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 C & D
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
February 4, 2018
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
The Michigan High School Athletic Association has selected 10 student-athletes from Class C and D 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 C Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are Ellen Charlotte Laurenz, Breckenridge; Rachel Nesburg, Charlevoix; Emma Pachulski, Saranac; Jack Avery Harris, Ann Arbor Greenhills; Parker Hayes, Beaverton; and Bryant Kieft, Watervliet.
The Class D Scholar-Athlete Award recipients are: Laura Lyons, Lake Linden-Hubbell; Sophie Ruggles, Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart; Aaron Jacob Fahrner, Owendale-Gagetown; and Peter Kalthoff, Hillsdale Academy.
Overviews of the scholarship recipients of the Class C Scholar-Athlete Award follow. A quote from each recipient's essay also is included:
Ellen Charlotte Laurenz, Breckenridge
Playing her third season of varsity basketball, ran four seasons of varsity cross country and will compete in her fourth season of varsity track & field this spring. Earned all-state athletic and academic honors in track and helped the cross country team to three top-seven MHSAA Finals finishes. Served as captain of varsity teams for both cross country and basketball. Serving second year as student council president and vice president for Future Farmers of America chapter. Participated in a number of leadership endeavors as part of FFA, earning a number of awards. Also named a Good Citizens Award recipient by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Participating in third year of National Honor Society and this year as her chapter’s historian; also participates in German student exchange club and as part of her church youth group. Will attend Alma College and study communications.
Essay Quote: “The season in which I was unable to participate (because of injury) gave me a new perspective on sportsmanship. It was during that time that I learned to appreciate every athlete for the effort they put into their sport, regardless of how fast or slow, talented or not they may be.”
Rachel Nesburg, Charlevoix
Playing fourth season of varsity basketball, ran four of varsity cross country and will play her fourth of varsity soccer and participate in her second of varsity track & field this spring. Earned all-league honors in basketball and soccer and all-state in soccer and track; also earned multiple academic all-state awards. Served as captain of basketball and soccer teams and owns multiple school records in track and soccer. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and served three years as class president. Also has served as president and vice president of local Zonta Club and co-founded her community’s Junior Main Street Committee. Volunteered in a number of efforts including production of videos for local theaters to raise awareness of substance abuse. Also participates in Girl Scouts, her church youth group and SAFE Northern Michigan, and as a youth sports official and coach. Will attend University of Michigan and study pre-physical therapy.
Essay Quote: “Sometimes a little motivation is all it takes to make someone’s situation better. Sportsmanship is about helping others grow and succeed when they get knocked down. In addition, when we lift others up, we raise our own confidence levels, which can create unlimited potential for success and achievement.”
Emma Pachulski, Saranac
Played three seasons of varsity volleyball and will participate in her fourth of varsity track & field this spring. Served as captain of both teams; earned all-conference, all-region and academic all-state honors in volleyball and all-county in track. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and attended American Legion Auxiliary Girls State. Also plays in school band; has served as percussion section leader and first chair clarinet and helped band to highest possible “1” rating at district competition. Participates in her school’s drama productions, earning lead female roles and serving as assistant director and lead choreographer. Serves as lead photographer on yearbook staff. Earned Sportsmanship Award, the highest honor, from local 4-H and also participates as part of her church’s youth group. Walked and raised funds to honor cancer survivors as part of Relay for Life. Will attend Grand Rapids Community College and study theatre & media arts.
Essay Quote: “High school athletics is a place for students to learn life lessons. Practicing sportsmanship through athletics prepares youth for challenges they’ll encounter in adulthood. You know what they say – perfect practice makes for a perfect performance. If high school is the practice, life is the performance.”
Jack Avery Harris, Ann Arbor Greenhills
Played three years of varsity tennis, earning three Lower Peninsula Division 4 Finals No. 1 doubles championships and helping his team to the 2015 title. Earned all-state honors all three years, served as a team captain and is among nominees for the Detroit Catholic League Scholar-Athlete Award for graduating seniors. Also has contributed to school chess club and forensics team state championships and played in the top jazz ensemble for three years. Served as chess club captain, head Gryphon Ambassador for school’s open house program and producer for ACTivate the Cure fundraiser performance for cancer research. Also has been involved in school drama productions all four years of high school. Is undecided what he will study, but will attend University of Michigan.
