Category Archives: Sports

WKTV Takes a New Approach to Live Sports

Sports,

WKTV New Truck 007mike_dewittIt’s a dream scenario for every young athlete, something that’s thought about during every live telecast. What would they say about me? How would the announcers introduce me, and most importantly, what story would the stats tell?

I always envisioned myself looking into the camera, “Mike DeWitt, six-foot-one, point guard (or wide receiver depending on the sports season).” Then the graphics would flash the stats. Something impressive to show the fans what a monster I was on the playing field.

“Averages a triple-double… by halftime!”

“6 receptions, 305 yards, and 6 touchdowns in last years championship game.”

The stats serve to paint a picture of who the athlete is on the field, nothing more, nothing less. But what if the graphics shown let the audience know what an athlete was like off the field, as a person? Someone bigger than the term “athlete.”

WKTV Sports GraphicsThese were questions posed during a WKTV Sports Department meeting back in November towards the tail-end of the the high school football season. Since high school sports teach more than winning and losing, and all of these athletes have futures off the playing field, why isn’t the focus on their lives outside of sports?

WKTV broadcasts at least one live high school athletic event a week throughout the fall, winter and spring seasons. The upcoming winter season was the perfect testing ground for the new idea. A meeting with the local athletic directors from the Wyoming-Kentwood area garnered more support for the shift in WKTV’s coverage of high school sports. Instead of a player’s sport stats on the introduction graphics, the broadcast would use a player’s “life stats” like their GPA, hobbies, college, and career interest.

WKTV Sports Graphics 2The change in the graphics went into effect during the winter season and it took off in a big way! Players were excited to share their interests off the court and it added to the overall broadcast of high school sports.

“When we ask the players about their life interests, they’re always a caught off-guard a little. It’s not something they’re expecting as the first question,” explains Kyle Panek, the graphics technician at WKTV, “Once one athlete shares a little about themselves, the others jump in too. It fun to watch the guys interact, open up, and joke around with each other as we’re getting the information we need.”

WKTV sees high school sports as a way for kids to learn life lessons such as teamwork, perseverance, hard work, camaraderie, and discipline. It’s about so much more than just winning!

After the success throughout the winter season, the new graphics program is here to stay! It will again be used during spring, and the program will be out of experimental mode and into full gear by fall.

Godwin Heights Completes First State Championship Run

Sports, ,

MHSAAmike_dewittWith the clock at all zeros, the celebration into the night could officially begin for first-year Coach Tyler Whittemore and his team as Godwin Heights topped Detroit Henry Ford 85-68 in the Class B State Championship.

For those in attendance, the celebration started a little earlier with the Wolverines already leading by 21-points heading into halftime. The way Godwin was shooting the ball, and with their ability to lock-down any team defensively, 21 points may as well have been 50. Detroit Henry Ford didn’t stand a chance.

About that godwin rally 4shooting, the Wolverines shot over 48 percent from the field, including 10-15 from downtown. In the first half alone, 8 of their 11 shots from behind the arc found the bottom of the net.

That lock-down defense? It lead to 17 Detroit Henry Ford turnovers and a 16-2 advantage in points off of turnovers.

The Wolverines were locked in and it didn’t matter who the opponent was. With all the adversity the team had faced in the off-season, they weren’t leaving the Breslin Center without the team’s first ever State Championship title.

godwin rally 5
Coach Tyler Whittemore cuts down the net at Monday’s pep rally.

Before the season started, long-time coach Chad Conklin stepped down from his position to deal with a family crisis. Coach Conklin had been the cornerstone to building Godwin Heights into a power program. He led the Wolverines to the Semi-Finals in 2013 and the Quarterfinals last season.

Then, on August 4th, former Godwin basketball player Ta’Carhi Richardson was shot and killed at the age of 17. He had previously played under Coach Whittemore at the JV level.

High School principle, and former coach, Chad Conklin spoke to the students and community at a pep rally on Monday, “On the very first day of school I gave a speech to challenge the student body here at Godwin Heights. To make the most of the opportunities that you have and that have been presented in front of you. Today marks the second time that this school has completed a State Championship this year!”

It all came together in East Lansing. The outside shooting, the relentless defense, the ultimate will to win. Five Godwin players finished with double-digits in scoring. Delaney Blaylock finished with 19, Lamar Norton had 17, Michael Williams and Leon Redd each added 13, and Richard Major logged 12.

Everyone stepped up, Lamar Norton, a freshman, finished 7-9 from the field and a perfect 3-3 from downtown.

It was the type of game every coach dreams of. Not winning a State Championship – although that never hurts – but a team playing to their full potential and playing for one another. It culminated on Saturday night for the Wolverines and resulted in a State Championship.

Godwin Heights and Tri-Unity Christian Onto the Quarterfinals

Sports, , ,

MHSAAmike_dewittRegional Champions have been decided on the court and the field is set for the State Quarterfinals! Two Wyoming-Kentwood area teams are still breathing after winning their Region. Godwin Heights is alive in Class B and Tri-Unity Christian is coming together and making a strong push in Class D.

Godwin Heights won their third straight Regional Championship on Wednesday night and is hoping third time’s a charm after coming up short of the State Finals each of the past two seasons.

The Wolverines put a thumping on Charlotte in the final Regional game by a score of 81-37. Godwin ended the first half on a 29-0 run and 12 Wolverines scored a point in the contest. In the Regional, the Fighting Wolverines looked their best and destroyed the competition by a combined score of 157-76.

Godwin Heights and Tri-Unity Christian are one game away from the Breslin Center
Godwin Heights and Tri-Unity Christian are one game away from the Breslin Center

Two years ago the Wolverines beat Unity Christian in the State Quarterfinals before losing to Detroit Community in the Semi-Finals. Last season, they entered the Quarterfinals undefeated and lost to Benton Harbor. First year coach Tyler Whittemore is looking to get the Wolverines over the hump and into the State Finals in 2015.

Godwin Heights will face Spring Lake in the Class B State Quarterfinals on March 24. The game will be held at Rockford High School.

For the third time in five years, the Tri-Unity Christian boys basketball team is onto the State Quarterfinals after beating Mendon 60-42 in the Regional Final behind 23 points from Willie O’Toole.

While the Defenders 14-10 record may not look daunting, they’re a team on a hot streak! After starting the season 4-9, Coach Keeler’s team has ripped off 10 of their last 11, and they’re winning when it counts!

Tri-Unity Christian will play Morenci in the Class D Quarterfinals at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix High School on March 24.

Good luck to our Wyoming-Kentwood teams!

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Playoff Results

East Kentwood Boys
District Semi-Final – W Middleville Thornapple Kellogg (52-47)
District Final – L Ottawa Hills (56-59)

East Kentwood Girls
District First Round – L Byron Center (36-41)

Godwin Heights Boys
District Semi-Final – W Kelloggsville (86-47)
District Final – W Wayland Union (63-56)
Regional Semi-Final – W Alma (76-39)
Regional Final – W Charlotte (81-37)
State Quarterfinals – 3/24 Spring Lake

Godwin Heights Girls
District Semi-Final – W Kelloggsville (50-39)
District Final – L Wayland Union (32-75)

Grand River Prep Boys
District Semi-Final – L Wayland Union (34-80)

Grand River Prep Girls
District Semi-Final – L Wayland Union (46-76)

Kelloggsville Boys
District First Round – W Aviation Academy (85-34)
District Semi-Final – L Godwin Heights (86-47)

Kelloggsville Girls
District Semi-Final – L Godwin Heights (39-50)

Potter’s House Boys
District First Round – W Holland Calvary (44-55)

Potter’s House Girls
District First Round – W Holland Calvary (50-42)
District Semi-Finals – L Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (45-64)

South Christian Boys
District First Round – L Wayland Union (62-72)

South Christian Girls
District First Round – L Wayland Union (39-59)

Tri-Unity Boys
District Semi-Final – W Holland Calvary (60-43)
District Final – W Zion Christian (57-28)
Regional Semi-Final – W Kalamazoo Heritage Christian (72-44)
Regional Final – W Mendon (60-42)
State Quarterfinal – 3/24 Morenci

Tri-Unity Girls
District First Round – W West Michigan Lutheran (64-37)
District Semi-Final – W Zion Christian (51-43)
District Final – W Potter’s House Christian (64-45)
Regional Semi-Final – W Martin (48-38)
Regional Final – L St Joseph Michigan Lutheran (43-62)

West Michigan Aviation Academy Boys
District First Round – L Kelloggsville (34-85)

West Michigan Lutheran Boys
District Semi-Final – L Byron Center Zion Christian (27-55)

West Michigan Lutheran Girls
District First Round – L Tri-Unity Christian (37-64)

Wyoming Boys
District First Round – W Zeeland East (71-59)
District Semi-Final – L Hudsonville (64-77)

Wyoming Girls
District First Round – W Zeeland East (66-40)
District Semi-Final – W West Ottawa (57-53)
District Final – L Hudsonville (49-64)

Wyoming Lee Boys
District First Round – L Comstock Park (29-56)

Wyoming Lee Girls
District Semi-Final – L Catholic Central (6-76)

Survive and Advance: Two Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams Still Left

Sports, , , , , ,

MHSAAmike_dewittGoing into the weekend, four Wyoming-Kentwood area basketball teams still envisioned playing in the MHSAA State Championship game at the Breslin Center. After the dust settled, two teams faltered while the other two were able to keep the dream alive.

The Godwin Heights boys basketball team took on Wayland Union in the District final on Friday night and came out victorious, 63-56, thanks to some poor free throw shooting (46 percent) by the Wildcats. The District Championship was a first for new head coach Tyler Whittemore.

After winning Districts, the Wolverines faced off against Alma on Monday night in the Regional Semi-Final. Their patented suffocating ball pressure did its job and allowed the Wolverines to jump out to a 47-16 halftime lead! Godwin ended up coasting to a 76-39 victory. The team plays Charlotte on Wednesday for the Regional Championship.

The Tri-Unity Christian boys team dominated Zion Christian on Friday night to get back on track with a District Championship. Last season, for the first time since 1999, the Defenders didn’t get out of Districts! That changed with a 57-28 win over Byron Center Zion Christian.

Then, in the Regional Semi-Final, Chris Osantowski led Tri-Unity Christian to a victory with an impressive stat-line of 18 points, eight rebounds, six blocks and three steals! That great individual effort was more than enough to hound Kalamazoo Heritage Christian and give the Defenders a 72-44 victory. Mendon awaits in the Regional Championship

Godwin Heights Basketball
Godwin Heights wants a high-five, they’re playing for a Regional Championship!

In the girls Regional Championship on Thursday night, the Defenders of Tri-Unity Christian squared off against St. Joseph Michigan Lutheran. The Titans jumped out to an early 7-0 lead and didn’t look back. Ball pressure and early three-point shooting become too much for Tri-Unity to handle as they fell 62-43. The Defenders finish their 2015 campaign with a District Championship and an 18-7 record.

East Kentwood played with fire all season, winning nine games by six points or less, but still stood undefeated entering the District Championship on Friday night against Ottawa Hills. This game was no different as Ottawa Hills held a 15-point lead entering the fourth quarter. The Falcons ended up storming back held a one-point lead with less than a minute to play.

Unfortunately, when you play with fire it’s eventually going to burn you, and East Kentwood finally felt the burn. Lance Windom hit a jump-shot with 12 seconds left to give the Bengals a 59-56 victory and a District Championship over the Falcons! It was a great season for East Kentwood as they finished with a 21-1 record.

 

This piece was edited on 3/19 to include the Tri-Unity Christian Boys Basketball team!

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Playoff Results

East Kentwood Boys
District Semi-Final – W Middleville Thornapple Kellogg (52-47)
District Final – L Ottawa Hills (56-59)

East Kentwood Girls
District First Round – L Byron Center (36-41)

Godwin Heights Boys
District Semi-Final – W Kelloggsville (86-47)
District Final – W Wayland Union (63-56)
Regional Semi-Final – W Alma (76-39)
Regional Final – 3/18 Charlotte

Godwin Heights Girls
District Semi-Final – W Kelloggsville (50-39)
District Final – L Wayland Union (32-75)

Grand River Prep Boys
District Semi-Final – L Wayland Union (34-80)

Grand River Prep Girls
District Semi-Final – L Wayland Union (46-76)

Kelloggsville Boys
District First Round – W Aviation Academy (85-34)
District Semi-Final – L Godwin Heights (86-47)

Kelloggsville Girls
District Semi-Final – L Godwin Heights (39-50)

Potter’s House Boys
District First Round – W Holland Calvary (44-55)

Potter’s House Girls
District First Round – W Holland Calvary (50-42)
District Semi-Finals – L Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (45-64)

South Christian Boys
District First Round – L Wayland Union (62-72)

South Christian Girls
District First Round – L Wayland Union (39-59)

Tri-Unity Boys
District Semi-Final – W Holland Calvary
District Final – W Zion Christian (57-28)
Regional Semi-Final – W Kalamazoo Heritage Christian (72-44)

Tri-Unity Girls
District First Round – W West Michigan Lutheran (64-37)
District Semi-Final – W Zion Christian (51-43)
District Final – W Potter’s House Christian (64-45)
Regional Semi-Final – W Martin (48-38)
Regional Final – L St Joseph Michigan Lutheran (43-62)

West Michigan Aviation Academy Boys
District First Round – L Kelloggsville (34-85)

West Michigan Lutheran Boys
District Semi-Final – L Byron Center Zion Christian (27-55)

West Michigan Lutheran Girls
District First Round – L Tri-Unity Christian (37-64)

Wyoming Boys
District First Round – W Zeeland East (71-59)
District Semi-Final – L Hudsonville (64-77)

Wyoming Girls
District First Round – W Zeeland East (66-40)
District Semi-Final – W West Ottawa (57-53)
District Final – L Hudsonville (49-64)

Wyoming Lee Boys
District First Round – L Comstock Park (29-56)

Wyoming Lee Girls
District Semi-Final – L Catholic Central (6-76)

Wyoming and Kentwood Area Basketball Teams Feel the Magic of March

Sports, , , ,

MHSAAmike_dewittThe MHSAA basketball playoffs are underway this week for both boys and girls! While the boys teams are competing in the District tournament this week, the girls are through Districts and onto the Regional rounds!

Tri-Unity Christian is the only girls team left standing from the Wyoming-Kentwood area. After winning their District in class D by dispatching West Michigan Lutheran, Byron Center Byron Christian, and Potter’s House Christian, the Defenders of Tri-Unity Christian now eye the Regional Championship. The Defenders defeated Martin in their first regional game Wednesday night and play St. Joseph this Friday for a spot in the final 8!

The boys are just starting their District tournament this week and a few schools in the Wyoming-Kentwood area have their sights set much higher than just a District Championship.

East Kentwood before an early season game against Caledonia
After finishing the season undefeated, the East Kentwood basketball team has high expectations for March.

After finishing the season undefeated with numerous nail-biting victories, East Kentwood is looking towards a possible State Championship. The Falcons are the only team over the last two seasons to topple the Big Reds of Muskegon. That monster win early in the season put a massive target on the Falcon’s back as they have taken every opponent’s best shot. East Kentwood takes on Ottawa Hills Friday night for the District Championship.

Godwin Heights finished the regular season 19-1 with that lone blemish coming in a three-point road loss to conference rival NorthPointe Christian. Since that game in late January, the Wolverines have looked stellar and eventually avenged their loss to NorthPointe Christian with an eight-point win later in the season.

The Wolverines have the added benefit of playing the District tournament at home and play Wayland Union in the finals on Friday.

Check the website next week for a quick recap of each remaining team as they set their eyes on the State Championship!

