And the 2018 BOTF Winner is ...
February 23, 2018
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Neighbors present and past filled Buchanan’s gym a week ago to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the school’s 1978 Class C boys basketball championship.
In their midst, another champion built its case to make the community proud once again.
Buchanan's "Herd" is our Battle of the Fans VII champion, adding to its BOTF II title and adding another point of pride for a community that turns out big to support its school, and vice versa.
"This all couldn't have been possible without our community, the support of our teachers and staff," Buchanan senior Jessica Lee said. "The businesses put 'Good Luck to The Herd' (on their windows). Just the whole town supported us. We both represent each other in a way."
Buchanan will accept its Battle of the Fans VII championship banner during halftime of the first Class B Boys Basketball Semifinal on March 23 at Michigan State University’s Breslin Center. Boyne City and Petoskey also have been invited to Breslin to be honored for this season’s achievement.
Buchanan was chosen based on a vote by the MHSAA’s 16-member Student Advisory Council influenced by public vote on the MHSAA’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites. A total of 9,309 social media votes were received, with those results then equated against a school’s enrollment. This year’s results came out to 5.2 votes cast for every student attending one of our finalist schools – the second-highest average in Battle of the Fans history.
The Council based its vote on the following criteria: positive sportsmanship, student body participation, school spirit, originality of cheers, organization of the group, section leadership and overall fun. New this year, nine semifinalists were selected from the original application group before Boyne City, Buchanan and Petoskey were chosen for MHSAA visits. Cedar Springs, Charlotte, Munising, Negaunee, Pellston and Traverse City West also were among semifinalists.
Buchanan totaled the most public social media support, finishing first across all five ways votes were accepted (Facebook likes and shares, Twitter re-tweets and likes and Instagram likes). Votes were scaled to take into account a school’s size – Class B Buchanan's were worth more than Class A Petoskey's, for example – but The Herd also received the most social media votes total.
Other numbers to consider from this season's contest: The application videos have been watched more than 15,600 times, and the MHSAA-produced videos from our tour stops have more than 2,100 views. The stories detailing the three tour stops plus Tuesday’s explanation of how to vote and the announcements of semifinalists and finalists had been viewed 6,600 times as of 8:30 this morning. The three Snapchat stories covering our visits were viewed nearly 6,000 times combined.
This year’s expanded Battle of the Fans gave us an increased opportunity to see more of our state’s best student sections in action not only longer, but at more levels beginning with organization and planning all the way through execution of some incredible efforts all over our state. Our finalists tour then provided a chance to visit three sections we’ve come to know well – and to see how those sections have grown in their energies and efforts to support their schools and classmates the right way.
Below are our final takeaways from each of those trips.
Authenticity Award: Boyne City
What we saw: This was the second straight year we visited Boyne City for Battle of the Fans, and we were blown away again not just in the promotion by the student-centered Rambler Sports Network leading up to our visit, but by the production of all facets of a game night done right by the Rambler Rowdies and their all-star leaders. It’s impossible to talk about Boyne City’s section and not immediately bring up Captain Rowdy, the inflatable giant mascot funded and purchased by the student section before the start of this school year. As one of the Rowdies leaders said during our pregame meeting, the opportunities to enjoy the new superhero’s antics are endless – and the upside-down head-bouncing Captain Rowdy dance was one of the highlights of this year’s contest. But so too was seeing a few hundred students – from a school with only a few more than 400 – filling the stands to support their boys basketball team from tip-off through the final buzzer.
Why we’re fans: If we’ve learned nothing else from two trips to Boyne City, it’s this – the togetherness and support showed by this student body is absolutely authentic and genuine. What student leaders have accomplished over just a few years is truly amazing, and not at all an act – the Rambler Rowdies love being there and having a blast, down to the band members who asked if they could be part of the cheering section instead of playing during basketball games this season. We’ll surely use as a teachable moment the way the Rambler Rowdies’ leaders took their show on the road to teach younger students in their community how to cheer with the high schoolers. Outstanding seniors who have played a big part are graduating, so we’re eager to see what’s next – but we have a feeling the section will be in great hands.
