INSIDER
Saline High School forfeiting first three varsity football games due to MHSAA infractions
Read full article: Saline High School forfeiting first three varsity football games due to MHSAA infractionsSaline Area Schools announced Tuesday its high school is forfeiting its first three varsity football games in the 2024 season due to infractions with the MHSAA guidelines.
MONDAY HUDDLE: Southfield A&T ends Belleville’s 38-game winning streak in championship stunner
Read full article: MONDAY HUDDLE: Southfield A&T ends Belleville’s 38-game winning streak in championship stunner3 key takeaways from the state’s football scene -- and a glimpse at what’s to come next week.
Detroit Cass Tech captures first state boys basketball title in school history
Read full article: Detroit Cass Tech captures first state boys basketball title in school historyIt’s been a long time coming for the Technicians, whose previous best finish in school history was a runner-up finish in 1974.
MHSAA hosting high school football finals at Ford Field in Detroit
Read full article: MHSAA hosting high school football finals at Ford Field in DetroitHigh school football players will get a chance to experience what it’s like to play like the pros as the Michigan High School Athletic Association is hosting finals at Ford Field in Detroit.
MONDAY HUDDLE: Will comments after last year’s win over OSU come back to haunt U-M this year?
Read full article: MONDAY HUDDLE: Will comments after last year’s win over OSU come back to haunt U-M this year?Three key takeaways from the state’s football scene this past weekend -- and a glimpse at what’s to come next week.
MONDAY HUDDLE: Jared Goff’s performance will be biggest storyline for Lions the rest of the season
Read full article: MONDAY HUDDLE: Jared Goff’s performance will be biggest storyline for Lions the rest of the seasonThree key takeaways from the state’s football scene this past weekend -- and a glimpse at what’s to come next week.
Is this prep baseball team from Michigan REALLY country’s best? Evidence suggests yes
Read full article: Is this prep baseball team from Michigan REALLY country’s best? Evidence suggests yesWhenever any high school baseball rankings come out, it’s hard to ever see a team in those rankings not from states such as Florida, Texas, California, Arizona, Mississippi or Georgia. But for most of the year, St. Mary’s was ranked No. 1 in the country by MaxPreps.
Light of inspiration: Detroit Edison baseball team advances to state championship against all odds
Read full article: Light of inspiration: Detroit Edison baseball team advances to state championship against all oddsIt’s hard enough for any school to get to a state baseball final, let alone a school in a city where prep baseball is an afterthought. But the improbable nature of Edison’s run goes even further than that.
Pickney Olympian Jake Vedder returns, surprises snowboarders at Mt. Brighton
Read full article: Pickney Olympian Jake Vedder returns, surprises snowboarders at Mt. BrightonSnowboard Cross Olympian and Pinckney’s own Jake Vedder placed sixth in the Olympic Games. Now he is back, hoping to inspire the next generation.
Oxford Strong initiative raises more than $220,000 for shooting victims
Read full article: Oxford Strong initiative raises more than $220,000 for shooting victimsFriday (Feb. 4), schools all across the state are taking time to lift up the Oxford Community. They’re doing it by asking students, parents, and staff to wear Oxford Strong t-shirts, with 80% of the proceeds going directly to Oxford High School.
Rockford woman 1 of 8 American officials selected for Winter Olympics women’s hockey tournament
Read full article: Rockford woman 1 of 8 American officials selected for Winter Olympics women’s hockey tournamentMany people working the Winter Games are achieving life-long goals, including a hockey official from Rockford, Michigan, who will be calling the Women’s Hockey Games.
Michigan athletics programs rally support, raise money for Oxford shooting victims, families
Read full article: Michigan athletics programs rally support, raise money for Oxford shooting victims, familiesAthletics programs from across Michigan are coming together to pay tribute to the Oxford community and help victims of the high school shooting.
Monday huddle: Will the Big House be overtaken by Ohio State fans?
Read full article: Monday huddle: Will the Big House be overtaken by Ohio State fans?Huddle up! Here’s a look back at this weekend on the gridiron, with three key takeaways from the state’s football scene -- and a glimpse at what’s to come next week.
Profanity at finish disqualifies 2nd place Michigan runner in high school race
Read full article: Profanity at finish disqualifies 2nd place Michigan runner in high school raceA Michigan high school runner who finished second in a state championship race was disqualified for expressing four-letter words of joy as he crossed the finish line.
Monday huddle: MSU exceeds all expectations with 7-0 start, but that comes with a price
Read full article: Monday huddle: MSU exceeds all expectations with 7-0 start, but that comes with a priceIt’s hard to argue that Mel Tucker has done a tremendous job in guiding Michigan State to a 7-0 start, but it’s equally hard to argue that such success usually comes at a price.
