Difficult weather conditions couldn’t slow down the Godwin Heights Wolverines as they jumped out a big first half lead Friday at home against the Lee Rebels and then made their way to a fourth straight playoff appearance.
A season that started out rough for the Wolverines, at 1-3, ended with a 6-3 record, and excited seniors and an even more excited coach.
“We’re just excited that we could close out the game, close out our season and get us into the playoffs,” said head coach Brandan Kimble, who will be entering his first post season as a head coach against the South Christian Sailors on Friday. “We started a tough season with our transition. It took a little fortitude for our kids to stick to it. We started 1-3 and we told the kids that if we just finally believe and trust in the system it’ll start to work.”
Defeating Wyoming Lee, 33-6, Kimble used the situation to teach his players a valuable lesson that goes beyond football.
“In the first half we were executing on all cylinders, we were really good,” Kimble said after his team jumped to a big first half lead. “But we really respect the Lee staff … (and) in high school football you can be in the same situation. We didn’t want to win (big) just to say that we did. We brought some freshmen up and some JV players up, so … (decided) to use the second half to get those kids some experience.”
In a game that was dominated by the Wolverines offense, defense was also a key factor in the playoff clinching game. Terrence Moore had the first interception of the first half returning it for a touchdown, while Deamontae Clark had another interception during the next Wyoming Lee possession.
“Hearing the kids scream right now is just a good feeling, especially in my first season as head coach,” Kimble said on the field after the game.
Also at the game was HQ, an organization dedicated to helping at-risk youths. Attendees who donated items to the organization were admitted into the game for free. (WKTV/Micah Cho)
Also at the game was HQ, an organization dedicated to helping at-risk youths. Attendees who donated items to the organization were admitted into the game for free. For more information on HQ, please visit www.hqgr.org.
Godwin Heights is set to play their first playoff game against South Christian at East Kentwood High School at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26, which will be the WKTV featured game of the week.
This week’s WKTV Featured Game (which on Oct. 19 was East Kentwood’s home win against Rockford) 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.
After starting off the season with a rocky 1-3 record, Godwin Heights high school’s football team has been on a 4-game win streak bringing the Wolverines to the brink of an playoffs. And the team shows no indication of slowing down anytime soon.
The Wolverines look to may make Friday night’s game against Wyoming Lee their sixth win of the season locking them into the playoffs.
This week’s game against Wyoming Lee is big for first-year head coach Brandon Kimble and his team, as a win against the Rebels will return Godwin Heights to the playoffs. Although Lee is sitting at a rough 1-8 on the season, Kimble isn’t taking Friday night’s game lightly.
“These kids want to finish their season strong just like how we want to finish our season,” Kimble said to WKTV this week. “We did some good things to get us to this point, but what a way to ruin everything you’ve done than to overlook an opponent.”
Deamonte Clark, a senior running back and cornerback, isn’t taking this week lightly either. Clark says he knows that childhood best friend and Lee wide receiver/safety Nalin Mena and his team will be putting up a fight in their final battle of the season.
“You can’t take anyone lightly,” Clark said. “… Nalin Mena is going to give it all he’s got, so we have to give it all we got.”
Godwin Heights lost their first two games of the season, events that may have worried the Godwin faithful. But after turning their season around in just four weeks, Kimble is proud of his teams successful season.
“For me, it’s a really exciting time, if I’m being honest,” Kimble said. “… It’s my first year and I’m the head coach. You want to do things right and you want to make sure you take the program in the right way and continue it in the (team’s) trajectory that it was going, so getting into the playoffs would solidify that.”
WKTV coverage plans for Friday, Oct. 19
The WKTV sports truck can not be at two places at once, but we are planning to come close. WKTV will have sports crews out at both the Rockford at East Kentwood game, and the Lee at Godwin Heights game, on Friday, Oct. 19.
The East Kentwood game will be rebroadcast in its entirety on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99 on the night of the game (Friday) at 11 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m.
Highlights of the game at Godwin Heights will be up on WKTV’s YouTube channel early next week. Check it out at WKTVvideos on YouTube.
WKTV will also be doing Facebook Live reports from both games. Check them out at WKTV.org on Facebook.
Wyoming Lee and Godwin Heights High Schools not only share spots in the current OK Silver conference but have a long history of friendly competition on the football field as cross-town rivals.
So when the Rebels invade Wolverine territory this week, it will be for bragging rights among friends in some cases, such as between Lee senior Nalin Mena and Godwin senior Deamonte Clark.
Clark, a running back and cornerback, is childhood friends with Mena, a team captain, receiver and safety. And Clark knows Mena and his Rebel teammates will show up despite Godwin (5-3) playing for a playoff spot while Lee (1-7) is playing to end the season on high note.
“Nalin Mena is going to give it all he’s got, so we have to give it all we got,” Clark told WKTV this week. (See WKTV’s story and video on Godwin Heights here.)
Lee’s coach Tom DeGennaro, looking at his key seniors who will be playing their last game this week, could not agree with Clark more.
Mena “is the emotional leader, the best player on the team — leads the team in tackles, interceptions, receiving yardage,” DeGennaro told WKTV. “Type of kid you wish you had 11 of them to play for you.
“He is willing to do anything for his teammates, and has been on the varsity for all four years. Don’t judge him by his size, (5-foot-7, 140 pounds), he is a big time player. (And he is) better then 3.0 in the classroom.”
DeGennaro also praised three other seniors: Ruben Blanco, a tight end and defensive end; Eddie Carter-Cook, a offensive and defensive tackle; and Alan Jimenez, an offensive and defensive guard.
Blanco (6-1 and 260, and also better than 3.0 in the classroom) is a captain and 4-year year starter who was all-conference his freshman year. He played offensive tackle his first three years and switched to tight end this year.
“He has caught at least one pass in every game,” DeGennaro said. “The last two years we had zero receptions by our tight ends. He is a big time blocker and a force on defense. He will be playing somewhere next year on Saturdays.”
Carter-Cook (6-4 and 285, also better than 3.0) is a captain who transferred from Arizona his sophomore year and never played football before.
“He is a great run blocker, a big force on the offensive line,” DeGennaro said. “When he and Alan or Ruben double team somebody they stay blocked. (He) could be playing next year on Saturdays.”
Jimenez (5-10 and 225, also better than 3.0) is a 4-year starter who has committed to the United States Marine Corps next year.
“He is an awesome football player who also wrestles and throws shot put,” DeGennaro said. “He is a very quiet kid who leads by example.”
Other seniors on the Lee team include running back/defensive back Carlos Savala, full back/linebacker Alfredo Corbera and full back/linebacker Joe Broca.
WKTV coverage plans for Friday, Oct. 19
The WKTV sports truck can not be at two places at once, but we are planning to come close. WKTV will have sports crews out at both the Rockford at East Kentwood game, and the Lee at Godwin Heights game, on Friday, Oct. 19.
The East Kentwood game will be rebroadcast in its entirety on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99 on the night of the game (Friday) at 11 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m.
Highlights of the game at Godwin Heights will be up on WKTV’s YouTube channel early next week. Check it out at WKTVvideos on YouTube.
WKTV will also be doing Facebook Live reports from both games. Check them out at WKTV.org on Facebook.
The Merrell team will be out and about on local urban and traditional trails this Saturday, Oct. 20 with the goal of surprising Grand Rapids residents along the way. As part of their “Merrell Magic” campaign that’s been happening across the nation this year, hikers that come across the Merrell crew at parks and trails including, but not limited to, Ada Seidman and Fallsburg, will be delighted to receive items such as swag, gift cards and more.
Merrell believes in the profound power of the trail and is looking forward to celebrating the fall trails in their own backyard here in greater Grand Rapids.
Coinciding with the Merrell team dispersing around the city and surrounding areas to spread “Merrell Magic” on the trails, the brand has also teamed up with Liz Thomas, the queen of urban thru-hiking, to hike West Michigan’s “Ale Trail” starting Wednesday, Oct. 17 in Cedar Springs (North Country Trail) and ending Saturday, Oct. 20 in downtown Grand Rapids.
Liz’s four-day urban hike will make stops at 25 breweries in and around Grand Rapids and showcase that hiking can be done in an urban setting with the added experience of exploring the local beer scene.
Liz Thomas’ Urban Thru Hike Schedule:
Wednesday, October 17 (14 miles, 3 Breweries)
Start: Cedar Springs Brewing; End: Comstock Park
Breweries: Cedar Springs Brewing Company (11 a.m.), Rockford Brewing Company (2 p.m.), Bier Distillery (4:30 p.m.)
Thursday, October 18 (24 miles, 9 Breweries)
Start: Comstock Park; End: East Grand Rapids
Breweries: Perrin (11 a.m.), Hideout (1:30 p.m.), Creston (3:40 p.m.), The Bob (5 p.m.), Fountain Hill (5:45 p.m.), ELK Brewing (6:45 p.m.), Brewery Vivant (7:30 p.m.), East West (9 p.m.), Harmony (9:40 p.m.)
Friday, October 19 (21 miles, 4 breweries)
Start: East Grand Rapids; End: Grand Rapids near Brass Ring
Breweries: Thornapple (11 a.m.), Schmolz (12:30 p.m.), Jaden James (2:30 p.m.), Brass Ring (5:45 p.m.)