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Playoff Results

East Kentwood Boys
District Semi-Final – W Middleville Thornapple Kellogg (52-47)
District Final – Ottawa Hills

East Kentwood Girls
District First Round – L Byron Center (36-41)

Godwin Heights Boys
District Semi-Final – W Kelloggsville (86-47)
District Final – Wayland Union

Godwin Heights Girls
District Semi-Final – W Kelloggsville (50-39)
District Final – L Wayland Union (32-75)

Grand River Prep Boys
District Semi-Final – L Wayland Union (34-80)

Grand River Prep Girls
District Semi-Final – L Wayland Union (46-76)

Kelloggsville Boys
District First Round – W Aviation Academy (85-34)
District Semi-Final – L Godwin Heights (86-47)

Kelloggsville Girls
District Semi-Final – L Godwin Heights (39-50)

Potter’s House Boys
District First Round – W Holland Calvary (44-55)

Potter’s House Girls
District First Round – W Holland Calvary (50-42)
District Semi-Finals – L Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (45-64)

South Christian Boys
District First Round – L Wayland Union (62-72)

South Christian Girls
District First Round – L Wayland Union (39-59)

Tri-Unity Boys
District Semi-Final – W Holland Calvary (60-43)

Tri-Unity Girls
District First Round – W West Michigan Lutheran (64-37)
District Semi-Final – W Zion Christian (51-43)
District Final – W Potter’s House Christian (64-45)
Regional Semi-Final – W Martin (48-38)
Regional Final – St Joseph

West Michigan Aviation Academy Boys
District First Round – L Kelloggsville (34-85)

West Michigan Lutheran Boys
District Semi-Final – L Byron Center Zion Christian (27-55)

West Michigan Lutheran Girls
District First Round – L Tri-Unity Christian (37-64)

Wyoming Boys
District First Round – W Zeeland East (71-59)
District Semi-Final – L Hudsonville (64-77)

Wyoming Girls
District First Round – W Zeeland East (66-40)
District Semi-Final – W West Ottawa (57-53)
District Final – L Hudsonville (49-64)

Wyoming Lee Boys
District First Round – L Comstock Park (29-56)

Wyoming Lee Girls
District Semi-Final – L Catholic Central (6-76)

West Michigan Kids: The Ultimate Guide to Boredom-Busting in West Michigan

Local Entertainment, Local Food, Our Cities, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events,

by Courtney Sheffer

 “I’m bored” is something no parent likes to hear! Luckily,the West Michigan Tourist Association has collected a list of great kid-friendly places for you to visit, with everything from water parks to zoos, and museums to festivals. Keep this list on hand year-round for ideas to pull out when the kids start getting restless, or you’re looking to plan your next family outing!

South

A.W. Overhiser Orchards, South Haven: Hands on animal barn, hayrides, & child corn maze.

Allegan County Fair, Allegan: Live music, midway, & a historical village.

Allegan County Parks – Recreation and Tourism, Allegan County: Bike, hike, go boating, or fish outdoors.

Air Zoo, Portage: Rare & historic aircraft, amusement park-style rides, historical exhibits and educational activities.

Barn Theatre School for Advanced Theater Training, Augusta: Theatre training programs and performances.

Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival, Battle Creek: Nation’s largest air show and balloon festival.

Berrien County Youth Fair, Berrien Springs: Exhibits from youth ages 5-10 in August.

Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek: African Adventures, Feed the Giraffes, Kids Zoo Programs.

Cass County Fair, Cassopolis: Firefighter show, supercross, and family dollar day.

Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA, Marshall: Turkey dinner, ice cream parlor, and dinner theatre.

Crane Orchards, Fennville: U-pick fruit, pie pantry, & cow train rides.

Dutch Farm Market, South Haven: Bakery, farm market, and ice cream.

Echo Valley, Kalamazoo: Tobogganing, tubing, and ice skating.

Farmers Alley Theatre, Kalamazoo: Seasonal performances with kids shows.

Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners: Visit a car of Disney movie fame, watch Model Ts drive around, and eat at the Blue Moon Diner.

Historic Charlton Park: Village, Museum & Recreation Area, Hastings: Step back in time and tour historic buildings from Barry County, & head to their beach for swimming & a picnic.

Kalamazoo County Parks, Kalamazoo: Hike, beach, picnic, or farm market.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo: Visit the Interactive Gallery for a variety of fun games, puzzles, activities, and a reading corner to enjoy.

Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, South Haven: Become a Bailey’s Budding Naturalist, tour one of the oldest homes in South Haven, and enjoy the gardens.

Michigan Flywheelers Museum, South Haven: Antique engine & tractor exhibit and display.

Michigan Maritime Museum, South Haven: Sail on the Friends Good Will restored tall ship and learn about Michigan’s maritime history.

Niles Haunted House, Niles: Michigan’s largest haunted theme park.

Olde World Village, Augusta: Visit for Frontier Days, Buccaneer Bash, or BlackRock Medieval Festival.

Saugatuck Dune Rides, Saugatuck: Learn of the lost town of Singapore or check out our local vegetation and wildlife on a dune tour.

The Silver Beach Carousel, St. Joseph: Ride the tigers, hippocampus, panda, and clown fish, and learn local history just steps from the beach.

Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises, Saugatuck: Ride an authentic sternwheeler paddleboat down the Kalamazoo River and watch for wildlife.

Stokes Homestead, Grand Junction: Wagon rides, pedal karts, corn kernel crib.’

Tibbits Opera House, Coldwater: Attend “Popcorn Theatre” which includes a show, snacks, and meeting the actors. Coming up: “Peter Pan” this July!

Central

ArtPrize, Grand Rapids: Explore free art in and around downtown Grand Rapids.

Berlin Raceway, Marne: Weekly racing April-October, Special family events, discounted kids tickets.

Blandford Nature Center, Grand Rapids: Self-guided hikes, Children’s Camps, Visit Blandford’s Farm.

Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park, Alto: Hands-on wildlife experience, Exotic animals & reptiles, Feed the animals.

Cannonsburg Ski Area, Belmont: Ski lessons, special events, and winter trails.

Christmas Lite Show, Comstock Park: Over one million Christmas light display.

Community Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids: Magic Circle shows for kids and summer concerts.

Coopersville & Marne Railway, Coopersville: Vintage Train Car Rides, Seasonal themed outings, 90 minute rides.

Country Dairy, New Era: Visit the dairy cows, Learn how Ice Cream is Made, Enjoy a bottomless glass of milk.

Critter Barn, Zeeland: Hands-on educational farm, Hold, Pet, & Feed the Animals, Free Admission.

Danish Festival, Greenville: Annual Danish breakfast & Hans Christian Andersen Park.

Deer Tracks Junction, Cedar Springs: Wildlife safari by stagecoach, Live Theatre Show, Kids Play Area.

DeGraaf Nature Center, Holland: Knee-High Naturalist classes, adopt-an-animal, & nature programs.

Double JJ Resort, Rothbury: Splash in the water park, learn to ride a horse, attend a rodeo.

Double R Ranch, Belding: Hop on a hayride, float down the Flat River, ride a horse.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids: Children’s Garden, outdoor concerts, spring butterfly exhibit.

Festival of the Arts, Grand Rapids: Free outdoor arts, entertainment, & activities.

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, Grand Haven: Parades, fireworks, entertainment, carnival.

Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids: Purposeful play and artful learning.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Grand Rapids: Play with a giant Lite Brite, make giant bubbles, and rock the stage at the Amigo Amphitheater.

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Grand Rapids: School of theatre arts & performances.

Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids: Walk under a whale skeleton, visit the streets of old Grand Rapids, & catch a planetarium show.

The Haunt, Grand Rapids: 20,000 square feet of fear to navigate your way through.

Holland Museum, Holland: Take a Family Ties or Native American tour.

Holland Princess/Holland Water Sports: Jet ski, boat rentals, and boat cruises.

Ionia Free Fair, Ionia: Free entertainment, live music, midway.

John Ball Zoological Garden, Grand Rapids: Pet stingrays & sharks at Stingray Lagoon, ride a camel, climb through the Sky Trail Ropes Course.

Klackle Orchards, Greenville: Apple orchard, school trips, Le Tour de Donut.

Lakeshore Museum Center / Hackley & Hume Historic Sites & Scolnik House, Muskegon: Visit the hands-on science center, learn about Michigan habitats, & walk through 10,000 years of natural history.

Lewis Farm Market & Petting Farm, New Era: Visit Jeffrey the camel, bounce on the giant jumping pillow, and feed animals at the petting farm.

Loutit District Library, Grand Haven: Kids programs, classes, special events.

Mac Woods Dune Rides, Mears: Climb the sand dunes in a Dune Scooter.

Michigan Historical Museum, Lansing: Explore an Upper Peninsula copper mine, stroll along a 1920s urban street & relive the 1957 Detroit Auto Show!

Muskegon Luge and Winter Sports Complex, Muskegon: Luge, snowshoe, sled, and skate.

Nelis’ Dutch Village Theme Park & Wooden Shoe Factory, Holland: Ride the arms of a windmill, watch wooden shoe carving, watch Dutch klompen dancing.

Pando Winter Sports Park, Rockford: Tubing, skiing, and snowboarding.

Parrot’s Landing, Mears: Rent a Jeep on the sand dunes, a jet ski in Lake Michigan, or take a guided dune tour.

Post Family Farm, Hudsonville: Hayrides, homemade donuts, & fall fun days.

Pumpkinfest, Zeeland: Fall activities & pumpkin contests.

Rainbow Ranch Horseback Riding, New Era: Horseback riding, riding lessons, and sleigh rides.

Ramada Plaza, Grand Rapids: Indoor pool with a three story water slide.

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery, Grand Rapids: Apple haus, jumping pillow, hayrides, and corn maze.

Silver Lake Buggy Rentals, Mears: Cruise the dunes, picnic on the beach or swim in Lake Michigan in your own ATV or Dune Buggy.

Teusink’s Pony Farm, Holland: Pony ring rides, hay maze, feed the sheep and goats.

Tulip Time Festival, Holland: Klompen dancing, Kinderplaats, and thousands of tulips.

Unity Christian Music Festival, Muskegon: Live music, The Hide Out youth lounge.

USS LST 393 Veteran’s Museum, Muskegon: Board a WWII Landing Ship Tank, tour the galley & crews quarters, and watch a movie at night on deck.

USS Silversides, Muskegon: Spend the night in a WWII submarine or sign up for a Submarine Technology Program.

Van Singel Fine Arts Center, Byron Center: Theatre technology school program and off-Broadway shows.

West Michigan Whitecaps, Comstock Park: Cheer on the home team, join in a wacky game between innings, and root for a home run.

Windmill Island Gardens, Holland: Dutch carousel, fudge shop, and antique street organ.

North

Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, Boyne Falls: Michigan’s first SuperLOOP waterslide, Rip Zone Surf Simulator, Arcade & Snack Shack.

Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City: Hands on Discovery Gallery, Family Days, Inuit Gallery.

Econo Lodge Bayview, Mackinaw City: Pirates Adventure Indoor Waterpark, Beach access, Game room.

Fairview Beachfront Inn & Waterpark, Mackinaw City: Indoor & Outdoor water park.

Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum/Historical Society, Salt Ste. Marie: Explore the shipwrecks of the Great Lakes & visit the oldest functioning lighthouse on Lake Superior.

Historic White Pine Village, Ludington: Visit on a History in Action Day, or stop by Town Hall for some ice cream in a circa 1900 Ice Cream Parlor.

Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen: Art classes, education, and performances.

Jacob’s Corn Maze, Traverse City: Corn maze, farm market, u-pick.

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, Mackinac Island: Take a horse-drawn narrated tour of Mackinac Island with stops at Arch Rock and the Grand Hotel.

Moomers Homemade Ice Cream, Traverse City: Homemade ica cream and dairy farm tours.

Music House Museum, Acme: Listen to a player piano, tour a mini Traverse City, and marvel at the sounds of the 18 foot tall Dance Organ.

Pine River Paddlesport Center, Wellston: Kayak, canoe, raft, SUP.

Shetler Family Dairy, Kalkaska: Open barn, flavored milk, farm store.

Traverse Tall Ship Co., Traverse City: Cruise Grand Traverse Bay, drop anchor for a quick swim, and learn to help pilot the ship.

Treetops Resort, Gaylord: Snowboard, ski, and participate in family activities.

Wildwood Rush Canopy Tours, Boyne City: Adrenaline-filled zip line tours through the trees.

 

Renew your license at Michigan International Auto Show

How-To's, Our Cities, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, ,

by Deb Havens

The Michigan International Auto Show features more than 300 new sedans and sports cars, trucks, SUVs, hybrids — and the Secretary of State Mobile Office. “Our full-service Mobile Office is designed to make taking care of business fast and easy,”  Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said.

Customers visiting the full-service Secretary of State booth can renew their drivers license, get license plate tabs, change their address, update their voter registration, sign up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry or order a replacement vehicle title. The Mobile Office hours are:

  • Thursday, Feb. 5 – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Friday, Feb. 6 – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 7 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 8 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Look for the Mobile Office located near the Ford display.  SOS services are available online as well at www.ExpressSOS.com.

The 2015 Michigan International Auto Show at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. N.W. in Grand Rapids, begins Thursday, February 5th and runs through Sunday, February 8th.

Vote Now: Wyoming Student Section Nominated for Best in Michigan

Recreation, Sports, ,
Wyoming's student section is up for best in the State.
Wyoming’s student section is up for best in the State.

mike_dewittWyoming High School is up for a prestigious award. Not one based on classroom merit or athletic achievement, but one where students come together for a common cause. This award takes place in a gymnasium, but instead of happening on the court, it takes place in the bleachers.

 

MLive released their 64 nominees for Michigan’s Best High School Student Section and Wyoming is garnering some votes! As of Tuesday morning, Wyoming High School ranked second in the State.

 

The first poll is open until 6 p.m. on Thursday and fans can vote once per hour. On Friday, the list will be narrowed down to 10 and another poll will decide the best student section in Michigan!

 

To vote, visit MLive.com.

 

The winner will be crowned Thursday, February 5th.

Party in your Parka this Saturday to Celebrate the Mitten!

Recreation, Sports, , ,

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the

Muskegon Winter Sports Complex

by Jim Rudicil, Muskegon Winter Sports Complex and Janice Limbaugh

The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is celebrating its 30th year and we are inviting you to the celebration. This is an all ages, day-long family-fun event. Bundle up the kids and come out to celebrate all that the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex has to offer and the great outdoors. In addition to all the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex offers, several kid and family activities are planned throughout the day.

This is a FREE event, however; if you choose to participate in some of the winter activities available at the Winter Sports Complex, there are costs associated with attending the party. The Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex, Muskegon State Park’s pricing list regarding trail fees, equipment rental, and luge lessons and that pricing may be found here: http://www.msports.org/pricing concessions are available for purchase throughout the day.

Please note that because the Winter Sports Complex is nestled in the State Park, you will also need a Michigan State Park pass to park for free. If you do not have a sticker, one may be purchased the day of the event at the complex for $11 and it is good all year for every state park in Michigan!

PARTY IN YOUR PARKA  is an event designed to showcase both the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex and celebrate winter in Michigan. The Watermark is pleased to work with the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex to present an event designed to expose Michiganders to the people, places and organizations who celebrate the experiences of these peninsulas through music, art, food, drink, sports, and winter fun.

We are also excited to include an artist tent to PARTY IN YOUR PARKA! The “Made in the Mitten” tent will offer arts & crafts from local Michigan artisans. We look forward to promoting Michigan based businesses as well as working with talented local artists that make our state so unique!

WHO: The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex and The Watermark

WHAT: Party in Your Parka – a day-long Muskegon Winter Sports Complex Anniversary Celebration!

WHEN: January 24, 2015 starting at 10 a.m.

SCHEDULE: 10am – Complex Grounds/Activities Open – WSC will be open all day for luging, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skating and sledding. Your welcome to enjoy these activities all day and at your leisure.

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  “Made in the Mitten” vendor art tent

Bring your own skis or rent Cross country skis at the Lodge.
Bring your own skis or rent Cross country skis at the Lodge.

 

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Kids activities in the “Made in the Mitten” art tent

Noon – 5 p.m. Live music with Christopher Cordle, RJ Nordlund and Jason Bryant inside the heated “Made in the Mitten” art tent

1 p.m. – World Snurfing Classic

3 p.m. – 4 p. m. Snurfer Awards

6 p.m. – Luge Lounge opens with a Dance Party featuring DJ Jef Leppard and hosted by Watermark Live. Help us toast the Winter Sports Complex and celebrate Michigan in the winter! Our Luge Lounge features a beverage area showcasing Michigan beer and wine from around the state as well as local craft favorites. Beer and wine will also be available throughout the day inside the “Made in the Mitten” art tent.

Sledding, ice skating and snurfing are some of the other family activities to enjoy!
Sledding, ice skating and snurfing are some of the other family activities to enjoy!

7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Open to all ages and free admission to the Luge Lounge Live Entertainment and dance party featuring DJ Jef Leppard and hosted by: Watermark Live

FOOD/BEVERAGES – Fatty Lumpkins Sandwich Shack will be on hand with their famous, award-winning sammies in the “Made in the Mitten” heated art tent during the day from 11am – 5pm. Drip Drop Drink will also be in the tent with some of the best, artisan coffee and hot beverages on the lakeshore. The Made in The Mitten tent will also serve Michigan beer and wine and feature local and state-wide craft beer options. Food and beverages are also available in the lodge as well.