Northern Michigan high school soccer game sparks sportsmanship discussion
Read full article: Northern Michigan high school soccer game sparks sportsmanship discussionThere’s a new high school soccer scoring record in Michigan. A senior playing for Benzie Central High School scored 16 goals in a game that was stopped at halftime with the score being 17-0 against Kingsley High School.
Michigan high school coaches train to spot, help athletes with mental health struggles
Read full article: Michigan high school coaches train to spot, help athletes with mental health strugglesMental health in athletes has been an issue the Michigan High School Athletic Association has been focusing on for years.
Romulus Summit Academy North athletic director named MHSAA assistant director
Read full article: Romulus Summit Academy North athletic director named MHSAA assistant directorWilliam McKoy, a district athletic director and conference president, has been named to a assistant director’s position with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), according to a press release from the association.
Michigan’s first transgender teacher of the year speaks out on bill targeting transgender student athletes
Read full article: Michigan’s first transgender teacher of the year speaks out on bill targeting transgender student athletesThe bill is also opposed by the Michigan High School Athletic Association, which called it unneccessary.
New mandate calls for increased COVID testing of Michigan student athletes
Read full article: New mandate calls for increased COVID testing of Michigan student athletesDETROIT – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is mandating COVID-19 testing for student athletes. The health department believes the latest spike in coronavirus cases might be related to the reopening of high school sports. READ: Michigan increases outdoor stadium capacity, requires COVID testing for youth sportsSchool districts and the Michigan High School Athletic Association said the changes aren’t ideal, but they will do what they have to get to sports up and running again. The mandate for testing of student athletes sent a shockwave through the sports community statewide. Initially believed to require daily testing, further clarification put the testing on a weekly basis.
MHSAA announces sites, schedule details for Michigan winter indoor sports finals
Read full article: MHSAA announces sites, schedule details for Michigan winter indoor sports finalsThe Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced on Wednesday, March 10, the sites for indoor winter sports championship rounds. The Competitive Cheer Finals will move to Breslin Center to allow more fans to attend compared to other venues that were being considered. Girls BasketballWhere: Division 1 and 3 Semifinals at Breslin Center in East Lansing. All four Finals will be played at Breslin Center. All four Finals will be played at Breslin Center.
MHSAA revises format, finals site for 2021 Michigan high school wrestling tournaments
Read full article: MHSAA revises format, finals site for 2021 Michigan high school wrestling tournamentsThe Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced Tuesday, March 2, that it has revised its 2021 Wrestling Tournaments. The MHSAA also has selected Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo as this year’s host site for the Teams Finals on March 30 and Individual Finals to be wrestled April 2-3. AdTeam Wrestling: Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Finals will be wrestled Tuesday, March 30 at Wings Event Center, with all rounds over one day instead of the traditional two. Both arenas within Wings Event Center will be used each day – one for each division – with all rounds including championship matches wrestled in that specific area. Divisions 3 and 1 will compete in the Arena, and Divisions 2 and 4 will compete in the Valley.
MHSAA: Michigan high school spring sports can start practice March 22, compete March 26
Read full article: MHSAA: Michigan high school spring sports can start practice March 22, compete March 26Michigan high school spring sports programs can begin practice on March 22 and competition on March 26, the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced Monday. This is a delay of one week to the start of spring practices and competitions, the MHSAA said. Moreover, MHSAA said 74 percent of its member high schools favored a delay in springs sports activity for at least a week. The entire Michigan high school spring sports season was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19. However, the MHSAA Council said it approved an allowance for spring teams to meet for voluntary practices over 16 contact days this past September and October.
Here are the rules for concession stands at Michigan high school sporting events
Read full article: Here are the rules for concession stands at Michigan high school sporting eventsThe Michigan High School Athletic Association has clarified its rules for concession stands at high school sporting events. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced last week that youth contact sports would be allowed to return this week. Under the current MDHHS order, food and beverages are permitted only where people can be separated by at least six feet. MHSAA is following the same rules for concession stands at Michigan high school sporting events. Any concession stand that can comply with those MDHHS orders is allowed to open during competition.
Here are the spectator limits for Michigan high school basketball, hockey, wrestling, cheer
Read full article: Here are the spectator limits for Michigan high school basketball, hockey, wrestling, cheerThe Michigan High School Athletic Association revealed its rules for spectators at high school basketball, hockey, wrestling and cheer competitions. In facilities with fixed seating of more than 10,000 people, the maximum number of spectators allowed is 500. In facilities with fixed seating of under 10,000 people, the maximum number of spectators allowed is 250. If a facility has no fixed seating, such as an ice rink with out bleachers, the maximum number of spectators allowed is 100. Sideline cheerleaders, dance team members, pompon squads, pep bands and any other non-competing organization that attends a game must be counted toward the total number of spectators, MHSAA announced.
