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.
Runners and beer lovers rejoice! The Beer Flight Running Series is coming to West Michigan.
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
If you haven’t already made your weekend running and beer drinking/crawling plans, HopCat’s Trivium Racing Team has a great idea for you — combine your two loves into one event.
Following up on last year’s successful HopCat Full Circle 5K, the people at Trivium have teamed with other West Michigan breweries to set up the first Beer Flight Running Series.
The series starts this weekend — Sunday, April 30 — with the Growler Gallop Atwater 5K in downtown Grand Rapids. According to supplied material, the 5-kilometer event features a free beer to all runners, a race t-shirt, a unique finisher glass, snacks, a keg for overall winners, growlers and howlers for age group winners, and a live band at the finish.
Next up will be the second running of the HopCat Full Circle 5K, scheduled for Sunday, May 28, also in downtown Grand Rapids. The event feature free beer at the finish, a live band, race t-shirt, unique finisher glass, a beer stop in the middle of the run sponsored by New Holland Brewery, awesome age group awards, and food.
Then, on Sunday, June 18, is the New Holland Pub on 8th 8K in downtown Holland. This event will feature free beer for finishers, live music, race t-shirt, unique finisher glass, age group awards, and snacks. Runners/crawlers can choose to run either a 5k or an 8k course.
The final run/crawl in the series, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 6, is the Race to the Bar Crawl — and this one truly can be a pub crawl. Runners will begin at a designated brewery and run to four other locations. Runners must get a stamp at all four before returning to the finish line.
According to supplied information” “You can take this serious and focus on the running; you can race and enjoy beverages, or you can choose to just have a fun bar crawl and take your time getting from place to place.”
Entrants who do all four events in the series will not only receive your finisher glass from each of the races, but also earn a beer flight paddle to hold all of the glasses.
When East Kentwood alum Sekayi Bracey was just 8-years-old, her elementary gym teacher encouraged her to pursue running.
“We had a field day,” said Sekayi, who graduated from East Kentwood in 2016. “(My teacher) realized how fast I was. He told my mother that I had a gift and I could go somewhere with it.”
Eleven years later, she’s still running and can claim 10 individual state titles earned during her high school track career. Sekayi also earned a spot on the women’s track team, with a full-ride scholarship to Purdue University in Indiana.
Not long after being discovered by her teacher, Sekayi began running competitively. In 2006, when she was 8-years-old, Sekayi ranked third in her age group for the long jump and 200-yard dash in the state.
Sekayi was highly involved with the Grand Rapids Track Club’s summer youth program. It was her mother, Yamaka Bracey, who founded the group “I was running alone until she started it,” Sekayi said. Describing her experience as “amazing.”
“Honestly, it got me to where I’m at today,” she said. “(It helped me) accomplish the things I did in high school, like breaking records and becoming a state champion.”
The Youth Grant Committee at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation awarded a grant to the track program that year and Sekayi was featured in the organization’s annual report for 2005-2006.
She’s a college freshman with aspirations to work in forensics someday. Another one of her major goals is to compete in the 2020 Olympics. “That has been my dream since I was 8, so I really am seeking to fulfill that,” Sekayi said.
At 5 foot 3 inches, she is on the shorter side for her events as a sprinter and jumper. She advises anyone who also wants to be a college athlete to “stay focused.”
“Always take care of the little things, because the little things help build up to the major things in life,” Sekayi said. “Focus on keeping your grades good and when it’s hard, always just push through because you are going to have hard days sometimes.”
Sekayi describes her running as “an escape.” Prior to each race, tries to “really visualize each jump I’m gonna do, before I go onto the track.”
Her personal records include a 100m dash of 11.68 seconds, 200m of 23.61 seconds, 60m of 7.41 and a long jump at 19 feet, eight inches.
Among these accomplishments, attending college is what she is most proud of. Sekayi said this is because her parents did not have the same opportunity as her. The family has five children, Sekayi is the oldest. Her siblings are all runners, too. “Which is crazy because none of our parents ran.”
