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: Live from Breslin

March 21, 2012

This week we introduce Portland St. Patrick junior Elle Lehman, who not only assisted with the MHSAA's Class D trophy presentation Saturday -- but also played against eventual champion Waterford Our Lady in Thursday's Semifinal at the Breslin Center.

Elle Lehman, Portland St. Patrick junior

  • Sports: Basketball and softball
  • Non-sports activities: Student council, National Honors Society
  • Favorite classes: World Literature. You have a chance to express your voice in different, creative ways.
  • Must-see TV: "Family Guy” or “That 70s Show”
  • One shining moment: My favorite high school sports highlight would have been in the 1999 Class D girls basketball state championship when there was a few seconds left and St. Pat threw the ball in and it bounced off of someone’s foot, and then we scored!!
  • What’s next: I am not sure what school, but I would like to study pre-medicine and play softball in college – then eventually possibly become an orthopedic surgeon.
  • My favorite part of game day is: ... hearing our fans cheer! I love the atmosphere when you are down on the court and everyone around you is yelling and cheering.

(Photo courtesy of Hockey Weekly Action Photos.)