First Pitch
October 13, 2011
In journalism world, be it at a newspaper, TV station, magazine or whatever, a reporter pitches a story. The goal: Convince the boss this is something you’ll want to see.
If you’re reading this post, chances are you’re a fan of high school sports or involved in some way. Consider this our “first pitch” to be your home for news and information on the best Michigan has to offer – and in the least, where you start your online day.
We’ve got big plans.
The first 12 years of my career were as Prep Sports Editor at the Lansing State Journal, and my favorite stories to tell have been of your successes – on the field or off, conquering small hills or mighty mountains, often expected but sometimes out of the blue.
Great stories are overflowing in high school athletics. But often, there are not enough opportunities to tell them. We hope to do so here.
“First Pitch” won’t be the name of our full version. We haven’t decided on a title yet; in fact, we’d love to hear what you’d like to name it.
But here’s what you’ll find:
- Information useful whether you’re an athlete, coach, administrator, or fan.
- Stories you’ll want to know whether they take place in your hometown or another you’ve never visited.
- Features highlighting, among many things, the best performances around the state and explaining why the MHSAA does some of the things we do.
- Additional coverage, often behind the scenes, from the MHSAA state finals.
- Our takes – with links – of the best stories written and produced by Michigan’s media corp.
- Schedules and scores for all of your varsity teams.
- MHSAA tournament information for all 28 sports we sponsor.
- And eventually, a lot more.
Over the next few months, you’ll get a taste with “First Pitch.” If you like something we’re doing, let us know. If you’d like to see something else, I’d love to hear about it.
Michigan is the 10th-largest state. There are more than 58,000 square miles of land, and by vehicle it’s 625 miles from Calumet High School near the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula to Bedford High on the southeastern border with Ohio. Nearly 10 million people live here.
We aim to make the state a little smaller.
My contact information is at the right of this screen, and my e-mail address is [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you – and telling the entire state about the great things you’re doing.
Getting Smart but Acting Foolishly
April 25, 2019
By Karissa Niehoff, NFHS Executive Director
and Mark Uyl, MHSAA Executive Director
We communicate on smart phones, drive smart cars, make purchases using smart cards and even drink smart water. But, really, how smart are we?
Between college admission and internet privacy scandals, sexual misconduct investigations, stolen trade secrets and the growing concern about how we communicate and connect with each other, technology seems to be outpacing our capacity to understand the most responsible way to use it.
In other words, how are tomorrow’s leaders being prepared to make decisions that provide the perspective, balance and strength of character that today’s advanced world needs?
The answer is by participating in high school sports like the ones offered by the high schools in Michigan.
Most researchers agree that leaders are made, not born, through relationships with others. Human interaction and life experiences enable young men and women to develop leadership characteristics such as trust, mutual respect, integrity and accountability. These are the same values that are learned as a result of playing on a high school sports team.
And while club sports often have only a singular focus (the participant’s athletic abilities), research documents that high school sports programs have an unparalleled positive effect on the physical, academic and emotional growth of teens, including a more mature level of character development.
In other words, high school sports have a more profound role to play in society today than you may realize.
The high school sports and activity programs in Michigan—including music, speech, theatre and debate—typically account for only about 1 to 3 percent of a school’s overall budget, making them one of the wisest investments your community makes. You can help by attending as many games and events as possible, donating to the booster club and volunteering to work in the concession stand.
Most of all, encourage your children to participate in as many sports and activities as they can. Because when they do, they will be joining a new generation of leaders who are both technologically smart and ethically responsible.
And that’s exactly the kind of leadership our hyper-intelligent world needs.
The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) is one of 51 members of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).