MAB & MHSAA Partner on Sports Broadcasting Academy
By
Jon Ross
MHSAA Director of Broadcast Properties
October 11, 2022
Sports broadcasting is more than just on-air talent. It takes producers, photographers, engineers, sales representatives, directors and more.
It can be a challenging field to get a foot in the door. To help students learn about all the aspects of working in sports broadcasting and to connect them with industry leaders, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) and MHSAA are partnering on the Great Lakes Broadcast & Sports Media Academy. The one-day event will be Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Ford Field in Detroit.
"The Great Lakes Broadcast and Sports Media Academy is a unique opportunity for those looking to break into a career in media. Not only do you have the chance to learn about all careers in the industry – on-air, engineering, sales, and production – but Michigan TV and radio stations will be on hand actively looking to hire for current openings and internships," said MAB President and CEO Sam Klemet.
"Those who work in local broadcasting play a critical role in keeping the state informed, safe, and entertained, and the Academy's goal is to support and cultivate the next generation of talent in the industry."
Participants will attend educational workshops, a keynote address, speed networking sessions, and a career fair.
Additional information and a link for registration can be found online at MichiganMedia.com. The cost is $25 per student, and the registration deadline is Nov. 17.
Performance of the Week: Midland Dow's Melanie Kolnitys
February 6, 2026
Melanie Kolnitys ♦ Midland Dow
Senior ♦ Basketball
The Chargers’ senior point guard unfortunately finished her season – and high school basketball career – earlier than expected last week. But given the circumstances, it’s difficult to imagine a more incredible ending. Kolnitys entered Dow’s Jan. 28 game against Grand Blanc needing 22 points to reach 1,000, and with knee surgery scheduled for the next day. She scored only two points during the first half, but 20 during the second to reach the milestone on her final basket.
Kolnitys initially had been injured during a soccer game as a sophomore, tearing an ACL and both meniscuses in her right knee. A four-year varsity basketball standout, she played the last few and especially this winter knowing follow-up surgery was a possibility, and although she hoped to make it through her entire senior season, her ability to sprint had been affected enough to require that surgery Jan. 29. Kolnitys would like to return for the end of her soccer season this spring, and will continue her soccer career this fall at Saginaw Valley State. She plans to study biology on a pre-veterinary track.
@mhsaasports 🏀POW: Melanie Kolnitys #dow #basketball #highschoolsports #performanceoftheweek #MHSAA ♬ Bright and fun upbeat pops, Kids, Animals, Pets, Fun, Cute, Happy, Playful, Upbeat(1465232) - SAKUMAMATATA
@mhsaasports 🏀POW: Melanie Kolnitys #funfacts #tiktalk #performanceoftheweek #highschoolsports #MHSAA ♬ original sound - MHSAA
Follow the MHSAA on TikTok.
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.
Previous 2025-26 honorees
Jan. 29: Stella Musialowski, Huron Valley United gymnastics - Report
Jan. 22: Baylor Perkins, Grand Blanc swimming - Report
Jan. 15: Delaney Vanier, Flint Kearsley bowling - Report
Jan. 8: Stevie Hall, Detroit Cass Tech basketball - Report
Dec. 18: Ethan Martha, Ishpeming Westwood basketball - Report
Dec. 11: Louis Smith, Three Rivers wrestling - Report
Dec. 4: Traverse Smith, DeWitt football - Report
Nov. 28: Elizabeth Eichbrecht, West Bloomfield swimming - Report
Nov. 20: Brady Kieff, Blanchard Montabella football - Report
Nov. 13: Ella Laupp, Battle Creek Harper Creek swimming - Report
Nov. 7: Hunter Eaton, Charlevoix cross country - Report
Oct. 31: Stephen Gollapalli, Lansing Christian tennis - Report
Oct. 23: Talya Schreiber, Pickford cross country - Report
Oct. 16: Avery Manning, Dexter golf - Report
Oct. 9: Brady Van Laecke, Hudsonville football - Report
Oct. 2: Sarah Giroux, Flat Rock volleyball - Report
Sept. 25: Sam Schumacher, Portage Central tennis - Report
Sept. 18: Kaylee Mitzel, Saline field hockey - Report
Sept. 11: Natasza Dudek, Ann Arbor Pioneer cross country - Report
Sept. 4: Kate Posey, Big Rapids golf - Report
(Photos courtesy of the Midland Dow girls basketball program.)