And the 2019 BOTF Winner Is ...
February 22, 2019
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
North Muskegon senior Kendal Hoppa grew up watching the older kids in her town cheering on their friends at high school games, a sports-based extension of the close-knit community.
And what she’s known about Norse Nation for years, the rest of Michigan now knows as well.
The Nation already was a force when it came to student support. But she and her classmates showed this winter what a dedicated section can become with organization and a bit more intention – and they can celebrate what they’ve built with the Battle of the Fans VIII championship.
“The biggest thing is our sense of school pride,” Hoppa said. “We are there supporting the basketball team, we are supporting our family, and I think that really rubbed off on the schools we’ve competed against and any other community members who came to watch us.
"I’ve noticed an immense growth in schools in our conference and schools that we’ve played against having student sections of their own now – ‘We want to be like North Muskegon. Let’s organize this student section.’ It’s been awesome for our community and also communities around us as well.”
North Muskegon will accept its Battle of the Fans VIII championship banner during halftime of the first Division 2 Boys Basketball Semifinal on March 15 at Michigan State University’s Breslin Center. Buchanan and Saginaw Heritage also have been invited to Breslin to be honored for this season’s achievement.
North Muskegon 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 9,875 social media votes were received – and increase of more than 6 percent over last year’s contest – with those results then equated against a school’s enrollment. This year’s results came out to 4.3 votes cast for every student attending one of our finalist schools.
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. Nine semifinalists were selected from the original application group before Buchanan, North Muskegon and Saginaw Heritage were chosen for MHSAA visits. Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard, Carson City-Crystal, Petersburg-Summerfield, Petoskey, Traverse City West and Wayland also were semifinalists.
North Muskegon totaled the most public social media support and finished first across four of 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 – a vote for Class B Buchanan was worth more than one for Class A Saginaw Heritage, for example – and North Muskegon’s voting totaled higher than that of the other two finalists combined.
Other numbers to consider from this season's contest: The application videos have been watched nearly 12,500 times, and the MHSAA-produced videos from our tour stops have nearly 1,900 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 6,500 times as of 8:30 this morning. The three Instagram stories covering our visits were viewed nearly 6,000 times combined.
Below are our final takeaways from each of those trips.
Perfect Perspective Award: Buchanan
What we saw: There’s a reason – or many – the MHSAA has visited Buchanan for Battle of the Fans more than any other school. Once again, we saw what has made The Herd the gold standard for student sections statewide. Interaction with the game from start to finish, even as victory slipped away. Participation by students who obviously are involved in this all year and know the chants, songs and dances that have been passed down over the years. Leaders taking charge up front, but fun flowing from the section all the way to the top bleachers. As we mentioned in our report Monday detailing last week’s visit, it was like a Herd “Greatest Hits” performance, and we’ve had a lot of great memories visiting Buchanan over the years. This reminded us of those good times.
Why we’re fans: After Friday’s game, senior leader Garret Lollar told us he and his classmates would be happy today win or lose. And there was no doubt he was being completely honest. Buchanan has been the BOTF champion twice, including last year – but students and their dedicated teacher leaders have figured out that the culture of family and fun that has become part of this school district from elementary through the high school is a guaranteed win every time The Herd comes together.
Reaching Potential Award: Saginaw Heritage
What we saw: The Hawk’s Nest was a first-time finalist, and this section has come a long way over the last few years thanks to a dedicated teacher and students who bought into an opportunity to become something big. Heritage has been riding the momentum from last season’s Class A girls basketball championship run, and for our visit filled the student section for one of the girls team’s biggest matchups of this winter, against rival Midland Dow. There was a pep band, multiple pompon teams and the biggest group of student supporters we saw despite the boys basketball and hockey teams playing on the road. Heritage has found something special, and we’ll no doubt be returning for a BOTF in the future.
Why we’re fans: Section strategy and ideas are hatched in the school’s “Leadership Development” class. With half the student body taking that or the leadership intro course at some point, there is substantial continuity to go with the necessary planning for corralling such a large group. The multi-media presence – regular videos document all of the cool things the section is doing and also are used to rev students up for more to come – was one of the strongest we’ve seen over the course of BOTF. We met with leaders from the senior, junior and sophomore classes, and this could be just the start for the Hawks – albeit, a championship-caliber one.
