First Pitch
October 13, 2011
In journalism world, be it at a newspaper, TV station, magazine or whatever, a reporter pitches a story. The goal: Convince the boss this is something you’ll want to see.
If you’re reading this post, chances are you’re a fan of high school sports or involved in some way. Consider this our “first pitch” to be your home for news and information on the best Michigan has to offer – and in the least, where you start your online day.
We’ve got big plans.
The first 12 years of my career were as Prep Sports Editor at the Lansing State Journal, and my favorite stories to tell have been of your successes – on the field or off, conquering small hills or mighty mountains, often expected but sometimes out of the blue.
Great stories are overflowing in high school athletics. But often, there are not enough opportunities to tell them. We hope to do so here.
“First Pitch” won’t be the name of our full version. We haven’t decided on a title yet; in fact, we’d love to hear what you’d like to name it.
But here’s what you’ll find:
- Information useful whether you’re an athlete, coach, administrator, or fan.
- Stories you’ll want to know whether they take place in your hometown or another you’ve never visited.
- Features highlighting, among many things, the best performances around the state and explaining why the MHSAA does some of the things we do.
- Additional coverage, often behind the scenes, from the MHSAA state finals.
- Our takes – with links – of the best stories written and produced by Michigan’s media corp.
- Schedules and scores for all of your varsity teams.
- MHSAA tournament information for all 28 sports we sponsor.
- And eventually, a lot more.
Over the next few months, you’ll get a taste with “First Pitch.” If you like something we’re doing, let us know. If you’d like to see something else, I’d love to hear about it.
Michigan is the 10th-largest state. There are more than 58,000 square miles of land, and by vehicle it’s 625 miles from Calumet High School near the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula to Bedford High on the southeastern border with Ohio. Nearly 10 million people live here.
We aim to make the state a little smaller.
My contact information is at the right of this screen, and my e-mail address is [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you – and telling the entire state about the great things you’re doing.
NFHS Voice: 'New Normal' Sportsmanship
May 20, 2020
By Karissa Niehoff
NFHS Executive Director
The “new normal” is one of the many terms we hear repeatedly as the country begins its return to normal activities from the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping six feet apart from other people, wearing a mask and frequent washing of hands are three of those important warnings.
And then there is the new “no-no” that cuts at the heart of high school sports – the handshake. Shaking hands has been a part of our culture for centuries and a mainstream of high school sports forever. It is hard to imagine high school sports without handshakes.
In addition to emotional displays among team members involving handshakes, high-fives and hugs, the handshake has been a way of demonstrating good sportsmanship toward the opponent.
In wrestling, for instance, shaking hands before a match is actually a part of the rules, which, of course, will have to be relaxed for the coming season. There are handshakes at the coin toss in football and before the opening jump ball in basketball.
After a hard-fought, back-and-forth tennis match, players meet at the net to shake hands – congratulating each other for their efforts. The actions are the same after golfers battle each other for 18 holes – removing the cap and shaking hands.
These age-old practices demonstrate respect for the opponent, and in the case of post-game handshakes, graciousness in victory or defeat.
The emotions in high school sports are often off the chart, with end-of-game celebrations by players, coaches and fans involving handshakes, high-fives and hugs. So, as the early phases of return to sports occur this fall, how do we meet social distance guidelines and continue to exhibit emotions and emphasize sportsmanship, which typically have involved touching between individuals?
While the social-distancing and no-contact guidelines are necessary – at least for the short term – to diminish the spread of the virus, they should not dampen the enthusiasm and emotion by everyone involved with high school sports. We hope these types of restrictions will be lifted at some point down the road, but for now, this is our “new normal.”
The absence of these time-honored ways to express respect for the opponent does not diminish the importance of displaying sportsmanship in high school sports. In fact, we believe concern for fairness and displays of kindness, respect and graciousness will be more pronounced once high school sports resume; however, the methods of sharing these feelings will be different.
Although perhaps not as endearing as a handshake, high-five or hug, there are other ways to express these feelings and emotions – for the opponent as well as teammates.
Some alternatives to consider are a slight bow with the palms pressed together, an air high-five, a smile and quick wave, a double-tap of the right hand across the heart and a wink with the thumbs up. Certainly, there are other possibilities – in fact, teams could develop their own methods for demonstrating sportsmanship to their opponents and celebrating big plays or victories with teammates. Through their resilience and great spirit, we look forward to how the millions of participants in high school sports and activities will accept this challenge.
There will be many concessions necessary to resume athletic competition, and shaking hands is one that must cease – at least for now. However, let’s view this change as an opportunity to find new ways to showcase sportsmanship in high school sports.
Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff is in her second year as executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is the first female to head the national leadership organization for high school athletics and performing arts activities and the sixth full-time executive director of the NFHS, which celebrated its 100th year of service during the 2018-19 school year. She previously was executive director of the Connecticut Association of Schools-Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference for seven years.