Download a map of the complex here.

*There are trail fees and costs associated with some of the winter activities available at MWSC please visit their website for rates: http://www.msports.org/

Musk logoActivity locations:

All events and activities are held on-site at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex with the exception of the Snurfer Classic which is held just down the road at the Block House.

LODGE: Bathrooms, fire, concessions, equipment rentals, information.

LUGE AREA: Main stage, Luge Lounge activities – nightime events – night time Beverage area featuring the best in Michigan beer! All ages! FREE!

STAY WARM: Dress according to the weather. We will have warming stations throughout the complex but dress warm! This event is designed to be outside! So bundle up the kids and come out to celebrate the great state and the great outdoors.

PARKING: Motor vehicle permit/ recreation passport required to enter. The cost is $11 a year for Michigan residents and is available at Secretary of State when you renew your license plates. For out- of- state vehicles the cost is $8 for a day pass or $29 for a annual/year pass. These can be purchased at the MWSC when you arrive. We recommend carpooling!!!

Special Surprises:

Luge Lounge – Featuring DJ Jef Leppard hosted by Watermark Live. This is a FREE, ALL AGES dance party featuring a main stage nestled in the crook of America’s only public luge. You can expect a beer lounge full of the tastiest beers and wine as well as great hot beverages by Drip Drop Drink.

Luge Lounge special entertainment:

Get ready for mind-melting LED hoop light shows from Mike and Shaina, performers from Grand Rapids, MI. They have performed for acts such as The String Cheese Incident, Papadosio, Phuturprimitive and many more. They are bringing their energetic hoop style to warm up this cool event. Keep an eye out for the crazy lights!

East Kentwood Basketball Soars Heading into Conference Play

Sports, ,
East Kentwood before an early season game against Caledonia
East Kentwood before an early season game against Caledonia

Down 20 points midway through the second-quarter, the East Kentwood boys basketball team faced a tough reality.

 

On the other bench sat Goliath. Well, he might as well have; at 6 foot 10 inches, Michigan State commit Deyonta Davis led the Muskegon Big Reds to 31 straight wins dating back to last season. This season, the Big Reds were looking to run off another perfect run and had just built a 27-7 lead off of a 15-0 run during the second-quarter.

 

Most teams would’ve shut down and packed it in. It’s not very often teams recover from a 20-point deficit, especially against a team as formidable as Muskegon.

 

Then again, East Kentwood coach Jeff Anama’s team isn’t just another team.

 

The Falcons would answer with their vaunted full-court press that was able neutralize Davis and lead to turnovers, and ultimately, a 58-57 victory in the final seconds!

East Kentwood senior Brent Kimbrel
East Kentwood senior Brent Kimbrel

 

That win over Muskegon sent shock waves throughout Michigan and established the Falcons as a team to beat going forward.

 

Since then, East Kentwood has stayed perfect, posting a 7-0 record.

 

The Falcons are lead by Micah Rosser and Brent Kimbrel. Rosser leads the team in scoring with a little over 12 points per game.

 

Kimbrel, a senior averaging 10 points per game himself, is the leader of the team. His biggest asset is speed and he uses it to wreak havoc on defense and get easy buckets on offense. Most importantly, as a 4 year varsity player, he’s consistent and a rock for the Falcons to rally behind.

 

The Falcons relentless defense and aggressive offense is tough for any team to handle for 36 minutes. With OK-Red conference action set to start this Friday, the Falcons will have a big target on their back as the team to beat.

 

East Kentwood hosts West Ottawa on Friday night.

WKTV Revamps Sports Coverage

Sports, WKTV Projects,
The WKTV Mobile Unit will be out in full force with a revamped Sports Department
The WKTV Mobile Unit will be out in full force with a revamped Sports Department
Athletic Directors Meeting
Athletic Directors meeting at WKTV

Here at WKTV, our goal is to serve the community the best we can. That means we have to adapt and not be afraid to try new things. The sports department is excited about it’s new plan to better cover all sports in Wyoming and Kentwood.

 

A few weeks ago, the Athletic Directors from the local schools came together here at the station to hash out a better way of covering a broader spectrum of sports.

 

The WKTV sports department is moving towards covering a “game of the week”, regardless of sport. If the biggest game one week is a football game, WKTV will be there to cover it. If it happens to be a girls volleyball or boys soccer game, then WKTV will sent the truck! With so many schools offering a number of different sports in Wyoming and Kentwood, it will be exciting to cover the biggest game with huge stakes and implications!

 

We are also planning to work with the Athletic Directors about their student-athletes accomplishments off the field. These academic and off-field stories can be worked it into our broadcasts to let student’s stories be heard!

Inside of WKTV Mobile Unit
Inside of WKTV Mobile Unit

 

There is also talk about broadcasting soccer games in Spanish and English! Anything to connect with the community.

 

It’s all about creating a more well-rounded approach to our sports coverage. The importance of sports is the sportsmanship and leadership it builds in young men and women. Here at WKTV we want to cover everyone who’s putting in the work before and after school.

Grand Rapids All-Star Team Eyeing National Tournament in Dallas

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Sports, , ,
The Grand City All-Stars after winning The Battle of Spartan Nation
The Grand City All-Stars after winning The Battle of Spartan Nation

mike_dewittA weekend filled with the thwack of shoulder pads and the smack of helmets culminated towards this, the end. The time when one team would rise from the gridiron as champions while the other stayed on the floor with the taste of defeat still fresh in their mouths.

 

The Grand City All-Stars rose to the challenge.

 

On this day, 35 young men from Grand Rapids stood united at the Battle of Spartan Nation. 35 young men who worked hard throughout the Rocket Football season and chose to come back for more. 35 young men who wanted to play more football and ended up playing their way into the National Tournament.

 

The Grand City All-Stars came together under the direction of Head Coach Uriel Tyler. It was an idea that’s been kicked around in his head for over 2 years.

 

“The season is so short for these guys with only 6 weeks of games. Practice starts just a couple weeks before games begin,” states Coach Tyler, “With these boys playing a High School season next year, I wanted to give them an opportunity to play a longer season. One that started after Rocket Football ended.”

GCAS Handshake line

 

The Grand City All-Stars play in the 14u bracket of the Football Championship Series, a club league that extends beyond the normal season for youth players. They only planned on playing in one tournament – The Battle of Spartan Nation – but after winning the championship, the Grand City All-Stars qualified for the national tournament on December 27-30 in Dallas, Texas!

 

“This is a special group of kids. They play so hard! We didn’t give up one point the entire tournament,” describes Coach Tyler with emotion swelling in his voice, “That shows how hard these kids play. They don’t give up!”

 

While winning is nice, the team has been a great way to bring kids together within the City League.

 

There is a lot of animosity between players and parents of different city league teams. When those teams play each other during the season, emotions run high. Players can build up ill-will towards players of other teams who will end up being their teammates at the high school level. Those issues have dissolved by playing together with the Grand City All-Stars.

“I coached at a High School where guys came together from different city league teams and still had hatred because of the city youth league,” explained Coach Tyler, “This All-Star team has been a great way for these kids to get to know each other and build friendships.”

 

Coach Tyler isn’t alone, offensive line coach Anthony McNeal also mentioned the positives the team has had off the gridiron, “These boys are spending time together, hanging out and posting pictures on Facebook with each other. They’re from all different backgrounds and coming together playing football and fundraising. It’s a great story!”

GCAS Trophy

 

In order to play in the National Tournament, the team needs to raise $20,000 by December 21. They’ve been selling cookies and popcorn, running pop can drives, and holding bowling and skating parties to raise the money! Right now they’re halfway there.

 

They have a bowling party this Saturday and would love for you to stop by! Bowling is at East Brook Lanes from 7-9pm and the cost is only $12 for unlimited bowling! The proceeds go towards the Grand City All-Stars trip to Dallas.

 

There are many ways to donate to the Grand City All-Stars. You can donate online at www.grandcitysports.com (just click the donate button!) or by going to their Facebook page, just type in “Grand City All-Stars” into the Facebook search bar.

 

If going on-line doesn’t work for you, send donations to P.O Box 68316 Grand Rapids, MI 49516.

 

Going to Dallas would be a dream come true for the players and their coaches. The Grand City All-Stars have yet to give give up a point, let’s see that streak continue down in Texas!

Bright Hope for East Kentwood Football

Local Faces, Sports, , , ,
East Kentwood Head Coach Tony Kimbrough
East Kentwood Head Coach Tony Kimbrough

kathy_grayFor the first time in a decade, the East Kentwood High School football program ignited fans and made the community stand up and take notice. The Falcon squad went 8-1 in the regular season, losing only to West Ottawa. After grabbing a share of the OK Red Conference title, EK then sailed through 3 playoff games only to be stopped short of a trip to Ford Field by Clarkston in the state semifinals.

 

What was the key factor in the Falcon winning season? Although he would wave it off, new head coach Tony Kimbrough was the right man, at the right time, for Kentwood.

 

Growing up in Detroit, Kimbrough was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He first attended Winston-Salem State University before making the decision to join the Marines. Once back in Michigan, Kimbrough returned to the gridiron at Grand Rapids Junior College. After a quick stint with GRJC, Kimbrough went to Western Michigan University where he led the Broncos to the 1988 MAC Championship while being named the Mid-American Conference Most Valuable Player.

 

His professional playing career included time in the Canadian Football League as well as the Arena Football league. Kimbrough worked as the offensive coordinator for the Utah Blaze in 2008. He has also had stops as the offensive line/quarterbacks coach at both Western Michigan and Grand Rapids Community College. Even with his accomplishments, Kimbrough remains humble and seems to brag about everyone else’s accomplishments by his own.

 

Kimbrough, who works as a behavioral specialist for East Kentwood High School, has a long association with the Falcons as an assistant coach. He actually interviewed to be the head coach of East Kentwood in 2007. John Keenoy, East Kentwood principal and a huge supporter of Kimbrough, convinced him he was ready. “When I didn’t get it I was really, truly disappointed,” said Kimbrough.

East Kentwood takes the field early in 2014
East Kentwood takes the field early in 2014

 

Still, Kimbrough remained tight with the Falcons. Although skilled as an offensive line and quarterbacks coach, Kimbrough wanted a challenge and served as the defensive coordinator for EK in 2013.

 

The call to lead the East Kentwood football team came in May 2014 as the Falcons had gone through 3 head coaches in as many seasons. What the Falcons needed more than anything was stability in its coaching staff and commitment from its players. Tony Kimbrough was their man. “All these kids wanted was someone who cared,” said Kimbrough. Although the coaching staff was a revolving door, many of the players had been playing together for years; first in Rocket football, then through the 56er and 78er programs.

 

Kimbrough knew the players, had experience coaching both sides of the ball, and brought the confidence the team required.

 

From the start, Kimbrough challenged the seniors on the team. “This is not my team,” he told them, “This is your team. I am just the conductor.” Senior player such as Kyle Friberg, Adam Racette, Michael Ivy, and John Keenoy, Jr. eagerly responded to the call.

 

“The summer was key.” emphasized Kimbrough. Not only did the players have to agree to 100% commitment to the program, they would be responsible for an attitude adjustment that would be the basis for their confidence later in the season. They had to commit to pooling their individual talents and learn the concept of family.

 

“FAMILY is an acronym,” explained Kimbrough, “It stands for Forget About Me I Love You.” This discipline came naturally to Kimbrough, both through military and gridiron training, who had learned that you need to depend on and love the man on your left and the man on your right.

 

In addition to the grueling summertime on-field practices, the two-a-days, and the weight room regimen, Kimbrough had a marine run several boot camp-type conditioning programs with the team. The concepts of brotherhood, interdependence, and trust became core values for the team, bonding the young men together. Their physical and mental toughness would serve them well during the season.

 

Although the East Kentwood Falcons were a game short of reaching their Ford Field appearance, the future remains bright for the team. Tony Kimbrough seems to have brought all the right ingredients for a long-term successful career in Kentwood. He brings his life experience, discipline, and excellent coaching skills on both sides of the ball. Kimbrough wants a stable program, from the Rocket players through the Seniors. He is proud that his players are already talking about next year. He laughs as he explains, “Jamari Booker (Junior) is so excited, he is already pulling guys in to the weight room.”

 

Perhaps the greatest values Kimbrough brings are confidence and humility, “It’s about the kids. It’s not about me.”

 

When asked about being named the MLive Grand Rapids Press Coach of the Year Kimbrough shakes his head, stating, “I only wish it was engraved ‘Coaches of the Year’,” giving credit to the many assistant coaches who work alongside him.

 

The future looks bright indeed for the East Kentwood Falcons. When asked if it going to be hard losing more than 25 seniors, Kimbrough thinks a moment, then smiles broadly, using the old cliché, “We don’t need to rebuild…we just need to reload!”

 

Look out OK Red, this coach is here to stay.

Community Volunteers make WKTV Programming Possible

Our Cities, Sports, WKTV Projects

janice_limbaughIf it wasn’t for the commitment and participation of our community volunteers, WKTV programming would not be possible. So as we celebrate 40 years on the air, we salute our longest running programs!

City Council coverage in 1975.
City Council coverage in 1975.

 

Topping the list at a full 40-year-run is the Wyoming City Council meetings.  In the early days, volunteers would haul full-size studio cameras from the station to city hall. Today, there’s a permanent mini control room with cameras inside the meeting room to streamline the production.

30 plus years and counting…

Ray Peuler’s love for high school sports is the drive behind the next longest running show on WKTV!  For over 30 years, High School Sports has covered countless local football and basketball games. Now under the direction of Paul Kabelman, baseball, softball and hockey games have been added.

WKTV sports crew airs the annual Golden Gloves tournament held at the Wyoming Armory.
WKTV sports crew airs the annual Golden Gloves tournament held at the Wyoming Armory.

 

“When Ray’s health would no longer allow him to volunteer, I was offered the opportunity to replace the local legend. The passion for sports and the competition it brings, together with the level of innocence that is still there in high school, encourages many volunteers to assist in these productions,” says Kabelman.

 

Doug Hanson, Phil Moore, and Gary Vande Velde are but a few of the long serving volunteers that make the productions possible. In addition to the event, productions include three to five hours of equipment setup and time to tear down the gear.

 

Pre-game prep also comes into play with securing of rosters, stats and any pertinent bio info on individuals, a lot of which is handled by Mike Moll.

 

“He along with Mark Bergsma and Ron Schultz work with me on announcing the various games,” he adds.

 

Typically WKTV Sports covers Tuesday and Friday night contests that are aired later that night, and again the following Saturday morning.

 

“We are very blessed to have the volunteers that we do currently enlist to make this all possible, but are always looking for more, especially to enhance the menu we’re currently offering.

 

Kabelman adds that he hopes to add even more to the lineup like soccer, wrestling, volleyball and lacrosse, to name a few. All in all, the WKTV High School Sports crew covers twelve different schools within Wyoming, Kentwood and Gaines Township.

21 years and going strong…

Airing for 21 years, the Senior Exercise program got its start back in 1993 and has been teaching seniors safe workouts. Host Chris Rush makes working out easy and fun using just two soup cans and a towel. Her passion for exercising and teaching others inspired her to do a national video series called “You’re never too old to Start.”

 

“One day I came home and had a message on the answering machine from a total stranger saying how much the exercise show changed their life,” Rush recalls. “There’s a lot of self gratification knowing that I’m helping people.

 

“My goal for the show was not about getting people to live longer,” she adds, “but about improving the quality of life they are living.”

 

Rush, who is 61, says she teaches functional training or use of the entire body. “I realized that as I’m aging, I’m learning more of what exercises to teach like balance and stability. I’ll be adding that as part  of the routine.”

 

Like every WKTV project, the Senior Exercise program would not be possible without its volunteers. Says Rush, “In all the years I’ve done this show, I’ve always worked with great caring people who are dedicated to make the show the best that it can be. I’m grateful for the wonderful volunteering and wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for WKTV.”

20 years and on a mission…

For 20 years, “River Reflections” has been the inspiration of Rosemary Barnes targeting viewers who are not able or willing to attend church but would like to learn about the Bible and how to apply its teachings to daily living.

 

Barnes says that prior to producing the program, a man prophesied to her that she would be doing television work. Shortly thereafter, she and her husband were invited to minister to a church in Marquette, Michigan. There they met a woman who was an entertainer turned evangelist and produced a weekly TV program from her basement for cable access.

