10 to Remember: Spring 2015
June 25, 2015
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
The close of June officially ends of another school year. And this season’s MHSAA Finals provided another strong finish with a number of memorable moments sure to be recalled for years to come.
Below is one person’s list of the 10 most significant, drawn from the title-earning performances of 129 teams and hundreds of individuals this spring.
10. Rockford Holds On for Third Straight Girls Lacrosse Title
The Rams saw an 8-1 lead dissolve to a one-goal advantage after Bloomfield Hills Marian scored in the 22nd minute of the second half of their Division 1 Final. Rockford goalie Katie Elwell turned away a shot to tie the game with 55 seconds left, and her team won a jumpball deep on its side of the field with 36 seconds to play to hold on to a 10-9 victory – and claim a third straight MHSAA championship. Rockford is one of three programs to win four MHSAA titles during the 11 seasons of tournament sponsorship. Marian is a two-time runner-up.
9. Hartland Baseball Goes 10 Innings to Win First MHSAA Title
Hartland scored in the first inning of the Division 1 Final in pursuit of its first MHSAA championship in the sport – but then didn’t score again until the bottom of the 10th inning. Junior pitcher John Baker threw all 10 innings for the Eagles, allowing only five hits and striking out 11 batters, and he also had two hits and drove in the game’s first run. Portage Northern also was making its first MHSAA Final appearance in baseball.
8. Northville Girls Tennis Joins First-time Champs; Nguyen Joins Elite
The Northville girls tennis team was one of 32 teams over all sports that won their first MHSAA championships during the 2014-15 school year. The Wildcats finished an impressive five points ahead of Midland Dow, winning three doubles and two singles flights. Utica’s Davina Nguyen, meanwhile, finished as one of the most accomplished champions in MHSAA history, becoming only the sixth player to win at least three titles at No. 1 singles. Nguyen also won in Division 1 as a freshman and junior.
7. Cranbrook Kingswood Regains Boys Lacrosse Title on Last-Second Winner
Johnny Wagner scored 177 goals over his three-season varsity career for Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood, but his last had to be the most spectacular. Three days after sending the Cranes to the Final with an overtime game-winning goal, Wagner scored in the Division 2 championship decider with 10.5 seconds to play to give his team the final edge in a 10-9 victory over Okemos. The winner was his fifth goal of the game.
6. Gull Lake Girls Soccer Wins Again on Shootout Success
The only shots to find the net in the Division 2 Final came during an overtime shootout won by Gull Lake to give the Blue Devils a 1-0 victory and their third straight MHSAA championship. That’s not to say the game lacked for excitement, with the teams combining for 37 shots. Gull Lake had also won its Regional Semifinal in a shootout and finished the spring 25-1-1. Fenton was making its first MHSAA Finals appearance in the sport, seeking its first title in any sport since 1993.
5. Warren Regina Softball Stuns After Slow Start
Teams that open 3-11 usually don’t finish as championship contenders – but those teams don’t have the MHSAA’s winningest coach, Diane Laffey, running the show to go with a strong group of upperclassmen who emerged from a competative Detroit Catholic League Central. Regina won its sixth MHSAA title and first since 2007 by downing favored Caledonia 5-0 in the Division 1 Final. Senior Marissa Tiano struck out nine batters in giving up only two hits after giving up only four hits in a 7-1 Semifinal win over Mattawan.
4. DeWitt Boys Golf Sticks Winning Shots; Carlson Goes All-Time Low
DeWitt senior Geoffry Croley birdied off the flagstick on the No. 18 hole at Forest Akers East to help the Panthers edge Cranbrook Kingswood 594-595 and claim the Lower Peninsula Division 2 title, its first since 2011. His younger brother, freshman Joey, made par on his final hole (No. 16) to also help secure the win. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s Nick Carlson finished his high school career with a second individual title and the all-time low 36-hole score in MHSAA Finals history, a 134, to edge Matt Harmon’s 135 for East Kentwood in 2001.
3. Saline Unbeatable in Claiming First Girls Soccer Title
The Hornets compiled one of the most impressive seasons in MHSAA girls soccer history in making their first Final and then winning it. Saline gave up a mere four goals – tied for third-fewest in MHSAA history – in 25 games and finished with a 22-0-3 record capped by a 4-0 win over Grand Blanc in the Division 1 championship game. The team’s 22 shutouts also rank tied for third in MHSAA girls soccer history. Senior Taylor Mulder set a school record with 43 goals this season with her second of this game.