Growing up, her role model was Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo-Jo) who is considered to be the fastest woman of all time. Sekayi said that having the ability to inspire people, like Flo-Jo, makes her want to have an impact in the running world.
“God got me to the place I am today, and he has blessed me with a gift,” she said.
Girls water polo is on tap for WKTV featured coverage this week.
By Mike Moll
WKTV Sports
The WKTV truck and the crews will continue to bring various events to the airwaves this spring and this week we will be at East Kentwood covering girls water polo — twice!
The tentative April schedule for WKTV coverage concludes with:
Tuesday, April 25 Water polo, Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Thursday, April 27 Water Polo West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
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 Wyoming Pride Boxing Club is housed in a nondescript older building barely large enough for a ring, located off the street and in the back of other older buildings in Wyoming’s Porter street neighborhood — you can take a rock and hit the GM Components industrial area.
But on a recent Thursday evening, there were about 20 young boxers of various ages — and various ability to fit into boxing gloves let alone actually know how to use them — with club director Alex Fernandez and head trainer Dominic Marsiglia bouncing around giving instruction here and correction there.
Also at the club that day were three of the four boxers from the club who made the finals of the Western Michigan tournament and will be fighting for the Michigan State Golden Gloves title this weekend; each staying loose, staying sharp and focused on their individual goals.
“It feels great, yes (to have four boxers in the finals),” Fernandez said. “It is rare, to have four fighters going into the state (finals) tournament, three of them were West Michigan champions and they all have a chance to win the title, and three of them are in the Open Division. Any one of them can win a state title, in that Open Division, and move on to the nationals — and get nationally recognized.”
WKTV will continue its coverage of the Golden Gloves Boxing Championships Friday and Saturday, April 21-22, with the state title bouts from The DeltaPlex Arena and Conference Center.
The start tournament has both Open and Novice divisions. The three Wyoming Pride boxers fighting in the Open Division are Aneudy “Junior” Rios in the 123-pound class, Cody Cross in the 178-pound class, and Monclairson “Haiti” Colas in the heavyweight (201 plus pounds).
Justin Pierce will be fighting for a Novice title. (WKTV)
Justin Pierce, the youngest of the four boxers at 18-years old, and with just two fights under his belt, will be fighting in as a novice in the 152-pound class.
For the 20-year-old Rios, the state tournament will be a continuation of a young career that already includes a novice title. For Cross and Colas, it is a chance to regain titles they held but lost.
For Pierce, it is all pretty new — he won both his Western Michigan tournament fights by decision — but he has learned some lessons quickly.
“It was a lot of nerves involved,” Pierce said of his first fight. “However, the nerves, that is always going to be there. That’s what I hear from the more experienced fighters. I don’t think that is ever going to go away, … (but) it was like a few pounds were lifted off my shoulders when I got the first fight out the way. It just made me feel good when I got my hand raised at the end of the bout.”
And what lesson will he carry into he finals?
“Stay relaxed and remain calm,” Pierce said. “Even if you lose one round, remember you still have two more rounds to go, to make up the difference. You don’t win a fight in one round, nor do you loose a fight in one round. A fight is all three rounds. You have to fight hard from round one to round three. That’s what I learned.”
Both Cross, at age 26, and Colas, at 25, have also learned lessons — titles and then lessons. Now they both have the goal of using those experiences to again gain titles.
Cody Cross will be seeking to regain a crown he once held. (WKTV)
Cross fought and won a state title as a novice in 2014 and was a 2015 Open state champion, but last year … “Last year, I fell short,” he said. This year, “I would like to repeat (his state open title), I hope so. Getting it is the goal now. Then from there, I’ll move on to another goal.”
Cross finished second in the Western Michigan tournament and will fight the winner of the Eastern Michigan tournament in this week’s opening round action.
Colas — then nickname “Haiti” comes from a past coworker who could not pronounce his French first name and, somehow, came up with “Young Haiti” — had a walk over in his first Western Michigan tournament fight and then won the title by abandonment (his opponent’s corner stopped the fight), so he will fight the runner-up from the Eastern Michigan side.