Battle of the Fans champion: North Muskegon
What we saw: An effort with the humblest of beginnings – two students on a cross country bus ride home bouncing ideas – turned into an awesome display of support that long has been a source of pride in the school and community. We’ve seen a lot of student sections over the years – and there have been times when we feel like we’ve been watching more of a performance than students cheering for their classmates at a game. But Norse Nation was locked into the game from start to finish, with game-appropriate cheers throughout, and most of all the fun was genuine. Some things didn’t work – a pillow fight during halftime never really came together – but it wasn’t a big deal. Everyone was having a good time, and when the game was back on, so was the Nation.
Why we’re fans: There’s so much here that can be used to teach others as they build a student section. Some are the products of being a small community – there definitely is a family feel because the high school has only a few hundred students and all grades are housed in the same building. But those hallway connections have resulted in a strong student-driven effort – almost like a student council for the cheering section – where all are welcome and all ideas are considered. And we’d be failing if we didn’t mention this section too relies on serious mentorship from a supportive principal, another must.
Norse Nation has taken pride in how it’s supported its teams for years – and Battle of the Fans provided a vehicle for the school to share what it does so well with the rest of Michigan. Norse Nation also should inspire student sections around the state to take another step – and enjoy how quickly they can reach that elite level of fun.
"Definitely get into it, be in the moment," Hoppa said. "Be a part of the student section. Be part of supporting your school.
"To be successful, you have to have the people who are going to organize it. You have to have the people who are willing to follow too. Lead by example. Be willing to do the crazy themes. Be willing to travel to the far games. Just really have fun. Seize every moment, because you're going to regret it if you don't."
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 North Muskegon yearbook staff.)
Buchanan
Read all about it: Have You Herd? Buchanan Parties On
North Muskegon
Read all about it: Norse Nation Roars North Muskegon Pride
Saginaw Heritage
Read all about it: Heritage's Hawks Nest Wants You 'Hype'
Scholars & Athletes 2018: Class B
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
February 9, 2018
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
The Michigan High School Athletic Association has selected eight student-athletes from Class B member schools to receive scholarships through the MHSAA/Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete Award program.
Farm Bureau Insurance, in its 29th year of sponsoring the award, will give $1,000 college scholarships to 32 individuals who represent their member schools 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 who can come from any classification.
Students applying for the Scholar-Athlete Award must be carrying at least a 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average and have previously won a letter in a varsity sport in which the Michigan High School Athletic Association sponsors a postseason tournament. Other requirements for the applicants were to show active participation in other school and community activities and produce an essay on the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics.
Each of the scholarship recipients will be honored at a halftime ceremony during the Class C Boys Basketball Final game March 24 at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing. Commemorative medallions will be given to the finalists in recognition of their accomplishments.
The Class B Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are Emily Buska, Saginaw Swan Valley; Mackenzie M. Kalchik, Sault Ste. Marie; Hannah Shorkey, Essexville Garber; Izabella Marie Taylor, Three Rivers; Troy Joseph Distelrath, St. Clair; Hunter Goldensoph, Saginaw Swan Valley; Anthony Reo, Paw Paw; and Justin A. Lyle, Dowagiac.
Overviews of the scholarship recipients of the Class B Scholar-Athlete Award follow. A quote from each recipient's essay also is included:
Emily Buska, Saginaw Swan Valley
Playing third year of varsity basketball and played one each of varsity volleyball and varsity soccer; ran varsity cross country for the third time in the fall and will participate in third season of varsity track & field this spring. Served as captain of volleyball, basketball and cross country teams, and earned all-league honors in volleyball, cross country and track. Also earned all-state in track and all-county in cross country. Earned academic all-state in track and carries a 4.0 grade-point average. Participating in second year of National Honor Society, third as student government class representative and second as executive board treasurer. Performed more than 100 hours of community service and earned Habitat for Humanity Appreciation Award. Participating in fourth year of Business Professionals of America and earned Statesman Torch Award and first and third places in regional competition. Participating in fourth year of Students Against Destructive Decisions and school’s Pay It Forward charity organization, and is the head basketball official for Saginaw Township Parks & Recreation. Will attend Saginaw Valley State University and study pre-medical.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship keeps the world running smoothly, whether it is in educational athletics, or in life. We need this generosity in the world to help balance the light and dark.”
