The West Michigan Whitecaps released their 2018 season schedule today. The team will celebrate its 25th season beginning with the season-opener at home on Thursday, April 5 at 6:35 p.m. versus the South Bend Cubs.
Fireworks will once again light up the night sky over Fifth Third Ballpark with 21 Family Fare Fireworks Nights, including Opening Night, every summertime Wednesday and Saturday home game and selected additional nights, with a special Independence Day celebration on Tuesday, July 3.
The long-time Tiger Friday series will move to Wednesdays, with five Tiger Wednesday dates starting in June slated to include the popular former Tiger appearances and Tiger-related giveaway items for the first 1,000 fans. Fridays, starting in May, will be rebranded as family- and kid-focused theme nights, including Princess, Dinosaur, Pokemon and others, with entertainers and other special events on the concourse.
Weekly promotions:
Sunday (with a new start time of 2 p.m.): Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Family Days (first 1,000 kids eat free; autographs and play catch on the field pre-game; kids run the bases post-game)
Monday: JQ99 Bulletin Night (half off box or reserved seats with worship or community bulletin)
Tuesday: Select Tuesdays will be Dime Dog Nights presented by Manpower
Wednesday: Senior Night, Tiger Wednesdays and Family Fare Fireworks (beginning in June)
Thursday: Altogas Thrifty Thursdays ($2 hot dogs, Pepsi products and 20 oz. beers); show a college or military ID and get $5 reserved seats.
Friday: Kid-focused theme nights
Saturday: Family Fare Fireworks (beginning in May)
The three 11 a.m. school days, popular as school enrichment field trips, are returning once again, scheduled for Tuesday, May 22,Wednesday, May 23, and Tuesday, June 5. In addition, there are four special weekday 12 p.m. matinee games scheduled for Tuesday, April 10, Thursday, April 12, Wednesday, April 18 and Wednesday, May 9.
Some featured promotions include Armed Forces Night on Saturday, May 19; Star Wars Night, returning on Saturday, June 30 and MSU/U of M Rivalry Night on Thursday, August 16. Many more promotions will be added throughout the off-season and will be added to the Whitecaps website as they are booked.
Fans can purchase season tickets and mini plans beginning Wednesday, October 25, by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131. Tickets for groups of 20 or more, including private party areas, will go on sale November 17. Individual game tickets will go on sale in early 2018.
The full 2018 schedule is attached and is available on the Whitecaps website at whitecapsbaseball.com.
David Willer — who prefers to be called “Whitey” when he is behind the camera — is one of the newest WKTV sports coverage volunteers. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
By WKTV Staff
David Willer — who prefers to be called “Whitey” when he is behind the camera — is one of the newest WKTV sports coverage volunteers, occasionally working as part of the video crew for high school football games.
After his first night working with “the truck”, as WKTV’s mobile video unit is nicknamed, the Northeast Grand Rapids resident says his night as quite an adventure.
“I did not expect to do as much as I did (that first night), but it was a blast,” Willer said. “It was a great experience.”
Willer said he found out about sports volunteer opportunities on FaceBook. “I saw the station and responded and decided to do it. It is something I was always interested in, but never really pursued. But I thought ‘Why not now?’”
Part of the reason for Willer, an admitted sports fan, to become involved was his desire to get back into youth sports as well as to learn how to work cameras.
“I used to coach youth sports, back in Minnesota, where I grew up,” he said. “Came here and never had the chance. Fell into cooking, as a chef, and that is what I have been doing for the last 30 years. This (working with WKTV sports coverage) gets me back into sports. It has been a great experience.”
Persons interested in joining Willer and other community volunteers do not need any prior video camera or video production training. (But it helps!) For more information about volunteering at WKTV and becoming part of the stations sports coverage team, email Davin at davin@wktv.org or Bill at bill@wktv.org.
The unseasonable hot weather in Western Michigan has caused some problems for local high school team’s schedules — including postponing today’s (Monday, Sept. 25) boys soccer game between South Christian and East Kentwood which WKTV was going to send its broadcast crew’s coverage crew to. But we have not changed plans for this week’s football game of the week, Friday, Sept. 29, Kelloggsville at Wyoming Godwin Heights — both 5-0 and leading the OK Silver Conference with 2-0 records.
Currently, WKTV sports events will be broadcast the night of the game on Comcast Channel 25, usually at 11 p.m., and repeated on Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
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/
Local high school sports events this week are as follows:
Monday, Sept. 25
Boys Tennis
Coopersville @ Kelloggsville
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
Grand Rapids Christian @ Wyoming
Boys Soccer
Coopersville@ Kelloggsville
Postponed — South Christian @ East Kentwood (Special WKTV broadcast)
Girls Golf
South Christian @ FH Northern – Ernie Popiel Invite
Boys Water Polo
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Tuesday, Sept. 26
Boys/girls Cross Country
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights
Boys Soccer
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
West Michigan Heat/Homeschool @ Godwin Heights
Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Wayland
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
EGR @ Wyoming
Girls Volleyball
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian – Alliance Double Quad
Chris Pulliams, at his induction into the Ferris State University Hall of Fame this month. (Supplied)
By WKTV Staff
news@wktv.org
Chris Pulliams
“Student. Athlete. Intern. Coach. Athletic Director. Teacher. Mentor.” — Those were the words used to describe long-time Wyoming Godwin Heights teacher, administrator and coach Chris Pulliams prior to the school’s Sept. 1 home football game.
Joining him at center field during a ceremony honoring Pulliams impending induction into the Ferris State University’s Hall of Fame were Principal Chad Conklin, Athletic Director Rob Hisey, and head varsity football coach Carlton Brewster, as the stadium announcer told the crowd: “We say congratulations and thanks by honoring Chris Pulliams for his dedication to his work, whether that be in the classroom or on the field, he continues to give back to the Godwin community in immeasurable ways! Chris Pulliams, we thank you for being what it means ‘To Be a Godwin Heights Wolverine’.”
Pulliams was inducted into the Ferris State Hall of Fame Sept. 15.
Pulliams arrived at Godwin as a student and athlete, according to supplied information. He played varsity football at Godwin Heights before moving on to success as a running back at Ferris State, where he currently ranks sixth on the school’s all-time career rushing chart with 2,743 yards and 35 TD’s in his career. He claimed All-America honors in 1995 and was a two-time All-GLIAC tailback. He received the 1996 GLIAC McAvoy Leadership Award. He ran for a career-high 1,729 yards and 23 scores during the 1995 season, which ranks as the most yards in a single-campaign by a FSU tailback in school history. His performance helped the Bulldogs post a 12-1 overall record in route to the school’s first NCAA Division II National Semifinal appearance.
He was also a First Team MIFC All-Academic choice in 1996 with a 3.29 GPA in Business Education.
Next, after graduating from college, and teaching at Forest Hills Public Schools, he returned to Godwin Heights as athletic director.
“Two years later, he moved back into the classroom as a teacher in order to impact our students academically; this truly is his calling. He continues to dedicate his days, nights, and weekends in honor of our students’ needs,” the announcer told the crowd.
Whether you say “football” or “fútbol”, WKTV’s broadcast crew’s coverage has you covered as our high school sports crew will make two stops at East Kentwood High School over the next week, first with a Friday, Sept. 22 football game between Grandville and East Kentwood, then a Monday, Sept. 25, boys soccer game between South Christian and East Kentwood.
Currently, WKTV sports events will be broadcast the night of the game on Comcast Channel 25, usually at 11 p.m., and repeated on Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
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/
Local high school sports events this week are as follows:
Tuesday Sept. 19
Boys/girls Cross Country
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
West Michigan Aviation @ Holland Calvary
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Boys Soccer
NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
Zion Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
South Christian @ FH Eastern
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Holland Black River @ Tri-Unity Christian
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
Girls Volleyball
Godwin Heights @ West Michigan Aviation
Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian
Grand Rapids Christian @ South Christian
FH Eastern @ Wyoming
West Michigan Lutheran @ Rivertown Christian
Girls Golf
Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Boys Tennis
Wyoming @ Zeeland West
Wednesday, Sept. 20
Boys Tennis
Catholic Central @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Easy Kentwood @ Caledonia
Girls Golf
Middleville T-K @ South Christian
Wyoming @ South Christian
Boys/girls Cross Country
South Christian @ Grand Rapids Christian
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
Boys Water Polo
Grandville @ East Kentwood
Thursday, Sept. 21
Boys Soccer
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Holland Black River @ Zion Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Wellsprings Prep
Wyoming @ South Christian
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Girls Volleyball
Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
Holland Black River @ Zion Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Wellsprings Prep
EGR @ South Christian
Wyoming @ Wayland
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Algoma Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran
Girls Swimming
South Christian @ Calvin Christian
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Girls Golf
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Friday, Sept. 22
Boys Football
Belding @ Wyoming Lee – Homecoming
Cadillac @ Godwin Heights
Calvin Christian/Potter’s House @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Wayland
Grandville @ East Kentwood (WKTV’s game of the Week)
Wyoming @ EGR
Girls Golf
Kenowa Hills @ Wyoming
Saturday, Sept. 23
Boys/girls Cross Country
Wyoming Lee @ Cedar Springs – Cedar Springs Invitational
Godwin Heights @ Lowell
Grand River Prep @ Lowell
Kelloggsville @ Cedar Springs
South Christian @ Catholic Central
East Kentwood @ Jackson
Girls Volleyball
Hastings @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ Zeeland East
Boys/girls Equestrian
South Christian – Barry County Fairgrounds
Boys Football
Central Lake @ Tri-Unity Christian – 8 Man
Monday, Sept. 25
Boys Tennis
Coopersville @ Kelloggsville
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
Grand Rapids Christian @ Wyoming
Boys Soccer
Coopersville@ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ East Kentwood (Special WKTV broadcast)
Girls Golf
South Christian @ FH Northern – Ernie Popiel Invite
WKTV’s football coverage crew was at Wyoming Godwin Heights last week as the Wolverines went 3-0 with a big win over Calvin Christian. (WKTV)
By Rob Gee
WKTV sports volunteer/news@wktv.org
What a start for Wyoming-Kentwood area high school football as four teams start the season 3-0 and two others start 2-1.
