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: 1/7/26

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

January 7, 2026

1. GIRLS BASKETBALL Lillie Johnson broke the Gladstone career scoring record in her team’s 51-30 win over Ishpeming Westwood – Upper Michigan’s Source

2. GIRLS BOWLING Flint Kearsley – the Division 2 champion in 2024 – edged reigning title winner Swartz Creek in a roll-off – Flint Journal

3. BOYS BASKETBALL Joe Gaffney reached 1,000 career points in Charlevoix’s 47-31 loss to Kingsley – Traverse City Record-Eagle

4. BOYS BASKETBALL Zaiden Phillips reached 1,000 career points in Grant’s 74-35 win over Montague – Muskegon Chronicle

5. GIRLS BASKETBALL Grand Rapids South Christian downed West Catholic 73-62 in a matchup of top Division 2 teams statewide – WOOD TV

6. BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING Holland West Ottawa – No. 4 in Lower Peninsula Division 1 – edged LPD3 No. 3 Holland Christian 98-88 – Holland Sentinel

7. ICE HOCKEY Division 1 No. 4 Utica Eisenhower came back from an early deficit  to defeat Division 2 No. 10 St. Clair Shores Unified 5-2 – Macomb Daily

8. BOYS BASKETBALL Auburn Hills Avondale took a major step in the Oakland Activities Association Red with a 59-46 win over North Farmington – Oakland Press

9. BOYS BASKETBALL Lansing Sexton made a significant move in the Capital Area Activities Conference White with a 75-48 victory over Charlotte – Lansing State Journal

10. GIRLS BASKETBALL Cadillac earned a key Big North Conference win, 48-43 over Petoskey – Cadillac News