From High School to Olympic Swimming

July 11, 2012

Fans of U.S. Swimming already have plenty of reasons to cheer for Missy Franklin later this month at the Summer Olympics -- she's only 17, but qualified to compete in a U.S. women's all-time best seven events.

But fans of high school sports and what they provide athletes at all levels of ability can also support her for how she's chosen to compete when she's not racing against the best in the world.

Franklin, who lives in Colorado, has continued to swim for her high school team despite the financial rewards she could've earned by taking the elite swimmer's usual path of going pro.

A ton has been written about Franklin lately, for obvious reasons. Below is a link to a New York Times story from February that focused on her continued dedication to her high school team.

Before the Olympic Trials, There’s This Big High School Meet (New York Times)

Today in the MHSAA: 3/6/17

March 6, 2017

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

MHSAA Finals in wrestling, bowling and cheer, Regionals in gymnastics and hockey and Districts in girls basketball made for a busy weekend across our state – and also one full of celebration for a number of schools finishing the season or taking the next tournament step.

Each weekday during the school year, we’ll gather and post media links covering the most significant and intriguing high school events from all over the state. 

Girls Basketball

Undefeated Ypsilanti Arbor Prep, last season’s Class C champ, edged Dearborn Heights Robichaud 58-54 in a Class B District Final – Ann Arbor News

Lake City won its first District since 2001, downing Manton 54-53 in overtime of a Class C Final – Cadillac News

Niles Brandywine won its eighth District title in nine seasons with a 40-18 victory over Watervliet in Class C – Niles Daily Star

Charlevoix completed a Class C District run with a 46-36 win over Harbor Springs after going 3-19 a season ago – Petoskey News-Review

Bowling

Eight teams and eight individuals claimed MHSAA titles over the weekend, with Battle Creek Pennfield enjoying the most success with a boys team championship and sweep of singles in Division 3 – Second Half

Cheer

Allen Park broke Gibraltar Carlson's win streak in Division 2 while Rochester, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Breckenridge all repeated as Finals champions – Second Half

Gymnastics

Northville will compete at the MHSAA Team Final for the first time since 2010 after finishing second to Canton at their Regional – Observer & Eccentric

Hockey

Freshman Will Jentz scored in overtime to carry Brighton past Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 2-1 in a Division 1 Regional Final – Livingston Daily Press & Argus

Big Rapids upended Alpena 2-1 in overtime Saturday to claim a Division 3 Regional title – Big Rapids News

Wrestling

Walled Lake Central's Ben Freeman became the 22nd four-time champion in MHSAA history as the Individual Finals awarded 56 winners total (and we interviewed them all) – Second Half