Lots of winning going on in the area right now and when was the last time East Kentwood, Kelloggsville, Godwin and South Christian all started the season 3-0? How about never.
One would need to go all the way back to 1960 when East Kentwood, Godwin and Kelloggsville all started 3-0 to find the last time three of these teams did it, but that would be five years before South Christian would begin fielding a team.
And WKTV’s high school football broadcast coverage crew will be at East Kentwood for the next two Fridays, first for a home game for South Christian and then for a home game for East Kentwood.
East Kentwood, who has started the season 3-0 for the fifteenth time, narrowly defeated Hudsonville, in Week 3. Defense in the first two weeks of the season only allowed 6 points but Hudsonville was able to almost triple that in their scoring 17 points. MLive had East Kentwood at No. 10 in the state prior to the game but after this last weeks performance, East Kentwood dropped to No. 13. East Kentwood is the only area team in MLive top 50.
South Christian did not have an easy time with Benton Harbor in Week 2 Forest Hills Eastern in the first half but the Sailors widened the gap in the second half to cruise to a 36-20 win and open the season 3-0 for the 15th time in school history. That is equal to the number of times East Kentwood has started the season 3-0, despite South Christian starting its football program five years after East Kentwood.
Kelloggsville looks to repeat as OK Conference Silver champs as they start the season 3-0. The Rockets were averaging 41 points a game in their first two games and only increased that average by scoring 51 at home against Buchanan. The Rockets defense was averaging 22 points a game given up and dropped that average to 17 points given up per game by holding Buchanan to just 8 points. Weeks 2 and 3 have seen Kelloggsville outscore their opponents 107-29. This is the eighth season in school history that the Rockets have started 3-0. This is the twelfth season Kelloggsville has started undefeated as they have had three seasons start at 2-0-1 and another season start 1-0-2.
Godwin Heights are no strangers to starting 3-0 as this is the third in the last five years that the Wolverines have begun 3-0 and the 11th overall. Last Friday’s game was a huge win for Godwin and Coach Carlton Brewster as they defeated Calvinm Christian by 49 points. Godwin had been 2-12 against Calvin Christian in their last 14 meetings. When Godwin has beaten the Squires, its not been by a whopping total. You would have to go all the way back to 1996 to find a similar result, Godwin won 53-13 that year. There is reason for pause in getting too excited to this 3-0 start as the opponents combined record is 0-9.
Tri-Unity Christian’s 8-man football tam started the season with an upset loss to Battle Creek St. Philips but have rebounded to win their last two. The Defenders seem to be only getting better as in Week 2 they beat Suttons Bay by 9 and Week 3 saw them easily defeat Atlanta by 26 points, 34-8.
Wyoming high head coach Irvin Sigler, at a preseason press conference. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Wyoming continues to struggle adjusting to Coach Irvin Sigler schemes as the Wolves start the season 0-3. Wyoming was outmatched by Grand Rapids Christian 65-8 in Week 3 and led to the worst loss in school history. Like Godwin’s record can’t be given too much credit however, Wyoming’s record can’t be criticized too much as their opponents combined record is 9-0. Make no mistake, when Coach Sigler’s philosophies are grasped by his players this trend will not only stop but reverse.
Lee High school started off red hot at 2-0 but ran into a buzz saw in Northpointe Christian and their workhorse Jalen Shaffer. Surprising most everyone in the universe, its seems, Lee moved to 2-0 in Week 2 defeating White Cloud 48-0 and we would need to go back to 2005 to find that level of domination by the Rebels. Week 3 would not be a good one for the young upstarts as Northpointe was the dominant force in a 42-0 game. Lee’s lifetime record against Northpointe is 0-8 with a combined score of 330-46 and marks the third time Coach Tim Swore’s team has held the Rebels scoreless.
Currently, WKTV’s football games will be broadcast the night of the game on Comcast Channel 25, usually at 11 p.m., and repeated on Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
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/
WKTV’s broadcast crew’s coverage of high school sports will continue this week with football taking center stage again with a game on Friday, Sept. 15, as we cover Grand Rapids Christian vs. South Christian at East Kentwood High School’s field.
But we will also be back at East Kentwood for the Falcon Water Polo Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 16.
Currently, WKTV sports events will be broadcast the night of the game on Comcast Channel 25, usually at 11 p.m., and repeated on Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
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/
Local high school sports events this week are as follows:
Monday, Sept. 11
Boys/girls Cross Country
Godwin Heights @ Middleville T-K
Grand River Prep @ Middleville T-K
West Michigan Aviation @ Middleville T-K
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
Boys Soccer
Tri-Unity Christian @ Grand River Prep
WMAES @ Zion Christian
East Kentwood @ Portage Central
Girls Golf
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
Boys Tennis
Wayland @ South Christian
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Wyoming @ EGR
Boys Water Polo
East Kentwood @ Portage Central
Girls Volleyball
West Michigan Lutheran @ Holland Calvary
Tuesday, Sept. 12
Boys Soccer
Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee
West Michigan Aviation @ Grand River Prep
Wellsprings Prep @ Zion Christian
Kelloggsville @ Belding
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Holland Calvary @ Tri-Unity Christian
Girls Volleyball
Wyoming Lee @ WMAES
Tri-Unity Christian @ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Aviation @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Wyoming
West Michigan Lutheran @ Zion Christian
Girls Golf
East Kentwood – The Meadows – Mid Season Tournament
Girls Swimming
East Kentwood @ Holland
Wednesday, Sept. 13
Boys Tennis
Kelloggsville @ Sparta
South Christian @ Grand Rapids Christian
East Kentwood @ Rockford
FH Eastern @ Wyoming
Girls Golf
South Christian @ Wayland
Wyoming @ Wayland
Boys Water Polo
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Thursday, Sept. 14
Boys Soccer
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
Potter’s House @ Fruitport Calvary
Zion Christian @ Holland Calvary
West Michigan Aviation @ Heritage Christian
Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Algoma Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Grand Rapids Christian @ Wyoming
Girls Volleyball
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Zion Christian @ Holland Calvary
West Michigan Aviation @ Heritage Christian
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Wayland @ South Christian
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Algoma Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Wyoming @ EGR
Boys/girls Cross Country
Kelloggsville @ Delton-Kellogg
Wyoming @ Delton-Kellogg
Girls Swimming
South Christian @ Union
FH Northern @ East Kentwood
Girls Golf
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Boys Tennis
East Kentwood @ Wayland
Union @ Wyoming
Friday, Sept. 15
Boys Football
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
NorthPointe Christian @ Calvin Christian / Potter’s House
Grand Rapids Christian vs South Christian @ East Kentwood
East Kentwood @ FH Northern
Tri-Unity Christian @ Onekama – 8 Man
Wayland @ Wyoming – Community Night
Boys Soccer
Wayland @ Potter’s House
Girls Golf
East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills
Boys/girls Cross Country
East Kentwood – Spartan Invitational
Saturday, Sept. 16
Boys/girls Cross Country
Wyoming Lee @ Sparta – Sparta Invitational
Godwin Heights @ Sparta – Sparta Invitational
Grand River Prep @ Sparta – Sparta Invitational
West Michigan Aviation @ Sparta – Sparta Invitational
Kelloggsville @ Sparta – Sparta Invitational
South Christian @ Sparta – Sparta Invitational
Wyoming @ Sparta – Sparta Invitational
Girls Volleyball
Wyoming Lee @ Big Rapids Crossroads – CCA Invitational
Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Oakridge
West Michigan Aviation @ Holland Black River
Kelloggsville @ Ottawa Hills
East Kentwood @ Caledonia – Caledonia Elite Classic
The Wyoming Godwin Heights offense, shown here Aug. 31 at Hesperia, is off and running this season. (Courtesy John Mathews/Action Plus Photography)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
The Wyoming Godwin Heights football team has jumped off to a 2-0 start in non-conference action — and has piled up 88 points on offense against Hamilton and Hesperia. But both games were on the road.
This week, the Wolverines will treat their home fans to a little of that offensive prowess, and a special “Community Tailgate” event, in the team’s OK Silver Conference opener as WKTV video crew will be at Godwin for a home game against Calvin Christian, on Friday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m.
So far this year, the Wolverine scoring machine has been keyed by senior quarterback Suriya Davenport, who has scored eight touchdowns in the two games; junior running back De’Amontae Clark, who is averaging nearly 13 yards a carry; and junior tight end Marshawn Kneeland, who leads the team with nine catches for 144 yards.
Kneeland, one of several players who play both ways, is also a standout on the defense, where senior linebacker James Bennett leads with 24 tackles and senior lineman Sixto Cruz is also in double-figures in tackles.
But second-year Godwin Head Coach Carlton Brewster says the reason for the good start goes back further than two weeks.
“It is all about the seniors on this football team, these guys spent so much time in the off-season getting bigger, stronger and faster,” Brewster said to WKTV this week. “These guys carry chip on their shoulder on the feeling of being 5-5 last season.”
Last year, the Wolverines finished 3-3 in conference, 5-4 overall and in the state playoffs, but that “chip on their shoulder” was that the team lost in the first round of the playoffs at Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 43-0.
And that “chip” will not go away however well the team has started, Brewster said.
“We must continue to push each other every day of the week, don’t get complacent and continue to hold each other accountable,” he said. “I will not let them get complacent because I am constantly challenging them each and everyday.”
WKTV will broadcast the Calvin Christian at Godwin Heights game Friday at about 11 p.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25, repeating it on Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
‘Community Tailgate’ event planned prior to the game
In what started as a collaboration with police officers of the City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety and Godwin Heights Public Schools, the athletic department will continue to offer its Community Tailgate event prior to the game.
“Twice a year, once during football season and once during basketball season, the district hosts a Community Tailgate that allows free entry to the game and food to families of Godwin Heights students,” Godwin Heights Athletic Director Rob Hisey said to WKTV. “Anyone who lives in the Godwin Heights Public School District, School of Choice students and their families, previous graduates, and anyone employed by Godwin Heights.”
