College Sports
Two Hamilton athletes honored at Kiwanis recognition dinner
Story Links Hamilton College’s James Philpott ’25 (Calgary, Alberta/Centennial HS) and Emma Tansky ’25 (Collegeville, Pa./Episcopal Academy) received awards at the Kiwanis Club of Utica Recognition Dinner honoring student-athletes of the year on Thursday, May 1. The Kiwanis Club of Utica honors student-athletes from five colleges around the Mohawk Valley […]

Hamilton College’s James Philpott ’25 (Calgary, Alberta/Centennial HS) and Emma Tansky ’25 (Collegeville, Pa./Episcopal Academy) received awards at the Kiwanis Club of Utica Recognition Dinner honoring student-athletes of the year on Thursday, May 1.
The Kiwanis Club of Utica honors student-athletes from five colleges around the Mohawk Valley including Hamilton, Utica University, SUNY Polytechnic, Herkimer College and Mohawk Valley Community College.
James Philpott was a CCM/American Hockey Coaches Association All-America first team selection in 2025 after the defenseman collected third team honors last year. The three-time all-New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) pick made the first team in each of the last two years. In his senior season he helped lead Hamilton men’s hockey to a program-best 21 wins, their first NESCAC title and second NCAA championship appearance, and a No. 8 national ranking. Philpott finished his career with 70 points on 13 goals and 57 assists in 99 games as the Continentals posted a 62-35-5 record during his four years. He was also the male recipient of Hamilton’s Jack B. Riffle Award, which is given to the top senior athlete.
Tansky was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association all-region second team in 2025 after she picked up third team honors the previous three years. She also made the all-NESCAC first team this season. Tansky went 7-4 with a 3.51 ERA over 83.2 innings and tossed four complete games including an eight-inning shutout against Wesleyan University. She struck out 69 and added one save. Offensively, she led Hamilton with a .444 batting average, stole a program-record 21 bases, and recorded a .493 on-base percentage. Tansky ended her career as the team’s all-time leader in stolen bases and finished second in hits and runs. She was the female recipient of Hamilton’s Jack B. Riffle Award.
College Sports
Alabama Crimson Tide suddenly caught looking up at oil-driven NIL powerhouse in race for top overall 2027 recruit
Alabama Crimson Tide suddenly caught looking up at oil-driven NIL powerhouse in race for top overall 2027 recruit originally appeared on A to Z Sports. The recruiting world has been kind to Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide, as the program is close to ranking in the top spot for the 2026 class. Of […]

Alabama Crimson Tide suddenly caught looking up at oil-driven NIL powerhouse in race for top overall 2027 recruit originally appeared on A to Z Sports.
The recruiting world has been kind to Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide, as the program is close to ranking in the top spot for the 2026 class. Of course, there’s time for flips to happen and development to change boards, but the Tide are on a hot streak when it comes to pitching their blueblood status.
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The 2027 class is also getting its time in the spotlight, and the top overall recruit has had Alabama fighting for his top spot until a behemoth emerged. Five-star edge rusher LaDamion Guyton has gone from an Alabama toss-up to the backseat in this race.
That unexpected force is Texas Tech, which has turned into a monstrous presence on the recruiting trail with arguably the deepest pockets in college sports. Just recently, On3 reported that Lubbock is going hard for the No. 1 prospect.
“Guyton, a top target for Georgia and South Carolina in the 2027 cycle out of Savannah (Ga.) Benedictine, soaked up the sights and sounds of Lubbock in June. The Red Raiders have been trending in the right direction with the five-star target ever since.”
The new revenue sharing model is having effects on how teams offer structured deals, and Alabama is falling in line with what Texas and Ohio State has had to adapt. They can’t simply outspend every program because they have multiple successful programs within their athletic department, and a deep roster to retain.
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Not even two months ago, On3 reported that Alabama was facing off against Georgia for the elite prospect.
“Georgia was the first to offer the coveted in-state prospect in June 2023, and they remain the program setting the pace in this recruitment. Guyton has visited Athens numerous times, including this past weekend. Alabama, Auburn, Oregon, USC, South Carolina, Tennessee, LSU and Miami are some of the other programs that have extended a scholarship and working to gain traction. Guyton tells Simmons visits will pick back up during the season.”
