Did you see that?
April 2, 2012
Check out our must-know scores and news from March 26-31.
(Click on links for coverage.)
Girls lacrosse
Marian takes early advantage: In a match-up of 2011 Division 1 contenders, Bloomfield Hills Marian edged Ann Arbor Pioneer 10-9 in the second game of the season for both teams. Marian advanced to the Semifinals last season before falling to eventual champion Brighton by one, while Pioneer then fell to Brighton in the Final by two in overtime.
East Grand Rapids wins battle of D2 powers: In another game between regular MHSAA title favorites, East Grand Rapids got a big win downing Okemos 16-7. The Chieftains won the 2009 and 2010 Division 2 championships before falling in a Regional Final in 2011. East Grand Rapids ended last season with a one-goal loss to eventual champion Grand Rapids Catholic Central.
Girls soccer
Troy remains tops in town: Last season’s Division 1 runner-up got a solid March win, 2-0 over rival and returning District champion Troy Athens. The match-up had a little bit different feel this season, with Athens coach Todd Heugh running the show in his first season after taking over for longtime great Tim Storch. (The Oakland Press)
Baseball
State coaches release preseason polls: The Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association released its preseason polls, and three of four reigning MHSAA champions have top rankings in their respective divisions – Rockford in Division 1, Madison Heights Bishop Foley in Division 3 and Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett in Division 4. Reigning Division 2 champion St. Clair comes in No. 2 behind Grand Rapids Christian. (Click for full rankings.)
Softball
Best of 2011 expected to be best of 2012: The Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association also released its preseason rankings, and all four reigning MHSAA champions are starting out in the top spots – Mattawan in Division 1, Stevensville Lakeshore in Division 2, Clinton in Division 3 and Petersburg Summerfield in Division 4. (Click for full rankings.)
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Interruptions
November 23, 2011
I know many of us crave the opportunity to work without distractions and to focus on a problem or project without interruptions. It’s why I seek a week alone at my cottage to read, write and rehearse. It’s my “sabbatical.”
But having said that about the significant benefits of solitude, I nevertheless must state that the sixth and final lesson in this series of blogs is this: The job is the interruptions.
I brought this lesson to the MHSAA from previous employment and it resonates truer today than ever.
The job is the call from the athletic director, coach or official who has a question. The job is the call from the superintendent, principal or parent with a concern.
The job is the knock on the door from another staff member with a difficult question from a constituent, or even a personal issue that’s important to them.
It’s often been when I’ve treated the call or knock as nuisance, given it inadequate time or attention, that the little interruption grew into a bigger problem.
The job is the interruptions. If there were none, we wouldn’t be needed. There would be no job.