Saturday, October 20th Team Merrell Magic Day (13 miles (2.5 miles to Outside Coffee Co.), 9 breweries)
Breweries: Grand Rapids Brewing Co. (10am), HopCat (10:30am), Founders (11:25 p.m.), Atwater (1:20 p.m.), City Built (2:30 p.m.), Greyline (3:20 p.m.), The Mitten (4:10 p.m.), Jolly Pumpkin (5:10 p.m.), New Holland Knickerbocker (5:40 p.m.). Times may vary based on the Michigan-Michigan State game.
HQ is a drop-in center for youth ages 14 to 24 who are experiencing housing crisis. (Supplied/HQ)
By Godwin Heights Football and HQ
As a special feature of Friday night’s football game at Godwin Heights High School, the Night to End Youth Homelessness, Godwin Heights will admit attendees to the game for a donation of vital items for youth facing housing crisis.
On Oct. 19, when Godwin Heights host Lee, the two teams will be facing off with more than football on their mind. They will also be supporting local youth who are struggling to find safe and stable housing.
Staff and students at Godwin Heights saw that there are youth in Wyoming, and across Kent County, that are struggling with safe and stable housing, including at their own school. This is an opportunity for the team and the community to step up and make a difference.
You can gain entry to the game with a donation of any of the following items: liquid body soap, natural/urban hair products, deodorant, boxes of cereal, men’s and women’s underwear, packages of socks, white undershirts, toothpaste/toothbrush, winter hats, gloves/mittens, scarves.
“At Godwin Heights Public Schools, we have a number of students and families currently experiencing homelessness. We are excited about the opportunity to partner with HQ to help raise awareness and bring additional resources to this community issue,” according to a spokesperson for the school.
Godwin Heights High School currently has over 650 students and strives to build a legacy by building strong relationships with parents, students, staff and community partners.
HQ is a drop-in center for youth ages 14 to 24 who are experiencing housing crisis — staying in a shelter, a car, a tent, with friends or in a home environment that no longer feels safe. For each of these youth, access to resources, safety, and support from caring adults is no longer a given. This is where HQ comes in.
HQ exists to help young people find a place to rest, build connections, and receive support through relationship and professional skill building. We are a transformative space where everyone is welcome and diversity is celebrated. Youth are the experts of their own lives, and are encouraged and supported, with no strings attached, as they realize and achieve their goals and dreams.
Disc golf is big in West Michigan and is now on WKTV cable television. (U.S. Air Force photo)
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood is hosting two events in November to say farewell to fall and kick off the holidays: Fall Fling at Old Farm Park, a disc golf tournament, on Saturday, Nov. 10, and an Ugly Sweater Cross County 5K run on Saturday, Nov. 17.
Community disc golfers of all levels are invited to join in the Fall Fling at Old Farm Park (2350 Embro Dr. SE), a doubles disc golf tournament and food drive. On-site registration begins at 9 a.m. The first round of the tournament starts at 10 a.m. The cost to pre-register online is $40, along with one canned food donation per team.
Proceeds raised will go towards the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund, which allows recipients to receive up to 50 percent off of one program per season. Food donations will go to Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, where area residents are encouraged to take or donate food and household supplies for community members in need.
“We had a great turnout for the first disc golf tournament we held last February, called, Freeze Fest. Participants from that event expressed an interest in doing another, and we were happy to oblige,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “In addition to being a fun way to soak up fall weather before winter comes, the Fall Fling is for a good cause.”
The Freeze Fest disc golf event held last February included over 120 participants. In addition to restocking Little Free Pantry with canned goods, the event raised nearly $2,300 for the Youth Scholarship Fund and an additional $235 for the pantry.
The Ugly Sweater 5K run will feature a route that showcases two Kentwood parks and a portion of the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail. Check-in, on-site registration and packet pick-up will all take place at 10:30 a.m. the morning of the race at East Paris Nature Park, located at 5995 East Paris Ave. SE. The race will begin at noon.
“We’re looking forward to seeing people flaunt their best ugly sweaters on the cross-country course” said Romeo. “The race route will allow runners to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery and weather. Most of the course will be on a paved path that weaves through two of our 14 parks.”
While the 5K is intended to be a fun run, volunteers will be timing participants. Results will be online after the event is complete. Water stations and medical aid services along the course.
Registration costs $25 until Oct. 31, after which the price will increase to $30. Proceeds from the race will also support the Youth Scholarship Fund. Individuals interested in racing can register online.
The regular season of football completes its schedule the weekend of Oct. 19-20 and opens its playoffs the following weekend. WKTV will be at Godwin Heights as the Wolverines seek their sixth win of the season and a guaranteed spot in the playoffs.
The playoff schedules will be announced on Sunday, Oct. 21 with Pre-District games kicking off the following weekend. We plan to cover a local team in the first round of the playoffs if possible.
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:
Monday, Oct. 15
Boys Soccer
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee – MHSAA Districts
Grand River Prep @ Covenant Christian – MHSAA Districts
Kelloggsville @ South Christian – MHSAA Districts
East Kentwood @ Kalamazoo Central – MHSAA Districts
Grand Ledge @ Wyoming – MHSAA Districts
Girls Volleyball
West Michigan Aviation @ Barry County Christian
Tuesday, Oct. 16
Boys Soccer
Potter’s House @ Calvin Christian – MHSAA Districts
Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian – MHSAA Districts
TBD at South Christian – MHSAA Districts
Boys/Girls Cross Country
Wyoming @ Christian
South Christian @ Christian
Girls Swimming
South Christian @ Ottawa Hills
Girls Volleyball
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Potter’s House @ West Michigan Aviation
Holland Calvary @ Grand River Prep
Zion Christian @ Fruitport Calvary Christian
Wednesday, Oct. 17
Boys Soccer
TBD at Caledonia – MHSAA Districts Division 1
Boys/Girls Cross Country
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian
Thursday, Oct. 18
Boys Soccer
TBD at South Christian – MHSAA Districts Division 3
TBD at Calvin Christian – MHSAA Districts Division 4
Girls Volleyball
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Christian @ Wyoming – Dig Pink Game
Boys/Girls Cross Country
East Kentwood at Riverside Park
Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Calvary
Girls Swimming
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
South Christian @ Wayland
Friday, Oct. 19
Boys/Girls Cross Country
Godwin Heights vs TBA at Downtown GR YMCA
Boys Football
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights — WKTV Featured Game
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
Rockford @ East Kentwood
East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming
Tri-Unity Christian @ Colon
South Christian vs FH Eastern at East Grand Rapids
Calvin Christian/Potter’s House at Belding
Boys Soccer
TBD at Midland – MHSAA Finals Division 1
TBD @ Hope College – MHSAA Finals Division 2
TBD @ Kalamazoo College – MHSAA Finals Division 4
Girls Golf
TBD @ Battle Creek Bedford Valley – MHSAA Finals Division 1
After clinching a playoff spot against Holland last week, the East Kentwood Falcons are going for their next goal: OK Red champs.
Hosting Hudsonville (5-2 overall, 3-1 in conference) this week, East Kentwood (6-1, 4-0) can secure at least a share of the title this week with a win. Combined with a win next week, in the final game of the regular season, also at home against Rockford (4-3, 3-1), the Falcons would claim the title outright.
Falcons Head Coach Anthony Kimbrough. (WKTV)
Both Falcons head coach Tony Kimbrough and his players know there is still a lot to play for in the final two games — as T’Shone Cutts, a senior middle linebacker for the Falcons, said “they are lasered in” for the rest of this season.
Unlike recent years, when the team struggled at times, Kimbrough, in his fourth year as head coach of the Falcons told the WKTV journal what changed in a early-season interview.
“We just got back to basics,” coach Kimbrough said. “The kids are playing good some really good fundamental and assignment football.”
Stephan Bracey, senior wide receiver for East Kentwood. (WKTV)
Stephan Bracey, a Western Michigan University football commit and senior wide receiver, also expressed high hopes for his team.
“We want to go all the way to Ford Field and get the dub there,” Bracey said, referring to a “W,” a win. “So, state champs is our goal.”
Cutts, one of Kimbrough’s defensive weapons, is confident in the defense he is one of the leaders on, despite the rocky start they had in the beginning of the season.
T’Shone Cutts, senior middle linebacker for East Kentwood. (WKTV)
“Our defense is looking good,” Cutts said. “We’re staying focused. We can’t allow teams to score the way they were in the beginning of the season.”
After giving up 30 points to Grandville in Week 5, East Kentwood has only given up 12 points in their last two games.
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.
October brings trick or treats on Halloween but also the close out of some of the fall sports seasons.
WKTV’s Mike Moll.
The regular season of football completes its schedule the weekend of Oct. 19-20 and opens its playoffs the following weekend. Girls golf will hold its regional tournaments Oct. 10-11, with qualifiers for state finals that will be held the weekend of Oct. 19-20 to headline the sports tournaments but there are plenty of others.
Be sure to check the complete sports schedule each week to see when and where your favorite teams and sports are playing.