It’s possible an in-person trip to Alabama can swing things this fall. Their gameday experience in Tuscaloosa is excellent, and DeBoer’s staff has repeatedly sold a family-like environment successfully. It’s a huge reason why Alabama has excelled despite facing some of the same issues Oregon does, but the Tide haven’t slid back.
Will Guyton prioritize the start-up situation in Lubbock for a massive payday, or can Alabama claw its way back in? We’ll be monitoring throughout this season.
View the original article to see embedded media.
This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
College Sports
Who was the top West Ottawa athlete of the quarter century?
With the century a quarter done, the Holland Sentinel is selecting its top 25 athletes from the past quarter century. We will start with the top 25 from each school and move on to the top 25 overall male and female high school athletes from the past 25 years. Athletes must be graduated to be […]

With the century a quarter done, the Holland Sentinel is selecting its top 25 athletes from the past quarter century.
We will start with the top 25 from each school and move on to the top 25 overall male and female high school athletes from the past 25 years.
Athletes must be graduated to be eligible. There are extra spots on the team for the top club gymnasts and those who did their best swimming on the club scene, not taking away from other West Ottawa spots.
Today: West Ottawa
Tabahn Afrik
Class of 2015
Ushering in a new era in West Ottawa swimming, Tabahn Afrik spearheaded a resurgence for the Panthers as a state power. He won the Division 1 state championship in the 100 freestyle twice, also claiming state titles in the 50 freestyle and 200 freestyle once each. That doesn’t include relay state titles. Afrik was a national and junior national qualifier and went on to swim at Notre Dame and became an All-American for the Fighting Irish.
Isabel Anaya
Class of 2025
Anaya was a four-time all-state wrestler and became the first female wrestler in area history to claim a state championship. She went undefeated as a senior and claimed a title. She will wrestler next year in college.
Nicole Artz
Class of 2013
Since West Ottawa does not have a varsity gymnastics program, and very few do anymore, Nicole Artz made her presence known on the club gymnastics scene. Artz was a Level 10 national qualifier and national champion before moving on to the University of Michigan where she was a multiple All-American and NCAA qualifier and one of the top gymnasts in the history of the Wolverines.
Tyler Bosma
Class of 2018
One of the most well-rounded athletes the area has ever seen, Tyler Bosma made a huge mark in multiple sports for West Ottawa. On the basketball court, he earned all-state honors as a senior and led the Panthers to the Class A state championship game, the school’s best finish. He was perhaps even better on the mound, earning all-state baseball honors and pitching at Miami (Ohio) and then the University of Kentucky.
Jessi Buis
Class of 2012
A national qualifier in club gymnastics, competing for Champion Gymnastics, Buis went on to compete at Western Michigan where she became a MAC champion in the vault.
Taylor Buis
Class of 2016
A national champion in club gymnastics, competing for Champion Gymnastics, Buis went on to compete at Western Michigan where she helped the Broncos win a MAC title. She also was a star track athlete for West Ottawa.
Spencer Carl
Class of 2017
One of the most powerful athletes in the pool, Spencer Carl used his strength to claim multiple state championships during his career. He won the Division 1 state title in the 500 freestyle twice and won the 200 IM and 200 freestyle once each on his way to four state titles. He was a USA national and junior national qualifier and went on to swim at Louisville and Michigan.
Ato Condelee
Class of 2013
It didn’t matter what the sport was, Ato Condelee was going to show his athleticism. In track and field, he was the Division 1 state champion in the long jump as a senior after multiple all-state finishes in the long jump and high jump. He also played football and basketball for the Panthers and ended up playing football at Ferris State University.
Natalie Dunn
Class of 2019
One of the most athletic multi-sport athletes in recent memory, Natalie Dunn helped transform the volleyball and basketball programs at West Ottawa. She was an all-state volleyball player and all-state guard in basketball, setting multiple school records in both sports. She also starred in track and field but decided to play volleyball in college, earning an NCAA Division I scholarship at Furman.
Ameer Ismail
Class of 2002
One of the top football defenders in the state, Ameer Ismail was a one-man wrecking crew as a linebacker. He also rushed for 1,544 yards and 25 touchdowns as a sophomore before setting the career mark at 2,920 yards and 44 touchdowns. He finished with 12 varsity letters and broke six school track and field records before playing football at Western Michigan where he was an All-American linebacker. He also played basketball and was one of the leading scorers in the OK Red.
