C & G Newspapers Sports Update

Another helping from "Special K"

2010-06-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

Keeping in pace with my Alexi Lalas story and blog (see below, "Talking futbol with Alexi Lalas), I’d be remiss to leave out some extra tidbits from my interview with Gregory Kelser that didn’t make it into the story about his expanding basketball camp.

Kelser, the former Michigan State basketball star and current Pistons TV broadcaster, was also very kind to not only have a lengthy chat with me, but especially to do so in person.

So here’s a few extra items from the local hoops legend from our sit-down interview a few weeks ago.

First and foremost, Kelser described why he enjoys putting on youth basketball camps so much, to the point that he’s expanding them from West Bloomfield to Grosse Pointe.

“It’s great. It’s gratifying to see youngsters come in, … see them improving,” Kelser said. “That’s the thing we hope for — that they’ll be better on Friday at the end of camp than they were on Monday. Hopefully, they will have learned something that they can take and continue to develop, as far as basketball is concerned.

“But we also hope we change some attitudes and some mindsets, too,” he continued. “We’ve planted some seeds that will cause them to maybe want to do things differently, to help their own personal growth, on the court and off the court — educationally. It’s always a little bit melancholy when it’s time to let them go.

“One of the biggest thrills I get is when I have youngsters, later on — now adults — tell me that they attended my basketball camps,” Kelser said. “And it’s always interesting to have them come up to me and say: ‘I remember this, you said that, and it had impact. I just want to thank you.’ I get that a lot.”

Now on to the fun extras. I spoke with Kelser during the NBA Conference finals. Back then, he had these thoughts on the eventual champion L.A. Lakers and the runner-up Boston Celtics.

“I’m surprised to see Boston play as well as they played, after an inconsistent regular season,” he said. “It’s a testament to the championship spirit of veteran ball players.
The Lakers look as good as they have ever looked, looking to be a factor in the championship quest.”

The where-will-LeBron James-go? saga was just as big then as it is now, while I’m writing this, so I asked Kelser his thoughts on where the superstar will end up.

“I’ve always felt that he would stay in Cleveland, but now when you hear all this talk that he’s interested in Miami, Chicago — New York, of course — I’m not so sure where he’s going to end up.

“It’s not about money with him, because he’s going to make his greatest fortune off the floor anyway. So he can be anywhere and do well financially. I think for him, it’s just a matter of where he feels his best chance to win a championship might be.

“If he wants to be compared to the greatest of all time, those players got to their initial teams, stayed there and made them champions. Bill Russell with his 11 championships in one city, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson with his five in one city, Jordan with his six in one city. Kobe now with the Lakers (up to five after the recent finals win over Boston), Tim Duncan … all these guys stayed and got it done there.

“One thing, if LeBron were to go and hook up with Dwayne Wade in Miami, than it’s not so much his team and his championship. He had to leave to try and find it, as opposed to making it happen where he was drafted. That’s the only difference that I would see.

“I envision him winning championships before his career is over, it’s just a matter of where I guess.”

Onto the current state of the Pistons, largely in flux with the upcoming NBA Draft (June 24) and impending free agency period (begins July 1).

“I have a lot of faith in Joe Dumars, because he’s done this before. This team is in similar position as the 2000-01 team that it won 32 games and looked to be nowhere close to the playoffs. Then they hired Rick Carlisle, win 50 games and get to the second round of the playoffs. Next year, they win 50 more and get to the conference finals, and then the championship after that.

“So that was a quick turnaround. I’m envisioning that they can possibly have another one. I think the key thing will be the two or three players that Joe is able to add. That was the recipe back then. So you had the pieces in place, you just had to augment the roster with some veterans and some youth, and they did that. And they’ll try and do the same thing this time, through the draft with the youth, free agency with the experience and trades as well.

“So I’m looking for them to be back in the playoff picture. I don’t see this as being a lengthy project.”

Finally, I asked Kelser about how proud he was of his Spartans men’s basketball team’s recent run of success and what his plans were had they made it to the final this past season. Mind you, this took place before Tom Izzo’s courting by the Cavaliers.

“I’m so thrilled to see them getting there; Tom Izzo is a genius. Even with the odds they faced, playing without Kalin Lucas, some of the other guys injured, they got there. It’s very exciting, heartbreaking at the end. I was in Atlanta when the Spartans lost to Butler doing a Pistons game. I had a little monitor to the side. It took all of my professionalism to get through my game — all that I could muster to maintain my upbeat demeanor to finish my game after watching the Spartans lose. I would have been in Indianapolis had it not been for my Pistons responsibility.”

Talking futbol with Alexi Lalas

2010-06-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking with former American soccer star and current ESPN analyst Alexi Lalas.

I say “privilege,” because growing up as a soccer player and fan in the area myself, it was pretty cool to talk with the Birmingham native and Cranbrook graduate.

But the experience was made all the more memorable thanks to Lalas talking to me at length about a wide range of soccer topics — something, unfortunately, uncommon these days when dealing with any level of celebrity.

We spoke so much that some of his comments didn’t even make it to the published story, so I’ve included them here, along with some additional stuff from a conversation I had with Lalas’ high school coach at Cranbrook — Charles T. Shaw.

With the FIFA 2010 World Cup well under way, and Lalas earning his pay with ESPN in South Africa, I thought this nugget was appropriate.

I asked him about attempting to appear unbiased as an analyst when talking about the U.S. squad.

He responded that he had “no problem saying ‘we.’”

“I think it’s important for people to know — especially given my background — it is my team, but I have to be objective. When they play well, I point it out. When they don’t, I can criticize.”

Speaking of criticism for the U.S. team, Lalas promised there would be plenty if it doesn’t advance past the group stage, thanks to the team’s recent international success.

“What’s happened on and off the field as far as progress, it’s created higher expectations — that’s a good thing,” he said. “If the U.S. doesn’t advance, it’ll be viewed as not only disappointing, but a failure. But again, that’s a good thing.”

Lalas is also not afraid to stand up for his old school and neighborhood, as well.

While he doesn’t have a lot of family in the area anymore, he gets back to Cranbrook and metro Detroit when he can, and is thankful for his time growing up here.

“I spent some incredible years there,” Lalas said about the area and school. “Even though soccer took me far and wide, the fact is that is where I started playing soccer and learned to play soccer. It’s also where I got an education, which I feel has served me so well as I’ve gone on in life. I can’t say enough about how important it was the time I spent in Cranbrook and the area.”

He was also quick to stand up for the state and city of Detroit.

“I know it’s going through some trying times; I’m always the first to stick up for Michigan and Detroit and the people. Those are the people I grew up with. If any area can rejuvenate itself and get back to where it once was, it’s Michigan, especially the Detroit area.”

On to some quick Q&A with coach Shaw from Cranbrook.

Q: Did you ever have an inkling that Lalas would go on to have the type of success he’s enjoyed on and off the field professionally?

A: Alexi’s evolution is not really surprising, given the abundance of talents he has. As a high school student, he was already the leader of a very successful band, a writer of poetry and a commanding speaker. He has a razor sharp wit, but also an incredible sensitivity.

Q: Did his personality at Cranbrook ever resemble that of a future TV personality?

A: Alexi loved our talent shows and any opportunity to speak publicly.

Q: We know he also excelled in hockey and has pursued other interests, such as music. What kind of work ethic did he display at Cranbrook to lead him to be so versatile and talented?

A: Alexi was always extremely busy, just not always busy with conventional school successes. His real passion was putting everything together — guitar, soccer, song writing. He often spent evenings on the soccer field playing, singing and composing.

Q: As a soccer coach in the 1980’s, did you ever expect soccer to grow in the United States as it has over the past couple decades?

A: I am not surprised at the proliferation of the fan base. TV has to find it a friendlier sport.

Q: Lastly, do you have any funny or interesting stories about Alexi from his playing days at Cranbrook?

A: Perhaps the most colorful side to Alexi was his car, which basically served as a soccer locker room, a bedroom, kitchen and music studio.

Lalas did, after all, say something to me about growing up dreaming about being Bon Jovi rather than a soccer star. I’m glad, and I’m sure I’m not alone, that he chose the beautiful game. We’ll try and get a hold of him again to ask him about his car, his stance as a music lover about the humming Vuvuzela horns of South Africa and, of course, the World Cup.

So check back later, and until then, enjoy the rest of the tournament.

Be cool, stay in school

2010-05-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

May 8 is the NCAA deadline for underclassmen who have declared for the NBA draft (and haven’t yet hired an agent) to withdraw their names and return for another year of college ball.

Oakland University junior Keith Benson, a Farmington Hills native who prepped at Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day, doesn’t have to worry about making any last-minute decisions.

Benson, who declared (and wisely didn’t hire an agent) April 16, withdrew his name April 30 after a routine medical exam revealed that he needs surgery to strengthen a ligament in his thumb, according to a statement released by Oakland.

So rather than risk further injury to his thumb (and avoid scaring off teams potentially interested in drafting him), Benson is going to get fixed up and return to school.

That’s a smart decision.

Had he opted to get the surgery and remain in the draft, Benson would have missed crucial time to attend draft workouts and the lot.

That would have been a bad decision.

Benson definitely has a professional career ahead of him, but you only get one shot to be a first-round pick in the NBA (and sign a lucrative, long-term contract).

Remaining at Oakland and working on his game and his strength should only improve on his projected positioning from a borderline first-round/second-round pick.

The 6-foot-11 athletic center was named The Summit League Player of the Year and Lou Henson Mid-Major Player of the Year by CollegeInsider.com this past junior season.

He was an absolute terror in the paint for opponents, leading the league in double-doubles (18) and setting single-season school records with 367 rebounds and 117 blocked shots - also league highs.

Benson helped lead the Grizzlies to the Summit League regular season and conference tournament titles and back into the NCAA Tournament.

He certainly made an impression on Oakland’s dance partner, the Pittsburgh Panthers, who game-planned around making Benson uncomfortable in the teams’ first-round pairing.

After the game, Pitt coach Jamie Dixon talked about how impressed he was by seeing Benson play in person, noting his rare combination of soft hands and athleticism.

Benson ended up leaving a significant imprint on the stat sheet as well, scoring a game-high 28 points while also recording nine rebounds.

But many of his points came from just outside the paint on jump shots and from the free-throw line. Proving that he can really assert himself in the post will help his draft stock. Benson needs to work on his strength, something he’s said he plans on doing. You’ve got to be durable to survive in the NBA.

As for the surgery, Benson should be in good hands (Ha — get it? Thumb joke!). According to Oakland, his plan was to travel to Baltimore for the procedure to be performed by the same hand surgeon who operated on Shaquille O’Neal and several other NBA players. He should be back working out in a month or two.

So — two thumbs up for Keith Benson (even if he can only use one), who by the way recently received his bachelor’s degree from OU in integrative studies and will further his education with grad courses in architectural studies in the coming academic year.

Maybe he should add a finance course or two into his schedule, because he certainly seems on track to a big payday next summer.

Thinking Spring

2010-04-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

“A Macomb County girls soccer team will win a state title in the next five years.”

I wrote that in this blog last year following the Division 1 girls soccer state final in which Utica Eisenhower fell 3-2 in overtime to Portage Central. http://candgnewssports.blogspot.com/2009/07/one-final-thought-from-pitch.html

Well, a few weeks into the spring season of year one and things seem right on track.

The state’s coaches association recently released its early season rankings and Eisenhower debuted at No. 2 and Clinton Township Chippewa Valley makes an appearance at No. 8 in Div. 1. http://www.mihisoccer.org/Girlsrankings.htm

The Eagles (1-0-1 overall at press time) and Big Reds (2-0-1) have their work cut out for them entering Macomb Area Conference Red Division action later this week.
http://www.macombmac.misd.net/soccer.htm
The competitive league’s other two Macomb County squads — Utica Stevenson (3-0-0) and Utica Ford II (2-0-1) — were also unbeaten three games into the young season.

All four of the talented squads will continually test each other — along with the division’s other two teams, Grosse Pointe North and Grosse Pointe South — preparing them well enough for at least one to make another deep playoff run.

The state tournament itself should pose another set of challenges, as talented local squads such as Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, Fair Haven Anchor Bay, Utica High, Sterling Heights High, Troy High and Troy Athens are bound to pose big obstacles in districts and regionals.
http://www.mhsaa.com/Sports/GirlsSoccer.aspx

If any of those squads can survive that gauntlet, it should be déjà vu all over again with Portage Central (which returned plenty of players and kicked off the season ranked No. 1) standing in the way of a title and my budding fortuneteller side career.

Pilots will miss shooting star

2010-04-01T08:32:00.001-07:00

My final works of the winter sports season has been coverage of the top boys basketball players in Macomb County.

But the season wouldn’t be complete before a few final words on one remaining player — regardless of what the calendar says.

There were many talented hoopsters across the Macomb Area Conference and on the private schools’ squads, especially Warren De La Salle. And the Pilots have the most reason to be excited about next season with the majority of their top talents returning.

Yet DLS will be hard-pressed to replace one of the most important pieces from the its run to the Class A state quarterfinals this past season.

Senior shooting guard Jim Novak seemingly came on stronger and stronger all season, building up speed like a rocket blasting off into space. After missing the start of the season with a knee injury and the ensuing recovery, he eventually made his way into the starting lineup and became the spark for the Pilots throughout the playoffs.

His energy and clutch 3-point shooting kept DLS in games and put it ahead in others. He even saved his best performance for last, scoring a team-high 15 points in his final game as a Pilot. Novak hit three 3-pointers in a five-minute span to rally the Pilots back into the quarterfinal before DLS eventually fell to Southfield High.

Southfield defenders became so anxious about keeping Novak from getting a clear look at the basket, they even fouled him on the third trey, knocking him to the ground as the ball swished through the net. Novak jumped up to his feet and coolly hit the free throw awarded to him to convert the rare four-point play.

“He’s got the heart of a lion. He just doesn’t like to lose,” DLS coach Greg Esler said about Novak during the playoffs. “His leadership is tremendous, because he won’t take a second off on a play. He just keeps on fighting and working hard. He might only be 5-8 in statue, but he’s 6-9 as far as the heart — he’s just a heck of a kid.”

Esler didn’t stop there, raining praise down on the senior like Novak’s shots falling in from outside the arc.

“Jimmy’s been a star for us since we inserted him in the lineup,” the coach continued. “He was instrumental. He would not let them quit. He was going to work until the very end, and he found a way all the time. Jimmy Novak was huge to our success the second half of the season, no question about it.”

While Esler has had to replace more talented players in recent years, few have made the all-around impact Novak has on this team, making him a major loss for the Pilots.

And as incredibly exhilarating as his play was on the court, Novak was incredibly humble off it.

Following his impressive shooting performance in the quarterfinal, he simply had this to say: “We just had to get something going, so I shot the ball up and it went in.”

As for the Pilots’ playoff run: “It’s a straight blessing,” he said.

And sitting on the sidelines while recovering from his injury: “It was tough on me mentally, and I wanted to play, of course, as any person would. But I kept on working hard, waiting for my chance and opportunity to come.”

Fortunately for the Pilots, it came — and Novak delivered.

Happy hoops and holidays!

2009-12-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

The other morning, I spent a few freezing minutes scraping the frost off my car windows, which can only mean two things — it’s winter, and it’s finally boys basketball season.

OK, so I just checked the calendar and winter doesn’t officially start until Dec. 21, but by then most schools will be out on break, leaving a handful of hoops tournaments here and there.

So to feed your (and mine) basketball fever until then, I’ve highlighted several great games in the Macomb County area in the next couple of weeks. Enjoy!

Dec. 7 — Utica Ford II at Fraser High, 7:30 p.m. — This MAC crossover is one of a few local games on opening day. Even with the entire preseason to get ready for it, there might not be a tougher team to prepare for then Fraser of the MAC Blue. The Ramblers’ pressure, zone ‘D’ and Princeton offense will surely test the visiting Falcons of the MAC Red.

Dec. 8 — Grosse Pointe North at Warren De La Salle, 7:30 p.m. — These squads were hands down the two most complete teams in the area last year. The Pilots eventually bested the Norsemen in a regional final last season, but nearly everyone who played in that game has graduated, so it will be interesting to see who steps up for these proud programs this year.

Dec. 9 — Warren Cousino at Warren Mott, 7 p.m. — The MAC Gold-based Marauders, led by twin towers C.J. Olaniyan and Joel Asbury, could be one of the top five teams in the area and will get a much-needed early test from their rivals, who play in the MAC White. Meanwhile, this will be the Patriots’ second game in as many nights, as Cousino plays at Troy Athens Dec. 8 in new coach Craig Miller’s debut with the team.

Dec. 11 — St. Clair Shores Lake Shore at Warren Lincoln, 7 p.m. — The Shorians and Abes probably surprised a few people last year when they finished as co-champs in their divisions, the MAC Gold and Silver, respectively. Their league rivals might want to keep a close eye on this early season clash so they know what’s coming this year. Lake Shore, led by Johnny Johnson, might even be the favorites this season in the Silver.

Dec. 15 — Madison High at Roseville High, 7 p.m. — Calling this game a “track meet” may be cliche, but it doesn’t even do it justice. It's more like a high-octane, turbo-fueled, 40-yard dash on rocket skates. The talent level will be through the roof, as will the offensive output, for these athletic squads. First team to 90 wins.

Dec. 17 — Utica Eisenhower at Roseville High, 7 p.m. — It’s too tough to pass on the Panthers again, as they play host to the defending MAC Red champs and Oakland University-bound center Corey Petros following their matchup with Madison — the defending MAC Blue champs. This will be another huge test for Brandon Gouch, Traye Williams and the rest of the Panthers — who want to reach those championship ranks with the MAC White and district title after coming close last year.

Don't let cold slow you down

2009-09-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

Now comes the hard part.

It’s easy to run and exercise in the spring and summer when the weather is warm and you want to look your best in that new bathing suit.

But now that fall is around the corner, meaning at some point, although you never know in Michigan, colder weather is coming.

Yet as the expert sources in our last and latest running feature point out, the cold shouldn’t slow you down. Kevin Hanson and Dr. J. L. Aiello provide some great tips for staying fit in the fall and winter — just as our sources all summer long provided excellent advice.

So stay diligent in your training, avoid hibernating and thanks for sharing in this series. As for myself, I’ve definitely noticed changes in how my body reacts to a solid running routine. My endurance has increased and those pesky shin splint pains have subsided.

The fall season offers plenty of chances to finally get out and run that 5K race or take part in any other event if you haven’t yet, so be sure to check out informational resources such as www.runmichigan.com for a race near you.

As mentioned earlier, fall is high time for hitting the trail, so we’ve listed a few upcoming local events so you can join in the fun and fitness. For more information on each event and a list of other upcoming races in your area, check online at www.runmichigan.com.

A few good ones coming up are:
• Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo 5K and 10K runs, and two-mile walk Sept. 20 at the zoo in Royal Oak.
• UEA 5K Trail Run and one-mile fitness walk Sept. 27 at Stony Creek MetroPark in Shelby Township.
• Detroit Free Press marathon, half-marathon and 5K Oct. 18 in Detroit.

Running Man 2

2009-07-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

My cell phone’s alarm went off — it was finally here.

Race day.

It was 6:45 a.m., the race (Fraser’s July 19 Run Drugs Out of Town 5K) wouldn’t start for nearly three more hours, but I wanted to give myself plenty of time.

After all, this was the first 5K I was going to run in four years, and there was something I needed to do — stretch, stretch and stretch some more.

Pretty much every running coach I spoke with for my series of running stories this summer couldn’t stress enough the importance of stretching — especially during interviews for my latest installment on preventing and treating injuries.

The next one, by the way, will have more helpful hints for race day and the week leading up to it.

So I woke up and did some stretches. Then ate a light breakfast. Stretched again. Got my gear together and drove to the registration spot. As soon as I received my T-shirt and number, I stretched again. I wandered the grounds for a bit, then, guess what — still some more time for stretching.

I was even stretching a little bit in the big crowd at the starting line as we all anxiously awaited the beginning of the race. (That's yours truly there in the headband, click the photo for a larger view ... or don't.)

And you know what? It all paid off.

Most of my training has been plagued with shin splints, strained leg muscles and other annoying aches and pains. But that’s usually because I don’t spend as much time stretching as all the experts have been suggesting.

So I finally fully took the advice I’ve been writing about and felt great — not only halfway through the race, but also as I crossed the finish line and even walking around afterwards.

Now I can apply my lessons learned and increase my goals as I train for one more 5K in the fall. I can successfully check off running the entire race without hurting myself and now look ahead to improving on my pace and time (30 minutes, 50 seconds).

In the meantime, here’s another bunch of local, upcoming races and events for you to check out. For more information about each, and a list of other races, check out www.runmichigan.com.

July 25 — Heart of the Hills 5K run/walk and 10K run, Bloomfield Hills

July 25 — Gopher the Gold 5K/10K run and kids fun run, Shelby Township

Aug. 1 — ACT for Autism 5K run and 1 mile walk, Bloomfield Hills

Aug. 2 — Eastpointe Lions Club Ox Roast Run 5K fun run and 1 mile walk, Eastpointe

Aug. 6 — Stony Creek Distance Run 5K run and 1 mile run, Shelby Township

Taking the Highland road

2009-07-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

One of Michigan’s hiking gems is literally in metro Detroit's backyard.

The Highland Recreation Area — located in White Lake Township roughly 15 miles west of Pontiac — has amazing trails, diverse plant life and thriving wildlife. For me, it was just a short drive up Telegraph Road and down M-59.

I hiked a couple of the trails June 30 and was amazed at how much they were like trails I had hiked in the northern Lower Peninsula and at how quiet and peaceful the park was.

The first trail I hiked took me around Haven Hill Lake and offered some great views of the lake and dense forest, complete with huge tress that were uprooted by a recent storm, that made me wonder if I was going to get out.

The other trail led me to the ruins of Edsel Ford’s Haven Hill Estate, which used to encompass the entire grounds of the park.

After a good hike up a steady incline that is the old drive for the Ford estate, you get to the ruins.

The first thing you notice is that it wasn’t much of an estate because all that you see is a lone, smallish cabin, but that was just the old servants quarters.

Further into the site, you see an old wooden archway and the remains of a large stone fireplace.

These, the foundation and the pool are the only signs left of the main house that burned to the ground roughly a decade ago. They are a great examples of how quickly nature takes back a developed site.

While the ruins are truly the stars of the Highland hikes, not to be out done is the plant and animal life.

One of the trails, marked No. 25 on the park's maps, is home to a representation of every tree that grows in Michigan.

And on my Tuesday hike, I saw a deer that stared me down from across the drive heading to the estate ruins and a family of turkeys along with the requisite muskrats and numerous songbirds.

Hiking Highland is definitely worth the 90-minute roundtrip drive from most parts of metro Detroit, $6 park day pass and the roughly $9 in gas it takes to get there.

One final thought from the pitch

2009-07-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

Before the spring prep sports season and last school year completely dissipate from my memory (and notes and tape recorder), there was one final thought I wanted to relay — a Macomb County girls soccer team will win a state title in the next five years.

The Macomb Area Conference Red Division has produced the last two straight Division 1 runners-up, as Utica Eisenhower and Grosse Pointe North fell in the past state finals.

“Any team from Macomb who can make it that far to the final, we’re proud of that,” Ike coach Mehrdad Nekoogar said after his team fell in overtime of this year’s final to Portage Central — marking the first time a team from Macomb County reached a final regardless of division.

