Today in the MHSAA: 11/1/16

November 1, 2016

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

District volleyball play kicked off all over Michigan on Monday, beginning that sport's three-week playoff run to Battle Creek. 

Each weekday during the school year, we’ll gather and post media links covering the most significant and intriguing high school events from all over the state.

Volleyball

No. 9 Grand Haven won the first match toward a potential 11th straight District title, sweeping Muskegon Mona Shores in Class A – Muskegon Chronicle

Midland Bullock Creek came back from a two-set deficit to down Freeland 3-2 in a Class B opener – Saginaw News

Class C honorable mention Calumet opened District play with a sweep of Chassell – Houghton Daily Mining Gazette

Pittsford downed Camden-Frontier in four sets in a matchup of Class D honorable mentions – Hillsdale Daily News

Reigning MHSAA champion and Class D No. 3 Leland topped honorable mention Suttons Bay in four sets – Traverse City Record-Eagle

Cross Country

Longtime Marquette cross country and track & field coach Dale Phillips announced his retirement after 44 years and many MHSAA championship runs – Marquette Mining Journal

From Saturday, the Hart girls won their first Regional title, finishing first in Lower Peninsula Division 3 – Ludington Daily News

Thanks, Mr. Woodley (Saginaw News)

August 24, 2012

LaMarr Woodley was a football star at Saginaw High long before he went on to the University of Michigan and now the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He's given students in his hometown the same opportunity for accomplishment without the cost they would've otherwise incurred this school year.

Students at Saginaw and Saginaw Arthur Hill plus the districts junior highs and middle schools were facing a $75 participation fee until Woodley stepped in earlier this month with a $60,000 donation.

Hugh Bernreuter has covered the majority of Woodley's career, and tells this story.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley pays participation fees for Saginaw Public Schools student-athletes (Saginaw News)