Haiti Colas will be going for a heavyweight title. (WKTV)
But he, too, was a 2015 Novice champ but he fell short of an Open title last year, learned some lessons, and also has a little something to prove this year.
“Now I have had more fights and we made adjustments for the (Western Michigan) tournament,” he said. “This year, I am more confident because I lost last year, so I am going to redeem myself.”
WKTV’s coverage will be broadcast on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 with a tape delayed airing of each evening’s bouts the following day: the Friday, April 21, bouts will air Saturday, April 22, at noon; and the Saturday, April 22, bouts will air Sunday, April 23, at 6 p.m.
For complete schedule see michigangoldenglovesboxing.com . For information about The DeltaPlex Arena and Conference Center, 2500 Turner Ave., Grand Rapids, visit deltaplex.com
The high school baseball and softball seasons are starting up on Wyoming and Kentwood area. (WKTV)
By Mike Moll
WKTV Sports
The WKTV truck and the crews will continue to bring various events to the airwaves this spring and this week we will be at South Christian for a baseball game and at Godwin Heights for a softball — and check out next week’s schedule of water polo coverage!
The tentative April schedule for WKTV coverage is:
Tuesday, April 18 Baseball, Wyoming @ South Christian
Thursday, April 20 Softball Union @ Godwin Heights
Tuesday, April 25 Water polo, Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Thursday, April 27 Water Polo West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
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 17
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Forest Hills Invite – Egypt Valley
East Kentwood @ Forest Hills Invite – Egypt Valley
Girls Tennis
Wyoming @ South Christian
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
East Kentwood @ Byron Center
Boys Lacrosse
Comstock Park @ South Christian
Girls Soccer
South Christian @ Wayland
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming
Boys Baseball
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Tri-Unity Christian – DH
Potter’s House @ Kelloggsville – DH
NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Girls Softball
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee – DH
Tuesday April 18
Boys Baseball
Wyoming @ South Christian – DH
Holland Black River @ Potter’s House – DH
Zion Christian @ Saranac – DH
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa – DH
West Michigan Lutheran @ Three Oaks River Valley
Girls Softball
Wyoming @ South Christian – DH
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa – DH
Girls Soccer
Godwin Heights @ Potter’s House
Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian
Union @ West Michigan Aviation
Zion Christian @ Calvary Christian
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Boys Golf
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven – OK Red Jamboree
Boys/Girls Track
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Wyoming Lee @ Belding
Girls Water Polo
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
Wednesday April 19
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Christian – OK Gold Jamboree @ Quail Ridge
Wyoming @ Christian – OK Gold Jamboree @ Quail Ridge
Ellington Academy of Arts and Technology not only had a great boys basketball season, finishing with a 12-6 record and making it to the Class D District 111 finals, but they also had students at the school produce a video record of the season.
WKTV will air the Ellington Academy Saints Basketball Special on Monday, April 17, at 4 p.m.; and Friday, April 21 at 5 p.m., on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
Ellington Academy of Arts and Technology has been in existence for only seven years and their boys varsity basketball team has been playing for even less. But for the last two years they’ve made it to the District 111 finals for Class D.
They have yet to win a district final but Coach Ardrace Morris will tell you that’s fine — for now.
The real goal of the mens basketball team is to prepare young men to compete in the real world. Lessons learned on the court and in practice are lessons that stay with you for life. This year, the team learned to face adversity. Watch and see what they’ve learned from dealing with resistance. With only two seniors graduating this year, the team looks poised to finally win a district final for the 2017-18 season.
High school baseball and softball seasons are in full swing. Check out a ball game. (WKTV)
By Mike Moll
sports@wktv.org
Spring weather, and spring high school, sports are now in full swing — “Play Ball! So, if you are looking for a Wyoming and Kentwood area high school varsity sports event to get out to, here is your weekly list.