The featured WKTV games will continue during the regular season of football and if there are any of our local teams that qualify for the playoffs, depending on when and where those games are played we might be covering them as well. The playoff schedules will be announced on Sunday, Oct. 21 with Pre-District games kicking off the following weekend.
The remaining featured football broadcast schedule is:
Friday, Oct. 12 — Hudsonville at East Kentwood
Friday, Oct. 19 — Wyoming Lee at Godwin Heights
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. 9
Boys Soccer
Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights
Kelloggsville @ Potter’s House
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Calvary
FH Eastern @ South Christian
Zion Christian @ Wellsprings Prep
Boys/Girls Cross Country
Wyoming @ Saranac
Girls Volleyball
Wyoming @ Forest Hills Eastern
Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Calvary
South Christian @ Christian
Potter’s House @ Kalamazoo Heritage
Grand River Prep @ West Michigan Aviation
Zion Christian @ Wellsprings Prep
Wednesday, Oct. 10
Boys/Girls Cross Country
Godwin Heights @ Belding
Kelloggsville @ Belding
Wyoming Lee @ Belding
Girls Volleyball
Godwin Heights @ West Michigan Aviation
Boys Water Polo
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Boys Soccer
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Girls Golf
South Christian at Unity Christian – MHSAA Regionals Division 3
Thursday, Oct. 11
Boys Soccer
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
South Christian @ Wyoming
Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Black River
Wellsprings Prep @ Potter’s House
Fruitport Calvary @ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Aviation @ Zion Christian
Girls Volleyball
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
Union @ Kelloggsville
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Wyoming @ Wayland
Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Black River
South Christian @ East Grand Rapids
Wellsprings Prep @ Potter’s House
Fruitport Calvary @ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Aviation @ Zion Christian
NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Boys Tennis
Wyoming at Mattawan – MHSAA Regionals Division 2
Kelloggsville @ South Christian – MHSAA Regionals Division 4
Girls Golf
East Kentwood at GVSU – MHSAA Regionals Division 1
Girls Swimming
Rockford @ East Kentwood
South Christian @ West Catholic
Friday, Oct. 12
Boys Football
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
Kelloggsville @ Belding
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Tri-Unity Christian @ Bellaire
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Potters House/Calvin Christian @ Manistee
Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee
Boys Tennis
East Kentwood at Hudsonville – MHSAA Regionals Division 1
Saturday, Oct. 13
Girls Volleyball
Potter’s House @ Godwin Heights – Pink Out Tournament
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights – Pink Out Tournament
FH Central @ East Kentwood – EK Invitational
Tri-Unity Christian @ Kalamazoo – The Point
South Christian @ Troy
Boys Water Polo
TBA @ East Kentwood – EK Invitational
Boys/Girls Cross Country
East Kentwood @ Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Christian
Monday, Oct. 15
Boys Soccer
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee – MHSAA Districts
Grand River Prep @ Covenant Christian – MHSAA Districts
Kelloggsville @ South Christian – MHSAA Districts
East Kentwood @ Kalamazoo Central – MHSAA Districts
It’s now or never for the Kelloggsville football team.
Rockets Head Coach Don Galster. (WKTV)
Veteran head coach Don Galster knows his Rockets need a win Friday night against NorthPointe Christian keep alive realistic hopes of his team getting to the playoffs for the third year in a row. But a disappointing loss to Godwin Heights last week isn’t going to stop these Rockets from taking off.
Kelloggsville is now 3-3 overall and 2-1 in the OK Silver conference. Last season, the Rockets defeated NorthPointe, 36-21, as part of a 9-0 regular season.
Galster told the WKTV Journal how important these next few weeks leading up to the playoffs are.
“Our destiny is in our hands and we just have to rise to the occasion,” Galster said prior to the Godwin Heights game.
That point is also clear to a couple of key senior players for Kelloggsville as well.
Desmond Simmons, Kelloggsville football player. (WKTV)
For Desmond Simmons, a senior middle linebacker for the Rockets, these next few weeks will be the last time he plays football at the high school level. Hoping for the post-season, Simmons takes pride in how he and the rest of the defense has been playing.
“I think we’re looking pretty solid,” Simmons said. “We always try to go hard at practice even if it’s hot, cold, or we’re tired. We always try to go hard and hit somebody.”
This will be senior wingback Jaevion Willis’ last year as a high school football player as well.
Jaevion Willis, Kelloggsville player. (WKTV)
“We’re taking this week one step at a time,” said Willis. “We’re trying to get better and better every day. We’re looking forward to trying to step up and make the run and make back-to-back conference champs”.
Because this is their last season with the Rockets, both Simmons and Willis reflected on their time with coach Galster.
“It means a lot,” Simmons said. “It feels real good to be coached by him and have somebody that knows what their doing.”
“It’s very exciting, playing for coach Galster,” Willis said. “Or ‘The Goat’ as we call him.”
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.
Two teams are fighting for playoff spots this week as the Kelloggsville Rockets host the Godwin Heights Wolverines. Godwin Heights needs four more games in their win category to automatically qualify for playoffs; a feat rookie head coach Brandon Kimble says isn’t out of reach.
“Getting in the post-season was one of our goals, so it’s now or never for us now,” Coach Kimble told the WKTV Journal.
Godwin Heights coach Brandon Kimble, talking at practice this week. (WKTV)
The WKTV Journal caught up with Coach Kimble earlier this year to talk about his new job as head coach of the Wolverines. During the discussion, Kimble said “defense wins championships, but offense fills the stands.” And both sides of the ball have been performing up to Kimble’s standards.
“Our defense has been playing stellar all year. Every game we’ve been in, we’ve been in because of the defense,” Coach Kimble said this week. “And our offense has actually been playing really good, we’ve just been turning the ball over.”
This will be Kimble’s first game against Kelloggsville. His counterpart, coach Don Galster of Kelloggsville, has been with his team for 29 seasons. However, Galster says don’t be fooled by his younger opponent.
“It’ll be a tough game,” Galster said. “It doesn’t matter what the records are when we play Godwin. This will be my 29th Godwin game. They’ll be ready to go, but we’ll also be ready to go.”
Kimble gave mutual respect to Galster regarding the coaches tenureship at Kelloggsville.
“With Kellogsville, the coach has been there a long time. He know’s the conference and other teams very well,” Kimble said. “We expect to see a team that’s aggressive, a team that’s going to fly around, a team that’s going to be competitive.”
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.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
The Rockets getting ready for a key game this week when Godwin Heights comes to town. (WKTV)
By Micah Cho, WKTV Sports Intern
ken@wktv.org
With games running out on the 2018 football season, OK-Silver conference rivals Kelloggsville and Godwin Heights have a common goal: getting to the playoffs. Riding a two-game winning streak, if Kelloggsville can keep the wins coming, they’ll be in good shape for the post season.
With four games remaining, and six wins needed to be guaranteed a spot in the postseason. Kelloggsville’s 3-2 record (2-0 in conference) gives them a little bit of wiggle room. But Rockets Head Coach Don Galster understands the pressure that is on him and his team, he just doesn’t let that pressure get to him, however.
Rockets Head Coach Don Galster. (WKTV)
“We’re going to be competitive these last four weeks,” Coach Galster told the WKTV Journal. “I really wouldn’t want it any other way. We hold our destiny in our hands and we just have to rise to the occasion.”
Galster’s Rockets are not without their hardships. Although they’ve had an almost dominant last two games, it was difficult getting to a place where the team feels comfortable together, he said.
“We lost a strong senior class, so we’re really young in some spots,” Coach Galster said. “We’re starting to put it together. We feel good where we are now.”
And Coach probably knows when a team is “putting it together” — he has been the head coach of Kelloggsville for 29 seasons.
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.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
The East Kentwood Falcons take on the Grandville this week in WKTV’s featured game of the week as the Bulldogs (2-2) will be traveling and facing a streaking Falcon team as well as a fired-up East Kentwood homecoming crowd.
East Kentwood High School is known for its loud and engaged Homecoming crowds. (WKTV file)
“Anytime you have homecoming, you’re going to have a big crowd,” said head coach Anthony Kimbrough of what is waiting his 3-1 East Kentwood squad. “It’s an exciting week leading up to the game. As a coach, it’s kind of a hectic week for me, but the kids seem to handle it well.
Coach Kimbrough says the secret to his team’s success, and now 3-game winning streak, is simple — the players are responding well to the fundamental system he has implemented.
“We just got back to basics,” said Kimbrough. “The kids are playing some really good fundamental and assignment football. Just doing everything right in the key moments of the game.”
Falcons Head Coach Anthony Kimbrough. (WKTV)
East Kentwood is coming off of a blow-out win against West Ottawa, a team that was down 35 points at halftime to the Falcons. The only loss East Kentwood has had to endure this season was a season-opener loss to an undefeated Mona Shores team, falling only 10 points short.
Grandville, however, has won the last three times these teams have met, beating East Kentwood 28-14 last year. Kimbrough expects to see the same competitive Grandville team as last year. East Kentwood comes in at 2-0 in OK-Gold standings, but Grandville is 1-0.
“They’re a physical and tough team that believes in their system and runs their system really well. They’re well coached and they play hard. So we’re in for a battle Friday night.”
