MHSAA Thanks Ford Field's 'Danny J'
January 28, 2021
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
The MHSAA this past weekend celebrated and honored Dan Jaroshewich – known to many in the sports community as “Danny J” – who is retiring at senior director of sports events & business development after 48 years with the Detroit Lions organization, including many taking a significant role in MHSAA Finals played now at Ford Field.
Jaroshewich worked 30 years in the Detroit Lions equipment room before coordinating events at Ford Field over the last 18 years. He worked countless Lions home games going back to when they played at Tiger Stadium and then Pontiac Silverdome, and he also traveled with the team.
His passion and dedication for hosting events – including MHSAA events – will be missed, as he has been a staple at Ford Field since the stadium opened in 2002.
Jaroshewich was presented with a commemorative plaque during halftime of Friday’s Division 8 Final.
PHOTO: “Danny J” is recognized by the MHSAA this past weekend for his work hosting Football Finals at Ford Field. Second from right, Jaroshewich is pictured with, from left, MHSAA 11-Player Football Finals event staff Dante Favors, Laura Roberts and Mike Evoy, MHSAA assistant director Nate Hampton and MHSAA executive director Mark Uyl. (Photo by Hockey Weekly Action Photos.)
MHSAA's Hampton Retires After Half-Century of School Sports Service
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
July 30, 2021
Longtime assistant director Nate Hampton has retired after 32 years on staff with the Michigan High School Athletic Association and 50 serving in education and educational athletics.
After 18 years working in schools, Hampton began his tenure as part of the MHSAA staff on Sept. 5, 1989, and his impact has been felt across many sports and subjects over the decades. He has served as the MHSAA’s administrator for the majority of its most-played sports – football, girls and boys basketball and girls & boys track and field – as well as serving as staff liaison to the MHSAA Athletic Equity Committee and Upper Peninsula Athletic Committee.
His longtime guidance will continue to be felt nationally as well. Hampton served multiple terms on committees for the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), including the football and basketball rules committees.
“Nate has been a giant in high school athletics in Michigan over half a century and through eras that have seen the shaping of school sports as they’re played today,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “The knowledge and leadership he’s provided locally, statewide and nationally has benefitted thousands of athletes and their families, both in how educational athletics are administered on the field and off.”
Hampton received the Michigan High School Coaches Association’s Jack Johnson Distinguished Service Award in 2020 for his many contributions. He previously received a Citation from the NFHS in 2011 and also has been recognized by several other Michigan organizations including the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan, Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association.
Hampton is a 1966 graduate of Detroit Eastern High School. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University (Md.) and a master’s from Eastern Michigan University.
Prior to joining the MHSAA staff, Hampton taught and coached one school year at Dearborn Heights Robichaud High School followed by 15 years total with the Highland Park School District where he coached three sports, taught and served as athletic director during his tenure. In 1987, Hampton began as supervisor of athletics and physical education for the Saginaw Public School District, where he was responsible for all phases of the athletic programs for both high schools, five middle schools and 24 elementary schools.
Hampton also served on the MHSAA Representative Council prior to joining the staff.
The majority of Hampton’s duties have been assumed by recently-hired assistant director William McKoy, who joined the staff earlier this month after previously serving as athletic director at Romulus Summit Academy North.
PHOTO: MHSAA assistant director Nate Hampton, second from right, thanks a national anthem soloist during the 2019 Boys Basketball Finals at Breslin Center.