Today in the MHSAA: 9/11/15

September 11, 2015

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

In addition to today’s usual collection of significant results from across the state, we encourage you to check out our “Good Reads," including a story behind what likely will be one of most-attended commemorative games this weekend and a feature on an MHSAA staffer whose experience and expertise benefit officials all over Michigan.

Girls Golf

Traverse City West shot a 333, its lowest score in six seasons under coach Kristen Nolan, to win the Petoskey Invitational by 36 strokes – Traverse City Record-Eagle

Boys Soccer

Grand Haven edged Traverse City West 3-2 on a night when the program hung a banner honoring late Buccaneers soccer player Carter Dyke while also honoring deceased former players Adam Provencal and Mike Herman – Grand Haven Tribune

Muskegon Catholic Central, ranked No. 12 in this week’s first Division 4 coaches poll, beat Division 3 No. 12 Ludington 2-0 – Muskegon Chronicle

Volleyball

Four Class A powers met in one of the most competitive quads so far this fall; No. 5 Clarkston, No. 7 Birmingham Seaholm and unranked Bloomfield Hills Marian all finished 2-1, while unranked Macomb Dakota went 0-3 but played the tough competition close. Marian upset Clarkston, and Clarkston beat Seaholm – Oakland Press

Good Reads

A number of schools statewide will hold remembrances today in honor of victims and those who served on Sept. 11, 2001. Here’s the story behind a growing annual event in Traverse City, the Patriot Game between the Central and West football teams – Traverse City Record-Eagle

While fans tune in to college baseball to watch teams, MHSAA staffers have watched the College World Series and Big 10 Tournament the last few seasons to cheer on the umpires – and one in particular, MHSAA assistant director Mark Uyl, who spends the rest of his time championing high school athletics. “High school is where we can have the most impact on the largest number of kids and help teach them the most important life lessons,” he said in this report – NFHS.org

Detroit Catholic Central and Michigan State University grad Rick Gosselin sticks up for high school football being the only game played in that sport on Friday nights – Dallas Morning News

From High School to Olympic Swimming

July 11, 2012

Fans of U.S. Swimming already have plenty of reasons to cheer for Missy Franklin later this month at the Summer Olympics -- she's only 17, but qualified to compete in a U.S. women's all-time best seven events.

But fans of high school sports and what they provide athletes at all levels of ability can also support her for how she's chosen to compete when she's not racing against the best in the world.

Franklin, who lives in Colorado, has continued to swim for her high school team despite the financial rewards she could've earned by taking the elite swimmer's usual path of going pro.

A ton has been written about Franklin lately, for obvious reasons. Below is a link to a New York Times story from February that focused on her continued dedication to her high school team.

Before the Olympic Trials, There’s This Big High School Meet (New York Times)