2. Legend of Beaubien Grows with Monroe St. Mary Softball Title
Meghan Beaubien already was known by those who follow softball statewide – not many sophomores get a chance to commit to the University of Michigan so early. But what she and the Kestrels did in winning the program’s first MHSAA championship was pretty legendary. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central outscored its postseason opponents by a combined 29-0 over seven games, beating Bronson 2-0 in the Division 3 Final with Beaubien taking a perfect game into the seventh inning and hitting a two-run homer.
1. Fisher, Saline Finish Strong in Boys Track and Field Final
The Lower Peninsula Division 1 Final was filled with notable finishes – including a pair that will be listed in the national record book next month. Saline won its second MHSAA title in the sport and first since 2006, finishing ahead of East Kentwood – champion five of the last six seasons. The Hornets were keyed by a 3,200 relay of Logan Wetzel, Josiah Humphrey, Austin Welch and Kevin Hall that finished in 7:38.97 to rank among the best all-time in U.S. high school history Grand Blanc senior Grant Fisher posted the second-fastest 1,600 time in U.S. high school history, going 4:00.28.; he graduated with five individual MHSAA Finals titles. Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills’ Donavan Brazier also re-set the all-Finals record in the 800, running 1:48.98.
PHOTO: Grant Fisher, far right, set an MHSAA all-Finals record in the 1,600 that also ranks as the second-fastest in U.S. high school history. (Click to see more from RunMichigan.com. Photos by John Brabbs.)
2025 Scholar-Athlete Award Recipients Announced in Class B
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
February 11, 2025
The Michigan High School Athletic Association has selected nine student-athletes from Class B member schools to receive scholarships through the MHSAA/Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete Award program.
Farm Bureau Insurance, in its 36th year of sponsoring the award, will give $2,000 college scholarships to 32 individuals who represent their member schools in at least one sport in which the Association sponsors a postseason tournament. The first 30 scholarships are awarded proportionately by school classification and the number of student-athletes involved in those classes; also, there are two at-large honorees who can come from any classification.
Students applying for the Scholar-Athlete Award must be carrying at least a 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average and have previously won a letter in a varsity sport in which the Michigan High School Athletic Association sponsors a postseason tournament. Other requirements for the applicants were to show active participation in other school and community activities and produce an essay on the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics.
The 32 scholarship recipients will be recognized March 15 during the MHSAA Boys Basketball Finals at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing.
The Class B Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are Madelynn Kreider, Kingsford; Hannah Lee, Ann Arbor Greenhills; Grace McDowell, Whitehall; Addison Seemann, Freeland; Eleana Zhuang, Ann Arbor Greenhills; Oliver Costello, Haslett; Ryan Goodrich, Whitehall; Brayden Bryan Lape, Grass Lake; and Alan Mrva, Corunna.
Overviews of the scholarship recipients of the Class B Scholar-Athlete Award follow. A quote from each recipient's essay also is included:
Madelynn Kreider, Kingsford
Played four years of varsity volleyball and will compete in her third of track & field this spring; also played varsity basketball and softball as a freshman. Earned all-state honors her final two seasons of volleyball including making the Division 2 first team this past fall, and served as team captain her final two years. Ran on two Finals-placing track relays and also served as captain for that team. Ranked first in her graduating class academically and participating in second year of National Honor Society. Serving fourth year on student council and as vice president. Also participating in second years of Key Club and as student ambassador for her school, and serving as the social media coordinator in her fourth year with Fellowship for Christian Athletes. Will attend Michigan Technological University and study kinesiology and exercise science.
Essay Quote: “(Sportsmanship) challenges us to choose integrity, even when the stakes are high, and to see every opportunity as a gift from God. Volleyball may have taught me how to hit and set, but sportsmanship taught me how to handle life’s victories and defeats with love and grace. That, above all, is what I will carry with me forever.”
Hannah Lee, Ann Arbor Greenhills
Played four seasons of varsity golf, helping team to MHSAA Finals all four years and posting top-13 individual finishes at last two championship tournaments. Earned all-state and academic all-state recognition. Participating in fourth year of forensics and also fourth year coaching middle school team; reached state finals as competitor in multiple events. Participating in third year as part of University of Michigan Youth Chamber Singers and also played two years as part of Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Youth Ensembles. Participating in fourth year of Greenhills Gryphon Sports Live broadcasting club and as president, and participating in fourth year of United Congressional Award Club and as board member. Earned school’s notable research award for work with University of Michigan’s Obstetrics & Gynecology department. Is undecided where she will attend college but intends to study biology and psychology with potentially a minor in business.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship in golf is about more than making the right call or showing respect in the moment; it’s about creating a lasting impact on the game, players, and community. It fosters an environment of mutual respect, where competitors aim to elevate each other rather than just defeat one another. Golf teaches that sportsmanship is a mindset, lasting far beyond the final putt.”
