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.)
2020-21 Spring Sports Activity to Start March 22
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
February 22, 2021
The Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association approved today an adjustment to the Spring 2021 schedule delaying the start of practices in those sports one week to March 22 and competition to March 26 to accommodate a later end to Winter sports this season. The calendar change should alleviate pressures on indoor facility usage and athletes changing seasons with Winter sports concluding up to two weeks later this school year after a delayed start due to COVID-19.
The Council based its decision in part on feedback from a survey of MHSAA member high schools, which saw 74 percent favoring a delay in Spring sports activity of at least one week. State coaches associations for Spring sports also were consulted. Generally, the great majority of Michigan schools are unable to begin consistent Spring sports outdoor activity and competition until early April.
All Spring sports tournament dates remain as originally scheduled, with MHSAA Finals in baseball, softball and girls soccer concluding the 2020-21 postseason June 19.
The entire Spring sports season was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19. However, the Council approved an allowance for Spring teams to meet for voluntary practices over 16 contact days this past September and October. General conditioning with an unlimited number of students is currently allowed, with other out-of-season training (four-player workouts, open gyms/facilities) allowed to continue through March 21, with Council having eliminated the preseason downtime restriction for Spring sports this year.