These 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.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
South Christian High School’s football team has started the season playing well, standing at 2-1 following a tough loss to a good Wayland team last week. But as the Sailors take on the visiting Wyoming Wolves in Week 4 of the season Friday night, head coach Mark Tamminga is looking at the long game — the South Christian tradition of success.
The WKTV Journal caught up with Tamminga at a practice this week, and he talked about this week’s game, the team’s hopes of going back to the again playoffs this year, and why Tamminga thinks that he may have another team to continue South Christian’s tradition of winning football teams.
South Christian High School football head coach Mark Tamminga. (WKTV)
“We’re playing for all of those players who played before us and all of the great teams,” Tamminga said. “ We want to be remembered as one of those great teams and I think these kids are taking that to heart.”
After a Week 3 loss against Wayland, Tamminga looked at it as a learning experience.
“We stumbled a little against Wayland last week, but Wetland’s a great team. They have the size and they’re physical,” Tamminga said about the Wildcats.
This week, Tamminga knows Wyoming has strong and powerful athletes, and the Wolves will be looking to topple the Sailors this week at East Kentwood High School. However, he believes his Sailors are evenly matched.
“I think they have the size up front, but we’re big upfront too. So if we can win in the trenches, I think that we’ll be okay,” Tamminga said.
These 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.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
After opening the season with three 2017 playoff teams, Wyoming High School is looking to come out of Week 4 strong with a win over another playoff team, South Christian, this week. Both teams are coming off of Week 3 losses.
Wyoming (0-1 in OK-Gold/ and 1-2 overall) was able to capitalize two weeks ago with a win against Comstock Park, a team that went 7-4 with a playoff run last year.
Wyoming High School football coach Irvin Sigler. (WKTV)
“We came out of the gate with four playoff teams and so we have to be at that caliber of football right from the very beginning.” Coach Irvin Sigler said when WKTV visited the Wolves practice field this week. “The thing we did best against Comstock Park is how we started. We started fast, played really hard, and we were able to hold onto a win.”
Sigler has nothing positive things to say about his season so far. The Wolves had a well-synched defense in the first game against Holland and a well-played game on both sides of the ball in the second game against Comstock Park — both of which has shown what the Wolves are capable of.
“It’s really kind of finding our rhythm and make sure we’re doing things the way that we’re coached to do them,” he said. “We talk a lot to our kids about attitude and effort with those being the only things we can control.”
With the Wolves preparing for Friday nights game, it’s important to remember that Wyoming is a rebuilding program, with Sigler in his second year at the school. A win against South Christian Friday night could establish the Wolves as a team to watch this season.
“Well, they’re a playoff team, they’ve got a great tradition and they have a great coaching staff,” he said about the Sailors. “Their players have grown up believing in what they do, so it’s a great tradition (and) program and the kids always play very hard and do what they’re supposed to do, so we’re gonna have to do that and do it better if we want to win this game.”
These 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.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
Wyoming Lee football team at practice this week. (WKTV)
By Micah Cho, WKTV Sports Intern
ken@wktv.org
Wyoming Lee has something to prove this week against NorthPointe Christian, a solid team that finished last season with a 6-4 record. With a Rebel win this week, Coach Tom DeGennaro and his squad could be a team to look out for this season.
Lee could go 2-1, if their offense can protect the quarterback, an issue DeGennaro thinks won’t be a problem.
Wyoming Lee Coach Tom DeGennaro. (WKTV)
“Our offensive-line, especially on the right side, is really big and strong,” DeGennaro said to WKTV this week. “And they’re pretty seasoned. That would be the strength of this team.”
Despite their record in seasons past, DeGennaro is confident in his rebuilding Rebels.
Winning only one game in 2016, DeGennaro was able to bring his team to a 3-6 overall record in 2017. When asked what changed, DeGennaro said it wasn’t him.
“It’s just the kids buying into the system, working out in the weight room and committing themselves to being here every day” DeGennaro said. “It has nothing to do with coaching. All of the success goes to the kids.”
NorthPointe finished strong last season. And with a competitive team like the Mustangs, DeGennaro thinks that Friday night’s game will be a well-matched contest.
“NorthPointe is always a well-coached and well-disciplined team. They like to run the ball out of the spread, but it seems that they’ve been throwing it a little bit more. So we expect to see a pretty wide-open game.”
These 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.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
Tri-unity High School head football coach Tim Heath talks to his 8-may football team during a practice this week. (WKTV)
By Micah Cho, WKTV Intern
ken@wktv.org
When Tri-unity High School head football coach Tim Heath talks about his 8-man football team, now in its third year of existence, and its home opener against Ashley, he sounds like all football coaches talking football.
After all, just because they play on a smaller field without two lineman and one position player, as compared to the more common 11-man football, football is still football.
So Coach Heath, in an interview with WKTV this week, talked about his team’s strengths and his dangerous Week 2 opponent as the Defenders (1-0) prepared for their Thursday, Aug. 30, clash with Ashley (0-1) at a field at 5651 Gezon Court, Wyoming. The game is WKTV’s featured game of the week, and will be rebroadcast on WKTV cable channels.
“I expect a big, fast football game,” Heath said. Ashley has a “very quick quarterback, on film. The quarterback likes to put the ball in the air. They have very quick and tall receivers who like to catch the ball. They’re bigger than we are defensively.”
This is Ashley’s first year as an 8-man football squad. Tri-unity is in its third year but advanced to the state semifinals in 2016, and finished 11-1 overall, before going 6-4 a year ago.
Tri-unity opened the season with an impressive road win, 82-0, at St Joseph Lutheran, while Ashley lost to AuGres-Sims, 56-12, on the road last week.
Coach Heath’s team has 13 players this year, so many play both ways. But he thinks more about his teams strengths than their numbers.
“We’re very good defensively and we’re fast,” he said. “We’re fast to the ball. A lot of team speed. And something you just can’t trade, experience. We returned seven of eight starters this year from a team that lost in the first round of the playoffs last year.”
These 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.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
WKTV’s 2018-19 high school sports coverage started last week with prep football season opening night action at Godwin Heights High School — the game will be available on-demand at wktvondemand.com — and we will cover all the local football teams in the first six weeks, before we start covering the best game available in October.
This week’s game will be the Thursday, Aug. 30, clash of Ashley at Tri-Unity Christian (8-man football at 5651 Gezon Court Wyoming.) Next up will be Wyoming Lee’s home game against NorthPointe Christian on Friday, Sept. 7.
These 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 on the night of the game (Thursday or Friday) at 11 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m. See WKTVjournal.org/sports weekly for complete feature broadcast schedules.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
The complete local high school sports schedule through the end of the month is as follows:
Monday, Aug. 27
Girls Golf
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Boys Soccer
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Potter’s House @ Godwin Heights
East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming
South Christian @ Wayland
Grand River Prep @ Lake Odessa Lakewood
Boys Tennis
West Catholic @ Kelloggsville
Girls Volleyball
Kelloggsville @ Potter’s House
Tuesday, Aug. 28
Girls Golf
Lowell@ Wyoming
Caledonia @ South Christian
Boys Tennis
Lowell @ Wyoming
Boys Soccer
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Kalamazoo Heritage Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Muskegon Orchard View
Saugatuck @ Zion Christian
Girls Volleyball
Kalamazoo Heritage Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
@ South Christian – Quad
West Michigan Lutheran @ Algoma Christian
Wednesday, Aug. 29
Girls Volleyball
Grandville @ East Kentwood
Ottawa Hills @ Wyoming
Kelloggsville @ Tri-Unity Christian/Zion Christian
Boys Soccer
East Kentwood @ Rockford
FH Eastern @ Wyoming
South Christian @ Christian
Boys / Girls Cross Country
Godwin Heights @ Saranac
Wayland @ Wyoming
Kelloggsville @ Wayland
Girls Golf
Wyoming @ Christian
South Christian @ Christian
Boys Tennis
Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park
South Christian @ Holland Christian
Thursday, Aug. 30
Boys / Girls Cross Country
East Kentwood @ Milford
Girls Swimming
Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Boys Soccer
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Zion Christian @ Ravenna
Boys Football
Unity Christian @ Godwin Heights
Comstock Park @ Wyoming
Ottawa Hills @ Kelloggsville
Montabella @ Wyoming Lee
Benton Harbor vs South Christian @ East Kentwood
Ashley @ Tri-Unity Christian – 8 Man – WKTV Featured Event
The 2018 Metro Cruise kicks off at 4pm Friday, Aug. 24. The alternative Latin rock group Cabildo will be on the main stage at 4:30pm, followed by local favorite, Delilah DeWylde at 7:30pm performing a range of hillbilly and blues. Friday closes at 10pm.
Well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but Kent County is on the hunt for a new sheriff. If you have leadership skills and a background in law enforcement, you might want to consider applying for the position. With the announced retirement of Kent County Sheriff Larry Stelma, the county has formed a Kent County Sheriff Appointment Committee and is looking for applicants for the position. The individual appointed by the committee will hold the position through Dec. 31, 2020.
Metro Health Village has a number of walking routes and even a bike trail — all perfect for an afternoon stroll with the kids or a quick, weeknight workout. Download a Walking/Bike Route map here.
Need a little push to get started? Check out the Couch to 5K Training Program. Even if you’re not looking to set any world records, this program will have you up and active in no time!
