young men, and a great group of leaders.”

The coach went on to give praise to his three senior captains — Nick Cohey, Theo Duong, and Max Henderson — who have stuck with the program all four years.

Ambrose has hopes of finishing his final season in the top half of the team’s state swim division and “to make a nice showing at the state meet. It’s been a few years since we’ve done that and I think this senior class is ready to.”

Ambrose also had a very optimistic outlook on the future of this program once he’s done as head coach. “We’ve got a wonderful freshman class, they’re going to be very, very good, four of them have senior brothers on the team so that’s very exciting.”

This video story and all sports news segments are available on the WKTV YouTube channel . All featured games covered by WKTV’s sports coverage crew, as well as other community events covered, are available on-demand at wktvondemand.com .

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports .

High school sports schedule includes WKTV coverage of Potter’s House, Wyoming

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, Upcoming Events


WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director
sports@wktv.org

WKTV Featured Game high school sport coverage this week will include two girls/boys basketball doubleheaders, with Potter’s House visiting Tri-unity Christian Tuesday, and Wyoming high hosting Middleville Thornapple-Kellogg on Friday.

Show the local schools your support by going in person, but then watch WKTV for the events that are showcased each week. Check out the broadcast schedule at wktvjournal.org for replay dates and times.

The final featured coverage on the current tentative January featured game schedule is Thursday, Jan. 31, with boys swimming/diving, as Rockford visits East Kentwood.

In addition our featured games — where our sports crew and remote coverage truck will be on hand — we also have a weekly list of all local sporting contests for local fans to get out and enjoy in person.
 
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com.
 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Jan. 21
Boys/Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
South Christian @ Christian
Kelloggsville @ Wellsprings Prep
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Grandville @ East Kentwood
Girls Gymnastics
Potter’s House @ Rockford

Tuesday, Jan. 22
Girls Basketball
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights
Wayland @ South Christian
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids
Potter’s House @ Tri-unity Christian – WKTV Featured Event
Grandville @ East Kentwood
Fruitport Calvary @ West Michigan Aviation
Zion Christian @ Algoma Christian
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ East Kentwood
Boys Basketball
South Christian @ Wayland
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee @ Belding
Potter’s House @ Tri-unity Christian – WKTV Featured Event
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Fruitport Calvary @ West Michigan Aviation
Flat River @ West Michigan Lutheran
Zion Christian @ Ravenna
Boys/Girls Bowling
Northpointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Tri-unity Christian @ Wyoming Lee
NorthPointe Christian @ Potter’s House

Wednesday, Jan. 23
Boys/Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
East Grand Rapids @ South Christian
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
Christian @ Wyoming
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Boys Wrestling
Godwin Heights @ Belding
Kelloggsville @ Belding
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Cedar Springs @ East Kentwood
Girls Cheer
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
Wyoming @ Byron Center
Girls Gymnastics
FH Central vs Potter’s House @ Kenowa Hills

Thursday, Jan. 24
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
Boys/Girls Bowling
East Kentwood @ Wyoming Lee
Potter’s House @ Tri-unity Christian
Girls Basketball
Potter’s House @ Howardsville Christian
Boys Basketball
Potter’s House @ Howardsville Christian

Friday, Jan. 25
Boys Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
FH Eastern @ South Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Kelloggsville
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming – WKTV Featured Event
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
Barry County Christian @ Zion Christian
Girls Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
FH Eastern @ South Christian
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming – WKTV Featured Event
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
Potter’s House @ Kalamazoo Hackett
West Michigan Lutheran @ Zion Christian
Girls Cheer
Wyoming Lee @ Hamilton
Boys Hockey
Kenowa Hills @ East Kentwood

Saturday, Jan. 26
Boys/Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ Rockford
South Christian @ Rockford
Wyoming @ Rockford
Boys Wrestling
Godwin Heights @ Northview
Kelloggsville @ Northview
Wyoming @ Montague
Wyoming Lee @ Reed City
East Kentwood @ Lakewood
Girls Cheer
Kelloggsville @ Caledonia
Wyoming @ Caledonia
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Boys/Girls Dance
Wyoming @ Jenison
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood @ Byron Center
Girls Gymnastics
Potter’s House @ Kenowa Hills

Monday, Jan. 28
Boys/Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ Potter’s House
South Christian @ Byron Center
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
Wyoming Lee @ Belding
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Girls Gymnastics
Rockford vs Potter’s House @ Kenowa Hills
Girls Basketball
Holland Calvary @ Grand River Prep

Tuesday, Jan. 29
Girls Basketball
Muskegon Heights @ Godwin Heights
South Christian @ Hudsonville
Tri-Unity Christian @ Wellsprings Prep
FH Central @ East Kentwood
Potter’s House @ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Aviation @ Holland Black River
West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES
Zion Christian @ Ravenna
Boys Basketball
Calvin Christian @ South Christian
FH Central @ Wyoming
NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Tri-Unity Christian @ Wellsprings Prep
Potter’s House @ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Aviation @ Holland Black River
West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES
Muskegon Catholic Central

Wednesday, Jan. 30
Boys/Girls Bowling
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming @ South Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Boys Wrestling
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Grandville @ East Kentwood
Girls Cheer
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Girls Gymnastics
Potter’s House @ Rockford

Thursday, Jan. 31
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ West Catholic
Rockford @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event

Local high school sports schedule includes WKTV featured girls basketball games

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director
sports@wktv.org

WKTV Featured Game high school sport coverage this week will include two girls basketball games, a solo game from Wyoming High Tuesday, and part of a boys-girls basketball doubleheader Friday from Godwin Heights.

The Jan. 15 game will feature Grand Rapids Christian at Wyoming. The Jan. 18 game will featured NorthPointe Christian at Godwin Heights.

Show the local schools your support by going in person, but then watch WKTV for the events that are showcased each week. Check out the broadcast schedule at wktvjournal.org for replay dates and times.

The rest of the current tentative January featured game schedule is:

Tuesday, Jan. 22 — Boys/Girls basketball: Potter’s House at Tri-Unity Christian
Friday, Jan. 25 — Boys/Girls basketball: Middleville T-K at Wyoming
Thursday, Jan. 31 — Boys swimming/diving: Rockford at East Kentwood

In addition our featured games — where our sports crew and remote coverage truck will be on hand — we also have a weekly list of all local sporting contests for local fans to get out and enjoy in person.

 
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com.

 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/ .

 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Jan. 14
Boys/Girls Bowling
South Christian @ Wayland
Kelloggsville @ Belding
Wyoming @ Byron Center
Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
Girls Gymnastics
Potter’s House @ Lowell

Tuesday, Jan. 15
Boys Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
Hopkins @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ Christian
Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Holland Calvary @ Potter’s House
Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Aviation
Creative Tech @ West Michigan Lutheran
Muskegon Catholic Central @ Grand River Prep
Girls Basketball
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
Christian @ Wyoming – WKTV Featured Event
Fruitport Calvary @ Tri-Unity Christian
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Holland Calvary @ Potter’s House
Wellsprings Prep @ West Michigan Aviation
Creative Tech @ West Michigan Lutheran
Holland Black River @ Grand River Prep
Boys/Girls Bowling
Wyoming @ Unity Christian
Calvin Christian @ Potter’s House

Wednesday, Jan. 16
Boys/Girls Bowling
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights
Middleville T-K @ South Christian
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
Wayland @ Wyoming
Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Boys Wrestling
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Allendale @ Kelloggsville
Christian @ Wyoming
Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Girls Cheer
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Wyoming @ Zeeland East
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa

Thursday, Jan. 17
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Muskegon Mona Shores
East Kentwood@ Grandville
Boys/Girls Bowling
Potter’s House @ Hopkins

Friday, Jan. 18
Boys/Girls Bowling
Ottawa Hills @ Godwin Heights
Girls Cheer
Godwin Heights @ West Catholic
Boys Basketball
NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Kelloggsville @ Belding
Wyoming @ Benton Harbor
Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee
Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Holland Black River @ Potter’s House
West Michigan Lutheran @ Libertas Christian
Girls Basketball
NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Kelloggsville @ Belding
Benton Harbor @ Wyoming
Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Holland Black River @ Potter’s House
West Michigan Lutheran @ Libertas Christian
Boys Wrestling
Wyoming Lee @ Pinconning
Boys Hockey
East Grand Rapids @ East Kentwood

Saturday, Jan. 19
Boys Wrestling
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Kelloggsville @ Christian
Wyoming @ Jenison
East Kentwood @ Holt
Boys Basketball
Catholic Central @ South Christian
Girls Cheer
Kelloggsville @ Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
East Kentwood @ Rochester
Girls Dance
East Kentwood @ Wayland
Boys Hockey
FH Central @ East Kentwood

Monday, Jan. 21
Boys/Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
South Christian @ Christian
Kelloggsville @ Wellsprings Prep
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Grandville @ East Kentwood
Girls Gymnastics
Potter’s House @ Rockford

Kentwood to host second annual Valentine’s Dash 5K on Feb. 9

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Sports
Some of the runners at a previous Kentwood Valentine’s Dash 5K. (WKTV)

By City of Kentwood

The City of Kentwood is hosting its second annual Valentine’s Dash 5K at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, an event that will feature candy stations, awards and after-party including music, snacks, a photo booth, and the award ceremony.

The 5K run/walk will start and end at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, located at 4950 Breton Rd. SE. The route of the run will include a combination of trails and roads, mile markers and Valentine’s Day candy stations.

“The route for this race is great for first-time and experienced racers alike,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you plan to run with your sweetie, family, friends or new acquaintances, our Valentine’s Dash is a great way to celebrate the holiday and your love of running.”

Valentine’s Day-themed costumes are encouraged. Fellow participants will vote to determine who is the “best dressed” and awards will also be presented to the fastest runners. While the 5K is intended to be a fun run, it will be chip-timed.