Shelby Lacy
Class of 2011
The fastest breaststroker in area history, Shelby Lacy claimed back-to-back Division 1 state championships in the 100-yard breaststroke, a feat no one has matched at Division 1. She also was part of West Ottawa’s state champion 200 medley relay. She went on to swim at Michigan State where she broke the school record in the 100 breaststroke.
Raegan Lantz
Class of 2024
Lantz was on the Miss Volleyball watch list and was named Sentinel Player of the Year twice. She went on to play at Miami (Ohio) at the NCAA Division I level where she starts and is an outspoken advocate for diabetes awareness. Was also a strong hurdler on the track team.
Stephanie Lebster
Class of 2022
Was a national champion club gymnast before heading to Michigan State where she led the Spartans to back-to-back Big Ten titles and the program’s first trip to nationals.
Cortney Lokker Naber
Class of 2004
Making her home on the court, Cortney Lokker was a two-time all-state volleyball player for the Panthers, amassing several school records along the way, becoming one of the top players in school history. She also was a strong basketball player, earning three varsity letters and Holland Sentinel Dream Team honors in both sports. Played volleyball at Grand Valley State and led the Lakers to the 2005 NCAA championship.
Derek Maas
Class of 2019
In one of the biggest performances in the pool, Derek Maas claimed the Division 1 state championship in the 200 IM and 100 butterfly, plus was part of two winning relays as West Ottawa won the team state title in 2019, capping a spectacular career. Maas went on to swim at Alabama and was the SEC champion in the 100 breaststroke as a junior and an NCAA All-American after qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials. He transferred to NYU and won a Division III breaststroke national title.
Kevin Maas
Class of 2022
Following in the footsteps of his older siblings, Kevin Maas claimed back-to-back Division 1 state championships in the 50 freestyle and led the Panthers to a winning 200 freestyle relay during his fast career with the Panthers. He also was a junior national qualifier and earned a scholarship to swim at the University of Michigan.
Kyle Maas
Class of 2016
Overshadowed by teammates and one of the best swimmers in the history of the state, Kyle Maas proved to hang with the best as a four-time individual state runner up in Division 1. He was a junior national and national qualifier before heading to Alabama. He qualified for the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in 2016 and 2020.
Mike McClure
Class of 2009
Making his noise on the mat, Mike McClure was one of the top wrestlers in the history of the state. As a senior, he went undefeated (55-0) at heavyweight on his way to the Division 1 state championship and national runner-up finish. He was a multiple all-state athlete and went on to wrestle at Michigan State, where he earned All-American honors. Also played football for the Panthers.
Adam Mena
Class of 2008
One of the few athletes of the series still active as a professional, Adam Mena was one of the top soccer players in the history of West Michigan. He earned all-state honors on the pitch, playing all over the field, before moving on to play soccer at Notre Dame, then on the professional level for nearly a decade.
Sarah Moraw
Class of 2022
After winning the national championship in vault at the club high school level, Moraw went on to Minnesota where she became a Big Ten champion on the balance beam.
Desmond Morgan
Class of 2011
One of the top defenders in the state, Desmond Morgan was a dynamite linebacker and an all-state performer in Division 1. He also was the leading rusher for the Panthers on the offensive side of the ball and played hockey and lacrosse at West Ottawa before heading to the University of Michigan where he was a four-year starter at linebacker for the Wolverines.
Spencer Nadolsky
Class of 2002
One of the top wrestlers in area history, Spencer Nadolsky was a state champion and multiple state finalist on the wrestling mats to earn multiple all-state honors. He was also all-state honorable mention in football before going on to wrestle at Michigan State and then North Carolina.
David Nykerk
Class of 2004
One of the top arms in local history, David Nykerk was an all-state pitcher who led the Panthers to their first state championship in baseball. He was the Sentinel Player of the Year and earned a scholarship to pitch at the University of Michigan.
Arianne Olson
Class of 2023
The elite distance runner claimed multiple state titles and state runner-up finishes during her career and was all-state in both track and cross country, leading the Panthers to a state cross country title. She now runs at Notre Dame.