No, not locusts, but we didn’t have a photo depicting the droves of voters who showed up for the primary election on Aug. 7. Take a good look at this photo — that’s the power inherent in sheer numbers, people. A pat on the back for all who voted.
The Chamber’s WKTV Government Matters committee analyzed the impressive voter turnout during their meeting on Aug. 13. The committee also discussed county staff additions. All in all, pretty important stuff.
Fun Fact:
In Switzerland, it is illegal
to own just one guinea pig.
This is because guinea pigs are social animals, and they are considered victims of abuse if they are alone. Source.
Brandon Kimble’s approach to football is simple: “Defense wins championships, offense fills the stands”. Coach Kimble will be starting his first game as head coach of the Godwin Heights varsity football program this week, Thursday at 7 p.m., against Hamilton at Godwin Heights.
Coach Kimble sat down with WKTV’s Ken Norris earlier this summer to talk about what he hopes his team can accomplish this season.
“Defensively, I think they (the fans) can look forward to seeing a team that loves to play defense … They’re going to see athletes that enjoy playing the game and doing it the right way” Kimble said. “Offensively … We’re going to do some exciting things … our plan is to put them in space, put the ball in their hands and let them do some exciting things.”
Although Kimble’s plan for this year is to focus on the defensive side of the game, taking advantage of athletes from last year’s dominant basketball program will help build athleticism on the offensive side. SuSu Davenport, last year’s starting quarterback for the Wolverines and current Davenport University quarterback, helped the Wolverines to a 7-3 record in football and a 21-2 record in basketball, being a dominant force in both sports.
Connecting and recruiting basketball players before this summer was important for Kimble.
“It was one of the first things I wanted to do when I got into the building. ‘I got to get some of those basketball guys to come out…’ It show’s that we have the ability athletically to do some great things. It allows us to do the things we really want to do.” Kimble said. “Putting them in space, taking advantage of different defenses, playing fast, being able to do some creative things. When you have those athletes there’s a lot of things that you can do offensively and defensively.”
These 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.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
WKTV’s 2018-19 high school sports coverage starts with prep football season opening night action at Godwin Heights High School as new head coach Brandon Kimble leads the Wolverines onto the field for the first time. (Don’t forget your sunglasses as the sun sets!)
WKTV interviewed Coach Kimble this summer; he talked football, mentoring young people, and more.
WKTV will cover all the local football teams in the first six weeks, including Tri-Unity Christian’s 8-man football team, before we start covering the best game available in October. Next week’s game will be the Thursday, Aug. 30, clash of Ashley at Tri-Unity Christian (8-man football at 5651 Gezon Court Wyoming.)
These 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 on the night of the game (Thursday or Friday) at 11 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m. See WKTVjournal.org/sports weekly for complete feature broadcast schedules.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
The complete local high school sports schedule through the end of the month is as follows:
Monday, Aug. 20
Boys / Girls Cross Country
East Kentwood @ Muskegon Orchard View
Boys Tennis
@ Wyoming – David Bentley Tournament
Kelloggsville @ Union
Boys Soccer
Wyoming @ Hudsonville Christian
Hudsonville Hornets @ Tri-Unity Christian
South Christian @ Holland Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Union
Potter’s House @ Calvin Christian
Tuesday, Aug. 21
Boys Tennis
Catholic Central @ East Kentwood – Quad
Girls Volleyball
Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Wyoming Lee @ Potter’s House
Girls Swimming
East Kentwood@ Jenison
Boys / Girls Cross Country
Godwin Heights @ Kent City
Kelloggsville @ Kent City
South Christian @ St. Joe
Boys Soccer
Ottawa Hills @ Kelloggsville
Tri-County @ Wyoming Lee
Wednesday, Aug. 22
Girls Golf
South Christian @ East Kentwood
Holland @ Wyoming
Boys Soccer
East Kentwood @ Portage Northern
Godwin Heights @ Union
Zeeland West @ Wyoming
Calvin Christian @ South Christian
Zion Christian @ Kalamazoo Christian
Boys Tennis
Wyoming @ Holland
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Unity Christian @ South Christian
Boys / Girls Cross Country
Wyoming Lee @ Hesperia – Baker Woods Invitational
Thursday, Aug. 23
Girls Volleyball
East Grand Rapids @ South Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Godwin Heights
Wellsprings Prep @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming Lee @ West Michigan Aviation
Boys Soccer
East Kentwood @ Holland
Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming Lee @ West Michigan Aviation
Tri-Unity Christian @ Hope Academy of West Michigan
Muskegon Catholic Central @ Zion Christian
Boys Football
Hamilton @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event
South Christian @ Greenville
Olivet @ Calvin Christian/Potter’s House
Boys / Girls Cross Country
Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville – Rocket Invitational
The pending return of high school football and just completed local amateur boxing are both available as part of the August WKTV sports coverage offerings.
The high school football season is only a couple weeks away and WKTV’s coverage crew has its initial schedule, starting with opening night action at Godwin Heights High School as new head coach Brandon Kimble leads the Wolverines onto the field for the first time. (Don’t forget your sunglasses as the sun sets!)
WKTV will then be cover all the local football teams in the first six weeks, including Tri-Unity Christian’s 8-man football team, before we start covering the best game available in October.
The August football schedule includes: Thursday, Aug. 23: Hamilton at Godwin Heights; and Thursday, Aug. 30: Ashley at Tri-Unity Christian (8-man football at 5651 Gezon Court Wyoming.)
Youth boxing action was covered by the WKTV sports coverage crew. (Supplied/from previous event)
Until then, however, the recent Saturday Superstar Boxing will air on WKTV 25 on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 5 p.m. with a repeat on Sunday, Aug. 19, at noon.
These 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 on the night of the game (Thursday or Friday) at 11 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m. See WKTVjournal.org/sports weekly for complete feature broadcast schedules.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
The complete local high school sports schedule through the end of the month is as follows:
On a special high school sports episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV caught up with Brandon Kimble, who in May took over as head football coach of the Godwin Heights High School Wolverines.
Kimble is no stranger to the Wolverine program as he served as the team’s defensive coordinator in 2015. He played wide receiver and safety at East Kentwood High School before graduating in 2006, and went on to play wide receiver at Olivet College. He has also coached in the East Kentwood and Grand Rapids Union football programs.
At the time of his hire, Godwin athletic director Rob Hisey praise Kimble’s football knowledge but also praised his ability to build relationships with kids.
In Focus host and producer Ken Norris talks with Coach Kimble about football, off-seasons in the weight room and, maybe most importantly, leading young men to become better on and off the field.
All In Focus interviews are available on YouTube at WKTVvideos .
The Jared Veldheer Football Camp is ramping up for its fifth season of motivating youngsters while raising funds for Keeping the Beat, a foundation program that provides free cardiac screenings for local high school athletes.
The one-day camp for kids in grades 3 through 8 will be held July 11 at Grand Rapids Christian High School, 2300 Plymouth Ave. SE. The camp, which is from 5:30 — 8p.m., is conducted by Jared Veldheer, an offensive lineman for the Denver Broncos, with help from area football coaches.
“It’s a joy to work with young athletes and a privilege to share information about heart safety,” said Veldheer, a graduate of Forest Hills Northern High School and Hillsdale College. “By partnering with Metro Health, we can help educate kids and parents about how to stay safe in sports.”
To date, the annual camp has raised more than $87,000 for Keeping the Beat. The program invites area high school athletes to Metro Health physician offices throughout the year for enhanced screenings to identify potential cardiac abnormalities. More than 800 teens have received free heart screenings through Keeping the Beat, which supplements the annual physicals required for all high school athletes.
Cost is $20 per student. While students are in the sports clinic, parents are invited to attend an informational session on sports injuries, concussions and heart screen awareness.
Disc golf is big in West Michigan and is now on WKTV cable television. (U.S. Air Force photo)
By Elmer Cox, for WKTV
Citizens of Kentwood, Wyoming and the surrounding area can now find out about a relatively new sport on a program called Disc Golf Live, now on WKTV community television.
Disc Golf Live is produced by Hucker Report, and will air on Wednesdays at 4 p.m., Fridays at noon and at various times on Saturdays, beginning this week on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.
Each episode is designed in four sections: Disc golf world wide tournament highlights, instructional highlights for all levels of players, views of disc golf courses from around the world, and interviews with all the top players.
Beginning as early as the 1970s, disc golf began being popular all over the country. Some called it Frisbee or Frisbee golf. Others named it disc golf. Disc golf courses began to grow up all over the area including Brewer Park in Byron Center, Riverside Park in downtown Grand Rapids, Fallasburg Park in Lowell, as well as Johnson Park, Old Farm, Garfield Park, JC Park and Grand Isle Park Rotary Disc Golf Park in the Comstock Park area.
In recent years, the World Seniors Tour Disc Golf Tournament was held in Grand Rapids with entrants from most of the states in the U.S. and many foreign countries.
For a complete schedule of broadcasts on WKTV community television, visit wktv.org and click on the Programming tab.
The Meijer State Games of Michigan kicks off Saturday, June 16, for its 8th annual Olympics-style games in the greater Grand Rapids Area. The opening ceremony for the games will be held at East Kentwood High School on Friday, June 22.