Following the race will be an after-party in the library’s community room, which will include music, Valentine’s themed snacks, a photo booth, an award ceremony and more.

Online registration is available and costs $30 until Feb. 8, after which the price will increase. Runners who sign up as a couple will save $5 each.

Check-in, on-site registration and packet pick-up will all take place at the library at 9:30 a.m. Participant packets include a long sleeve shirt and other goodies.

Proceeds from the race will support Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which provides food and hygiene products to community members in need, no questions asked. Individuals are encouraged to bring $5 or a non-perishable item to donate to be entered to win a special door prize.

For more information visit kentwood.us .

On Tap: Perrin, Cedar Springs Brewing support local causes; KDaLe’s events

3-bottom, Beer, Sports
Runners will need to be dressed for winter weather for the Frostbite 5K. (Wikimedia Commons)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

 
Are you a runner? A drinker of fine craft brews? A supporter of the Kids’ Food Basket? Any combination there of? Perrin Brewing has a event for you.

On Saturday, Jan. 26, Perrin will team up with the Kids’ Food Basket for the Perrin Ice Jam Winter Festival from 3-8 p.m. The third annual event will feature live music from Sydney Burnham, The Turnips, Legal Immigrants, and Go-Rounds, specialty Perrin beers, and the Frostbite 5K Run/Walk. Admission to the party is $10 donation or a bag of food items from Kids’ Food Basket wish list. All proceeds during the event will be donated to Kids’ Food Basket of West Michigan.

“The Kids’ Food Basket provides kids in the community with the nourishment they need to reach their full potential,” according to supplied information. “Every donation provides a child with a nutritious evening meal so they can be their best in school and life.”

Perrin Brewing has already begun to collect food donations in the front foyer from the wish list, which includes dried fruit, toasted oat cereal, cheese crackers, fruit cups or pouches, pretzel twists and snack size zipper bags.

The 5K Run/Walk is $30 for adults and $15 for Kids 12 and under. Packet pick-up will be the January 22– 25 in the Perrin Pub. The race-day check-in is from Noon to 2 p.m. and the race begins at 2 p.m.

To register for the run online visit Frostbite 5K Run . For more information on the event, including updated with beer releases, registration 5k run details, band line-up and more, visit the Perrin Ice Jam Facebook page . Perrin Brewing is located at 510 Comstock Park Dr. NE, Comstock Park.

Cedar Springs Brewing hosts soup drive for North Kent Connect

Cedar Springs Brewing Company has teamed up with Ryanne Donahue State Farm and North Kent Connect to help local families in need by hosting a “Soup for Soup Food Drive” today, Jan. 14, through Jan. 19, with a special event planned on Jan. 19.

The Soup for Soup Food Drive will specifically collect nonperishable non-glass containers of soup, pasta and pasta sauces. But it will also be accepting any non-perishable food donation not in glass jars.

For every donation made, Cedar Springs Brewing will provide a free cup of soup.

Donation Locations include Cedar Springs Brewing Company, at 95 N. Main St., in Cedar Springs; or at Ryanne Donahue StateFarm, at 6585 Belding Rd NE St. E, in Rockford (during normal business hours). The soup drive will end on Jan. 19 at the CSBrew Up To Snow Good Party, where everyone “will celebrate all of the food raised and enjoy a beverage or two on the patio!” we are told.

For more information on Cedar Springs Brewing call 616-696-BEER — got to love that number! — or visit csbrew.com . For more information on the Soup for Soup Food Drive, visit the event’s Facebook page here.

KDaLe plans home brewing competition, brewery tours

The Kent District Library’s adult KDaLe program has several programs and events in the near future including a home brewing competition and a tour at local craft brewer Railtown Brewing.

“If you think your home brew has what it takes to be crowned champion, here’s your chance … see how your beer stacks up,” or so states information on the KDaLe website, promoting the program’s now annual “Book Inspired Brewing” competition, wherein KDL staff and local brewers both amateur and professional will taste test.

“It’s a rough job, but someone has to do it!”, they go on to say.

The winners get to brew with a professional brewer and see their beer on tap at KDL’s Super Party Wonder Day next summer. But registration deadline is Jan. 20, and beer submissions must be delivered to Gravel Bottom (418 Ada Drive, Ada), Railtown Brewing (3555 68th St SE, Caledonia), or Pike 51(3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville) by Feb. 28.

The KDaLe Tour will also make stops Jan. 15 at DeHop’s Brewing Company and Café, an “Amsterdam style” brew pub at 363 Cummings Ave. NW, in Walker. Also on tap will be a tour Jan. 22 at Railtown Brewing Company, at 3595 68th St SE, Dutton, to get a tour of their new building and brew house.

For more information on KDaLe events, see kdl.org/events .

Local players make AP All-State 2018 football teams, gain honorable mention

3-bottom, Sports,

A scene from East Kentwood High School’s playoff win over Brighton on Oct. 27. (WKTV/Micah Cho)

By Drew Dargavell, WKTV Sports Intern
ken@wktv.org

This past football season lead to four local high school players earning the title of first team AP All-State in the state of Michigan. East Kentwood, somewhat unsurprisingly, lead the way with three of those All-Staters coming from their team after a tremendous season from the Division 1-2 Falcons finishing the season 9-2.

These players include senior running back Kionte Blakely, senior offensive tackle Logan Brown, and senior defensive tackle Mazi Smith.

The fourth local first team AP All-State comes from Division 3-4 South Christian: senior offensive tackle Spencer Holstege.

Of the four players named, three have earned scholarships to play for Big Ten teams.

Brown, the 6-foot-5, 285-pound offensive tackle from East Kentwood has committed to play football at the University of Wisconsin next season. Brown started to impress recruiters his Junior season with his size and athleticism as he is rated as a four star recruit and the top overall recruit in the state of Michigan according to ESPN’s recruiting database and is number 28 overall in the nation. ESPN also has him listed as the 7th best player at his position in the country. According to ESPN, Brown is listed as the top-overall recruit for the University of Wisconsin. Brown was featured in the 2019 All-American Bowl on Jan. 6, which gathered some of the top high school talent around the nation to compete in an exhibition.

Another top recruit ranked in ESPN’s Top 300 is the 6-foot-3, 320-pound defensive tackle Mazi Smith from East Kentwood. Smith was a key part of East Kentwood’s success this season. According to ESPN Smith is ranked as the 38th best recruit in the country and number three overall in the state. Smith will be staying in state and has committed to University of Michigan. ESPN has Smith ranked as number two at his position in the nation and is U of M’s second highest recruit. Smith was also featured in the 2019 Under Armor All-American football game on Jan. 3, which is similar to the All-American Bowl, and which gathers some of the best high school players in the country for an exhibition.

The third All-State from East Kentwood is their work-horse, 5-foot-6, running back Kionte Blakely. Blakely was the Falcons main weapon on offense as he rushed for 1,698 yards and 28 touchdowns. He finished first place in M-Live’s online poll for Grand Rapids Press Player of the Year (local area’s best player), garnering over 63,000 votes out of 145,516 total votes.

Last but not least is the senior offensive tackle from South Christian, Spencer Holstege.

Holstege has committed to play football at Purdue University next season. According to ESPN, Holstege is rated as the number 25 recruit in the state of Michigan. Holstege was the key player for the South Christian team as he played both the offensive and defensive lines as needed.

Other local players who gained honorable mention on the AP All-State teams were senior linebacker Rusheon Bash, for Division 1-2 Wyoming; senior receiver Peyton Vis, for Grand Rapids South Christian; and senior lineman Marshawn Kneeland, for Division 3-4 Wyoming Godwin Heights.

From the 8-man football division, Wyoming Tri-unity placed two senior players, Benson Heath and Brayden Ophoff, on the All-State team. Heath rushed for 993 yards and 12 touchdowns during the regular season and added 710 yards and five scores as a receiver. He had 31 tackles for loss and three interceptions on defense. Ophoff played in the defensive secondary and totaled 82 tackles and three interceptions during the regular season. At quarterback, he was 51 of 72 passing for 1,666 yards and 22 TDs and added 1,070 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

For a complete list of AP All-State Players see apnews.com .

Did we miss anybody? Contact WKTV at ken@wktv.org .

Local high school sports schedule includes WKTV featured swim event at E. Kentwood

Sports


WKTV will be at a boys swimming Meet at East Kentwood starts Thursday. (Creative Commons)

Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director
sports@wktv.org

The high school basketball season is in full swing but other high school sports are also available including bowling, cheer, wrestling, gymnastics, hockey, dance, swimming, and diving. WKTV will be at a swim meet this week, in fact, with coverage of Thursday, Jan. 10, boys swimming/diving competition of Hudsonville at East Kentwood.

Show the local schools your support by going in person, but then watch WKTV for the events that are showcased each week. Check out the broadcast schedule at wktvjournal.org for replay dates and times.

The erst of the current tentative schedule is:

Tuesday, Jan. 15 — Girls basketball: Christian at Wyoming
Friday, Jan. 18 — Boys/Girls basketball: NorthPointe Christian at Godwin Heights
Tuesday, Jan. 22 — Boys/Girls basketball: Potter’s House at Tri-Unity Christian
Friday, Jan. 25 — Boys/Girls basketball: Middleville T-K at Wyoming
Thursday, Jan. 31 — Boys swimming/diving: Rockford at East Kentwood

In addition our featured games — where our sports crew and remote coverage truck will be on hand — we also have a weekly list of all local sporting contests for local fans to get out and enjoy in person.

 
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com.