The event runs from 6-7 p.m. (after that the normal $5 entry fee will be charged).
“The goal of holding the Community Tailgate is to provide a friendly and safe environment where our community members can enjoy the companionship of the entire Godwin Heights educational community,” Hisey said. “This community consist of community members, students, parents, Godwin Heights employees, friends and relatives of our students.”
WKTV will not only continue featuring a football Game of the Week, but this month will be branching out to some new high school athletic venues as well. Starting with the Saturday, Sept. 9, youth equestrian meet at the Barry County Fairgrounds and followed the next week by the boys water polo tournament at East Kentwood, then a Friesian horse show as well as a boys soccer game.
The full month schedule of broadcasts is tentatively set as the following:
Friday, Sept. 8, football – Calvin Christian at Godwin Heights
Saturday, Sept. 9, youth equestrian at Barry County Fairgrounds
Friday, Sept. 15, football – Grand Rapids Christian vs South Christian at East Kentwood
Saturday, Sept. 16, boys water polo – East Kentwood Falcon Tourney
Friday, Sept. 22, football – Grandville at East Kentwood
Saturday, Sept. 23, Friesian Horse Show
Monday, Sept. 25, boys soccer – South Christian at East Kentwood
Friday, Sept. 29, football – Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
WKTV sports events will be broadcast the night of the game on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeated on Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
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/
Local high school sports events this week (through the holiday weekend break) are as follows:
Tuesday, Sept. 5
Boys Soccer
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
Calvary Christian @ Zion Christian
Grand Rapids Christian @ South Christian
Caledonia @ East Kentwood
FH Eastern @ Wyoming
Girls Volleyball
Wellsprings Prep @ Godwin Heights – Quad
Calvary Christian @ Zion Christian
Muskegon Catholic Central @ Tri-Unity Christian
Wyoming @ Allegan
West Michigan Aviation @ West Michigan Lutheran
Boys Tennis
Union @ Kelloggsville
Girls Golf
South Christian @ Calvin Christian
Wyoming @ Zeeland West
Wednesday, Sept. 6
Girls Volleyball
Fennville @ Wyoming Lee
South Christian @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Boys Tennis
Comstock Park @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Wyoming
Girls Golf
South Christian @ FH Eastern
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Boys Soccer
East Kentwood @ Catholic Central
Thursday, Sept. 7
Boys Soccer
Wyoming Lee @ Tri-County
Belding @ Godwin Heights
Holland Calvary @ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
EGR @ South Christian
Wyoming @ Wayland
Girls Volleyball
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Holland Calvary @ Grand River Prep
West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House
Girls Swimming
South Christian @ Ottawa Hills
Northview @ East Kentwood
Boys Tennis
Lowell @ Wyoming
Friday, Sept. 8
Football
Wyoming Lee vs NorthPointe Christian @ EGR
Calvin Christian/Potter’s House @ Godwin Heights
Buchanan @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ FH Eastern
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Wyoming @ Grand Rapids Christian
Girls Swimming
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Boys Soccer
Tri-Unity Christian @ Hope Academy of West Michigan
Saturday, Sept. 9
Boys/girls Cross Country
Wyoming Lee @ Fremont – Hill & Bale Invitational
Godwin Heights @ Fremont – Hill & Bale Invitational
Kelloggsville @ Fennville – Fennville Invite
Grand Rapids Christian @ South Christian – Christian School Invite
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa – Bredeweg Invite
Wyoming @ West Ottawa – Bredeweg Invite
Girls Volleyball
Godwin Heights @ Zion Christian
Kelloggsville @ Zion Christian
FH Central @ East Kentwood – EK Classic
Boys Soccer
Comstock Park @ Godwin Heights
Grand River Prep @ Portland
West Michigan Aviation @ South Haven – Shoreline Tournament
Football coach and educator Thomas DeGennaro. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
When Wyoming Lee High School head football coach Tom DeGennaro returned to the Rebels sideline last season, he inherited a team on a 21-game losing streak which had been outscored 474-56 the previous season.
He knew his team needed to get bigger, stronger and smarter on both sides of the ball — the school already had some speed in several track standouts. One thing the long-time district educator and coach already knew, however, was the heart and grit of the kids he would be working with.
At the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Hall of Fame ceremony in January, as part of his induction into the hall, DeGennaro made his feelings clear about what it takes to be a Lee Rebel.
“I have been grateful to work with some of the toughest kids in the United States,” DeGennaro said in January. “To be a Rebel means you are willing to stand up against the establishment. You have to be willing to put yourself on the line when you stand up. Our kids here do this every day.”
His players willingness to put themselves “on the line” — and in the weight room — has been a big part in a new attitude for the football team, which won an opening-night game for the first time in nine years, an impressive 26-8 road win at New Buffalo last week.
The Rebels will now look to start a winning streak and go for two in a row this week as the WKTV video crew will be at Lee for a home game against White Cloud, on Thursday, Aug. 31, for a 7 p.m. game.
“Our offensive line opened up holes and our backs’ speed took over” against New Buffalo, DeGennaro said to WKTV this week. “Really, this started in the weight room back in October. The kids have bought in, and have committed to being better this year. Defensively we kept New Buffalo contained and had big time turnovers at crucial times.”
At New Buffalo, Lee jumped to a 14-0 first quarter lead on a 5-yard-run from senior running back Aridel Torres — one of those speedy track runners, and a 2016 OK Silver all-conference player — followed by a fumble return by senior linebacker JJ Williams.
After New Buffalo scored to make it 14-8 in the third quarter, Lee put the game away in in the fourth quarter with a 42-yard pass from senior quarterback Giovanny Santiago to Thomas Robinson and then a 2-yard-run from Santiago.
Not involved in the scoring, but a huge part of the Rebels’ ball control offense, senior quarterback Valentino Savala racked up 117 yards on 14 carries. Torres ended up with 51 yards on the ground, and both Santiago and senior running back Alex Deleon had 30 or more yards running.
Last season Lee lost to first New Buffalo and then to White Cloud to start this season, and DeGennaro deflected any talk of revenge or winning streaks.
“We expected to compete everyday in practice and that carries over into the game Friday night,” he said. “White Cloud will come out and hit us. We have to respond and be disciplined and execute the game plan. We are not looking ahead, White Cloud is the best team we play this week. We have to take care of this Thursday and look forward to getting better on Monday.”
WKTV broadcast the Lee vs. White Cloud game at about 10:30 p.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25, repeating on Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
Both showings of the game will be preceded by a special 30-minute OK Silver football conference preview show produced at WKTV studios by WKTV sports volunteer Rob Gee and featuring two special guests. The video is also available on YouTube.
Wyoming high and Holland high were featured on WKTV’s first televised game of the fall season. (WKTV)
By Rob Gee
WKTV sports volunteer/news@wktv.org
The year was 2008.
President George W. Bush was finishing his second term in office, Barack Obama was running for a first term. The war in Afghanistan was only six years old, OJ Simpson was convicted of a crime that would send him to prison and Lehman Brothers was still in business.
2008 was the last time that Wyoming Lee High School football would start the season with a win. After eight consecutive years of opening the season with a loss, Lee started its 2017 football campaign with a win by defeating New Buffalo, 26-8, on Thursday, Aug. 24.
As part of WKTV’s 2017-18 high school sports game coverage schedule, the video crew will be at Lee this Thursday, Aug. 31, for a 7 p.m. game. For a complete list of local high school sports scheduled visit here.
To find an opening day with Lee winning by more than 18 points, one must go all the way back to 1998, when Lee opened the season with a 64-0 win over Bloomingdale.
By no means does this set Lee up for a winning season but sure does set a tone for a different season than what Lee students have become accustom to having been 1-32 in their last 33 games.
A big catch and touchdown by speedster Thomas Robinson, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. and a defensive touchdown by JJ Williams, secured the win for the Rebels.
In other Wyoming-Kentwood area opening-night action:
Wyoming Kelloggsville was a winner in their game against White Hall by a score of 26-23, as ultra-Back Thomas Griggs scored once on the ground and once as a receiver to lead his team to the win as the Rockets try to repeat as OK Silver conference champs.
Godwin Heights defeat Hamilton, 45-35, as Susu Davenport started right where he left off last season in being an exciting playmaker.
South Christian defeated Holland Christian, 40-12, as quarterback Andrew Haan threw for a couple touchdowns and their dynamic cornerback/wide receiver Jared Gordon intercepted a pass and then scored on a reception in the next series for South Christian. Gordon went on to have a second interception later in the game.
East Kentwood got in on the winning night for area teams by crushing Macomb L’anse Creuse North, 45-6.
Wyoming High School lost its opener to Holland, 28-6, in a game that was close right up until the fourth quarter.
Tri-Unity also lost its opener to St. Philip Catholic Central (Battle Creek) by a score of 14-8.
Interested in being a WKTV sports volunteer, working game production or writing for WKTV Journal? Visit here for a story.
Football coach and educator Thomas DeGennaro. (WKTV)
By Mike Moll
sports@wktv.org
WKTV’s broadcast crew’s coverage of high school sports will continue this week with football taking center stage again with a game on Thursday, Aug. 31, as White Cloud visits Wyoming Lee. Lee won its road opener last week, when it defeated New Buffalo, 26-8; and this week’s game will be the home opener for the Rebels, as well as a welcome back to the sidelines for head coach Tom DeGennaro, who is returning for his second stint at the school.
WKTV sports events will be broadcast the night of the game on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeated on Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
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/
Local high school sports events this week (through the holiday weekend break) are as follows:
WKTV will not only cover new Wyoming High School football coach Irvin Sigler first game, we will offer an exclusive interview with him. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
You want local high school sports in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas? Community television WKTV, and its high school sports crew and volunteers, have you covered this fall season and throughout the year.