Three new games have already been introduced into the lineup this year, which includes footgolf, archery tag and three shooting events: bb gun, air rifle and air pistol. Along with those events, paintball and the ninja warrior competitions were recently announced as part of the games.
The ninja warrior competition will take place at RockFit Ninja in Rockford on Saturday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The objective of the event is to get from one point to the other dodging obstacles and not touching the ground.
Paintball will take place at TC Paintball in Walker on Sunday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Teams will compete against each other in an indoor arena with built in obstacles.
Events for the opening ceremony will include Skydivers dropping into the football stadium with the American flag, an athlete parade, and the lighting of the cauldron. Overall, the events run from June 16 to Aug. 19.
With registration now open for most of the sporting events, an estimated 8,000 athletes of all ages are expected to compete in this year’s summer games. Visit here to register.
May is when the baseball and softball schedule is reaching their season peaks, and (weather permitting) the WKTV feature coverage team will be at two key baseball games this week, one at Zion Christian High School and another at East Kentwood High School.
The tentative schedule for this week follows below but show your support of the athletes and catch a game or two in-person, and then watch the replay.
Tuesday, May 22 — Boys Baseball West Michigan Aviation vs Zion Christian
Wednesday, May 23 — Boys Baseball Grandville vs East Kentwood
These 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.
This week, WKTV’s featured Tuesday game will be aired that night at 11 p.m. and repeat Wednesdays at5 p.m. The Wednesday game will be broadcast Friday at 11 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m., followed by another showing of the Tuesday game, at about 12:30 p.m. See WKTVjournal.org/sports weekly for complete feature broadcast schedules.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
The complete local high school sports schedule through the end of the month is as follows:
Monday, May 21
Boys Baseball
FH Eastern @ South Christian (DH)
West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming (DH)
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
East Kentwood @ Grandville (DH)
Godwin Heights @ Belding
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Christian – OK Gold Conference Tournament @ Thornapple Pointe
Wyoming @ Christian – OK Gold Conference Tournament @ Thornapple Pointe
Kelloggsville @ Ottawa Hills
East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Girls Softball
FH Eastern @ South Christian (DH)
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K (DH)
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian (DH)
East Kentwood @ Grandville (DH)
Godwin Heights @ Belding
Girls Soccer
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
Christian @ Wyoming
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Grand River Prep @ Fruitport Calvary Christian
Tuesday, May 22
Girls Soccer
South Christian @ Christian
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights
Zion Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Girls Softball
South Christian @ South Haven (DH)
Belding @ Godwin Heights
Boys Baseball
Belding @ Godwin Heights
West Michigan Aviation @ Zion Christian (DH) – WKTV Featured Game
Boys Golf
Tri-Unity Christian @ Fruitport Calvary Christian
Wednesday, May 23
Boys Baseball
Saugatuck @ Wyoming Lee
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
Grandville @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Gam
Girls Softball
Saugatuck @ Wyoming Lee
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
Girls Soccer
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming
Muskegon Catholic Central @ Grand River Prep
Boys Golf
Wyoming @ Muskegon Catholic Central
Boys/Girls Track
East Kentwood @ Comstock Park
Thursday, May 24
Boys Baseball
South Christian @ FH Eastern
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Holland Christian
Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian
Girls Soccer
South Christian @ FH Eastern
Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville
Zion Christian @ Holland Black River
West Michigan Aviation @ Barry County Christian
Girls Softball
Ottawa Hills @ Godwin Heights
Friday, May 25
Boys Baseball
Wyoming Lee @ Union
Wyoming @ Zeeland West (DH)
Godwin Heights @ Union
Crossroads Charter Academy @ Zion Christian (DH)
West Michigan Aviation @ Belding (DH)
Girls Soccer
Wyoming @ West Ottawa
Zion Christian @ Ravenna
Hudsonville Hornets @ West Michigan Aviation
Saturday, May 26
Boys/Girls Track
East Kentwood @ Wyandotte – MITCA State Meet
Monday, May 28
MEMORIAL DAY
Tuesday, May 29
Girls Soccer
Comstock Park @ Wyoming Lee – MHSAA Districts
TBA @ East Kentwood – MHSAA Districts
Tri-Unity Christian @ NorthPointe Christian – MHSAA Districts
Zion Christian @ Calvin Christian – MHSAA Districts
Boys Baseball
West Ottawa @ Wyoming – MHSAA State Districts
Zion Christian @ Fowler
Girls Softball
TBA @ Wyoming – MHSAA State Pre-Districts
Wednesday, May 30
Boys Golf
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – MHSAA State Regionals
Thursday, May 31
Boys Golf
Kelloggsville @ South Haven – MHSAA State Regionals
Tri-Unity Christian @ Muskegon Catholic Central – MHSAA State Regionals
Foot golf is one of the new sports at the Meijer State Games. (by CKGolf)
The Meijer State Games of Michigan kicks off Saturday, June 16, for it’s 8th annual Olympics- style games in the greater Grand Rapids Area. The opening ceremony for the games will be held at East Kentwood High School on Friday, June 22.
Three new games have been introduced into the lineup this year which include footgolf, archery tag and three shooting events: bb gun, air rifle and air pistol.
“I think this will be appealing to people who want to get in the shooting range, be competitive and have some fun,” Ron Carr, the organizer of this year’s shooting events, said in supplied materials.
Footgolf director for the games, Mirza Causevic, described footgolf as “a twist of golf and soccer.” She expects an interest from all age groups with the addition of this new sport.
Events for the opening ceremony will include Skydivers dropping into the football stadium with the American flag, an athlete parade and the lighting of the cauldron. Overall, the events run from June 16 to Aug. 19.
With registration now open for most of the sporting events, an estimated 8,000 athletes of all ages are expected to compete in this years summer games. Visit here to register.
May is when the baseball and softball schedule is reaching their season peaks, and (weather permitting) the WKTV feature coverage team will be at two key softball games this week, one at Kelloggsville High School and another at South Christian High School.
The tentative schedule for this week and next is below but show your support of the athletes and catch a game or two in-person, and then watch the replay.
Monday, May 14 — Girls Softball Belding vs Kelloggsville
Tuesday, May 15 — Girls Softball Unity Christian vs South Christian
Tuesday, May 22 — Boys Baseball West Michigan Aviation vs Zion Christian
Wednesday, May 23 — Boys Baseball Grandville vs East Kentwood
These 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 offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports. (WKTV)
Typically, WKTV’s featured Monday games will be broadcast that night starting at 11 p.m. and following Wednesday starting at 5 p.m. The Tuesday games will be aired that night at 11 p.m. and repeat Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.; Both games will often be rebroadcast back-to-back on Saturdays starting at 11 a.m. See WKTVjournal.org/sports weekly for complete feature broadcast schedules.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
Monday, May 14
Girls Soccer
East Grand Rapids @ South Christian
Wayland @ Wyoming
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
Godwin Heights @ Belding
West Michigan Aviation @ Tri-Unity Christian
Fruitport Calvary Christian @ Grand River Prep
Girls Tennis
North Muskegon @ South Christian
Boys Baseball
Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian
Belding @ Kelloggsville
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
Girls Softball
Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian (DH)
Christian @ Wyoming (DH)
Belding @ Kelloggsville (DH) – WKTV Featured Game
Muskegon Orchard View @ East Kentwood
NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights (DH)
Tuesday, May 15
Boys Baseball
Unity Christian @ South Christian (DH)
Christian @ Wyoming (DH)
Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Black River (DH)
Girls Softball
Unity Christian @ South Christian (DH) – WKTV Featured Game
Girls Soccer
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Zion Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Girls Tennis
Muskegon Catholic Central @ Kelloggsville
Boys Golf
East Kentwood – OK Red Jamboree
Tri-Unity Christian @ Wellsprings Prep
Wednesday, May 16
Boys Golf
South Christian @ FH Eastern
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian – OK Silver Conference Tournament
Tri-Unity Christian @ Covenant Christian
Boys Baseball
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Kelloggsville @ Belding
East Kentwood @ Loy Norrix (DH)
NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights
Potter’s House @ West Michigan Aviation
Girls Softball
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Kelloggsville @ Belding
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
Girls Soccer
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Belding @ Kelloggsville
NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights
Holland Black River @ Tri-Unity Christian
Girls Tennis
Tri-Unity Christian @ Comstock Park
Thursday, May 17
Boys Baseball
South Christian @ Calvin Christian
Wyoming @ Christian
Godwin Heights @ Tri-Unity Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House
Girls Soccer
Middleville T-K @ South Christian
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Tri-Unity Christian @ Grand River Prep
Girls Softball
South Christian @ Calvin Christian (DH)
Wyoming @ Hamilton (DH)
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Boys Golf
Holland @ Wyoming
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Girls Tennis
Kelloggsville @ Christian – MHSAA State Regionals
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – MHSAA State Regionals
Friday, May 18
Boys Baseball
South Christian vs FH Central @ Cornerstone University (DH)
Potter’s House @ Kelloggsville
Zion Christian @ Fennville (DH)
West Michigan Aviation @ NorthPointe Christian
Boys Golf
Unity Christian @ South Christian
Girls Soccer
Holland Christian @ South Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian
Wyoming @ Godwin Heights
Potter’s House @ West Michigan Aviation
Boys/Girls Track
South Christian – MHSAA State Regionals @ Houseman Field
Kelloggsville – MHSAA State Regionals @ Houseman Field
Godwin Heights – MHSAA State Regionals @ Houseman Field
West Michigan Aviation – MHSAA State Regionals @ Houseman Field
East Kentwood @ Lansing Waverly – MHSAA State Regionals
Wyoming – MHSAA State Regionals @ Grand Haven
Girls Softball
East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming Lee
Wyoming @ FH Central
Ottawa Hills @ Kelloggsville (DH)
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Comstock Park @ Godwin Heights
Girls Tennis
Wyoming @ Grand Haven – MHSAA State Regionals
Girls Water Polo
@ East Kentwood – MHSAA State Regionals
Saturday, May 19
Girls Softball
South Christian @ Otsego
Wyoming Lee @ Saranac
Boys/Girls Track
Wyoming Lee – MHSAA State Regionals @ TBD
East Kentwood @ Lansing Waverly – MHSAA State Regionals
Boys Baseball
Wyoming Lee @ Saranac
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming (DH)
Lakeview @ East Kentwood (DH)
West Michigan Aviation @ Barry County Christian
Girls Water Polo
@ East Kentwood – MHSAA State Regionals
Monday, May 21
Boys Baseball
FH Eastern @ South Christian (DH)
West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming (DH)
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
East Kentwood @ Grandville (DH)
Godwin Heights @ Belding
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Christian – OK Gold Conference Tournament @ Thornapple Pointe
Wyoming @ Christian – OK Gold Conference Tournament @ Thornapple Pointe
The Lee High School girls soccer team, on Saturday, May 12, will host its first Copa Rebelde — Rebel Cup, for those of you not bilingual, which most of coach Gabriel Snyder’s team is.