Monday, April 10
Boys baseball
Hopkins @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights
Girls softball
Hopkins @ Kelloggsville – DH
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights – DH
Tuesday, April 11
Girls Tennis
Cookie Invite @ South Christian
Jenison @ Wyoming
Boys Baseball
South Christian @ FH Eastern – DH
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming – DH
Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House – DH
West Michigan Aviation @ Bloomingdale – DH
Grand River Prep @ Zion Christian
Grandville @ East Kentwood – DH
Girls Softball
South Christian @ FH Eastern – DH
Coopersville @ Godwin Heights
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming – DH
Girls Soccer
South Christian @ FH Eastern
Kelloggsville @ Tri-Unity Christian
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming
Hope Academy @ West Michigan Aviation
Potter’s House @ Zion Christian
Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Boys Golf
Kelloggsville @ Hastings – Scrimmage
Boys/Girls Track
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee
Girls Water Polo
Portage Central @ East Kentwood
Wednesday, April 12
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Calvin Christian
East Kentwood @ Grandville – OK Red Jamboree
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ FH Eastern
Union @ Kelloggsville
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming
Boys/Girls Track
South Christian @ Christian
Boys Lacrosse
South Christian @ Zeeland
Boys Baseball
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
Godwin Heights @ Belding
FH Central @ Wyoming
Girls Softball
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
Godwin Heights @ Belding
FH Central @ Wyoming – DH
Girls Soccer
Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Girls Water Polo
Grandville @ East Kentwood
Thursday, April 13
Boys Golf
South Christian – Kent County Classic @ Thornapple Pointe
East Kentwood – Kent County Classic @ Thornapple Pointe
Boys Baseball
FH Eastern @ South Christian
Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
Covenant Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Grand Rapids Crusaders @ Zion Christian
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Holland Calvary @ Wyoming Lee – DH
Girls Softball
Caledonia @ South Christian – DH
Wyoming @ Grandville
Unity Christian @ East Kentwood
Boys Lacrosse
Muskegon Reeths-Puffer @ South Christian
Girls Soccer
Wyoming @ South Christian
Kelloggsville @ Union
Potter’s House @ Tri-Unity Christian
Grand River Prep @ Zion Christian
Boys/Girls Track
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Girls Tennis
@ East Kentwood – EK Quad
Friday, April 14
Boys Golf
Wyoming @ Kelloggsville
Girls Softball
Western Michigan Christian @ Kelloggsville
Girls Soccer
West Ottawa @ Wyoming
West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee
Northview @ East Kentwood
Girls Water Polo
East Kentwood @ Jenison
Saturday, April 15
Boys/Girls Track
South Christian @ Unity Christian
Kelloggsville @ Coopersville – Bronco Classic
Wyoming @ Comstock Park
West Michigan Aviation @ Lakewood – Lakewood Invitational
East Kentwood @ Mansfield/Mehock Relays
Boys Baseball
South Christian @ East Kentwood – EK Invite
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming – Wyoming Tournament
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming – Wyoming Tournament-
Wyoming Lee @ Union – DH
Girls Softball
South Christian @ East Kentwood – EK Invite
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ East Kentwood
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming – Wyoming Invitational
Girls Water Polo
East Kentwood @ Jenison
Sunday, April 16
EASTER SUNDAY
Monday, April 17
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Forest Hills Invite – Egypt Valley
East Kentwood @ Forest Hills Invite – Egypt Valley
High School girls water polo is on the schedule for WKTV coverage this spring.
By Mike Moll
WKTV Sports
The winter schedules wrapped up in March with a couple of our local teams showing very well in the state tournament. In the boys Class D tournament, Tri-Unity Christian made it to the state quarterfinals before falling to eventual state runner-up Buckley by 11 points. The girls side had the East Kentwood Lady Falcons getting into the championship game in Class A before losing for just the second time all season, to Flushing, also by 11.
The WKTV truck and the crews will continue to bring various events to the airwaves this spring and including, for the first time, in addition to baseball and softball, we will be covering girls water polo.
The tentative April schedule for WKTV coverage is:
Tuesday, April 11: Baseball, Grandville @ East Kentwood
Wednesday, April 12: Water polo, Grandville @ East Kentwood
Tuesday, April 18: Baseball, Wyoming @ South Christian
Thursday, April 20: Softball Union @ Godwin Heights
Tuesday, April 25: Water polo, Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Thursday, April 27: Water Polo West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
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.