Essay Quote: “As a tennis player, there is nothing more frustrating than feeling like your opponents have less respect for your enjoyment than you do for theirs. But, from this seemingly flawed system, the greatest kind of student athlete is able to be formed. The greatest competitor in tennis calls every line as he sees it, cheating neither himself, nor an opponent. The measure of a great student athlete therefore relies not on one’s skill, but one’s character.”
Parker Hayes, Beaverton
Ran four years of varsity cross country and will participate in fourth season of varsity track & field this spring; also played subvarsity basketball. Earned all-state in cross country and also academic all-state while earning multiple cross country and track league championships. Served as captain of the cross country team and earned multiple conference Sportsmanship Awards. Participating in third year of National Honor Society and carries a 4.0 grade-point average after also taking classes from Mid-Michigan Community College for three years. Participating in third year of Business Professionals of America and has served as vice president while earning a regional championship and making state and national finals. Holds rank of Eagle Scout and has served as senior patrol leader, certified instructor and certified lifeguard and earned membership in the Order of the Arrow. Participates in his church’s youth group and serves as Sunday School secretary. Will attend Northwood University and study accounting.
Essay Quote: “My hope is that when others see me do the ‘right things’ in the middle of a competition, they may see my example and consider their own actions. I would love to see future competitions where every spectator and athlete shows good sportsmanship, where even the last-place finisher feel like a champion.”
Bryant Kieft, Watervliet
Played three years of varsity football, is playing his second of varsity basketball and will play his third of varsity baseball this spring; also wrestled as a freshman. Earned all-state in football while setting his school’s receiving yards record and has earned all-league recognition in both basketball and baseball; earned academic all-state in baseball as a sophomore. Helped football team to multiple league titles and football and baseball teams to District titles. Captained all three varsity teams. Serving fourth year as class’ co-president and this year as National Honor Society chapter vice president. Also has served as school’s representative at the Southwestern Athletic Conference Leadership Summit. Earned regional first place and state honorable mention at Michigan Industrial Technology Education Society competitions. Served two years on Watervliet Principal’s Committee and is in second of training in Whirlpool Apprenticeship Program. Will attend Northwood University to study entertainment and sports promotion management.
Essay Quote: “No matter the situation, I strive to set an example that displays the respect I have for my opponents, my teammates, my coaches, the officials and the game itself. We athletes are privileged to play a game we love, so we must treat it with the respect it deserves by displaying good sportsmanship at all times.”
Other Class C girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Shelby Trevino, Beal City; Kendall Gassman, Bloomfield Hills Academy of the Sacred Heart; Kelleigh Keating, Bloomfield Hills Academy of the Sacred Heart; Morgan Hartline, Marcellus; Clara Johnson, Negaunee; Emily Spitzley, Pewamo-Westphalia; Halie Robinson, Royal Oak Shrine Catholic; Kendahl Grace Overbeck, Saranac; and Melody Antel, Saugatuck.
Other Class C boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Matthew Harazin, Bridgman; Ilhan Onder, Calumet; Joseph R. Claramunt, Harbor Springs; Thomas Kelbel, Harbor Springs; Evans Brown, Kalamazoo Hackett; Eric Vandefifer, Montrose; Luke Skewis, Negaunee; Colton Yesney, Negaunee; and Ben Hogan, North Muskegon.
Overviews of the scholarship recipients of the Class D Scholar-Athlete Award follow. A quote from each recipient's essay also is included:
Laura Lyons, Lake Linden-Hubbell
Played three seasons of varsity volleyball, four of varsity basketball and will participate in her fourth of both softball and track & field this spring. Earned all-league honors for volleyball, softball and track and helped the volleyball team to league and District titles and the track team to league, Regional and 2017 Upper Peninsula Division 3 Finals championships. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and serving as her chapter’s president as well as student council president; served two terms as her class president. Also is serving as her marching band drum major, physics club president and previously served as bowl team captain. Has volunteered for a number of efforts, taught Sunday School at her church and worked as an official for youth volleyball, softball and basketball. Earned Gold and Bronze awards from the Girl Scouts. Will attend Michigan State University and study biochemistry.