Starting this week — Thursday, Aug. 24, when the Holland “Dutch” visit Wyoming High School for a football open season clash with the Wolves — WKTV will travel around the area for football and other fall sports coverage — including soccer, swimming, water polo and even youth equestrian.
“High school sports, youth sports, are a big part of our community,” said Tom Norton, general manager of WKTV community television. “And we not only get viewership for our sports programing, we also get many volunteers to help us provide this programming.”
Football game coverage will include WKTV volunteers Mark Bergsma on play-by-play and Ron Schultz on color commentary. (By the way, it is easy to volunteer for sports and other programs at WKTV. See related story here.)
The first part of WKTV’s fall football schedule, after this week, includes White Cloud at Wyoming Lee on Aug. 31, Calvin Christian at Godwin Heights on Sept. 8, Grand Rapids Christian at South Christian (at E. Kentwood) on Sept. 15, Grandville at East Kentwood on Sept. 22, and Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights on Sept. 29. Coverage games throughout October and into the state playoffs will be determined later so we can cover the most important games to the local area.
Football games will be cable rebroadcast the night of the game at 10:30 p.m. on WKTV LiveWire 24 (GRTV, Grand Rapids; BCTV, Byron Center; WCET, Jenison, Hudsonville and Grandville; and RCTV, Rockford). They will also be rebroadcast on WKTV Channel 25 on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
Above and beyond our coverage of football games, WKTV also has two special shows available on YouTube: an interview with new Wyoming head football coach Irvin Sigler is available at the end of this story, and an extensive OK Silver football conference preview co-produced and hosted by volunteer Rob Gee will be presented next week prior to coverage of the Wyoming Lee game.
In addition to football coverage, WKTV’s sports crews are tentatively scheduled cover youth equestrian on Sept. 9 at the Barry County Expo Center in Hastings; girls swimming on Oct. 5 at East Kentwood; boys water polo on Sept. 16 at the Falcon Tourney at East Kentwood, and on Oct. 14 at East Kentwood; and boys soccer on Sept. 25 when local rivals South Christian and East Kentwood take the field at East Kentwood.
For a complete schedule of local high school sports action each week, WKTV volunteer sports director Mike Moll writes a weekly listing, usually posted on WKTVjournal.org/sports each Monday. See the latest one here.
Some of the many volunteers who helped with programming, from an August volunteer appreciation event. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff
news@wktv.org
WKTV, community television for Wyoming and Kentwood, will be heading out on the road this fall for high school sports coverage of football, swimming, water polo and soccer — as well as youth equestrian competition. And for all events volunteer crews are being welcomed, trained and occasionally feed pizza.
Not a sports fan but want to get involved? There are many opportunities such as helping to produce a newscast, a public affairs talk show, and other special community events including concerts.
If it wasn’t for the commitment and participation of our community volunteers, WKTV programming would not be possible. Volunteers are trained and operate the latest technology in cameras, and other video recording and editing equipment.
For more than 30 years, high school sports has covered countless local football and basketball games. And now other sports including baseball, softball and hockey games have been added. WKTV sports crews also work the annual Golden Gloves tournament held in West Michigan.
Typically, WKTV sports covers Tuesday and Friday night contests that are aired later that night, and again the following Saturday morning. Usual commitment of time, after training, is 2-to-3 hours a night.
Newscast and public affairs show taping are typically on Thursday afternoons, also with a commitment of 2-3 hours for each show.
To get more information on volunteering for sports, contact Bill at bill@wktv.org or Davin at davin@wktv.org. For information on volunteering for newsroom projects, contact Joanne at joanne@wktv.org or Ken at ken@wktv.org .
WKTV’s broadcast crew’s coverage of high school sports will begin this week with the Holland at Wyoming football game on Thursday, but local high school teams are in action for all fall sports.
(Football fans: WKTV’s August schedule includes the Thursday, Aug. 31, game with White Cloud at Wyoming Lee.
WKTV sports events will be broadcast the night of the game on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeated on Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
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/
Local high school sports events this week (through next Monday) are as follows:
Monday, Aug. 21
Boys tennis
East Kentwood @ FH Central – Elliott Pearce Invite
@ Wyoming – David Bentley Tournament
Western Michigan Christian @ Kelloggsville
Boys/girls cross country
East Kentwood @ Muskegon Orchard View
Boys soccer
Wyoming @ West Michigan Heat / Homeschool
Holland Christian @ South Christian
Tuesday, Aug. 22
Girls volleyball
East Kentwood @ FH Northern
Rivertown Christian @ Wyoming Lee (Scrimmage)
Grand River Prep @ NorthPointe Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ WMAES
Boys tennis
@ East Kentwood – Quad
Wyoming @ Union
Boys/girls cross country
Godwin Heights @ Kent City
South Christian @ St. Joseph
Boys soccer
Union @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming Lee @ Otsego
Kenowa Hills @ Potter’s House
Ottawa Hills@ Kelloggsville
Zion Christian @ Kalamazoo Christian
Wednesday, Aug. 23
Girls golf
East Kentwood @ South Christian
Boys soccer
Portage Northern @ East Kentwood
Wyoming@ Zeeland West
South Christian @ Calvin Christian
Boys/girls cross country
Wyoming @ Hesperia – Baker Woods Invitational
Girls volleyball
Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee
Boys tennis
Kelloggsville @ Cedar Springs
Unity Christian @ South Christian
Thursday, Aug. 24
Girls golf
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
South Christian @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Girls volleyball
@ East Kentwood – Lady Falcon Invite
Tri-Unity Christian @ Lansing Christian
Boys soccer
Holland @ East Kentwood
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming
Potter’s House @ Northview
Zion Christian @ Kelloggsville
WMAES @ Tri-Unity Christian
Boys football
Godwin Heights @ Hamilton
Holland @ Wyoming- WKTV Game of The Week
St. Philip Catholic Central @ Tri-Unity Christian – 8 man
Boys tennis
Wyoming @ Hamilton
Boys/girls cross country
Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville
Friday, Aug. 25
Boys water polo
East Kentwood @ Jenison
Boys tennis
East Kentwood @ Jenison
Boys soccer
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming
Grand River Prep @West Michigan Aviation
Boys football
Wyoming Lee @ New Buffalo
Kelloggsville @ Whitehall
Holland Christian @ South Christian
Saturday, Aug. 26
Boys water polo
East Kentwood @ Jenison
Girls volleyball
East Kentwood @ Rockford
South Christian – WMVOA Scholarship Invite
Boys tennis
East Kentwood @ Holland
Kalamazoo Christian @ South Christian
Boys football
East Kentwood vs Macomb L’Anse Creuse North @ GVSU
WKTV’s broadcast crew’s coverage of high school sports will begin in a couple weeks, but local high school sports has already begun.
WKTV will once again be bringing a game of the week to the viewers starting with two weeks of Thursday night games before Labor Day weekend, after which the Friday night games will return.
The August schedule is Thursday, Aug. 24, with Holland at Wyoming; and Thursday, Aug. 31, with White Cloud at Wyoming Lee.
WKTV sports events will be broadcast the night of the game on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeated on Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
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/
Local high school sports events this week (through next Monday) are as follows:
Wednesday, Aug. 16
Boys Tennis
East Kentwood @ FH Northern
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming – Quad
Calvin Christian @ South Christian
Girls Golf
East Kentwood @ Kent County Classic
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming
South Christian @ Lansing Central
Thursday, Aug. 17
Girls Golf
East Kentwood @ Portland
Wyoming @ Sparta
South Christian @Lansing Central
Boys Football
@ East Kentwood (Scrimmage)
Wyoming @ Plainwell (Scrimmage)
Union @ Wyoming Lee (Scrimmage)
Kelloggsville @ Schoolcraft (Scrimmage)
Tri-unity Christian @ Camden Fortier
Boys Tennis
NorthPointe Christian @ South Christian
Friday, Aug. 18
Boys Water Polo
East Kentwood @ Ann Arbor Pioneer
Girls Golf
East Kentwood vs Jenison @ The Meadows GVSU
Boys Tennis
East Kentwood @ Ludington
Western Michigan Christian @ Wyoming
Boys Soccer
FH Central @ East Kentwood
West Michigan Aviation @ Union
Girls Volleyball
@ Wyoming – WMVOA Meet
Boys/ Girls Cross Country
Wyoming @ Wayland
Kelloggsville @ Wayland
Tri-unity Christian @ Unity Christian
Saturday, Aug. 19
Boys Water Polo
East Kentwood @ Ann Arbor Pioneer
Boys Tennis
South Christian @ East Kentwood – Tennis Invite
Girls Volleyball
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven Lakeshore Classic
Wyoming Lee @ Grand River Prep – WMVOA Tournament
Kelloggsville @ Grand RiverPrep – WMVOA Tournament
Zion Christian @ Grand River Prep – WMVOA Tournament
Tri-unity Christian @ Grand River Prep – WMVOA Tournament
West Michigan Aviation @ Grand River Prep – WMVOA Tournament
South Christian @ Grand Haven – Lakeshore Classic
Boys Soccer
Godwin Heights@ Grand River Prep
Tri-unity Christian @ Wyoming Lee – Copa Rebelde
Potter’s House @ Kalamazoo Hackett
Kelloggsville @ Muskegon Oakridge
West Michigan Aviation @ Muskegon Oakridge
Catholic Central @ South Christian -Mark Hasper Invite
Monday, Aug. 21
Boys Tennis
East Kentwood @ FH Central – Elliott Pearce Invite
New Wyoming High School football coach Irvin Sigler, at his introductory press conference in June. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
WKTV Staff
news@wktv.org
On the latest episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus”, WKTV’s public affairs show, we bring to the public a discussion with Irvin Sigler III, Wyoming High School’s new head football coach and dean of students.
In the discussion with on “In Focus”, which will air twice a week on WKTV channels starting this week and running through Aug. 27, WKTV’s Ken Norris talks to “Coach Sig” about his on-the-field work with the Wolves but also the “opportunity” of his off-the-field work for all the students at the school.