Local high school sports events are limited this week due to spring break. They are as follows:
Saturday, April 8
Girls softball
Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park
Monday, April 10
Boys baseball
Hopkins @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights
Girls softball
Hopkins @ Kelloggsville – DH
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights – DH
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/
Michigan Golden Gloves Boxing action will again be covered by the WKTV sports coverage crew. (Supplied)
WKTV Contributor
WKTV is again in the ring, bringing viewers the excitement of local boxing with our coverage of the Golden Gloves Boxing Championships.
Viewers can catch all the action on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 with a tape delayed airing of each evening’s bouts the following day.
The West Michigan Championships will be held at The DeltaPlex Arena and Conference Center, 2500 Turner Ave., Grand Rapids.
The schedule for WKTV’s West Michigan Championships will have the Wednesday, April 5, bouts airing Thursday, April 6, at 8:30 p.m.
The schedule for WKTV’s state championships will have the Saturday, April 8, bouts airing Sunday, April 9, at noon; the Friday, April 21, bouts airing Saturday, April 22, at noon; and the Saturday, April 22, bouts airing Sunday, April 23, at 6 p.m.
The DeltaPlex will host more Golden Gloves boxing events that WKTV will cover. For complete schedule see michigangoldenglovesboxing.com . For information about The DeltaPlex, visit deltaplex.com
This week in WKTV’s featured high school sports games are:
Tuesday, March 21, the quest for a basketball state championship is underway as Tri-Unity Christian will face Buckley.
Tri-Unity Christian faces Burkley tonight.
Tri-Unity enters the contest with a 16-8 record while Buckley remains undefeated with a 24-0 record. The game will be at Tri-Unity Christian, 2100 44th St. SW. where they will have the home court advantage and the winner of this game will advance to play at Michigan State in the semi-finals in hopes of winning a state championship.
Wednesday, March 22, both of Wyoming’s baseball and softball teams will be opening their season with an away game at Lowell. The boys will play at 4 tp.m. and the girls will play at 4:15 p.m.
Thursday, March 23, Wyoming will take on Grand Rapids Covenant Christian for a baseball game, while the softball team of Wyoming will play against Zeeland West. Both games will be at Wyoming and played 4:15 p.m.
Friday March 24, South Christian will have its season opener at Holland Christian in a boys lacrosse game at 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 25, Grand Rapids Christian will play against East Kentwood’s baseball team at Davenport University at 6 p.m.
WKTV videos and broadcasts several games each week during high school sports season.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action in January, see now.wktv.org/sports/
DVDs of each game are also available for purchase at $20 including shipping. For more information, visit WKTV.org
Michigan Golden Gloves Boxing action will again be covered by the WKTV sports coverage crew. (Supplied by Michigan Golden Gloves Boxing)
WKTV Contributor
WKTV is again in the ring, bringing viewers the excitement of local boxing with our coverage of the Golden Gloves Boxing Championships.
Viewers can catch all the action on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 with a tape delayed airing of each evening’s bouts the following day.
The West Michigan Championships will be held at The DeltaPlex Arena and Conference Center, 2500 Turner Ave., Grand Rapids.
The schedule for WKTV’s West Michigan Championships will have the Saturday, March 18, bouts airing Sunday, March 19, at noon; and the Wednesday, April 5, bouts airing Thursday, April 6, at 8:30 p.m.
The schedule for WKTV’s state championships will have the Saturday, April 8, bouts airing Sunday, April 9, at noon; the Friday, April 21, bouts airing Saturday, April 22, at noon; and the Saturday, April 22, bouts airing Sunday, April 23, at 6 p.m.