Mackenzie M. Kalchik, Sault Ste. Marie
Playing fourth season of varsity basketball, ran four seasons of varsity cross country and played four seasons of varsity soccer; also plans to participate in her first season of varsity track & field this spring. Earned various team awards in cross country, basketball and soccer plus all-conference in cross country and basketball and all-Upper Peninsula recognition in hoops. Captained all three teams. Earned academic all-state in cross country and is participating in her second year of National Honor Society. Serving second year in student government and has served as president and historian; also is serving third year in Students United and has been a group leader. Totaled more than 300 hours of community service and earned a Presidential Service Award. Also participates in her church youth group, Business Professionals of America chapter and is in her third year on Youth Advisory Council. Will attend Lake Superior State University and study pre-medical.
Essay Quote: “My team made history that day, and they did it without me. … I could have pitied myself and not been happy for my team because I didn’t contribute that day of history. But because of my sportsmanship, I made that day what it was really about, my team doing something Sault High had never done before.”
Hannah Shorkey, Essexville Garber
Playing third season of varsity basketball, played two of varsity volleyball, two of varsity softball and will play her second of varsity soccer this spring. Earned softball all-conference recognition and helped that team to multiple District titles, and earned volleyball academic all-state and helped that team to a District championship. Served as basketball team captain. Participating in fourth years of student council and Students Leading Students, serving as vice president of both. Also participating in second year of National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. Participating in second year of Health Occupations Students of America and as parliamentary procedure team vice president, and earned regional awards for HOSA and state recognition for student council as well as a Michigan Student Service Award. Participates in a variety of volunteer efforts and served as a Relay for Life senior captain. Will attend Grand Valley State University and study biomedical sciences and chemistry on a pre-medical track.
Essay Quote: “When people think of sportsmanship, they associate it with the idea of being okay with losing. But that’s not what it is. It’s okay to be hurt when you lose; that shows that what you’re doing is important. Sportsmanship is getting back up after that loss, and doing it with dignity and respect towards your opponent.”
Izabella Marie Taylor, Three Rivers
Playing second season of varsity basketball, and will compete in fourth varsity seasons of soccer and track & field this spring; also played two seasons of subvarsity volleyball. Earned soccer all-league, all-District and academic all-state honors and all-league, all-state and academic all-state in track. Captained basketball and soccer teams and helped the basketball team to a District title. Placed at MHSAA Track & Field Finals as a sophomore. Participating in fourth year of student council and this year as treasurer after previously serving as class president. Participating in third year of DECA and as chapter president this year; helped team to district and state championships and national finals. Participating in fourth year of marching and symphony band and has earned top ratings for solo and ensemble. Participating in third year of National Honor Society and volunteers for a number of efforts, and has served as a youth sports coach and referee and school tutor and mentor. Has not decided where she will attend college but will study biomedical sciences and pre-dentistry.
Essay Quote: “True sportsmanship is the summit in the evolution of any great player. To evolve as an athlete is to encompass sportsmanship’s many core values. Knowledge. Honor. Integrity. Discipline. Compassion. Respect.”
Troy Joseph Distelrath, St. Clair
Played four seasons of varsity tennis and two of varsity basketball. Won multiple Regional championships in tennis and helped team to its best Finals finish; earned all-league and all-area honors plus all-league academic honors. Served as captain of both tennis and basketball teams. Participating in third year of National Honor Society and serves on chapter’s executive board; also is serving fourth year on the St. Clair County Youth Advisory Committee and second as executive board member and committee chairperson. Participated in National Youth Leadership Forum’s Law and CSI program in Washington, D.C., and was chosen from 300 students to speak at the closing ceremony. Serving fourth year on student council and second as part of the East China School District Superintendent’s Advisory Council. Will attend Michigan State University and study political theory and constitutional democracy.
Essay Quote: “At its most fundamental level, this is the essence of sportsmanship: the mutual appreciation of one’s dedication and determination, the common understanding that as athletes we make daily sacrifices in order to achieve a similar goal, and the shared mentality that while we strive to reach greatness on our respective fields of play, unspoken boundaries may not be crossed if order and civility are to remain intact.”