 

“She interviewed us on her program  in her basement,” Barnes recalls. “She  told us that she was one of the first to produce tapes for the local cable access tv station and that they actually sent newcomers to her basement to learn some tips on producing their own programs. I thought then and there, if she can do it , I can do it!”

 

Both experiences strengthened Barnes’ resolve to ‘just do it’ and produce a television show that reflected her passion to study and share the Bible.

 

“I  do believe that all Christians should have a church home; but, for many ,Christian television programs are the only teaching they  choose to  receive.”

 

Barnes says she hopes the “River Reflections” broadcasts will help viewers find the Lord into their lives.”

Another benefit for me in producing this program is that our faithful production crew  stays after the program is taped  and we eat together.  So twice a month I experience what feels like a family dinner party because the crew has gotten so warmly  bonded together through working together faithfully for so many years.”

 

These are just a few of the longest running shows on WKTV. If you have a program idea that you’d like to see on the air, stop by the station and find out how to get the production rolling!

Meijer Announces Dates for the 2015 Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft

Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Sports
The Meijer LPGA is coming back to Blythefield Country Club
The Meijer LPGA is coming back to Blythefield Country Club

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – After a successful inaugural tournament that generated $600,000 for food pantries across the Midwest, the Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft will return to Grand Rapids in 2015 for another week of community events and the best women golfers in the world.

LPGA Trophy

 

The tournament will be held July 20-26, 2015 at Blythefield Country Club, and will once again benefit the retailer’s Simply Give program that restocks the shelves of food pantries across the Midwest.

 

During the inaugural tournament Aug. 7-10, the crowds exceeded expectations with more than 40,000 spectators coming out for the week. Rookie superstar Mirim Lee claimed her first LPGA Tour victory with a birdie on the second hole of a playoff against fellow South Korean Inbee Park.

 

“The success of the Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft greatly exceeded our expectations, and afforded us an unmatched opportunity to raise awareness and funding for hunger relief in the Midwest,” Meijer President J.K. Symancyk said. “The community really embraced this tournament, and we look forward to bringing another exciting event to them next year.”

 

The praise for the inaugural event didn’t stop at the monetary impact on the hungry; it made a tremendous impact on the LPGA professionals during their week in Grand Rapids.

LPGA Victory

 

Runner-up Inbee Park noticed the crowds cheering her on throughout the week.

 

“I was really surprised how they love golf here in Michigan and how supportive they were,” Park said. “I’m very thankful that they are supporting golf and women’s golf.”

 

Stacy Lewis saw the value in adding locations like Grand Rapids to the LPGA schedule.

 

“I think just by the fans and all the crowds we’ve had this week, it shows that we need to be here,” said Lewis, the No. 1 ranked player in the world during the Meijer LPGA Classic. “We had a great first year.”

 

Some even spoke on the excitement for years to come.

 

“This was a first-class event,” Suzann Pettersen said. “The venue, great golf course. I’m happy to be back here next year.”

 

Visit MeijerLPGAClassic.com for updates and announcements about next year’s tournament.

Pure Michigan 400 Gets the Green Flag

Local Entertainment, Sports, , ,

Pure Michigan 400LANSING – Two of Michigan’s best-known brands – Michigan International Speedway and Pure Michigan – are extending their partnership to host the Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, August 16, 2015.

 

“MIS is a premier Michigan destination with a strong tradition of promoting the tremendous assets our state has to offer businesses, residents and visitors alike,” said Lt. Governor Brian Calley. “We have seen great success with the Pure Michigan 400 in the past four years, and look forward to this next chapter in the partnership.”

 

Since 2011, the Pure Michigan 400 has proved to be an effective way to bring the Pure Michigan message to 75 million NASCAR fans nationwide. Further brand exposure has resulted from working with nationally recognized grand marshals, including Desmond Howard, Kid Rock, Carter Oosterhouse and Amy Smart and Olympic gold medalists Charlie White and Meryl Davis.  Additionally, MEDC has been able to use the event to host business leaders and national site selectors to showcase the quality of life Michigan has to offer.

Pure Michigan and Michigan International Speedway (MIS) are extending their relationship.
Pure Michigan and Michigan International Speedway (MIS) are extending their relationship.

 

“The Pure Michigan 400 is an opportunity to showcase all Michigan has to offer – from car culture and outdoor recreation to top destinations like MIS,” said Michael A. Finney, President and CEO of the MEDC. “Race day at MIS helps build on the sense of place that is Michigan and we are excited to be joining efforts to highlight Pure Michigan at the track and beyond for another year.”

 

Each year about 385,000 people visit MIS, generating an economic impact of more than $414 million. Nearly 60 percent of the guests on race weekends come from outside Michigan, making MIS the largest welcome center in the state.

 

The partnership joining these two brands, both focused on attracting new visitors to Michigan, continues what is believed to be the first time a state’s branding agency has sponsored NASCAR’s premier stock car series. The partnership includes title sponsorship of the August 16, 2015 Sprint Cup race with the option to extend the contract for two additional one-year periods.

 

In addition to its pair of race weekends, the track also hosts events as an innovative and diverse business, hospitality and entertainment venue, bringing several new events to Michigan in the past year.

Michigan International Speedway 2

 

“We are pleased to continue our partnership for the Pure Michigan 400 race in August,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “The key to successful partnerships is finding organizations which have similar goals. Michigan International Speedway and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation want people to come to this state and see all the wonderful things it has to offer – beautiful landscapes, fun activities year-round and awesome NASCAR racing.”

 

Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan, a town of about 1,200, is one of only 23 facilities in the world to hold such an event. The racetrack seats more than 72,000 people in its grandstands, with tens of thousands of others in the infield, suites and campgrounds that will all be introduced to the Pure Michigan brand in August.

 

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.

 

For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: michiganbusiness.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org.

 

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is NASCAR’s fastest track and the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

 

Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway. Android and iPhone can now download Discover MIS, the official app of MIS, on Google Play and iTunes.

 

Join their Mobile Fan Club by texting MISCLUB on a Sprint Handheld or other mobile device to 69050. Standard text message rates may apply.

 

2015 Michigan International Speedway Schedule:

Saturday, May 9               Michigan Wine and Beer Fest presented by Experience Jackson

Friday, June 12                  ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Corrigan Oil 200 and Sprint Cup Qualifying

Saturday, June 13            NASCAR XFINITY Series

Sunday, June 14               NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quicken Loans 400

July 17-19                            Faster Horses Festival

Friday, Aug. 14                  NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice and Qualifying

Saturday, Aug. 15             NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Careers for Veterans 200 presented by The Cooper Standard Foundation & Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation

Sunday, Aug. 16                NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400

Sailors Overcome Tradgedy and Keep Coaches’ Streak Alive

Local Faces, Our Cities, Sports

South Christian girls golf team is headed to their 16th straight State Finalsmike_mollWhen someone asks what team or individual accomplishment in high school sports is the most impressive, many people respond with something pertaining to football or basketball. Those are the most publicized sports, as well as, events that attract hundreds or even thousands of people to them on a regular basis.

 

Over the course of covering local high school sports, I came across what I consider one of the most impressive accomplishments in Michigan high school sports history. An accomplishment in our own backyard that you’ve probably never heard of.

 

For 16 years this team hasn’t had the benefit of the crowd cheering them on. That has more to do with the sport they play where being a spectator requires you to be still and silent.

 

The sport is golf.  In this instance girls golf, and the South Christian Sailors deserve your respect.

 

This last week a streak was able to continue under very difficult circumstances after long time girls golf coach and teacher Rod VanDyke, more commonly known as Dyke, was struck and killed while riding a bike on Tuesday morning, October 7. After an all school assembly to inform everyone about what had happened, students were allowed to go home for the day or to remain at school to grieve with friends and their school family.

 

During that time, the team and Athletic Director Curt Copeland had a decision to make. The State Regional tournament was the next day, the qualifier for the Division 3 State Championship, but how could they compete after such a devastating loss? Copeland and the team came to the conclusion that Coach Dyke would want them to play.

 

The following day they not only played, but played extremely well! South Christian took 1st place to move on to the State Finals for the 16th consecutive time! They shot a team score of 357 which bested the runner up by 18 strokes.

 

The team consists of Juniors Nicole Hoekwater and Hannah DeVries along with Seniors Rachel Theule, Nicole VanderYacht, Marissa Smits, and Lauren Hofman. The Sailors next challenge is the Division 3 State Championship. The Championship will be held at Forest Akers East course in East Lansing this weekend (October 17-18).

 

In their 15 previous trips, the Sailors have won the championship twice, have been runner up five times, and have never finished lower than eighth.

 

What if, for just that one weekend in East Lansing, there were indeed hundreds of fans that gathered to support this group of girls? To show them just how impressive the streak on the playing field is, but also how much their efforts, talents, and dedication is appreciated and supported by the community.

 

But remember, quiet during play please.

 

Congratulations Sailors and Coach Dyke, you will be missed – job well done!

East Kentwood Girl’s Golf Team wins 4th Straight OK Red Conference Tournament

Sports

East Kentwood High School golf team #3 East Kentwood High School golf teamCongratulations to the East Kentwood girls’ golf team who won their 4th STRAIGHT OK Red Conference Tournament and clinched the overall league title again. They won convincingly by shooting a 318, which was 61 shots ahead of second place Hudsonville.

 

Great job ladies and Coach Alex Giarmo and good luck next week at the Regionals. Just Another GREAT Day To Be A Falcon.

 

Congratulations again to Sarah White, Mackenzie Keenoy, Emma Millard, Izzy Meier, Janelle Quinn, Yunseo Choi and Coach Giarmo. You made EK proud again today!! Well done.

East Kentwood High school golf team #2

Semi-Pro Cyclones Eye Year Two

Local Entertainment, Sports
Grand Rapids Cyclones are looking forward to year 2
The Grand Rapids Cyclones are looking forward to year two.

Matt Van Pelt writes for rantandravesports.wordpress.com, a blog that touches on local sports stories in West Michigan. Continued coverage will be available through now.wktv.org.

 

The Grand Rapids Cyclones are the latest team to join the Premier Basketball League (PBL), one of the nation’s most prolific semiprofessional basketball leagues.

 

The Cyclones, who played three games in last season’s shortened expansion season, had the attention of local Grand Rapids basketball fans, and hope a full season of 20 games will only mean more of the same. Cyclones fans, however, will have to wait until December before cheering on their favorite West Michigan cagers.

 

Not every Cyclone player is from the area, moreover, as the team’s lead decision makers just made a big splash nationally with their first ever PBL draft pick.

cyclone draft pick
1st overall pick Joshua Chichester is the newest addition to the Cyclones roster.

 

The Cyclones had the first pick of the 2014-2015 PBL draft, and took Ohio native Joshua Chichester with the top spot. Chichester once played forward for Hall-of-Famer Rick Pitino at Louisville and also caught passes for the Cardinals’ football team. Grand Rapids head coach Jeremiah Hamlet never second guessed the pick.

 

“Josh is 6’9 and extremely athletic. And he’s not just a great athlete, but a great person too. I can’t wait to work with him,” said Hamlet.

 

What the rest of the roster looks like remains to be seen.

 

“We don’t have a full roster picked out yet, but we’re going to have an open tryout and we’ve set a goal to finalize the roster by October 11th,” said Hamlet.

 

While Coach Hamlet may not know who will be sporting the red, white, and black just yet, he does know what intangibles he wants his players to embody.

 

“God willing our guys will create an identity that represents team and defense. As a new team, it’s natural that it will take some time to build a foundation. But if we represent the right things, and we’re hungry, I have all the confidence that the Grand Rapids Cyclones will be a success.”

 

In the appetizer that was an expansion season last winter, the Cyclones were just that — a success. The team drew great fan support, displayed impressive talent, and came away with a victory against the Lake Michigan Admirals.

 

The Admirals, located out of Benton Harbor, MI, will be the Cyclones’ closest opponent geographically, with the rest of the opposition spanning across the midwest.

 

Coach Hamlet is particularly looking forward to that inner-state matchup.

 

“The Admirals will without a doubt be our rival. We are definitely looking forward to playing them this year,” said Hamlet.

 

Cyclones fans packed out the Delta Plex in the first game against the Admirals last February. Much of that support stemmed from the natural intrigue that comes from having a new team in a big city, but it also came from a level of appreciation of what Cyclone players, coaches, and front office workers were doing in the greater Grand Rapids community.

 

While G.R.’s newest semi-pro team loves to win games, its purpose extends far beyond that.

cyclones coach

 

“Our vision with the Cyclones is about helping the players get to the next level, but it’s also about reaching out to the community and encouraging young people all around this area to make the right choices.”

 

It’s not uncommon to see Cyclone players and management volunteering their time and effort into various Grand Rapids schools, social events, and kid’s camps as well as playing the game they love on the hardwood.

 

Though during the expansion season their home-court hardwood was in the Delta Plex, this season’s Cyclones will call the River Town Sports Complex in Grandville, MI, their home.

 

In just three months time the anticipation will be past and the competition will be present.

 

To quote the team’s slogan from just months ago…

 

“There’s a storm coming!”

2014-2015 Michigan State Spartans Outlook

Sports

Editor’s Note:  This begins a weekly series of sports stories from Rant N’ Rave Sports–A Recreation/Sports website started by Michael DeWitt of Rockford, MI.   http://rantandravesports.wordpress.com/

It’s almost that time of year again. Growing up playing basketball and golf, I was always excited for what the end of summer would bring…    FOOTBALL SEASON! It’s no secret I grew up a “die hard” MSU fan, and nothing has changed. Much of my younger years were spent agonizing over Michigan State teams that continually underwhelmed and disappointed their fan base. Recent years has made it all worth it though. Seven straight bowl appearances, capped off by a history making RoseBowl victory last season. The Spartan fan in me can’t help but also bring up the fact that “Little Brother” has taken 5 of their last 6 meetings from their in-state rival and it looks as though they have traded programs and success for the time being.

I am not here to talk about past accomplishments though; I’ll save that for the Wolverine fans. I’m here to explain what MSU fans should expect for the 2014-15 season. It’s no secret MSU has now established itself in football circles. Along with OSU, they will be the faces of the Big10 this season, and an early showdown at #3 Oregon will hopefully give Spartan, and Big10, fans an idea of where the conference is at on a national power scale. The Big10 should have a bounce back season after being basically the nations laughing stock of a conference the past couple years. Lack of top 25 teams and horrible bowl records all contributed to this. 2014-15 will be the first season for the College Football Playoff (equivalent to the College Basketball Final 4), and the Big10 is in prime position with two teams, Ohio State and Michigan State, who realistically will aim to make their bid.

Game-by-game analysis of how the Spartans will finish up this season:

Game 1 – Home Game vs Jacksonville State. Spartans W 34-14. MSU has to shake off the summer rust against a feisty, high-tempo offense of JSU. Dantonio scheduled this game to test his defense before the showdown with Oregon. MSU will just be too much to handle for the small school from Florida as it solidifies it’s O-Line and LB positions. We’ll also get an early glimpse at highly touted freshmen Malik McDowell, Montae Nicholson and Enoch Smith Jr.

Game 2 – Away Game vs Oregon. Spartans L 24-31. Playing the Ducks early in the season when they have fresh legs is hard enough, but playing them at home will prove to be the dagger. It should be a back and forth game, but I see Heisman favorite Marcus Mariota making a few too many big plays towards the end of the game and the Spartans defense will struggle to contain him.

Game 3 & 4 – Home Games vs Eastern Michigan and then Wyoming. Spartans W 27-7 and then W 41-10. I grouped these two games together because neither team should pose much threat to the Spartans. They will be a little lackluster against EMU after their bitter defeat to Oregon, but they’ll get an ugly win. Dantonio will whip them into shape in their last game before the regular season and they’ll put a beating on Wyoming on Homecoming day at Spartan Stadium.

Game 5 – Home Game vs Nebraska. Spartans W 23-13. This will be an early top 25 matchup between Big10 teams. Nebraska and MSU matchup very well against each other and this year they will have many of the same strengths. Both will have solid QB’s, great running backs and great defenses. This will most likely come down to who plays better on special teams and wins the turnover margin.

Game 6 – Away Game vs Purdue. Spartans W 45-17. Purdue should battle for one of the last spots in the conference this year, and let’s face it, West Lafayette isn’t the toughest place to play. Spartans will have a breakout offensive performance and there will be a lot of playing time for second stringers to solidify the depth chart heading into the middle of the season.