 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Jan. 7
Boys/Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
Unity Christian @ South Christian
Zeeland West @ Wyoming
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee

Tuesday, Jan. 8
Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
Calvin Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Boys Basketball
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
South Christian @ Wyoming – Cheer Appreciation Night / Jazz Band
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
Tri-Unity Christian @ Pewamo-Westphalia
Wellsprings Prep @ Potter’s House
Algoma Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
Grand River Prep @ Kent City
Zion Christian @ Heritage Christian
Girls Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Wyoming @ South Christian
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
Tri-Unity Christian @ Muskegon Orchard View
Wellsprings Prep @ Potter’s House
Algoma Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
Grand River Prep @ Kent City
Zion Christian @ Creative Tech
Girls Cheer
@ East Kentwood

Wednesday, Jan. 9
Boys/Girls Bowling
Belding @ Godwin Heights
South Christian @ FH Eastern
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee@ Potter’s House
Girls Cheer
Godwin Heights @ Belding
Kelloggsville @ Belding
Wyoming Lee @ Belding
Boys Wrestling
Wyoming @ Holland
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Girls Gymnastics
FH Central vs Potter’s House @ Kenowa Hills
Boys Basketball
Martin @ West Michigan Aviation
Girls Basketball
Martin @ West Michigan Aviation

Thursday, Jan. 10
Boys Swimming
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event
Boys/Girls Bowling
Muskegon Orchard View @ Potter’s House
Girls Basketball
West Michigan Aviation @ Barry County Christian

Friday, Jan. 11
Boys Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Belding
South Christian @ East Grand Rapids
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ Wayland
Tri-Unity Christian @ Bridgman
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Potter’s House @ Fruitport Calvary
West Michigan Aviation @ Heritage Christian Academy
West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES
Grand River Prep @ Holland Black River
Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian
Girls Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Belding
South Christian @ East Grand Rapids
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ Wayland
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Potter’s House @ Fruitport Calvary
West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES
Grand River Prep @ Holland Black River
Wellsprings Prep @ Zion Christian

Saturday, Jan. 12
Girls Cheer
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming
Kelloggsville @ Allendale
Wyoming Lee @ Allendale
East Kentwood @ Stoney Creek
Boys Wrestling
Kelloggsville @ Fruitport
Wyoming @ West Catholic
East Kentwood @ West Catholic
Boys/Girls Bowling
Kelloggsville @ Lowell
Boys/Girls Dance
Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills
East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills
Boys/Girls Bowling
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Boys Swimming
East Kentwood @ Kalamazoo Loy Norrix
Girls Gymnastics
Potter’s House @ Lowell

Monday, Jan. 14
Boys/Girls Bowling
South Christian @ Wayland
Kelloggsville @ Belding
Wyoming @ Byron Center
Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
Girls Gymnastics
Potter’s House @ Lowell

Midwinter golf blues? Thornapple Pointe Golf Club has a simulator for you

Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports


The Live Golf Studios at Thornapple Pointe include 6 simulators in total, 4 PGA Tour Widescreen and 2 PGA Tour Curve simulators. (Supplied/Watermark Golf and Sports)

WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

 
Looking to improve your swing before you can get out on the course? Thornapple Pointe Golf Club’s new Live Golf Studio is now open to the public and accepting “tee times.”

Thornapple Pointe Golf Club, located at 7211 48th St. SE, Grand Rapids but just east of Kentwood, is the first of the Watermark Properties golf clubs to offer Live Golf Studios “for golfers who want to maintain their game throughout the winter and shoulder seasons in Michigan,” according to supplied information.

Live Golf Studios is, also according to supplied information, the first West Michigan state-of-the-art golf facility offering golfers of all levels the opportunity to play in a controlled climate using high technology simulation at over 50 golf courses, practice ranges and more.
 
 
“During our soft opening period, where we had members trying out the Live Golf Studios, it was really encouraging to see so many different ages and levels of golfers,” Chris Sobieck, General Manager of Watermark Golf and Sports, said in supplied material. “We had families playing, as well as, our most competitive golfers and others all out having a great time.  These simulators offer something for everyone.”

And, yes, Thornapple Pointe will have a bar and full kitchen open during hours of play.

The Live Golf Studios at Thornapple Pointe include 6 simulators in total, 4 PGA Tour Widescreen and 2 PGA Tour Curve simulators. Each of the simulators allow golfers the ability to play over 50 golf courses with various challenge options. Live Golf Studio course selections include highly prestigious locations such as the Pebble Beach Golf Resorts, St. Andrews Links, and the Players Championship Courses.

New Live Golf Leagues will begin mid-January 2019. Leagues will run for nine weeks of play and include prizes. For more information about the leagues and to sign up, contact Live Golf Studios at 616-803-1200.

Complete information and online tee times are available for booking now livegolfstudios.com.

Local high school sports schedule includes WKTV featured games

Sports

Godwin Heights basketball (shown from previous season) is on the WKTV Featured Game schedule this week . (WKTV)

Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director
sports@wktv.org

With Christmas and the New Year now behind us, the basketball seasons and all other high school sports get into full swing this month. The basketball seasons tip off conference play starting the first Friday of the month. Other sports will also be in full swing after the holiday breaks including bowling, cheer, wrestling, gymnastics, hockey, dance, swimming, and diving.

Show the local schools your support by going in person, but then watch WKTV for the events that are showcased each week. Check out the broadcast schedule at wktvjournal.org for replay dates and times.

The tentative schedule is:

Friday, Jan. 4 —Boys/Girls basketball: Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights
Thursday, Jan. 10 — Boys swimming/diving: Hudsonville at East Kentwood
Tuesday, Jan. 15 — Girls basketball: Christian at Wyoming
Friday, Jan. 18 — Boys/Girls basketball: NorthPointe Christian at Godwin Heights
Tuesday, Jan. 22 — Boys/Girls basketball: Potter’s House at Tri-Unity Christian
Friday, Jan. 25 — Boys/Girls basketball: Middleville T-K at Wyoming
Thursday, Jan. 31 — Boys swimming/diving: Rockford at East Kentwood

In addition our featured games — where our sports crew and remote coverage truck will be on hand — we also have a weekly list of all local sporting contests for local fans to get out and enjoy in person.

 
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com.

 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports .

 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Wednesday, Jan. 2
Boys/Girls Bowling
Zeeland @ South Christian
Boys Basketball
West Michigan Aviation @ West Catholic
Girls Basketball
West Michigan Aviation @ West Catholic

Thursday, Jan. 3
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ Union
East Kentwood @ Christian
Boys Wrestling
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
Boys Basketball
Pewamo-Westphalia @ Potter’ House

Friday, Jan. 4
Boys Basketball
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event
Christian @ South Christian
FH Eastern @ Wyoming – Alpha Wolf/Dance Team
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Tri-Unity Christian @ Hopkins
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Zion Christian vs West Michigan Aviation @ Davenport University
West Michigan Lutheran @ Flat River
Girls Basketball
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event
Christian @ South Christian
FH Eastern @ Wyoming – Alpha Wolf/Dance Team
Tri-Unity Christian @ Hopkins
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Barry County Christian @ Potter’s House
Zion Christian vs West Michigan Aviation @ Davenport University
Boys Wrestling
Wyoming Lee @ Swartz Creek
Girls Cheer
@ East Kentwood
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Saturday, Jan. 5
Boys Wrestling
Godwin Heights @ Unity Christian
Kelloggsville @ Unity Christian
Byron Center @ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee @ Wyoming
Girls Cheer
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Boys/Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ Fruitport
Kelloggsville @ Fruitport
East Kentwood @ Fruitport
Wyoming Lee @ Jenison
Potter’s House @ Jenison
Boys Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Lowell
Boys Swimming
South Christian @ East Grand Rapids
East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Girls Gymnastics
Potter’s House @ Rockford

Monday, Jan. 7
Boys/Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
Unity Christian @ South Christian
Zeeland West @ Wyoming
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee

South Christian boys to christen new floor against rival Unity Christian

Citizen Journalism, Sports

By Micah Cho, WKTV sports volunteer

ken@wktv.org

After losing to Class A neighbor East Kentwood High School by only six points in the season opener, Class B South Christian put many teams on notice this year that the Sailors are for real.

If they can put away last year’s OK-Green Conference Champion, and local rival Unity Christian, this week they may mark themselves as a team to be contended with this season in the OK-Gold.

When it comes to Friday nights game, South Christian has another reason to be excited — the Sailors will be opening up their new home floor, Located at 7979 Kalamazoo Ave in Gaines Township, to the South Christian community.

And WKTV’s Featured Game coverage crew will be there.

Entering this week’s game with a 2-2 record following an impressive win over Caledonia, Sailors coach Jeff Meengs credits the team’s early success to the defensive side of the ball.

“Defensively, because we have so many seniors, we’ve been pretty good right from the beginning,” said Meengs. “Especially against Holland Christian. We played some really good defense against them.”

Traditionally known as a high-scoring program, however, Meengs hopes his kids can continue working the ball down the court as a team.

“We have a lot of guys who like to score and can score,” said Meengs. “They’re learning how to play together in that context.”

WKTV Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com.

 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

Local prep sports schedule includes WKTV featured basketball, holiday break

Sports


Cheerleading is just one of the many high school winter sports on the schedule. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director
sports@wktv.org

This week’s WKTV high school sports coverage will have our team visiting South Christians high school’s new location on Kalamazoo Avenue just north of 84th Street, as we will bring the opening night games as both the boys and girls initiate the new gymnasium when they host Unity Christian on Friday, Dec. 21.

Then we will take the Christmas week off before returning with more coverage the first week of the New Year.

Be sure to support your local schools by watching a game in person if you can, but then also catch the games on WKTV.

In addition our featured games — where our sports crew and remote coverage truck will be on hand — we also have a weekly list of all local sporting contests for local fans to get out and enjoy in person.

 
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com.