Essay Quote: “Little things often go unnoticed – but are the essence of who we are and what we become. As athletes we mirror our community and set a model for future generations. When we step out on the field or court, we represent not only ourselves, but our school, community and parents.”
Sophie Ruggles, Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart
Playing fourth season of varsity basketball after completing her third of varsity volleyball during the fall; also ran track as a sophomore. Earned all-state first-team honors in both basketball and volleyball and academic all-state in both. Helped volleyball team to three league, four District and four Regional titles and basketball team to three league, District and Regional titles heading into this season plus a Class D runner-up finish in 2016. Participating in fourth year of forensics and helped that team to a conference championship while earning all-conference honors. Also helped quiz bowl and Model United Nations teams to conference titles. Serving fourth year as a Thrive Kids group leader and participating in second year of National Honor Society. Is undecided on what she will study, but will attend Michigan State University.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship is a tricky thing to define. Is it determined by a list of rules of things you have to do: Shake everyone’s hand. Never argue with a call. Always help someone up when they fall. It can be all of these things, yes; but it is what is behind the actions that embodies these words.”
Aaron Jacob Fahrner, Owendale-Gagetown
Played four seasons of varsity football, is playing his fourth of varsity basketball and will play his fourth of varsity baseball this spring. Earned all-conference honors in all three sports and has captained both the football and basketball teams; helped his three teams to a combined five league championships heading into this winter. Serves on MHSAA Student Advisory Council. Carries a 4.0 grade-point average and will enter college with 39 credits. Serving third year as class president and also this year’s National Honor Society chapter president, his school band’s president and as yearbook editor for the second year. Also serving third year as part of the Huron County Youth Advisory Committee and has taken part in multiple volunteer efforts. Will attend Michigan State University and study agri-business management.
Essay Quote: “In high school athletics, students are all put on a team together; each must be willing to work with one another to achieve a common goal, putting their differences aside to be competitive and to succeed. An athlete with good sportsmanship respects teammates, coaches and officials. Sometimes you may not always see eye to eye, but when it comes to the game you have to be willing to play as a team and respect the coach’s and officials’ decisions.
Peter Kalthoff, Hillsdale Academy
Played four seasons of varsity soccer and is playing his fourth of varsity basketball; also intends to participate in his second season of varsity track & field this spring. Started all four seasons of both soccer and basketball, helping both teams to District titles and the soccer team to a league title. Scored his 1,000th career basketball point as a junior. Earned all-state in multiple events in track & field, and also earned all-state recognition in soccer and basketball. Participating in fourth year of National Honor Society and his school’s service club, and served as president of the latter. Also participating in his fourth years of drama, chamber choir and vocal band and previously participated in string quartet, high school orchestra and Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra. Selected to participate in Cambridge International and Center Stage strings festivals as violinist, and served as part of the Governor’s Honor Guard for Boy Scouts. Achieved black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Will attend University of Michigan or Hillsdale College and study music performance.
Essay Quote: “Even off the court or playing field, our words and deeds will leave impressions. The good sportsman, even in day-to-day life, will dependably seek to give the impression he wants others to take.”
Other Class D girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Katelyn Smith, Akron-Fairgrove; Corra Hamilton, Athens; Madison Kadlec, Bellaire; Ciera Weber, Fowler; Stephanie Schuman, Lawrence; and Ellie Haan, McBain Northern Michigan Christian.
Other Class D boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Nicholas Burlingame, Ashley; Brendan Delaney, Gaylord St. Mary; Andrew Pechette, Kinde-North Huron; Andrew Hager, Mio; Jeremiah Torrey, Onekama; and Thomas Hursey, Suttons Bay.
The Class B scholarship award recipients will be announced Feb. 13, and the Class A honorees will be announced Feb. 20.
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.