In Memoriam: Ryan Fischer (1996-2014)

Students

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

March 7, 2014

Grandville senior Ryan Fischer, a three-sport athlete, straight-A student and member of the MHSAA’s Student Advisory Council, died in his sleep overnight Thursday.

Fisher was co-captain of Grandville’s ice hockey team and set to join his teammates at Compuware Arena for tonight’s Division 1 Semifinal against Detroit Catholic Central. Fischer also was to receive an MHSAA Class A Scholar-Athlete Award later this month and recently had gained acceptance to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he planned to study aerospace engineering.

“Our staff enjoyed knowing Ryan as an engaging member of the MHSAA Student Advisory Council for two years, and we grieve his loss with the entire Grandville community,” MHSAA Executive Director Jack Roberts said.

Fischer was to turn 18 on April 10.

He also served as captain of his football team this fall and had lettered in baseball. A three-year member of the hockey team, he was named to its leadership council and earned all-league honors as a junior.

Fisher held roles in a number of additional leadership initiatives. He served four years on Grandville's student government executive board and also on the school's Leadership Team and his church’s youth leadership council. Fischer was selected to attend both the U.S. Military Academy Summer Leadership Experience and the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar after his junior year.

A decision to play tonight’s hockey game as scheduled was made after conversations between Fischer’s family and Grandville’s administration.

Battle of the Fans II: Vote Now

February 19, 2013

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

The five finalists for this year's Battle of the Fans II championship have had their opportunities to show us what's exceptional about their student cheering sections.

Over the next three days, we want you to tell us which you think is most deserving of claiming this season's championship banner.

Vote today through Thursday on your favorite of these five – Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, Buchanan, Frankenmuth, Vandercook Lake and Zeeland East – by clicking the poll link on the right side of this screen.

But before you do, take a few minutes to watch all five videos and read all five stories behind the section by clicking the links below.

The contest is sponsored by the MHSAA Student Advisory Council, which will have the final vote on the champion. SAC members will use all resources available to make their decision(s) – one being the public Facebook vote. Votes will be valued proportionate to the size of the school receiving them (for example, one vote for Class C Vandercook Lake will mean more than one vote for much larger Class A Zeeland East).

The champion will be announced Friday on Second Half. Video of all five finalists will be compiled and shown on the main scoreboard during the Girls and Boys Basketball Finals in March at Michigan State's Breslin Student Events Center.

And now, the finalists, in alphabetical order:

Subway is sponsor of this season's Battle of the Fans II contest.

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Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard

Buchanan

Frankenmuth

Vandercook Lake

Zeeland East