“We wanted to present our county in every opportunity we get, and we want to show to everybody that we have nothing less than any other counties,” Nekoogar added. “And I think we’re going to do that — not only this year, going forward — we’re going to do that.”

Although both squads will lose some elite players, including Ike’s Alyssa Telang (Kentucky) and North’s Olivia Stander (Michigan State) — there is plenty of up-and-coming talent throughout the county and MAC.

Just take a quick look at the girls soccer All-Conference teams, which we ran in most of our papers recently and online, and it’s easy to see the best may be yet to come for the MAC squads.

Underclassmen nearly picked up just as many spots on the honor teams as their upperclassmen counterparts. Sophomores were named the MVP in the MAC Red (Chippewa Valley’s Didi Dedvukaj) and MAC White (L’Anse Creuse North’s Angela Vultaggio) divisions. The MAC Blue MVP was Daniella Bruce of Anchor Bay — a freshman.

The class which recently finished it’s sophomore year seems to be especially talented, including Utica Ford II’s Taylor Niewoit, Grosse Pointe South’s Chelsea MacGriff, Utica Eisenhower’s Megan Marsack and Aubrey Sudomier, Utica High’s Rachel Chaney and Sterling Heights High’s Alex Kluz.

There are a few different reasons behind the new wealth of talent.

First and foremost is the expansion of top tier local clubs.

More, and better, clubs means more, and better, coaching when players aren’t playing for their high school.

“It’s much better than what it used to be,” L’Anse Creuse North coach Scott Boice said. “There are more opportunities now. It’s not just parents coaching.”

Boice said the talent boom began a few years ago and has really taken off lately, noting that the 1999 Women’s World Cup (which the American team won here on their home soil 10 years ago July 10) played a big part in inspiring today’s prep stars. Many athletic girls now specialize in the sport — picking it up at a young age, specializing in it and playing it year round.

“It’s a real popular sport with girls right now,” Boice said. “We have a situation at our school, if we didn’t have soccer, our track team would be competing for the state title. “We’re fortunate we’re getting the athletes coming out for soccer than other sports.”

Running Man

2009-06-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

“This is it. This is the summer I’m going to get back in shape.”

How many times have you heard someone, or even yourself, say that?

After two years of not following through, I decided to get serious this year. A recent routine check-up with my doctor confirmed the need to add some exercise to my daily routine, and so I’ve been hitting the path hard since this past Father’s Day weekend.

In the opening story of my running series, which appeared in most of our newspapers (and on the Sports page of our Web site), I reviewed two aspects important for beginning runners and those returning to the trail after a while away — finding the right training program and the perfect pair of shoes.

After evaluating several running regiments, I combined and customized one tailored to my goal of running in at least one 5K by the end of the summer.

Then I brushed off the dust from my running shoes — still in decent shape thanks to those empty promises from the past — and also picked up a pedometer, a helpful tool to track the exact distance you walk and run throughout the day.

I began by gradually easing my body back into the flow, jogging a mile each outing. Of course, the usual aches and pains popped up — something I'll address in the next edition of the series and in an upcoming blog entry.

Once my endurance, legs and ankles felt in sync, I kicked it up to two miles — a distance I’ll probably continue at — increasing my pace week by week until I feel ready to take it up to the next level, three miles, nearly a 5K.

Until then, I’ve listed some upcoming local races to keep you busy. For more information about each, and a list of other races, check out www.runmichigan.com.

July 4 — Firecracker Mile, Clawson

July 6 — Michigan Senior Olympics Fundraiser 5K, Rochester

July 12 — Grandma Kay’s Orchard 5K, Washington Township

July 18 — Run Drugs Out of Town 5K, Fraser

July 18 — Founders Festival 4 Mile Run, Farmington

Foley edges past Nouvel 2-0

2009-06-10T18:07:00.000-07:00

Madison Heights Bishop Foley's girls soccer team is back in the Division 4 state final after topping Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central 2-0 in a semifinal game June 10.

Foley junior Kyla Cross netted the first goal with just over 11 minutes remaining in the first half off a pass by Amber Williamson. Cross tapped the ball around a Nouvel defender and rocketed the shot into the back of the net. Williamson picked up the second goal with 12:24 remaining in the second half.

Foley heads to Grand Rapids Christian where it will face Kalamazoo Hackett at 2 p.m. June 13. It will be the Ventures' second straight appearance in the D-4 finals.

Ike tops Troy

2009-06-10T17:27:00.000-07:00

Utica Eisenhower’s girls soccer team defeated Troy High 3-2 June 10 in a Division 1 state semifinal at Utica Stevenson, earning a spot in the 4:30 p.m. June 13 state final at Troy Athens.

Ike (17-2-1) got goals from sophomore Megan Marsack, sophomore Aubrey Sudomier and senior Alyssa Telang to come from behind after trailing 1-0 early in the first half.

The game was tied 1-1 at halftime after Troy (12-6-6) senior forward Katie Wassel opened the scoring a little more than nine minutes into the game. Troy senior Brittany Chaklos made the final minutes of the game interesting when she scored with a little more than eight minutes remaining to bring Troy to within one goal.

Ike, which will take on Portage Central in the state final, is the first Macomb County girls team to reach the soccer championship at any level.

Live soccer blog

2009-06-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

Ike sophomore Monika Lee scored the final goal of the game, securing a 4-0 victory for the Eagles. For more on this and other tournament games, check out the Sports page on our Web site.

Live Soccer Blog

2009-06-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

The Eagles have extended their lead to 3-0 with 9 minutes remaining. Sophomore Aubrey Sudomier scored on an assist from sophomore Megan Marsack.

Live Soccer Blog

2009-06-02T15:27:00.001-07:00

6:30 p.m. — Ike hasn’t let up, as the Eagles have continued to attack at a frantic pace, but they haven’t been able to add to their 2-0 lead. There’s certainly some added tension to the air, as both teams are well aware that the next goal will be crucial. Athens has started to spread the field, moving the ball about in hopes of cutting Ike’s lead in half. (31:00 remaining in the game)

Live Soccer Blog

2009-06-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

6:15 p.m. – HALFTIME – Ike 2, Athens 0. The Eisenhower Eagles seemed to have figured out Troy Athens with a pair of quick counterattacking goals. The Red Hawks appeared to be on the brink themselves after stringing together some solid attacks, but they will have to wait until the next 40 minutes to make their way back into this contest.

Live Soccer Blog

2009-06-02T14:57:00.001-07:00

6 p.m. — Ike has just smashed the scoreless barrier, scoring two goals in 30 seconds. First it was senior Allie Misner redirecting a pass from sophomore Megan Marsack with 9:08 remaining. Then with 8:28 left, senior Alyssa Telang made it 2-0 Eagles after taking a pass from junior Alyssa Tomassi. (7:00)

Live Soccer Blog

2009-06-02T14:49:00.001-07:00

5:50 p.m. – Things have started to settle down a bit after the game started out at a furious up-and- down pace with both teams getting a few quality looks on goal. The contest has turned into more of a midfield battle, as each squad attempts to hold on to possession of the ball as they string some passes together and move at a steadier pace. The keepers haven’t been left entirely alone, though, as each has been forced to make a couple more saves. (18:00)

Live Soccer Blog

2009-06-02T14:40:00.001-07:00

5:40 p.m. – Ike moved the ball right down the field after the opening whistle and nearly scored before most of the fans had found their seats. But a header off a cross less than 30 seconds in went over the goal. Ike had some more chances on a couple breakaways a few minutes later, but Athens sophomore goalkeeper Jenna O’Dell came up big both times to snuff out the Eagles' attacks. Ike senior goalie Becky Lipinksi was forced to make some impressive saves of her own, diving back and punching a pair of shots safely over the crossbar. (28:00 minutes remaining in the first half).

Live Soccer Blog

2009-06-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

5:15 p.m. - The teams are warming up as the air cools down here at Runkel Field. Both squads seem focused and determined as they prepare for the match, which should feature a dynamic game matching each team’s strength — Ike's offense and Athens' tough defense. Ike is led by senior playmaker Alyssa Telang, who will attempt to break down a stout Athens defensive unit led by senior Megan Swiderski. The winner of this game moves on to the 7 p.m. June 5 regional final at Stevenson against the winner of tonight’s second semifinal between Grosse Pointe North and North Farmington.

Live Soccer Blog

2009-06-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

Hey soccer fans, I'll be blogging live from the 5:30 p.m. June 2 MHSAA Division 1 girls soccer regional semifinal game between Utica Eisenhower (15-2-1) and Troy Athens (18-3-2). Check for updates throughout the game from Utica Stevenson's Runkel Field.

April showers bring May-ke up games

2009-05-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

With several key games in the early schedule getting rained out, the month of May should be a baseball fan’s paradise in Michigan — weather permitting.

Headlining the games that were called on account of the wet stuff was half of Warren De La Salle’s April 27 doubleheader with Birmingham Brother Rice.

The undefeated Pilots, ranked No. 3 in Division 1 in the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association’s April 22 poll, beat the top-ranked Warriors 4-1 in eight innings in the first game and were leading 3-2 in the fifth when the second game was suspended.

The game will resume in the fifth inning when the Pilots face Rice at 4 p.m. May 13 at DLS.

The Macomb Area Conference’s first full week of league games has teams in each division with early claims on being tops in their leagues.

In the Red, Macomb Dakota has surged to a 5-0 start with wins against Utica Stevenson, Grosse Pointe South, Clinton Township Chippewa Valley and Grosse Pointe North.

Trailing the Cougars in second place is Utica Eisenhower at 3-1 with wins against Chippewa Valley, Stevenson and Grosse Pointe North.

Dakota and Eisenhower are set to meet at 4 p.m. May 4 at Eisenhower.

In the MAC White, St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, Romeo High and Warren Mott are all tied at the top at 3-1.

The Shorians have wins against Utica Ford II, Macomb L’Anse Creuse North and Utica High. Mott has topped Utica, LCN and Ford II. Romeo has wins against Mott, Lake Shore and LCN.

Mott hosts Lake Shore at 4 p.m. May 4 and brings in Romeo at 4 p.m. May 6.

Fraser High and St. Clair High have started their Blue seasons a perfect 4-0, and Fraser hosts St. Clair at 4 p.m. May 4.

Fraser has topped Port Huron Northern, Anchor Bay, Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse and Port Huron High. St. Clair has wins against Anchor Bay, L’Anse Creuse, Port Huron and Port Huron Northern.

Madison Heights Lamphere, Marysville High and Warren Cousino have started their MAC Gold slates with three wins to one loss.

Lamphere fell to Cousino in its second league game 9-8, but has wins against Marine City High, Eastpointe East Detroit and Warren Woods Tower.

In the Rams' three wins, they’ve outscored opponents 34-9, including a 16-4 win at Warren Woods Tower April 29 that improved them to 5-6 overall.

Key to the Rams’ resurgence is the return of players like junior Paul Lobur and sophomore Mitchell Kozlowski from injuries.

“Mitchell has been out all season and Paul has been back for five games,” Lamphere coach Adam Wooley said after the win against Tower.

“Mitchell Kozlowski is an excellent center fielder, and the guy who was filling in for him there, Steve McAlpine, is playing third base. (McAlpine) made several key stops for us (at third), and that’s what happens when you get a little depth back — you can play a little more positionally.”

In addition to the Rams, Cousino has topped WWT and Marine City High.

“We bounced back form the Marysville loss (April 23) pretty good,” Cousino coach Justin Newcomb said. “Then we had a great game against Lamphere (April 24). (Lamphere’s) a good team there, and they’re going to be something when they get everyone back.”

Marysville has wins against Cousino, East Detroit and Marine City. The Vikings travel to Lamphere at 4:30 p.m. May 4 and then host Cousino at 4:30 p.m. May 6.

St. Clair Shores Lakeview has paced the MAC Silver with a 4-0 mark, but MAC newcomer Clawson High closely trails the Huskies by a half game.

Lakeview has wins against Madison Heights Madison, Center Line High, Roseville High and Sterling Heights High. The Trojans have taken home wins against Madison, Sterling Heights, Roseville and Center Line.

Clawson hosts Lakeview at 4:30 p.m. May 4.

Rivals St. Clair Shores South Lake and Clinton Township Clintondale have picked up in the Bronze where they left off in the Gold — tied at the top of the standings.

The Dragons' coach, Scott Evan, was South Lake coach Mike Chmielewski’s high school skipper. The two will face off at 4 p.m. May 4 at Clintondale.

As always, though, check with host school to confirm dates and times of games.

Macomb County baseball set for banner season

2009-04-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Following the 2009 Spring Break baseball tourney at St. Clair Shores' Kyte Monroe Park, it looks like Macomb County could be home to some of the area's — if not the state's — top teams.

Warren De La Salle literally ran away with the tournament title, posting a 7-0 mark and outscoring opponents 78-7.

With a veteran lineup led by championship-caliber athletes like Jimmy and John Martinez, the Pilots could be poised to be the seventh straight team from the Catholic League Central Division to make a trip to the Michigan High School Athletic Association state finals.

The Pilots welcome in Cameron Walker (pitcher/shortstop) to a group that has the Martinez twins, senior catcher John DiLaura and senior pitchers Mike Schypinski and Alex Pierse.

Among the public schools at the Spring Break tournament were some surprises.

A young Utica Stevenson team advanced to the tournament final and — despite its 13-0 loss in the finals — should make what was an already daunting MAC Red, which welcomes in Grosse Pointe North and Grosse Pointe South this year, even tougher.

The Titans host Grosse Pointe South at 3 p.m. April 27 and travel to Grosse Pointe North at 4 p.m. May 4.

Utica High led the MAC White at the Spring Break tournament, posting a 3-1 pool-play record, and advanced to the quarterfinal round.

The Chieftains face off against MAC White newcomer St. Clair Shores Lake Shore — also 3-1 at the Spring Break tournament — at 4 p.m. April 29 at Kyte Monroe.

Fraser High carreid the banner for MAC Blue teams at Kyte Monroe, advancing to the quarterfinal round.

The Ramblers finished 3-1 in pool play with their only loss coming against Stevenson. The Ramblers face a pivotal early league game agint Harrison Township L'Anse Creuse, which started its seoasn 9-1, at 4 p.m. April 27 at home.

Warren Cousno was the surprise team of the tournament out of the MAC Gold. The Patriots were a perfect 4-0 in pool play and advanced to the tournament semifinals with a 5-4 win against Utica in its quarterfinal.

In consecutive league games, Cousino faced defending Gold champion Madison Heights Lamphere and 2008 Division 2 regional champion Warren Woods Tower. The Pats will take on Marine City High at 4:30 p.m. April 29 at home.

Good luck forecasting a winner of the MAC Silver. The league welcomes in five new teams and the only holdover — defending champion Madison Heights Madison — graduated seven seniors and four of its five 2008 All-Conference honorees.

St. Clair Shores Lakeview was impressive in its 5-4 comeback win against Pontiac Notre Dame Prep during the Spring Break tourney. The Huskies host Madison at 4:30 p.m. April 27.

The shiny new MAC Bronze basbeall league welcomes in six clubs that were in the MAC Silver a year ago. Warren Fitzgerald was the lone member of the Bronze at the Spring Break tourney and took home a 5-3 win against Warren Mott of the MAC White.

Fitzgerald faces 2008 Division 2 district champion Clinton Township Clintondale at 4:30 p.m. April 27 at Clintondale.

Of course, it is 'April in the D,' so your best bet is to double check with host schools to make sure weather has not canceled any of the above games.

Can't wait to be scared

2009-04-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

If there’s one thing I’ve found unique covering Macomb County boys basketball compared to any of my other beats, it’s that I find myself highly anticipating the next season starting as soon as the current one ends.

I’ll scour the postseason honor squads to see how many non-seniors were selected and should be returning.

Which team will return loaded with stars? Will the promising young talent blossom or wither? Who will rise to the top — will it be a traditional power or an unknown, emerging from an offseason of hard work and maybe a little luck?

While I could go on and on with questions, I feel safe to make a few statements.

Warren De La Salle, fresh off another impressive postseason run, will be in trouble when it comes to keeping up its district title streak. The Pilots pulled off number 11 in a row this past season, but two young teams that traditionally play in their district displayed flashes of brilliance at times this season and should be two of the region’s top squads come next year.

Roseville High will feature three of the area’s top players in its starting lineup in Traye Williams, Brandon Gouch and Dominique Pointer. Williams will be a junior, while forwards Gouch and Pointer will enter their senior year.

Warren Mott was loaded with young talent as well — headlined by twin towers C.J. Olaniyan and Joey Asbury. The junior pair led the Marauders to the program’s most prosperous season in a long time.

“We return eight of our top 10,” Mott coach Derek LeFevre said following the Marauders’ district semifinal loss to De La Salle.

The coach called the loss — a game in which Mott led by one point at halftime before eventually falling by 20 to the senior-laden Pilots team — a “learning experience.”

“That’s what we’ve got to take away from tonight. That’s going to be us next year,” LeFevre said.
“Next year, we’re going to be scary good.”

I can't wait.

Winter sports wrap

2009-03-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

As the winter sports season comes to an end, I wanted to take the opportunity to share some quick thoughts on some interesting and unique experiences I came across somewhat recently before getting to my boys basketball wrap.

While I touched on it a little bit in my story about the Macomb L'Anse Creuse North swim team winning its division meet title, I feel like there's still a little more to be said about LCN senior Chris Ciesinski being named the "Swimmer of the Meet."

Ciesinski won the award after taking home four first-place medals from the division meet, pretty impressive considering that just a few years ago, Ciesinski had barely any experience playing sports, much less swimming competitively.

Yet through hard work and learning from the LCN coaching staff, Ciesinski proved that focus, effort and determination can be huge in an athlete's development and that natural physical talent isn't the only factor in sports success.

LCN coach Mike Owensby recalled that during Ciesinski's early time with the team, he struggled to swim one lone lap.

Big kudos for the kid and the coaches for sticking with it - a move that paid off with big dividends for Ciesinski and the Crusaders.

Sticking with swimming for the moment, I was also recently fortunate enough to be an honored guest at the Clinton Township Chippewa Valley's swim team's final "Circle of Honor" of the season.

The Big Reds athletes and coaches form a circle on the deck before practices to bestow honor on swimmers and divers who recorded personal bests times and set records or achieved other major accomplishments following meets.

As each athlete and their time are announced by coach Jeff Lepler - who came up with the idea after reading about a similar ritual in a book - they enter the circle and go around it getting high-fives and congratulations from their teammates.

Lepler and some of the swimmers talked about the circle as a great confidence booster that gives the athletes something to strive for, while also helping improve team chemistry.

The circle was busy this season over at Chippewa, as the Big Reds took home the division meet and dual-meet titles.

And speaking of unique atmospheres, the bowling state finals are always an exciting event. I was able to catch Ferndale High's boys squad in action during the Division 2 state semifinals against Richmond High over at Sunnybrook Lanes in Sterling Heights.
The tension-filled crowd of mostly parents (whom I suspect were far more nervous than the bowlers themselves) was standing room only.

It was tough to read the scores on the screens above the lanes, but the level of noise of the crowd's reaction seemed to relay the score of the match better anyway.

Silence engulfed the onlookers as a bowler would make his approach. A few stifled gasps would then emerge as the ball was released and began to swing toward the gutter and then straighten out, racing toward the pins. How loud the ensuing erupting noise was indicated how many pins were knocked down.

More often than not, strikes and spares were loudly received as the two talented boys teams battled back and forth.

While Ferndale ended up falling late to Richmond, the experience was a great one that hopefully the Eagles (and their parents) can look back upon one day and smile about. It was certainly an exciting time for me.

Hoops playoff guide

2009-03-03T08:52:00.001-08:00

It’s time for the boys basketball tournament — one of my favorite times of year on the prep sports calendar.

The always exciting and unpredictable district round runs from March 9-13, and I’ve compiled some tidbits for fans to feast on, such as games and players to watch from throughout my coverage area (Macomb County, Grosse Pointe, Harper Woods, Madison Heights and Clawson). Enjoy!

District 20-A, host Grosse Pointe North
All signs point toward a terrific semifinal showdown between the host Norsemen and Detroit Finney. If North, the MAC White champs, can get by a talented St. Clair Shores Lake Shore team (co-Macomb Area Conference Silver Division champs) in the opening round, get to the gym early for the 8 p.m. semifinal March 11 — it’ll be packed for what could be an instant classic.

District 21-A, host Warren Woods Tower
Is this the year that Warren De La Salle’s district dominance ends? The Pilots have won 10 straight district titles, and DLS coach Greg Esler has one of his most talented teams — a squad led by sharpshooting guard Alex Marcotullio that has already wrapped up the Catholic High School League Central Division regular-season title and the CHSL A-B tournament championship.

But the rest of the district is loaded with talent too, including Warren Mott’s twin towers, C.J. Olanyian and Joel Asbury, Warren Cousino giant Matt Balkema, Fraser High’s Matt Carden and Roseville High’s athletic trio of Traye Williams, Brandon Gouch and Dominique Pointer.

District 27-A, host Utica Ford II
Last year, I witnessed an amazing comeback as Mike Hollingsworth poured in 35 points to rally Utica High past Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, despite trailing 24-2 early in the second quarter of a district semifinal. Some of the teams have changed in this district, but for the most part, it stays intact, as does it’s unpredictability. Utica Eisenhower, the MAC Red champs, seems like an overwhelming favorite, but like Utica Stevenson coach Bill Lerch said, “anything is possible” in this district, which aside from Ike, is loaded with teams that began the year inexperienced but have since improved under the guidance of some of the area’s most experienced coaches.

District 28-A, host Port Huron Northern
The battle of I-94, as I’ve dubbed this district, is one of the most wide-open districts around. Can do-it-all senior star Willie Cruz go out with a bang, leading L’Anse Creuse to its first district title in 33 years?

District 42-B, host Warren Fitzgerald
It seems like every year the group of teams that make up this district gets better. The parity is unparalleled, as is the overall talent when it comes to Class B districts. I would say something about it being tough top-to-bottom, but there is no top and no bottom. Each team is close, and so should each game. But what makes this district standout most is the amount of electricity among the rival teams and their fans — they’ll bring out the best in each other, ensuring some exciting down-to-the-wire finishes.

District 43-B, host Clawson High
This district features more rivals going head-to-head, as Madison Heights Lamphere will meet Clawson High in a 6:30 p.m. first-round March 9 game. Clawson has the edge playing at home and the recent strong play of transfer Joe Baker, but that’s not going to stop Lamphere from thinking about getting by the host Trojans for a matchup with another big rival — MAC Blue champs Madison Heights Madison — in a 6:30 p.m. March 11 semifinal.

The reward for whichever of the three MAC teams advances to the 7 p.m. March 13 district final is a likely date with one of the top teams in the state — Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day. Yet each coach said they’re not intimated by potentially facing the Yellowjackets — a point proven last year when Madison kept it close with Country Day in a regional semifinal, falling eventually by just two points.

District 104-D, host Sterling Heights Parkway Christian
Zurlon Tipton was the young pup as a senior-led Parkway squad advanced to the Class D state semifinals two seasons ago. Now Tipton, one of the area’s premier athletes, is the big dog for coach Jim Barker and the Eagles. The senior and his teammates could hunt down a return trip to the Breslin Center — host site of the MHSAA’s semifinals and finals for all four class tournaments — if they get on the right track early.

For complete district schedules, and for continued coverage throughout the postseason, including photo galleries, check back in the Sports section of our Web site.

Fitz of glory

2009-02-26T12:55:00.002-08:00

If there's one thing Warren Fitzgerald girls basketball proved this season it's that the Spartans are not to be underestimated.