“I don’t know that I see challenge (with his dean of students position), what I see is tremendous opportunity,” Sigler told WKTV. “The ability to interact and work with a wide variety of students. The ability to spend time one-on-one with them. To be able to help them, and advocate for them.”
Taking the dual job at Wyoming, he said, “was a slam dunk once we talked about the teaching position in the building, because I feel like I have tremendous passion for helping people to succeed.”
As part of WKTV’s season-long football coverage schedule, the station’s cameras and announcers will be at Sigler’s first game leading the Wolves, Thursday, Aug. 24, a home game against Holland.
“WKTV Journal: In Focus” will start airing on Tuesday, Aug. 15, the program will air on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6:30 p.m., on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
The annual Don Lubbers Cup Regatta, named after former Grand Valley State University president and rowing supporter Arena D. (Don) Lubbers, featured hundreds of athletes and some of the top rowing teams from across the Midwest, all coming to Spring Lake on April 7-9 of this year.
And WKTV was there, filming the best moments. WKTV will replay those best moments on Saturday, July 29, at 6 p.m., and again on Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 6:30 p.m., on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.
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.
As the District 9 Southern Senior League team represents the state of Michigan at the Senior Little League Central Regional tournament starting this weekend, WKTV on Sunday will air all the team’s games from their title run at last weekend’s Michigan State Senior tournament on Comcast Cable Channel 24.
Having televised live Southern’s first three games, and recording the two-game finals series, WKTV will begin its game marathon at noon on Sunday, July 23, with a special 15-minute Finals Preview and highlight show hosted by WKTV announcers Paul Kabelman and Rob Gee.
Following the Finals Preview will be the team’s five games played, in order, starting at about 12:15 p.m. with the Friday, July 14, game when Southern defeated District 16 Onsted 22-1 in a 5 innings.
The Saturday, July 15, game, when Southern defeated District 7 St. Clair 10-1 in 7 innings, will start at about 2:05 p.m.; the Sunday, July 16, game, when Southern defeated District 4 Commerce, 27-3 in 5 innings, will start at about 4:10 p.m.; the first title series game from Monday, July 17, when Southern lost to District 5 Taylor NW, 9-4 in 7 innings, will start at about 6:10 p.m.; and the second title game from Monday, July 17, when Southern defeated District 5 Taylor NW 13-3 in 7 innings to win the state title, will start at about 9 p.m.
Southern opens play at regional tournament
At the Central Regional tournament, along with teams from nine other Midwest states, in Peru, Ill., Southern will open tournament play with two games this weekend. First, Saturday, July 22, at 3:30 p.m., Southern will play at a field in Peru, against a team from Richmond, Ky.; then, on Sunday, July 23, at 3 p.m., Southern will play at a field in Oglesby, Ill.
The Southern team is an all-star team made up of players, age 15-16, selected by the coaches from four Senior level teams who played in the Southern Little League this season.
The Southern team is managed by Jamie Billo, with coaches Jim Passinault and Pat Batka.
The players include, from Central Catholic High School, Myles Beale, a centerfielder and pitcher; Matt Moore, outfielder/catcher; Kyle Tepper, 3rd base/outfielder/pitcher; Luke Passinault, 2nd base/outfielder; Joe Collins, outfielder/pitcher; and Nate Trudeau, short stop.
From East Grand Rapids are Reilly O’Connor, infielder and pitcher; Micah Baermann pitcher/outfield; Billy Bernecker, 1st base/outfield; John Shelton lV, catcher; Jack Billo, 3rd base; Peter Kratt, outfield; Ryan Sullivan, pitcher; and Nick Lambert, pitcher.
Also on the team are, from Grand Rapids Christian, Keegan Batka, middle infielder and pitcher, and Luke Elzinga, 1st base/pitcher.
All District 9 Southern games played at the state tournament are available on DVDs at WKTV.org/shop.
The District 9 Southern League team completed an impressive run of weekend wins Sunday in a battle of two 2-0 teams, scoring eight runs in the first inning and going on to defeat District 4 Commerce 27-3 in five innings. The win advances Southern to the Michigan state Senior Little League tournament finals today, Monday, July 17, at 5:30 p.m.
WKTV covered Southern’s first three games live, and will cover the title game and broadcast it on a delayed basis, at 8 p.m. Monday, July 17.
The Southern Senior Little League fans were out in force Sunday. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The tournament is hosted by Southern Little League. All games will be at the Southern Little League field complex at 2525 Kalamazoo Ave. SW, just north of 28th Avenue. The title game will be followed by a second title game to follow, if necessary.
The winner of the state tournament will play in the Central Regional tournament, along with teams from nine other Midwest states, in Peru, Ill.
Southern’s opponent in the finals will be District 5 Taylor NW, which defeated Commerce 6-5 in the elimination bracket finals Sunday night. Taylor will enter the game with a 4-1 record, having lost in opening-round action Friday to District 7 St. Clair, 6-5.
WKTV community volunteers Paul Kabelman, right, and Rob Gee called WKTV’s coverage of the games will hosted a Senior Little League state tournament finals preview. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
On Sunday, against Commerce, Southern scored eight runs in the first inning, showed off great defense to match its great offense — including catcher John Shelton IV cutting down a Commerce runner trying to steal second base — and gained great pitching from three pitchers. Kyle Tepper went two innings in relief for Southern, including getting three strikeouts in the third inning. Among many big hits, Luke Passinault’s fourth-inning double knocked in three runners and pushed the Southern lead to 15-0.
On Saturday, 10 runs was more then enough as three Southern pitchers combined to limit St. Clair to one run on three hits while striking out 9 in a 10-1 winners bracket win. Luke Elzinga started the game on the mound for Southern and went three innings for the win, giving up no hits while striking out five and walking two. Joe Collins and Nick Lambert each went two innings in relief. Elzinga left the game with just a two-run lead, but Southern scored 2 in the fourth inning and 4 in the fifth to give the relief pitchers a cushion. Keegan Batka led the offense with three hits and five runs batted in.
On Friday, Southern gained 4 runs-batted-in from John Shelton — including a massive solo home run to left field in the second inning — and Jack Billo and Nate Trudeau each had three RBI as the host team scored 15 runs in the first inning against District 16’s Onsted and went on to 22-1 in a 5-inning game.
The Southern team is an all-star team made up of players, age 15-16, selected by the coaches from four Senior level teams who played in the Southern Little League this season.
WKTV covered all District 9 Southern games and DVDs of all games are available at WKTV.org/shop.
Friday night the District 9 Southern Little League team pounded out 22 runs in an opening round game of the Michigan state Senior Little League tournament hosted by Southern Little League; Saturday, 10 runs was more then enough as three Southern pitchers combined to limit District 7 St. Glair to one run on three hits while striking out 9 in a 10-1 winners bracket win.
Southern will advance in the double-elimination tournament and play Sunday, July 16, at 4 p.m., against District 4 Commerce. Commerce won twice on Friday — 13-5 over District 3 Ypsilanti and a 16-1 win over District 2 Portage, to advance to the Sunday game. WKTV will cover the game live.
Against St. Clair, Luke Elzinga started the game on the mound for Southern and went three innings for the win, giving up no hits while striking out five and walking two. Joe Collins and Nick Lambert each went two innings in relief. Elzinga left the game with just a two-run lead, but Southern scored 2 in the fourth inning and 4 in the fifth to give the relief pitchers a cushion. Keegan Batka led the offense with three hits and five runs batted in.
On Friday, Southern gained 4 runs-batted-in from catcher John Shelton lV — including a massive solo home run to left field in the second inning — and Jack Billo and Nate Trudeau each had three RBI as the host team scored 15 runs in the first inning against District 16’s Onsted and went on to 22-1 in a 5-inning game.
WKTV will cover every District 9 game this weekend. All live games will be available on Comcast Cable Channel 24. Some games will be taped-delayed. DVDs of all games are available at WKTV.org/shop.
All games will be at the Southern Little League field complex at 2525 Kalamazoo Ave. SW, just north of 28th Avenue. The title game will be Monday at 5:30 p.m. with a second title game to follow, if necessary.
The winner of the state tournament will play in the Central Regional tournament, along with teams from nine other Midwest states, in Peru, Ill.
The Southern team is an all-star team made up of players, age 15-16, selected by the coaches from four Senior level teams who played in the Southern Little League this season.
As he prepares his team for a state Senior Little League tournament hosted by District 9 Southern Little League this weekend — a tournament WKTV will be broadcasting — Southern manager Jamie Billo is glad to have several players who have “been there; done that.”
Not only will he get the on-field talent, but also the off-field wisdom, of five players who return from a team that won the state title and won three games in the Central Regional tournament last year before falling to an eventual national champion team from Illinois.
And that leadership was evident last weekend as the Southern team, after rolling through three games in the District 9 tournament, had to bounce back from a title-game loss to Georgetown to win the tournament.
That loss “taught the kids a valuable lesson — on any given day, if you do not play up to your capability you get beat,” Billo said in an interview with WKTV. “It (also) helps a lot (to have experienced players). They can explain to the kids there is no reason to have that ‘awe’ factor. It is just another baseball game. They also reinforce that they have to come to every game ready to play.”
Attend the games; watch them on WKTV
WKTV will also be at every District 9 game this weekend, ready to play. WKTV’s coverage crew will broadcast live Southern’s opening game Friday, July 14, at 7 p.m., and then also be live on Saturday for the team’s games at 10 a.m. or 4 p.m., depending on Friday results. All live games will be available on Comcast Cable Channel 24. Some later games will be taped-delayed.
Southern will open action against the District 16 representative from Onsted. The other teams in the tournament will be Portage, from District 2; Ypsilanti, District 3; Commerce, District 4; Taylor NW, District 5; and St. Clair, District 7.
All games will be at the Southern Little League field complex at 2525 Kalamazoo Ave. SW, just north of 28th Avenue. The title game will be Monday at 5:30 p.m. with a second title game to follow, if necessary.
The winner of the state tournament will play in the Central Regional tournament, along with teams from nine other Midwest states, in Peru, Ill.
