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.

Great Lakes Broadcast & Sports Media AcademyIt 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: Charlevoix's Hunter Eaton

November 7, 2025

Hunter Eaton headshotHunter Eaton ♦ Charlevoix
Junior ♦ Cross Country

Eaton raced the Lower Peninsula Division 3 Final in 15 minutes, 30.8 seconds, to win the championship by three seconds at Michigan International Speedway after breaking away from a group of three contenders during the final mile. He improved from finishing ninth as a sophomore, and his individual victory paced Charlevoix to a team championship as well as Eaton and his teammates edged runner-up Lansing Catholic by seven points.

Charlevoix boys cross country has a long record of success, but its Saturday sweep updated a couple of “last time” references significantly. Eaton was the boys team’s first individual champion since 1989, and the Rayders’ team title was the program’s first since 1991. Eaton also runs track; he won the 3,200 and finished second in the 1,600 at the spring’s LPD3 Finals in that sport.

The cross country sweep carried special significance for Eaton’s entire community. The Rayders are coached by Doug Drenth, who also coaches the boys golf team, which was involved in a devastating crash April 27 while traveling during a tournament weekend. Drenth is continuing to recover after suffering life-threatening injuries, and multiple golfers also required surgeries including his son Maxwell – Charlevoix’s fourth scoring runner at MIS.  

@mhsaasports 🏃‍➡️POW: Hunter Eaton #charlevoix #crosscountry #highschoolsports #performanceoftheweek #MHSAA ♬ Bright and fun upbeat pops, Kids, Animals, Pets, Fun, Cute, Happy, Playful, Upbeat(1465232) - SAKUMAMATATA

@mhsaasports 🏃‍➡️POW: Hunter Eaton #funfacts #tiktalk #performanceoftheweek #highschoolsports #MHSAA ♬ Girly and cute synth pop - SAKUMAMATATA

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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 Twitter @mistudentaid.

Previous 2025-26 honorees

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

PHOTO Charlevoix's Hunter Eaton runs toward the finish line at the Lower Peninsula Division 3 Final at Michigan International Speedway. (Click for more from RunMichigan.com.)