The defending Macomb Area Conference Silver champs and defending Class B district champions joined four new squads in the Silver Division, and proved they are still the top dog, going 8-2 and sharing the division title with Sterling Heights High.

Coach Sam Hines, who is in his second season with the Spartans, resurrected a team that had posted back to back 3-19 records.

The Spartans returned a starting five with a wealth of talent, including junior guard Kristian Hines — coach Hines' daughter — who earned the Silver MVP award last season. What's more is that college teams such as University of Louisville, University of Detroit-Mercy, North Carolina State University and UCLA are already interested in this underclassman.

At 6 feet 3 inches, sophomore center Ajai Meeks is a dominating shot blocker and dangerous on the offensive boards. With two years yet to play in preps, UConn and Penn State are already keeping tabs on her.

With only one senior graduating this year, Fitz has the potential to build a championship-caliber program — one that goes beyond conference titles.

The Spartans drew a bye in the opening round of the district tournament and play Center Line High at 5:30 p.m. March 4.

Perfect games and pace

2009-02-18T08:29:00.001-08:00

Pitching a no-hitter in baseball.

Scoring a hat trick or recording a shutout in hockey or soccer.

Posting a triple-double in basketball.

All are impressive athletic feats. Yet, not to take away from those amazing accomplishments, but none are really individual performances. Teammates play a big role in each.

Recently, though, a few athletes with local ties turned in some truly incredible individual athletic performances.

Say what you will about the athletic merits of bowling, but you can’t argue against the fact that the mental aspect of the game ranks it as one of the toughest.

The focus and concentration of throwing a perfect 300 game in bowling could be compared to that of pitching a no-hitter in baseball.

Sure, no one is standing at the end of the lane with a bat trying to make contact with the bowling ball before it reaches the pins (more on that later). But the bowler, unlike a pitcher, stands alone. There is no defense behind them on the lane.

So you can only imagine the mental pressure a pair of local high school bowlers felt as they watched their opponent throw strike after strike after strike.

In the end, Dan Pollak of Utica Eisenhower and Brad Burgess of Utica Stevenson both turned in perfect 300 games in head-to-head action Feb. 6 at Shelby Lanes during Macomb Area Conference Red Division play.

And if you want pure, raw athleticism in terms of impressive performances, look no further than what Shane Knoll recently accomplished.

The Michigan State University junior runner, a Warren Mott graduate, ran a sub-four minute mile Feb. 9 at the Meyo Invitational in South Bend, Ind.

For those unfamiliar with running, breaking four minutes in a mile competition has become the invisible barrier that separates good runners from truly great ones, and it doesn't happen all that often.

The pace a runner must push themselves at for that length of distance is remarkable. Breaking the mark also requires mental focus and courage.

Last year, Forbes.com compiled and published a list of the greatest athletic accomplishments of the past 150 years. Roger Bannister breaking four minutes in the mile for the first time May 6, 1954 ranked No. 1.

So while you take time to reflect on those impressive achievements, I’m going to go shopping for an oversized super-titanium baseball bat.

I might be on to something there. Creating a new sport might be the only way me and many others could ever achieve similar sports success. What sounds better, baseling or bowlball?

Because the only way I’m ever going to record a perfect game in regular bowling is if I stand in front of the pins and swing away with a bat (hybrid metal or wood, either could work.) And as for running a four-minute mile? Two words: Rocket skates.

Basketball battles, league leaders

2009-02-17T11:38:00.002-08:00

It's the home stretch. The last leg. The title fight.

With three, or in some cases four, games left to play in the Macomb Area Conference girls basketball season, division winners will soon be decided.

Here's a list of match ups that shouldn't be missed of teams that will be vying for a chance at a title.

Grosse Pointe South, which took a commanding lead in the MAC Blue this season after moving into the division after years in the MAC White, is 7-1, while rival Mount Clemens High has slowly climbed the ranks to 5-2. The two square off at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 on the Battling Bathers' home court. Although the first meeting ended in loss for Mount Clemens — 69-55 — the Bathers have spent the past two years as bridesmaids and would like that trend to stop this year, so this should be a good one.

For most of the season, Sterling Heights High sat atop the MAC Silver. With one eye on the league crown and another on Warren Fitzgerald (7-1), which climbed the standings until finally ousting Sterling (6-2) from the top spot. At 7 p.m. Feb. 25, they'll meet head to head on the Stallions' court for, more than likely, the league champion.

In the newly created Bronze Division, Clinton Township Clintondale leads the charge at 8-0. However, the Dragons won't walk away with the crown without a battle from a determined Warren Mott (7-1) group. Fans can catch these two teams square off at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Mott.

All-Stars shine, sign

2009-02-09T13:52:00.001-08:00

The Michigan High School Football Coaches Association released its All-Star roster last month, and gridders form the C & G Newspapers’ coverage area dominated the East roster.

Of the East’s 44 players from Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, Monroe, St. Clair, Lapeer, Sanilac, Huron and Tuscola counties, 16 are from schools in our coverage area.

The July 11 game at Spartan Stadium will be the last time for fans to catch these players in a high school game before they make good on their Feb. 4 National Letters of Intent signing ceremonies and kick off their college careers.

The Macomb Area Conferences alone had seven players garner spots.

Red Division co-MVP Mike Laamanen, who signed with Wayne State University, was tabbed as a defensive lineman, linebackers Dan Sawicki (Clinton Township Clintondale), Kurtis Showers (Madison Heights Madison) and defensive back KyeRell Williams (Clinton Township Chippewa Valley) will accompany him.

Offensively, Utica Eisenhower’s Tyler Copacia, who signed a letter with Grand Valley State, was named one of two quarterbacks, along with Taylor Truman’s Ryan Hargraves.

Copacia and Hargraves will have Chad Allemon (Marine City High) at receiver and Warren Fitzgerald’s C. J. Carroll, an All-County 215-pound wrestler, at fullback.

Lake Orion’s Tyler Benson and Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day’s Tim McLean, both of whom led the blocking for their state runner-up rushing attacks, will serve as the centers for the East.

Rochester Adams’ Cody Wilson, another Central Michigan commitment, will be a defensive back for the East.

The Oakland Activities Association will handle all the East’s kicking duties and bring its total of players in the game to four, with Troy’s Kevin Muma, a Michigan State University commit, placekicking and Rochester Stoney Creek’s Eric Fisher, a 6-foot-7-inch, 243-pound lineman prospect who signed with Central Michigan, punting.

Including MacLean, private schools from our area accounted for six spots on the East roaster.

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Gabe Charette will be on the defensive line, while Birmingham Brother Rice’s Zach Cherocci will play guard on the same offensive line as Warren De La Salle tight end Dan Sorgi.

Adding electricity to the East backfield are Royal Oak Shrine Catholic’s Anthony Cade and future Central Michigan back Zurlon Tipton of Sterling Heights Parkway Christian.

A couple notable names absent from this year’s All-Star rosters were Ohio State recruit Reid Fragel (Grosse Pointe South) and Holland Christian quarterback A. J. Westendorp.

What’s interesting about the omission of Westendorp and Fragel is that teams are allowed at most one representative in the game, but neither South nor Holland Christian had a player named to the rosters.

There could be any number of very sound reasons these two are not part of the game, and I'm not trying to place blame on anyone, but they will be missed

Fragel would have offered flexibility to the East squad with his ability to play tight end, offensive tackle or defensive end.

Westendorp would have given the game a boost of star power with the kind of athleticism that saw him lead his prep team to a Division 4 state title while rewriting the offensive record books for the title game before committing to Central Michigan.

Perspective in Southfield

2009-02-06T09:02:00.001-08:00

When a team loses, the coach can address his players after the contest in a variety of ways.

He can go nuts, pointing out the mistakes made during the game; or question their efforts and vow to work them even harder in practice.

On the other hand, he can be comforting, telling his guys he was proud of their efforts, and they’ll get it done next time.

Southfield High boys basketball coach Gary Teasley chose a different approach Jan. 23 at Southfield-Lathrup.

Following a tough loss against their biggest rival in a game many thought Southfield would win, Teasley told his guys to keep perspective.

He told them it’s going to hurt, but it’s a game and “disappointment is part of the journey.”

He told them, “Basketball is a good game. There are no bad days.”

Now that’s not to say Teasley doesn’t raise his voice from time to time, and I’m sure the Blue Jays were pushed even harder the following practice.

But when the team was at its lowest, Teasley didn’t push them lower or inflate their sense of importance.

He kept perspective, and I don’t believe he said those things because a reporter was present, but because he’s a good coach.

Signed, sealed, delivered

2009-02-06T08:11:00.002-08:00

National Letter of Intent signing day is a unique day when the tables are turned, and the power is in the hand of the high school athlete.

In the course of players’ high school athletic careers, colleges, who tout their programs in hopes of wooing a player, court them.

The spectacle that signing day has become centers mainly on football players, who may make a surprise change-of-heart decision on signing day.

But what about the track and field, soccer, cross country and water polo athletes eager to sign their name on the dotted line on Feb. 4?

I got to spend time with Birmingham Brother Rice senior Kevin Dzierzawski, who was signing his National Letter of Intent to play soccer at Dartmouth College, among four football players that were also making college commitments.

Despite a lot of hype centered on the gridiron gang, Dzierzawski relished that he was going Ivy League and proud to be the only soccer player in the group.

By the end of the signing ceremony, it didn't matter whether he was sitting next to a Division 1 football prospect or not. Sporting a green Dartmouth cap and a smile on his face proved that signing day belonged to him in his own special way.

Serving up some hoops

2009-02-03T08:31:00.001-08:00

While I can’t compete with a free Grand Slam (who can?), I’m going to try my best and serve up some free advice on the one subject I think I know nearly as well as Denny’s knows breakfast — Macomb County boys basketball.

Specifically, with the Macomb Area Conference division season just past the halfway point, I’ve put together a quick rundown of the title races and some key upcoming games that could decide who ends up with a championship banner.

(All games mentioned below start at approximately 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.)

MAC Red: Utica Eisenhower knocked off Romeo High in the schools’ first meeting to wrestle sole possession of first place away from the two-time defending champions. Barring any slip-ups or surprises, that sets the stage for a final first-place showdown when the Eagles hit the road to Romeo Feb. 27 — where the Bulldogs have been nearly impossible to beat the past couple seasons.

MAC White: Grosse Pointe North has stormed out of the gate beating its first 12 opponents by an average of 20 points to start the season unbeaten. Assuming things continue to go their way, a Feb. 12 game at Roseville High should decide whether the Norsemen can lock up the title early against the second-place Panthers — who’ll be out for revenge after falling by 18 points Jan. 13 at North.

MAC Blue: Madison Heights Madison has continued to work its magic and is looking for a third straight division title after winning the MAC Gold the past two seasons. But Eastpointe East Detroit and Fraser aren’t far behind, and Warren Fitzgerald and Fair Haven Anchor Bay can still make things happen as well.

Madison will enjoy some home cooking as the Eagles look to extend their division lead with home games against Fraser (Feb. 6) and East Detroit (Feb. 18). But the title will ultimately be decided on the road when Madison visits Fitzgerald (Feb. 20), Anchor Bay (Feb. 24) and East Detroit (Feb. 27).

MAC Gold: Warren Mott, Warren Lincoln and Marysville each have one eye on the title and one on their respective schedule as the trio of schools enter the homestretch of the division slate with a chance at first place. Mount Clemens High can’t be counted out either.

If Mott wants a piece of the title, the Marauders have to become true road warriors, with away contests at Lincoln (Feb. 10), Mount Clemens (Feb. 22) and Marysville (Feb. 24 – 7:30 p.m.). The picture will become a bit clearer just before all that when Lincoln hosts Marysville at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6.

MAC Silver: St. Clair Shores Lake Shore and Clinton Township Clintondale have emerged as the teams to beat — and the squads will meet for a second time at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Lake Shore. The Shorians edged the Dragons in overtime 59-58 in their first meeting, Jan. 7 at Clintondale.

A Dallas debacle

2009-01-27T08:05:00.001-08:00

It’s been hard to ignore the story of the Texas high school girls basketball game that saw one school beat another 100-0.

The most recent development was the news that the winning team, Covenant School, had fired its head coach Micah Grimes.

While it’s unfortunate to see anyone lose their job, especially in this economy, Grimes’ firing seems warranted — especially after the coach reportedly refused to fully apologize for the blowout win.

He never should have been forced to apologize, because he never should have put himself in that position in the first place.

Where was Grimes’ focus during the game?

Was it on the court, where his team reportedly pressed on defense and hoisted 3-pointers until late in the fourth quarter?

Or was it on the sidelines and stands, where fans and even an assistant coach allegedly cheered the team on as it nudged closer and closer to the century mark?

Up almost 60 points at halftime, don’t you call off the dogs?

I’m no coach, but how about substituting in your bench, dropping into a zone on defense and simply running out the clock on offense by passing the ball around.

I don’t blame the Covenant players for reportedly being excited about getting to 100 points on the scoreboard, but high school athletes — teenagers — can’t always be expected to be cognizant of the big picture — that’s where a coach should have stepped in.

Scoring 100 points and holding your opponent to zero is impressive — that Covenant team must be pretty good. Most local girls teams rarely break 60 points over the course of an entire game, much less come close to it in one half.

Which leads to my final thought, and hopefully something the league that governs the pair of schools could look into if they're not already — why are these two teams playing each other in the first place?

I’m not saying the losing squad should be barred from competing — but aren’t there more competitive games out there that they can insert into its schedule?

Again, I’m no expert, but once in a while I do have flashes of common sense. It’s too bad some of the adults at that game apparently didn’t.

Teaching and encouraging sportsmanship, especially in high school sports, should be equally, if not more, important than racking up wins and points.

If this had happened in the pros or competitive collegiate ranks it'd be one thing, but the majority of high school athletes play sports to have fun, and that shouldn't come at the expense of another player or team.

Among royalty

2009-01-26T11:45:00.001-08:00

Hopefully those in the real wrestling community will allow me a quick foray into the world of make believe.

I was able to attend he WWE's Royal Rumble Jan. 25 at Joe Louis Arena, and there might be no spectacle that brings the same type of entertainment as professional "wrestling."

It's not just how huge the mountains of humanity they call "superstars" are in real life, it's more the way in which these Yetis interact with the crowds. The way the WWE faithful are part of the show with their signs and chants is something you have to see to believe. Their addition to the festivities is just as much a fixture as folding chairs and exposed turnbuckles in a no disqualification match.

A couple of my personal highlights were the way John Cena and Rob Van Dam of Battle Creek galvanized the crowd.

With simultaneous chants for and against the WWE Champion, Cena is a one-man European soccer match. And when RVD came down the ramp to join the Rumble, the local boy's ovation was as great, if not greater, than any superstar this side of the Undertaker.

So while moonsaults from atop ladders through tables may not require quite the same technical expertise as a cradle into a pin, can there really be that much wrong with anything that can bring as much excitement and joy to a city like Detroit as did the WWE.

Just can't stay away

2009-01-23T11:37:00.001-08:00

Few things have made me feel as old as when I walked into De La Salle's gym and saw 2008 Warren Woods Tower grad Kyle Lowry working as a coach with the Pilots.

Then I walked into St. Clair Shores Lakeview Jan. 21 and coach Steve Nicholl told me he had two new assistants, Mike Hissong and Jake Fisher.

It took me a minute to remember why the name Jake Fisher was familiar, but soon enough I realized Jake Fisher was Jacob Fisher, the Huskies' 2005-06 Division 2 145-pound state runner-up that I had covered.

Aside from high school athletes that I covered that are now coaches making me feel every one of my 29 years, they show one of the main reasons I enjoy covering wrestling — commitment.

Unlike any other sport, wrestling brings people together who must be of a like, and sometimes skewed, mind.

These folks enjoy literally taking beatings and call it practice. As the Warren Mott team Web site boasts, "Does your sport have blood time?"

Aside from all the perceived oddities that those outside the wrestling world see, those in it see something bigger than themselves and greater then the tough times that come with losing and the rigors of things like cutting weight.

As Warren Woods Tower coach Greg Mayer said of grapplers like Lowry, "Those guys eat, breath and sleep wrestling, and it's why Fisher admitted that even if he wasn't a paid assistant on the Huskies' staff, he would have been in the practice room anyway.

Guys like Lowry and Fisher returned to the sport so soon after their graduation because it means so much to them, and even though it makes me feel old, I'm glad they're doing it and helping to introduce a new generation to a sport they just can't stay away from.

Creuse-ing with Cruz

2009-01-20T09:11:00.001-08:00

In my short time as a high school sports reporter, I’ve come into contact with few more personable student-athletes than Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse senior Willie Cruz. Maybe the only people who don’t like him are the players assigned to guard him on the basketball court.

Cruz’s skill set on the court make him one of the most dangerous players around. And off it, his charisma could perhaps even captivate the player he just dropped 30 points on.
That’s why Eastern Kentucky University got lucky when Cruz signed his official National Letter of Intent back in the fall to attend the Richmond, Ky., based Division 1 Ohio Valley Conference school.

I recently caught up with Cruz, and even on crutches following a recent injury, he couldn’t hold back from smiling as he talked about continuing his playing career at the next level.

“To play Division 1 basketball has been my dream since I was young,” Cruz said. “And to get the opportunity to play at a school like Eastern Kentucky and have four years paid for, it’s great.”

Cruz drew the Colonels’ attention, along with plenty of other colleges, with his solid all-around play on the AAU circuit.

He said he was drawn to EKU because of their coaching staff and playing style. Cruz said the team utilizes a balanced offense, where all the players are looked on to score and play interchangeable parts. The guards are asked to play dual roles as ballhandlers and scorers —which suits a combo player such as Cruz.

“The way they play fits me perfect,” he said. “It’s up and down. There’s a lot of 3’s being shot, a lot of passing and unselfish play.”

Local hoops fans should try and catch Cruz in action once he returns from his injury (expected to be late January) and before he’s off to EKU. You don’t want to miss out on one of the premier talents, and people, in the Macomb Area Conference ... unless, of course, you have to guard him.

Menacing matchups

2009-01-15T10:15:00.002-08:00

Lately, much of my time has been spent on balconies, in auxilary gyms and even in local training centers.

That's where many of the gymnastics teams have to set up shop to get their practicing in.

Though they were sometimes tough to find, I've had the opportunity to get a glimpse into the lives of those who are fighting each day to keep their sport alive and well.

Because I've been shuffling across mats and climbing over various apparatuses to get to these athletes, I've had to take a little break from covering Macomb Area Conference girls basketball.

But there are a couple of games rivalry games that fans in Warren and Grosse Pointe, especially, shouldn't miss.

Defending Class A state champion Grosse Pointe North takes on rival Grosse Pointe South at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 at home. Although the Norsemen got off to a slow start in non-league games, they've jumped to 3-0 in the MAC Red.

The Blue Devils, meanwhile, are also undefeated in league play, posting 3-0 in the MAC Blue. This matchup between crosstown rivals is always intense and fun for the community.

Just a short drive down 12 Mile Road separates Warren Cousino and Warren Mott. At 7 p.m. Jan. 28, their basketball teams will tangle in a crossover game.

Cousino's squad has proved to be a threat in the MAC Blue, splitting their first two league games and posting a 4-4 overall record. In the Bronze, Mott is competiting for the top spot at 2-0, tied with Clintondale.

Don't run from the cold, avoid it!

2009-01-15T09:08:00.001-08:00

It’s not often I feel compelled to use this blog to give advice. Frankly, I don’t know if I ever have. But as an arctic cold sweeps across southeast Michigan this week , and as my own stupidity came front and center, I really can't help myself.

There’s an old saying “no pain, no gain,” which we have all heard and at some point probably lived through. There’s another saying I’ve heard and recently lived through, “stupid is as stupid does.”

Part of life is making mistakes and learning from said mistakes. So with that in mind, I’ve decided to highlight my own mistake in an effort to educate others – and probably get a few people to ask, “What was he thinking?”

I’m not sure when it started, probably in college when my football career came to an end and the requirement of conditioning ended with it. Since then, though, I’ve found myself running roughly three miles or so four to five times a week.

Now don’t get me confused with one of those “runners.” You know, the people who can do two marathons a year, are up at 4:30 a.m. in the summer, have the short shorts, the stop watch and the gel packs. Running isn’t my favorite thing to do, by any means, but in an attempt to keep myself in shape, it’s one of the best things for the body.

Unless, of course, the temperature is in the single digits, as it was a week or so ago when I ventured out for my three-mile journey.

Bundled up with long socks, Under Armor, winter gloves, a head band and a couple more shirts, I made my way into the evening night. The first half of the run, with the wind at my back, was, well, a breeze. But as I reached my halfway point and turned into the howling wind, I quickly felt the pain.

It didn’t take long before my legs started feeling numb, and my face was as cold and frozen as the ground my feet were pounding on. “I can tough it out,” raced through my mind. But before long, the cold had simply consumed me. Returning home, finally, I felt dazed, upset with myself and even concerned for my well-being.

First, it was a shower of cool/warm water to allow my body to thaw out. Then it was a quick call to an old friend who coaches cross country in Albion, who reminded me about the dangers of extreme cold and frostbite, and how quickly it can set in.

"You might as well just hit the treadmill,” he said.

If you’re anything like me, the treadmill might as well be called the dreadmill (clever huh?). What's more ridiculous than essentially running in place for as long as desired? Yet, after that fateful night of shivering and shortness of breath, it’s the go-to option when the weather is like this.

So my advice, after all that, is to be smart this winter. Whether you're training for the spring sports season, maintaining your shape for the current winter season or preparing for those two marathons you have to run this summer, only do so when the weather allows and educate yourself about the dangers of extreme cold.

Believe it or not, spring is right around the corner, and that 4:30 a.m. alarm will be ringing before you know it.

Now that's early

2009-01-13T12:13:00.001-08:00

Last week, I met with Rochester High senior wrestler Nick Kaczanowski and coach Frank Lafferty after school to do a story on Nick’s amazing season.

He was 22-0 at the time, had already won the Oakland County Tournament and has a great chance of winning the state title 160 pounds. Last season, he finished second in the state at 152.

On top of that, Rochester was 4-0 in the Oakland Activities Association Red Division.

But those amazing statistics weren’t what stuck out to me. It was the mere mention by Lafferty that the whole team had already practiced that day — at 5 a.m.

When he saw the stunned look on my face, he repeated it "5 a.m."

By all accounts, that’s early.

Now, I know teams all across the state, from gymnastics to swimming, utilize the mornings for practice. Heck, the wrestling team probably wasn't the only Rochester squad there on that frigid morning putting in extra time.

But for me, I’m not even certain 5 a.m. exists.

Yet that morning, the Falcons rolled out of their beds way before many of their classmates and went to school.

They didn’t open their books. Instead, they shot, sprawled and pinned each other.

Their unwavering dedication is probably one of the reasons the Falcons have a potential state champion and are making a run at the Red title.

It’s just not my idea of breakfast.

New kids on the mat

2009-01-12T12:28:00.001-08:00

Local wrestling teams would be well served to take notice of a brewing storm on Common Road in Warren.

The Warren De La Salle wrestling team, in its fourth season of existence after coach Dennis Parks started the team in 2005-06, has all the makings of what could be a major player in Macomb County.

Much like Pilots football coach Paul Verska changed the face of metro Detroit prep football when he turned the De La Salle gridiron program around, Parks seems poised to make a splash in the wrestling world.

He only has one grappler, junior 130-pounder Adam Masakowski, on his roster that had mat experience before stepping into the Pilots' wrestling room, but his team has already taken home the 2008-09 Warren City Championships and placed second in two other tournaments this year.