The team and its coaches
The Southern team is an all-star team made up of players, age 15-16, selected by the coaches from four Senior level teams who played in the Southern Little League this season.
Billo is in his first year as head coach of the Senior team, but has coached Southern Little League teams for eight years. He is the junior varsity head football coach at East Grand Rapids.
“I have coached a lot of these kids over the last few years,” he said.
The players include, from Central Catholic High School, Myles Beale, a centerfielder and pitcher; Matt Moore, outfielder/catcher; Kyle Tepper, 3rd base/outfielder/pitcher; Luke Passinault, 2nd base/outfielder; Joe Collins, outfielder/pitcher; and Nate Trudeau, short stop.
From East Grand Rapids are Reilly O’Connor, infielder and pitcher; Micah Baermann pitcher/outfield; Billy Bernecker, 1st base/outfield; John Shelton lV, catcher; Jack Billo, 3rd base; Peter Kratt, outfield; Ryan Sullivan, pitcher; and Nick Lambert, pitcher.
Also on the team are, from Grand Rapids Christian, Keegan Batka, middle infielder and pitcher, and Luke Elzinga, 1st base/pitcher.
Shelton, who started on the EGR varsity team this season, will be the team’s clean-up hitter. Billo, the manager’s son, was a starter on last year’s team that won the state tournament, as was Lambert, Trudeau, Elzinga and Kratt. Also of note, Batka’s brother, Austin, pitches for the University of Michigan.
“John Shelton is huge part of the team, batting,” Billo said. “Peter Kraff is probably the vocal leader of the team and has a great bat. Jack (Billo) will hit from the 2-hole two and is very fast. Kegan Batka leads with RBIs.”
Pitching, however, is a little more of uncertainty for the team.
“The strength of the team is batting and defense,” Billo said. “Last year we had two pitchers who we could just roll the ball out to. This year we have a lot of pitching depth but no top pitchers, but we have eight guys we are confident of to put out there.”
In addition to Billo, the other coaches for the team are Jim Passinault and Pat Batka.
“When it comes to pitching, I defer to Pat, his sons are pitchers and he pitched. He calls all the pitches,” Billo said. “We have known each other, coaches against each other in the regular season. As manager, I could pick my coaches and I could not have picked two better ones.”
The runways at the Ford International Airport will be the running track for a fall 5k. (Supplied)
by Montae Harris, WKTV Staff
news@wktv.org
Lace and gear up your sneaks and get ready for the first ever Runway 5K, starting this fall at the Gerald R.Ford International Airport (GFIA).
The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m., on airport grounds.The race will begin near the cargo facilities, under a runway tunnel, loop around by the airport fire station, and wrap around on runway 8L/26R.
The proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish Michigan, with the cost of $28 per person. That includes T-Shirts, post-race snacks and beverages, and awards for top finishers as well as other giveaways.
“It’s through the generous support of our Michigan Community, like our friends at GFIA that we are able to grant life-changing wishes to Michigan children,” Karen Davis, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Michigan, said in supplied material.
There will also be a 1-mile fun run/walk, starting at 9:05 a.m., with the cost of $15 per person.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for runners, walkers, and families who want to come out for a Saturday morning stroll or a competitive race, and to experience a fun event on a runway that is normally only being used for aircraft,” Jim Gill, CEO and airport president, said in supplied material.
As the July Fourth holiday approaches, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers will focus on keeping boaters safe through heightened awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence laws.
The initiative is part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign, which runs June 30 to July 2.
The annual campaign is launched just prior to the July Fourth weekend, when more boaters take to the water and alcohol use increases. It is in coordination with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the U.S. Coast Guard and other partners. Through this stepped-up enforcement, the DNR is raising awareness of the hazards associated with boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and is working to decrease the number of accidents attributed to impaired boating and other unsafe boating practices.
“Alcohol and boating don’t mix,” said the DNR’s Lt. Tom Wanless, Michigan’s boating law administrator. “Using alcohol impairs reaction time and judgment, just as if you were driving a car. In fact, the effects of alcohol and certain medications are increased on the water due to added stress factors such as the sun, heat, wind, wave motion and engine noise. So be smart and stay sober when boating, and don’t put yourself and others at risk.”
In Michigan, operating a motorboat while under the influence of alcohol — which means the person has a blood alcohol content of 0.08 grams or more – or under the influence of a controlled substance is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $500, community service and up to 93 days in jail. It also can result in the loss of boating privileges for at least one year.
If a person is killed or injured due to a driver operating a boat while under the influence, the driver could be charged with a felony, punishable by fines up to $10,000 and up to 15 years in prison.
Boaters can do their part to stay safe on the water by: Boating sober — alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Wearing a life jacket — 85 percent of drowning victims in the U.S. were not wearing life jackets. Taking a boating safety course — the DNR recommends a safety course for anyone who plans to use a boat or personal watercraft.
For more information about boating regulations and safety courses in Michigan at www.michigan.gov/boating.
Cedar Chase Golf Course in Cedar Springs will host this year’s Korhorn fundraiser. (Supplied)
WKTV Staff
Registration is still available for the Rod Korhorn Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser Golf Outing, a four-person scramble at Cedar Chase Golf Course, will be held Wednesday, July 19.
The Korhorn event is an effort of the Midwest Michigan APWA (American Public Works Association).
Rod Korhorn was born and raised in Grand Rapids, graduating from Grand Rapids Christian High School and gaining his civil engineering degree at Michigan Tech University. With Nathan Vriesman, Korhorn owned the engineering firm Vriesman and Korhorn. Her died in 2014, and a scholarship fund was set up in his name.
“The scholarships are not for a particular school,” said Jim Wolford, City of Kentwood Department of Public Works, who is the event director. “There is criteria we use for the recipients and a committee reviews the applicants.”
Cedar Chase golf course is located at 7551 17 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Springs.
The event begins with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. the cost is $70 per person or $250 per foursome which includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch during play and dinner following the outing. (Foursomes must sign up and pay as a foursome to receive discounted price.) Deadline for registration is July 8.
Wyoming High School’s new head football coach will be Irvin Sigler III,a Michigan Man who comes to the school after most recently serving as the offensive coordinator at Division III Hope College, Wyoming Public Schools announced today at a mid-day press conference.
Sigler was a graduate assistant at University of Michigan in the early 1990s while earning his master’s degree.
Sigler will succeed as Sam Becker, who left Wyoming after two years to take the head coaching position at Kenowa Hills High School. Becker took over a Wolves program that had a combined 1-17 record in the two years prior and led them to records of 3-6 in 2015 and 5-4 in 2016.
From left to right, Nate Robrahn, Wyoming high principal; Ted Hollern, Wyoming Public Schools athletic director; Irvin Sigler, new Wolves head football coach; and Dr. Thomas Reeder, WPS superintendent. (Supplied.)
“Coach Sigler provides us the opportunity to build upon work already started rather than to start over,” Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Reeder said in supplied material. “He will take the program to an even higher level.”
Sigler will be the high school’s dean of students as well as leading the Wolves football program.
“As I told the kids this morning,” Sigler said at the press conference. “There are three things I strive to do, when I work with young people: Number 1 to be a great roll model, two to be a great teacher, and three to be the kind of coach that gets the best out of every player. That’s my goal, here, and I intend to do it for a long time. I intend to make a home here at Wyoming.”
Sigler has coached at both the high school and collegiate levels.
Prior to Hope College, he was an assistant head football coach and assistant track coach at Grand Rapids Christian schools, from 2013-15. He served as head football coach at Jenison High School from 2008-12. His prior coaching experiences include Kell High School in Marietta, Ga., Grandville High School from 1998-2004, and Cadillac High School from 1993-97.
In addition to his head coaching duties, Sigler has experience teaching both physical education and Social Studies.
“Outside of getting an excellent football coach, one of the things that is most exciting is the additional things that Coach Sigler brings to the table,” Wyoming Public Schools Athletic Director Ted Hollern said in supplied material.
“It is a tremendous opportunity for our community and all our kids,” Hollern said at the press conference. “Some of the initiatives that he has done in the past that he will bring to Wyoming, will be absolutely terrific, especially in regards to his leadership programs … academic programs he plans on bringing, that he has brought to other schools, that he plans on bringing to Wyoming high school. … And one of his biggest goals is for the opportunity to teach young people to become great citizens.”
Sigler’s coaching accomplishments, in addition to his time at U-M, include MHSAA Regional Coach of the Year in 2001 and 2003 while at Grandville, the MHSFCA Community Service Award in 2009. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Adrian College in 1990 and his Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan in 1992.
Sigler’s wife Erin is a sixth-grade teacher at Bauerwood Elementary in Jenison. They have four children: Tyler, Caden, Sydney and Riley.
Local high school graduate Jared Veldheer, now a player for the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals, will return to the area to host the Metro Health – University of Michigan Health’s Jared Veldheer Football Camp. (Supplied)
By Jennifer Hoff
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
Local high school graduate Jared Veldheer, now a player for the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals, will return to the area to host the Metro Health – University of Michigan Health’s Jared Veldheer Football Camp.
The camp will be held Tuesday, June 27 from 5:30-8 p.m., at Grand Rapids Christian High School Stadium, 2300 Plymouth Avenue, SE. The cost is $20 per student, and is open to students from third through eighth grade.
Jared Veldheer, in a National Football League game for the Arizona Cardinals. (Supplied)
Veldheer is a team co-captain and left tackle for the Cardinals. In 2014, he was the team MVP. He is a Hillsdale College 2-time All-American and a Forest Hills Northern graduate.
At the camp, Veldheer teams up with area football coaches and Metro Health – University of Michigan Health Sports Medicine for the night of instruction.
“I’m excited to get back to Grand Rapids for another year of this football camp,” Veldheer said. “It is exciting to teach young athletes who have a passion for sports and are eager to learn. More importantly, I’m excited to share my message about playing multiple sports, eating healthy, and being a team player. My goal is to encourage all student athletes to ‘Stay in the Game’.” All proceeds from the camp go to the Keeping the Beat Program.
