Know Your Role: Lead by 'Embracing the Bench'
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
August 1, 2023
Recent Royal Oak graduate and multi-sport athlete Thomas Romito was among winners this past year of the Michigan Student Voice competition hosted by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals.
During the MASSP conference at the end of June, Romito explains how he responded to his changing role as a student-athlete, and how others can still make an impact from the sideline by following the same path.
Performance of the Week: Imlay City's Levi Lengemann
October 16, 2026
Levi Lengemann ♦ Imlay City
Senior ♦ Tennis
Lengemann won both of his matches at No. 1 singles Oct. 5 at the Blue Water Area Conference Tournament, completing a perfect run against league competition this fall and leading Imlay City to its first league championship in boys tennis since 1984. He finished this season 17-4 overall and was named BWAC Most Valuable Player.
The Spartans' ace hadn't played much tennis before high school but began his career playing No. 4 singles as a freshman. He climbed the next season into the No. 2 spot before playing No. 1 his final two seasons, and he finished with a 41-31 career record. Lengemann also plays baseball for Imlay City and previously played basketball. He's considering studying business in college and would like to eventually become an electrician.
@mhsaasports 🎾POW: Levi Lengemann #ImlayCity #Tennis #ConferenceChamps #PerformanceOfTheWeek #MHSAA ♬ original sound - MHSAA
@mhsaasports 🎾POW: Levi Lengemann #TikTalk #FunFacts #Interview #fyp #MHSAA ♬ original sound - MHSAA
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MHSAA.com's "Performance of the Week" features are powered by MI Student Aid, a division within the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s 529 college savings programs (MET/MESP), as well as scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Connect with MI Student Aid at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid and find more information on Facebook and X @mistudentaid.
Past 2026-27 honorees
Oct. 9: Olivia Buford, Sterling Heights Stevenson - Read
Oct. 2: Sophia McCollum, Muskegon Reeths-Puffer - Read
Sept. 25: Jenna Middleton, Kingsley volleyball - Read
Sept. 18: Caden Livermore, Grandville cross country - Read
(Photos courtesy of Levi Lengemann.)