Because Parks pulled his team out of the county meet Dec. 20 because of a conflict with De La Salle's final exams schedule, no one will know how the Pilots measure up to the top teams in Macomb County until the Michigan High School Athletic Association team and individual district tournaments Feb. 18 and Feb. 21, respectively, but if the way wrestlers like senior 215-pounder Padriac Berlin attacks opponents is any indication, the Pilots could pull off a number of perceived upsets in districts and possibly regional tournaments.

Parks has enlisted the help of recent Warren Woods Tower grad Kyle Lowry as an assistant coach, a move that could be very shrewd.

As the Pilots fight to prove themselves in a crowded wrestling county, they could be very comparable to the Tower teams on which Lowry, his twin brother, Kenny, and current Old Dominion grappler and two-time state runner-up Brennan Brumley starred.

After all, just as coach Greg Mayer and former coach Pat Threet built the Titans from also-rans to regional champs, Parks has already built the Pilots from never-weres to city champions.

From Warren to the World

2009-01-12T07:48:00.001-08:00

Brian Maisonneuve never dreamt soccer would take him around the world, much less out of the Midwest.

When the Warren native returned home recently for the holidays and to co-host a two-day soccer camp, I couldn’t pass up the short trip to speak with one of the community’s best-traveled athletes.

Maisonneuve, who was named Mr. Soccer after his senior season at Warren De La Salle, said that when he left his home to attend Indiana University, he didn’t expect a career in soccer.

“I remember when I picked Indiana – it was one of those where 'this could be the end,' because Major League Soccer wasn’t in existence,” Maisonneuve said. “The U.S. National Team was about the only thing — but everybody dreams about playing for the national team. You dream of it, but you’re never quite sure.”

The MLS was formed during Maisonneuve’s junior year at Indiana — and he would later join the Columbus Crew once he closed out his illustrious career as a Hoosier. Maisonneuve won many accolades at Indiana, capped off by the Herman Trophy (awarded to the top college soccer player) his senior year after leading the Hoosiers to the national championship game.

His dreams of playing for his country came to fruition as well, as Maisonneuve represented the United States during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and the 1998 World Cup in France.

He talked about some of his favorite highlights – winning the Class A 1990 state crown with De La Salle and consecutive trips to NCAA soccer’s final four — the College Cup.

More memories came from his national and international experiences, including playing against Argentina — arguably the best team in the world then — at Legion Field following the opening ceremonies during the first game of the 1994 Olympics.

“To walk out and to have 85,000 people chanting ‘USA’ was pretty special,” he said.

A highlight from the World Cup, in which he played in all three of the United State’s games, also includes a pre-game memory.

Warming up before a match against Germany, Maisonneuve looked up and spotted legendary players Jurgen Klinnsman and Lothar Mattheus getting ready across the way.

“Those were guys that I grew up watching play, it’s just like, you had to pinch yourself,” he said. “Once the whistle blows, I mean it’s a game. But warming up, I remember I was in awe.”

Maisonneuve, who describes himself as “athletically average,” said one message he wanted to relay to the kids at his camp was that if he can do it, anyone can — with the right attitude.

“It’s just a lot of hard work and dedication to the sport,” he said.

Looking back on his career, Maisonneuve said he was lucky to play for coaches like Thaier Mukhtar (the De La Salle coach he was co-hosting the camp with), Indiana’s Jerry Yeagley and national team coaches Bruce Arena and Steve Sampson.

“To have it work out the way it did, I was pretty fortunate,” he said. “And a lot of the coaches that I’ve had – I was pretty fortunate to achieve some of the stuff that brought me all over the world.”

He said all of his coaches inspired him to coach — as he does now as an assistant with the University of Louisville’s men’s team while also helping out the national youth teams.

“I was very fortunate to have great coaches,” Maisonneuve said. “I mean, you look at coach Mukhtar – the best coach ever in the state of Michigan — and you look at coach Yeagley, who’s arguably the best college coach ever in the country ... to have those guys as mentors is pretty amazing.”

Maisonneuve said he began seeing himself as a coach during his playing career, when mounting injuries started to make him think about retiring.

“I always wanted to stick with the game,” he said. “Once I got coaching, it really took over my passion for playing, now it becomes a passion for coaching – and it’s a pretty even substitute.

“I loved playing, but now I love coaching just as much – and sometimes I get more out of it,” Maisonneuve continued. “It’s amazing when you’re teaching kids how to play, and they actually pull it off on the field. To see their excitement, it translates into your excitement. It’s pretty special, and I really enjoy coaching. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

Good will and hot soup

2008-12-16T08:50:00.002-08:00

In Michigan’s tough economy, residents across the metro area have seen their share of ups and downs.

Despite many of us that are enduring hard times, there are some who are following the adage, “When your plate is full, get a bigger plate” and are giving back to those even less fortunate.

These amazing people are the local coaches and athletes that may seem like busy teenagers but are doing extraordinary things for families in need.

Take Madison Heights Lamphere student-athlete Tessa Maynard, who, while maintaining a 3.9 grade point average, is president of her class, captain of her volleyball team and manages to pack baskets for families in need every year before Christmas.

There’s also the Macomb Dakota girls basketball team, which for the past four years has volunteered at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit, serving up generosity and hot soup to its patrons.

These are just two shining examples of teams that have giving back to those in need.

For more on teams that are spreading holiday cheer this Christmas season, check the Dec. 24 edition of your local C & G Newspaper.

While the holiday season looks bleak for those just trying to make ends meet, there are ways to stretch your generosity, even if you can’t stretch your wallet.

Those who are interested in giving back can still donate to good causes, even if you’re budget is tight. Here are a couple of more ways, besides the 20 or so listed in our papers, to give back:

Gleaners Community Food Bank: donors can provide canned and/or nonperishable food items to a local drop-off center.

Vietnam Veterans of America: Donors can set out clothing of all types & sizes (men’s, ladies, children’s, baby’s) in boxes or bags and the driver will look for donations from the street. Please put it out, mark it for Vietnam Veterans of America or VVA, where it is clearly visible. Contact (800) 775-VETS (8387) so VVA is aware of donation.

Happy holidays hoops fans

2008-12-12T11:07:00.001-08:00

The official start of winter is still a few days off, but outside the window here at the office it’s snowing something fierce (at least it was when I started this), and inside gyms across Macomb County boys basketball teams are battling for respect.

So forget what the calendar says, it’s winter.

And in boys hoops in the Macomb Area Conference, the winter season is one of
uncertainty.

Like I wrote in my boys hoops preview appearing in various editions of our papers recently, there aren’t many sure things in the MAC this season.

The graduation of so many talented seniors and the realignments of the divisions have left things wide open — which should make for an exciting few months of crossover competition and intra-division clashes.

Sure, few teams have been tabbed favorites in certain divisions, and there are several talented players throughout the MAC, not to mention some promising young ones.

But the overall sense of uncertainty is something fairly new to the conference, at least in recent years, as the talent across the board seems to strengthen more consistently.

When asking MAC coaches for their thoughts on the top local teams, one squad was mentioned again and again — Utica Eisenhower.

The Eagles, big and talented, have been tabbed as favorites to take the MAC Red — lofty expectations for any squad.

And after catching Ike in action in its Dec. 9 season opener against Warren De La Salle, I’m convinced the Eagles could be the real deal.

I say "convinced" because although Ike lost, it was largely due to mental mistakes and errors that can easily be fixed. But how quickly and effectively the Eagles correct their shortcomings will play a major role in whether they can win out in the always-tough MAC Red.

As for De La Salle, the Pilots also looked a little rusty, but coach Greg Esler and his experienced squad are going to be a tough matchup for any team in the county come playoff time. If and when things start clicking on all cylinders, the Pilots could be headed back to the Breslin Center for the Division 1 final four.

But back to the MAC, here’s a few other teams that, after some dormant and doormat years, could also be in the mix for a division crown before the snow melts: St. Clair Shores Lake Shore and Madison Heights Lamphere (MAC Silver); Warren Mott and Sterling Heights High (MAC Gold); Fraser High and Eastpointe East Detroit (MAC Blue); and Grosse Pointe North (MAC White). Utica Ford II could be considered a dark horse in the MAC Red, but the Falcons aren’t unfamiliar to recent success — having shared the MAC White title the past two seasons.

As for the favorites, watch out for: Romeo High (MAC Red), Roseville High (MAC White), Warren Fitzgerald (MAC Blue), Warren Lincoln (MAC Gold), Center Line High and Clinton Township Clintondale (MAC Silver).

Lastly, here’s a few upcoming games that should hold over hoops fans as the winter break approaches (most varsity contests begin at 7 p.m., but contact your local school for game times): Center Line at Lincoln, Fraser at Clintondale, Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse at Fitzgerald, Lake Shore at Sterling Heights — all on Dec. 18; and the big one — Eisenhower at Roseville, Dec. 19.

Cheers to Lancers fans

2008-11-19T13:30:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite things about covering games during the boys basketball season is the support shown by student cheering sections.

Sure, other sports teams will have big crowds of fans behind them at various points in the season, especially late in the playoffs, but usually none are more consistent than those that appear during the boys winter hoops season.

But this year, all those student sections that pop up during basketball have a lot to live up to after the volleyball season, as the Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse students supporting their Lancers left some big shoes to fill.

Though it swelled to about 100 fans strong during the Lancers' season finale — a Nov. 18 quarterfinal loss at Grosse Pointe North — the L’Anse Creuse volleyball team got significant backing from its students all season long.

And just as the Lancers battled tough to the end on the court with the host Norsemen during the quarterfinal, the fans in their student section impressed to the end.

Even as their team fell behind, the group stood strong and let their voices be heard, encouraging the Lancers, and for the most part, avoiding falling into any negativity like some student sections inevitably do.

So boys basketball fans, the bar has been raised, I’m hoping you can match it.

On to Round Two

2008-11-06T11:18:00.001-08:00

Last week, I attempted to flex my brain muscle and give us all an early look on how the first round of the football state playoffs were going to play out for our local C & G Oakland Activities Association teams.

Well, the numbers are in, and if I don’t say so myself, not too shabby, not too shabby at all.

So let’s take a look …

Livonia Stevenson 17; West Bloomfield High 6
I had the Lakers losing by 10.

Lake Orion High 7; Utica Eisenhower 0
My guess was the Dragons by eight.

Macomb Dakota 28; Troy High 10
I went out on the limb and had the Colts falling by 20.

Birmingham Brother Rice 28; Rochester Adams 21
This one hurt. I had Adams winning by 13 points.

White Lake Lakeland 42; Auburn Hills Avondale 7
This was another tough one. While I had the winning team right, I was 14 points off on the margin of victory.

Southfield High 16; Farmington High 0
Now, I was at this game, and it was even closer than the score showed. I guessed Southfield winning by seven, which was nine points off. But the Blue Jays scored on an interception with less than a minute in the game to throw my guess way off.

Bloomfield Hills Lahser 28; Redford Thurston 13
This one put me back on track. I had the Knights winning by 14, just one point off .

St. Clair Shores Lake Shore 27; Ferndale High 13
This game didn’t go so well for me. I had the Eagles winning by 13; they lost by 14.

I was 6-2 overall, but the true genius (and I use that term loosely) is that I was only nine points off on the average margin of victory of each game. Perhaps not too impressive on the surface, but in three games I was one point off and in another, only two.

For this week there are only three C & G OAA teams left.

Division 1 Lake Orion High (9-1) hosts Romeo High (8-2) at 7 p.m. Nov. 7
If you take a quick glance, Romeo lost 17-14 to the same Eisenhower team that the Dragons just beat. But from what I've heard, the Eagles had their most success running right at the Dragons. With Romeo being a physical, punishing-style team, that doesn’t bode well for Lake Orion. I really think this game could easily go either way, but I’ll take Romeo by two.

Division 2 Southfield High (9-1) hosts Dearborn High (7-3) at 1 p.m. Nov. 8
Dearborn’s three losses came against teams with a combined three losses and by an average of six points. Southfield struggled early with a pesky Farmington team, but eventually their athleticism and defense prevailed. This time, though, I think they just simply run into a better opponent. I’m taking Dearborn by eight.

Division 3 Bloomfield Hills Lahser (9-1) hosts Lapeer West (7-3) at 7 p.m. Nov. 8
Lahser hasn’t lost since week one of the season, and except for their four-point win against Ferndale High, none of the other games have been closer than 15 points. I think the streak continues and the Knights win by 13.

All right, there you have it. The Knights can begin their regional plans, but for the other two, I think. unfortunately, this is all she wrote. Or at least I wrote.

Gridder stars in goal too for Huskies

2008-11-05T08:53:00.001-08:00

As a pair of reporters searched for St. Clair Shores Lakeview goalkeeper Ryan Boren following a late October regional semifinal soccer game, a Huskies player wittily remarked, “Look for the big orange thing.”

The player wasn’t far off in describing his teammate in that manner, although he probably would have been wise to quickly look around and check that Boren wasn’t nearby.

The Lakeview goalkeeper, who was wearing an orange jersey in that game, is listed at 6 feet 3 inches tall and 235 pounds. Those dimensions are more often found on a football roster — which is where I got them.

Boren also played on the offensive and defensive lines for the Huskies' football team.

Built for battles in the trenches, Boren’s size didn’t hinder him on the pitch.

He helped lead the Huskies to their fourth straight district title and played well in the regional semifinal loss, keeping a talented team at bay as best he could in Dexter High (which later advanced to the state finals for the third straight season).

“(Dexter) definitely had more shots than us, for sure,” Lakeview coach Nick Spano said. “Ryan did a heck of a job, made some real critical saves. It could’ve been worse if not for him.”

It’s impressive that Boren has the endurance, focus and skill set to not only play both ways on the football field, but to step in between the posts without much practice and perform well on the soccer field.

“I can say we wouldn’t be here if not for him,” Spano said. “He’s done a heck of a job since he took over.”

Boren spent most of his practice time with the football team, joining his soccer teammates mainly just for games.

“It was kind of hard at first,” Boren said about splitting time between the two.

Eventually it worked out for all the parties involved, which is great to see because more often than not student athletes who want to play major roles on two separate teams during one season are forced to choose.

This one's on me

2008-10-28T12:02:00.001-07:00

I’m going to do us all a favor and save us a lot of time.

I’m going to tell you exactly which C & G local Oakland Activities Association football teams are going to survive the first weekend of the playoffs.

Now, if you’re a fan of prep football, like myself, this is your official spoiler alert. Don’t read below. You can thank me later.

Division 1 West Bloomfield High (6-3) at Livonia Stevenson (7-2) at 7 p.m. Oct. 31
The Lakers are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2000. Its reward is a trip to last year’s state runner-up Livonia Stevenson. But fear not Lakers fans, I think coach James Thomas has a good thing going over there on Orchard Lake Road. But not that good … yet. Give me the Spartans by 10.

Lake Orion High (8-1) hosts Utica Eisenhower (5-4) at 7 p.m. Oct. 31
This is Lake Orion’s eighth straight trip to the postseason, and its also won eight straight games. Coincidence? I think not. It’s a sign from the pigskin gods. The Dragons make it nine wins a row. I like Lake Orion by eight.

Troy High (6-3) at Macomb Dakota (8-1) at 1 p.m. Nov. 1
Good thing this one is on Halloween weekend, because it could be scary. I like Troy, but Dakota is huge … again. The two-time defending state champs average 275 pounds across their offensive line. In a word, "yikes." The Colts keep it close early, but the Cougars wear them down and win by 20.

Division 2 Rochester Adams (8-1) hosts Birmingham Brother Rice (6-3) at 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Lake Orion has shown that Adams is beatable with their 34-28 week eight victory, but not by the Warriors. Adams is out for redemption this time around after losing by a touchdown to eventual state champ Detroit Martin Luther King in a semifinal last season. Rice has held only three opponents to less than 20 points — yes I know the Catholic High School League is tough. The Highlanders, on the other hand, haven’t scored less than 28 in a game yet. Give me Adams by 13.

Auburn Hills Avondale (7-2) at White Lake Lakeland (7-2) at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Despite seemingly being the only game that starts at 7:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. on Friday, this game is also interesting, with Avondale bouncing back after a winless campaign last year. It’s a nice story, but it ends in the first round. No disrespect to the OAA Blue, where Avondale made a run at a championship, but the Kensington Lakes Activities Association is whole different matter. Give me the Eagles by 21.

Farmington High (6-3) at Southfield High (8-1) at 1 p.m. Nov. 1
Farmington has won six straight games to punch its ticket into the postseason; Southfield has been stellar all year, losing only to Adams by two points. These teams have met before with Southfield winning 35-20 in week one. I think Farmington makes it closer, but I still like the Blue Jays by seven.

Division 3 Bloomfield Hills Lahser (8-1) hosts Redford Thurston (6-3) at 7 p.m. Nov. 1
Finally playing against teams that they should be playing (see blog “Sacrificial lamb’), Bloomfield Hills Lahser is going to be tough for any D-3 opponent, starting with Thurston. The Knights have a balanced attack and a defense that will smack you. I think the Knights begin the smacking Saturday night and win by 14.

Ferndale High (8-1) hosts St. Clair Shores Lake Shore (6-3) at 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Ferndale has advanced to the playoffs for the third straight year, a school first. But the first time two times, the Eagles were one and done. Lake Shore has been a little hit or miss this season, beating the likes of Warren Fitzgerald (8-1), but losing to Madison Heights Madison (5-4), a team that lost to Fitzgerald by four touchdowns. Put together Lake Shore’s inconsistency, Ferndale’s drive for a playoff win, and throw in the fact that the Shorians beat my guys from Clawson High week one, that’s three strikes and they’re out. I’ll take Ferndale by 13.

So there it is.

Check back to the blog next week to see how I did with my picks. I've seen and been a part of enough high school football to realize that anything can happen. Should be fun.

Let the games begin.

A closer look at Stanley's summer

2008-10-23T14:08:00.001-07:00

In one way or another, we all have a job somewhat unique. Our daily tasks, hours and efforts all differ.

For some, work is just that, a way to pay the bills. For others, work is a story in itself.

Which brings me to the latest installment of my series on jobs in sports, "A Chauffeur to Lord Stanley," a story that began running in most of our papers Oct. 22.

Mike Bolt is an individual you may have seen a time or two, especially this past summer. Maybe not in person, but you probably saw him on TV, in the newspaper or in any of the magazines that aptly depicted the Red Wings’ summer-long celebration with the Stanley Cup.

Bolt works at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, but he also has the distinct honor (called his job) to travel everywhere the Stanley Cup goes.

This job is detailed in the story, but if you want another look at just where the Cup has been and who has had the chance to see it, visit the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Web site at www.hhof.com and click on the Stanley Cup Journal link on the right side of the page.

The journey details a month-to-month and player-to-player schedule the Cup (and Bolt) endured over the summer.

Some of the entries will leave you shaking your head (Kris Draper), while others will show just how much of a celebrity the Cup really is.

Pitch problems and rank rankings

2008-10-21T11:59:00.001-07:00

It’s been a busy month for me in and out of the office with soccer playoffs under way and the volleyball season wrapping up.

But here are a couple quick observations I’ve recently made:

First: Home-field advantage has taken on a new meaning in the boys soccer playoffs.

Imagine going to a volleyball playoff game only to find that your team has to play on sand.

Sure, the difference between sand and a high school gym floor may be a bit more dramatic than the difference of natural grass and the turf surfaces that have been popping up more and more steadily, but there still is a significant difference.

Soccer teams that are used to playing on natural grass for most of the season (which a little more than half of the teams I cover in the Macomb Area Conference do) often find themselves at a distinct disadvantage when they play a team that’s been on turf all year in a postseason game played on turf. And vice versa.

While I understand not every school and playoff host can have the exact some playing surface, it’s just too bad and a bit unfair when a team’s season comes to an end on a surface that they’re playing on for the first time.

Most coaches don’t like to use that as an excuse, but I know that was a key factor in the outcomes in a few district games in the area.

Second: I just saw the most recent volleyball rankings from the coaches association — and not a single MAC team (and just one OAA squad – Clarkston) is ranked. Not even an honorable mention.

Granted, I know there are some talented teams across the state, and more often than not those schools a bit closer to Lake Michigan tend to enjoy some decent success in the state tournament.

Apparently the MAC Red being even more competitive and balanced than maybe ever before — with five teams out of six still in the running for the division title with two games to go — is a negative for what many would consider the top division in the state.

I have a feeling that beating up on each other and facing top-caliber competition (whether other coaches around the state feel that way or not) all season long will pay off for teams such as Fraser High, Grosse Pointe North, Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, Macomb Dakota and Marysville High once the playoffs roll around.

Planning, preparation pays off

2008-10-14T11:42:00.001-07:00

Once the referee’s whistle blows and a soccer game gets under way, coaches are essentially left to watch their teams until halftime.

The sport offers few opportunities for change during a game, which is why the business conducted off the field — training and scheming — is so vital.

Preparation and the ability to improvise and adapt to opponents are especially key skills when it comes to the one-and-done postseason — you can’t go back and fix things if you weren’t prepared the first time.

During the recent Catholic High School League varsity boys soccer tournament, Madison Heights Bishop Foley’s John Pisacreta and Warren De La Salle’s Thaier Mukhtar proved they were more than up to the challenge of some late-season improv.

Pisacreta got two key goals from Foley forward Alan Wisniewski in the Ventures’ two CHSL Division CD tournament games – a 2-1 win over rival Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and a 2-0 decision against Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard in the final.

The Foley coach moved the towering Wisniewski, who literally stands heads and shoulders above the competition at 6 foot 5 inches, up from the JV team late in the season. Pisacreta’s move and Wisniewski’s patience and hard work paid off for Foley when it needed it most.

The Ventures also decided to move one of their top players, Derek Rosiek, into a more complete defensive role. While Pisacreta noted Rosiek has solid playmaking skills, the need for his defensive abilities led the coach to move the player from the stopper position into the sweeper spot.

“I prefer not to play him back there, but because of the opponents that we play, that’s what we decided to do,” Pisacreta said. “And he was fine with that, as long as we win. And so far, we’ve won with him back there.

“I pride my coaching staff on scouting teams and determining what their best attributes are and what they do well, and us countering that with what we do well.”

Defensive changes also affected the Pilots of De La Salle, which won its second straight CHSL Division AB title over Novi Detroit Catholic Central.

Injuries kept a few key De La Salle defensive players off the field, yet Mukhtar and his staff had the reserves ready and more than willing to stand up to the challenge of keeping the Shamrocks' offense in check during a 2-1 win.

Catholic Central’s lone goal came on a long free kick from standout Josh Gatt. The Shamrocks' star forward was otherwise shut out against the Pilots in three games this season.

De La Salle’s defense has been impressive this season, holding opponents to just nine goals (including three penalty kicks) all season (20 games).

Killer crossovers

2008-10-02T07:52:00.001-07:00

Week six on the Macomb Area Conference football slate is a pretty good one, with games like 4-1 Macomb Dakota traveling to 5-0 Grosse Pointe North; Warren Cousino getting reacquainted with former MAC White rival and current MAC Red leader Romeo High; and the MAC's surprise team of the season, Warren Mott, at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley's homecoming.

Week six has rivalries like Madison Heights Lamphere taking on Madison Heights Madison and St. Clair Shores Lake Shore facing St. Clair Shores South Lake. The only people who could complain are sports reporters who have to pick just one game to be at (I chose the North/Dakota showdown).

What's the cause of this excitement — crossovers.