Gabby Reynolds
Class of 2024
The top girls basketball player in the history of the area, Reynolds was named Miss Basketball of Michigan as a senior. She led the Panthers to a regional championship and became the area’s all-time leading scorer. She starts at George Washington.
Helen Sachs
Class of 2025
Overcoming an eating disorder that brought her career to a halt, Sachs battled back and claimed the Division 1 state championship in the 3,200 meters as a senior. She was a state runner-up multiple times in track and won the D1 cross country state title as a sophomore, leading the Panthers to the team title. She will run at Notre Dame next year.
Mackenzie Stephens
Class of 2011
A powerful force at the net, Mackenzie Stephens was one of the top middle hitters in area history. As a senior, she was a Miss Volleyball of Michigan finalist on her way to breaking school records for kills and blocks. Landed an NCAA Division I scholarship at Marist University where she was a captain and all-conference performer.
Natalie Stitt
Class of 2006
Doing her best work on the boards, Natalie Stitt was the Division 1 state champion in diving as a junior. She was all-state three times and was a multiple regional champion. She also earned all-state honors in the pole vault before heading to Notre Dame where she became one of the top divers in school history, as an NCAA qualifier and school record holder.
Liz Sundburg
Class of 2006
The all-state middle hitter was the Sentinel Co-Player of the Year as a senior before earning an NCAA Division I scholarship to play at the University of Toledo, where she was a starter at middle hitter.
Cooper Terpstra
Class of 2023
One of the top offensive linemen in area football history, Terpstra was a first-team all-state selection as a senior and went on to play at Michigan State.
Ryan Verhelst
Class of 2013
The all-state defensive back was one of the top defensive players in Holland-area history. He went on to play cornerback at Saginaw Valley State and was an All-GLIAC selection. Was also a standout baseball and basketball player at West Ottawa.
Dani VanderZwaag
Class of 2014
Continuing the success of the West Ottawa diving program, Dani VanderZwaag was one of the tops in school history, claiming the Division 1 state championship in 2013 to help the Panthers win their first ever girls state title in swimming and diving in one of the biggest upsets in state swimming history. VanderZwaag went on to dive at the University of Michigan and was one of the top platform divers in the Big Ten.
Jake Van Tubbergen
Class of 2017
A first-team all-state basketball player in Division 1, Jake Van Tubbergen was arguably the best basketball player in school history. He led the Panthers to a resurgence and a regional final berth, where they lost a heartbreaker his senior season. He went on to play at Grand Valley State and was an NCAA Division II All-American and one of the all-time leading scorers and rebounders in GVSU history.
Tyler Van Tubbergen
Class of 2009
One of the top quarterbacks in area history, he led the Panthers to multiple playoff appearances and went on to become an NCAA Division I starting quarterback at Western Michigan.
CJ Van Wieren
Class of 2003
A multi-sport master, CJ Van Wieren was an elite all-around athlete. On the football field, he was an all-state quarterback that set eight school records. He also earned all-state honors in basketball, playing at Ferris State in both sports, still the second-leading rusher by a quarterback in school history. Van Wieren also earned all-state baseball honors as a senior, making him one of the rare three-sport all-state athletes in Holland area history.
Xavier Wade
Class of 2018
One of the fastest and most explosive athletes in West Ottawa history, Wade was all-state in multiple sports. He led the football team to the best finish in school history as an all-state wide receiver. He also was all-state in basketball, helping the Panthers reach the state title game, also the school’s best finish. He went on to play football at Ferris State, helping the Bulldogs with the NCAA Division II championship this year.
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
College Sports
Headlined By Anelia Pitts, Flyers Gymnasts Shine At Lucky Stars Invite | News, Sports, Jobs
The Flyers competitive gymnastics team placed fifth at the Lucky Stars Invitational at Jamestown Community College. From left are: Sophie Johnson, Cameron Case, Ava Johnson, Madilyn Walker, Lilli Webster, Olivia Swanson and Kennedy Lynn. Submitted photo Flyers gymnast Anelia Pitts, middle, placed first in the Xcel Diamond all-around with a 36.5 at the Lucky Stars […]

The Flyers competitive gymnastics team placed fifth at the Lucky Stars Invitational at Jamestown Community College. From left are: Sophie Johnson, Cameron Case, Ava Johnson, Madilyn Walker, Lilli Webster, Olivia Swanson and Kennedy Lynn.
