MI Army National Guard Presents MHSAA Events
February 24, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Sharing in the values of leadership, sportsmanship and ethics emphasized by the Michigan High School Athletic Association, the Michigan Army National Guard is serving as the official military branch supporting MHSAA events and digital initiatives through the 2015-16 school year.
The Michigan Army National Guard provides trained and ready forces in support of the National Military Strategy, and responds as needed to state, local, and regional emergencies to ensure peace, order, and public safety. Guardsmen typically train one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer, and soldiers are eligible for educational benefits including state and federal tuition assistance programs, the G.I. Bill and grants at Michigan colleges and universities that combined usually exceed the total cost of tuition, books and fees at most Michigan post-secondary institutions.
The Guard adds value to our communities through continuous interaction. National Guard soldiers are part of the local community. Monthly and annual summer training maintains readiness when needed, be it either to defend our nation's freedom, or protecting lives and property of Michigan citizens during a local natural disaster.
“The National Guard provides opportunities for young men and women to mature into productive citizens,” MHSAA Executive Director John E. “Jack” Roberts said. “The emphasis the Guard puts on physical fitness, leadership and doing things the right way parallels what we strive to teach in school sports.”
The Guard has served as presenter of the MHSAA Cross Country Regionals and Finals and Football Playoffs during the fall, and this winter of the MHSAA Wrestling Tournament, which will conclude with the Team Wrestling Finals hosted Feb. 26-27 at Central Michigan University’s McGuirk Arena and the Individual Wrestling Finals scheduled for March 3-5 at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Guard recruiters also have been on-site attending numerous District, Regional and additional Finals events during the first half of the 2015-16 school year.
The Guard also is featured prevalently as part of the MHSAA’s online presence on both MHSAA.com and the MHSAA mobile app, and supports the “Michigan National Guard Performance of the Week” honoring a successful student-athlete on the MHSAA’s Second Half website.
“The Michigan Army National Guard is proud to support the MHSAA and student-athletes across Michigan,” said Lt. Col. Scott L. Meyers, who serves as recruiting and retention battalion commander for the Guard. “The Guard not only plays a key role in our national defense; we have a responsibility to serve our communities during times of state emergencies. As individuals, we are stewards in our communities and have an inherent responsibility to support our community in that role. One way to do this is to encourage student-athletes to live up to the ethics, values, and positive life choices common to the MHSAA and the Michigan Army National Guard.
“The National Guard is actively seeking these student-athletes to join our team. Their dedication combined with our education benefits and leadership training will provide the tools needed for them to become future leaders of Michigan’s communities.”
Click for additional information on the Michigan Army National Guard.
The MHSAA is a private, not-for-profit corporation of voluntary membership by more than 1,400 public and private senior high schools and junior high/middle schools which exists to develop common rules for athletic eligibility and competition. No government funds or tax dollars support the MHSAA, which was the first such association nationally to not accept membership dues or tournament entry fees from schools. Member schools which enforce these rules are permitted to participate in MHSAA tournaments, which attract more than 1.4 million spectators each year.
Mid Pen Senior Wins Family Matchup, North Central Takes Back Team Title
By
Jason Juno
Special for MHSAA.com
May 30, 2024
ESCANABA – Rock Mid Peninsula’s Bradly VanDamme doesn’t get much better competition than what his eighth-grade brother Christian brings to the golf course.
Last year, Bradly’s only win against Christian came at the Upper Peninsula Division 3 Final. This year, Bradly finished ahead of his brother in every event leading up to the championship tournament, but a second consecutive U.P. title still wasn’t a sure thing as Bradly wound down his senior year.
“We were waking up this morning, and we didn’t really know who was going to get it,” Bradly said. “We’ve been tight all year.”
Bradly came out on top with a 73, and Christian finished runner-up with a 76 on Thursday at Escanaba Country Club.
“It’s sweet,” Bradly said of claiming two straight U.P. Finals titles. “It’s what I dreamed of. Just grinding all summer long, especially all spring and the winter going with my buddies and hitting the simulator. It’s just what you strive for.”
He said he got off the tee well all day.
“I just put myself in some good positions,” he said. “If you can get off the tee well, this course is relatively short.”
His mom, and coach, Earlene VanDamme, said he’s done well in every tournament this season.
“He’s a strong player and he put a lot of development into it this past year, and it’s paid off again,” she said.
His practice and hard work got him where he is, she said. So did a little motivation from his brother.
“I think that is a good driving force,” she said.
Bradly VanDamme said his brother’s game is strong overall.
“He’s got a very bright future,” he said.
Powers North Central won the Division 3 team title with a score of 338, and Lake Linden-Hubbell was second at 349. The title was the Jets' second in three seasons.
“This is kind of sweet,” North Central coach Scott Farnsworth said, while choking up. “Good group of kids. I have 12 kids out, all very enthusiastic, these guys work hard for me all the time.”
He knew they had a good chance of winning going into the event. The Jets lost four times to Division 2 schools in their conference but were close to them each time.
“This whole group, you hear of gym rats, these guys are golf rats,” he said. “We get done with the meet, they’re going to play another 18. They are really nice to have, they get out there, do whatever I ask. They just get out and play. That’s what you’ve got to do.”
North Central was led by Alex Popkorn, who carded an 82 and finished in a tie for fourth individually. Lake Linden-Hubbell’s Bradley Axford was third with a 78 and Cedarville/DeTour’s Drew Moser also tied for fourth with an 82.
PHOTOS (Top) Powers North Central holds up its latest championship trophy Thursday at Escanaba Country Club. (Middle) Mid Peninsula’s Christian VanDamme sends an approach shot on No. 13. (Photos by Jason Juno.)