Did you see that? (11/12-11/18)

November 19, 2012

The final MHSAA girls tournaments of the fall, Volleyball and Lower Peninsula Swimming and Diving, came to an end Saturday. Three of seven champions were crowned for the first time, and Second Half had coverage of them all. 

Volleyball

Two new, two returning: Macomb Dakota in Class A and Lake Odessa Lakewood in Class B finished Saturday with their first MHSAA championships. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central won its second title in three seasons, and Battle Creek St. Philip won its eighth straight in Class D. (Class A) (Class B) (Class C) (Class D)

Swimming and Diving 

Champions' wake: The Lower Peninsula Division 2 and 3 Finals saw repeat champions in Holland and Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, respectively. But Holland West Ottawa won its first team title in any girls sport at the Division 1 Final. (Division 1) (Division 2) (Division 3)

Girls Golf

Aya on Fiya: The Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association named Muskegon Catholic Central senior Aya Johnson this season's Miss Golf. Johnson, who will play next season at the University of Wisconsin, defeated Lansing Catholic's Jacqueline Setas in a tie-breaker to claim the Lower Peninsula Division 4 championship at Michigan State's Forest Akers West. (Muskegon Chronicle)

Flashback 100: Todd Martin’s Road to Greatness Starts at East Lansing

September 20, 2024

Todd Martin is widely recognized for his successful professional tennis career, and that success was rooted in mid-Michigan.

He excelled on the tennis court for East Lansing, winning the Class A No. 1 singles title in 1987 after finishing as the flight runner-up in 1986. His flight championship also helped the Trojans secure second place as a team.

After graduating from high school, Martin continued his tennis journey at Northwestern University, where he played for two years before turning professional in 1990.

His breakthrough came in 1993, with five victories over top-10 players, solidifying his rise in the sport. Martin represented the United States in the Davis Cup for nine consecutive years and was part of the championship-winning team in 1995. He reached his first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in 1994 and made it to the finals of the U.S. Open in 1999, where he lost to Andre Agassi in a five-set match - watch here. Martin achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 4 in 1999 and won a total of eight career titles.

Beyond his on-court achievements, Todd Martin is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He founded the Todd Martin Youth Leadership program, which provides educational and athletic opportunities to underserved youth in Michigan. His commitment to both the sport of tennis and his community has left a lasting legacy, both during his playing career and in his post-professional life.

Follow us on InstagramXFacebook, and TikTok for more weekly "Flashback 100" photo features and additional content celebrating our 100th anniversary.

Previous "Flashback 100" Features

Sept. 13: James Earl Jones, Dickson High Hoops to Hollywood Legend - Read
Sept. 6:
Pioneers'
Unstoppable Streak Stretches 9 Seasons - Read
Aug. 30: 
Detroit dePorres Rushes to 1995 Class CC Football ChampionshipRead 

PHOTOS At left, Todd Martin, and at right Martin (back row, center) stands among 1986 WMTA District Qualifier champions. (Photos courtesy of the Todd Martin Youth Leadership Program.)