Wes Leonard, Remembered and Honored
February 12, 2012
Nearly a year after his unexpected and tragic death, Wes Leonard's memory lives on as his story continues to touch many on a national level.
Fennville High School added to his legacy Friday, inducting the former all-state basketball standout into its athletic Hall of Fame in a ceremony one Michigan sportswriter described as both somber and proud.
Check out his report and links to additional coverage of Friday's induction by clicking the links below, and also one for the Wes Leonard Heart Team and its efforts in preventing sudden cardiac arrest:
Wes Leonard's Fennville Hall of Fame induction one of 'deep sadness' and 'deep pride' (Kalamazoo Gazette)
Wes Leonard inducted into Fennville Hall of Fame (Holland Sentinel)
Wes Leonard inducted into Fennville Hall of Fame (The Associated Press, via Detroit Free Press)
Wes Leonard Heart Team (blog most recently updated Jan. 31)
Our MHSAA Network cameras were there for the ceremony and a feature with thoughts from his mom, coach and teammates.
Also, check out this ESPN video from May.
PHOTOS courtesy of Al LaShell Photography.
Wrestling Classic Tops Newest 'Best of'
July 29, 2014
An MHSAA Wrestling Final so tight and so exciting that it had to be decided on a tie-breaker highlights the sixth week of "Best Of 2013-14” offerings on the MHSAA.tv.
For eight weeks over the summer, the MHSAA.tv Website will spotlight some of the best tournament action from the 2013-14 school year, presenting four games each week.
Each contest is identified with a “Best Of 13-14” thumbnail on the home page of the MHSAA.tv Website. Here’s a look at the games which will be featured from July July 28-August 4:
Lowell v. St. Johns: 2014 Division 2 Team Wrestling Final. This was a battle royale between the two perennial grappling powerhouses which ended in a tie score after 14 weight classes. The Red Arrows of Lowell prevailed over the four-time defending champion Redwings of St. Johns on the fifth tiebreaker – total six-point wins.
Marine City v. Grand Rapids South Christian: 2013 Division 4 Football Final. Jarrett Mathison and Pete Patsaslis each scored three touchdowns and Olivia Viney became the first female in the MHSAA Football Record Book with her seven extra point kicks in Marine City’s 49-35 win.
East Grand Rapids v. Okemos: 2014 Division 2 Girls Lacrosse Final. The Chiefs were looking to return to the winners circle for the first time since 2010, and hung tough with the Pioneers through the early moments of the second half before East scored five of the last six goals, two by Liza Elder, to record an 11-7 victory and repeat as champions in Division 2.
Richland Gull Lake v. Bloomfield Hills Marian: 2014 Division 2 Girls Soccer Final. Meeting in the finale for the second straight year, Gull Lake got a goal midway through the second half from the hero of the 2013 game – Sydney Nikitas – and topped the Mustangs for the second straight season, 2-1.
DVD’s of the “Best Of 13-14” game videos are available through the MHSAA.tv website.
Also, highlights from this season's MHSAA Girls Lacrosse Finals are the most recent addition to the MHSAA's Youtube channel, and are embedded below.