With the MAC switching from a five-division league to six in 2008, it created four weeks for crossover games.

It's not just week six, either. With all six league titles decided heading into the final week of the regular season, week nine could make week six look boring.

In week nine, Utica Stevenson travels to Mott in a possible postseason preview. Chippewa Valley hosts Cousino — one or both teams could be fighting for a playoff berth. Roseville and Eastpointe East Detroit end their year with one of the Eastside's most underrated rivalries. Center Line High hosts Warren Lincoln, and former Macomb Oakland Athletic Conference and Oakland Activities Association foes Madison High and Clawson High meet for the first time since 2003.

Speaking of the OAA, why would a league want to miss out on all this crossover fun?

With the OAA's current format of two eight-team divisions and one nine-team division, the teams lucky enough to be in the OAA Red and White get two crossovers, and those in the Blue have their league schedule account for eight of nine regular-season games.

To say nothing of fan interest, these schedules have teams starting their league play in week one, giving them no time to get rosters in order or account for any of the many inevitable early season roadblocks before competing for a league title.

I propose the OAA follow the MAC's lead (they've already switched from numbered divisions to colors) and move to five, five-team divisions. With five crossovers, the OAA could open it's league slate in week three, have an open date in the middle of the season for rivalries or other crossovers, and still have their final two weeks open for rivalries — games with champions playing other champs in a format like the Catholic League's Prep Bowl. Maybe they could go completely outside the league and play against corresponding champs from a rival league that may or may not have most of its constituency east of Dequindre.

Also, aligning a five-of-five format could take into account any number of factors, be they competitive balance or geography.

Here are two of a great many possibilities that might be fun. The first is the "geographic alignment."

OAA White: Rochester Adams, Rochester High, Rochester Stoney Creek, Troy High and Troy Athens.

OAA Red: Lake Orion High, Clarkston High, Farmington Hills Harrison, Farmington High and North Farmington.

OAA Blue: Bloomfield Hills Lahser, Bloomfield Hills Andover, Southfield High, Southfield-Lathrup and West Bloomfield High.

OAA Gold: Royal Oak High, Ferndale High, Berkly High, Birmingham Seaholm and Birmingham Groves.

OAA Silver: Auburn Hills Avondale, Pontiac Northern, Pontiac Central, Hazel Park and Oak Park

Now comes the fun one, the "competitive alignment."

OAA White: Adams, Lake Orion, Clarkston, Harrison and Lathrup.

OAA Red: Lahser, Southfield, Groves, Rochester and Stoney Creek.

OAA Blue: Troy, Athens, West Bloomfield, Seaholm and Oak Park.

OAA Gold: Ferndale, Berkley, Farmington, Pontiac Northern and Royal Oak.

OAA Silver: Pontiac Central, Andover, North Farmington, Hazel Park and Avondale.

Spread the word

2008-09-11T07:13:00.001-07:00

If you've watched any football the past two weekends, either in the prep or college ranks, chances are you've seen the spread offense. You can recognize the offense by the quarterback in the shotgun, a single back, four receivers split wide — and the lack of any true grit.

My last point was a little sarcastic.

Granted, the offense doesn't produce a power game. But proponents ask why a power game is needed when you can throw the ball around or churn out yards on the ground with a single back. They'll have you believe that the days of 3 yards and a cloud of dust are over and that fullbacks are going the way of the dinosaurs.

Call me old fashion, but I can't stand it.

The spread has become the "go-to" offense in the high school and college ranks. No doubt you've had your fill hearing how the offense is going to take University of Michigan football into the 21st century. Since when did an I-formation and a 4-yard gain become unacceptable?

I understand the offense has its place and don't even mind that. But let it stay with the University of Purdue and Northwestern University, which brought the offense to the Big Ten because they believe it works as an equalizer against teams with more talent. Let it stay with Southfield High, which runs it to perfection at times. Even let it stay with Troy High, which utilized it all the way to the Division 1 semifinals.

But for the vast majority of the other programs using it, especially at the prep level where quarterbacks routinely don't make throws needed and receivers drop just as many balls, line up and play football.

Just because it's the new thing, doesn't mean it's the best thing.

Here's to 3 yards and a dose of dust.

The Pointe of rivalries

2008-09-09T13:17:00.001-07:00

I covered my first Grosse Pointe North/Grosse Pointe South football game Sept. 5 at North.

I've been to Brother Rice/Catholic Central games, once in Pontiac and once in Hamtramck. Both of those trips were amazing exploits in preps athletics and seemed more like a Big 10 rivalry than a prep showdown.

I've also covered Macomb Dakota and Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, once in the regular season and once in the playoffs, and I could not get over how large of an event these games were. There were more people at those games than many of the Central Michigan University games I went to in college.

This weekend, though, I experienced something a little different from all the other rivalries I've seen, all the North and South fans were literally sitting next to each other.

I sat in the crowd between North and South fans, and I didn't even get a whiff of animosity.

I know there are probably stories of crowds getting out of hand in the past, all schools have a troublemaker or dark day in their history, but this experience was as much fun as I can ever remember seeing such a large group of rival fans have together.

With both sides sharing the same set of bleachers at North, there wasn't even a whisper of foul tempers in a game that was closely contested for over three quarters before the veteran Norsemen wore down a young Blue Devils squad.

Just as was the case with the vast majority of people at the Rice/CC and Chippewa/Dakota games, the GPN and GPS teams acted with as much class on the field as the fans did off it.

In today's age, where we are led to believe community camaraderie and goodwill toward our neighbors have eroded, it's nice to see parents and youths in a community prove all that wrong for a night and actually enjoy something as simple as a high school football game.

Kicking off with preps

2008-09-09T12:16:00.002-07:00

When the dog days came to a end last week with the first official day of school, another budding season of preps began.

For me, another season means the smell of freshly cut soccer fields and the screeching of sneakers on the hardwood of a volleyball court.

That's where you can catch me — on the sidelines covering boys soccer in the Oakland Activities Association Red and Blue divisions , the Michigan Independent Athletic Conference and the Catholic High School League, and in the stands watching volleyball teams in the Macomb Area Conference White, Blue and Bronze divisions.

Here's a few teams to watch out for in both sports:

Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day's soccer team might be young, but the elite program returns to the pitch as the Division 3 defending state champions and ranked No. 1 in Division 3 by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association's Sept. 8 poll.

Auburn Hills Oakland Christian (9-0-0 overall) returned 12 players from last year's Division 4 state runner-up squad and aims to make another title run. Leading the squad is seniors Jacob Stanko on offense, Josh McKenna in midfield and Kramer Everett in goal. The Lancers are ranked No. 1 in Division 4.

Troy High (1- 1- 1 in the OAA Red and 2- 1-1 overall) was ranked No. 4 in the MHSSCA's rankings and comes in with a strong senior class, which hopes to capture the district title that Birmingham Brother Rice snatched from it last year.

Some volleyball teams were shifted around into new divisions this fall, while an entirely new division, the Bronze, was created to accommodate Clawson High, which joined the MAC this year.

Warren Cousino's volleyball squad (1-0 in the MAC White, 7-5 overall) packs a powerful punch in outside hitters seniors Kate Sak and Danielle Meyer. Coach Patti Hunter said this is the year for Cousino to break out and make a run in the state tournament.

The Blue Division welcomed two new teams in Sterling Heights High and Grosse Pointe South. While Utica High dominated the league last year (12-0), with Utica Stevenson (10-2) close behind, this year there's much more parity.

Warren Fitgerald returns as the favorite after winning the MAC Silver division last year. The Spartans, who are now in the Bronze Division, are guided by a senior-heavy squad that is aiming for league and district titles.

But the Spartans should look for a hard-hitting Clinton Township Clintondale squad and an energized Madison Heights Lamphere's team.

I remember you!

2008-09-08T12:50:00.001-07:00

As I strolled up to the coaches at the Grosse Pointe North-Warren Cousino boys soccer game back at the beginning of the fall season, I was struck with two very different but strong cases of déjà vu.

First I approached North coach Chip Stencel. Suddenly the early season Macomb Area Conference crossover game I was about to watch felt like a regional or state level playoff game.

That’s because Stencel was one of the last soccer coaches I interviewed — back in the spring — as he led the Norsemen's girls team to the Division 1 state championship game.

While that game took place back in mid-June, it felt like barely a week had passed since I had talked to Stencel, not two months.

“The girls ended, and then it was a month and a half and we were right back in it,” Stencel said, referring to tryouts and training beginning back a couple weeks earlier in August.

While his summer vacation might have gone by a little too quickly, Stencel admitted it wasn’t a bad problem to have.

“No, it is what it is,” he said.

Stencel seems to have picked up where he left off, as the GPN boys began the season 4-1-0 overall, including a 1-0 win over defending division champion Utica Eisenhower to kick off the MAC Red campaign.

Wrapping things up with Stencel, I ask him about the new Warren Cousino coach, Anthony Sorrentino. The name was familiar to both of us, but we couldn't seem to place it.

So I headed over to introduce myself and began to recognize the young coach as I got closer.
I realized that Sorrentino played for Warren Woods Tower back when I was manning the left midfield spot for Warren Mott.

Putting the old rivalry behind me, I spoke with Sorrentino and can freely say he seems to have the same successful touch he had as a player as a coach. The former Division 2 All-State honorable- mention selection has the Patriots off to a hot start at 2-0-0 in the MAC Blue, 3-1-0 overall — with their lone loss coming that day to the Norsemen.

Sorrentino’s success was not a surprise to his former coach at Tower, Brian Bonkowski, who I caught up with a short while ago.

“It’s great to see one of the players that you’ve coached move into the coaching ranks,” said Bonkowski, who is still the coach of the Titans. “It’s good. He’s intense and he knows what he’s doing. He’ll do good over at Cousino.”

Teacher and student will meet up at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Tower for a late season MAC crossover game.

A day with Mario

2008-09-04T11:20:00.001-07:00

As the fall prep sports season hits high gear, as college football begins another quest toward championship question marks, also known as the BCS, and as the NFL starts rocking and rolling (undefeated preseason anyone?), I felt it my duty to grab onto the that summer feeling and squeeze every last drop out.

With that in mind, I spent some time a few weeks ago with Detroit Tigers television play-by-play commentator Mario Impemba for the latest installment of my series of jobs in sports.

OK, I also did it in a selfish way as an educational tool for my career as a broadcaster. But anyway...

A Sterling Heights Stevenson and Michigan State University grad, Impemba, now a Macomb resident, showed me the ins and outs of a day on the job.

The story itself will begin running in our papers Sept. 10, but some of the highlights of my time spent with Impemba included the preparation he puts into each broadcast. By 3 p.m. any day of an evening game, he is already the booth preparing stats, opening comments and information to use that night.

We walked to and through the Tigers’ clubhouse, the opposing clubhouse, the back halls and hidden alleys of Comerica Park, all in a day's work.

This is the seventh year Impemba has brought Tigers games from Comerica to our television sets and still, even as a grown man with a wife and two kids, he said he is living out his wildest dreams.

The best way to describe my time with Impemba is, "refreshing."

He has a job he loves, a job he is very good at, a job he spent years in the minor leagues to get to, and still he gets a genuine kick out of coming to the ball park on a summer night and calling America’s past time.

Not a bad gig if you're lucky enough to get it.

Backyard camping

2008-07-28T08:09:00.001-07:00

Who doesn’t love summer camp?

And who doesn’t love saving money?

With the economic squeeze continually tightening its grip on metro Detroit, extracurricular spending is bound to take a hit.

That’s why communities should consider themselves fortunate when local coaches host their own summer sports camps — a growing trend in the area.

For the most part, local camps are considerably much more affordable than ones hosted by universities.

And from what I’ve seen, there’s hardly, if any, drop off in instruction.

I attended a few sports summer camps at area universities when I was in school, and after spending some time recently at the Eastside Soccer Camp at Fraser High, I didn’t notice any significant differences.

The Eastside camp, directed by Warren De La Salle boys and Fraser girls soccer coach Thaier Mukhtar, was run in a very similar fashion to the camps I remember going to.

But with a fee of just $150 (including each camper receiving a Nike ball) for five days of training, instruction and competitions, local camps like the Eastside one can’t be beat — unless, of course, the camper wants to be crammed into a stuffy dorm room and feast on collegiate cafeteria food (which I suspect was all just leftovers from the school year) for a week.

How sweet it is

2008-07-21T12:06:00.001-07:00

While most of his counterparts throughout the minor leagues are focusing purely on baseball and that coveted call up to the big show, you'll probably find Parker Dalton occasionally sitting back and just taking it all in.

Dalton, an infielder with the Great Lakes Loons — the Los Angeles Dodgers class A affiliate, describes carrying out his duties as a ballplayer as, "icing on the cake."

Don’t get the wrong impression. Dalton isn’t a lazy athlete along for the ride.

One of the first things the 25-year-old Houston native mentioned to me when I was talking to him about the Loons for my summer series about minor league teams around the state was about how hard he and his teammates work to impress fans and scouts alike.

But after a bout with cancer, Dalton knows playing baseball isn’t the number one focus of his life anymore — living it is.

“One of the things I realized was you have no control of your life, your baseball career, anything like that,” Dalton said.

Preparing for his senior year at Texas A&M University, Dalton was diagnosed with malignant melanoma — a serious form of skin cancer. Fortunately, he was able to overcome it through treatment.

While there is no trace of cancer left in his body, it did leave Dalton with a stronger sense and grip of humility, spirituality and awareness.

“They could have found more, and that could have been it,” he said. “It was a lesson early in life that you don’t have much control. Playing baseball now is a gift.”

“When you think about it, when you remember, ‘Hey, you almost never got to do it again’, it really makes you cherish it.”

Dalton’s perspective of simply enjoying the game and realizing how privileged he is to play it was refreshing to hear.

It was one of the many examples I came across during my baseball excursion that truly encompasses the passion surrounding the sport, its players and its fans — regardless of the level.

And, for a few days this summer, I was glad to be apart of it, too.

A change is coming

2008-07-18T07:43:00.002-07:00

In the past week, I got to see firsthand how one woman is bringing change to the male-dominated sport of sailing by encouraging women to take the helm.

By hosting a women's only sailing clinic Aug. 1 at Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit, Dawn Riley — a St. Clair Shores resident and world-renowned sailor — hopes that women will find confidence to brave the waves on their own, sans the men in their lives.

Riley began sailing with her family when she was a young girl. She said by the age of 13 she was "obsessed" with the sport and was ready to captain her own ship. Since then, she has manged to become the first woman to captain an America's Cup sailing team and race on three America's Cup teams and two Whitbread Round-the-Word Race teams.

While all that may seem daunting for a novice sea gal, Riley said sailing is not an exclusive sport. If you're interested in trying it out, Riley says there are always boats looking for crew. To get involved, she said just get to a local marina or club and ask around.

“All you have to do is show up,” Riley said. “Even if you don’t know ( how to sail), they’ll train you.”

Riley's clinic welcomes women of all skill levels to participate. By learning some basics — and a few tricks Riley has picked up during her travels — the next time you're out boating, you can surprise your friends (and yourself) by taking the helm.

Down at 'The Corner'

2008-07-17T07:41:00.001-07:00

The seemingly endless "efforts" to save Tiger Stadium have seemingly ended.

Barring a multi-million-dollar miracle before the end of July, Detroit will be a lesser city with the total destruction of the old ball park.

With that in mind, a handful of friends and I went down to The Corner July 14 to soak in the nostalgia.

I snapped some pictures and marvelled at how well-kept the field seemed to be from behind the security fencing. But the best part was being there with my high school friends Doug Belles, Mike Weathers and Dave Luedtke.

They are just a few of the friends who shuffled down to Tiger Stadium in the lean years, when we were in high school and college.

From when we got our driver's licenses in 1995 to the parks closing in 1999, we went to what at the time seemed like too many games and now feels like not enough.

Those years, while we complained about the team, were amazing. It sounds sappy, but I fell in love with baseball in those four years.

I had played Little League, but growing up the Lions and Pistons were my teams. I cared little for the Dead Wings of my youth, and beyond 1987 never really paid much attention to the Tigers.

From seeing the Tigers take on the NL East in the first years of inter-league play with (hot dog) vendors selling fresh, hot "Bobby Bonilla's" as the Tigers played the would-be World Series champion Florida Marlins, I found an experience at the ball park rivaled by few things in the world and grew to appreciate seeing a home-team win.

Those years of 'Fan Stand' tickets and 'Dollar Day' smorgasbords made experiences like seeing Magglio Ordonez's pennant-winning home run all the more exciting. Knowing I was one of the fans who had truly been there when it was the worst made the best times amazing.

Even beyond that, though, the memories I have with friends — like Andy Melitz, who I will forever be grateful to for getting me a ticket to the final game at the Corner — are of the most value.

Whether it was sitting in the bleachers as Mark McGwire shelled the left-field roof in batting practice, or sitting in the right- field overhang to see the eternally-expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays, those memories are where Tiger Stadium will always stand, and there's nothing the Detroit City Council can do about it.

Star impressions

2008-07-07T11:34:00.001-07:00

For the most part, the focus of minor league baseball is to develop young players so they can reach their full potential, and ultimately, the majors.

But once in a while, pros spend time with their club’s affiliated organizations to rehab from injuries.

Such was the case of the Detroit Tigers star Curtis Granderson, who spent the early portion of this season recovering from a finger injury.

He kicked off his road to recovery with the West Michigan Whitecaps, Detroit’s single A affiliate located near Grand Rapids, in Comstock Park.

Granderson went 4-for-11 in three games with the Whitecaps, including a pair of triples while also turning in some solid defense.

But Whitecaps manager Joe DePastino was more impressed with his off-the-field performance. After sitting down with DePastino to talk about the Whitecaps for my summer series, he told me a quick story about Granderson’s stint with the team.

Apparently, the center fielder’s charm, which has made him one of the Detroit’s most popular athletes, isn’t reserved just for fans but for his teammates as well, regardless of what team he’s on.

“He was great, a great person,” DePastino said. “He came in here and he said to me, ‘I’m doing whatever you guys do here.'"

“He was one of the team,” DePastino continued. “When he first walked into the clubhouse, instead of going to his locker and sitting there, he walked in, put his stuff down and started talking to everybody, introduced himself.

“That right there was the first sign you know he’s a great guy.”

Don't miss the boat

2008-07-07T07:42:00.001-07:00

Every summer I hang up my prep sports pass and head to the lakes and rivers. After the baseball and softball state champs are crowned, writing stories on the Bayview Mackinac and the Gold Cup races are a nice summer home away from home in regards to my high school sports beats.

This year, I got to write a feature on the Simon family and their connection to the Gold Cup races on the Detroit River. It all started with George Simon Sr. racing his boat, the Miss U.S. in 1953. As President and founder of U.S. Equipment, Simon was a quintessential American industrialist.

Fresh out of service in WWII, Simon started a business buying and selling machinery. He started buying the equipment from his mother's home and storing it under the bleachers at the old De La Salle High in Detroit. He and his brother made a name for their company throwing live turkey's into purchasers homes for Thanksgiving and buzzing an office full of buyers with a plane at Willow Run.

After all that established his business, Simon took up racing boats — powered by airplane engines situated mere inches from the driver's seat — at speeds approaching 200 mph.

Needless to say, George Simon was an interesting person. For his full story, check out the history of U.S. Equipment on its Web site at:

http://www.usequipment.com/story.htm

That's what makes these stories about boats, whether powered by sail or airplane engine, so interesting - the people. The nautical types are always willing to talk with you and always have interesting stories to tell. Go down and check out Gold Cup races on the Detroit River July 11-13 and the Bayview Mackinac Race when the yachts leave Port Huron July 12. Get there early and you might even hear a boat story of your own.

A refreshing reminder

2008-07-03T09:55:00.001-07:00

Within the next week or so, my summer series about jobs in sports will officially begin with a piece on Channel 7 weekend sports anchor Vic Faust.

You’ll read about his start in the broadcasting business, his climb to sports producer in Tulsa, Olka., his eventual unemployment and his arrival in Detroit.

You’ll learn about his faith in God, which he said has guided him through the ups and downs that come with the business.

Still, in talking to Faust, learning about his job and his life, there was one refreshing aspect of our conversation that many people sometimes forget.

“One of the things I enjoy most is the fact that professional athletes are really ordinary people," Faust said. "Sure, they are extremely gifted and make a ridiculous amount of money, but what’s cool to watch from my perspective is just how ordinary they really are.”

This came as no surprise to me. While covering prep sports doesn’t often translate to a behind- the-scenes view of the world of pro sports, I’ve had an occasion here and there to see these “celebs” in their ordinary moments.

Take away the cameras, the fancy cars and flashy clothes, and you have ordinary men and women with families, friends and lives outside the world of sports.

“Hockey players are probably the most down to earth,” Faust added. “But they’re all pretty cool people. Pretty ordinary.”

More than a game

2008-06-30T15:14:00.001-07:00

Recently I sat down with Leslye Wuerfel, the general manager and chief financial officer of the Traverse City Beach Bums, for an interview for the first installment of my upcoming series on minor league baseball teams throughout the state.

She shared a story with me that I think truly encompasses one of the many great things about local, small-market teams like the Beach Bums.

After an autograph session following a game, a fan in a wheelchair approached Wuerfel. She told her about how her husband had died this winter and she rarely got out anymore but asked her daughter to bring her to a game.

She had such a good time, she bought tickets to the rest of the week’s games and, even though she’s not a season-ticket holder, she decided she wasn’t going to miss a game the rest of the season.

She told Wuerfel that coming to the games gave her, “something to look forward to."

In the major, professional sports settings, things like approaching and conversing with players and front-office types on a whim (and not via a prearranged PR stunt) are rare.

Mind you, this autograph session involving several players occurred shortly after the Beach Bums lost a close game to a rival team and their No. 1 pitcher went down with an injury.
Many athletes and their organizations would not normally find themselves sitting down with or chatting freely with fans at a time like that.

But subtle acts of kindness and respect like the ones offered by the Bums' personnel can play a huge part in a fan's life.

While a game might just be another day on the job for the athletes and managers lucky enough to be involved full time at any level with sports, especially the pros, it means so much more to the fans.

“I think that at this level, the baseball, it just means something different to every person,” Wuerfel said.

Now that's dedication

2008-06-30T10:08:00.001-07:00

I used to think I was a patient golf fan.

But then I met Steve Attwater of Rochester Hills.

It was 7 a.m. June 26, and there he sat in his folding chair next to the 18th green at Warwick Hills during the opening round of the Buick Open.

As the opening groups teed off on No. 1 and No. 10, Attwater literally sat by himself, knowing full well it would be at least another two hours before he would see his first golfer make his way up the fairway. Still, Attwater sat. And sat. And sat.

I thought it was a big deal when my friends and I took our annual spot behind the No. 2 tee box and let the golfers come to us. We would sit in the same spot for around six hours before dragging our sun-burned bodies away.

But Attwater claims his territory and stays there — not only each day, but pretty much each hour of each championship round of the tournament.

"I just do it, that way I can watch everyone come up the 18th green. From Thursday through Sunday, this is where I sit," he said, adding that he plans his vacations around the tournament.

I wasn't there on Sunday, but I'd bet Attwater was. And when Woody Austin and Bubba Watson missed their putts on the final hole and Tour veteran Kenny Perry happily raised the trophy and waived to the fans, he had the well-deserved best seat in the house.

"Something special"

2008-06-27T10:00:00.002-07:00

It's not too often that you come across a team that holds its coach in such high regard.
But that was the case with the Detroit Demolition women's professional football team and it's coach, Tony Blankenship.