Michigan high school basketball, hockey players have to wear masks during games
Read full article: Michigan high school basketball, hockey players have to wear masks during gamesMichigan high school basketball and ice hockey players will be required to wear masks at all times, even during games. Competitive cheer participants will have to wear masks during meets, as well. School districts have the right to only hire game officials who wear masks at all times, regardless of medical exceptions, MHSAA announced. Competitive cheer has been deemed a non-contact sport, but all participants still have to wear masks under the same rules outlined above. Michigan high school wrestlers must produce a negative rapid antigen test the day before or the day of each meet or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of competition.
Hearing today on Michigan high school winter sports ban
Read full article: Hearing today on Michigan high school winter sports banThe battle over whether high school winter sports should resume amid the coronavirus pandemic continues in Michigan. AdRead more: Lawsuit suggests stoppage in Michigan high school sports may have led to teen’s deathTheir lawsuit is asking a judge to grant an injunction, sending high school athletes back into action, not just practice. The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) went against the state, even going as far as stating they believe COVID spread is not happening or is very low in high school sports right now. Let Them Play, Inc. had been threatening their lawsuit unless winter high school sports were resumed by Monday, Feb. 1, the same say the MHSAA says winter contact sports started in 38 other states. Whitmer encourages Michigan public schools to reopen for in-person learning by March 1Jan. 9: Michigan high school football playoffs resume after 2 month COVID break
Local 4 News at Noon -- Jan. 29, 2021
Read full article: Local 4 News at Noon -- Jan. 29, 2021DETROIT – Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at Noon. Will sports resume? MHSAA clashes with MDHHS over winter contact sports banThey are asking for the state to resume practice and competition in the four main contact sports sooner than the Feb. 21 deadline.
Detroit schools superintendent urges Whitmer to resume high school contact sports
Read full article: Detroit schools superintendent urges Whitmer to resume high school contact sportsDr. Nikolai Vitti started the letter by clarifying that he supports Whitmer, but he has grown frustrated by a lack of clarity about when winter contact sports can resume. He said there are continuing and legitimate fears about COVID-19 in the Detroit community, but 31 female and male high school coaches want to play basketball. “The continuing suspension of winter ‘contact’ sports contradicts the message that it is safe to return to in-person learning,” Vitti wrote. “Please do not let this frustration reach the level of a lawsuit against you and the state,” Vitti cautioned. “Coaches, student-athletes and their parents are in conversation with attorneys.”Mental health, physical well-being and scholarship opportunities are being affected, he said.
Oak Park, Warren De La Salle shine in new COVID high school football playoffs
Read full article: Oak Park, Warren De La Salle shine in new COVID high school football playoffsThe 2020-21 school year has been a unique one for football players, whose shortened season started, then stopped and then started again. To make up for the odd year, the Michigan High School Athletic Association allowed every team to make the playoffs. The Oak Park Knights weren’t expected to make it to playoffs, but the team is two wins away from a state title. “It’s a great feeling, for real, to come back and be able to help the team,” Rayshawn said. The De La Salle Pilots, had a 2-4 regular season team peaking at the right time.
Michigan high school football playoffs resume after 2 month COVID break
Read full article: Michigan high school football playoffs resume after 2 month COVID breakBELLEVILLE, Mich. – High school football playoffs started back up again Saturday after players were sidelined for weeks because of coronavirus. High school football in January hasn’t happened in Michigan before, but the 2020-21 school year has been a unique year. Jan. 9, 2021: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 519,082; Death toll now at 13,354Belleville faced Detroit Cass Tech nearly two months after the game was supposed to originally happen. “Today’s a great day for football,” said Cass Tech head coach Thomas Wilcher. The hope is every coach, player, referee and school staff member gets through these playoffs safely and the MHSAA crowns a champion.
New COVID-19 testing program to help Michigan high school sports resume safely
Read full article: New COVID-19 testing program to help Michigan high school sports resume safelyTrying to figure out how to complete the fall sports season amid the coronavirus pandemic has proven difficult for Michigan high schools. However, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) believes it can be done safely through a new, pilot rapid testing program. “An opportunity came along to partner with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). The tests are antigen rapid tests provided by MDHHS. Detroit Catholic Central High School’s football team is still in the playoffs, and Athletic Director Aaron Babicz said they have a tentative plan.