Game 7 – Away Game vs Indiana. Spartans W 34-24. Indiana is a team flying under the radar. I like their coach, they have a very explosive offense that can put up big numbers, and if they can put together even a decent defense they will be a bowl team this year. Spartans talent, depth, and defense will win out in the end.

Game 8 – Home Game vs Michigan. Spartans W 24-13. Michigan will be a better team than the one we saw last year. Their defense will keep the game much closer than last year’s 29-6 shellacking. The facts that Michigan will be coming back to Spartan stadium, and MSU’s offense will undoubtedly be improved from last years, that combination will prove to be too much for the Wolverines. This will also make it 6 of the last 7 meetings for the Spartans.

Game 9 – Home Game vs Ohio State. Spartans L 31-21. This will prove to be too much of an obstacle for MSU. This will be the 4th game against a top 25 opponent (assuming UofM can crack the rankings by week 8) and after the emotional victory against the Wolverines the week before, Ohio State’s offense will have more energy than the Spartans defense can handle. This breaks my heart because it means unless OSU slips up later on they will probably play for the Big10 Championship, destroying MSU’s chances of making the College Football Playoff.

Game 10 – Away Game vs Maryland. Spartans W 38-14. It will be a Spartan welcoming party for the first year Big10 Maryland Terrapins. The Spartans will recover fast from the crushing Ohio State loss and look to end the season strong, trying to play in either the Fiesta Bowl or Orange Bowl.

Game 11 – Home Game vs Rutgers. Spartans W 28-10. Much of the same for the Spartans. The offense will continue to play well behind the arm of Connor Cook and legs of Jeremy Langford. Rutgers will also be making their first appearance in the Big10 and will not fare well in a division with OSU, MSU, and Michigan.

Back to School Means Back to High School Football!

Local Faces, Sports

WKTV is bringing you another exciting season of High School Football, starting with the season opener at East Kentwood on Thursday, August 28th, 2014. Then we will

bring you the game of the week every Friday night onLive Wire Comcast Channel 24 Metro-Wide @ 10:30pm and repeat Saturday on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 in

Wyoming & Kentwood @ 11:00am. Support your team in every way by going to their games and cheering them on,then watch the featured game of the week on WKTV !

Thursday   8/28   Everett @ East Kentwood Friday         

9/5  Caledonia @  South Christian

Friday   9/12   Godwin Heights @ Lee

Friday   9/19   East Kentwood  @ Grandville 

Friday   9/26   Greenville @ Wyoming

Friday        10/3    TNT @ Lee 

Friday        10/10  Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Friday        10/17  Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

Friday        10/24  Wayland @ South Christian

Local Sports Schedule for September

Sports

Following the Labor Day holiday weekend, the school year began for all classes and certainly all of the fall seasons as they immediately kick into full gear. WKTV’s football games of the week continue with the following schedule for the month.

 

Friday September 5 Caledonia at South Christian
Friday September 12 Godwin Heights at Wyoming Lee
Friday September 19 East Kentwood at Grandville
Friday September 26 Greenville at Wyoming

 

These games are initially broadcast at 11:30 Friday night on Comcast Cable, Channel 24 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 along with a rebroadcast at 11 AM Saturday morning.

 

Tuesday September 2, 2014
Girls Golf – Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
– Wyoming @ Middleville T-K
Boys Soccer – East Kentwood @ Portage Northern
– Godwin Heights @ Covenant Christian
– Kent City @ Wyoming Lee
– Wellsprings Prep @ Zion Christian
Boys Tennis – Hudsonville @ South Christian
– Zeeland West @ Wyoming
Girls Volleyball – Godwin Heights @ Union (Scrimmage)
– TBA @ Tri-Unity (Scrimmage)

 

Wednesday September 3, 2014
Boys Tennis – Jenison @ East Kentwood
– Wyoming @ FH Northern
– NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
Girls Volleyball – EK Lady Falcon Invite #2 @ EK
Girls Golf – South Christian @ NorhtPointe Christian – NPC Invite
Boys/Girls Cross Country – South Christian @ Wayland – Jamboree
– Wyoming @ Cedar Springs – Jamboree
Boys Soccer – Wyoming @ Northview

 

Thursday September 4, 2014
Girls Golf – East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
– South Christian @ OK Gold Jamboree – Quail Ridge
Girls Swimming – East Kentwood @ Traverse City Central
Boys Soccer – East Kentwood @ South Christian
– Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

– Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
– Zeeland West @ Wyoming
– Hopkins @ Kelloggsville
Western Michigan Christian @ Grand River Prep
Boys Tennis – South Christian @ Unity Christian
Girls Volleyball – Catholic Central @ South Christian
– Tri-Unity @ Holland Calvary
– Kelloggsville @ Potter’s House
– Union @ Zion Christian

 

Friday September 5, 2014
Boys Water Polo – EK Shoot Out at The Shore @ EK
Boys Football – Forest Hills Central @ East Kentwood
– Caledonia @ South Christian
– Wyoming Lee @ White Cloud
– Comstock Park @ Wyoming
– Kent City @ Kelloggsville
Boys Soccer – Kelloggsville @ Coopersville
– Zion Christian @ Holland Black River

 

Saturday September 6, 2014
Boys Water Polo – EK Shoot Out at The Shore @ EK
Boys Tennis – East Kentwood @ Holland Invite
– South Christian Quad @ South Christian
– Wyoming @ Zeeland East
Girls Volleyball – WMVOA Tournament @ East Kentwood
– South Christian @ East Kentwood–WMVOA Tourn.
Boys/Girls Cross Country – EK @ Fremont – Hill and Bale Invite
– Christian School Invite @ South Christian
– Lee @ Fremont – Hill and Bale Invite
– Godwin Heights @ Muskegon
– Wyoming @ West Ottawa Bredeweg Invit.
– Kelloggsville @ Fremont-Hill and Bale In.
Girls Swimming – EK @ West Ottawa – West Michigan Relays

 

Monday September 8, 2014
Girls Golf – Grandville and Rockford @ East Kentwood
– Wyoming @ Greenville – Jamboree
Boys/Girls Cross Country – East Kentwood @ Middleville T-K Invite
– South Christian @ Middleville T-K Invite
– Grand River Prep@Middleville T-K Invite
– Wyoming @ Middleville T-K Invite

– West Michigan Aviation@Middleville T-K
Boys Soccer – FH Northern @ East Kentwood
– Calvin Christian @ South Christian
– Wyoming Lee @ Western Michigan Christian
Boys Tennis – South Christian @ Holland Christian
– Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park
Girls Volleyball – Wyoming Lee @ Saugatuck
– Kelloggsville @ Saugatuck

 

Tuesday September 9, 2014
Girls Swimming – EK Quad @ East Kentwood
Boys Soccer – East Kentwood @ Grandville
– South Christian @ Catholic Central
– Potter’s House @ Zion Christian
– Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity
– Cedar Springs @ Wyoming
Girls Volleyball – Godwin Heights @ Union
– Tri-Unity @ Covenant Christian
– Grand River Prep @ Western Michigan Christian
– Potter’s House @ Zion Christian
Girls Golf – Wayland @ Wyoming

 

Wednesday September 10, 2014
Girls Golf – EK @ The Meadows – OK Red Mid Season
– Wyoming @ FH Eastern – Jamboree
Boys Tennis – East Kentwood @ Rockford
– South Christian @ Catholic Central
– Wyoming @ Greenville
– Kelloggsville @ West Catholic
Boys/Girls Cross Country – Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
– Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
– Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

 

Thursday September 11, 2014
Girls Swimming – Jenison @ East Kentwood
Boys Soccer – East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
– Ottawa Hills @ South Christian
– NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights
– Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
– Wyoming @ FH Eastern
– Zion Christian @ Calvary Christian
Girls Golf – South Christian @ Wayland – OK Jamboree
Girls Volleyball – Ottawa Hills @ South Christian
– Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
– Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
– Zeeland West @ Wyoming
– Zion Christian @ Calvary Christian

Boys/Girls Cross Country – Grand River Prep @ Covenant Christian

 

Friday September 12, 2014
Girls Golf – East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills – Russ Johnson Invite
Boys Water Polo – East Kentwood Varsity Invite @ EK
Boys / Girls Cross Country – East Kentwood @ MSU Spartan Invite
Boys Football – Union @ East Kentwood
– South Christian @ Unity Christian
– Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
– Sparta @ Wyoming
– Kelloggsville @ Buchanan
Boys Soccer – Wyoming Lee @ Algoma Christian
– Kelloggsville @ Kent City

 

Saturday September 13, 2014
Boys Water Polo – East Kentwood Varsity Invite @ EK
Girls Volleyball – EK Classic Volleyball Invite @ EK
– South Christian @ EK Classic Volleyball Invite
– Godwin Heights @ Zion Christian
– Kelloggsville @ Zion Christian
– Grand River Prep @ Zion Christian
– Wyoming @ Grandville Invitational
Boys/Girls Cross Country – South Christian @ Sparta Invite
– Godwin Heights @ Fennville
– Wyoming Lee @ Sparta Invite
– Wyoming @ Sparta Invite
– Kelloggsville @ Sparta Invite
– Grand River Prep @ Sparta Invite
Boys Football – Pittsford @ TNT
Boys Soccer – Jenison @ Wyoming

 

Monday September 15, 2014
Boys Tennis – Grandville @ East Kentwood
– Wyoming @ Northview
Boys Water Polo – Portage Central @ East Kentwood
Boys Soccer – East Kentwood @ Caledonia
– Muskegon Catholic @ Potter’s House
– Zion Christian @ Barry County Christian
Girls Golf – South Christian @ GR Christian
Girls Volleyball – Wyoming Lee @ Saranac
– Spring Lake @ Wyoming

 

Tuesday September 16, 2014
Girls Golf – East Kentwood @ Hudsonville
– OK Jamboree @ Wyoming
Boys / Girls Cross Country – EK @ Grand Haven Jamboree
Girls Swimming – Northview @ East Kentwood

Boys Soccer – Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
– Hastings @ South Christian
– Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
– FH Northern @ Wyoming
– Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
– Covenant Christian @ Grand River Prep
– Heritage Christian Academy @ Zion Christian
Girls Volleyball – Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville
– Western Michigan Christian @ Tri-Unity
– Covenant Christian @ Kelloggsville
– Heritage Christian Academy @ Zion Christian

 

Wednesday September 17, 2014
Boys Tennis – Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
– Hastings @ South Christian
– Kelloggsville @ Coopersville
Boys Water Polo – Rockford @ East Kentwood
Girls Golf – OK Gold Jamboree @ South Christian
– Wyoming @ Cedar Springs – Jamboree
Boys/Girls Cross Country – OK Gold Jamboree @ South Christian
– OK Jamboree @ Wyoming
Boys Soccer – South Christian @ Middleville T-K

 

Thursday September 18, 2014
Girls Golf – East Kentwood @ Grand Haven
Girls Volleyball – Grandville @ East Kentwood
– Hastings @ South Christian
– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
Boys Soccer – East Kentwood @ Rockford
– Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
– Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian
– Byron Center @ Wyoming
– NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
– Kelloggsville @ Lakewood
Boys/Girls Cross Country – Godwin Heights @ Fremont
– Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
– Kelloggsville @ Delton-Kellogg Invite
– Grand River Prep @ Ravenna
Boys Tennis – Kelloggsville @ Western Michigan Christian

 

Friday September 19, 2014
Boys Football – East Kentwood @ Grandville
– FH Eastern @ South Christian
– Pine River @ Godwin Heights
– Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
– Centreville @ TNT
– Wyoming @ Ottawa Hills
Girls Golf – Wyoming @ Middleville T-K – TK Invitational

 

Saturday September 20, 2014
Girls Volleyball – East Kentwood @ Caledonia – Elite Classic
– Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Oakridge
– Wyoming Lee @ Ottawa Hills
– Grand River Prep @ Ottawa Hills
– Wyoming @ Calvin Christian
– Zion Christian @ Grace Christian
Boys Tennis – East Kentwood @ Holt Invite
– Sailor Invite @ South Christian
Boys/Girls Cross Country – East Kentwood @ Jackson Invite
– South Christian @ Cougar-Falcon Invite
– Godwin Heights @ Lowell
– Lee @ Cedar Springs Red Hawk Invite
– Kelloggsville @ Cedar Springs Invite
Girls Swimming – GR Christian @ East Kentwood
Boys Soccer – Christian @ Wyoming

 

Monday September 22, 2014
Boys Tennis – East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores
– South Christian @ Middleville T-K
– Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Boys Water Polo – Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Girls Golf – South Christian @ East Lansing Invite
– Wyoming @ FH Northern – Jamboree
Girls Volleyball – South Christian @ Zeeland East Chix Quad
Boys Soccer – Wyoming Lee @ Wellsprings Prep
– Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville

 

Tuesday September 23, 2014
Girls Golf – West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Boys Soccer – Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
– Wayland @ South Christian
– Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
– Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee
– Wyoming @ Greenville
– Grand River Prep @ Western Michigan Christian
– Algoma Christian @ Zion Christian
Girls Golf – South Christian @ Hastings
– South Christian @ Wayland
Girls Volleyball – Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity
– Wyoming @ Cedar Springs
– Algoma Christian @ Zion Christian
Boys/Girls Cross Country – @Grand River Prep

 

Wednesday September 24, 2014
Boys Tennis – East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
– Wayland @ South Christian- FH Eastern @ Wyoming
– Sparta @ Kelloggsville
Boys Water Polo – East Kentwood @ Zeeland East
Boys/Girls Cross Country – Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
– Wyoming @ Wayland

 

Thursday September 25, 2014
Girls Golf – East Kentwood @ Rockford
– South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Girls Swimming – Rockford @ East Kentwood
Girls Volleyball – West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
– South Christian @ Middleville T-K
– Tri Meet @ Godwin Heights
– Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights Tri Meet
– Tri-Unity @ Wellsprings Prep
– FH Eastern @ Wyoming
– Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
– Zion Christian @ Holland Black River
Boys Soccer – Grandville @ East Kentwood
– Catholic Central @ South Christian
– Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights
– NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee
– Zion Christian @ Potter’s House
– Tri-Unity @ Holland Calvary
– Northview @ Wyoming
– Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

 

Friday September 26, 2014
Boys Water Polo – East Kentwood Birdhouse Bash
Boys Football – East Kentwood @ Jenison
– South Christian vs Catholic Central @ 5/3 Park
– Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian
– Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
– Marcellus @ TNT
– Greenville @ Wyoming
– Kelloggsville @ Hopkins
Boys Soccer – GR Christian @ South Christian
– Zion Christian @ Wellsprings Prep
– Wyoming @ Calvin Christian (Scrimmage)
Boys Tennis – Kelloggsville @ Wyoming

 

Saturday September 27, 2014
Boys Water Polo – East Kentwood Birdhouse Bash
Girls Volleyball – EK @ Rockford – Power League VB Tournament
– Godwin Heights @ Saranac
– Zion Christian @ Saranac
– Tri-Unity @ Saranac
– Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville Rocket Invite
– Wyoming @ Zeeland East

Boys/Girls Cross Country – EK @ Union Redhawk Invite
– Wyoming Lee @ Allendale Falcon Invite
– Kelloggsville @ Allendale Falcon Invite
– Wyoming @ Union
Girls Swimming – Holland @ East Kentwood

 

Monday September 29, 2014
Girls Golf – East Kentwood @ FH Northern – Ernie Popel Invite
– South Christian @ FH Northern – Ernie Popel Invite
– Wyoming @ Lakewood
Boys Tennis – Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
– Byron Center @ South Christian
– Middleville T-K @ Wyoming
Boys Water Polo – East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Boys Soccer – South Christian @ Caledonia
Girls Volleyball – Godwin Heights @ Saugatuck
– Wyoming Lee @ Saugatuck

 

Tuesday September 30, 2014
Boys/Girls Cross Country – East Kentwood @ Grandville Jamboree
Boys Soccer – West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
– South Christian @ Ottawa Hills
– Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
– Tri-Unity @ Grand River Prep
– Wyoming @ Cedar Springs
– Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian
Girls Volleyball – Covenant Christian @ Tri-Unity
– Wyoming @ FH Northern
– Western Michigan Christian @ Grand River Prep
– Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian
Boys Tennis – Kelloggsville @ Ottawa Hills

Kentwood High School State Champs!

