Category Archives: Sports

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.