Michigan high school sports practices suspended for COVID-19 testing
Read full article: Michigan high school sports practices suspended for COVID-19 testingLANSING, Mich. – The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced on Tuesday that it will suspend practices for football, volleyball and girls swimming and diving immediately after receiving requirements for the state’s pilot rapid testing program. “The MHSAA also is working to update dates of competition to better reflect the testing schedule. The MDHHS will conduct webinars on Dec. 28 and 29 to train school personnel who will be involved in the testing process. Team practices could resume as early as Dec. 30 once the first tests have been administered. If schools are delayed in the start of testing, they may begin practice once individuals have had one negative test.
Michigan high school football, volleyball, swimming and diving tournaments to resume
Read full article: Michigan high school football, volleyball, swimming and diving tournaments to resumeThe Michigan high school football, girls volleyball and girls swimming and diving tournaments will resume early next month, state officials announced. The Michigan High School Athletic Association announced teams can return to practice Monday (Dec. 21) as part of the state’s pilot rapid testing program. FootballMichigan’s high school football playoffs will resume Jan. 2, with regional finals for 11-player teams and semifinals for 8-player teams. READ: Michigan high school football tournament to resume next month -- here is the scheduleThe 8-player championship games in both divisions and all 11-player semifinal games will be played the following Saturday (Jan. 9). Girls swimming and divingThe girls swimming and diving finals will return with its three Lower Peninsula Finals completed during the weekend of Jan. 15-16, with one division at each of three locations.
Michigan high school football tournament to resume next month -- here is the schedule
Read full article: Michigan high school football tournament to resume next month -- here is the schedule(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)The Michigan high school football tournament will resume next month after being shut down due to COVID-19 restrictions. READ: Michigan high school football, volleyball, swimming and diving tournaments to resumeThe Michigan High School Athletic Association announced teams can return to practice Monday (Dec. 21) as part of the state’s pilot rapid testing program. Michigan’s high school football playoffs will resume Jan. 2, with regional finals for 11-player teams and semifinals for 8-player teams. The 8-player championship games in both divisions and all 11-player semifinal games will be played the following Saturday (Jan. 9). Semifinal games in all 11- and 8-player divisions will be played at home sites.
Michigan high school athletes, coaches anxious for game plan from state amid COVID restrictions
Read full article: Michigan high school athletes, coaches anxious for game plan from state amid COVID restrictionsMichigan’s “three-week pause” is set to expire on Dec. 8, meaning fall high school sports could wrap up and make way for winter sports. High school coaches and teams are eager to get back to playing -- especially at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School, where the football team was three wins away from a state title. The Michigan High School Athletics Association (MHSAA) recently released dates for regionals, semi finals and final competitions, and the MLK Crusaders are ready to compete. But coaches say that if restrictions affecting high school sports are extended further than Dec. 8, fall teams likely won’t be able to finish their seasons this year. “... for us at Martin Luther King, (we’d) have to move on to 2021.”As for high school winter sports, wresting hasn’t yet begun.
Marian Mustangs volleyball team returns to virtual training after high school sports put on hold
Read full article: Marian Mustangs volleyball team returns to virtual training after high school sports put on holdBLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. – Many student-athletes are disappointed with the new COVID-19 restrictions, especially the Marian Mustang volleyball team. READ: Here are 14 changes going into effect under Michigan’s new COVID-19 restrictionsThey thought they might play the quarterfinal round on Tuesday night, but the decision was made by the Michigan High School Athletic Association to suspend all tournaments immediately. Watch the video above for the full reportMichigan high school sports put on hold as part of new COVID-19 restrictionsHigh School volleyball, swimming and football have all been put on hold in hopes of slowing the spread of COVID-19. High school football teams were just three wins away from becoming state champions, but the games are now in question as COVID-19 restrictions postpone the season. “I think this is much different than where we were at last March and April,” Michigan High School Athletic Association Executive Director Mark Uyl said.
Michigan high school sports put on hold as part of new COVID-19 restrictions
Read full article: Michigan high school sports put on hold as part of new COVID-19 restrictionsDETROIT – High School volleyball, swimming and football have all been put on hold in hopes of slowing the spread of COVID-19. High school football teams were just three wins away from becoming state champions, but the games are now in question as COVID-19 restrictions postpone the season. READ: Tracking coronavirus cases, outbreaks in Michigan schools“I think this is much different than where we were at last March and April,” Michigan High School Athletic Association Executive Director Mark Uyl said. But I also have to step back and look at the bigger picture,” Saline High School Head football coach Joe Palka said. You know, I don’t know how good it looks for, you know, high school athletics to just continue down that road when everybody else is sacrificing like crazy.