Dr. Ed Kornoelje, sports medicine medical director for Metro Health – University of Michigan Health will discuss with parents and athletes sports injury prevention.
“Athletics provide a great opportunity for students to learn many skills outside of just their sport,” Kornoelje said. “It is important for all student athletes, and their parents, to understand what it takes to be a healthy athlete. This camp provides a great platform to discuss these items.”
In additional to the on field practice, Veldheer will share his personal message on the drive, focus and discipline it has taken to be one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL.
All participants registered by June 27 will receive a free T-shirt and an autographed book “Stay in the Game — Jared Veldheer’s Journey to the NFL”.
Several local girls high school soccer teams will be in action this week.
By Mike Moll
WKTV Sports
The month of June may not have many scheduled events but each of them will be very important as they are all part of their respective MHSAA State tournament leading to the crowning of both individual state championships along with team state championships. The final school sports seasons draw to a close the weekend of June 16-17 when the girls soccer, boys baseball, and girls softball have the final competitions.
All the best to the student-athletes that have graduated and we look forward to seeing the underclassmen returning starting in August as the new year starts up and the fall sports seasons start it all over again.
While July will be an “empty” month as far as the high school sports schedule is concerned, the WKTV truck and crews will be covering various events over the course of the summer, so keep checking the broadcast schedule for more sporting events coming to you.
WKTV sports events will be broadcast on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeated later in the week on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, and any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, see now.wktv.org/sports/
The complete list of local high school sports events this week is as follows:
Thursday, June 1
Girls soccer
East Kentwood @ FH Central – MHSAA Div. 1 State Districts
West Michigan Aviation vs West Catholic @ Catholic Central – MHSAA Div. 3 State Districts
Godwin Heights @ Catholic Central – MHSAA Div. 3 State Districts
Covenant Christian vs Potter’s House @ NorthPointe Christian – MHSAA Div.4 State Regionals
Calvin Christian vs Tri-Unity Christian @ NorthPointe Christian – MHSAA Div. 4 State Regionals
Softball is just one of several high school sports nearing the end of their season. Catch a game today!
By Mike Moll
WKTV Sports
There are plenty of local high school sports events to check out this week — including the beginnings of state playoffs for tennis and track — but the WKTV truck and crews will not be back covering games until next week.
The final spring game coverage will be:
Wednesday, May 24 – Boys Baseball, Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Each game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat later in the week — Wednesday games will be rebroadcast Saturdays at 11 a.m. — on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week in April, and any changes to the WKTV feature game schedule, see now.wktv.org/sports/
The complete list of local high school sports events this week due to spring break is as follows:
Monday, May 15
Boys baseball
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
Kelloggsville @ Belding
South Christian @ Covenant Christian – DH
Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’sHouse – DH
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Girls softball
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Cristian – DH
Kelloggsville @ Belding – DH
South Christian @ Covenant Christian – DH
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee – DH
Girls soccer
Godwin Heights @ Covenant Christian
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
West Michigan Aviation @ Fruitport Calvary
South Christian @ Christian
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Boys golf
Comstock Park @ Wyoming
East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Girls tennis
South Christian @ Zeeland East
Tuesday, May 16
Girls Tennis
Western Michigan Christian @ Kelloggsville
North Muskegon @ South Christian
Boys baseball
Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills
Middleville T-K @ South Christian – DH
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – DH
Girls softball
Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills – DH
Middleville T-K @ South Christian – DH
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – DH
Girls soccer
Hudsonville Hornets @ West Michigan Aviation
Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Calvary
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Boys golf
Caledonia @ East Kentwood – OK Red Jamboree @ Stone Water
Wednesday, May 17
Girls soccer
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming @ Wayland
Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian
Boys golf
Kelloggsville – OK Silver Conference Tournament at The Meadows
Wyoming @ FH Eastern – OK Gold Jamboree @ Egypt Valley
South Christian @ FH Eastern – OK Gold Jamboree @ Egypt Valley
Boys baseball
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Tri-Unity Christian vs Holland Black River @ Fifth Third Ballpark – DH
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Girls softball
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Thursday, May 18
Boys baseball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Godwin Heights
West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Boys lacrosse
Catholic Central @ South Christian
Girls soccer
East Grand Rapids @ South Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Black River
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Girls tennis
East Kentwood vs TBD @ Holland – MHSAA State Regionals
Girls softball
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Friday, May 19
Boys and girls track
Division 1 MHSAA State Regionals @ Kalamazoo-Loy Norrix
Division 2 MHSAA State Regionals @ Houseman Field
Division 3 MHSAA State regionals @ Saugatuck
Division 4 MHSAA State Regionals @ Holton
Girls softball
Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park
Ottawa Hills @ Kelloggsville – DH
Wyoming @ West Ottawa – DH
South Christian @ Zeeland East – DH
Girls soccer
Godwin Heights @ Belding
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
South Christian @ Holland Christian
Boys baseball
Godwin Heights @ Union
West Michigan Aviation @ Kelloggsville – DH
Wyoming @ West Ottawa – DH
Girls tennis
Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park
Kelloggsville @ Christian – MHSAA State Regionals
Girls water polo
@ TBA – MHSAA State Regionals
Saturday, May 20
Boys baseball
West Michigan Aviation @ Bloomingdale – DH
Auburn Hills Oakland Christian @ Potter’s House – DH
East Kentwood @ Lakeview – DH
Zion Christian @ Mason County Eastern
Zion Christian @ Western Michigan Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Saranac
Girls soccer
Zion Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Boys and girls track
Division 1 MHSAA State Regionals @ Kalamazoo-Loy Norrix
Division 2 MHSAA State Regionals @ Houseman Field
Division 4 MHSAA State Regionals @ Holton
Girls water polo
@ TBA – MHSAA State Regionals
Girls softball
Muskegon Reeths-Puffer @ East Kentwood – DH
Wyoming Lee @ Saranac
Boys golf
East Kentwood vs TBA @ The Mines
Monday, May 22
Boys baseball
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
South Christian @ Unity Christian
Kenowa Hills @ East Kentwood
Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee – DH
Girls softball
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights – DH
FH Central @ South Christian – DH
East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills
Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee – DH
Girls soccer
NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights
Belding @ Kelloggsville
West Michigan Aviation @ Barry County Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Boys golf
Wyoming @ Christian – OK Gold Conference Meet @ Thornapple Pointe
South Christian @ Christian – OK Gold Conference Meet @ Thornapple Pointe
A 9-1-1 dispatcher — a person who is “always there for you, waiting for your call” — is now in need of support from the community. And the annual Kent Area Law Enforcement’s Old Time Hockey Game offers the public the ability to support while watching some fun hockey action.
The Old Time Hockey Game will take place Saturday, May 20, at Byron Center’s Southside Ice Arena, 566 100th St., with the game beginning at 1 p.m. and an open skate to follow.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Michelle Bouwens, an 18-year veteran 9-1-1 dispatcher who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, according to her boss, is currently in the fight of her life.
“They are always there for you, waiting for your call. Now, one of them needs your help,” Matt Groesser, Emergency Communications Center manager for the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, said in an emailed statement. “The men and women of the Kent County Communications Center answer over 140,000 9-1-1 calls per year (that’s one call every 4 minutes on average). They are responsible for emergency communications in a community of over 435,000 people. … Come join us, and hundreds of others from the area, at the 21st annual Kent Area Law Enforcement Charity Hockey Game.”
The charity hockey game is the longest-running law enforcement hockey game in the state. The event is open to the public, with donations accepted.
Bouwens is married and has two sons, ages 9 and 10. She is taking unpaid time off to undergo treatment and surgeries, according to supplied information.
For more information visit the event’s Facebook link.
The Pinery Park Little League’s annual Celebration Day, coming this Saturday, is a celebration of the hundreds of kids involved with about 30 teams playing in the park’s youth baseball and softball program. It is also a celebration of the parents and volunteers who work to make the program a success.
WKTV’s mobile coverage crew will be recording it all, starting at 10 a.m., May 13, and set for broadcast at 6 p.m. that night on WKTV community television Channel 25.
“This is our traditional ‘opening day’ celebration; we have been playing for several weeks but we like to wait until we have a better chance of good weather,” said Joe Gonzalez, president of the Pinery Park Little League. “It is a celebration of the kids, but also all the people who are trying to make the league stronger, to keep it going.”
Gonzalez said the event will have a “parade” of teams of players introduced in their team shirts, and then a carnival and food for the kids starting at 11 a.m. Many of the sponsors of the teams and the league will also be identified at the event.
According to Gonzalez, the league hosts a spectrum of levels of baseball and softball teams, including multiple teams in T-ball, coach pitch, minor and major levels. He said there are usually about 14 players in each baseball team and about 10-to-12 players in each softball team.
Pinery Park is located at 2301 De Hoop Ave. (off 28th Street), in Wyoming.
High school baseball and softball seasons are in full swing. Check out a ball game. (WKTV)
By Mike Moll
WKTV Sports
There are plenty of local high school sports events to check out this week, and the weather is supposed to take a turn for the better.