 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

 
Following is this week’s schedule:

Monday, Dec. 17
Girls Cheer
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Boys / Girls Bowling
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Byron Center
Boys Basketball
West Michigan Aviation @ Fruitport Calvary
Girls Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Montague

Tuesday, Dec. 18
Boys Basketball
East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids
Zion Christian @ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Lutheran @ Barry County Christian
Girls Basketball
East Grand Rapids @ East Kentwood
Zeeland West @ Kelloggsville
Zion Christian@ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Lutheran @ Barry County Christian
Boys / Girls Bowling
South Christian @ Wyoming
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

Wednesday, Dec. 19
Boys Wrestling
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Wyoming @ Zeeland West
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
Boys / Girls Bowling
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Girls Cheer
Godwin Heights @ Jenison
Boys Basketball
Godwin Heights @ Catholic Central

Thursday, Dec. 20
Boys Wrestling
Allendale @ Wyoming
Boys Basketball
Byron Center @ Wyoming – Dance Team performs
Sacred Heart @ West Michigan Lutheran
Girls Basketball
Wyoming @ Byron Center
Barry County Christian @ West Michigan Aviation

Friday, Dec. 21
Boys Hockey
Grandville @ East Kentwood
Boys Wrestling
Wyoming Lee @ Montague
Girls Basketball
West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee
Wellsprings Prep @ Kelloggsville
Unity Christian @ South Christian – WKTV Featured Event
CTAES vs West Michigan Lutheran @ Davenport University
Tri-Unity Christian @ Calvin Christian
Boys Basketball
Wellsprings Prep @ Kelloggsville
Unity Christian @ South Christian – WKTV Featured Event
Saranac @ Potter’s House
Grand River Prep @ Western Michigan Christian
CTAES vs West Michigan Lutheran @ Davenport University
Tri-Unity Christian @ Calvin Christian

Saturday, Dec. 22
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood @ Byron Center
Boys Basketball
Godwin Heights vs Rockford @ Cornerstone University
Boys Wrestling
Kelloggsville @ Martin

Monday, Dec. 24 — no events

Tuesday, Dec. 25 — MERRY CHRISTMAS

Wednesday, Dec. 26
Boys / Girls Bowling
East Kentwood @ Catholic Central – Baker Tournament
Wyoming @ Catholic Central – Baker Tournament
Wyoming Lee @ Catholic Central – Baker Tournament
Godwin Heights @ Catholic Central – Baker Tournament
Boys Basketball
@ Wyoming Lee – Rebel Tournament

Thursday, Dec. 27
Boys Basketball
East Kentwood @ Muskegon Reeths Puffer – Muskegon Hall of Fame Classic
@ Wyoming Lee – Rebel Tournament
Girls Basketball
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville – Holiday Tournament
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville – Holiday Tournament
Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville – Holiday Tournament

Friday, Dec. 28
Boys Wrestling
East Kentwood @ Grandville – Marge & Tate Invite
Godwin Heights @ Montague
Girls Basketball
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville – Holiday Tournament
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville – Holiday Tournament
Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville – Holiday Tournament
Boys Basketball
Godwin Heights vs TBA @ Cornerstone University
Potter’s House vs Marshall Academy @ BC Central

Saturday, Dec. 29 — no events

Monday, Dec. 31 — New Year’s Eve

Friday’s WKTV coverage at Wyoming’s ‘Purple’ night offers more than games

City of Wyoming, Community Health, Sports
An early 2017 game televised by WKTV with East Kentwood High School’s boys basketball team at Wyoming. (WKTV)

This week’s high school basketball games at Wyoming High School will offer more than simply great prep action between the boys and girls teams of visiting East Kentwood and the host Wolves. It will also offer showcase the Van Andel Institute’s efforts to battle cancer and Parkinson’s disease as a special Purple Community Night Basketball Game.

The twin-bill of games will start with the boys game at 5:30 p.m. and the girls game at 7:30 p.m.

 
Purple Community, according to supplied information, is the Van Andel Institute’s grassroots fundraising and awareness program, and “connects individuals, schools, teams and businesses to the resources needed to support groundbreaking cancer and Parkinson’s disease research.”

 
A series of local Purple Community events “bring people from every walk of life together to celebrate the power of family, friendship and community action. We also give people the chance to honor those fighting disease and pay tribute to those who have lost their fight against cancer and Parkinson’s. Every event is a collection of stories — people coming together to support one another and help make the world a better, healthier place.”

 
Additionally, when people fundraise through the Purple Community, each game night donation effort efforts go further thanks to a endowment from Jay and Betty Van Andel, where every dollar of every donation goes directly to the cause — 100 percent of the funds support Van Andel Institute scientists and the vital research they are doing.

For more information on the Purple Community visit here.

Local prep sports schedule includes WKTV featured basketball, hockey coverage

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Sports


The WKTV Mobile Unit will be out covering local high school basketball this week. (WKTV)

Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director
sports@wktv.org

A change this year for local high school sports coverage was the tip-off of boys basketball the very first week after their football seasons crowned the state champions on Thanksgiving weekend.

WKTV has also started early to bring local audiences a full slate of games began with the final varsity game to be played at South Christian High School’s current location when the Lady Sailors entertained Hamilton on Dec. 4. But we will also showcase the new location on Kalamazoo Avenue just north of 84th Street, as WKTV will bring the opening night games as both the boys and girls initiate the new gymnasium when they host Unity Christian on Friday, Dec. 21.

The lone hockey game on the schedule to this point for the season will be Saturday Dec. 15 when East Kentwood will host Hudsonville.

As a result of road construction around the East Kentwood campus, the only scheduled basketball games that East Kentwood will be featured in will be on the road including when the boys and girls travel to Wyoming on Friday Dec. 14.

Be sure to support your local schools by watching a game in person if you can, but then also catch the games on WKTV. The support, in both cases, is always appreciated.

In addition our featured games — where our sports crew and remote coverage truck will be on hand — we also have a weekly list of all local sporting contests for local fans to get out and enjoy in person.

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com.

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

Following is this week’s schedule:

Tuesday, Dec.11
Boys Swimming
@ East Kentwood – Christmas Quad
Boys Basketball
East Kentwood @ Byron Center
Wyoming @ Northview
Potter’s House @ Kelloggsville
Martin @ Zion Christian
West Michigan Lutheran @ Libertas Christian
Western Michigan Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Girls Basketball
Byron Center @ East Kentwood
Wyoming @ Northview
Godwin Heights @ Holland
Kelloggsville @ Potter’s House
West Michigan Aviation @ Zion Christian
Grand River Prep @ Fruitport Calvary Christian
West Michigan Lutheran @ Libertas Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Western Michigan Christian
Girls Bowling
Potter’s House @ NorthPointe Christian

Wednesday, Dec. 12
Boys Wrestling
East Kentwood @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ Hamilton
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming Lee
Northview @ Godwin Heights
Boys / Girls Bowling
Wyoming @Christian
South Christian @ Hastings
Rockford @ Tri-Unity Christian – Boys only

Thursday, Dec. 13
Boys / Girls Bowling
Hudsonville @ Wyoming
Godwin Heights @ Wellsprings Prep
Western Michigan Christian @ Potter’s House – Girls Only
Boys Basketball
Zion Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Girls Basketball
Zion Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Godwin Heights @ Ottawa Hills

Friday, Dec. 14
Boys Basketball
East Kentwood @ Wyoming – Purple Community Game – WKTV Featured Event
Kelloggsville @ Hamilton
South Christian @ Caledonia
Laingsburg @ Potter’s House
Wellsprings Prep @ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Lutheran @ Algoma Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ NorthPointe Christian
Girls Basketball
East Kentwood @ Wyoming – Purple Community Game – WKTV Featured Event
Northview @ Godwin Heights
South Christian @ Caledonia
West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House
Wellsprings Prep @ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Lutheran @ Algoma Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ NorthPointe Christian
Boys Hockey
East Kentwood @ FH Central

Saturday, Dec. 15
Girls Basketball
East Kentwood vs TBA @ Detroit Edison
Boys Wrestling
East Kentwood @ FH Central – Kent County Championships
Wyoming @ FH Central – Kent County Championships
Wyoming Lee @ FH Central – Kent County Championships
Kelloggsville @ FH Central – Kent County Championships
Godwin Heights @ South Haven
Boys Swimming

@ East Kentwood – West Michigan Relays
Boys Hockey
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event
Boys Basketball
Wyoming Lee vs West Michigan Aviation @ DeltaPlex
Boys / Girls Bowling
Godwin Heights @ Cedar Springs
Kelloggsville @ Cedar Springs
South Christian @ Cedar Springs

Monday, Dec. 17
Girls Cheer
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Boys / Girls Bowling
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Byron Center
Boys Basketball
West Michigan Aviation @ Fruitport Calvary
Girls Basketball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Montague

South Christian girls basketball hosts Hamilton in final game on 68th St. floor

City of Kentwood, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports

 

By Micah Cho, WKTV Sports Intern

ken@wktv.org 

 

On Tuesday, Dec, 4, the South Christian High School girls varsity dropped their season opener to visiting Hamilton, 62-42. But the story of the game wasn’t really who won or lost.

 

Although this isn’t how they wanted to kick off their season, there was something bigger on the minds of the Sailors players, family members, and fans alike. This was the last time any Sailor would suit up for a home game on the 68th Street campus.

 

WKTV was at the game to cable broadcast it, as well as will make it available on-demand.

 

Varsity girls head coach Kim Legge grew up a Sailor. Once putting on the same purple and white jersey as her players now do, Legge knows how special it is to be a Sailor.

 

“It’s a family,” Legge said to WKTV prior to Tuesday’s game. “This is our home court. This is our home.”

 

The boys had their last home game on Friday, Nov. 30, against Byron Center, when the Sailors defeated the Bulldogs, 65-44.

 

Keeping in the family theme, senior Salior Conner Kok isn’t the first person in his family to suit up for South Christian. With family members supporting him and the South Christian Legacy, Kok said he went into the game ready to give it his all one more time.