Michigan high school sports now suspended under new state COVID order
Read full article: Michigan high school sports now suspended under new state COVID orderThe Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has suspended its fall tournaments in response to a new public health order issued by state health officials on Sunday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued the restrictions Sunday evening, and Michigan Gov. “We understand the need for action, and we will explore all options to complete our Fall tournaments when restrictions are lifted," reads a statement from Uyl. However, now all high schools in the state of Michigan cannot offer in-person classes under the order. At an event with 100 people, risk levels in pretty much every Michigan county surpasses 80%, including some at 99%, like Kent and Calhoun counties.
Michigan high school athletes adapt to COVID policies in preparation for winter season amid rising cases
Read full article: Michigan high school athletes adapt to COVID policies in preparation for winter season amid rising casesGROSSE POINTE, Mich. – As COVID-19 cases rise throughout Michigan, high school sports teams must adapt to new policies and procedures. At Grosse Pointe South, the varsity girl’s basketball team has begun practicing for the winter season. Other high school winter sports are required to wear masks 100 percent of the time, like wrestling and competitive cheerleading. Geoff Kimmerly, a member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) says the decision to play winter sports is left to each individual school district. Related: MHSAA confirms winter high school sports in Michigan will start on time
From strangers to friends: How this selfless act near the finish line of a race was bigger than a win
Read full article: From strangers to friends: How this selfless act near the finish line of a race was bigger than a winMaggie Duba didn’t know who she was, but all she could see was another competitor on the ground, coughing, moaning, and in need of paramedics. As she was headed toward the finish line, Duba noticed that Storey “didn’t have anything left” and was hunched over on the ground. Beth Storey also found Noreen Duba’s number and called to thank her on Friday, and let her know Sarah Storey was OK. “The help of a stranger at the time who became a friend -- it was an amazing thing,” Beth Storey said. No doubt, the two strangers who didn’t know each other before Friday are looking forward to running future races together as friends.
MHSAA confirms winter high school sports in Michigan will start on time
Read full article: MHSAA confirms winter high school sports in Michigan will start on timeOfficials from the Michigan High School Athletic Association have confirmed winter sports in the state will begin on time, with guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19. Previously:The Representative Council of the MHSAA confirmed during its meeting Thursday (Oct. 22) that 2020-21 winter sports will begin on time. Most high school sports traditionally begin practice the first three weeks of November, with games starting in mid-November and the first weeks of December. Start dates for middle school winter sports seasons are determined by local leagues and conferences. A number of precautions have been put in place, including for competition limits, numbers of spectators allowed and face coverings.
Female kicker scores game-winning point for Bloomfield Hills BlackHawks
Read full article: Female kicker scores game-winning point for Bloomfield Hills BlackHawksBLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. – When it came down to the wire, one Bloomfield Hills High School student scored the winning point in a once-in-a-lifetime football game Friday night. Sara Huston is the president of the math club, a member of the National Honor Society and has a 4.0 GPA -- she also happens to be the kicker for the Bloomfield Hills BlackHawks. Berkley scored first in overtime but Bloomfield Hills blocked the extra point. The 17-year-old is only the third female kicker for the BlackHawks in history. “It’s the best football moment I’ve had my entire career.”Related: Detroit Lions defeat Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field
MHSAA: Coronavirus guidelines for high school sports persist amid emergency order uncertainty in Michigan
Read full article: MHSAA: Coronavirus guidelines for high school sports persist amid emergency order uncertainty in MichiganMHSAA face mask requirementsOfficials say that face mask requirements will remain the same for athletes and other participating individuals for the time being. MHSAA face covering requirements were initially established on Sept. 10. MHSAA crowd capacity limitationsThe MHSAA announced capacity limits for athletic spectators on Sept. 30. Capacity limitations vary based on the venue’s seating capacity and if the sporting event is indoors or outdoors. Emergency coronavirus order confusionThe MHSAA provided an update Tuesday following the Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling against Whitmer and her emergency powers.
VIEW: MHSAA’s new 2020 football playoffs format
Read full article: VIEW: MHSAA’s new 2020 football playoffs formatThe Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) is announcing changes to the 2020 high school football postseason. All Michigan high schools football teams this season are able to play up to six regular-season games before the start of the MHSAA Playoffs. That’s down from the usual nine games because the first games this season weren’t played until the traditional Week 4. Here’s the adjusted MHSAA Football Playoffs in each format:11-player footballField: 512 teams -- There are currently 507 playing 11-player football this season, so five teams are scheduled to receive first-round byes at this time. Schedule: 3 District Rounds, Regional Finals, Semifinals, Finals.
