Kermit's Baton (Birmingham Eccentric)

March 6, 2012

Michigan's track and cross country community mourned the loss two weeks ago of former Birmingham Seaholm coach Kermit Ambrose, who died after a full 101 years including many putting a heavy stamp on the high school running scene.

Of course, Ambrose's influence stretched far outside high school as well. Marty Budner fills us in on the details in the story linked below, and then paints a fabulous picture of a former coach who affected thousands during more than a century.

It's not only the wins and losses — of which Kermit had many more of the former, but it's also the relationships developed and lessons learned. Many coaches will tell you the best part of their job is helping to teach life lessons and striving to make an impact along the way.

Kermit Ambrose was that kind of teacher.

Read more:

Ambrose: Friend, mentor to all

Ambrose makes an awesome run through life (column)

Today in the MHSAA: 1/12/26

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

January 12, 2026

1. BOYS BASKETBALL East Lansing followed KJ Torbert to an 80-71 win over Rockford in a matchup of the two top-ranked teams in Division 1 at the GottaGetIt Classic in East Kentwood – Lansing State Journal

2. BOWLING The Macomb Dakota girls and St. Clair Shores Lake Shore boys won Macomb County championships – Macomb Daily Girls | Boys

3. BOYS BASKETBALL Cam Ryans became Grand Rapids Northview’s all-time leading scorer during a 43-41 overtime win over Grand Rapids South Christian – Grand Rapids Press

4. GIRLS BASKETBALL Mariah Sain reached 1,000 career points in Muskegon’s 52-37 win over Hudsonville – Muskegon Chronicle

5. GIRLS BASKETBALL Addy Rhodes went over 1,000 career points in Grandville Calvin Christian’s 54-31 win over Wyoming Kelloggsville – Grand Rapids Press

6. COMPETITIVE CHEER Allen Park continued its first-place run through this season with the championship at its 20-team invitational – Southgate News-Herald

7. ICE HOCKEY Division 1 top-ranked Howell defeated Division 2 No. 8 Alpena 5-4 and No. 3 Grandville 4-2 at the Rick Deneweth Memorial Showcase in Traverse City – Livingston Daily Press & Argus

8. BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING Battle Creek Lakeview – an honorable mention in Lower Peninsula Division 1 – ran its All-City championship streak to 35 years – Battle Creek Enquirer

9. WRESTLING Division 4 No. 6 LeRoy Pine River finished 5-0 to win its Fallen Bucks Memorial Tournament, defeating Central Montcalm in the final – Cadillac News

10. WRESTLING Battle Creek Harper Creek repeated as All-City champion – Battle Creek Enquirer