 

“Since I was about five years old I’ve been in this gym watching my brothers play,” said Kok. “So you want to honor that and get the win.”

 

The South Christian boys and girls will play their first games on their new home floor, at Kalamazoo Campus, 7979 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, on Friday, Dec. 21, when Unity Christian comes to visit. WKTV will be there as well, and will cable broadcast and offer the game on-demand.

 

For complete local sports schedules visit wktvjournal.org/sports .

 

How to watch WKTV sports on cable, on-demand

 

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com.

 

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are give the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26). For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

 

Zion Christian’s volleyball team brings home district title

Sports,

Standing from left to right: Coach Heerema, Dana Feenstra, Kate Warners, Amber Leep, Lydia Jaarsma, Analyse Parks, Lydia Postma, Avery Hilton, Coach Koning. Kneeling from left to right: Megan Vos, Ashley Osterhaven, Rachelle Jeurink, Kelly Leep, Alyssa VanBeek, Emily VanBeek, Kendra Leep

By Anna Lubbers

Community Contributor

Zion Christian School

 

Over the past twelve weeks, fourteen girls spent time and energy developing their skills under the tutelage of coaches Heerema and Koning. Their hard work paid off on Saturday, Nov. 3, when Zion’s varsity volleyball team claimed victory over Martin and won “Dede,” their district trophy.

 

All girls agreed with Kelly Leep’s statement, “It’s fun because we played together as a team.”

 

Alyssa VanBeek added, “Seeing the ball drop on the other side of the court and knowing that all our hard work had paid off and celebrating with my teammates and the fans were my favorite parts of districts.”

 

Zion students and staff are thrilled about the achievements of their varsity volleyball team and are very proud of the athletes’ hard work.

 

This article comes from the Zion Christian School’s student newspaper, The NOIZ.

Local high school sports schedule includes first WKTV featured game at South Christian 

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Sports, WKTV Featured sports,

WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

The WKTV Featured Game winter broadcast schedule is jelling, and once again boys and girls basketball games of all local Wyoming and Kentwood teams will be showcased. But boys hockey as well as swimming and diving competition will also be on the schedule.

 

Our first featured game will be Tuesday, Dec. 4, when we cover the girls basketball game between Hamilton and host South Christian — in what will be the Sailors’ final game on their old basketball floor before moving to their new home. The week after that, we will be covering the Friday, Dec. 14, boys and girls basketball games between East Kentwood and host Wyoming high. Then on Saturday, Dec. 15, we will change sports and cover boys hockey as Hudsonville travels to East Kentwood.

 

In addition our featured games — where our sports crew and remote coverage truck will be on hand — we also have a weekly list of all local sporting contests for local fans to get out and enjoy in person.

 

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

 

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

 

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

 

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

 

Following is this week’s schedule:

Tuesday, Nov. 27

Boys Basketball

South Christian @ East Kentwood

Wyoming Lee @ Saugatuck

Creative Tech @ West Michigan Aviation

 

Wednesday, Nov. 28

Boys Hockey

Caledonia/Lowell @ East Kentwood

 

Thursday, Nov. 29

No events scheduled

 

Friday, Nov. 30

Boys Basketball

Byron Center @ South Christian

Christian @ Godwin Heights

Kelloggsville @ Unity Christian

Wyoming @ Grandville

FH Eastern @ Tri-Unity Christian

Grand River Prep @ Wyoming Lee

FH Central @ East Kentwood

Holland Black River vs West Michigan Aviation @ Davenport University

Zion Christian @ Holland Calvary

Boys Hockey

East Kentwood @ Rockford

 

Kentwood’s holiday season (only) started with its Ugly Sweater 5K run

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Sports, Upcoming Events,

 

 

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org 

 

The City of Kentwood’s busy holiday schedule started with an Ugly Sweater Cross County 5K run on Saturday, Nov. 17, but that is just the start of the city’s season’s offerings.

 

Next up will be the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade, slated for Friday, Dec. 7. Centered around the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, the free event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m.

 

The Holiday Light Parade will start at 6 p.m., at the Kentwood Public Works, located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE, and travel north to the Kentwood Justice Center at 4740 Walma Ave. SE. Roads will be closed from 5:50 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. for the parade, which will affect both Breton Avenue and Walma Avenue.

 

At 6:30 p.m., city officials accompanied by carolers will conduct the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Following the tree lighting, community members will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa, go on carriage rides and enjoy a musical performance by the East Kentwood High School Jazz Band. The Elves Express Gift Shop will be open at the library for the duration of the event, offering a variety of gift items and gift-wrapping services.

 

The Ugly Sweater 5K run featured a route that showcased two Kentwood parks and a portion of the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail. Proceeds from the race will support the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund, which allows recipients to receive up to 50 percent off of one program per season.

 

More information about Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade, as well as other community events, is available on the City’s website at www.kentwood.us.

 

WKTV reviews fall high school sports highlights, plans winter schedule

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, WKTV Featured sports

WKTV’s coverage of girls high school basketball begins in December. (WKTV)

 

Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director

sports@wktv.org 

 

As the always busy holiday months are upon us starting with November, the high school sports world does just the opposite as the last of the fall seasons crown their newest state champions and the winter seasons slowly begin with boys hockey and basketball at the end of the month.

 

The schools that WKTV covers certainly had some highlights during the fall competition and here are just some of them.

 

The girls golf season held their state championships near the end of October in some tough cold and wet conditions, and for an amazing 23rd consecutive time, the South Christian High School girls team was there to compete for that title. At the end of the two-day tournament, the Sailor ladies finished behind only Flint Powers Catholic to earn the runner-up trophy for the second consecutive season.

 

The soccer state championship was held the first weekend in November and had the East Kentwood Falcons in the championship game where they too finished as runner-up to Ann Arbor Skyline.

 

The football season had four of our six area teams qualify for the playoffs.  South Christian finished the season with a 6-5 record and in fourth place in the O-K Gold after defeating another of our local teams, Godwin Heights, in the opening round but dropped the second-round game to Hudsonville’s Unity Christian.

 

East Kentwood had a great season as they won nine straight games after losing their season opener to win the O-K Red title and finish 9-2 on the year. The Falcons defeated Brighton in the opening round of the playoffs before coming up short against Saline in round two.

 

Godwin Heights completed their year at 6-4 and in second place in the O-K Silver and lost in the opening round to South Christian. Kelloggsville finished in fourth place in the O-K Silver with a 4-5 record, Wyoming finished the season 2-7 and 1-5 in the OK Gold, and Wyoming Lee finished with a 1-8 record on the year.

 

The 8-man division had the Tri-Unity Christian Crusaders cruise through the regular season undefeated and ranked in the top 5 in the state as they won the Midwest Central 8 Man conference championship. The Crusaders defeated Webberville in their playoff opener before dropping the second-round game to No. 2 ranked Morrice to finish the year at 10-1.

 

Congratulations to all teams and athletes!

 

The WKTV Featured Game winter broadcast schedule is being finalized but there will once again be boys and girls basketball coverage showcasing all of the local teams, boys hockey, and swimming and diving competitions so be watching for the schedule, but in the meantime, get out and enjoy some of your local schools games in person.

 

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and features on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

 

Following is this week’s schedule:

 

Thursday, Nov. 22

Happy Thanksgiving – Watch the WKTV Turkey Bowl

 

Friday, Nov. 23

Boys Hockey

@ East Kentwood – Thanksgiving Falcon Classic

 

Saturday, Nov. 24

Boys Hockey

@ East Kentwood – Thanksgiving Falcon Classic

 

Monday, Nov. 26

No events scheduled

 

WKTV’s 18th Annual Turkey Bowl cable channel fest returns Thanksgiving Day

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Holidays, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, WKTV Featured sports

WKTV’s sports coverage team was at the NorthPointe Christian at Wyoming Lee football game. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

WKTV’s sports coverage crew was busy this fall, as our high school football Featured Game crew covered every local team in the first six weeks of the season and then was at the biggest local games as the season ended.

 

As every year, high school football fans can get their Turkey Day football fix this year as we broadcast several of those big games on our cable Channel 25.

 

The 15-hour special starts at 9 a.m., highlights the best of our high school football games from the season. The schedule and approof games (with link to the games on WKTV’s On-Demand video internet channel) is as follows:

 

9 a.m. — Hamilton @ Godwin Heights. On-Demand

 

11:25 a.m. — Ashley @ Tri-unity Christian. On-Demand

 

1:22 p.m. — NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee. On-Demand

 

3:25 p.m. — Wyoming @ South Christian. On-Demand

 

5:35 p.m. — Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville. On-Demand

 

8 p.m. — Rockford @ East Kentwood. On-Demand

 

10:25 p.m. — MHSAA Playoff: Godwin @ South Christian. On-Demand

 

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government cChannel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are give the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26).

 

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

 

Tulip Time Run registration now open

Entertainment, Sports, , ,

Tulip TimeFestival (www.tuliptime.com) announces online registration is now open for the Tulip Time Run, which will be held on Saturday, May 4, at Kollen Park.

 

Experience the beauty of Holland as you run through the tulip-lined streets! The Tulip Time Run, now in its 9thyear, is presented by MVP Athletic Club, and offers an event for everyone — a 5K, 10K and Kids’ Fun Run. If you are running both the 5K and 10K, you are automatically entered in the 15K results category eligible for medals and cash prizes. And, back again, is the Tulip Time Virtual Run.  If you cannot make it to Holland, Michigan for the Tulip Time Festival, run a 5K or 10K in the comfort of your own hometown and receive a race shirt, bib and 2019 Run pin in the mail.