Most sports fans recognize Blankenship's name, growing up as a top-notch prep athlete at Detroit Murray-Wright and becoming one of the Wolverines' top special teams players and free safety, but I had no idea of the impact he's made on his team.

After spending a couple hours at a recent Demo practice, the admiration for Blankenship shared by the players was evident in their smiles when they successfully completed one of his drills and in their endless praise.

In the next week's newspapers, you'll get to know Blankenship a little better find out he has become the face of the Demolition, and I think you will see why his players call him "something special."

The feature will be posted online after it has run in our 19 local papers.

Anchoring the beginning of a series

2008-06-26T10:12:00.001-07:00

The sports wrap on the Sunday night news is that last-ditch effort to grab onto and squeeze every last second out of the weekend before Monday rears its ugly head.

Fans see highlights of games they already know about, get a little extra perspective and pick up insight on the upcoming week.

This, the weekend sportscast, is where my summer series about jobs in sports begins. In the coming weeks, the story of Vic Faust, Channel 7’s weekend sports anchor will appear in our papers.

You’ll read how a former St. Louis resident went from being jobless to covering the 2004 Ryder Cup, the 2006 World Series and the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals and understand the ins-and-outs and ups-and-downs of being a sports anchor.

“Despite what a lot of my friends think, I don’t show up at 10:30 p.m., do the 11 p.m. news and then go home,” Faust said during our conversation last week.

Look for this story in the near future, where someone who's job it is to end every weekend will begin my series.

Feed the need

2008-06-19T07:34:00.001-07:00

They say youth is wasted on the young.

Whether it's because kids don't know how good they have "it" or don't appreciate how fleeting "it" might be, the young don't always take full advantage of the opportunities afforded them as much as those who have come before them.

That's what makes "recreational" adult sports leagues so intriguing. If its a midnight drop-in hockey session or a group of past-their-prime hard ballers behind an elementary school, what drives these athletes is something equal parts pure and fanatical. That's why my summer series will focus on local teams and athletes who can't say enough is enough. They're the ones you see risking torn knees and wrenched backs for nothing more than competition. So if you play on or know of a team that exemplifies these qualities let me know.

You can reach me at bbates@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1029.

Summer adventures

2008-06-18T11:32:00.001-07:00

When the prep sports world takes its break during the summer, it leaves us predominately prep sports writers to find new avenues for stories.

I'm looking off the beaten path this summer, trying to find "adventurous" hobbies, sports, etc., with the hope that we will all crawl out of our comfort zones and make this summer truly special by giving a few of them a try.

Whether it be the velodrome at Bloomer Park in Rochester Hills, training for a triathlon (which I have no intention of doing) or even jumping out of an airplane (we'll see about that one). No idea is too big or too small.

I'm always open to suggestions. If you can think of an adventure that is close to home, shoot me an e-mail at cdavis@candgnews.com.

Sports series bonanza

2008-06-18T07:11:00.002-07:00

With the spring prep season all wrapped up, the time has come to embark on a summer endeavor.

To pass the dog days of summer, I will be working on a series of features that profile local people who have interesting and unique sports-related jobs.

Staff writer Mike Moore and I will be putting our heads together to bring readers compelling features on people who love sports and found a way to make it their living.

First up on my list is Tony Blankenship, former University of Michigan defensive back and coach of the women's tackle football team the Detroit Demolition.

Readers can look for a profile on Blankenship in their local C & G Newspaper in the upcoming weeks.

If you know of someone who fits the bill, a sports nut with a great sports job, shoot me an e-mail.

Take me out to the ball game(s)

2008-06-17T12:27:00.001-07:00

Take me out to the ball game(s)

Consider me your guide to summer fun.

Next week, I’ll be embarking on an odyssey of sorts to minor league baseball games around the state.

Each stadium is near or on the way to popular travel destinations for metro Detroiters, so whether you’re heading out on summer vacation or going on a road trip, hopefully the stories in my series will encourage you to take in a ball game at some point.

Specifically, I plan on dropping in on the Traverse City Beach Bums, Lansing Lugnuts, West Michigan Whitecaps (Grand Rapids) and the Great Lakes Loons (Midland).

In each piece, I’ll recap all the highlights from my visits, ranging from the unique aspects and amenities each offers to standards such as ticket prices and where to park and, of course, which items to sample off the snack menu.

Anything interesting that doesn’t make it into print will likely end up here in the blogosphere, so be sure to check back for more trip tidbits and other entries from what should be an exciting summer.

A paycheck in sports

2008-06-17T10:19:00.001-07:00

We’ve all seen, heard of or maybe even taken part in the routine at some point. Punch the time clock to end the day, battle traffic on the journey home, and then relax in front of the television with the remote and our favorite sport.

Or maybe the escape takes us to the ballpark, the ice rink or the gym.

You get the picture.

Anyway you look at it, for many people, the end of the work day only means the beginning of sports.

But what about those people who punch the time clock to begin their day and do it in the world of sports?

Good question.

And over the summer months, I hope to answer it, or at least take a better look at those who earn a paycheck in sports with my summer series.

Early plans include stories on a Detroit Tigers broadcaster, a local sports anchor and a behind- the-scenes look into the world of sports-talk radio, among others.

At the same time, I’m open to any ideas you may have. Do you know anyone who has an interesting occupation associated with sports? If so, please feel free to e-mail me or give a call.

Or, as the summer months pass, flip through our papers and take a look at those who work in sports, those whose day actually begins with the first pitch or the drop of a puck.

You can reach me at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1038.

Local Lions

2008-04-22T11:02:00.001-07:00

Bob Lantzy, Mike Giannone, Mike Carr and Rick Bye can fix the Detroit Lions.

That may be a tall order for the football coaches at the Macomb Area Conference Red Division's four premiere programs, but after speaking with Buffalo Bills linebacker John DiGiorgio April 18 at St. Mary’s School in Mount Clemens, maybe these four can help the much-maligned Leos.

Accounting for 13 trips to state title games in the past 10 years, these four coaches know what makes a good football player great, and they know how to get the most out of marginal players.

Getting marginal players to play above their talent level is key to the success of high school program, and from the Lions' recent run, that could be an invaluable skill for them as well.

Not to say DiGiorgio was a marginal talent under Lantzy at Utica Eisenhower, but for him to climb his way to start 13 games and record 137 tackles in 2007-08, he had to overcome several roadblocks — starting with a broken leg in the final game of his high school career, the 1999 Class A state title game.

With resilience like that, you would think DiGiorgio grew up watching players like Chris Spielman and Stephen Boyd play linebacker.

That’s the other way local prep and college products can help the Lions.

We have heard all too often how Lions coach Rod Marinelli wants to build an atmosphere of pride, so why not start with players who already have pride in playing for the Lions.

DiGiorgio said he would have loved to play in front of a Detroit crowd while speaking to the student body at St. Mary’s, and given the Lions woes at the linebacker position, I’m sure they would’ve loved it too.

So let’s look at how the 2008 draft’s metro Detroit talent can help the Lions.

Granted with the No. 15 pick in the first round, the Lions won’t have a shot at top prospects like Jake Long of Lapeer and Vernon Gholston of Detroit, but that’s not to say there aren’t prospects to be had.

With the departure of former second-round pick Kalimba Edwards, the Lions again have a hole at defensive end — there lies Eastern Michigan University’s Jason Jones of Southfield.

The Former Southfield-Lathrup Charger posted 174 tackles in his three years on the Eastern Michigan defensive line. He recorded 70 tackles and 3.5 sacks playing at defensive tackle as a 6-5, 237-pound senior despite giving up plenty of weight to larger interior offensive linemen.

Jones could provide versatility across the Lions defensive front at tackle, end or even linebacker. That’s versatility that gurus like Marinelli and defensive coordinator Joe Barry should covet.

Next on the Lions "need" list is linebacker, where they’ve parted with former second-round picks Boss Bailey and Teddy Lehman, who combined for roughly half as many tackles as DiGiorgio last year.

The current field of middle linebackers is thin, so a first-round pick of someone like Tennessee’s Jerod Mayo would be understandable, but why not take a late flyer on Central Michigan University’s Red Keith.

Keith may be from Georgia, but he has excelled on the Ford Field surface. In two Motor City Bowls, two Mid-American Conference championship games and one regular-season contest, Keith recorded 48 of his 455 career tackles.

NFLDraftCountdown.com’s scouting report says Keith doesn’t have the ideal size or speed for the next level, but he excels in intangibles as a team leader.

He also sported a 3.24 GPA with a major in Math, but who wants a middle linebacker with leadership, smarts and a nose for the ball in big games.

Also a constant on the Lions’ need list is offensive-line depth — a position that could be helped late in the draft with the acquisition of Western Michigan University offensive tackle James Blair.

At 6 feet 5 inches, Blair played tackle for three years with the Broncos, but he could move to guard, both positions of need for the Lions since Blair was in grade school before starring at Detroit Pershing.

AAFL needs your help (and large donations of cash)

2008-03-07T07:37:00.001-08:00

(NOTE: The AAFL announced it was postponing its inaugural season shortly after this entry went up. An additional update concerning that follows this entry).

Maybe you’ve heard the news, maybe you haven’t. If not, I’ll break it to you. The All American Football League, yet to play a game, is already in danger of folding.

The six-team league essentially announced this past week that, unless an investor could be found who was willing to lend the AAFL a sizable wad of cash, the inaugural 2008 season might be postponed until 2009.

The AAFL later announced that it was making some progress with several prospective investors, as well as moving forward with TV deal talks, while adding that preseason training will be briefly delayed.

(UPDATE: A few days after writing this initial blog the AAFL announced that it was finalizing major national television and radio deals this week, adding that should be welcome news to interested financial partners. Included in the latest press release was a schedule of 21 of the season's 32 games that would appear on television, reportedly in an HD broadcast by a "well-known prestigious national network."
Televised games for Team Michigan included: 4 p.m. April 12 at Tennessee; 1 p.m. May 3 vs. Texas; 1 p.m. May 10 at Arkansas; 4 p.m. May 17 at Florida; 4 p.m. June 7 at Texas and 1 p.m. June 14 at Alabama.)

It was good to hear the promising follow-up news, but the initial hit was heavy. While the AAFL may yet stave off a fatal blow, things are not looking good for the league, which seemed to have some good things going for it before the call for financial help went out.

First and foremost, the AAFL bringing Team Michigan to town may finally have given Ford Field a successful football franchise. (Sorry for the cheap shot Lions fans, but I couldn’t avoid it.)

Next, the league’s motto of implementing a college football atmosphere in a professional setting had the potential to provide fans and players alike with some solid entertainment and excitement, especially if tickets and concessions could be kept way down below that of NFL and NCAA games.

Lastly, the AAFL’s rule of allowing players to compete only if they had received a college degree served as a great motivator in the ongoing effort to remind student-athletes that school is pretty important too.

Perhaps in folding before ever playing a single game, the AAFL will demonstrate to student- athletes just how important their education, received by many compliments of their scholarship, is in the long run.

If the NFL or NBA folded tomorrow, how many players from those leagues would be able to go out and get a decent job in corporate America? While having the ability to accurately throw a football 60 yards or leap over another human being and dunk a basketball with ease are impressive traits, they aren’t exactly the type of job skills the 9-to-5 suits are looking for.

OK, so most NFL or NBA players became financially set for life when they signed their rookie contracts and likely wouldn’t have to lift a finger to support themselves if their respective league ever folded. And I’m well aware that plenty did get their college degrees.

But what happens to the athletes in high school or college who had been eyeing a career in pro sports while neglecting their studies. Or what if a lesser luxurious sports league folds, like the Arena Football League?

What happens to those athletes without a college degree?

I don’t know. But I do know all those guys that tried out for AAFL teams, should the league indeed fold or postpone its kickoff, all have something other than sporting accomplishments to list on their resumes.

And while it’s hard to conceive the NBA or NFL, or even the Arena Football League (backed by ESPN), would fold in the near future, it’s also hard to conceive that a certain local professional football franchise would win less playoff games than the number of stadiums it's called home over the past 50 years, not to mention draft four wide receivers with its first pick in four of the last five drafts.

Finally, figuring out the logic behind the Lions organization may just require multiple college degrees.

(FINAL UPDATE: It’s official, the All American Football League has postponed its inaugural season until next year. The league sent out notification to the media March 13, in the afternoon.

The AAFL, which was recently attempting to find investors to help salvage the 2008 season, indicated in a press release that all its sponsors were committed to remaining with the league for the 2009 season. It also mentioned that fans would be fully reimbursed for all ticket purchases. The six-team league had been planning on kicking off its inagural season April 12.

Check upcoming editions of your local C&G Newspaper for more details.)

Dunk dreams

2008-03-03T12:47:00.001-08:00

Ahh the slam dunk.

I was in seventh-grade the first time I saw one live. I was at an inter-team Clawson High basketball scrimmage and a group of us begged Jon Jansen — now an offensive tackle for the Washington Redskins — to dunk for us.

Soon after, I made a bet with my cousin, Gil — who was my age — that someday we would be the ones dunking.

After all, we were both tall for our age and could touch his neighbor Tommy’s rim at the time, which may or may not have reached 8 feet.

Fifteen years later, and I haven’t so much as nicked the rim on a regulation-size hoop — 10 feet.

Once in high school, at the height of my athleticism, I was apparently close, or so an observer said, but he could have been lying.

Gil, for his efforts, can get a few fingers around the hoop, but is also dunkless in his career.

Nowadays, I sit in gyms and watch these high schoolers throw it down with ease. It’s almost become routine, seeing them flying through the air, mocking me with every inch that they ascend.

It's not to say I can’t dunk with the best of them when a rim suits my leaping ability. In fact, I’m the “2006 Pat’s backyard Slam Dunk Champion.”

I won it with power and grace. As the sun went down and the porch lights came on, I wowed the judges — Pat’s brothers, Jimmy and Tim.

My friend and coworker, Jeremy, came in second after dunking with his shirt pulled over his head — a played-out move, in my opinion, and all the less impressive because I’m pretty sure he could see through it — but it was my off-the-backboard extravaganza (also very played out) that took the crown.

So go on — Drew Maynard of Lake Orion, Damacious White of Berkley High, Nick West of Royal Oak High and all the rest of the local dunksters — throw it down.
But know this: I own 8 feet.

Frozen Madness

2008-03-03T06:08:00.001-08:00

Well, at long last, March Madness has officially arrived.

And no, the previous statement has nothing to do with CBS airing six minutes of commercials for every three minutes of basketball, and I’m not referring to the ever-so-interesting showdowns between No. 1-seeded powerhouses and their No. 16-seeded (technically one team seeded 17th) practice dummies.

Instead, as the calendar turns from February to March, the most exciting part of the high school hockey season officially begins. In an eight-day span, the playoffs will go from regional finals (March 1), quarterfinals (March 4-5), semifinals (March 6-7), and then culminate March 8 at Compuware Arena in Plymouth.

Players, coaches, fans (and even media) who have, well, played, coached and witnessed the hockey playoffs understand the overall madness these eight days produce.

One lucky bounce or one key save can propel a team from the brink of elimination to center stage. Last season, for example, Grosse Pointe North watched as St. Clair Shores Unified hit the post in triple overtime in the opening round of the playoffs. Less than three weeks later, that lucky bounce partly to thank, the Norsemen were playing in the Division 1 semifinals.

A year later, the Norsemen are alive in this playoff chase, along with other local favorites (Cranbrook, St. Mary’s and De La Salle) and even some you’d be surprised at (Stoney Creek, Notre Dame Prep, Troy Athens).

As each day passes, the field will be cut in half until March 6, when the final 12 arrive at Compuware, which is the perfect culminating spot for the playoff tournament.

I understand the aura that comes with playing at Ford Field for the football state finals, but in a stadium that seats more than 60,000, excitement and atmosphere often get drowned out by the empty seats. (Compared to pro games at Ford Field where the seats are filled but there is no excitement or atmosphere).

Compuware is the perfect platform for the finals. It’s big enough to house everyone in attendance, but small enough to keep the atmosphere rocking from start to finish.

I understand and won’t deny my bias toward the hockey playoffs — it is the best sport in the world, right? — and I realize the girls basketball quarterfinals (semis and finals), the boys basketball regionals, the swimming finals and the boys individual wrestling finals are all this week as well (everyone at the MHSAA is smiling at that), but there’s something about the hockey playoffs that just has that “it” factor.

Needless to say, buckle up and let the frozen madness begin. Even if it is only a week. After all, unlike the March Madness this one actually ends … in March.

Quick guide to Eastside boys hoops playoffs

2008-02-20T09:31:00.001-08:00

February in Michigan means uncertainty is abound.

And I’m not just talking about the weather.

It’s also time for boys basketball playoffs.

Unexpected upsets, emerging stars and dominating performances will begin popping up across the area like potholes as the postseason gets under way Feb. 25 with district quarterfinals.

To help hoops fans navigate their way through some of the most exciting action, I’ve compiled a quick guide of things to watch for district by district in my coverage area — mainly Macomb County, Grosse Pointe and Madison Heights.

Happy trails (and look out for potholes!)

District 20-A at Grosse Pointe North
• Competing teams: Eastpointe East Detroit, Detroit Finney, Grosse Pointe North, Grosse Pointe South, St. Clair Shores Lakeview and St. Clair Shores Lake Shore.
• Quick analysis: The five Macomb Area Conference-based squads (all but Finney) will surely be anxious to start the postseason after largely underachieving regular seasons, especially Grosse Pointe South, which lost several close games because of an inconsistent offense.
• Upset alert: The Blue Devils do play a tough brand of defense, and if they can get a big quarterfinal win over Lakeview, maybe they can get enough momentum rolling to give defending district champion Finney fits.
• Game to catch: If South can’t knock off Finney, maybe its rival neighbor to the north can in the district final. The Norseman should be tough to topple in their home gym.

District 21-A at Fraser High
• Competing teams: Fraser, Roseville High, Warren Cousino, Warren De La Salle, Warren Mott and Warren Woods Tower.
• Quick analysis: De La Salle, winners of nine consecutive district crowns, could be considered vulnerable this year with a young team (no seniors). Unfortunately for other teams in the district, they too all seem to be experiencing sub-par seasons.
• Star watch: There are plenty of talented players in this district, but Roseville sophomore Brandon Gouch is a somewhat unknown who is ready to turn heads.
• Must-see matchup: Will last year’s highly anticipated Cousino – De La Salle showdown finally come to fruition this season? If so, it should be exciting to see a pair of big fellas face off in the paint in De La Salle’s Kevin McCarthy and Cousino’s Matt Balkema.

District 27-A at Utica High
• Competing teams: Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, Sterling Heights High, Utica Eisenhower, Utica Ford II, Utica Stevenson and Utica.
• Quick analysis: I wasn’t alive the last time L’Anse Creuse won a district title (1976). While the Lancers are talented enough, this will be one tough district as Ford II leads some solid UCS squads into the group.
• Upset alert: Can Ike catch defending district champ Ford II looking ahead to a potential doozy of a district final with L’Anse Creuse?
• Game to catch: I already gave it away, but a Ford II-L’Anse Creuse district-final clash would certainly draw a crowd, especially with a pair of dynamic duos on display. Nick Carreri and Willie Cruz lead the Lancers, while Kyle Hunt and Nate King drive Ford II.

District 28-A at L’Anse Creuse North
• Competing teams: Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, Macomb Dakota, Fair Haven Anchor Bay, L’Anse Creuse North, Port Huron High and Port Huron Northern.
• Quick analysis: Veteran squads at LCN and Chippewa Valley are poised for a potentially electric district final, but don’t count out Dakota. The Cougars may be young, but Bill Snyder’s squads have won two straight district titles.
• Don’t forget about: Port Huron Northern. The Huskies and Oakland University-bound Jay Thames won’t be an easy out for Chippewa Valley in the first round.
• Shooting stars: Defenders beware, don’t let sharp-shooting seniors Erik Thompson and Mike Nieman of LCN or Chris Lemm of Chippewa Valley get open outside the arc or you’ll pay the price.

District 42-B at Center Line High
• Competing teams: Center Line, Detroit Crockett, Madison Heights Madison, St. Claire Shores South Lake, Warren Fitzgerald and Warren Lincoln.
• Quick analysis: Heated rivalries and revenge will be sought out in what is one of the best and most balanced districts in the state. Good news for fans, a nightmare for coaches.
• Underappreciated: Could Madison actually be flying under the radar? The Eagles seemed to lose some of their luster after failing to secure back-to-back undefeated records in the MAC Gold. Madison’s aggressive brand of defense could be the X-factor in this district of high-flying offenses.
• Game to catch: Every single game in this district has the potential to be a classic. Get there early and don’t leave your seat until it’s March.

The best of the rest
Districts: 43-B at Beverly Hills-Detroit Country Day; 44-B at Marine City; 45-B at Capac; 103-D at Detroit Chadsey; and 104-D at Birmingham Roeper.
• Competing (coverage) teams: Clinton Township Clintondale, Madison Heights Lamphere, Mount Clemens, Macomb Lutheran North, Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, Warren Conner Creek West, Warren Conner Creek East, Warren Macomb Christian and Grosse Pointe University Liggett.
• Upset alert: Call me crazy, but I bet Clintondale gives defending state champ Detroit Country Day a good game in at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Country Day. Before you lock me away, here’s the recipe behind my reasoning. The Dragons know how to win (they won a share of the MAC Silver title). They’ve played some top-level competition (Fitzgerald, L’Anse Creuse, Madison and Detroit Consortium) and are a balanced and deep team that can wear opponents down as they go deep into their bench.
• Oh so close: Mount Clemens and Lutheran North each lost heartbreakers in their respective district finals last year and should be focused to finish the job this year.
• Stars to watch: A pair of juniors should turn heads in the Roeper district. Parkway’s Zurlon Tipton is a top-notch athlete who can slash and bang with the best of them, while Conner Creek West’s big man John Hoskins Jr. is silky smooth near and far from the basket, swatting shots and draining treys.

For more district playoff coverage and information, including game dates and times and future results, check out our online basketball story archives.

AAFL gets drafty

2008-01-28T09:47:00.001-08:00

While most football fans likely spent this past weekend in limbo with no games to watch for the first time since early August, the All American Football League was busier than the photographers chasing Tom “The Boot” Brady.

The AAFL, which I’ve blogged about a couple times before (scroll down) and written about a few times (links posted below), spent Jan. 26 conducting its inaugural draft.

Each of the six teams was allowed to “protect” a large group players, mainly ones from that team’s specific region (Team Michigan protected 20), meaning that no other team could select them.

That also meant there was little drama in the draft because the majority of the well-known and top talent was protected. Team Arkansas made former Troy University offensive lineman Zarah Yisrael the No. 1 pick.

While that selection was followed with a couple of former standout signal callers, as Virginia Tech’s Bryan Randall went No. 2 to Team Tennessee and Nebraska Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch was taken No. 3 by Team Texas, peering over the draft results (which you can find on the league’s Web site at www.aafl.com) leaves little excitement.

And the AAFL will need every ounce of excitement it can conjure up to get fans interested and survive.

Team Michigan’s first pick was former UCLA quarterback David Koral. The squad also had former University Illinois QB Jon Beutjer protected, along with six former University of Michigan players. (Head back to the AAFL site for Team Michigan’s post-draft roster.)
The team also unveiled a uniform — dark blue with white numbering and a solid gold stripe across the shoulders and under the neck with some red trim. A gold picture of the state (both parts, don’t want to upset any Yoopers adorns the dark blue helmets, which also have a single gold stripe going down the middle.