Model Leadership Award: Petoskey
What we saw: This also was the second straight year we visited Petoskey, and this section again prides itself on cheering for its teams and doing whatever it can to will them to be successful. The Blue Crew is loud – and on the night we visited, this was especially impressive because while the stands were packed for boys basketball, another section of students cheered on the hockey team during a cancer benefit game in honor of a classmate. (That effort wasn’t lost on the basketball fans – they did a fundraiser at their game as well to contribute.) The Blue Crew played out its safari theme to the fullest, and arguably no section in Michigan this year is playing the theme game at a higher level. There’s no question it’s a lot of fun to be part of this section and the fun it comes up with throughout the year.
Why we’re fans: There is a great sense of community surrounding Petoskey athletics, and a lot of it stems from the Blue Crew and the wide variety of leaders who have brought this section roaring back over the last two years. We meet with section leaders before game time during our finalists visits, and the last two years Petoskey’s “crew” has included representatives with ties to a variety of sports and other extracurricular and social groups within the school who come together for common good. New this year was a “rules and guidelines sheet” to guide the leadership as it made decisions, and that will get passed on as new leaders already are being identified. This section truly has been student-built from the ground up, and we can’t say enough about how that work impressed us again.
Battle of the Fans champion: Buchanan
What we saw: A lot of what we expected after three previous stops in “The Woods” – a large group of students occupying one full corner of the gym, chanting and singing and dancing and having just a great time. But hearing leaders tell us beforehand of the section’s “renaissance” this school year gave us a clearer picture of just how much The Herd continues to be immersed in the Buchanan community as a whole – and how the section has hit another new level in 2017-18.
Why we’re fans: Student cheering sections exist to cheer on school teams, and at its most fundamental The Herd provides a ton of support for a variety of Buchanan sports in the fall and winter (and with plans to do so for the first time this spring). But student cheering sections can exist to create so much more as well – and the teary eyes we saw at the end of last week’s visit told some of that story. Unity among grades, among social groups and among students who may have little other reason to spend time together is an incredible thing to behold – and from The Herd’s lip dub application video through its stories of helping new students find a home at the school and others make friends through the student section that they’d never met before … well, we can understand why they tell everyone “there’s not place we’d rather be.”
"We created something from what was created in years past, and made it something we're all part of," Lee said. "Putting all of our heart into something, seeing it become something so amazing ... of course we're going to support (our teams) through every season; we're going to the girls (basketball) game tonight, soccer season and baseball season. But it's just something that was really special for all of us.
"Of course it's my senior year. But the fact that we won something we've been doing my whole time in the high school and being a leader of it finally ... that's so big to me. You have no idea what this means to our whole town and community."
The Battle of the Fans is sponsored in part by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan.
Check out below our stories and videos behind the finalists. Also, click to see student-produced videos from all sections that entered the contest. (Photos courtesy of the Buchanan yearbook staff.)
Boyne City
Read all about it: Boyne City Wants You to Get Rowdy
Buchanan
Read all about it: No Place Buchanan's Herd Would Rather Be
Petoskey
Read all about it: Revived Blue Crew Continues to Thrive
Scholars and Athletes 2013: Class B
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
February 7, 2013
The Michigan High School Athletic Association has selected eight student-athletes from Class B member schools to receive scholarships through its Scholar-Athlete Award program.
Farm Bureau Insurance, in its 24th year of sponsoring the award, will give a $1,000 college scholarship to 32 individuals who represent their member school in at least one sport in which the Association sponsors a postseason tournament. The first 30 scholarships are awarded proportionately by school classification and the number of student-athletes involved in those classes; also, there are two at-large honorees which can come from any classification.
Each scholarship recipient will be honored during a halftime ceremony at the Class C Boys Basketball Final game March 23 at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing. Commemorative medallions will be given to other finalists in recognition of their accomplishments.
The Class B Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are: Ashley M. Carney, Jackson Northwest; Amanda Ciancio, Comstock Park; Mary Emington, Cadillac; Nicole L. Green, Portland; Alec Robert Fisher, Battle Creek Harper Creek; Patrick Gifford, Haslett; Scott Parkinson, Grayling; and Keeton Thayer Ross, Grosse Ile.