Grace McDowell, Whitehall
Played four seasons of varsity golf, is playing her second of varsity basketball and will play her fourth of varsity tennis this spring. Reached MHSAA Finals all four seasons in golf and as a freshman in tennis, and served as captain of both teams. Earned all-state recognition in golf, all-league in that sport and tennis and also all-state academic in tennis. Serving fourth year as student council class president and participating for second year on Michigan Department of Education Student Advisory Council. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and third as part of West Michigan OsteoScholars. Contributing to youth sports as part of No More Sidelines and First Tee programs and as a youth basketball referee. Is undecided where she will attend college but intends to major in pre-medical studies.
Essay Quote: My love for the game and internal drive have enabled me to embrace my competitive spirit. This spirit is paramount to educational athletics; the desire to win can overshadow sportsmanship. Real victories come not from the score but from the character we build as we compete. Being a good sport is showing respect, maintaining humility in victory, and offering support in defeat.”
Addison Seemann, Freeland
Played four seasons of varsity volleyball, is playing her fourth of varsity basketball, and also has competed in track & field throughout high school. Earned all-region honors in volleyball and basketball and also all-state recognition in the latter, and earned all-state as part of two track relays. Served as captain of volleyball and basketball teams, and earned academic all-state in basketball as well. Served three years as student council class president and this year as executive president. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and fourth on executive council of Be The Change group. Participated in Great Lakes Bay Regional Youth Leadership Institute as a junior and was a three-time attendee of Midland Area Youth Impact Partnership. Serving fourth year as youth basketball referee. Is undecided where she will attend college but intends to study civil engineering.
Essay Quote: “From a young age, if players feel supported while making mistakes and taking risks, they grow not only as athletes, but as people too. By instilling values of teamwork, compassion, and respect at young ages, these traits are carried on with athletes throughout their lives. A positive environment in sports contributes to a lifelong love for personal development and healthy competition.”
Eleana Zhuang, Ann Arbor Greenhills
Played two years of varsity volleyball, playing second of varsity basketball and will compete in third of varsity track & field this spring. Qualified for MHSAA Finals as part of track relay as a junior and helped that team to multiple league championships. Served as basketball captain and will serve as track captain this upcoming season. Earned all-academic in volleyball. Named AP Scholar with Honor. Serving as senior class secretary and treasurer and East Asian Pacific American Community leader. Participating in third year with Student Service Leaders group and earned National Community Service Ambassador Awards the last two years. Serving second year on Canton Public Library’s Teen Leadership Council. Earned multiple art awards including silver key in Southeast Michigan & Thumb Scholastic Art Awards competition. Will attend University of Michigan and study movement science in school of kinesiology.
Essay Quote: “Our passion for sports drives us, but our compassion for each other makes educational athletics an unforgettable environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported. … As athletes, we’re constantly faced with the choice between passion and compassion. In terms of sportsmanship, compassion always comes first. When we lead with compassion, we grow into individuals who uplift those around us, a lesson essential beyond sports. That’s what makes athletics unforgettable.”
Oliver Costello, Haslett
Played four seasons of varsity tennis, is competing in fourth on swimming & diving team and intends to play varsity lacrosse this spring; also played junior varsity baseball as a freshman. Earned all-conference and all-area recognition in swimming and earned all-conference recognition in tennis in helping that team reach MHSAA Finals all four seasons and win Regional title as a junior. Earned all-academic honors in both sports and served as team captain of both teams. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and has served as chapter president. Participated in marching band and drumline, and choir, throughout high school, earning Division 1 state ratings in both. Founded and served as president of Intro to Business and Engineering Sciences clubs. Served as youth swim and tennis coach. Will attend University of Michigan and study chemical engineering.
Essay Quote: “I realize there will always be others ahead of me to chase. When we both reach the wall, I can take pride in showing the sportsmanship I’ve developed and in being an example for another young swimmer. No matter how close the race, outside of the pool, we all share the same goal: improvement.”