The WKTV truck and crews continue this week its May schedule of high school sporting event coverage, with the rest of the tentative schedule being:
Monday, May 8 – Boys Baseball, Belding @ Kelloggsville
Tuesday May 9 – Boys Baseball, Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Wednesday, May 24 – Boys Baseball, Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Each game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat on later in the week — the Tuesday games will be rebroadcast Wednesdays at 5 p.m., and the Wednesday and Thursday games will be rebroadcast Saturdays at 11 a.m. — on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week in April, and any changes to the WKTV feature game schedule, see now.wktv.org/sports/
The complete list of local high school sports events this week due to spring break is as follows:
Monday, May 8
Boys Baseball
Belding @ Godwin Heights
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
Zion Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Girls softball
Belding @ Godwin Heights – DH
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
Girls soccer
Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights
Byron Center @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Wyoming
West Michigan Aviation @ Algoma Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Hudsonville Hornets
FH Central @ East Kentwood
Ravenna @ Zion Christian
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Boys golf
Kelloggsville @ Belding
Girls tennis
Kelloggsville @ Catholic Central
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Boys Lacrosse
South Christian @ Jenison
Boys/girls track
@ Wyoming Lee – Cornerstone University Showcase
Tuesday, May 9
Boys baseball
Wayland @ Wyoming – DH
South Christian @ East Grand Rapids – DH
GR Crusaders @ Tri-Unity Christian
Caledonia @ East Kentwood – DH
Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian – DH
Girls Softball
Wayland @ Wyoming – DH
South Christian @ East Grand Rapids – DH
Caledonia @ East Kentwood – DH
Girls soccer
Grand River Prep @ Calvary Christian
Potter’s House @ Algoma Christian
Hope Academy @ Tri-Unity Christian
Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian
East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Boys golf
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – OK Red Jamboree
Girls water polo
East Kentwood @ Grand Ledge
Wednesday, May 10
Boys baseball
Calvin Christian@ Godwin Heights
Rockford @ South Christian – DH
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Girls softball
Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights
Rockford @ South Christian – DH
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Girls soccer
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids
Wayland @ South Christian
Girls tennis
Kelloggsville @ Coopersville
NorthPointe Christian @ South Christian
Boys golf
Wyoming @ South Christian – OK Gold Jamboree @ Railside
Boys/girls track
Wyoming @ Wayland
South Christian @ Wayland
Thursday, May 11
Girls softball
Godwin Heights @ Plainwell – DH
Tri-County @ Kelloggsville
Hamilton @ Wyoming
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Boys baseball
Tri-County @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ Wayland
Grand River Prep @ Potter’s House
East Grand Rapids @ South Christian
Kalamazoo Cougars @ Tri-Unity Christian
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Boys golf
Hamilton @ Wyoming
Boys/girls track
West Michigan Aviation @ Ravenna
Girls soccer
West Michigan Aviation @ Grand River Prep
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Girls tennis
Wayland @ East Kentwood
Friday, May 12
Boys/girls track
Godwin Heights @ Belding – OK Silver Conference Tournament
Kelloggsville @ Belding – O Silver Conference Tournament
Wyoming Lee @ Belding – OK Silver Conference Tournament
East Kentwood @ Rockford – OK Red Conference Tournament
Boys baseball
Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park
West Michigan Aviation @ Kalamazoo Cougars – DH
Girls soccer
Zion Christian @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming @ Hudsonville Hornets
South Christian @ Zeeland East
Potter’s House @ Fruitport Calvary Christian
Algoma Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Boys golf
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian – OK Silver Jamboree @ The Pines
Northview @ Wyoming
Boys lacrosse
South Christian @ Kenowa Hills
Girls water polo
East Kentwood @ TBA – Districts
Saturday, May 13
Boys golf
Kelloggsville @ Hamilton
East Kentwood @ East Lansing
Girls tennis
Kelloggsville @ Spring Lake – OK Silver Conference Tournament
Wyoming @ FH Eastern – OK Gold Conference Meet
South Christian @ FH Eastern – OK Gold Conference Meet
East Kentwood @ Rockford – OK Red Conference Meet
Boys baseball
West Michigan Aviation @ Kelloggsville – Liz Jensen Memorial Tournament
South Christian @ Zeeland East
Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian – DH
East Kentwood @ Jenison – DH
Girls softball
Hastings @ Kelloggsville – Liz Jensen Memorial Tournament
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville – Liz Jensen Memorial Tournament
South Christian @ Hudsonville
Boys/girls track
Wyoming @ Houseman Field – OK Gold Conference Meet
South Christian @ Houseman Field – OK Gold Conference Meet
Jake Paganelli (at bat), like his brother before him, will be playing in a game that is very personal for the family. (Supplied)
Wyoming’s Christy Paganelli ballgames remember past, eye a better future
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
This Friday, an annual baseball and softball game will held between Wyoming and Grandville high schools, the sixth to honor the person and the spirit of Christy Paganelli, who lost a courageous 18-month battle with melanoma.
Christy Paganelli
But the game, and its message, is really so much more — the theme is “Play for Melanoma” but, according to Christy’s widowered husband Dino, 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.
“The importance of this is to just honor lost love ones and those currently fighting a battle with cancer — any cancer — but it’s melanoma that I am really aware of, and I want young people to be aware of the significance of prevention,” Paganelli said in an interview with WKTV. “I am really scared for this generation.”
The two games are scheduled for May 5 at Wyoming High School’s baseball and softball fields, with both games starting at 6 p.m.
The players will be wearing special “sponsored” jerseys in honor or in memory of someone. As a player is announced at the beginning of the game, that person’s story will be told.
The players will have special sponsored jerseys, each with a story to tell. (Supplied)
“Each player has a personal connection,” Paganelli said, who saw the connection firsthand with his and Christy’s sons, who play for Grandville. “Brady played in it last year and he was really humbled by the experience, to see the leadership their mom had and showed. And now Jake is on varsity and I know he will be humbled by it.”
Between innings, an American Cancer Society spokesperson will be reading facts on melanoma so everyone can be aware of the dangers of skin cancer and what the risk factors are. There will also be printed information available for attendees to take with them.
“She (Christy) was really reserved, she would not really like all the hype” of the games, Paganelli said. “But she would have been in favor of getting the information out there. It is a community event that I am always amazed at, the stories you hear from the sponsors, and it always takes me back.”
All proceeds from this game go to melanoma education and research, as well as student awareness at Wyoming high. Separately funded, the Christy Paganelli Scholarship Fund at Aquinas College, where Christy attended and played softball, funds one or two student scholarships each year.
“Wyoming is a very special and caring community and we are thrilled to have everyone rally around this very personal cause.” Susan Brogger, Community Manager of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Lakeshore Division and the American Cancer Society, said in a supplied statement.
Wyoming high continues tradition
The very special cause, and sometimes very personal cause, is not lost on the student athletes either, according to the two Wyoming coaches, softball coach Troy Mast and baseball coach Shawn Veenstra.
A banner donated by Grandville High School for the 2016 event with Christy’s daughter Katelyn, 10, shown. (Supplied)
“I believe the event is special for our athletes as they know the event is for a great cause and they get to represent more than just themselves and their school,” said Veenstra, who with Mast has coached the games for four years, since Wyoming Park and Rogers high schools merged. Before that Rogers hosted the games.
“They know they are playing, not only for cancer awareness, but also for the sponsor on their jersey,” Veenstra said. “A lot of times the kids are playing in honor of a family member or family friend who either has passed away or survived cancer.”
Christy Paganelli, from her high school playing days. (Supplied)
Christy Paganelli played multiple sports at Rogers in the late 1980s, and went on to Aquinas College. Christy and Dino Paganelli’s three children are students at Grandville.
Dino’s father, Carl Paganelli, who has recently had a recurrence of a cancer, will be the honorary home-team captain of the baseball team. The honorary home captain for the softball, Terrance Sommerdyke, is a melanoma survivor, Paganelli said.
Carl Paganelli is a long-time Wyoming resident and patriarch of a family that includes three sons who officiate in the NFL, including Dino.
Baseball will be featured as WKTV’s high school sports coverage enters the final month of the 2016-17 school year.
By Mike Moll
WKTV Sports
Just as the academic school year is quickly coming to an end, especially for seniors with many graduations taking place this month, the spring schedules are following suit as MHSAA tournaments begin near the end of the month — so be sure to get out and watch one of the high school contests while you still can this month and support your local teams.
Likewise, the WKTV truck and crews covering games are winding down as May will bring viewers the last scheduled high school sporting event coverage until the fall when football kicks off again. May’s tentative schedule is:
Tuesday, May 2 – Girls Water Polo, EGR @ East Kentwood
Thursday, May 4 – Girls Softball, East Kentwood @ Grandville
Monday, May 8 – Boys Baseball, Belding @ Kelloggsville
Tuesday May 9 – Boys Baseball, Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Wednesday, May 24 – Boys Baseball, Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Each game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat on later in the week — the Tuesday games will be rebroadcast Wednesdays at 5 p.m., and the Wednesday and Thursday games will be rebroadcast Saturdays at 11 a.m. — on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week in April, and any changes to the WKTV feature game schedule, see now.wktv.org/sports/
The complete list of local high school sports events this week due to spring break is as follows:
Monday, April 24
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Middleville T-K – OK Gold Jamboree @ Yankee Springs
The Friesian Connection will host its Annual Open House and Ice Cream Social Saturday, May 6 from 1 – 4 p.m. on its beautiful acreage just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids at 2685 144th Ave., Dorr.
Come for an afternoon of fun and fellowship and visit the Friesian Connection Stallion Station. Here, the public will see these majestic creatures up close and personal. The afternoon will include the presentation of stallions under saddle and driving, horses at liberty, a petting barn, and all the ice cream you can eat.
This year the Open House will feature Hessel 480, a majestic stallion direct from the Netherlands, with special guest Petra Zeelen who is a renowned trainer and clinician from the Netherlands. Also, Spring is foaling season for local Friesians, so visitors will be able to witness these beautiful colts, llies, and mares up close.
The Friesian is a horse breed originating in Friesland in the Netherlands. The conformation of the breed resembles that of a light draught house with the animal being graceful and noble for its size. IT is believed that during the Middle Ages, ancestors of Friesian horses were in great demand as war horse through continental Europe because their size enabled them to carry a fully dressed knight.
In 1984, Robert and Arlene DeBoer imported three Friesian Star mares from the Netherlands. From there, the Friesian Connection expanded into a well-established breeding program, training, selling and importing horses from the Netherlands. Today, the Friesian Connection has more than 50 Friesian horses on its 400-arce farm with the entire family involved in the business.
The Friesian Connection has a history of hosting Friesians owners to market Friesian horses and services. This tradition began back in the 1980s when the DeBoers and other early Friesian import partners began to market their stock for sale and stud services. It has since grown to be a huge event that attracts enthusiasts from across the Midwest. Remember to bring your horse loving friends and family to this special, free event.