Area Education, Our Cities, Sports

Kentwood State Champs in Track

 

 

Tuesday, June 10, Kentwood’s State Champion Boy’s Track Team visited the Michigan Capital and Legislators at the request of Representative Ken Yonker. They won the MHSAA State Championship for the 5th time in 6 years!! Special thanks go out to Coach Emeott, his staff, and Ketntwood’s  fantastic student athletes for representing KPS in such a positive manner. In the words of many administrators and students: “Another Great Day To Be A Falcon!”

SuperStar Senior Softball Sluggers at Kentwood Parks and Recreation!

Recreation, Sports

Softball pic 1 softball pic 2   “Hit that ball out of here,” cried Tom from the dugout.   “Get a move on,” shouted Bruce to his softball team. Familiar dialogue in the ball park, Right?   What’s not so familiar is the ages of the players in the game. Kentwood Parks and Recreation has numerous sports leagues. The one I had the opportunity to witness was a coed senior citizen softball league featuring people aged 50-85. Last year’s 92-year-old Bob Gleason took the season off. 80-year-old first baseman and manager Bruce Beimers of the Athletics team has played for a very long, long, time. “I love getting the exercise, and I play the best I can at my age,” he explained. 69-year-old pitcher/manager Tom Buchanan of Red Sox fame loves the game and what it holds. “I like having bad knees, sore elbows and losing 18-7 today,” he said laughingly. Four teams play every Thursday in the summer and they are looking for more people to play both Summer and Fall Softball. And what is happening after the game?   softball pic 3 “We go home and take a nap!” Tom Buchanan explained. For more information,  and to sign up to play, please call: 616-656-5270 and ask for Lorraine. softball pic 4

Don’t miss your favorite local sports!

Sports

 

mike_moll

Don’t miss out on Boys and Girls spring sporting events kicking off in April.   The students appreciate people coming to cheer them on.   Here are a list of sporting events:

Tuesday April 1, 2014

Girls Tennis – East Kentwood @ South Christian Cookie Invite

Boys Baseball – Tri-County @ East Kentwood

–  Holland Christian @ South Christian (DH)

– Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian

Girls Softball – Holland Christian @ South Christian (DH)

 Wednesday April 2, 2014

Girls Soccer – East Kentwood @ Forest Hills Eastern

Girls Water Polo – Rockford @ East Kentwood

Boys Baseball – Godwin Heights @ Holland (DH)

Girls Softball – Godwin Heights @ Holland (DH)

Girls Tennis – Middleville T-K @ Kelloggsville

 Thursday April 3, 2014

Boys Baseball – Holland Calvary @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Algoma Christian @ Zion Christian

Girls Soccer – Algoma Christian @ Zion Christian

Saturday April 5, 2014

 Girls Softball – Godwin Heights @ Comstock

Monday April 14, 2014

Girls Tennis – Jenison @ East Kentwood

– Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

– Wyoming @ Coopersville

Girls Softball – Jenison @ East Kentwood (DH)

– Hopkins @ Godwin Heights

– Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian

Boys Baseball – Hopkins @ Godwin Heights

– Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian

– Algoma Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

Girls Soccer – Comstock Park @ Godwin Heights

– Wellsprings Prep @ Wyoming Lee

– Potter’s House @ Zion Christian

Boys Golf – Wyoming @ Comstock Park

Tuesday April 15, 2014

Boys Golf – East Kentwood @ Kent County Classic

–  South Christian @ NorthPointe Christian

Boys/Girls Track – West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

– South Christian @ Hudsonville Unity Tri-Meet

– Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee

– Holland @ Wyoming

Girls Soccer – FH Central @ East Kentwood

–  Unity Christian @ South Christian

– Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Calvary Christian @ Zion Christian

– Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills

Girls Tennis – South Christian @ Holland Christian

Boys Baseball – South Christian @ Wayland (DH)

– Potter’s House @ Zion Christian (DH)

– Allendale @ Wyoming

Girls Softball – South Christian @ Wayland (DH)

– Allendale @ Wyoming

Boys Lacrosse – South Christian @ Holland

 Wednesday April 16, 2014

Girls Tennis – Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming

Boys Baseball – Wyoming @ East Kentwood

– Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville

– Wyoming Lee @ Kent City

Girls Softball – South Christian @ East Kentwood (DH)

– Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville

– Wyoming Lee @ Kent City

Girls Soccer – Muskegon Mona Shores @ East Kentwood

– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

– Coopersville @ Wyoming

Boys Golf – Wyoming @ Zeeland West

Thursday April 17, 2014

Boys Golf – West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

– Unity Christian @ South Christian

Girls Tennis – @East Kentwood Quad

Boys/Girls Track – East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

– @ Godwin Heights Tri-Meet

– Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian

– Kelloggsville @ Kent City

– Allendale @ Wyoming

Girls Water Polo – Jenison @ East Kentwood

Boys Baseball – Wayland @ South Christian

– Wyoming Lee @ @ Whitehall (DH)

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’s House

– Freedom Baptist @ Zion Christian

– Wyoming @ Allendale

Girls Softball – Cedar Springs @ South Christian (DH)

– Wyoming Lee @ Whitehall (DH)

– Wyoming @ Allendale

Boys Lacrosse – Hudsonville @ South Christian

Girls Soccer – Kalamazoo Christian @ South Christian

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Wellsprings Prep

– Freedom Baptist @ Zion Christian

– Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

– Muskegon Catholic @ Grand River Prep

 Friday April 18, 2014

Girls Water Polo – East Kentwood @ Jenison Tournament

Boys Baseball – East Kentwood @ Cedar Springs

– Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

– Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

Girls Soccer – Caledonia @ East Kentwood

– Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

– Wyoming Lee @ Kent City

– Middleville T-K @ Wyoming

Girls Softball – Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

 Saturday April 19, 2014

Boys/Girls Track – East Kentwood @ Dexter Invite

– South Christian @ Unity Christian

– Tri-Unity Christian /Godwin Heights @ Hastings Invite

– Wyoming Lee @ Catholic Central Cougar Invite

– Kelloggsville @ Sparta

– Kelloggsville @ Coopersville

– Grand River Prep @ Lakewood

– Wyoming @ Comstock Park

Girls Water Polo – East Kentwood @ Jenison Tournament

Boys Baseball – East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills Tournament

– Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Invite

– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Invite

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Freedom Christian

Girls Softball – EK Bosma Invite

– Godwin Heights @ Portland

– Wyoming Lee @ Otsego Bulldog Classic

– Wyoming @ Rockford

Girls Tennis – South Christian @ EK Invite

– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming

Girls Soccer – Tri-Unity Christian @ Godwin Heights

Boys Golf – Kelloggsville @ Otsego

 Monday April 21, 2014

Boys Golf – South Christian @ East Kentwood

– Wyoming @ Coopersville

Girls Tennis – East Kentwood @ Rockford

– South Christian @ Wayland

– Kelloggsville @ Sparta

Girls Water Polo – East Kentwood @ Portage Northern

Boys/Girls Track – South Christian @ Wayland

Girls Soccer – South Christian @ Wayland

– Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights

– Zion Christian @ Potter’s House

– Union @ Kelloggsville

– Comstock Park @ Wyoming

Boys Baseball – Kent City @ Godwin Heights

– Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Black River

– Zion Christian @ Potter’s House

Girls Softball – Kent City @ Godwin Heights

 Tuesday April 22, 2014

Boys Golf – Grandville/Rockford @ East Kentwood

– South Christian @ Catholic Central

– Kelloggsville @ Kent City

– Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills

Boys Baseball – Hudsonville @ East Kentwood (DH)

– Catholic Central @ South Christian (DH)

– Zion Christian @ Algoma Christian (DH)

– Wyoming @ Sparta

Girls Softball – Hudsonville @ East Kentwood (DH)

– Catholic Central @ South Christian (DH)

– Wyoming @ Sparta

Boys/Girls Track – Grandville @ East Kentwood

– Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

– NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee

– Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

– Wyoming @ Coopersville

Girls Soccer – Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Covenant Christian

– Zion Christian @ Algoma Christian

– Holland Calvary @ Grand River Prep

Girls Tennis – Wayland @ Wyoming

 Wednesday April 23, 2014

Girls Tennis – East Kentwood @ Grandville

– Catholic Central @ South Christian

– Comstock Park @ Kelloggsville

– NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming

Boys Baseball – Muskegon Mona Shores @ East Kentwood

– South Christian @ Wyoming (DH)

– Godwin Heights @ Unity Christian

– Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee

– NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville

Girls Softball – South Christian @ Wyoming

– Cedar Springs @ Godwin He

– Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Soccer – Catholic Central @ South Christian

– Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian

– Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee

– Kelloggsville @ Kent City

– Wyoming @ Belding

Boys/Girls Track – Tri-Unity Christian/Potter’s House @ Eau Claire

Boys Golf – Wyoming @ Lowell

 Thursday April 24, 2014

Boys Golf – Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

– Caledonia @ South Christian

– Grand River Prep @ Western Michigan Christian

Boys Baseball – East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

– South Christian @ Catholic Central

– Heritage Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Sparta @ Wyoming

Girls Softball – Grandville @ East Kentwood

– Caledonia @ South Christian (DH)

– Kenowa Hills @ Wyoming Lee (DH)

– Sparta @ Wyoming

Girls Soccer – Grandville @ East Kentwood

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Muskegon Catholic Central

– Western Michigan Christian @ Grand River Prep

Girls Water Polo – East Kentwood @ Grandville

Girls Tennis – Northview @ South Christian

Boys Lacrosse – South Christian @ Comstock Park

Boys/Girls Track – Godwin Heights @ Kent City

– Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee

– Tri-Meet @ Kelloggsville

– Wyoming @ Sparta

 Friday April 25, 2014

Boys/Girls Track – East Kentwood @ Jackson Invite

Girls Water Polo – @ EK Falcon Invite

Girls Soccer – Caledonia @ South Christian

– Hudsonville Hornets Homeschool @ Godwin Heights

– Zion Christian @ Wyoming Lee

– NorthPointe Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Comstock Park @ Kelloggsville

– Byron Center @ Wyoming

Girls Softball – Godwin Heights @ East Grand Rapids (DH)

Boys Baseball – Zion Christian @ Saugatuck

– Ottawa Hills @ Kelloggsville (DH)

Boys Golf – OK Silver Jamboree @ Kelloggsville

– Wyoming @ Middleville T-K Invite

Girls Tennis – Wyoming @ Byron Center

Saturday April 26, 2014

Girls Water Polo – @EK Falcon Invite

Girls Tennis – East Kentwood @ GR Christian Invite

– @Kelloggsville Rocket Tournament

– Wyoming @ Hamilton Invite

Memorial Invitational

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Wyoming Lee Fred Solis

Memorial Invitational

– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee Fred Solis

Memorial Invitational

– Frank Grimm Invite @ Wyoming

 Monday April 28, 2014

Boys Golf – East Kentwood @ Musk. Mona Shores Showcase

– South Christian @ NorthPointe Christian Invite

– Kelloggsville @ Union

– Wyoming @ Sparta

Girls Tennis – South Christian @ Ottawa Hills

– Kelloggsville @ Coopersville

– Comstock Park @ Wyoming

Girls Soccer – South Christian @ Ottawa Hills

– Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

– NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee

– Zion Christian @ Wellsprings Prep

– Hopkins @ Kelloggsville

– Covenant Christian @ Grand River Prep

– Wyoming @ Allendale

Boys Baseball – Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian

– Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian

– Kelloggsville @ Sparta (DH)

– Zeeland East @ Wyoming

Girls Softball – Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian

– Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian

– Zeeland East @ Wyoming

Tuesday April 29, 2014

Boys Golf – East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

– South Christian @ Hastings

– Wyoming @ Calvin Christian – SCRIMMAGE

Boys Baseball – East Kentwood @ Grand Haven (DH)

– South Christian @ Ottawa Hills (DH)

– Potter’s House @ Muskegon Catholic Central

– Zion Christian @ Heritage Christian Academy

– Wyoming @ Coopersville

Girls Softball – East Kentwood @ Grand Haven (DH)

– South Christian @ Ottawa Hills (DH)

– Wyoming @ Coopersville

Boys/Girls Track – Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

– South Christian @ Ottawa Hills/Hastings

– South Christian @ Hastings

– Wyoming @ Calvin Christian – SCRIMMAGE

Boys Baseball – East Kentwood @ Grand Haven (DH)

– South Christian @ Ottawa Hills (DH)

– Potter’s House @ Muskegon Catholic Central

– Zion Christian @ Heritage Christian Academy

– Wyoming @ Coopersville

Girls Softball – East Kentwood @ Grand Haven (DH)

– South Christian @ Ottawa Hills (DH)

– Wyoming @ Coopersville

Boys/Girls Track – Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

– South Christian @ Ottawa Hills/Hastings

– Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

– Wyoming Lee @ Kent City Double Dual

– Comstock Park @ Wyoming

Girls Soccer – West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

– Western MI Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Zion Christian @ Heritage Christian Academy

Girls Water Polo – Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Boys Lacrosse – South Christian @ Muskegon Reeths Puffer

Wednesday April 30, 2014

Girls Tennis – Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

– South Christian @ Hastings

– Wyoming @ Calvin Christian

Boys Baseball – South Christian @ East Kentwood

– Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee

– Kelloggsville @ Kent City

Girls Soccer – South Christian @ Hastings

– Godwin Heights @ Kent City

– Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee

– Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

Girls Softball – Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee

Boys Baseball – East Kentwood @ Hamilton (DH)

– Godwin Heights @ Lakewood

– Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary

– Zion Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

– West Michigan Lutheran @ Zion Christian (DH)

– Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids

Girls Softball – East Kentwood @ Muskegon Reeths Puffer Invite

– Wyoming Lee @ Gull Lake Invite

– Wyoming @ Muskegon Reeths Puffer Invite

Boys/Girls Track – Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee Fred Solis

Local Sports Schedule for March

Our Cities, Sports

by Mike Moll

Here are the highlights:

The spring sports schedules open up as baseball, softball, boys and girls track, water polo, girls soccer, boys lacrosse, and girls tennis have their first events of the year in March. Girls basketball continues its State tournament leading to the championship at Michigan State University, March 15.  Also at  Michigan State, the boys begin their championship quest on Monday, March 3 and concluding on March 22. Boys swimming and girls gymnastics conclude their season with State Finals at multiple sites on March 7 and 8 for swimming and at Plymouth on March 8 for gymnastics.

Support your local high school athletes by attending an event, but also check the listings for WKTV as they broadcast local teams and games each week at various days and times.

