Howell Puts Heart Into Memorial Meet
August 29, 2013
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
An online tribute to Mackenzie Watts describes how she “made the people and world around her better.”
The Howell swimming and diving community continues to work so that her memory makes those who come after her safer as well.
Watts died in 2005 after suffering a cardiac arrhythmia. She was a 15-year-old sophomore and key cog on her high school team.
This past weekend, for the sixth straight season, the Highlanders hosted the Kenzie Classic, an invitational that served as a fundraiser for the Howell program and annual Mackenzie Watts scholarship – plus served to promote heart screenings by local National Diagnostic Services in their “HeartMobile” parked outside the pool.
NDS, which also has held screening events at Northville, Canton and Middleville Thornapple Kellogg schools among others, screened 20 students during this Kenzie Classic, said Wellness Director Heidi Enders.
Tests are ultrasound-based and non-invasive, and include an EKG to examine the heart’s electrical system for arrhythmias and an echocardiogram to examine the heart’s structure in case there is a thickening of the muscle (known as hyperthrophic cardiomyopathy). Adults were charged $199 and students $75, with discounted rates for adults in groups and children.
Click to check out coverage of the event from the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus.
Records Revamp
While tracking down 660 football schedules (give or take a few) took up most of the summer, there still was time for a few additions to the MHSAA record book – with more to come.
Track and field fans will notice records from retired yardage events (pre-1982 or earlier depending on the MHSAA class) have been added to the online records here for boys and here for girls.
Cross country fans should check out our lists of top MHSAA Finals times for every division and every class, plus overall top 10 lists for both boys and girls since the race was set to five kilometers in 1980. Click here for girls and here for boys.
Also added or updated were team championship counts for both cross countries, volleyball and girls golf. Click to check out girls golf here and volleyball here.
Fond Football Memories
It has been 30 years since former Genesee all-state running back Don Robinson became the fourth player in Genesee County history to run for more than 300 yards in one game – which he did in gaining 317 on Sept. 23, 1983.
High school football and those memories remain close to his heart even after going on to play at Eastern Michigan University, a stint in the U.S. Navy and a move to Georgia.
He’s paid attention over the years as that “300 club” has grown to 22 players including current New Orleans Saints back Mark Ingram, Jr., and the University of Michigan’s Thomas Rawls.
He’s also a regular reader of Second Half, and asked to send along some words of wisdom to those who will be taking the field to begin the season this weekend:
“When you run out onto the field this season, do me a favor. At least once, pause.
“Look around you. Look at the lights in the sky. See the faces of those that have come to see you play. Listen to the band and the cheerleaders. Look into the eyes of your teammates ...
“Take it all in. When you’re older and miss this amazing game that you are playing, you’ll be glad you did.”
PHOTOS: (Top) A swimmer takes the lead during a race at Saturday's Kenzie Klassic at Howell High School. (Photo courtesy of Howell High School.) (Middle) Genesee graduate Don Robinson runs the ball during the 1983 season. (Photo courtesy of Don Robinson.)
Preparation Pays Off Again as University Liggett Returns to Reign
By
Perry A. Farrell
Special for MHSAA.com
October 21, 2025
MIDLAND – Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett believed this fall's tough regular-season schedule would prepare the team for any other contenders it might face with a title on the line at this week's Lower Peninsula Division 4 Finals.
The Knights were indeed ready. They fought off determined Jackson Lumen Christi on Tuesday, claiming the crown with 31 points by stretching its lead during the championship flights. The Titans had 21 points, and Maple City Glen Lake finished third with 19.
Liggett had most recently won Division 4 in 2022 and finished runner-up in 2023.
"The theme for the season was 'play the ball,''' said coach Mark Sobieralski, finishing his 44th year. "And not worry about who you are playing against, and let everyone play Liggett. You have to use that to your advantage because of the history of the school.
“The kids bought it. The worst thing you can do is look at the draw and say ‘I have to play the No. 1 seed,’ or ‘I've got to play this guy or this guy.’ You can't worry about that. You just have to play the ball. That's all you can control.”
The Finals field was a little bit different this time, with 2024 champion Holland Christian playing in Division 3 this season. Liggett led second-place Lumen Christi 26-20 heading into Tuesday’s semifinals.
Seniors Niko Cooksey and Griffin Marchal, second-seeded at No. 1 doubles, captured the team’s first flight championship with a 6-1, 6-1, victory over top-seed Casey Jackson and William Gibbons from Traverse City St. Francis.
"Coach always has us play a competitive schedule during the regular season,'' Cooksey said. "Our year has been great, actually. We get the hardest schedule. Our (No.) 1 doubles has been good. We've lost to some good teams, but we've beaten some good teams. We beat the No. 2 seed in Division 2 (Birmingham) Seaholm, so that was a big win. We've just been playing within ourselves.''
"It was a tough match (today), but I think the tough schedule we played during the season helped,'' Marchal added. "Before this, beating Seaholm was the highlight of the season. The state title is the goal.''
Lansing Christian junior Stephen Gollapalli avenged his only loss this season by downing Lansing Catholic sophomore and top-seeded Noah West 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, in the No. 1 singles final.
West had defeated Gollapalli 6-4, 6-3 at their Regional before Gollapalli turned the tables.
"It was really tough, and I'm just glad I was able to stay strong,'' said Gollapalli. "The last hours were tough. I was battling cramping. My coaches were really good. My mom was up there cheering and gave me some will to fight.
"I had a three-setter in the semifinal, and to tell you the truth, I just kept grinding. I got off to a fast start by winning the first set, and that helped. He's a fantastic player. He wasn't just going to give it to me.''
No. 2 singles also went three sets with Grand Rapids West Catholic’s fourth-seeded freshman Crew VanBeynen facing Berrien Springs’ second-seeded senior Phil Seo. Seo prevailed 6-2, 1-6, 7-5.
Edwin Seo of Berrien Springs (no relation) captured No. 3 singles with a 6-4, 6-4, victory over Jason Gonerka of Jackson Lumen Christi.
Liggett won No. 2 doubles with Landen Maltby and Charlie Laethem defeating Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian's Hudson Tolsma and Jaben Bell, 6-1, 6-0. No. 4 singles also went to Liggett as Justin Platt outlasted Glen Lake’s Porter Martin 6-3, 6-2.
The Lakes won No. 4 doubles with top seeds Levi Lamb and Luke Selby handling Theo McEldowney and Nolan Curtis of Jackson Lumen Christi 6-1, 6-3.
The Liggett No. 3 doubles team of Rene Quint and Lucas Ferguson defeated Jackson Lumen Christi's Holden Luce and Brogan Kelly 7-6 (8-6), 5-7, 6-2.
"My dad and I put in so much effort in tennis,'' said Quint. "To finally have it pay off. … Last year I lost my first round in a rat tail. To come back this year and be able to win means so much.''
(PHOTOS by High School Sports Scene.)