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:
Today in the MHSAA: 6/1/26
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
June 1, 2026
1. GIRLS TRACK & FIELD Spring Lake and Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep won their first MHSAA Finals team titles in this sport, Rudyard its first since 1977, while Oak Park, Olivet, Negaunee and Newberry extended championship streaks – MHSAA.com
2. BOYS TRACK & FIELD Harper Woods, Hillsdale Academy, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central and Lake Linden-Hubbell were first-time champions, while East Kentwood, Marquette and Pickford added to their boys track trophy cases – MHSAA.com
3. GIRLS TENNIS Northville repeated as Lower Peninsula Division 1 Finals champion with powerful doubles leading the way – MHSAA.com
4. GIRLS LACROSSE Reigning Division 1 champion South Lyon United ran its winning streak to 47 with a 14-11 Regional Final win over Brighton – Oakland Press
5. BOYS VOLLEYBALL Division 1 top-ranked Grand Haven swept No. 2 Jenison and then downed honorable mention Rockford in four sets to clinch a Regional title – Grand Haven Tribune
6. GIRLS SOCCER Hopkins scored twice over the final 1:42 to get past Allegan in Division 3 and claim a first District title in this sport – Grand Rapids Press
7. SOFTBALL Macomb Dakota upset No. 2 New Baltimore Anchor Bay 7-5 to clinch a Division 1 District title – Macomb Daily
8. BASEBALL No. 2 Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart downed No. 3 Beal City 2-1 in a Division 4 District Final – Mount Pleasant Morning Sun
9. GIRLS SOCCER No. 2 Richland Gull Lake downed No. 4 Grand Rapids South Christian 3-2 in overtime in a Division 2 District Final – Kalamazoo Gazette
10. SOFTBALL Honorable mention Armada emerged as winner of a Division 2 District that included three league champions – Macomb Daily