 

All run participants will receive a race bib. Included with the race bib will be a complimentary gear check tag and a free beverage ticket, redeemable at the After-Party at Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant. Registering before April 15 ensures runners a participant shirt and a personalized race bib featuring their name. Race results are available within seconds of crossing the finish line via email, onsite kiosks or by downloading the IgniteYourEvent app.

 

Packet Pickup and late registration will be available at the Race & Fitness Expo on Friday, May 3, from 4p – 7p at MVP Athletic Club, and on Saturday, May 4 at 7a at Kollen Park. The Race & Fitness Expo offers information, displays and giveaways from health and fitness companies.

 

The 5K will start at 8a and the 10K will start at 8:45a. Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age division (male and female). The Kids’ Fun Run will start at 9:15a in Kollen Park.

 

Registration and pricing information, along with all race details, is available online at www.tuliptime.com/run. Questions regarding registration and race details can be directed to Kara Rooks, Race Director, at (616) 396-4221 ext. 114 or kara@tuliptime.com.

 

Join the dance as we “paint the town orange”at Tulip Time’s 90thAnniversary celebration May 4-12, 2019. Detailed program and event information for Tulip Time 2019 is available on www.tuliptime.com. Tickets for all shows can be purchased online at www.tuliptime.com, in person at the Tulip Time Festival Box Office located at 42 West 8thStreet, Holland, Michigan, or by phone at 800-822-2770.

School News Network: Lee coach’s story goes beyond football

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Education, Local Faces, Sports,

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

By Bridie Bereza, School News Network

Photos by Dianne Carroll Burdick

 

Stan Jesky was at home this time last year recovering from heart surgery.

 

It wasn’t like Jesky, who turned 75 this Halloween, to sit still. His career spans 52 years of coaching high school sports, directing athletics for Zeeland High School, and coaching men’s varsity basketball at Kuyper College.

 

So when Tom DeGennaro, Lee High School’s varsity football coach, asked him to help out as an assistant at Lee, he got the OK from his cardiologist and came aboard.

 

It’s clear Jesky’s career has been a life influenced by playbooks. But sit down with him for a few hours, and you’ll find that his story is one for the history books.

 

“If you look at Stan,” said DeGennaro, a high school history teacher,  “Stan is not supposed to be alive. He’s not supposed to be here. His life should’ve been stopped at 2 or 3 years old. He’s been on his own since 14. He has overcome so much.”

 

Overcoming the Odds

 

Jesky’s story starts in rural Poland.

 

The country fell to the Nazis in 1939. While Polish Jews make up the largest group of holocaust victims, non-Jewish Polish civilians were also targeted. According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, “Nazi ideology viewed ‘Poles’ – the predominantly Roman Catholic ethnic majority – as ‘subhumans’ occupying lands vital to Germany.”

 

After the fall, a young Catholic couple, Stanislaw and Maria Gajewski, were split up. Maria was selected for a death camp but, knowing German, she talked her way out of it pretending to be the mistress of a German general. Each went to separate work camps.

 

One day, Stanislaw caught a glimpse of his wife on the adjacent camp.

 

“Opportunist that he was, he found a way to start seeing her,” Jesky said. “That’s how I got born.”

 

Soon after birth, he was placed in an infant hospital.

 

“The Germans wanted productive people,” said Jesky. Maria could not keep him. “So I was taken and tagged, almost like a side of beef. At least they were kind enough to let the parents know where the babies were and gave them the (tag) number.”

 

As the Western Allies invaded Germany and bombs were falling, Jesky’s parents hopped on a bicycle and made a run for the hospital, which also had been bombed.

 

“There were five babies left of about 1,000 in there. I was one of the five,” Jesky said. “Dad started pedaling for Allied lines.”

 

They were thrown by a blast, but Stanislaw caught baby Stan in mid-air, his dad would later tell him.

 

At age 2, Jesky was severely malnourished and still couldn’t walk. With the family farm wiped out and no records remaining, they spent the next six years at the Allied barracks.

 

The Army was happy to have Jesky’s dad, a skilled carpenter. While in the camp, Jesky’s brother was born. The family hoped to move to America.

 

“There were more vaccinations than I could count. Like all refugees, you’re waiting, waiting, waiting.”

 

A Fresh Start

 

In 1951, news came that the family had been sponsored by the town of Madelia, Minnesota. Jesky remembers the passage over on the Army ship, the sea sickness, the first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, and arriving at Ellis Island. The family took a train to St. Paul, where a man named John Clark picked them up and took them to his farm.

 

Stanislaw worked there for a time before getting a job at Armour and moving his family to the Twin Cities, when his oldest son was 9.

 

At school, Jesky made a bilingual friend, Juzef, or “Joe.” Joe taught Stan, whose English was broken, how to order a slice of apple pie at the Coney Island, how to panhandle and hitchhike, and how to go to the movies.

 

Learning to hitchhike once landed Jesky in the backseat of a vehicle with two women who had a job for him. They took the thin, bedraggled-looking immigrant to a hotel, put him in front of national TV cameras, and had him say three words: “I like Ike.” The story they gave was that this young Polish boy had hitchhiked downtown because he believed in Eisenhower.

 

“I had no idea who Eisenhower was! But for five dollars, I liked Ike,” recalled Jesky.

 

His friend Joe also introduced him to sports. Jesky said he played on the neighborhood ballfields as often as he could. He got his name, “Stan Jesky,” when a Little League coach couldn’t pronounce his real name, Stashek Gajewski. It wasn’t until he became a citizen in 1969 (he got tired of having to go to the immigration office every January, he said) that he changed his name legally.

 

In athletics, Jesky found his place. He didn’t have the money for his own glove and at first had to use a right-handed one, though he was left-handed. “As a birthday present,” he said, “Coach bought me a left-handed glove.”

 

That was his first coach, Wally Wescott, who runs an antique store in St. Paul and whom Jesky still sees from time to time. Jesky’s father, who had played soccer for the Polish national team and thought it was a scam that his son was playing for free, tried to forbid it.

 

“He said, ‘You no play no more.’”

 

A plan was hatched. Wescott would come to the house looking for Stan and chat with his dad at the front door while Jesky snuck out the back door and into Wescott’s car. Jesky’s father would say he didn’t know where his son was, so Wescott would drive away. “You back there?” he’d ask the backseat. And off they’d go.

 

Growing up fast

 

When Jesky was just 13 years old, his mother died of heart failure. Maria was 42, and left behind four sons and her husband. After that, Jesky left home to stay with friends, telling his father he would be “one less mouth to feed.”

 

The ensuing years were tumultuous for his father, who married and divorced a woman who was taking advantage of his earnings. The three younger boys ended up in foster care.

 

“My dad, bless his heart, had a tough time adjusting to America,” Jesky said. “He did everything with his wife. She was his world, and I knew that.”

 

Jesky tears up when he talks about his mother, who taught him to make Polish minestrone, which he still makes often to share with friends.

 

After she died, Jesky stayed with a friend named Gary Dryling, whose dad owned a Pure Oil station and car garage. Jesky worked there on Saturdays for eight hours a day and saved enough money to buy a ‘36 Chrysler.

 

“I wanted a car, but I wanted a convertible. Thirty-six Chryslers weren’t convertibles,” said Jesky. “So when I bought it, Gary and I took it to the garage one Sunday, took a blowtorch and cut the top off. We made it a convertible!”

 

From Playing to Coaching

 

Jesky worked various jobs in his youth including delivering newspapers and a gig sweeping hair at Lee’s Barbershop for 50 cents an hour. He always played sports, too: football, basketball and baseball. He was going to play hockey but his knees couldn’t take the cold, the result of a bout with polio meningitis that landed him in the hospital for 11 months.

 

In 1958, Jesky signed a baseball contract and was put in the Atlanta Braves’ minor league system. He quickly discovered that the South was not for him, as he hates heat. He was there during the race riots.

 

“You have a lot of black ball players on your team, and (restaurants) wouldn’t serve them; we brought them their food on the bus,” Jesky recalled. “I could take a whole day to tell you about those experiences.”

 

Jesky’s teaching and coaching career took him from the Twin Cities to Florence, Wisconsin, and eventually to Zeeland in 1988, where he landed the athletic director position from which he retired. During that time, he married, started a family, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership, divorced, and married his wife Yvonne, who teaches piano.

 

Four years ago, the couple took a trip to St. Paul, where Jesky was representing Kuyper College at a college athletics conference. He made plans to meet up with some friends at a restaurant while he was there. When they arrived, he was flabbergasted to find that the meet-up was actually an induction into the St. Paul Sports Hall of Fame.

 

Helping Today’s Immigrants

 

DeGennaro says one of many reasons Jesky works so well with the Lee players is that he’s been in their shoes, and he understands some of the culture shock they face.

 

“Many of our kids here come from immigrant parents or are immigrants themselves. It touches home. It doesn’t matter where you immigrated from. He beat the odds in so many ways, just like Lee kids do every day.”

 

Jesky said he keeps in touch with many of the players who’ve played for him through the years. If you figure in all the hours coaches devote, they probably aren’t making minimum wage, Jesky said. He insists he’s not in it for the money or the glory; he’s in it for the kids.

 

“I grew up having mentors like that,” he said.

 

DeGennaro said Stan Jesky’s mentorship doesn’t stop with the players: he’s a friend and mentor to the other coaches, as well. They’ve loved drawing from his wisdom and appreciate his ability to stay positive.

 

“He brings 52 years of experience of coaching football — the football knowledge is there. But what Stan brings along with that is people knowledge,” DeGennaro said. “The fact that he’s lived the life that he’s lived is fascinating to me. He’s beat the odds in so many different ways.”

 

Tri-unity falls to Morrice, 14-44, in 8-man football district finals

City of Wyoming, Education, Sports, WKTV Featured sports

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By Micah Cho

ken@wktv.org 

 

A heartbreaking 14-44 loss to Morrice at Grandville Middle School Saturday afternoon sent the Tri-unity High School Defenders home after the second round of the playoffs.