And while the event should feature some great tournament soccer action, it will also be a community celebration of sorts.
“We are lucky to have a team and community that can embrace their cultural heritage as much as they do,” coach Snyder said to WKTV. “Copa is ultimately just a word but that word represents more than a tournament cup. It represents our small community’s strong ties with Latin America.
“This event also brings in a community of athletes and their families because baseball and softball are playing tournaments on the same day. It will be a great day to be a Rebel.”
The Copa Rebelde field will feature the Lee varsity team hosting teams from West Michigan Aviation Academy and Wyoming Potter’s House Christian High School.
The schedule has Potter’s House vs Lee at 10 a.m., WMAA vs Potter’s House at 11:30 a.m., and Lee vs WMAA at 1 p.m.
Each contest will be 60-minute games, 30-minute halves with a 10 minute halftime. There will be no overtime, with tie games decided by penalty shoot out. The tournament champion will be determined by record, then point differential/shoot out victory.
The tournament counts as one game date against each team’s schedule per MHSAA guidelines.
This is not the first time Lee has hosted the Copa Rebelde, but the first time it was not a boys team tournament.
“We have hosted a boys tournament in the fall the last several years and decided it was high time we held one for our girls as well,” said John Cain, assistant athletic director at Lee.
“To the girls, it is an opportunity to play competitive soccer in a different format,” Snyder said. “This year’s team has not found a lot of success on the field but has shown a ton of leadership on and off the field. For them it is just another opportunity to showcase that leadership. I am excited to finally give them an opportunity for tourney play at our home field.”
While the Lee varsity team has a “rely on everyone approach. We do have a couple of surprising standouts this year,” Snyder said. “Kristy Medina is our primary forward; she is fast and can make you miss. She is a calm leader.
“Our entire starting defense — Jazmin Pena, Karina Lopez, Yesenia Santos, and Vanessa Camargo — have played the hardest on our team this year. Long games of multiple shots, these four are bruised up and still tough.
“Lastly, our keeper, Jennifer Hernandez. She moved up from JV in the beginning of the year and has really improved as the season has moved along.”
The month of May brings the end of the school year for seniors, graduations, and the start of the MHSAA state tournaments for the spring sports season as the last full month of the high school seasons is here.WKTV will bring a variety of baseball and softball games throughout the month to also close out their broadcasting portion of the school year,
The tentative schedule is below but show your support of the athletes and catch a game or two in-person, and then watch the replay.Check the weekly schedule to see when the games will be replayed.
Monday, May 14 — Girls Softball Belding vs Kelloggsville
Tuesday, May 15 — Girls Softball Unity Christian vs South Christian
Tuesday, May 22 — Boys Baseball West Michigan Aviation vs Zion Christian
Wednesday, May 23 — Boys Baseball Grandville vs East Kentwood
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
These 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. Typically, WKTV’s featured Monday games will be broadcast that night starting at 11 p.m. and following Wednesday starting at 5 p.m. The Tuesday games will be aired that night at 11 p.m. and repeat Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.; Both games will often be rebroadcast back-to-back on Saturdays starting at 11 a.m. See WKTVjournal.org/sports weekly for complete feature broadcast schedules.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
Here is your complete weekly schedule for local teams:
Tuesday May 8
Boys Baseball
South Christian @ Middleville T-K (DH)
Wyoming @ FH Central
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood (DH)
West Michigan Aviation @ Tri-Unity Christian
Boys Lacrosse
South Christian @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Boys/Girls Track
South Christian @ Wyoming
West Michigan Aviation @ Fruitport Calvary Christian
Girls Tennis
East Kentwood @ Wyoming
Ottawa Hills @ Kelloggsville
Girls Softball
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood (DH)
Boys Golf
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Girls Soccer
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Tri-Unity Christian @ Fruitport Calvary
Grand River Prep @ Wellsprings Prep
West Michigan Aviation @ Algoma Christian
Wednesday, May 9
Boys Golf
Christian @ South Christian
Wyoming @ Christian
Boys Lacrosse
South Christian @ Kenowa Hills
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ Grant
Girls Softball
South Christian @ Holland Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
Boys Baseball
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Potter’s House @ Zion Christian
Bloomingdale @ West Michigan Aviation
Girls Soccer
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
FH Eastern @ Wyoming
Godwin Heights @ Covenant Christian
Zion Christian @ Potter’s House
Boys/Girls Track
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Thursday, May 10
Boys Baseball
Middleville T-K @ South Christian
GR Crusaders @ Wyoming Lee
Kenowa Hills @ Wyoming (DH)
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Girls Soccer
Christian @ South Christian
Holland Calvary @ Tri-Unity Christian
Grand River Prep @ West Michigan Aviation
Potter’s House @ Kalamazoo Heritage
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ NorthPointe Christian
Comstock Park @ Kelloggsville
East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills
Girls Softball
Kenowa Hills @ Wyoming (DH)
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Plainwell @ Godwin Heights (DH)
Boys Golf
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian
Friday, May 11
Boys Lacrosse
Kenowa Hills @ South Christian
Girls Softball
South Christian @ Rockford (DH)
Godwin Heights @ Coopersville
Boys/Girls Track
Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian – OK Silver Conference Meet
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian – OK Silver Conference Meet
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa – OK Red Conference Meet
Boys Baseball
Hopkins @ Wyoming
Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Calvary (DH)
Boys Golf
Hopkins @ Kelloggsville
Girls Soccer
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
East Kentwood @ FH Northern
Saturday, May 12
Boys Baseball
South Christian @ Zeeland East
Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee –Rebel Invite
West Michigan Aviation @ Kelloggsville – Liz Jensen Memorial
East Kentwood @ Jenison (DH)
Zion Christian vs Michigan Lutheran @ Holland Calvary
Girls Soccer
South Christian @ Catholic Central
@ Wyoming Lee – Copa Rebelde
Wayland @ Wyoming
Wellsprings Prep @ Zion Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Wyoming
Kelloggsville @ Hamilton
Boys/Girls Track
South Christian @ Wyoming – OK Gold Conference Meet @ Houseman Field
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ Wyoming – OK Gold Conference Tournament
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian – OK Silver Conference Tournament
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa – OK Red Conference Tournament
Girls Softball
South Christian @ Hudsonville
@ Wyoming Lee – Rebel Invite
Allegan @ Kelloggsville – Liz Jensen Memorial
Godwin Heights @ Ottawa Hills
Girls Water Polo
East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids – MHSAA State Districts
This Friday, the annual Christy’s Cause Scholarship Baseball and Softball Games will be played between Wyoming and Grandville high schools, the seventh year honoring the person and the spirit of Christy Paganelli, who lost a courageous 18-month battle with melanoma.
The theme and cause of the games is “Play for Melanoma”, but the event recognizes all cancer awareness and prevention, and is committed to making sure everyone is aware that melanoma skin cancer can happen to anyone and how to prevent it.
Christy Paganelli, from her high school playing days. (Supplied)
All funds will be directed towards cancer research and the Christy Paganelli Scholarship Fund, which funds one or two scholarships each year at Aquinas College, where Christy played softball after playing and graduating from Wyoming’s Rogers High School.
The games are scheduled for May 4 at Wyoming High School’s baseball and softball fields, with junior varsity games beginning at 3:15 p.m. and varsity games beginning at 6 p.m.
In addition to the games, there will be information available about melanoma so everyone can be aware of the dangers of skin cancer and what the risk factors are.