Team Michigan kicks off its inaugural season April 12 at Tennessee.

Team Florida and former University of Florida QB Chris Leak and Florida State University receiver Peter Warrick will visit Ford Field for Team Michigan's April 19 home opener.

Here are the links I mentioned to my past stories on the AAFL:
http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2007/12-05-07/XS-AAFLUPDATE_horiz.asp
http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2007/9-26-07/XS-LASTCHANCE_vert.asp
http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2007/8-15-07/XS-NEWTEAM.asp

Early bird gets the ice time

2008-01-17T07:40:00.001-08:00

While most hockey fans are still dreaming of owning their very own Don Cherry suit, the Utica High boys squad is lacing up its skates for another of coach Kevin Nye's 5:20 a.m. practices.

In the wee hours of the morning Jan. 17, I pulled into Macomb Suburban Ice Arena for interviews with the Chieftains' players and coaches. As I entered the building at 6 a.m., they were already well into their practice — with smiles on the coaches' faces and no sign of the hour in the players' strides — in a session Nye described as being, "... nice to get out there and skate a little."

I am always impressed by the early morning habits of high school coaches and athletes. Whether it's swimmers, hockey players or any of the athletes who forgo extra hours of sleep for time in the weight room or on the ice, it's just one more sacrifice they make for a game.

I know its cliché to knock the "spoiled" professional athlete, but next time you here millionaires griping about whether or not they're being respected, remember the Chieftains and the countless other local athletes who roll out of bed at 4 a.m. to practice and are just happy to get the ice time.

Dusting off the mats

2008-01-15T12:21:00.001-08:00

Clawson High wrestling is back, and that’s good news.

I know it wasn’t long ago, 2005 actually, that the Trojans had a team, but truthfully, it’s been 10 years or so since Clawson could boast a program that could come close to fulfilling the 14 weight classes.

This year, the Trojans have 10 athletes on the team, and though four classes are still being voided, it’s a step in the right direction.

Of the 10 wrestlers, four are freshmen, three are sophomores, two are juniors and only one is a senior. With a middle school program already in place, the numbers should only grow.

Adding to the optimism are coaches Terry Downs and Ed Macknis.

After spending some time with these guys, you can tell they’re passionate about the sport, and more importantly, they’re passionate about the school.

Both are Clawson graduates and have seen the program at its best — in the 1980s — when the Trojans could compete with anyone in the state. Both understand the tradition Clawson once had and are determined to bring it back.

As a 1999 graduate, I wish the coaches the best of luck and hope this current crop of wrestlers marks just the beginning. I can honestly say they are all making at least one alumnus proud.

Rivals will meet and titles will be decided

2008-01-09T08:56:00.002-08:00

As the Macomb Area Conference girls basketball season heads into the second half , the competition gets tougher and the implications get more important. Here are a few of the key upcoming showdowns as teams battle to stay at the top of their respective MAC divisions.

St. Clair Shores South Lake at Clinton Township Clintondale, 7 p.m. Jan. 16
These two teams have battled for the MAC Silver title for the past three years. Last year, (2006) Clintondale won it. The year before that, South Lake took the title. Though both teams are struggling a bit this year — the Cavs were 1-1 in league play and the Dragons were 0-2 prior to play Jan. 11 — when they get together, its always a great game.

Grosse Pointe North at Fraser High, 7 p.m. Jan. 18
North and Fraser are the cream of the MAC Red crop this year and have developed a great rivalry. Prior to play Jan. 11, both teams were undefeated in league play. This should be a classic.

Eastpointe East Detroit hosts Roseville High, 7 p.m. Jan. 18
Nothing says Friday night like a crosstown rivalry. While Roseville has three-straight wins over the Shamrocks, Amy Altman's crew is determined to put an end to the streak.

Clinton Township Clintondale at Madison Heights Madison at 7 p.m. Jan. 22
Again, the MAC Silver triangle of Madison-Clintondale-South Lake comes to a head as these two teams duel. Madison's ace, Meesha Nolen, will be a good match for Clintondale's Dionne Washington and Gaby Adams.

Utica Ford II at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 7 p.m. Jan. 24
Here you'll see two top guns in action: Ford II's Lea Jones and Chippewa Valley's Claire Cannon. They can both shoot from long range, and the two of them on the same court is worth the price of admission.

Rivalry week sets up marquee boys hoops games

2008-01-07T09:26:00.001-08:00

Hoops fans slowly emerging from their holiday hibernation may want to avert their eyes in the upcoming week. Rivalry games and key division clashes highlight what should make for a bright spot on the varsity boys basketball schedule.

Wednesday, Jan. 9
Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse at Romeo High, 7 p.m.
Few people outside of L’Anse Creuse expected the Lancers to be sitting atop the MAC Red instead of the Bulldogs. The dynamic duo of Nick Carreri and Willie Cruz can add more believers to the Lancers bandwagon if they win at Romeo to remain unbeaten in the division.

Lake Shore at Lakeview, 7 p.m. A half a game and a little more than two miles separate these St. Clair Shores intracity rivals as they face off in this MAC Silver showdown.

Fair Haven Anchor Bay at Warren Fitzgerald, 7 p.m. A little more than 30 miles separate these schools, but the Tars and Spartans sit tied for second place a half game behind Roseville High in the MAC Blue. This contest should be pivotal when it comes to crowning a champion in a division crowded with contenders. Roseville visits Anchor Bay Jan. 11.

Warren Lincoln at Mt. Clemens High, 7:30 p.m. If the Abes and Bathers want to keep pace with MAC Gold Division leader Madison High Madison, they can’t afford to get tripped up by each other. Oh, and it’s possible that the memories of Lincoln ending Mt. Clemens’ season in the district final last year may come into play.

Thursday, Jan. 10
Mt. Clemens at Macomb Lutheran North, 7 p.m. The Bathers will be tested in the post by the Mustangs in this non-conference clash, which comes a day after racing up and down the court with Lincoln. The contrasting styles should prepare Mt. Clemens for another tough test on Jan. 15, when the Bathers travel to Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day.

Friday, Jan. 11
Macomb Dakota at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 7 p.m. The Cougars knocked the Big Reds out of the playoffs the past two years. The Big Reds knocked the Cougars out of the playoffs the two seasons before that. The MAC Red foes are again scheduled in the same district this year and could again face off in the postseason for a third-game rubber match. Better get to this one early if you want a (ring)side seat for round one.

East Detroit at South Lake, 7 p.m. Last year the Shamrocks and Cavaliers ended up sharing the MAC Blue crown. Nobody likes to share, especially heated rivals.

Grosse Pointe North at Grosse Pointe South, 7 p.m. Fans of this rivalry will be treated to an extra helping this year. Although the Norsemen compete in the MAC Red and the Blue Devils play in the MAC White, these squads will square off twice, with the second meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at North. But first things first, and a win over a rival could be just the boost these squads need after slow starts in their respective divisions.

Warren De La Salle at Birmingham Brother Rice, 7:30 p.m. The young Pilots may not have a single senior on their roster, but no one needs to remind them that beating the Warriors is a big deal.

Tuesday, Jan. 15
Lutheran North at Harper Woods High, 7 p.m. The Mustangs emerged with the Metro Conference title last season, ending a three-year reign by the Pioneers. Don’t think Harper Woods has forgotten.

Center Line High at Warren Lincoln, 7:30 p.m. Old foes meet in a MAC crossover in what could be a postseason preview. The Panthers began the week sitting atop the MAC Silver with a 4-0 division mark and were 6-1 overall.

Take a shopping break for some basketball

2007-12-19T11:59:00.001-08:00

Macomb County boys basketball fans, we’re a few weeks into the boys season and there’s plenty to write about. But I don’t want to clog up the Internet, so I’ve whittled this entry down to a few choice nuggets. Enjoy, and happy holidays.

One and (not done)
Clinton Township Chippewa Valley seems determined to not only capture the MAC Red title, but do it in exciting fashion (unless you’re Big Reds coach Kevin Voss, who might insert the word "stressful" in place of "exciting.")

The Big Reds opened division action with a pair of one-point wins. They defeated Grosse Pointe North 56-55 in overtime Dec. 12 before topping two-time defending MAC Red champ Romeo High 57-56 Dec. 18.

Celebrate 2008 with the conference's first game of the new year when Chippewa Valley and high-scoring guard Chris Lemm travel to Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse to meet the Lancers and high-scoring forward Nick Carreri (committed to Grand Valley State University).
The game tips off at 7 p.m. Jan. 2.

Pilots flying high, again
From the outside, it appeared Warren De La Salle would be going through a “rebuilding” phase this season after losing four talented starters from a team that made an epic run to the state semifinals.

But after a 4-0 start, including some impressive wins, the only building the Pilots seem to be doing is creating some momentum that just might take them back to the Breslin Center.

Coach Greg Esler’s squad is led by captains Alex Marcotullio, Alex Harville and Kevin McCarthy. The Alexes man the backcourt and are armed with some dead-eye, long-range shooting. McCarthy, who depending on who you talk to is either 6 feet 9 or 6 feet 10, is a force in the middle, regardless of who you believe.

A host of role players give Esler plenty of tools to work with, though the Pilots' defense is already scary good. And even scarier, there’s not a single senior on the team, so the future is very bright at De La Salle.

Check out the Pilots over the break as they battle Warren Lincoln in what should be a great intracity clash at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28 at De La Salle.

“Guaranteed buckets”
His teammates call him “Q”.

I call him one of the best players in Macomb County.

The Associated Press has called him a Class B All-State honorable-mention player — twice.

You can call Quentin Jones whatever you want, just make sure you go see the St. Clair Shores South Lake senior guard before his prep balling days are over.

While it seems that South Lake’s roster is loaded with impressive athletes, Jones stands out — thanks to exceptional physical gifts and talent earned by hard work.

“Athletically, he’s unbelievable,” said South Lake coach Matt Ferguson.

Jones possesses what Ferguson refers to as “deceptive” dribbling skills, which he can use to crossover his defender in a tight spot or in the open floor, and then simply blow by him with serious speed. His strength and size at 6 feet 6 allows him to power past opponents in the post, win rebounding battles, and deny players on defense. He worked on improving his 3-point shot in the offseason, so now when defenders sag off of him in anticipation of a dribble-drive, Jones can step back and nail a trey with what Ferguson calls, “a nice, fluid shot." His high-flying ability makes him a threat to bring the crowd to its feat following a big dunk.

In short, with the arsenal of weapons Jones wields on the floor, South Lake can do some major damage.

Perhaps nobody enjoys an offensive talent like their point-guard teammate.

“Playing with 'Q,' it’s fun, because you can just feed him the ball and it’s like, easy buckets,” Cavs senior point guard Malcolm Oliver said. “It’s like guaranteed buckets as soon as the ball touches his hands. Everybody knows it’s not a one-person game, but he is a very big part of our team.”

Catch Jones and the Cavs in action over the break at Macomb L’Anse Creuse North’s Crusader Classic. But don’t just focus on South Lake, as LCN senior guard Erik Thompson is another impressive player from the MAC.

LCN is scheduled to play Port Huron at 6 p.m. Dec. 27. South Lake will face off with Livonia Franklin following that game, and more action is planned for the next day.

Here we go hoops fans

2007-12-03T12:29:00.001-08:00

Boys basketball season is finally here. I’ve compiled a quick guide to some early season must-see games in Macomb County. Happy trails hoops fans.

Friday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m., Macomb L’Anse Creuse North at Warren De La Salle:
Expect to see a barrage of 3-pointers from two of the county’s purest shooters in Crusaders senior Erik Thompson and Pilots junior Alex Marcotullio.

Monday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., Warren Cousino at Utica Ford:
The Falcons edged the Patriots by one game to take the Macomb Area Conference White Division title last season. While Ford’s Nate King and Kyle Hunt, and Cousino’s Ricky Powell and Bernard Edwards are among the area’s top returning starters, Patriots center Matt Balkema, a 6-foot-9 270-pound junior, may just steal the show in this early season grudge match.

Tuesday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m., Harper Woods High at Warren Conner Creek Academy West:
The Eagles may be Warren’s best-kept basketball secret. They’ll have a chance to prove their skills against the Metro Conference powerhouse. The Pioneers' aggressive, pressing defense is enough to give any opposing head coach fits, but so are the all-around skills the Eagles' 6-foot-8 junior center John Hoskins Jr.

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m., St. Clair Shores South Lake at Warren Fitzgerald:
Expect plenty of high-flying offense as there are few teams around that can match the explosiveness of the Spartans and Cavaliers. Quentin Jones, the Cavs' 6-foot-6, high-flying senior forward is a threat to score from anywhere and should be enjoyable to watch this season. There are plenty of players in this game capable of taking over in this installment of a fierce, blossoming rivalry. South Lake won a share of the MAC Blue title last season, while Fitzgerald was tied for second place.

Another classic Thanksgiving

2007-11-30T11:17:00.001-08:00

Football has always been associated with Thanksgiving in Detroit, but
lately the Thursday afternoon affair seems to leave fans hungry
compared to the weekend feast.

A little of the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day sheen has dissipated ever since the retirement of one Barry Sanders, but after the past two years of high school finals, even No. 20 himself would be hard-pressed to provide a better show.

Many assumed the 2006 Division 2 championship between Warren De La Salle and Muskegon
High could not be topped. But as is the case with most things, if you
wait long enough, you’ll be proved wrong as the 2007 Orchard Lake St.
Mary’s/East Grand Rapids Division 3 championship came very close.

Where all of last year’s dramatics were contained to regulation, you may have
read that the Eaglets one-upped their league rival Pilots and extended
their game to five overtimes.

Just like last year, the most exciting game of the weekend pitted a team from the Catholic High School League against the OK Conference with plenty of bragging rights
between public and private andEastside versus Westside at stake.

Again, the OK won as East Grand Rapids outlasted the Eaglets in a marathon just as narrowly as Muskegon’s Ronald Johnson outraced De La Salle's Don Fowler in a sprint last year.

Of course, talk to people in Macomb County and they’ll tell you the OK and Catholic League are playing for second place.

Macomb Dakota from the Mac Red Division took home its second straight Division
1 championship and Marine City High topped Detroit Country Day for the
Division 4 crown.

The Cougars put together the first Division 1 14-0 season since 1999, and answered every question and doubt they had coming into this year.

When the final game was played, Dakota was arguably more dominant than last year’s team, which was an overtime away from also being undefeated.

The Cougars won their 22nd consecutive game against Livonia Stevenson, but take into account that streak started after an overtime loss to Utica Ford II Sept. 22, and if one or two bounces went the other way, we’d be talking about a 28-game streak.

But that would be impossible ...

Given the one loss that Dakota’s JV and two freshmen teams combined for in
2007, maybe I should wait till next year before saying that.

No-huddle highlights on horizon

2007-11-28T12:07:00.001-08:00

Find me a metro Detroit football fan who wouldn’t want Peyton Manning as the signal caller of the Detroit Lions and I’ll find you Atlantis.

Sure, Jon Kitna has, for now, provided some consistency in a position long prone to considerable questioning and criticism. And surely the Tom Brady fan club has a large following in the area.

But Manning’s ability to call and execute plays successfully from the line of scrimmage in the Indianapolis Colts’ no-huddle offense is a treat to watch, and a similar version may be making its way to the Motor City and Ford Field.

No, the Lions didn’t trade their next 40 first-round draft picks for the Colts QB.

But Team Michigan of the All American Football League, which begins its inaugural season in April, plans to implement a similar no-huddle offensive scheme to Ford Field under the direction of John Fontes.

Fontes, who was introduced as Team Michigan’s head coach Nov. 27, worked with Colts offensive coordinator Tom Moore when the pair were assistants under Wayne Fontes (John’s brother) when he was at the helm of the Lions in the 1990s.

Fontes hopes to tap into his friendship with Moore in bringing an exciting offense into the AAFL.

“I have a great respect for Tom Moore,” Fontes said. “Tom’s been so gracious. He said to me, ‘Any time that you get started, and you want your offensive coordinators to come sit down with us after our season’s over with, you’re more than welcome. Because this right here can work for you.'”

Moore was the Lions’ quarterbacks coach in 1994-95 and was offensive coordinator in 1995-96 and 1996-97. Detroit led the NFL in total offense in 1995 (382.1 yards-per-game) as the Lions became the first team in league history to have two receivers catch 100 passes (Herman Moore and Brett Perriman).

“His offensive style is so unique and so simple that when we draft, we’re drafting for that style of offense — no huddle,” Fontes said. “And we’re going to call the play at the line of scrimmage, just like he does. We’re going to give the quarterback one running play and two pass plays, depending on what he sees. And we’re going to line up in a formation and let it role from there.”

Before coming to Detroit, Tom Moore helped the Pittsburgh Steelers win a pair of Super Bowls as an offensive assistant coach. Since leaving Detroit, he has directed Manning and the Colts' dynamic offense, culminating in last season’s Super Bowl win over the Chicago Bears.

The AAFL, which will begin its 10-game regular season April 12 — following a national draft Jan. 25 at a to-be-determined location — requires all players to have exhausted their collegiate eligibility and earned their undergraduate degree.

While nobody expects a player of Peyton Manning’s caliber to play in the AAFL, Team Michigan Chairman Stan Edwards guaranteed the quality of talent in the league would be more than sufficient.

“You’ll get a good brand of football,” Edwards said.

Districts, districts and more districts

2007-11-01T11:05:00.001-07:00

No better way to enjoy the last weekend of reasonable temperatures than catching a local district championship football game. Winter always seems to roll in the weekend of regional title games and seemingly hangs around until baseball and softball kick of their district tournaments, so be sure to get out and enjoy the brisk Friday night and Saturday afternoon at one of many local matchups.

No. 2 Rochester Adams (9-1) hosts No. 2 Birmingham Brother Rice (8-2) at 7 p.m. Nov. 2.

A lot of metro Detroit pride is on the line with this game. Both squads are ranked second in Division 2 by the Associated Press, both squads have won Division 2 state titles in the last five years, and both squads might represent the metro area’s best chance of knocking off defending Division 2 state champ No. 1 Muskegon High or their rival No. 4 Hudsonville High Nov. 23 at Ford Field.

Rice brings a rejuvenated offense, led by senior running back Caulton Ray IV and senior quarterback Andy Lentz, up against an Adams defense that has so much speed Rice coach Al Fracassa believes it to be better than the defense that beat him in the 2003 state title game.

No. 1 Macomb Dakota (10-0) hosts Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (7-3) at 7 p.m. Nov. 2.

The buzz saw that is the Dakota football team hasn’t let up on anyone since an early season 29-22 scare from Utica Eisenhower Sept. 7. Since then, the Cougars have outscored opponents 282-71, including a 39-0 win against the Big Reds Sept. 21. Of course, that was with Chippewa Valley senior quarterback Tyler Alwardt severely hampered with a leg injury. After the Big Reds fell to Dakota, they also dropped their next game, 21-14, to Utica Eisenhower, but have since rattled off four straight wins and outscored opponents 139-58 in that span.

No. 5 Warren Cousino (10-0) hosts Detroit Denby (7-3) at 7 p.m. Nov. 2.

The Patriots are following much the same path that put them in the Division 1 state semifinal a year ago. After beating a Macomb Area Conference rival in the first round — this year it was Warren Mott; last year it was Utica Stevenson — Cousino now faces Denby from the Detroit Public School League, the same team it beat a year ago to win the program’s first regional title and one of the three teams the Patriots scrimmaged during the 2007 preseason.

The major difference in Cousino’s postseason road map would come if the Patriots were to win another regional title and return to the semifinals. There they would face a team from the group headed by unbeaten No. 4 Livonia Stevenson instead of Dakota — which they wouldn’t face until Nov. 24 at Ford Field in the Division 1 title game.

No. 9* Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day (8-2) hosts Detroit Crockett (6-4) at 1 p.m. Nov. 3.

The Yellowjackets’ ranking gets an asterisk because the Associated Press ranked it among the top 10 in Division 5. Country Day qualified for the Division 4 playoff bracket, and after topping one PSL foe — Detroit Douglass — in the first round, it gets another with the Rockets. Where Douglass was making its first trip to the postseason, Crockett is slightly more seasoned with this being its eighth appearance since 1997. With Crockett’s in-state losses coming against Denby (Division 1), Detroit King (Division 2) and Detroit Southeastern (Division 1), Country Day is going to need another big day from senior running back Jonas "The Benz" Gray, who in committing to Notre Dame is following in the footsteps of former Detroit MacKenzie star Jerome "the Bus" Bettis.

Enjoy every last moment

2007-10-24T09:14:00.001-07:00

So, it’s officially come to this.

A season that began many moons ago, with conditioning in the dead of winter giving way to training camp in the dead of summer to finally the playoffs in — Halloween’s coming up, right? — the dead of fall.

What was a guaranteed nine-game season has translated into what could be a five-week run or a 48-minute heartbreak. Either way, the competitiveness, agony, jubilation, excitement, and any other adjective you care to use to describe the football state playoffs, is what makes them so, well, I guess I’m out of them, great.

For 256 teams across the state, spilt into eight different divisions, the 2007 playoffs begin Friday night. And of those 256 teams, only eight — less than 4 percent if you’re counting — will end the season with a win.

But my advice has little to do with wins, losses, play calling or strategizing, I leave that to the men with the headsets and flashy jackets. Instead, for all 256 teams, and however many thousands of players that entails, I offer one small bit of advice.

Enjoy this time, however long or short it may be.

Enjoy every last second of it.

It won’t be long before you find yourself in class, at a party, celebrating a holiday, or anywhere in between, and the words, “remember at football…” will come pouring from your mouth.

It may be a story about training camp, a story from the locker room, from practice, from a game, from a bus ride or the playoffs — anything and everything is fair game when it comes to reminiscing about what was such an integral part of the high school career.

A play that may have been a 2-yard touchdown run with seven minutes remaining in the first quarter will turn into a 55-yard score with 12 broken tackles. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with exaggeration, it makes stories better.

While we all tend to look back at what was, many of us look back and wish they could have it once more.

Make one more bus trip.

Listen to one more pre-game speech.

Run onto a field of screaming fans one more time.

For the 256 teams that will take the field this weekend, that “one more time” is still in front of you. Cherish it as if it’s your last. Remember every little detail, every face, every name you go to battle with.

I tender this advice not as a lecturing adult who thinks he knows all (and walked to school uphill both ways in the snow), but as a former player who experienced it.

It was 2000. A bitter-cold November morning with the brightest sun I’d seen in days beamed down and welcomed us into this second-round playoff day.

As our team walked from the locker room to the chapel for a quick prayer before boarding the bus, one of my best friends gave a me a swift slap and said, “Enjoy this walk, you never know how many we have left.”

That was the last one.

My “remember at football…” conversations began days later.

Get ready for some football

2007-10-16T13:09:00.001-07:00

The air is colder, and it’s October, which means football playoffs are almost upon us.

The regular season has given us a lot of great games , but there is something really special about a chilly October night leading into even colder November days as 256 teams vie for the 16 spots at Ford Field on Thanksgiving weekend.

So why not catch one of the season’s final regular-season matchups as a primer. If you’re still not convinced to brave the elements this weekend, consult my top 10 reasons for leaving the house on Friday or Saturday and checking out your local football teams.

No. 10: The Trojan War: Clawson High plays at Livonia Clarenceville at 7 p.m. Oct. 19

The Trojans of Clawson take on the Trojans of Livonia for the final time as Metro Conference rivals. Even though Clawson’s stay in the Metro wasn’t long, the two squads developed a rivalry playing for the Trojan Horse trophy constructed by Clawson High coach Jim Sparks. While this game would not impact Metro standings in the future, rumors circulate that Clawson’s move to the Macomb Area Conference will not be the end of this budding tradition.