 

Throughout the first quarter it was mainly an offensive battle. Trailing in the first quarter, Tri-unity was able to claw back and tie the game 14-14. After the first quarter, however, it was a difficult battle to get back in the game after fumbles and interceptions plagued the Tri-unity offense.

 

“They were bigger, faster, and stronger than us,” Tri-unity head coach Tim Heath said to WKTV.

 

Being the first loss of the year, the Defenders couldn’t help but hold back tears as Heath addressed the now 10-1 team.

 

“We’re a tight knit group,” Heath said. “This isn’t a (big school). We don’t have 35 or 40 guys on our sideline. We have 13. It really is a family.”

 

For seniors Benson Heath, Brayden Ophoff, and Bennett Sinner, this was the last time they’ll suit up as Defenders on the football field. But Heath wouldn’t let the season end without acknowledging all they’ve done for the team.

 

“Brayden played great, Benson had a big catch, and Bennett had a little momentum going our way,” Heath said. “Our big players still made plays, they (Morrice) just made more.”

 

Although Saturday afternoon’s game came with an unfamiliar ending for the Defenders, they can find comfort in how they played. Tri-Unity’s 14 points were the most points Morrice allowed since a Sept. 14 game against Lawerence.

 

“We didn’t play bad,” said Heath. “They just played really good.”

 

Also around the Wyoming and Kentwood area, both South Christian’s and East Kentwood’s football teams fell to their opponents this weekend. Holland Christian beat South Christian, 22-19. Saline defeated East Kentwood, 42-7.

 

2019 Whitecaps season tickets now on sale

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events,

Courtesy West Michigan Whitecaps

By Mickey Graham, West Michigan Whitecaps

 

Season tickets and mini ticket plans for the 2019 West Michigan Whitecaps baseball season are now on sale!

 

The Whitecaps have several different season ticket packages available, starting as low as $67.50. These include a full-season 70-game plan, half-season, 10-game plans, a 5-game, Tigers Wednesdays plans and flexbooks. Season ticket holders receive special perks ranging from a free luxury suite, discounted hot dog/soda vouchers, discounted preferred parking plans, souvenir shop discounts, a ticket buy-back and exchange program, early entry into the ballpark, guaranteed giveaway items and more (not all perks are included in all ticket packages). For complete season ticket plan information including a list of perks for each plan, please visit www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

 

Box Office Manager Shaun Pynnonen said the 10-game plans and the Tigers Wednesdays plans are sure to be favorites.

 

“The Tigers Wednesdays plans are always popular. This year fans can choose from five or ten games. Those that purchase one will receive guaranteed giveaway items as well as hot dog/soda vouchers” Pynnonen said. “10-game plans will also be popular this year. These are for the more casual fans that value the great entertainment. They get a few games a month which works out great when planning summer schedules.”

 

Fans can purchase season tickets and mini plans online here or by calling the Whitecaps front office at (616) 784-4131. Current season ticket holders have until Friday, December 14 to renew their season ticket locations; after that new season ticket holder seat locations will be selected.

 

Tickets for groups of 20 or more, including private party areas, will go on sale on Friday, November 16. Individual game tickets will go on sale in early 2019.

East Kentwood narrowly tops Brighton, moves on to Saline for second-round playoff game

Area Education, City of Kentwood, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, WKTV Featured sports,

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By Micah Cho, WKTV Sports Intern

ken@wktv.org

 

East Kentwood, now 9-1, is traveling to Saline for the second round of the Division 1 state football playoffs with a narrow victory over Brighton last Saturday.

 

The Falcons were able to put 426 yards on the offensive stat sheet. A big contributor to the total yardage is senior wide receiver Stephan Bracey.

 

“We didn’t really click in the first half,” said Bracey. “We just thought about the bigger prize and executed the best we could.”

 

And clicked they did. With a juggled pass from quarterback Kyle Dent, Bracey ran for 81 yards in the second quarter which helped contribute to his 108 receiving yards for the game.

 

Trailing most of the first half, the Falcons were able to tie the game late in the second quarter, 28-28. That’s when East Kentwood head coach Anthony Kimbrough was able to readjust his game plan.

 

East Kentwood head coach Anthony Kimbrough. (WKTV)

“They showed us some things we hadn’t seen in the (defensive) secondary,” said Kimbrough of Brighton’s passing attack.

 

With Brighton trailing 31-28 with 20 seconds left on the clock, a 41-yard field goal from Brighton could have tied the game up and sent it into over time. But after three consecutive timeouts, Brighton missed a field goal that would have extended play.

 

“I was just praying that he missed,” said Kimbrough. “It was a great battle on both sides. You hate for someone to come out as a loser but were fortunate to move on. … But give Brighton credit. They’re a well-coached football team.”

 

However, at the end of the game, Kimbrough did have some tough love for his players. Falcon quarterback Dent threw for 188 yards. but with three interceptions, and Bracey was a total of -16 yards rushing.

 

“We can’t play the way we played today and beat Saline, we just can’t,” said Kimbrough. “We have to have our best. We have to play like the team we’ve been all year.”

 

MaxPreps, a CBS affiliated website dedicated to high school sports, has East Kentwood football ranked 7th in Michigan with Saline behind at 18th.

 

Just like Brighton, the Falcons have never faced Saline. With an unfamiliar opponent, anything can happen. But for now, Bracey and his teammates are thankful.

 

“We’re just truly blessed for what happened,” said Bracey.

 

East Kentwood will be on the road Saturday facing the Saline Hornets, a team that also went 8-1 in the regular season. Saline beat Kalamazoo Central last weekend.

 

You can check out the MaxPreps state rankings here.

 

Tri-unity rides arm, legs of senior QB to opening-round playoff win

City of Wyoming, Education, Sports

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By K.D.Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Tri-unity Christian High School’s undefeated and 2nd ranked 8-man football team survived some early and occasional defensive lapses to post a fairy easy, 50-20, win over Webberville at Grandville Middle School, Friday night, Oct. 26, in the Defenders’ opening-round state playoff game.

 

Tri-unity (10-0) will now move on to the state 8-man Division 1 regional finals, hosting No. 3 ranked Morrice, also now 10-0 after a 57-0 win over Genesee Friday, again at home and at Grandville Middle School, but this time during the day, with a 1 p.m. starting time on Saturday, Nov. 3.

 

After giving up an early big play touchdown to fall behind 6-0, the Defenders responded in the first quarter with a 15-yard touchdown run from senior quarterback Brayden Ophoff, a 20-yard scoring pass from Ophoff to senior Benson Heath, and a successful 2-point conversion pass from Ophoff to Colby Langeler to hold a 14-6 lead starting the second quarter.

 

Tri-unity then added two more touchdowns in the second — a 75-yard punt return by Nick Wedeven (a co-op player from Holland Calvary) and a 9-yard run from Benson Heath — combined with a successful 2-point extra point after the first score, to take a commanding 30-6 lead.

 

On every drive, it seemed, Defender quarterback Ophoff gained key yards, with his legs and his passing arm.

 

“I just try to do whatever I can to get the first down, get the yards we need to get,” Ophoff, who was 12-of-20 passing on the night, said to WKTV after the game. And he said he and the team was focused on answering every Webberville challenge. “I told them we just have to move on.”

 

Webbervile’s Spartans. who entered the game with a 4-5 record, tried to get back into the game with another big play in the second quarter, a 48-yard run, to close the game to 30-12. But Tri-unity answered the challenge quickly, on another TD pass from Ophoff to Heath, a 70-yard scoring run also by Heath with a following 2-point conversion, to take an all-but untouchable 44-12 lead into the half.

 

“We’ve got some explosive guys that can make big plays,” Defender head coach Tim Heath said to WKTV. “Brandon Ophoff had a couple big runs there. Benson Heath, Nick Wedeven … came up with some great ones. We have the firepower.”

 

The second half was all but anti-climatic as the Spartans ground out much of the 3rd quarter with a 75-yard drive, mostly on the ground, to close the score to 44-20. But the Defenders answered less than 3 minutes later, after a 50-yard run by Ophoff and a short TD pass from Ophoff to Bennett Sinner, to end the 3rd with a 50-20 lead.

 

Neither team scored in the 4th quarter.

 

Heath, after telling his team “to be proud of winning a high school playoff game” after the final horn sounded, reminded his players they need to play better to be beat a team like Morrice next week.

 

“The big plays (by Webberville) were uncharacteristic of us, there were some blown assignments that we don’t normally have,” Heath said. “Hats off to Webberville, they had some athletes that ran the ball hard. But big plays that we don’t normally give up — that I’m not very happy with … always looking to improve. … We have to play better” next week.

 

But, next week, playing at home will be an advantage.

 

“We are really happy that we get to play at home,” Ophoff said. “We’ve had to travel the last couple of years” early in the playoffs.

 

Four Wyoming, Kentwood teams preparing to make deep playoff runs

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Public Schools, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports, , ,

 

By Micah Cho, WKTV Sports Intern

ken@wktv.org

 

Four area teams are going to the playoffs this year, including Tri-unity Christian, South Christian, Godwin Heights and East Kentwood. Although the first round of the playoffs can be a door to something bigger, all four coaches are taking a “back-to-basics” approach this week.

 

“We’re just trying to keep things consistent,” Godwin Heights head coach Brandan Kimble, echoing his fellow coaches, said to WKTV.

 

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Kimble and his team are taking on the South Christian Sailors Friday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m., at East Kentwood High School. Godwin Heights finished the regular season 6-3, while Mark Tamminga’s South Christian Sailors gained the playoffs as an at-large team with a 5-4 record.