Expect the fall sports season in Michigan to look a lot different
Read full article: Expect the fall sports season in Michigan to look a lot differentGretchen Whitmer came out about organized sports, the kids were back on the field. The kids were calling me excited, so excited saying, Were back, said Denby assistant coach Zach Carr. Detroit Public Schools and Consolidated District (DPSCD) Superintendent Nikolai Vitti has been pushing for fall sports to resume. I think it means everything to these kids, said Central assistant coach Damon Turner. Central head coach Jimmie Macon said small attendance isnt an issue, but what organized sports provide the children is.
MHSAA reinstates fall football, other high school sports in Michigan
Read full article: MHSAA reinstates fall football, other high school sports in MichiganThe Michigan High School Athletic Association has reinstated fall football and other high school sports in the state of Michigan following Gov. MHSAA officials announced Thursday that the fall 2020 football season has been reinstated by its Representative Council. On Aug 14, the fall 2020 football season was postponed to spring 2021, but Thursdays vote allows for a shortened season this fall. However, the MHSAA will conduct its postseason events in those four sports only for the fall 2020 season, officials said. All football teams in 11- and eight-player football will qualify for the playoffs during the shortened season.
MHSAA: Fall football up to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Read full article: MHSAA: Fall football up to Michigan Gov. Gretchen WhitmerLIVONIA, Mich. Another coronavirus (COVID-19) reversal could be coming for some fall sports, including football. After moving football to spring, the Michigan High School Athletic Association is doing an about face. READ: Michigan High School Athletic Association cancels fall football season due to coronavirusThere are 33 other states offering high school sports. Tim Napiers son plays at Livonia Franklin, he sides with the 60 percent of high schools that told the MHSAA that they did want to play this fall. Whitmer to reinstate high school footballIf fall season does start, schools will have the choice to play in the spring.
Detroit public schools superintendent asks Michigan Gov. Whitmer to reinstate high school football
Read full article: Detroit public schools superintendent asks Michigan Gov. Whitmer to reinstate high school footballDETROIT The superintendent of Detroit public schools sent a letter to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, asking her to reinstate a fall high school football season across the state. Nikolai Vitti, superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, addressed the letter to Whitmer and the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Officials said at the time that they hope the season can be played this spring. Factually, nothing changed from a players health perspective or risk analysis from strongly stating football would be played to it being postponed.Vitti said he believes politics were involved in the decision to cancel football.
Michigan High School Athletic Association cancels fall football season due to coronavirus
Read full article: Michigan High School Athletic Association cancels fall football season due to coronavirusWEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. Programs across the state knew it was a possibility, but as of Friday, its official: There will be no football season for Michigan schools. Im not only here speaking to you as the Director of the MHSAA, but as the parent of a senior football player, Mark Uyl said. We have done everything possible to find that pathway forward for our football kids this fall and we simply ran out of time with the evidence to be able to do that safely.For top high school programs, this is a blow. West Bloomfield High School Head Coach Ron Bellamy delivered the news during practice on Friday. My biggest worry is the academic side of things, football, sports in general makes a student more focused because they are scheduled.
Michigan high school football postponed until spring due to virus
Read full article: Michigan high school football postponed until spring due to virusEAST LANSING, Mich. The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced Friday that the fall football season has been moved to the spring amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The association elected to postpone the 2020 football season due to a high risk for COVID-19 spread among athletes. Officials say football is specifically considered a high-risk sport due to the level of player-to-player contact.At the end of the day, we did everything we could to find a path forward for football this fall, MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. Officials say volleyball and soccer are considered moderate-risk for the spread of COVID-19. The MHSAAs football postponement comes after a number of college-level conferences have announced cancelations of fall sports competitions due to COVID-19.
Michigan high school sports council approves phased-in plan for fall sports
Read full article: Michigan high school sports council approves phased-in plan for fall sportsDETROIT Fall sports for high schools in Michigan will begin with a phased-in approach, due to COVID-19, MHSAA announced on Wednesday. The Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association approved the next steps in returning sports for member schools, adopting a plan to phase in competition for fall sports in hopes of continuing to deter the spread of COVID-19. However, moderate and high-risk sports football, girls volleyball and boys soccer may begin practice but not competition. Football will delay the start of practice with full player pads and equipment until Monday, Aug. 17. The Council chose to make these adjustments to help ensure our athletes have a safe regular season this fall.
MHSAA provides fall sports update, announces phased-in plan
Read full article: MHSAA provides fall sports update, announces phased-in planFinalized the fall sports guidance documents for the safe return to activity. This guidance includes general information along with sport-specific directives for students, coaches, staff, officials and media members. The concept is fall competition will take place as locally as possible with no large-scale events, invitationals or tournaments. See the fall sport-specific guidance documents for these limits. Allowed all low-risk sports to begin practice and competition as scheduled on August 12.