No. 9: Sterling Heights Parkway Christian hosts Hamtramck High at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Fraser High.

The Parkway Christian Eagles might be the best team you know nothing about, and its junior star, Zurlon Tipton, might be the best player you know nothing about — and football isn’t even his No. 1 sport. Tipton, who also excels for the Eagles’ basketball team, is almost too fast for the competition he faces weekly in the Southern Michigan Football Conference, and chances are, he’ll be just as dominant against the Cosmos.

No. 8: Grosse Pointe South travels to Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse at 7 p.m. Oct. 19

Coach Tim Brandon has the Blue Devils on the verge of their first winning season since 2003, and this game is even more intriguing given that it’s South senior Jimmy Saros’ last chance to set the state record for career receptions. Granted, Saros needs 26 catches against the Lancers to tie the mark, but it’s still a chance to see one of the area’s great players of the last four years.

No. 7 & 6: St. Clair Shores Lake Shore hosts Warren Woods Tower at 7 p.m. Oct. 19; Warren Fitzgerald hosts Madison Heights Madison at 7 p.m. Oct. 19; Macomb L’Anse Creuse North hosts New Baltimore Anchor Bay at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 and Clinton Township Chippewa Valley travels to Port Huron High at 7 p.m. Oct. 19

These games are so big they count twice. The Shorians, Spartans, Crusaders and Big Reds all need one win to assure themselves a spot in the playoffs. All three face MAC rivals in the final week, making these, in essence, the first playoff games of the season.

Lake Shore faces a Woods Tower squad that clinched its spot in the second season with a 19-13 overtime win against Fitzgerald Oct. 12, and the Spartans have to go through the 2006 Division 5 state runner-up Eagles to punch their ticket under first-year coach Jason Byers.

The Crusaders face rival and MAC Red Division member Tars in their crossover after clinching a share of the Blue Division title. The Big Reds are hoping to extend coach Mike Carr’s return to the sideline for at least one more week at the co-Blue champion Port Huron Big Reds.

No. 5: Madison Heights Madison travels to Warren Fitzgerald at 7 p.m. Oct. 19

By all means, if you have a chance to go see the Eagles play this week, or in a playoff game, take it. Go see senior Deandre Johnson before he takes his game to such collegiate possibilities as the University of Florida or the University of Southern California. See this kid play on Friday before you see him on Saturday.

No. 4: Harper Woods High hosts Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood at 7 p.m. Oct. 19

The Pioneers are trying to win their first Metro Conference title under coach Heath Filber. A year ago, the Pioneers surprised many by qualifying for the playoffs, and this year they’re pushing toward their second appearance and hoping to bring home sole possession of the league title. They clinched a share of it last week beating Macomb Lutheran North, 30-28, for the first time since 2000, but are looking for the outright title and a home playoff game against the Cranes.

No. 3: Macomb Dakota hosts Grosse Pointe North at 7 p.m. Oct. 19

The only thing more shocking than the way the 2006 Cougars handle Rockford High in the 2006 Division 1 title game may be that the 2007 Cougars seem to be even better. No one in the area plays at such a high skill level and as physical as the Cougars, who are simply as dangerous a high school football team as I have ever seen and must be seen to be believed.

No. 2: Warren Cousino travels to Utica Stevenson at 7 p.m. Oct. 19

Years down the line, a Cousino victory against Stevenson may be the game Patriots fans point to as the game where it all started. While it won’t be this one — the Patriots topped the Titans in last year's playoffs en route to the programs first regional title — Cousino is making its second trip in as many weeks to Runkle Field to face a MAC Red opponent after beating Utica Ford II, 24-17, there a week ago. With the MAC realigning its divisions next year, this could be an intriguing league matchup for years.

No. 1: Catholic League Prep Bowl at 1 p.m. Oct. 20 at Ford Field

Since 1998, one of the four programs slated to play in the Prep Bowl — Warren De La Salle, Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and Birmingham Brother Rice — have appeared in at last one of the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s championship games. With the Warriors (No. 3 in Division 2) playing the Eaglets (No. 1 in Division 3) at 7 p.m. and the Pilots (No. 9 in Division 2) facing the Shamrocks (No. 7 in Division 1), that streak looks like it is bound to continue, and you can see them face each other for $8 on the same field they are likely to play on for a title Nov. 23-24.

Sacrifice for success

2007-09-28T10:19:00.001-07:00

Lakeview’s boys soccer team is doing plenty of things on paper this season that jump right off the page.

The Huskies have beaten a pair of schools about twice their size that are traditional soccer powers (Utica High and Clinton Township Chippewa Valley). They’ve gone 6-0 in the MAC Blue. Three players are averaging nearly a goal a game. They are well on track to earn their first division title under fifth-year coach Nick Spano and have to be considered a favorite to win their third straight district title. They've even crept into the statewide rankings as an honorable mention squad in Division 2.

But perhaps the most impressive thing about the team can’t be found on paper. There are no statistics to describe what Kris Trombley is doing for the team.
Trombley, a senior, is the team’s goalkeeper — a position he didn’t expect to play entering his third year on the varsity.

“All our goalies left, and I was like a last resort,” Trombley said. “Coach Spano decided to try me in goal one day, and I guess I did pretty well.”

The tough, athletic Trombley — who plays rugby in the spring for Lakeview’s club team — had minimal experience in net. He said he occasionally played the position when his travel soccer team would need someone to fill in.

“I’ve never actually gone to any goalie camps or anything like that,” Trombley said.

Trombley’s experience as a field player was evident in his goalkeeping style Sept. 26 when the Huskies hosted Fraser High. Often standing more than a dozen yards off his line, Trombley was able to clear a handful of potential Ramblers breakaways with his foot, rather than sit back in the net and make saves with his hands. Fraser tested him often, with quick counterattacks throughout the game, but he was able to turn back everything the Ramblers threw at him. The Huskies won the crucial division contest, 2-0.

“I enjoy it when it comes to games like this,” Trombley said. “I can’t stand being in goal when I don’t get any action.”

While most coaches may want to avoid the ensuing ulcers of a goalkeeper who lives near the edge of his box, rather than under the comforts of the crossbar, Spano is simply happy he’s found a solid player who was willing to sacrifice the action on the rest of the field.

“That’s not his preference to play goal, but he knows that he’s my best option,” Spano said. “He flat out said, 'I don’t love it, but it’s for this team and I’m going to do it.' That’s kind of the attitude that everyone has taken. They do what it takes to help the team, and obviously, so far it’s been successful.”

Trombley’s teammates have also taken notice of his sacrifice and solid play in net.

“It was a great surprise knowing that he could (play well in net),” senior midfielder Greg Norrod said. “It’s good knowing that we have that ability to throw him in there. It’s great that he’s willing to come in and play anywhere just to see this team become successful.”

Thanks in part to Trombley, it appears that Lakeview will at least clinch a share of the MAC Blue title. Yet there are key upcoming games that will play a major part in deciding who will be raising banners by season's end in the other divisions. Here are some can’t miss crucial approaching contests:

Utica Eisenhower at Utica Ford II, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 1. The Eagles have a tight, one-point lead over the Falcons and Utica Stevenson atop the MAC Red standings. Ike won the division last year, but Ford knocked the Eagles out of the playoffs, so this one should be tense.

Grosse Pointe South at Utica High, 7 p.m. Oct. 8. Each team still has a couple games to get through before this MAC White clash, but the Blue Devils and Chieftains are well out in front of their division foes. South, the defending champions, hold a one-game lead over Utica.

South Lake at Lake Shore, 6 p.m. Oct. 10. Again, both Shores schools have a handful of games to get through, but by the time they face off for this grudge match, the MAC Silver title will surely come into play, just as it did last year when South Lake edged Lake Shore in an all-or-nothing match. The Shorians got the last laugh, though, as they knocked the Cavaliers out of the playoffs. Lake Shore ended September in first place in the division at 5-1-0, while Marine City sat in second at 4-1-1 and South Lake was in third at 3-1-2.

The Metro Conference, home of Macomb Lutheran North, Grosse Pointe University Liggett and Harper Woods, begins its tournament Oct. 4. Warren De La Salle, meanwhile, will look to defend its Catholic League tourney title when action begins with semifinals on Oct. 8.

Sacrificial Lamb

2007-09-25T11:37:00.001-07:00

This year, the Oakland Activities Association changed the football divisions from a tiered numerical system — with Division I being the best teams, D-II the next, and so on — to a colored system, with the D-III teams now making up the Blue Division and the D-I and II teams being split evenly into the Red and White.

The idea behind the change was to create balance by separating the top four programs — Rochester Adams and Farmington Hills Harrison were put in the White, and Lake Orion High and Clarkston High in the Red. The others were separated with the intention of making the two divisions equal in strength.

Granted, the OAA is going to realign again next season and look to improve on this system, but unfortunately for this year, Bloomfield Hills Lahser has basically been sacrificed.

Coach Dan Loria has done a great job creating a successful program — when it plays against schools its own size. The Knights won D-III two seasons ago, finishing 12-1 and advancing all the way to a D-3 state semifinal game. Last season, Lahser was bumped to D-II and finished 7-4, just behind Royal Oak High, eventually falling in the second round of the D-3 state playoffs.

At this moment, Lahser is 1-4 overall, and its chance of making the state playoffs is pretty much gone. Lahser has 1,076 students in its school and has lost to Royal Oak (1,977 students), West Bloomfield High (2,162), Lake Orion (2,376) and Southfield-Lathrup (1,961).

And the rest of the schedule doesn't offer much relief.

I'm betting that if the Knights were able to play in this year's playoffs, they would do well. But that's not going to happen because of the OAA's decision. I do believe this problem will be remedied for next season, but for this year's seniors, like captains Zakk Cummings, Cameron Pinnock, Tyler Gust and David Burnle, that can't be much comfort.

Positive-ly Cheer-ful

2007-09-20T10:27:00.001-07:00

One of the great things about my job is that it never ceases to surprise me.

With slightly less than five years covering preps under my belt, there are plenty of folks who have been involved in high school athletics longer than myself, but every once in a while I fall into the trap of thinking I’ve seen it all. That is until something like the Sept. 19 Oakland Activities Association Division I volleyball match between host Bloomfield Hills Lahser and Birmingham Seaholm.

Knowing it was a match that could help decide the regular-season league title, I decided to cover it for our Web site as well as a feature for the Sept. 27 issue of the Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle, but what I didn't expect was a number of firsts, including an atmosphere that lent itself more toward a playoff basketball game than a regular-season volleyball match.

Never had I seen an official ask an athletic director to quiet down a volleyball crowd, but the Lahser gym was plenty raucous as the fans' section called "The Positive Cheer" made sure everyone knew they were there. That, coupled with the strong play by both teams in five games, gave the match a postseason feel. The Positive Cheer fans even rushed the court following the Knights' 25-15, 25-22, 12-25, 12-25, 15-9 win.

Be cool, stay in school ... then play pro football

2007-09-18T12:37:00.001-07:00

Remember “Be cool, stay in school”? The All American Football League has picked up the old saying, dusted it off and shined it up something fierce.

The AAFL, which plans to kick off its inaugural season in April, has a requirement that every player has not only exhausted their college football eligibility, but that they also have earned their undergraduate degree.

Led by a former NCAA president, various athletics directors and conference commissioners, the AAFL wants to stress the importance of academics and doesn’t wish to serve as a destination for players who drop out of college early in hopes of making it big in the NFL.

“You go to school to graduate,” Team Michigan president and former University of Michigan fullback Chris Horn said. "For the first time in history — no American sports league, no professional sports league — has had the requirement to graduate from college."

“We think that’s a great niche,” Horn continued. “I look forward to the day (University of Michigan President) Sue Coleman calls me and says, ‘Congratulations guys, because you stand for the values for what we stand for.’ We are going to keep pushing those values. That’s our story, and we’re sticking with it.”

With so few pro football leagues, especially after the recent scuttling of NFL Europa, student-athletes need to focus on the first part of that description just as much as the second.

And the AAFL payoff appears to be a solid reward for players who get their diplomas but want to try their hand at a playing pro football.

How does minimum compensation at $50,000, “plus an attractive benefits package,” sound?

That’s according to a league press release. Not bad considering the job market, economy and the fact that it’s for playing football for about for about four months.

Some players, who will work year-round for the league making public appearances and things of that nature, will make up to $100,000 a year.

Now that’s cool.

For more on the AAFL, including some prospective players and its recent combine at Ford Field, where Team Michigan will be playing, check out the Sept. 26-27 issues of all the C & G papers or the league’s Web site at www.allamericanfootballleague.com.

Other thoughts:
Maple-syrup covered kudos go all the way out to Vermont, where freshman Brendan Symington was named America East Men’s Soccer Co-Rookie of the Week. Symington, a Grosse Pointe North graduate, notched his first career goal and assist over the weekend for the University of Vermont Catamounts. His goal couldn’t have come at a better time — Symington scored with 14 seconds left in the second overtime of the Catamounts' 1-0 win over Sacred Heart Sept. 14. The win snapped a four-game losing streak. Symington then picked up his first assist as he set up the tying goal in a 2-1 win over Central Connecticut Sept. 16, allowing the Catamounts to capture their fourth straight Nike Fall Soccer Classic in New Hampshire.
For more on how Symington’s 625-mile trek from Grosse Pointe Woods to Burlington, Vt., check out the Sept. 26 edition of the Grosse Pointe Times or our Web site.

Lastly, if you’re looking to catch some soccer action this weekend, Sept. 22 is chock full of what should prove to be some competitive non-league clashes.

-Troy High at Utica Stevenson, 11 a.m. It might be early in the day, but a meeting between these two regional powers is tough to pass up.

-Fraser at Macomb Lutheran North, 12:30 p.m. The defending MAC Blue champs visit the defending Metro Conference champs.

-Rochester Adams at Utica High, 1 p.m. The Highlanders should be a handful for the Chieftains, as Adams has received honorable mention votes in both of the season’s first two Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association rankings.

Where have all the stickers gone?

2007-09-18T09:38:00.001-07:00

Think back to when you were a kid.

Think back to when mom or dad strapped in you the back of that 1987 Aerostar for a dreaded trip to, yes, the doctor’s office!

You just knew that, no matter why you were at the doctor, you were in for one of those dreaded shots.

Of course, once a bandage of some sort was placed on your arm and most of the tears had dried the thing that made this all worth it, for me anyway, was when the nurse came back with a sheet of stickers — and I got to pick one.

That's right, a sticker took away my pain and brought a smile to my face.

OK, I know, a lot of set up to get to this, but while there may not be as many shots or waiting rooms anymore, am I off base in suggesting that high school football players still enjoy getting those little stickers and stamping them on the back of their helmets?

Good plays, big hits, touchdowns, interceptions, fumble recoveries — any type of individual play that was made for the betterment of the team — was rewarded with a small sticker, or decal if you will, the next day at practice and instantly placed on the helmet.

Is it just me, or are fewer and fewer teams doing this now days?

Maybe it has a lot to do with the “team concept” so many coaches swear by now days.

Maybe it has something to do with the way society has developed.

You know, the same society where schools across the country are outlawing playing tag or kickball because they can be too physical or too selective to less athletic kids.

Maybe the notion of one player having more noticeable individual awards than another is just not accepted anymore.

The way I see it, though, it's tradition.

Having decals and stickers on your helmet is one of the cool things about high school football. You’ll never see a professional team do it, but you’ll never see a professional team have a game and a homecoming dance or drive in an old school bus two hours to get to a field for a Friday night in front of 700 fans. You’ll never see it done by the pros because they are staples of high school football and just a few of the great traditions of the game.

Just eight or nine years ago, when I was going to homecoming dances, riding old buses and playing in front of a couple hundred people, I did so with decals on my helmet. Some teammates had more than me, some had less. Come to think of it, that’s why they looked so cool.

Maybe it’s a sign of change, where flashier uniforms and more arm bands and spatted cleats are the things to do. Maybe, although tough to admit, traditions have a way of changing.

After all, I still go to the doctor. And once in a while, I still need a shot. But I can't remember the last time I was offered a sticker.

Mr. Basketball

2007-09-17T07:19:00.002-07:00

It seems like all we hear about these days are the bad boys of professional sports. Gambling, dogfighting, take your pick.

Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing one who — with dignity and humility — redeemed the failing athlete image in my mind.

On Sept. 11, while the nation acknowledged and mourned the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day recognized the day in another way — honoring 1997 alumnus and NBA star Shane Battier by retiring his high school basketball No. 55 jersey.

Battier is best known for his exploits on the basketball court — he was 1997's "Mr. Basketball," led the Yellowjackets to their best-ever record of 26-1 and to three state championships (1995-97) — but few know of his accomplishments in the classroom where he graduated summa cum laude.

“Shane is the epitome of the scholar-athlete tradition,” said DCDS Upper School Athletic Director Kurt Keener, who is also the varsity basketball coach.

Keener said Battier was "never one to toot his own horn."

Faculty member Carol Keeler said he "never got caught up in all the bravado." Instead, was nurturing and empowering of the people who surrounded him.

In person, Battier personified all these things, and more. Namely, he was humble and modest about his accolades — he made you nearly forget that he's an NBA player. His unpretentious demeanor is something you don't find in many athletes, let alone professional athletes, and he had an uncanny way of making everyone around him feel exceptional.

In short, Shane Battier is a true role model and an inspiring athlete.

Clash of the Titans, games to catch

2007-09-10T12:48:00.001-07:00

As division play for most Macomb Area Conference boys soccer teams gets fully under way this week, I figured it was time to check in on how a couple of last year’s top squads looked in preparation of their title defenses.

Utica Eisenhower, which went undefeated en route to taking the MAC Red last year, hosted reigning MAC White champs Grosse Pointe South last Friday (Sept. 7). The Eagles appeared to have plenty of energy at the start and eventually wore down the Blue Devils' backline, which was missing a key player to injury, taking a 1-0 lead after speedy senior sophomore midfielder Raoul Fulgos scored with 17:13 left to play in the first half.

South looked stronger and began to posses the ball more in the second half, but the Blue Devils couldn’t deliver the tying goal. Instead, Ike finished the scoring when Cory Wheeler slotted home a shot from a tough angle to the side of the net with 6:17 remaining in the game to seal a 2-0 victory.

Both programs lost key players from their title teams last year, and both coaches noted their teams still needed to work out a few kinks as their non-league schedules wrap up.

“We’re getting a lot of guys playing time and getting used to each other still, so we’re starting to develop more as a team,” Ike coach Josh Van Houten said.

Van Houten added that he was impressed with the defensive effort, but wanted to see the offense make more of its chances, especially with MAC Red play looming.

“We really wanted to work for that shutout,” the coach said. “We’ve, unfortunately, given up some pretty bad goals lately, and we wanted to make sure our defense was playing solid.

After calling his team’s first-half effort against Ike “mediocre,” Grosse Pointe South coach Gene Harkins said he plans to bring up a couple JV players to solidify his lineup heading into division action. Harkins said he essentially treated the non-league schedule like a preseason, rotating players in and out of the lineup.

“They know as the year goes on my lineup tightens and gets a lot shorter,” the Blue Devils coach said. “We’re really looking to jell stronger as a team. We’re geared up for the MAC White, that’s going to be a big thing for us.”

One thing is for sure, both teams will be in for a battle every league outing as the MAC Red and White divisions appear to have more parity from top to bottom this year.

Several teams will take a quick break from their division schedules Sept. 14 to face rivals in what should be exciting, tightly contested games. So if you’re looking to kick off your weekend with some solid soccer action, check out one (or more) of these MAC crossovers:

-Macomb Dakota at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley beginning at 3 p.m. (The Big Reds won an earlier meeting, 3-1).

-St. Clair Shores Lakeview at St. Clair Shores Lake Shore beginning at 4 p.m. (The Huskies could be the team to beat in the MAC Blue, while the Shorians could be the cream of the crop in the MAC Silver).

-Warren Cousino at Warren Woods Tower, 4 p.m. (This intracity matchup includes a pair of programs that pride themselves on defense).

-Warren Mott at Sterling Heights at 5:30 p.m. (Teams with talented offensive playmakers collide in what could be a high-scoring affair for these Warren Consolidated Schools rivals).

-Roseville at East Detroit at 5:30 p.m. (The Shamrocks will be intent on winning the Friendship Cup from the Panthers after losing their ‘SLED Trophy’ to St. Clair Shores South Lake).

Instant "Cliche´"

2007-09-10T11:17:00.001-07:00

By now you've probably heard about Appalachian State University beating Michigan.

If you haven't, then you probably don't like sports.

Fan or not, it was a gigantic upset that has already entered its way into the land of "cliché."

Last week, I spoke with four different prep football coaches from seperate teams. Three of them just so happened to be preparing for games against opponents that they should beat.

Instead of the "we can't look past anybody" or "take it one game at a time" answers, it became, "well, we all saw what Appalachian State did" and "if Appalachian State showed us anything ..."

We'll see how long it lasts and how many more coaches invoke the name of the Mountaineers.

This Friday, I'm heading to see Rochester Adams against Southfield-Lathrup. Both teams are undefeated and this potentially could be for the Oakland Activities Association White Division championship. My guess is Adams is the favorite after already beating Lake Orion High, Farmington Hills Harrison and Southfield High.

Lathrup has beat Birmingham Groves, Farmington and North Farmington. No offense to those teams, but they're not the caliber of Lake Orion and Harrison, even though Lake Orion may be having a down year.

Still, anything can happen, which is why I'll be at the game. After all, if Appalachian State ...

Oh, Brother

2007-09-08T08:49:00.001-07:00

In the final leg of my Catholic League Central Division football preview tour, I stopped in and spoke with Birmingham Brother Rice coach Al Fracassa Sept. 6. With the Warriors coming off an 11-1 2006 seasn and having to replace seven players currently on Division I college rosters, the 2007 season should be interesting for Rice.

A few notes from my time spent with the Warriors:

Michigan State University fans will be happy to know that even though they missed out on Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day running back Jonas Gray, who chose the Nebraska Cornhuskers instead of the Spartans, coach Mark Dantonio and the Spartans received a verbal commitment from Warriors running back Caulton Ray IV.

According to Rivals.com, Ray is the second-ranked running back in the state behind Gray. While he's a little smaller than Gray, Ray is very quick, and at 5 feet 9 inches with moves in the mold of Barry Sanders, he can be a very tough man to tackle.

"I found out Michigan State offered him a full scholarship, so he’s going to Michigan State," Fracassa, a Spartan alum, said. "He doesn’t have to worry about where he’s going, so hopefully he’s settled and he’s just now focused on football.

"He’s a smaller type of runner. This guy likes to do a few juking moves before he gets some yardage, and he’s very good at it."

The Warriors are also welcoming back a familiar name to the roster as freshman Jimmy Pickens joins the varsity ranks.

He's the youngest of the group of three Pickens brothers. The eldest brother, Doug, is currently the catcher for the University of Michigan baseball team. The middle brother, Matt, was a key piece of the Warriors' 2005 Division 2 state title winning defense and is currently on the Western Michigan University football roster. Jimmy Pickens is the first-ever freshman to start for Fracassa.

"Jimmy Pickens is good enough to be on the varsity," Fracassa said. "Physically, he looks a little older than the other guys. He runs better than most upperclassmen. He’s a good baseball player, and I think he plays basketball, but he plays football and does a great job for us."