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: 9/8/25
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
September 8, 2025
1. GIRLS SWIMMING & DIVING South Lyon East – an honorable mention in Lower Peninsula Division 2 – was the team champion and Hartland’s Claire Gostlin set two meet records at the Kenzie Klassic – Livingston Daily Press & Argus
2. CROSS COUNTRY Northville and Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard swept girls and boys races, and the Leslie girls and Jonesville boys also were victorious at the Bath Bret Clements Invitational – Owosso Argus-Press | Athletic.net
3. BOYS SOCCER Fruitport handed Division 2 No. 5 Allendale its first defeat, 4-3 – Grand Haven Tribune
4. CROSS COUNTRY Edwardsburg swept championships at the Fennville Open – Niles Daily Star
5. BOYS SOCCER Goodrich defeated Marysville, Davison and Richmond to win its Martian Classic – Flint Journal
6. CROSS COUNTRY The Negaunee girls and Gladstone boys won at the Bay College Invitational – Escanaba Daily Press
7. GIRLS SWIMMING & DIVING Monroe finished first in five events to claim the Southeastern Michigan Independent Swimming League Relays title – Monroe News
8. CROSS COUNTRY Frankenmuth swept girls and boys championships at the Northwood Invitational, joined among first-place teams by the Bay City Western girls and Flint Powers Catholic boys – Saginaw News | Athletic.net
9. CROSS COUNTRY The Harbor Springs and Bellaire girls and Charlevoix and East Jordan boys were winners at the Charlevoix Mud Run – Petoskey News-Review | Athletic.net
10. CROSS COUNTRY The Reed City girls and Howard City Tri County boys won Ferris State Invitational titles – Cadillac News
Also of note …
FOOTBALL Legendary Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice coach Al Fracassa died at age 92 – Detroit News