Fall high school sports to begin as normal in Michigan, with COVID-19 backup plans
Read full article: Fall high school sports to begin as normal in Michigan, with COVID-19 backup plansDETROIT Fall high school sports in Michigan are set to begin as normal, but there will be contingency plans in place for possible coronavirus (COVID-19) interruptions. High school football practices are currently scheduled to begin Aug. 10. If fall sports have to be suspended, theyll be rescheduled using a reconfigured calendar that could include winter sports starting in November and fall and spring seasons extending into July 2021, according to the MHSAA. The association also considered swapping traditional fall and spring sports seasons but determined that wasnt a feasible plan. Our plan moving forward is Fall in the Fall, starting on time.
Michigan High School Athletic Association announces fall sports will begin on schedule
Read full article: Michigan High School Athletic Association announces fall sports will begin on scheduleNOVI, Mich. The Michigan High School Athletic Association decided fall sports will be played as normal, not moved to spring as had been considered. In Novi, high school students from all over the region are playing in tournaments. READ: Heres how 25 sports have been divided into high, moderate, low COVID-19 risk categoriesA mother of one of the players is a nurse and she said she is comfortable with her son playing baseball. Especially considering how some districts have already pulled the plug on in-school classes this fall. READ MORE: Fall high school sports to begin as normal in Michigan, with COVID-19 backup plans
5-star recruit Emoni Bates of Ypsilanti Lincoln commits to Michigan State
Read full article: 5-star recruit Emoni Bates of Ypsilanti Lincoln commits to Michigan StateYPSILANTI, Mich. Emoni Bates, a forward for Ypsilanti Lincoln High School and the top player in the class of 2022 has verbally committed to Michigan State as of now. He stressed as of now due to the ever-changing rules of eligibility for players to go to the NBA right out of high school, options to go to the G League or even the chance to play professionally overseas. As a high school freshman, Bates led Lincoln High to its first state championship, then led it to a 19-3 record and a spot in the District 18 state tournament final against Ann Arbor Huron. Bates also announced his plans to attend a prep school ran by his father for his last two years of high school. They plan on playing a national schedule against the best high school teams in the country.
Michigan Youth Soccer Association releases new guidelines in response to COVID-19 pandemic
Read full article: Michigan Youth Soccer Association releases new guidelines in response to COVID-19 pandemicWATERFORD, Mich. The Michigan Youth Soccer Association made it clear that they wont do anything yet, but when Michigan does reopen theyll be ready. They titled it, charting the path forward, and they are specific to each phase of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmers reopening plan. Once Michigan is in phase four and beyond, and training is permitted, those attending will still have to follow some rules. Competition is not yet allowed because participants must continue to follow social distancing.
MHSAA suspends all winter tournaments due to coronavirus
Read full article: MHSAA suspends all winter tournaments due to coronavirusDETROIT – The Michigan High School Athletic Association is suspending all activities due to coronavirus. “All MHSAA winter tournaments are suspended, effective immediately and indefinitely due to concerns related to COVID-19. The decision comes as many schools are preparing for possible coronavirus cases, including training for online class and extensive cleaning programs. Michigan confirmed its first two cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday night, both in Metro Detroit. Related: Tracking Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19): Cases being monitored, test results pending
SPOTLIGHT: Special needs students now have their own basketball tournament
Read full article: SPOTLIGHT: Special needs students now have their own basketball tournamentThe first of its kind in Michigan, a 10-team basketball tournament for special needs high school students was held at Novi High School this past Friday. 4Frenzy - KLAA Unified Basketball Tournament at Novi High SchoolThis joint effort makes the Unified basketball games just as thrilling and rewarding for the players as it is at a varsity high school basketball tournament. There are winners (congratulations to Brighton High School’s Unified team for winning the tournament!) In fact, this past Saturday the Oakland Activities Association had their own version of a unified basketball event for the first time. This Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) Unified Tournament was begun last year in conjunction with MHSAA and Special Olympics Michigan.
SPOTLIGHT: Shrine Catholic’s Ellie Kendell Gets Fan Choice Award
Read full article: SPOTLIGHT: Shrine Catholic’s Ellie Kendell Gets Fan Choice AwardFavorite food is chicken tendersShrine Catholic High School – 17-year-old Ellie Kendell is the latest featured winner of Local 4′s 4Frenzy Fall Fan Choice Awards. “What made me love [cross country] is the feeling of accomplishment when all the work I put in pays off in the race,” she says. Ellie feels that cross country has impacted her life in many ways over the years. “Without cross country I wouldn’t have found my passion for running," she says. “We stick by each other through our wins and losses which makes the team really special.”Since being a member of the cross country team, Ellie has won many accolades, including All-State Academic for division 4 during her sophomore and junior year.