 

For Kimble, this week comes with excitement and uncertainty. The Wolverines started off the season 1-3, but as players became more comfortable with their coach and started buying into the system, Kimble says that’s when things started to take off. Now their hoping their kids can keep with the system a little longer.

 

“We’re just trying to keep things consistent,” said Kimble. “We’re just going to change a few things so they can understand the importance of the week, tweak some things and then add a little bit more intensity to practice.”

 

Curt Copeland, assistant coach and athletic director for South Christian, is trying to help head coach Mark Tamminga win their first playoff game since 2014, the year they won their last championship.

 

“We’re trying to retrain our kids and get them back to understanding what it takes to make a deep run and it starts with the first week of the playoffs,” said Copeland.

 

All you need to know about the Wolverines vs. Sailors matchup

 

Also at East Kentwood High School this weekend is East Kentwood’s opening round playoff game. The Falcons (8-1) will be hosting Brighton High School. Located towards Eastern Michigan, the Bulldogs went 7-2, with their only loses coming twice to Belleville.

 

East Kentwood won their final game last week against Rockford, giving them the OK-Red title. And head coach Anthony Kimbrough couldn’t be more excited for his kids.

 

“I coach because of them,” said Kimbrough. “I come out everyday seeing these kids wanting to get better. One of our goals was to be OK-Red champs, and beating Rockford Friday, for that to come true is tremendous for our program.”

 

In 8-man playoff action, head coach Tim Heath and his Tri-unity team have gone 9-0 this season, beating No. 2 ranked Colon in Week 9. They will be hosting Webberville at Grandville Middle School,m also Friday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. Colon finished their season 4-5, another at-large team sneaking into the playoffs.

 

Coach Heath doesn’t plan on changing anything in preparation of his Defenders. For his undefeated team, Heath’s mantra for this week is “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

 

“We don’t do anything different,” said Heath. “… The same preparation that goes into every game we’re taking into this game.”

 

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This week’s WKTV Featured Game and other sports events are cable broadcast either live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.

 

WKTV’s featured football games are rebroadcast on the night of the game (Thursday or Friday) at 11 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m. See WKTVjournal.org/sports for complete schedules.

What you need to know about Godwin Heights vs. S. Christian playoff game

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Entertainment, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,

 

By Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director

sports@wktv.org 

 

WKTV’s Featured Game this week is a Division 4 football playoff game at East Kentwood Friday at 7 p.m., with Godwin Heights (6-3 overall, 5-1 and 2nd place in O-K Silver) facing South Christian (5-4, 3-3 and 4th place O-K Gold).

 

This will be the pre-District game for Region 2 District 1 in Division 4.

 

Both teams earned the same number of playoff points, 57.667.  The victor will face the winner of Otsego (5-4, 49.111 points) against Holland Christian (6-3, 63.444 points), with the game being played at the team with the highest playoff points earned.

 

This will be the 13th meeting between these two schools with South Christian leading 8-4 overall, but it’s the first meeting since the fall of 1983 when both teams were in the O-K White. That was the last of those 12 consecutive games as conference opponents.

 

South Christian Notes

 

This is the 22nd time that South Christian has qualified for the playoffs, their 3rd consecutive, 7th in the last 8 years, and 17th of the last 20.

 

South started 2-0 this season but then only were 3-4 the rest of the season, highlighted by their Week 7 win when they defeated conference co-champ Grand Rapids Christian, 24-10, which was Christians only conference loss and one of only two on the season.

 

That game was the only win South had against an above .500 team.

 

Souths wins were by an average margin of just under 24 points a game while their defeats were by 5 to Wayland (4-5), 14 to Unity Christian (7-2), 13 to EGR (6-3 and conference co-champs with Christian), and 1 to Middleville (7-2); so their losses were by an average of just over 8 points a game.

 

They faced 4 teams that qualified for the playoffs and were 1-3 against them.

 

Their defense has given up just 154 points for an average of just over 17.11 points a game which will keep you in many games.

 

Their last playoff win was in the fall of 2014, which was their Division 4 State Championship (24-23 over Lansing Sexton). That also was their 3rd consecutive year being in the state championship game, having lost to Marine City in 2013, 49-35, and won in 2012, 40-7, over Detroit Country Day.

 

They also played for state championships in 2002, winning, 42-13, over Riverview; in 1999, losing to Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s, 34-13; in 1986 (Class B), losing to Marysville 38-15; and in 1984 (Class C) losing to Detroit DePorres, 38-26. Their overall playoff record is 40-18 (.690).

 

Godwin Heights Notes

 

Godwin Heights started 1-3 but closed on a 5-game winning streak highlighted by a Week 7 win against Belding (7-2), 25-21. That was their only win against a team with above .500 record.

 

Unlike last year, when Godwin was known for their offense after scoring 395 points on the season, this year’s team is known for its defense as they have only given up 155 points (17.2 average per game). That is the lowest total allowed since 1987 when they gave up just 84 points, so the game could be a low scoring battle led by the two defenses.

 

This is just the school’s 5th playoff appearance but is their 4th consecutive. However, they are still searching for their 1st playoff victory, having lost in 1989 to Muskegon Catholic Central (Class C), 46-20; in 2015 to Catholic Central (Division 4), 55-0; in 2016 also to Catholic Central, 43-0; and last year to Kelloggsville, 49-7.

 

Their only conference loss was to conference champ Hopkins 27-8, in Week 4.

 

Following that loss, they scored at least 23 points each game and a total of 143 for an average of just under 29 a game.

 

They played three games against playoff teams this season and were 1-2 against them (Unity Christian, Hopkins, and Belding).

 

One common opponent with South Christian was Unity Christian, which Godwin lost to 38-18 and South Christian lost to 28-14.

 

WKTV Note: Because of the MHSAA usually taking over Week 2 playoff broadcasts, this will be the final WKTV football coverage of the season. But should local teams still be alive, we will be producing online/print stories. Stay tuned.

 

WKTV adds local football playoff game to high school sports schedule

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, WKTV Featured sports

East Kentwood High School’s football field is known for its loud a crowds, and there will be two playoff games on the field this weekend. (WKTV file)

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org 

 

The regular season of football completed its schedule the weekend of Oct. 19-20 and, with the playoff match-ups announced, WKTV has added the Godwin Heights High School vs. South Christian Division 4 game scheduled for Friday, Oct. 26, at East Kentwood High School’s field, to our featured game coverage plans.

 

The Wolverines will come into the “road game” at 6-3 after closing out the season with a win Friday, and the Sailors will come into their “home game” at 5-4 after earning an at-large bid after their season-ending win. The game will begin at 7 p.m.

 

Other Pre-District games kicking off the playoff opening weekend include East Kentwood (8-1) will host Brighton (7-2) in Division 1 action on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 1 p.m. Also, in 8-man Division 1 playoff action, Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (9-0) will host Webberville (4-5) at Grandville Middle School on Friday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m.

 

All games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and features on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

 

Following is the end of this week’s schedule:

 

Tuesday, Oct 23

Boys Soccer

TBD at FH Central – MHSAA Regionals Division 1

TBD at Portage Northern – MHSAA Regionals Division 4

Girls Volleyball

Zion Christian @ Godwin Heights

Zion Christian @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K

Cross Roads Charter @ Tri-Unity Christian

FH Eastern @ South Christian

 

Wednesday, Oct. 24

Boys Soccer

TBD at Otsego – MHSAA Regionals Division 3

Girls Volleyball

East Kentwood @ Grandville

 

Thursday, Oct. 25

Boys Soccer

TBD at FH Central – MHSAA Regionals Division 1

TBD at Portage Northern – MHSAA Regionals Division 4

Girls Volleyball

Kelloggsville @ Tri-Unity Christian

Ravenna @ Tri-Unity Christian

South Christian @ Wyoming

Algoma Christian @ Wyoming Lee

 

Friday, Oct. 26

Boys Water Polo

TBD – State Regionals

Boys Football – MHSAA Pre-Districts

Godwin Heights vs. South Christian, Division 4 game, at East Kentwood High School’s field, at 7 p.m. — WKTV Featured Game of the Week

Also, in 8-man Division 1 playoff action, Webberville at Wyoming Tri-unity Christian, at Grandville Middle School, 8-man Division 1, at 7 p.m.

 

Saturday, Oct. 27

Boys Soccer

TBD at Otsego – MHSAA Regionals Division 3

Boys/Girls Cross Country

Wyoming at Allendale – MHSAA Regionals Division 1

East Kentwood at Portage Central – MHSAA Regionals Division 1

West Michigan Aviation at Allendale – MHSAA Regionals Division 2

Grand River Prep at Allendale – MHSAA Regionals Division 2

Godwin Heights at Allendale – MHSAA Regionals Division 2

Kelloggsville at Allendale – MHSAA Regionals Division 2

South Christian at Portage Central – MHSAA Regionals Division 2

Wyoming Lee at Allendale – MHSAA Regionals Division 3

Tri-Unity Christian at Allendale – MHSAA Regionals Division 4

Boys Water Polo

TBD – State Regionals

Boys Football – MHSAA Pre-Districts

Brighton at East Kentwood, Division 1 game, at 1 p.m.

 

Monday, Oct. 29

Girls Volleyball

South Christian vs West Michigan Aviation @ Godwin Heights – MHSAA Districts

Christian vs Grand River Prep @ Godwin Heights – MHSAA Districts

 

Tuesday, Oct. 30

Girls Volleyball

TBD @ East Kentwood – MHSAA Districts

 

Wednesday, Oct. 31 — Halloween

Boys Soccer

TBD at Holt – MHSAA Semifinals Division 1

TBD at Cedar Springs – MHSAA Semifinals Division 3

TBD at Holland – MHSAA Semifinals Division 4

Girls Volleyball

Kelloggsville vs TBD @ Godwin Heights – MHSAA Districts

TBD @ Godwin Heights – MHSAA Districts