Hunter Goldensoph, Saginaw Swan Valley
Played two seasons of varsity soccer, two of varsity basketball and will play his second of varsity baseball and participate in second of varsity track & field this spring. Earned all-league and all-District soccer awards, and served as team captain. Helped soccer team to a league title and soccer and baseball teams to District championships. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and third in Business Professionals of America; helped BPA team to regional title and state placing. Participated three years with church youth group and vacation Bible school; also has served as youth coach and official. Served on Michigan Humanities Council’s “Great Michigan Read” selection committee as a junior and has volunteered two years with Special Olympics. Will attend Eastern Michigan University and study chemistry, biology and business.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship is so much more than what everyone believes. It isn’t just shaking the other team’s hands after the game; true sportsmanship is knowing that you need your opponent because without him or her, there is no game. It is acknowledging that your opponent holds the same passion as you, that they have the same drive and determination that brings you back to practice every single day.”
Justin A. Lyle, Dowagiac
Played two seasons of varsity football after moving up as a sophomore, wrestled four seasons and will participate in his third of track & field this spring. Served as captain of the football and wrestling teams, and helped the wrestling team to multiple District championships. Earned all-league honors in both football and wrestling. Participating in fourth year of student government and third of student senate, and has served as class president all four years. Serving as National Honor Society chapter president and president as well of Rotary Interact Club. Also is serving his second term as treasurer of the school’s Chieftain Heart sportsmanship club. Volunteers with his church and has taught three years of Sunday School. Earned the Presidential Bronze Volunteer Service Award and Daughters of the American Revolution scholarship. Will attend Central Michigan University and study broadcasting and cinematic arts.
Essay Quote: “Accountability is an exceptional virtue to those who display sportsmanship. Displaying sportsmanship teaches young athletes that every action they make will directly affect themselves and their peers. Accepting the responsibility for the mistakes one makes can be much tougher than accepting the admiration for the successes achieved; however, facing the mistakes often reveals the athlete’s true character.
Anthony Reo, Paw Paw
Played three seasons of varsity football and wrestled four seasons on varsity. Served as multiple-season captain in both sports and earned all-state honors in wrestling and all-conference in both sports. Placed fifth in his weight class at last season’s MHSAA Individual Finals. Named National Merit Commended Scholar and earned National Honor Society recognition and Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. Serving fourth year on student council and has held offices of president and executive secretary, and assisted in the drafting of a new constitution. Also participating in fourth year of Key Club and has served as editor and president while helping form the school’s largest club ever. Served as youth coach and official. Co-founded Pillars student-led support group and participating in fourth year of Peer Assistance Leaders. Served as an intern with Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Foundation. Will attend Princeton University and study entrepreneurship.
Essay Quote: “I know that, whether I want it or not, youth in my community are guided by my example and strive to imitate my actions. This is what motivates me to perform both on and off the field. As a student-athlete, I know my actions set a standard for behavior in my community, and I want that behavior to be grounded in excellence.”
Other Class B girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Megan Brooks, Saginaw Swan Valley; Katelyn Brown, Jonesville; Kate Cao, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood; MacKenzie Desloover, Yale; Valeta A. Gage, Sault Ste. Marie; Celia C. Gaynor, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep; Caroline Hirth, Chelsea; Mackenzie Horn, Marshall; Jordyn Kriegl, Kingsford; Mackenzie Luce, Ludington; Lauren Neiheisel, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep; and Grace VerHage, Otsego.
Other Class B boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: David Ameriguian, Grosse Ile; Patrick J. Bertoni, Chelsea; Vincent Goyette, Flint Powers Catholic; Anthony Harris, Frankenmuth; Jacob Keener, Ferndale; Jackson Lund, Big Rapids; Lucas Misra, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood; Thomas Otten, Paw Paw; Sawyer Perpich, Kingsford; William Rayner, Marshall; Caleb Schoon, Ludington; and John Stellard, Ferndale.
The Class A scholarship award recipients will be announced Feb. 20. Class C and D honorees were announced Feb. 6.
Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan was founded in 1949 by Michigan farmers who wanted an insurance company that worked as hard as they did. Those values still guide the company today and are a big reason why it is known as Michigan’s Insurance Company, dedicated to protecting the farms, families, and businesses of this great state. Farm Bureau Insurance agents across Michigan provide a full range of insurance services — life, home, auto, farm, business, retirement, Lake Estate®, and more — protecting nearly 500,000 Michigan policyholders.
The MHSAA is a private, not-for-profit corporation of voluntary membership by more than 1,500 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.