MONDAY HUDDLE: Forget hot seat, Bob Quinn shouldn’t have any seat
Read full article: MONDAY HUDDLE: Forget hot seat, Bob Quinn shouldn’t have any seatThe Lions landed on Quinn, who seemed like a bright young executive within the Patriots organization. But four years later, it’s clear it’s not working and Quinn is the person most to blame. The first question is determining which players will want to compete in the bowl game, or sit out and get ready for the NFL Draft knowing it won’t be a major bowl. Mona Shores won its first state title in school history over a Martin Luther King team looking for its fourth title in five years. In the lowest-scoring game of the weekend, Catholic Central won its first state title since 2014.
SPOTLIGHT: Shrine Catholic Soccer Player Scores a Fall Fan Choice Award
Read full article: SPOTLIGHT: Shrine Catholic Soccer Player Scores a Fall Fan Choice AwardPlays basketballPlays soccerRuns trackShrine Catholic High School – It was formally announced on Local 4 News that Ben Plunkey was the favorite junior on his soccer team for the 4Frenzy Fall Fan Choice Awards. The 16-year-old told us why he believes he earned the award, “I get along with everyone and am a good teammate on the field as well.”Ben says that he started playing soccer around the age of six. “We have good chemistry and my teammates are fun to be around every day at practice or in games,” he says. Shrine Catholic's Soccer team (2019)Along with his passion for soccer, his skills on the field have grown as well, allowing him to win many other acknowledgments and accolades. To wrap things up, we asked Ben one final question: What advice would you want to share with aspiring high school soccer players?
SPOTLIGHT: Shrine Catholic’s Favorite Sophomore Nets a Fan Choice Award
Read full article: SPOTLIGHT: Shrine Catholic’s Favorite Sophomore Nets a Fan Choice AwardStraight-A studentOwns two dogsPlayed every position in soccerAlso plays baseballShrine Catholic High School – For this year’s Local 4 Fall Fan Choice Awards, Kevin Wright is the winner for Favorite Sophomore. The Outside mid player believes that the reason he was chosen for the awards is that he’s a great friend and teammate. “I was also the highest scoring sophomore on the team this year.”One of Wright’s biggest inspiration is Robert Lewandowski. Wright says Lewandowski is his favorite player because he admires the way he plays. “I’m not sure if I will continue playing competitively in college, but I know I’ll always continue playing soccer for fun,” he says.
MONDAY HUDDLE: Can U-M recreate magic of ’69 against OSU?
Read full article: MONDAY HUDDLE: Can U-M recreate magic of ’69 against OSU?It will be an underdog Michigan team at home looking to beat an Ohio State team that is No. The Big Ten title is not at stake, as Ohio State has already clinched the East division title and a spot in the conference title game in Indianapolis. But after losing eight straight and 14 of 15 to the Buckeyes, just beating Ohio State would feel like a championship for the Wolverines. Michigan State on track for Quick Lane BowlMichigan State finally won a football game after nearly two months, although it came against lowly Rutgers. pic.twitter.com/ovc2SLiBUk — Brandon Folsom (@folsombrandonj) November 23, 2019Matchups for state finals at Ford Field all setHere is the schedule for this weekend’s prep state football finals at Ford Field.
MONDAY HUDDLE: Matthew Stafford’s injury could alter course of Lions franchise
Read full article: MONDAY HUDDLE: Matthew Stafford’s injury could alter course of Lions franchiseSubdued buzz for MSU-UMSadly, this will probably be one of the least anticipated Michigan vs. Michigan State games in the history of the rivalry when the teams clash on Saturday in Ann Arbor. But the Illinois defeat and the nightmarish season MSU has had indicates that not even upsetting the Wolverines will reverse the downward course the program is on. 14 Grand Valley State played at No. Ferris State prevailed, 21-16, to clinch the outright GLIAC title and beat Grand Valley State for the fourth straight year. Ferris State, which advanced to the Division II national title game last year, is 10-0 heading into postseason play while Grand Valley State is 8-2.
MONDAY HUDDLE: Surprising upsets highlight first round of prep football playoffs
Read full article: MONDAY HUDDLE: Surprising upsets highlight first round of prep football playoffsPrep football playoff brackets already shaken upWho could have seen all this coming in the first round of the state high school football playoffs? This year’s first round will likely always be remembered for the number of stunning upsets that took place this past weekend. Oak Park, one of the favorites in Division 2 that was littered with future college players, lost to Farmington, 12-6. The only division still with a chance of a repeat champion is Division 8, where Reading is still playing. Qualifying for a bowl and playing for a title in November is terrific turnaround for a CMU program that won one game last year.