Ryan Goodrich, Whitehall
Played four years of varsity football and competed in varsity wrestling and baseball throughout his first three years of high school, but has been unable to wrestle this winter because of an injury and is not expecting to be able to play this spring. Reached MHSAA Finals twice in wrestling and placed once, and earned all-conference and academic all-conference in all three sports. Also earned academic all-state in wrestling and baseball. Served as football and wrestling team captain. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and has served as chapter president, and participating in third year of Business Professionals of America and as president. Made BPA state and national finals. Serving second year as Link Crew leader and participating in third year with school’s Hope Squad chapter and first as part of student board for First Priority group. Will attend University of Pennsylvania to study philosophy, politics and economics.
Essay Quote: “Fixating on wins can make the fall from the top unbearable, and being consumed by the losses turns small victories into meaningless moments. That’s where sportsmanship comes in. While at face value it can be respecting the referee or playing fair, sportsmanship is truly reflected in how we handle both triumph and failure. That, I believe, is the greatest lesson from sports.”
Brayden Bryan Lape, Grass Lake
Played four seasons of varsity football, is playing his fourth of varsity basketball and will play his fourth of varsity baseball this spring. Earned all-state honors in basketball and football and academic all-state honors in all three sports. Also earned all-conference in all three sports and set several school football records. Served as four-year team captain in all three sports. Participated all four years in National Honor Society and served all four years on student council – and fulfilled these duties while earning national acclaim as a vocalist, recording original music and finishing fifth on NBC’s “The Voice” Season 22. Will attend Northwood University and study accounting.
Essay Quote: “It was during this time (while injured and unable to play) that I truly was able to understand the power of sportsmanship. It is more than just shaking hands after a game or congratulating an opponent. Those are important and necessary gestures, but true sportsmanship involves respecting the game, respecting the people involved, and respecting yourself. Realizing this helped me become a better version of myself. I realized it’s about embracing triumph and defeat with grace and humility.”
Alan Mrva, Corunna
Played four seasons of varsity football and will compete in fourth of track & field this spring. Earned all-state honors in football and qualified for MHSAA Finals in track & field. Served as team captain multiple seasons for both. Participating in second years of National Honor Society and as part of Corunna Cavalier Ambassadors. Participated in Future Farmers of America throughout high school serving in various leadership roles at the chapter, regional and state levels. Qualified for FFA state competition and was two-time gold-level recipient for skills contest. Serving third year as junior advisor on Shiawassee County Fair Board. Participated in Shiawassee Scholars program throughout high school. Will attend either Michigan State University or Purdue University and study agricultural engineering.
Essay Quote: “Just as in the classroom, sports help us learn through experience. … (That) I learned to take ownership of my actions and respect those around me even when I am at my lowest goes beyond sports. I have used my stance and realized that every interaction I have with another person leaves an impact on their lives. I hope I can build a legacy that future generations of Corunna Cavaliers are inspired by so that one day they use what I have done and become better versions of themselves.”
Other Class B girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were Madison Cole, Battle Creek Pennfield; Lauren Sundquist, Gladstone; Sierra Grooters, Hudsonville Unity Christian; Nadia Grierson, Ludington; Anna Catherine Boggs, Monroe Jefferson; Marlee Plaxco, Negaunee; Hailey Dodd, Parma Western; Alaina Hanson, Reed City; Alexandrea Komarowski, St Clair; Scarlet Maison, Standish-Sterling; and Cami Kraai, Whitehall .
Other Class B boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were Maxwell Volk, Chesaning; Isaak Rubley, Dundee; Brayden Joslin, Durand; Corbin Allen, Grayling; Jayse Peterson, Hastings; Caden VanHuis, Holland Christian; Gavin J. Trevillian, Kingsford; Nicholas Caldwell, North Branch; Benjamin Kelenske, Olivet; Blair Scott, Olivet; Owen Feldpausch, Owosso; and Brady Tate, Whitehall.
The Class C and D scholarship award recipients were announced Feb. 4, and the Class A honorees will be announced Feb. 18.
Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan was founded in 1949 by Michigan farmers who wanted an insurance company that worked as hard as they did. Those values still guide the company today and are a big reason why it is known as Michigan’s Insurance Company, dedicated to protecting the farms, families, and businesses of this great state. Farm Bureau Insurance agents across Michigan provide a full range of insurance services – life, home, auto, farm, business, retirement, Lake Estate®, and more – protecting nearly 500,000 Michigan policyholders.
The MHSAA is a private, not-for-profit corporation of voluntary membership by more than 1,500 public and private senior high schools and junior high/middle schools which exists to develop common rules for athletic eligibility and competition. No government funds or tax dollars support the MHSAA, which was the first such association nationally to not accept membership dues or tournament entry fees from schools. Member schools which enforce these rules are permitted to participate in MHSAA tournaments, which attract more than 1.4 million spectators each year.