Linked Up: 12/2/11

December 20, 2011

So long, Fall. Welcome, Winter.

We're in the midst of leaving the former behind and jumping into the latter, and the stories I found this week go along with that theme.

Remember, if you find something high school sports-related that you think others would find useful or inspiring, send me a link at [email protected] and I'll check it out.

The man who couldn't say no (Grand Traverse Insider)

Lynn Walker has answered the Benzie Central coaching call a number of times over the last 30 years. Greg Gielczyk tells us how Walker, after retiring over the summer with 606 games to his credit, answered that call again this winter.

RCHS junior hands out medals on big stage (Presque Isle County Advance)

What goes into being part of our MHSAA Student-Advisory Council? A number of memorable experiences, and this one no doubt ranks up there. Angie Asam explains how Rogers City junior Evan Lamb gave us a hand passing out awards after the Division 6 Football Final at Ford Field.

Marine City supporters pack Ford Field (Port Huron Times-Herald)

By the unofficial count of my eyes, Marine City had the largest crowd of the 16 teams who played in the weekend's Football Final at Ford Field. Jim Whymer tells us why this was a must-see for so many fans.

Lawton's "Core Four" head into final season together (Paw Paw Courier-Leader)

Lawton’s “Core Four” of Alyssa Barkovich, Jenna Maury, Erika Whittington and Cassandra Willis have been part of two straight volleyball league titles and are going for their fourth-straight basketball league championship. Daniel Thornton takes us through some of their impressive winning streaks, including 41-straight league volleyball victories.

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