Overviews of the scholarship recipients of the Class B Scholar-Athlete Award follow. A quote from each recipient's essay also is included:
Ashley M. Carney, Jackson Northwest. Will finish high school career earning four letters each in golf, volleyball and tennis. Helped golf team to four MHSAA Finals, and medaled at her conference meet as a senior. All-area, all-conference and a team captain in golf and volleyball. Was team most valuable in volleyball last fall. Academic all-state in all three sports. Helped coordinate a basketball shooting fundraiser for American Cancer Society; and volunteered with Habitat For Humanity, the Jackson Interfaith Shelter and the Salvation Army. Also active in National Honor Society, student government and as an elementary school tutor. Plans to attend Siena Heights University and study sports management.
Essay Quote: “I have experienced many life lessons through sports that will carry me farther in life than any win or loss. The qualities and character that spectators, opponents and coaches remember me by are everlasting. We may not all be ‘winners’ reflected by the final score, but we can all be ‘winners’ measured by our attitude, respect for opponents, and respect for the game.”
Amanda Ciancio, Comstock Park. A standout in cross country, serving as team captain and earning all-conference and team most valuable as a junior and senior. Also lettered in basketball and softball, winning all-district in the latter sport. Participated in student leadership activities and served as class president each year of high school. Involved all four years as a camp counselor; a youth basketball volunteer game official, coach and scorekeeper; and as a volunteer for various elementary school activities. Member of National Honor Society, attendant at church nursery and helped plan school dances. College plans includes studies in math and accounting.
Essay Quote: “Players and coaches can both teach and preach sportsmanship, but before every game or competition, it is up to the athlete to determine whether they will participate for the glory or for the experience.”
Mary Emington, Cadillac. Participated in basketball and softball, earning all-area and all-conference in both sports. Honored twice in each activity with local scholar-athlete award. Captained softball squad the past two seasons, and was team most valuable as a sophomore. Led hoop squad in assists as a sophomore and junior. Served on class and student council; was president of class council as a sophomore and treasurer as a senior. Involved with Art activities, and took part in annual “Be The Change Team” at school, which inspires positive action and connection with others. Four-year member of church youth group. Will attend Calvin College and major in architecture or communications.
Essay Quote: “During physical exertion, blood and emotions run rapidly. Only through the very delicate balance of love for the game and sportsmanship do the matches continue.”
Nicole L. Green, Portland. Will win her fourth letter in soccer this spring to go with three letters in basketball and two in volleyball. A team captain in all three sports, including three years in soccer. Team most valuable in soccer and volleyball, and earned first team all-conference and academic all-state honors in both sports. Academic all-conference in all three activities. Helped organize fundraisers in all three sports for American Cancer Society. Selected school Citizen of the Year by Daughters of the American Revolution. Participant in Academic Letters, Captain’s Club and National Honor Society. Volunteer for local youth basketball and volleyball programs. College plans include studies in Zoology.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship is important because student-athletes serve as influential role models for younger students. As such, we must model respectful interaction, hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude. Aspiring athletes need to see the positive impact these behaviors will have on the personal and team success.”
Alec Robert Fisher, Battle Creek Harper Creek. Record-setting scorer for soccer and football teams. Own school records for goal in soccer, as well as field goals and extra points on the gridiron. Four-year letterwinner in soccer, where he was a team captain, all-state and academic all-state performer. Also lettered in basketball and track, serving as team captain on the hoop squad. Served on Student Senate as treasurer for four years. Member of National Honor Society. Helps with youth sports activities with school soccer and basketball camps, Special Olympics, and with the First Tee of Battle Creek. Will study business or law at the University of Buffalo.
Essay Quote: “We have been told the same thing since we were young kids playing in recreation leagues or with our friends, to now in competitive sports as highschoolers; always have sportsmanship. It is one thing, win or lose, that can separate the young gentlemen and the jerks that care about nothing but winning.”