Monday March 3, 2014

Boys Basketball Districts

– East Grand Rapids @ East Kentwood

– Wyoming Lee @ Covenant Christian

– Godwin Heights vs Kelloggsville @ Kelloggsville

– Zion Christian vs Tri-Unity @ Holland Calvary

– Wyoming vs Grandville @ Grandville

Tuesday March 4, 2014

Boys Swimming Diving Regionals – @East Kentwood

Girls Basketball Regionals

– South Christian vs Holland Christian @ South Christian

– Wyoming vs GR Christian @ Grand Haven

– Potter’s House vs Martin @ Bloomingdale

Wednesday March 5, 2014

Boys Basketball Districts

– EGR/EK Winner vs Middleville T-K/Ottawa Hills winner @ Middleville T-K

– South Christian vs Godwin Heights/Kellogsville winner @ Kelloggsville

– Grand River Prep vs West Michigan Aviation @ Kelloggsville

– Wyoming Lee/Covenant Christian winner vs NorthPointe Christian @ Covenant Christian

– Zion Christian/Tri-Unity winner vs West Michigan Lutheran @ Holland Calvary

– Wyoming/Grandville winner vs Hudsonville @ Holland

Thursday March 6, 2014

Girls Basketball Regionalsbasketball

– South Christian/Holland Christian winner vs Muskegon

– Orchard View/Catholic Central winner @ South Christian

– Wyoming/GR Christian winner vs Muskegon/Greenville winner @ Grand Haven

– Potter’s House/Martin winner vs Athens/St Joe Lake Mich. Catholic

winner @ Bloomingdale

Friday March 7, 2014

Boys Basketball Districts

– Championship @ Middleville T-K

– Championship @ Covenant Christian

– Championship @ Kelloggsville

– Championship @ Holland Calvary

– Championship @ Holland

Boys Swimming – State Finals 

Division 1 @ Saginaw Valley

Division 2 @ Eastern Michigan

Division 3 @ Holland Aquatics

Saturday March 8, 2014

Boys Swimming – State Finals

Division 1 @ Saginaw Valley

Division 2 @ Eastern Michigan

Division 3 @ Holland Aquatics

Girls Gymnastics – State Finals @ Plymouth

Monday March 10, 2014

Boys Basketball Regionals

– Kelloggsville Champ @ Godwin Heights

– Middleville T-K Champ vs Holland Champ @ Zeeland East

– Covenant Christian Champ @ Blanchard-Montabella

– Holland Calvary Champ @ Portage Northern

Tuesday March 11, 2014

Girls Basketball Quarterfinals

Class A @ DeWitt

Class B @ Wayland

Class D @ BC Harper Creek

Wednesday March 12, 2014

Boys Basketball Regionals Championship

– @ Zeeland East

– @ Godwin Heights

– @ Blanchard-Montabella

– @ Portage Northern

Thursday March 13, 2014

Girls Basketball

– Class C Semifinals @ MSU

– Class D Semifinals @ MSU

Friday March 14, 2014

Girls Water Polo – East Kentwood @ EGR Early Bird Tournament

Girls Basketball

Class A Semifinals @ MSU

Class B Semifinals @ MSU

Saturday March 15, 2014

Girls Water Polo – East Kentwood @ EGR Early Bird Tournament

Girls Soccer – Scrimmage – @ East Kentwood

Girls Basketball – Class A, B, C, D Finals @ MSU

Tuesday March 18, 2014

Boys Basketball Quarter Finals

Class A @ Lansing Eastern

Class B @ Middleville T-K

Class C @ Sandusky

Class D @ Battle Creek Central

Wednesday March 19, 2014

Boys Track

– East Kentwood @ GVSU Invite

– South Christian @ GVSU Invite

Thursday March 20, 2014

Girls Track

– East Kentwood @ GVSU Invite

– South Christian @ GVSU Invite

Girls Water Polo – East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

Boys Lacrosse – GR Christian @ South Christian

Boys Baseball

– South Christian @ Wyoming

– Wyoming Lee @ Holland Calvary

Girls Softball – South Christian @ Wyoming

Boys Basketball Semifinals

– Class C @ MSU

– Class D @ MSU

Girls Soccer – Saugatuck @ Godwin Heights

Girls Tennis – Zeeland West @ Wyoming

Friday March 21, 2014

Girls Tennis – Scrimmage – East Kentwood @ Riverview

Girls Water Polo – East Kentwood @ Ann Arbor Pioneer Tourney

Boys Basketball Semifinals

– Class A @ MSU

– Class B @ MSU

Boys Baseball

– West Michigan Lutheran @ Godwin Heights

– Tri-Unity @ Godwin Heights

Girls Soccer – Wellsprings Prep @ Godwin Heights

Saturday March 22, 2014

Girls Water Polo – East Kentwood @ Ann Arbor Pioneer Tourney

Girls Soccer – Scrimmage – @ East Kentwood

Girls Tennis – South Christian Sailor Invite

Boys Basketball – Class A, B, C, D Finals @ MSU

Monday March 24, 2014

Girls Soccer

– FH Central @ East Kentwood

– South Christian @ GR Christian

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Godwin Heights

Girls Water Polo – East Kentwood @ West Ottawa

Boys Baseball

– Byron Center @ South Christian

– Cedar Springs @ Godwin Heights

Girls Softball

– Byron Center @ South Christian

– Cedar Springs @ Godwin Heights

Tuesday March 25, 2014

Girls Tennis – East Kentwood @ Caledonia

Boys Lacrosse – South Christian @ Caledonia

Girls Soccer

– Wyoming Lee @ Lakewood

– Tri-Unity @ Potter’s House

– Mona Shores @ Wyoming

Boys Baseball

– Wyoming Lee @ Potter’s House

– Tri-Unity @ Holland Calvary

– Zion Christian @ Covenant Christian

Wednesday March 26, 2014

Boys Track

– East Kentwood @ Saline Spring Preview at U of M

– Tri-Unity @ Marcellus Invitational

– Wyoming @ Wayland

Girls Track

– East Kentwood @ Saline Spring Preview at U of M

– Tri-Unity @ Marcellus Invitational

– Wyoming @ Wayland

Girls Soccer

– South Christian @ East Kentwood

– Godwin Heights @ Covenant Christian

Girls Water Polo– East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids

Boys Baseball

– Grandville @ South Christian

– Godwin Heights @ Coopersville

– Caledonia @ Wyoming

Girls Softball – Grandville @ South Christian

– Caledonia @ Wyoming

Boys Golf – Calvin Christian @ Wyoming

Thursday March 27, 2014

Girls Water Polo – Portage Central @ East Kentwood

Boys Lacrosse – Holland @ South Christian

Boys Baseball

– Zion Christian @ Wyoming Lee

– Tri-Unity @ Algoma Christian

Girls Soccer

– Wyoming Lee @ Potter’s House

– Tri-Unity @ Saugatuck

– Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids

Girls Tennis – Wayland @ Wyoming

Girls Softball – Lowell @ Wyoming

Girls Track – Wyoming @ Kelloggsville

Boys Track – Wyoming @ Kelloggsville

Friday March 28, 2014

Boys Baseball – Godwin Heights @ Zion Christian

Boys Golf – Fremont @ Wyoming

Saturday March 29, 2014

Girls Tennis

– East Kentwood @ Wayland Invite

– Wyoming @ Wayland Invite

– Kelloggsville @ Wayland Invite

Girls Soccer – East Kentwood @ Portage Northern Invite

Boys Track

– Wyoming Lee @ Sturgis

– Kelloggsville @ Allegan

Girls Track

– Wyoming Lee @ Sturgis

– Kelloggsville @ Allegan

Monday March 31, 2014

Girls Softball

– East Kentwood vs GR Christian @ Davenport

– Tri-County @ Godwin Heights

Girls Soccer

– GR Christian @ East Kentwood

– South Christian @ Hudsonville

– Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

– Allendale @ Wyoming

– Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

– Zion Christian @ Potter’s House

Boys Baseball

– East Kentwood vs GR Christian @ Davenport

– South Christian @ Jenison

– Wyoming Lee @ Union

– Tri-County @ Godwin Heights

– Holland Black River @ Tri-Unity

Girls Water Polo – East Kentwood @ FH Central

Girls Tennis – Wyoming @ Middleville T-K

Wyoming High School celebrates a first!

Local Faces, Sports

by Mike Moll

 

Friday night at Wyoming High School was “a night that could not have been scripted any better” according to Wyoming Athletic Director Ted Hollern.

SONY DSC
Wyoming High School honors alumni athletes.

 

He was referring to the evening’s events which started off with the Wyoming Wolves girls basketball team capping their perfect 10 win OK Blue season, to go along with 18 regular season victories against just 2 losses. They defeated Comstock Park (2-8, 4-16), by a final score of 63 to 18. That game sends the Lady Wolves into their district opener, Monday, February 24 against Zeeland East in a game that will be played at Zeeland East.

 

It was a chance for the big crowd Friday to show their appreciation to the senior girls basketball players as they were introduced at the conclusion of the game.

 

Immediately following is what many had come to see. The first Hall of Fame induction ceremonies since Wyoming High was formed last year, as it is a product of the merger between Wyoming Park and Wyoming Rogers. The inductees were each a star player from those schools.

Tonya Coates happy to be in the Wyoming High School Hall of Fame.
Tonya Coates happy to be in the Wyoming High School Hall of Fame.

 

Tonya (Yonkers) Coates was named Michigan’s Miss Softball for 2001 when she helped lead Wyoming Rogers to the Class B State title. That win culminated Rogers three consecutive state championship game appearances, having also won the title in 1999. Coates has the 19th most wins as a pitcher in the state’s history with 106, against 11 losses. She was an All State selection in each of her last three seasons during which she had a combined record of 100 wins and just 6 losses. Her teams won their Conference title and the District titles in each of her 4 years. They were Regional champs in 3 of those seasons. Some of her personal career statistics were giving up only 2.26 hits per game, an earned run average of 0.87, striking out 247 hitters, and giving up a measly 0.37 earned runs a game in her Senior year. Tonya today is a surgical technician in the state of Michigan.

Drew Neitzel (center) accepts Hall of Fame award.
Drew Neitzel (center) accepts Hall of Fame award.

 

Drew Neitzel was named Michigan’s Mr. Basketball for 2004 when he helped lead the Wyoming Park team to the state semi finals and a 23-4 record. That season Neitzel, in 27 games, not only scored 893 points (33.1 avg.) which is the 7th highest mark in Michigan history, but also had 240 assists (8.9 avg.) which is the 3rd highest season total in the state’s history and the school record. Drew was an All State Honorable Mention selection in 2001, an All State selection in each of his last 3 years at Park, the 2004 Class B Player of the Year, and a Parade All American in 2004. His teams won two Conference, District, and Regional championships. Neitzel still holds the school records of 57 points in a game, 2,462 career points, 692 career assists, which is also the 2nd highest state total, and the single game record of 15 assists. The 227 three-point baskets made in his career place him 10th in the state and his 467 made free throws are the 9th most in state history. Neitzel went on to play at Michigan State where he was the starting point guard for the 2005 Final Four team, and had more than 1,500 points and 500 assists during his tenure as a Spartan. Today, Drew is a Financial Advisor for Wells Fargo.

 

The last portion of the evening came as the Wolves boys basketball team avenged an earlier season loss to Comstock Park with an exciting 71 to 61 win. This was the first OK Blue loss of the season for Comstock Park (9-1, 16-2). It sends the Wolves into their Tuesday game where they host OK Red leader Hudsonville (7-2, 11-7) with a 2nd place conference finish at 8-2 league and an overall mark of 12-6.

Local Sports for January

Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, Sports

Lots of Action Takes Away Mid-winter Chills

If you’re starting to get a little stir crazy staying warm indoors, check out one of the local sports events this month. There are plenty of games to chose from and it might justswimming be the ticket to getting your mind off the cold. Fire up your competitive spirit and chase the chills away!

Friday January 3, 2014

Boys Ice Hockey

-East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Girls Basketball

– South Christian @ Calvin Christian

– Kelloggsville vs Grand River Prep @ Potter’s House Tournament

– Wellspring Prep vs Potter’s House@ Potter’s House Tournament

– Wyoming Lee @ Holland Christian Christmas Tourney

– Kenowa Hills @ Wyoming

Boys Basketball

– South Christian @ Calvin Christian

– Bridgman @ Godwin Heights

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Cornerstone Invitational

– Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills

– Grand River Prep @ Covenant Christian

 Saturday January 4, 2014

Boys Ice Hockey

– East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Boys / Girls Bowling

– East Kentwood @ Grandville

– Kelloggsville @ Fruitport Invitational

– Potter’s House @ Fruitport Invitational

Girls Gymnastics

– East Kentwood @ Rockford

Girls Competitive Cheer

– East Kentwood @ Grandville

– Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Boys Wrestling

– East Kentwood @ Lakeland

– Godwin Heights @ Pine River

– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Invitational

– Wyoming Lee @ Orchard View

– Wyoming vs TBD @ Wyoming Invitational

Boys Swimming

– East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids Pioneer Invite

– South Christian @ East Grand Rapids Pioneer Invite

Girls Basketball

– Western MI Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Kelloggsville vs TBD @ Potter’s House Tournament

– Potter’s House vs TBD @Potter’s House Tournament

– Grand River Prep vs TBD @ Potter’s House Tournament

– Wyoming Lee @ Holland Christian Christmas Tourney

Boys Basketball

– Western MI Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

Monday January 6, 2014

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

– South Christian @ Grand Rapids Christian

– Kent City @ Godwin Heights

– Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville

Girls Gymnastics

– East Kentwood @ Rockford

Girls Basketball

– Tri-Unity @ Holland Calvary

 Tuesday January 7, 2014

Girls Basketball

– East Kentwood @ Union

– South Christian @ Zeeland West

– Hopkins @ Godwin Heights

– Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

– Kent City @ Wyoming Lee

– Zion Christian @ Potter’s House

– Wyoming @ Calvin Christian

Boys Basketball

– Byron Center @ East Kentwood

– Zeeland West @ South Christian

– Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

– Zeeland East @ Tri-Unity Christian

– NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville

– Zion Christian @ Potter’s House

– Calvin Christian @ Wyoming

Boys Swimming

– Northview @ South Christian

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Middleville T-K @ South Christian

Wednesday January 8, 2014

Boys / Girls Bowling

– East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

– Godwin Heights @ Potter’s House

– Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

– Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

Girls Competitive Cheer

– East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

– Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville

– OK Silver Jamboree @ Kelloggsville

– Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville

Boys Hockey

– East Kentwood @ Rockford

Boys Wrestling

– Grandville @ East Kentwood

– Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

– Kelloggsville @ Hopkins Tri

– Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian

– Wyoming @ Coopersville

 Thursday January 9, 2014

Boys Swimming

– Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Unity Christian @ South Christian

Girls Basketball

– Grand River Prep @ Western Michigan Christian

 Friday January 10, 2014

Girls Gymnastics

– East Kentwood @ Forest Hills Central

Boys Basketball

– TC Central @ East Kentwood

– Holland Christian @ South Christian

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville

– Zion Christian @ Heritage Christian Academy

– Potter’s House @ Freedom Christian

– Belding @ Wyoming

– Grand River Prep @ West Michigan Lutheran

Girls Basketball

– East Kentwood @ TC Central

– Holland Christian @ South Christian

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville

– Potter’s House @ Freedom Christian

– Zion Christian @ Heritage Christian Academy

– Belding @ Wyoming

 Saturday January 11, 2014

Boys Swimming

– East Kentwwod @ Rockford

Boys Wrestling

– East Kentwood @ West Catholic – Dunneback Invite

– Godwin Heights Tourney

– Kelloggsville @ Fruitport Tournament

– Wyoming Lee @ Flushing Invite

– Wyoming @ Brandywine

Girls Competitive Cheer

– East Kentwood @ West Ottawa

– Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park

– Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park Invitational

– Wyoming Lee @ Comstock Park Invitational

Boys Hockey

– East Kentwood @ FH Central

Boys Basketball

– Cedar Springs @ Kelloggsville

– Holland Black River @ Zion Christian

Girls Basketball

– Holland Black River @ Zion Christian

 Monday January 13, 2014

Girls Gymnastics

– Lowell @ East Kentwood

Boys / Girls Bowling

– NorhtPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Basketball

– Godwin Heights @ Fruitport

 Tuesday January 14, 2014

Girls Comp Cheer

– East Kentwood Falcon Invite

Boys Basketball

– East Kentwood @ Grandville

– South Christian @ Wayland

– Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Grant

– Covenant Christian @ Kelloggsville

– Potter’s House @ Kalamazoo Heritage Christian

– Wyoming @ Coopersville

Girls Basketball

– Grandville @ East Kentwood

– Wayland @ South Christian

– Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights

– Grant @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Kelloggsville @ Covenant Christian

– Kalamazoo Heritage Christian @ Potter’s House

– Coopersville @ Wyoming

Boys Swimming

– Holland @ South Christian

Boys / Girls Bowling

– South Christian @ Wayland

 Wednesday January 15, 2014

Boys / Girls Bowling

– East Kentwood @ Grandville

– Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights

– Kent City @ Kelloggsville

Girls Gymnastics

– FH Central @ East Kentwood

Boys Wrestling

– West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

– Godwin Heights @ Kent City

– Kelloggsville Tri @ Kelloggsville

– Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee

– Wyoming @ Sparta

Girls Competitive Cheer

– OK Silver Conference Meet @ Godwin Heights

 Thursday January 16, 2014

Boys Swimming

– East Kentwood @ Rockford

Boys / Girls Bowling

– South Christian @ Ottawa Hills

Girls Basketball

– Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian

 Friday January 17, 2014

Boys Basketball

– Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

– Catholic Central @ South Christian

– NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Kellooggsville @ Kent City

– Zion Christian @ Freedom Baptist

– West Michigan Lutheran @ Potter’s House

– Allendale @ Wyoming

Girls Basketball

– Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

– Catholic Central @ South Christian

– NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Kelloggsville @ Kent City

– Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian

– Zion Christian @ Freedom Baptist

– West Michigan Lutheran @ Potter’s House

– Allendale @ Wyoming

– Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian

Boys Hockey

– Clarkston @ East Kentwood

 Saturday January 18, 2014

Girls Competitive Cheer

– East Kentwood @ Rochester Royal Rumble

– Godwin Heights @ Catholic Central

– Kelloggsville @ Allendale Invitational

– Wyoming Lee @ Allendale Invitational

Boys / Girls Bowling

– East Kentwood @ GR Union Red Hawk Invitational

– South Christian @ GR Union Red Hawk Invitational

– Kelloggsville @ GR Union Red Hawk Invitational

– Wyoming Lee @ G Union Red Hawk Invitational

Boys Wrestling

– East Kentwood @ East Kennedy

– Godwin Heights @ Lakeview

– Kelloggsville @ Unity Christian Invitational

– Wyoming Lee @ Unity Christian Invitational

– Wyoming @ West Ottawa

Girls Gymnastics

– East Kentwood @ Lowell Invite

Boys Hockey

– Marysville @ East Kentwood

Girls Basketball

– Zeeland East @ East Kentwood

– Grace Christian @ Zion Christian

Boys Basketball

– Grace Christian @ Zion Christian

Boys Swimming

– South Christian @ East Grand Rapids Invite

Monday January 20, 2014

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Rockford @ East Kentwood

– Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

– Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

– NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Gymnastics

– East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills

Girls Basketball

– Tri-Unity Christian @ NorthPointe Christian

Girls Competitive Cheer

– Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park Invitational

 Tuesday January 21, 2014

Girls Basketball

– East Kentwood @ Lowell

– Forest Hills Central @ South Christian

– Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

– Hopkins @ Kelloggsville

– Algoma Christian @ Potter’s House

– Wyoming @ GR Union

Boys Basketball

– Holland @ East Kentwood

– Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

– West Michigan Lutheran @ Zion Christian

– Algoma Christian @ Potter’s House

– GR Union @ Wyoming

Boys Swimming

– South Christian @ Hamilton

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Byron Center @ South Christian

 Wednesday January 22, 2014

Girls Competitive Cheer

– East Kentwood @ Grandville

Boys / Girls Bowling

– East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

– Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

– Kent City @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Gymnastics

– Rockford @ East Kentwood

Boys Wrestling

– East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

– Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee

– Kelloggsville @ Kent City

– Allendale @ Wyoming

 Thursday January 23, 2014

Boys Swimming

– West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Wyoming @ Potter’s House

 Friday January 24, 2014

Girls Basketball

– West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

– South Christian @ Ottawa Hills

– Kent City @ Godwin Heights

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Covenant Christian

– Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

– Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee

– Calvary Schools Of Holland @ Zion Christian

– Potter’s House @ Fruitport Calvary Christian

– Wyoming @ Comstock Park

– Grand River Prep @ Muskegon Catholic

Boys Basketball

– West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

– South Christian @ Ottawa Hills

– Kent City @ Godwin Heights

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Covenant Christian

– Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

– Potter’s House @ Fruitport Calvary Christian

– Wyoming @ Comstock Park

– Grand River Prep @ Muskegon Catholic

Boys Hockey

– Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

 Saturday January 25, 2014

Girls Competitive Cheer

– LMCCOA Invite @ East Kentwood

– Kelloggsville @ LMCCOA @ East Kentwood

Boys Wrestling

– East Kentwood @ Lakewood Viking Team Duals

– Godwin Heights @ Okemos

– Kelloggsville @ Grand Rapids Christian Tournament

– Wyoming Lee @ Kalamazoo Central Maroon Giant Invitational

– Wyoming @ Montague

Boys / Girls Bowling

– East Kentwood Invitational

– South Christian @ East Kentwood Bowling Invite

– Godwin Heights @ East Kentwood Bowling Invite

– Kelloggsville @ East Kentwood Bowling Invite

– Wyoming Lee @ East Kentwood Bowling Invite

Girls Gymnastics

– East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills Invite

 Monday January 27, 2014

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

– Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Hopkins @ Kelloggsville

– Wyoming Lee @ Potter’s House

Girls Basketball

– Grand River Prep @ NorthPointe Christian

 Tuesday January 28, 2014

Girls Competitive Cheer

– East Kentwood Falcon Invite

Boys Basketball

– East Kentwood @ Rockford

– South Christian @ Hastings

– Comstock Park @ Godwin Heights

– Kelloggsville @ Allendale

– Calvary Christian @ Zion Christian

– Holland Black River @ Potter’s House

– Wyoming @ Cedar Springs

Girls Basketball

– Rockford @ East Kentwood

– Hastings @ South Christian

– Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park

– Allendale @ Kelloggsville

– Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian

– Calvary Christian @ Zion Christian

– Holland Black River @ Potter’s House

– Cedar Springs @ Wyoming

Boys Swimming

– South Christian @ Byron Center

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Catholic Central @ South Christian

 Wednesday January 29, 2014

Girls Gymnastics

– East Kentwood @ Lowell

Boys Wrestling

– East Kentwood @ Rockford

– Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

– Wyoming @ Belding

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Godwin Heights @ Kent City

– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Competitive Cheer

– Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee

– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

Thursday January 30, 2014

Boys Swimming

– East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Wayland @ South Christian

Girls Basketball

– Muskegon Catholic Central @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary

 Friday January 31, 2014

Boys Wrestling

– East Kentwood @ West Ottawa – OK Red Conference Meet

– Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian – OK Silver Conference Meet

– Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian – OK Silver Conference Meet

– Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian – OK Silver Conference Meet

Girls Basketball

– Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

– Middleville T-K @ South Christian

– Kelloggsville @ Godwin HeightsKelloggsville

– Zion Christian @ Holland Black River

– Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary

– Sparta @ Wyoming

Girls Competitive Cheer

– East Kentwood @ Rockford

Boys Hockey

– Grandville @ East Kentwood

Boys Basketball

– Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

– Middleville T-K @ South Christian

– Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

– Muskegon Catholic Central @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Zion Christian @ Holland Black River

– Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary

– Sparta @ Wyoming

 

Once in a lifetime experience at the 2014 Rose Bowl

Sports

Memories will last a lifetime

By Colleen Pierson

Rose Bowl Colleen

The smell of Roses was oh so sweet!   It was an experience of a lifetime for our family to attend the 2014 Rose Bowl.   Our son Robert is a senior at Michigan State University majoring in Finance.  It was a dream of his to be there.  Our financial advisor said it would be too expensive to go.  I am glad we ignored him.  The memories will last a lifetime.

 

The MSU football team has waited over 26 years to bring home the title.  We decided that we had to be there to witness the team’s efforts.

 

“It was the best day of my life,” Robert Pierson said after the MSU football team win.  Robert and friends

 

The experience was a costly one, but well worth it.   We drove to Chicago, flew to Las Vegas, and drove to Pasadena.  Finding lodging was a difficult task.  I finally found a small apartment within walking distance of the parade and game.  It was very expensive, but convenient.

 

We were able to take in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and attend the Pep Rally of 27,000 people.  In addition, we savored every moment at the Rose Bowl Parade and Game.  The weather was a perfect 75 degrees on a daily basis and the sun was always out.

 

There were times that I couldn’t even watch the game as I was so stressed out with the fiercely competitive nature of the game.  I could breathe again after Kyler Elsworth flew over the pile to make the final hit of the season.  To be part of the cheering crowd was an adrenaline high.

 

It was a storybook ending.  The 100th Rose Bowl game and all of its memories will be permanently etched in our minds and for the first time in 26 years—Spartans are Rose Bowl Champions.

Local Sports for December

Our Cities, Recreation, Sports

By Mike Moll, WKTV Sports Announcer

Wednesday December 11, 2013 Boys/Girls Bowling – South Christian @ Kelloggsville – Godwin Heights @ Rockford Boys Wrestling – Kelloggsville @ GR Christian – Wyoming @ Plainwell Quad Girls Competetive Cheer – Scrimmage – @East Kentwood Girls Basketball – Potter’s House @ Western Michigan Christian

Thursday December 12, 2013

Boys/Girls Bowling – South Christian @ Byron Center – Unity Christian @ Wyoming Girls Basketball – Wyoming @ Hudsonville – Covenant Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian Boys Swimming – FH Northern @ East Kentwood

Friday December 13, 2013

Girls Basketball – Western Michigan Christian @ Kelloggsville – GR Christian @ South Christian – East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids – Sparta @ Godwin Heights – Calvary Schools of Holland @ Wyoming Lee – Muskegon Catholic @ Grand River Prep – Holt Lutheran @ Zion Christian Boys Basketball – GR Christian @ South Christian – Jenison @ Wyoming – East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids – Sparta @ Godwin Heights – Calvary Schools of Holland @ Wyoming Lee – Tri-Unity @ Potter’s House – Grand River Prep @ Zion Christian

 Saturday December 14, 2013

Boys Wrestling – Kelloggsville @ Delton-Kellogg – Wyoming @ Allendale Invitational – East Kentwood @ Holland – Tim Horn Invite – Godwin Heights @ South Haven – Wyoming Lee Tri Invite Girls Competetive Cheer – Rocket Invitational @ Kelloggsville – Wyoming @ Rocket Invitational (Kelloggsville) – Godwin Heights @ Rocket Invitational (Kelloggsville) – Wyoming Lee @ Rocket Invitational (Kelloggsville) – East Kentwood @ Comstock Park – CCCAM Invite Boys/Girls Bowling – South Christian @ Lowell Invite – Godwin Heights @ Lowell Girls Basketball – Grandville @ Wyoming Boys Hockey – Rochester Stony Creek @ East Kentwood

Monday December 16, 2013

Boys/Girls Bowling – Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville – Wyoming Lee @ Kent City Girls Basketball – West Ottawa @ Wyoming – Tri-Unity @ Potter’s House

Tuesday December 17, 2013

Boys Basketball – Kelloggsville @ West Catholic – South Christian @ Zeeland East – Wyoming @ Byron Center – Godwin Heights @ Covenant Christian – Wyoming Lee @ Zion Christian – Cedar Springs @ Tri-Unity – Grand River Prep @ Calvary Schools of Holland Boys/Girls Bowling – Hastings @ South Christian Girls Basketball – Byron Center @ East Kentwood – Covenant Christian @ Godwin Heights – Wyoming Lee @ Zion Christian – Grand River Prep @ Calvary Schools of Holland

Wednesday December 18, 2013

Boys/Girls Bowling – Kelloggsville @ Hopkins – South Christian @ Catholic Central – Wyoming @ Wayland – Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian Boys Wrestling – Kelloggsville @ Fruitport Quad – Comstock Park @ Wyoming – Grand Haven @ East Kentwood – Godwin Heights @ East Grand Rapids Girls Competetive Cheer – Wyoming @ GR Christian – Christmas Invite – East Kentwood @ GR Christian – Christmas Invite – Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee – Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

Thursday December 19, 2013

Boys Swimming – South Christian @ East Kentwood Quad Girls Basketball – Zion Christian @ Grand River Prep  

Friday December 20, 2013

Girls Basketball – Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville – South Christian @ Unity Christian – Wyoming @ Sparta – East Kentwood @ Caledonia – Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville – Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee – Tri-Unity @ Muskegon Catholic Central – Grand River Prep @ Hudsonville Freedom Christian – Wellsprings Prep @ Zion Christian Boys Basketball – Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville – South Christian @ Unity Christian – Wyoming @ Sparta – East Kentwood @ Caledonia – Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville – Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee – Tri-Unity @ Muskegon Catholic Central – Grand River Prep @ Hudsonville Freedom Christian – Wellsprings Prep @ Zion Christian Boys Swimming – South Christian @ Rockord West MI Relays & Diving – East Kentwood @ Rockford West MI Relays & Diving Boys Hockey – East Kentwood @ Catholic Central

Saturday December 21, 2013

Boys Wrestling – Kelloggsville @ Ravenna Tournament – Wyoming @ Chippewa Hills Initational – Godwin Heights @ Colon – Wyoming Lee @ Ravenna Boys Swimming – South Christian @ Rockord West MI Relays & Diving – East Kentwood @ Rockford West MI Relays & Diving Girls Competetive Cheer – Wyoming @ Musegon Reeths-Puffer Invite Boys Hockey – East Kentwood @ Northville  

Friday December 27, 2013

Boys Basketball – Kelloggsville @ Coopersville – FH Central @ Wyoming – East Kentwood vs John Glenn @ Musk Hall of Fame Tourney Boys/Girls Bowling @ Lee – Baker Tournament Girls Basketball – East Kentwood vs DeWitt @ Davenport University – Godwin Heights @ Hastings

Saturday December 28, 2013

Boys Basketball – East Kentwood vs Muskegon @ Muskegon Hall of Fame Tourney Boys Wrestling – Godwin Heights @ Grandville

Monday December 30, 2013

Boys Basketball – Tri-Unity @ Cornerstone College Invitational

Christian based sports program leads to increased self-esteem in children

Sports

On an “Upward” note…

By Terri Yochum

Basketball picture

Area children and youth are reaching for the sky, aspiring to improve athletic and social skills through a Christian based sports program called Upward Basketball. Local churches have joined forces to offer this heart -healthy and heartwarming experience to our communities.

 

The local Upward Basketball League provides a safe, family-friendly environment in which K5-8 th grade children and youth are encouraged to learn and grow. Participation in the program helps each team member to further develop a sense of self-esteem and spiritual awareness. Through personalized coaching, even teaming and a system which allows each child to play a variety of positions, every child is given an equal opportunity to reach his or her full potential.

 

Cheerleading is also an important aspect of the program. Tryouts are not required, insuring the inclusion of all who wish to participate. No cuts are made, hence increasing self-esteem even more. Basketball

 

The Upward program is based upon biblical principles and Christian values. All Upward games begin and end in prayer with a devotional segment during half-time. “The goal is to make a significant, positive impact upon our children while stressing the fact that the final score is really measured in fun. Every child is a winner!,” said Jeff Beyer, four-year Upward coach.

 

All games are played locally and are scheduled for one hour. Practices are only once a week and are for one hour. This convenient arrangement allows a family to participate with limited interruption to their busy lifestyle.

 

Following each season, an award ceremony takes place. Every participant receives a prize or trophy.

 

Enrollment in the program involves a nominal fee. However, financial aid is available. “We want to make Upward Basketball accessible to all our families,”  Pastor Mike Caley from the Banner of Christ Church explained.

 

Upward Sports encourages the participation of adults as well. Many volunteer opportunities exist for parents and others who are interested in contributing toward the continued success of the program.

 

Jim Bos, a seasoned Upward coach, is one such person. Bos, together with his family, have been involved with Upward since the first year the program was implemented in their church.

 

“It’s hard for my wife and I to believe that it has been over six years since our family started participating in the Upward program. It’s just amazing how big the program is today,” he said with obvious excitement. “Our Upward experience has been totally positive since the first day my wife registered our oldest son.”

 

Bos went on to explain how the program enabled his children to grow as Christians while enhancing their skills on the court. “The Bible lessons, helpful coaching and super half-time messages have all played an important role in our children’s Christian development,” he added.

 

His wife then recalled a time when Jerad, their eldest, was ten-years-old and the family had attended the year-end celebration. The teacher, while spinning basketballs with his hands and feet, had discussed the importance of taking it to the ‘next level’ for Christ. The next day, while she and Jerad were out walking, her son turned to her and announced, “Mom, I think that man was right! I do need to take it to the next level in my walk with God and in my life and here is what I’m going to do!”

 

“This is just one example of the impact that Upward has had on our children,” Bos pointed out.

 

Recently, Bos was sharing his experience and love for the program with another Upward coach: “We agreed that Upward is the perfect program because it prepares kids for future competitive basketball programs and provides long-term opportunities for the recreational player, all while calling them to a relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior. No one could ask for more than that!”

 

In addition to creating a fun and nurturing learning experience, the staff and volunteers associated with the Upward program also strive to help motivate young people to engage in physical activity. According to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, only one in three children are physically active every day. Children now spend more than seven and a half hours a day in front of a screen. (e.g., TV , videogames, computer). Only about one in five homes have parks within half mile, and about the same number have a fitness center within that distance.

 

“It’s very important that our children and youth have safe access to a place where they can play and learn by interacting with others who share their love of sports and their love of God!” said Thad Abel, a local Upward director and church elder. “My thanks go out to all our area churches for helping to make this happen.”

 

Upward Sports is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, based in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It is a Christian sports league, designed for kids in grades K5-8 offering four sports programs: basketball, flag football, soccer and cheerleading.

 

Upward Sports leagues are conducted by 2600 churches in 46 states and Canada. Upward equips local churches with everything necessary to operate their own leagues. Included are playbooks, sports apparel and online tools. Training for staff and coaches is also provided.*

 

For more information concerning the Upward Basketball League and/or Upward Sports please visit www.upward.org or to register online please visit: http://registration.upward.org/UPW51262.