The DeltaPlex will host more Golden Gloves boxing events that WKTV will cover. For complete schedule see michigangoldenglovesboxing.com . For information about The DeltaPlex, visit deltaplex.com
WKTV’s high school sports coverage crew was at Monday night’s tipoff of the opening round of the MHSAA district tournament at Godwin Heights. We will be there for the finals Friday. (WKTV)
WKTV Staff
This week WKTV’s featured Friday night high school sports event will be the finals of the boys MHSAA Basketball Basketball District 50 tournament at Wyoming Godwin Heights.
In Monday opening-round games, tournament host Godwin Heights had an easy time in a 80-32 win over West Michigan Aviation Academy, and (in WKTV’s covered feature game) Wyoming Kellogsville scored a 87-49 win over Kentwood’s Grand River Prep.
Tonight (Thursday, March 9) games will find Kellogsville (now 18-3) trying to avoid the upset by Wyoming-Lee (10-10) in the 6 p.m. game. Then Godwin Heights (20-1) will face off with Grand Rapids South Christian (10-10) at 8 p.m.
The winners of those games will play Friday, with WKTV cameras on hand, for the District title and a berth in the Region 11 Regional Tournament next week.
Th game will be aired that night on Live Wire 24 at 10:30 p.m. and repeat Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV 25 and AT&T U-verse 99.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action in January, see now.wktv.org/sports/
DVDs and Blue-Rays of each game are also available for purchase at $20 including shipping. For more information, visit WKTV.org
The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is taking registrations for its spring softball leagues. (WKTV)
WKTV Staff
The deadline is looming for signing up for the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department’s spring-season adult soft-pitch softball leagues, which includes both coed and men’s leagues.
Registration deadline for adult softball leagues is Thursday, March 16.
The coed league will play Mondays and Fridays while the men’s league will play Mondays and Thursdays. These are both 10-game leagues with a $475 cost per team. An additional men’s league, running Mondays and Tuesdays, will be a 12-game league and with a $525 cost per team. They will all include a single-elimination tournament at the end of regular season.
For more information, or to register your team, please contact recreation programmer Kenny Westrate at 616.530.3164 or westratek@wyomingmi.gov.
For more information about other Parks and Recreation special events or programs, please visit www.wyomingmi.gov.
The WKTV Mobile Unit will be out covering local high school basketball playoffs this week. (WKTV)
WKTV Staff
This week in WKTV’s featured high school sport games will be determined by which local teams are advancing in the basketball tournaments, but the coverage crew will be at Godwin Heights Monday, March 6, for the boys basketball game between Grand River Prep vs Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights. The late week game will be determined later this week, tentatively on Friday, and will be announced.
WKTV videos and broadcasts several games each week during high school sports season.
The early week 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 Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood. The late week game will be aired that night on Live Wire 24 at 10:30 p.m. and repeat Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV 25 and AT&T U-verse 99.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action in January, see now.wktv.org/sports/
DVDs and Blue-Rays of each game are also available for purchase at $20 including shipping. For more information, visit WKTV.org
Hoop Heaven Basketball Academy will be holding introductory events this month and in April. (Supplied)
WKTV Staff
Wyoming’s Hoop Heaven Basketball Academy recently announced several youth basketball programs, including a March 11 trial event of its Travel Ball League Play and the Saturday afternoon Biddy Ball program starting in April.
Hoop Heaven events are held at the Elevation Church, 2141B Porter St. SW. The program’s mission, according to supplied material, is “Pursuing gospel transformation and leadership development in Wyoming area youth through the game of basketball.”
The Travel Ball League Play event on March 11 will start at 1 p.m. and is for both boys and girls grades 3-12. The cost of tryout is $5 per players and you must pre-register. For registration and more information on this event contact Phyllis Harder at 616-498-1128, email her at phyllis@elevationhoopheaven.org or visit their website at elevationhoopheaven.org or visit them on Facebook at /hoopheavenbasketballacademy
The Biddy Ball program will run April 15 through May 13 and is open to both boys and girls K-2nd grade. Both friend (of teams) and entire team requests will be considered. The cost if $55 per child, with partial scholarships available, which includes a t-shirt. For more information contact Eric Vandyke at 616-272-6244, email him at ericvandyke15@gmail.com or visit elevationhoopheaven.com .
