SAC Sound-Off: Seniors Say Good-Bye

June 13, 2012

All over Michigan during the last three weeks, seniors have been finishing up their high school athletic careers -- some to next play at the college level, most to continue as students only, but armed with a book full of memories and lessons learned on the field.

Our SAC seniors are no different. Here's what they'll miss most as they too move on to the next level.

I'm going to miss ...

"...everything about high school sports -- competing, winning, hanging out with my friends and meeting new people." -- Benzie Central's Travis Clous

"... the atmosphere of growth and learning, with others around encouraging me to always strive for greatness as I do the same for them." -- New Buffalo's Lena Madison

"... the butterflies in my stomach before every serve-receive and cheering for my teammates when they make a mistake." -- Detroit Country Day's Maria Buczkowski

"... the team unity the most. In high school sports, I've been friends with most of my teammates ever since kindergarten. Sports in college aren't the same because your teammates aren't your lifelong friends." -- Rudyard's Tyler Wilson

"... supporting my fellow students while leading our student cheering (section) for football. Those were some of the most fun nights of my life in high school." -- Grand Blanc's Bailey Truesdell

"... the support that my community gives to all of the sports teams." -- Muskegon Catholic Central's Alissa Jones

SAC Sound-off: Who do you cheer for most?

May 2, 2012

Our MHSAA Student Advisory Council members all play at least one MHSAA varsity sport, and through their service to the council have learned much more about high school athletics throughout the state.

But when it comes to following sports teams, almost all do their most cheering for those at the college level.

We surveyed our SAC members on what level of sports they pay attention to most. Here’s a look at their answers.

  • Ten of 12 who submitted answers said they follow college sports most. Another SAC member said she follows both college and pro equally.
  • The breakdown of colleges was a little surprising. Three said the University of Michigan, two said Michigan State University, but two more said Ohio State University. We also had one vote for Hillsdale College and another for Baylor University.
  • Two put down the colleges they will compete for next year – University of Miami, Ohio (Grand Blanc’s Bailey Truesdell, in golf) and Notre Dame (New Buffalo’s Lena Madison, in track).
  • Truesdell was specific in his selection – he follows Miami’s hockey team the most. Michigan football and softball also were listed by SAC members.
  • Four professional teams made the radar of SAC favorites. Two follow the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, and a third follows the Miami Heat. The only Detroit teams to get a mention were the MLB Tigers and NFL Lions, one apiece.