Patrick Gifford, Haslett. Captained basketball and tennis teams, and has won academic all-conference honors in both sports. Part of league and regional doubles winning tandem. Class representative to Student Council all four years, and has participated in Key Club and National Honor Society. Sports editor of school newspaper and announcer for its television station. Honored by the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association and Michigan Association of Broadcasters for television sports play-by-play. Serves as an in-class aide for autistic students in Peer–to-Peer program. Involved in youth sports as a basketball coach and soccer official. Received 69th District Citizenship Award. Broadcast journalism studies await at either Ohio University, Syracuse University or the University of Missouri.
Essay Quote: “As I prepare to graduate from high school and see my athletic career come to a close, I know I will take much more than the tennis and basketball skills I learned in high school with me. The sportsmanship I have been coached to develop will help me move to this next state of my life and approach it with integrity, hard work, and leadership.”
Scott Parkinson, Grayling. Will earn 10 varsity letters in athletic career in three sports – basketball, football and track – and serving as team captain in each activity. Earned all-conference honors in football and track; won most improved award in basketball and track. Conference champion in 110-meter hurdles in track. Selected to an officer’s position on Student Senate all four years. Seven-time winner of Mr. Spirit award as selected by teachers and chosen Most Athletic and Most Spirited by members of graduating class. Four-year participant in Relay For Life and Youth Booster Club, and active with church youth group and local youth sports programs. Will attend Michigan State University and study actuarial sciences.
Essay Quote: “Having sportsmanship in educational athletics can teach life lessons and can also develop a person into a better and more-rounded athlete. In turn, these lessons can be applied to future events in life.”
Keeton Thayer Ross, Grosse Ile. Played baseball, basketball and football, and received all-conference honors on the diamond and the gridiron. Also captained baseball and football teams. Also academic all-state in baseball. Earned the rank of Eagle Scout, served as vice president and president of school’s National Honor Society chapter, and as president of German Club. Involved as student leader in school anti-bullying campaign and to help orient freshman class members. Presented National Physical Education Award as a sophomore and has received an Ad Altari Dei Religious Medal. Has served as a summer youth basketball camp counselor. Planning on majoring in nuclear engineering and radiological sciences at either Georgia Tech or the University of California-Berkeley.
Essay Quote: “My personal saying before each game is ‘It’s just a game. Win or lose, life goes on.’ I believe that this saying has helped me to have great sportsmanship throughout my high school career by remembering the big picture behind the games. Every team works their butts off to try and win games, and because of this, every team deserves respect from the opponent as well as its own team.”
Other Class B girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Brittany Beeler, Spring Lake; Kelsi Caywood, Sturgis; Morgan Kathleen Cinader, Goodrich; Hannah C. Engle, Adrian; Haley June Obetts, Wayland Union; Molly Oren, Hamilton; Catherine Polgar, Grosse Ile; Emily Quinn, Portland; Florence Ann Sobell, Croswell-Lexington; Anjali Sood, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard; Megan Taylor, Houghton Lake; and Shelby Walsh, Livonia Ladywood;
Other Class B boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Michael Azzopardi, Detroit Country Day; Michael Broderick, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep; Brice Brown, Ionia; Michael Chickeral, Flat Rock; Thomas D. Finch, Otsego; Mark Gibson, Freeland; Andrew Hammond, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Eastern; Michael Heinrich, Ludington; Luke James Hurst, Ovid-Elsie; Matthew Liu, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood; Adam Olszewski, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard; and Ryan Schall, Comstock Park.
Previously announced were the Class C and D scholarship award recipients. The Class C Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are: Kylei Ratkowski, Bronson; Grace Smith, Kalamazoo Hackett; Nicole Winter, Watervliet; Jesse Anderson, Union City; Ashwin Fujii, Ann Arbor Greenhills; and Connor Lockman, Royal Oak Shrine. The Class D Scholar-Athlete Award scholarship recipients are: Elyse Kathleen Lisznyai, Hillsdale Academy; Elena Victoria Luce, Mason County Eastern; Charles Barchett, Watervliet Grace Christian; Chip A. Blood, Hillsdale Academy; and Francisco Jay Noyola, Lansing Christian
The Class A honorees will be announced Feb. 19.
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