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High 5s: 11/28/12

November 28, 2012

The final MHSAA championships of the Fall 2012 season give us our final High 5s before heading into winter. This week, we recognize both an individual and a team that achieved new heights. 

Drake Harris
Grand Rapids Christian junior
Football

A 6-foot-4, 180-pound receiver who has committed to play both football and basketball at Michigan State beginning in 2014, Harris posted one of the finest receiving season in MHSAA history capped by playing a huge role in his team's first MHSAA championship. The Eagles beat Orchard Lake St. Mary's 40-37 in overtime Saturday for the Division 3 title. His eight catches for a Finals-record 243 yards and a touchdown put his unofficial season totals at 91 catches for 2,015 yards and 25 scores. Once confirmed, the season yardage will rank as the most in MHSAA history and 12th nationally for one season (his yards per game rank fourth and yards per catch sixth on the NFHS lists). Harris also ranked fourth for catches and second for touchdown catches on the MHSAA single-season lists.

Just ducky: "I'm probably more energized now after he hit that kick," Harris said after teammate Joel Schipper's winning field goal Saturday. "I was probably more tired a little bit during the game. But we condition all practice. We play fast. We play like Oregon, move the ball, (at) a high tempo. We're all in condition, so we really weren't that tired." 

Bring on the new guy: Harris has caught more than 3,000 yards worth of passes from senior Alex VanDeVusse over the last two seasons, but will play with a new quarterback in 2013. "I've been with Alex since sophomore year. I guess I have to start over and work hard all next season and hope to get back here."  

Be like Calvin: "Calvin Johnson, I want to be just like him when I get older. I know I'm a little skinny right now, but when I get to college, I know they'll put weight on me. I watch film on him all the time, watch him running routes. So I take my game after him. He's the best wide receiver in the NFL right now, probably one of the best wide receivers to play the game, in my opinion." 

Click to read more. 

Portland football

The Raiders, unranked despite entering the postseason 8-1, finished with their first MHSAA title won in their first trip to the Finals. Portland defeated Grand Rapids West Catholic 12-9 in the Division 5 championship game after knocking out 2011 champion Flint Powers Catholic in the Regional Final. For the playoffs, Portland outscored its five opponents 169-66 while holding three to nine or fewer points. In finishing 13-1 and setting a school record for wins, the Raiders beat nine playoff teams total including eventual Division 3 Semifinalist DeWitt. 

Click to read more. 

Previous 2012-13 honorees:

MAB & MHSAA Partner on Sports Broadcasting Academy

By Jon Ross
MHSAA Director of Broadcast Properties

October 11, 2022

Sports broadcasting is more than just on-air talent. It takes producers, photographers, engineers, sales representatives, directors and more.

Great Lakes Broadcast & Sports Media AcademyIt can be a challenging field to get a foot in the door. To help students learn about all the aspects of working in sports broadcasting and to connect them with industry leaders, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) and MHSAA are partnering on the Great Lakes Broadcast & Sports Media Academy. The one-day event will be Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Ford Field in Detroit.

"The Great Lakes Broadcast and Sports Media Academy is a unique opportunity for those looking to break into a career in media. Not only do you have the chance to learn about all careers in the industry – on-air, engineering, sales, and production – but Michigan TV and radio stations will be on hand actively looking to hire for current openings and internships," said MAB President and CEO Sam Klemet. 

"Those who work in local broadcasting play a critical role in keeping the state informed, safe, and entertained, and the Academy's goal is to support and cultivate the next generation of talent in the industry."

Participants will attend educational workshops, a keynote address, speed networking sessions, and a career fair.

Additional information and a link for registration can be found online at MichiganMedia.com. The cost is $25 per student, and the registration deadline is Nov. 17.