As the WKTV sports feature coverage crew gets cranked up for outdoor spring sports, and the weather finally turns nice, our cameras will be indoors at East Kentwood for water polo early this week as well as continuing our coverage of Golden Gloves boxing later in the week.
And you can catch them both on WKTV with multiple viewing options.
The Tuesday, April 24, East Kentwood girls water polo match vs. Portage Central will be cable broadcast at 11 p.m. on the night of the event, and repeat on Wednesday, April 25, at 5 p.m. Then the Friday, April 27, Golden Gloves boxing coverage will be cable broadcast on Saturday, April 28, at 11 a.m.
These 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. See WKTVjournal.org for complete feature event schedules.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
Following is the this week’s complete high school sports schedule, but many events that have been delayed or cancelled are now rescheduled. For changes, check individual school websites or MHSAA.com .
Monday, April 23
Boys Baseball
Holland Christian @ South Christian
Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Holland Black River @ Kelloggsville – DH
Girls Softball
Holland Christian @ South Christian
Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights – DH
Wyoming @ Allendale – DH
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian – DH
Catholic Central @ Kelloggsville – DH
Girls Soccer
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Belding @ Godwin Heights
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
West Michigan Aviation @ South Haven
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Girls Tennis
East Grand Rapids @ South Christian
Wayland @ Wyoming
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Tuesday, April 24
Boys Baseball
South Christian @ Christian – DH
FH Eastern @ Wyoming – DH
West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee
Martin @ Zion Christian – DH
Potter’s House vs Tri-Unity Christian @ Fifth Third Ballpark
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven – DH
Girls Softball
South Christian @ Christian – DH
FH Eastern @ Wyoming – DH
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven – DH
Boys Lacrosse
Northview @ South Christian
Boys/Girls Track
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee
Belding @ Kelloggsville
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Girls Soccer
Hudsonville Hornets @ Wyoming
Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House
West Michigan Aviation @ Fruitport Calvary
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Girls Water Polo
Portage Central @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event
Wednesday, April 25
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Wayland
Wyoming @ Wayland – OK Bronze Jamboree
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Kelloggsville @ Sparta
Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Boys Baseball
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Girls Softball
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
Jenison @ East Kentwood
Boys/Girls Track
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Girls Soccer
Wyoming @ Christian
Kelloggsville @ Belding
Thursday, April 26
Boys Baseball
Christian @ South Christian
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Tri-Unity Christian @ Heritage Christian – DH
West Michigan Aviation @ Holland Calvary – DH
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Grand Rapids Crusdaers @ Potter’s House
Girls Softball
Zeeland East @ South Christian – DH
Union @ Godwin Heights
Muskegon Mona Shores @ Wyoming – DH
Kelloggsville @ East Grand Rapids
Girls Soccer
Calvin Christian @ South Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Heritage Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Holland Calvary
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Hudsonville Homeschool @ Potter’s House
Boys Lacrosse
South Christian @ Comstock Park
Boys/Girls Track
Belding @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian
Hopkins @ Kelloggsville
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Boys Golf
Wyoming @ Zeeland West
Girls Tennis
Tri-Unity Christian @ Wyoming
Girls Water Polo
East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids
Friday, April 27
Girls Soccer
FH Northern @ South Christian
Ottawa Hills @ Kelloggsville
Zion Christian @ Grand River Prep
Barry County Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Boys Golf
South Christian @ TC Central – Tee-Off Invite
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming
Boys Baseball
Godwin Heights @ Potter’s House – DH
Zeeland East @ Wyoming – DH
Holland @ Kelloggsville – DH
Zion Christian @ Hopkins
NorthPointe Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Girls Tennis
Kelloggsville @ Western Michigan Christian
Girls Water Polo
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville/Zeeland Tournament
Boys/Girls Track
East Kentwood @ Jackson
Girls Softball
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Saturday, April 28
Boys Baseball
South Christian @ Hudsonville – Hudsonville Invite
Boys Golf
South Christian @ TC Central – Tee-Off Invite
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ Zeeland East
East Kentwood @ Holland
Boys/Girls Track
South Christian @ Wyoming – Grimm Relays
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming – Grimm Relays
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming – Grimm Relays
Potter’s House @ Grand Rapids Elite Challenge – Houseman Field
The annual Don Lubbers Cup Regatta was set to be held at Spring Lake April 13-15, but was cancelled due to bad weather and waves. So, WKTV’s planned coverage was also cancelled for this year.
WKTV usually broadcasts the Lubbers Cup and other sports events live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99. See WKTVjournal.org for complete schedules.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
The current tentative April WKTV feature broadcast schedule with tentative day and time of broadcast, includes:
Wednesday, April 18, Kelloggsville softball vs Tri-Unity/Calvin Christian (Friday, April 20, at 11 p.m. and Saturday, April 21, at 5 p.m.)
Friday, April 20, Golden Gloves Boxing (Saturday, April 21, at 11 a.m.)
Tuesday, April 24, East Kentwood girls water polo vs. Portage Central (11 p.m. night of and repeat on Wednesday at 5 p.m)
Friday, April 27, Golden Gloves Boxing (Saturday, April 28, at 11 a.m.)
Following is the this week’s complete high school sports schedule, but many events have been delayed or cancelled. For changes, check individual school websites or MHSAA.com .
Monday, April 16
Girls Soccer
South Christian @ Christian
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Wyoming Lee @ Belding
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Grand River Prep @ Lake Odessa Lakewood
Fruitport Calvary @ Potter’s House
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Forest Hills Invite
Tri-Unity Christian @ Kelloggsville
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ Wayland
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids
Kelloggsville @ West Catholic
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Boys Baseball
Union @ Godwin Heights
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Barry County Christian – DH
Girls Softball
Belding @ Wyoming Lee – DH
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian – DH
Tuesday, April 17
Boys Lacrosse
South Christian @ Kenowa Hills
Boys/Girls Track
Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Boys Baseball
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids – DH
Zion Christian @ Holland Black River – DH
Rockford @ East Kentwood – DH
Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary
Girls Softball
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids – DH
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Girls Soccer
Zion Christian @ Holland Black River
Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Wellsprings Prep
Muskegon Mona Shores @ East Kentwood
Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary
Boys Golf
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
Girls Water Polo
East Kentwood @ Jenison
Wednesday, April 18
Boys Baseball
Wayland @ South Christian – DH
Wyoming Lee @ Belding
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Girls Softball
South Christian @ Wyoming – DH
Wyoming Lee @ Belding
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville – WKTV Featured Event
Girls Soccer
East Grand Rapids @ South Christian
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Wyoming @ Wayland
Boys Golf
@ South Christian – OK Gold Jamboree
Wyoming @ Christian – OK Bronze Jamboree
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ Christian
FH Eastern @ Wyoming
Comstock Park @ Kelloggsville
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Boys/Girls Track
South Christian @ East Grand Rapids
Wyoming @ Christian
Thursday, April 19
Boys Baseball
South Christian @ Wayland
East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee @ Barry County Christian
Covenant Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Girls Softball
South Christian @ Byron Center – DH
Western Michigan Christian @ Godwin Heights – DH
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Boys Lacrosse
South Christian @ Holland
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Unity Christian
Holland @ Wyoming
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Boys/Girls Track
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Girls Soccer
Hopkins @ Wyoming
Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Holland Black River @ Potter’s House
Girls Water Polo
FH Central @ East Kentwood
Friday, April 20
Girls Soccer
Caledonia @ South Christian
Hudsonville Hornets @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming Lee @ West Michigan Aviation
East Kentwood @ Middleville T-K
Boys Baseball
West Michigan Aviation @ Godwin Heights – DH
Hopkins @ Wyoming
Kelloggsville @ Hastings
Potter’s House vs Holland Black River @ Hope College
Girls Softball
Godwin Heights @ Ottawa Hills – DH
Kelloggsville @ Hastings
Hopkins @ Wyoming
Boys Golf
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
Girls Tennis
Tri-Unity Christian @ Comstock Park
Girls Water Polo
@ East Kentwood – East Kentwood Invite
Saturday, April 21
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ Ann Arbor Greenhills – Greenhills Invite
Wyoming @ Hamilton
@ Kelloggsville – Rocket Tournament
East Kentwood @ Holt
Boys/Girls Track
Godwin Heights @ Covenant Christian
Wyoming @ Wyoming Lee – Solis Invitational
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee – Solis Invitational
West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee – Solis Invitational
The annual Don Lubbers Cup Regatta, named after former Grand Valley State University president and rowing supporter Arena D. (Don) Lubbers, features hundreds of athletes and some of the top rowing teams from across the Midwest, all coming to Spring Lake April 13-15.
And WKTV will there, filming the best moments. WKTV will be there live Saturday, April 14, 10-noon and 4-7 p.m., on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99. WKTV’s coverage, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com .
Since its origin in 1995, the Lubbers Cup Regatta has grown to an event that attracts over 500 student athletes to Spring Lake to kick off the regatta season, according to the event’s website.
The Lubbers Cup is produced in partnership with The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, Grand Valley State University Club Sports, Grand Valley Rowing Club, and the communities of Spring Lake and Ferrysburg.