Submitted photo
Flyers gymnast Anelia Pitts, middle, placed first in the Xcel Diamond all-around with a 36.5 at the Lucky Stars Invitational at Jamestown Community College.
Submitted photo
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The Flyers competitive gymnastics team placed fifth at the Lucky Stars Invitational at Jamestown Community College. From left are: Sophie Johnson, Cameron Case, Ava Johnson, Madilyn Walker, Lilli Webster, Olivia Swanson and Kennedy Lynn.
Submitted photo
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Flyers gymnast Anelia Pitts, middle, placed first in the Xcel Diamond all-around with a 36.5 at the Lucky Stars Invitational at Jamestown Community College.
Submitted photo
Flyers competitive gymnasts recently competed in the Lucky Stars Invitational at Jamestown Community College.
The Flyers Xcel Platinum team captured a fifth-place team banner. At Xcel Diamond, Anelia Pitts took the top spot on the podium with a 36.5 all-around gold. She also grabbed first in bars (9.15), second on beam (9.225) and first on floor (9.425). Level 3 Anna Thompson took second all-around (36.125). She also claimed second in vault (9.0) and first on beam (9.65). Grabbing third all-around at Xcel Gold was Cassidy Dubois (36.10). She also placed third on beam (9.35).
Capturing top 3 on vault were Xcel Diamond Elayna Pitts, third, 8.85; Xcel Platinum Kennedy Lynn, second, 9.4; Xcel Gold Erinn Sluga third, 9.0; and Level 2 Leilah Walters, third, 9.1. Earning top 3 on bars were Xcel Gold’s Addison O’Connor, third, 8.925 and Gabriella Chapman, second, 9.25; and Level 5 McKenna Hart, second,9.35. Top 3 on beam were Xcel Diamond Elayna Pitts third, 9.05, Xcel Platinum Lilli Webster, second, 9.4, and Xcel Gold Cassidy Dubois, third, 9.35; Level 5 Evelyn Miller, second, 9.225, and Level 4 Sloane Siggins, third, 9.175. Grabbing top 3 on floor were Xcel Gold Erinn Sluga, first, 9.55, and Level 5’s McKenna Hart, third, 9.3, and Evelyn Miller, first, 9.575.
Flyers gymnasts also recently traveled to Philadelphia for the PINK Gymnastics Invitational. Thousands of gymnasts were in attendance and featured a lot of tough competition. As part of their participation, Flyers gymnasts raised funds towards breast cancer awareness.
Kennedy Lynn captured first place all-around with a 37.075 that included first on vault (9.15), first on bars (9.475), second on beam (9.05) and third on floor (9.4). Xcel Diamond Seniors Elayna Pitts and Mia Volpe captured top 3 all-around spots. Pitts was third on vault (8.65), first on beam (9.45), second on floor (9.2), and second all-around (35.6). Volpe was first on vault (8.7), third on beam (8.925) and third all-around (35.075).
College Sports
ALL
While flashy goal scorers or stout goaltenders often grab most soccer attention, this year Celebration defensive center back Luca DeTorres is the Osceola News-Gazette Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Long the most dominant boys’ soccer program in the county, Celebration had another outstanding 14-4-1 season. DeTorres was the key member of that team that […]


While flashy goal scorers or stout goaltenders often grab most soccer attention, this year Celebration defensive center back Luca DeTorres is the Osceola News-Gazette Boys Soccer Player of the Year.
Long the most dominant boys’ soccer program in the county, Celebration had another outstanding 14-4-1 season. DeTorres was the key member of that team that surrendered just 20 goals in 19 games and recorded 10 shutouts.
“I thought my season went great,” DeTorres said. “But to tell you the truth, any individual accolades I received would not have been possible without my great teammates and coaches. Celebration soccer is a family and we always push each other to get better and our coaches did a great job of keeping us motivated.”
“I just don’t think there was any question that he was the best player on the field for almost every game,” Storm Athletics Director and assistant coach Chad Boudreaux said. “He was a dominating player for us.”
Sadly for coach, DeTorres will not return for his senior season. He has played the last couple of club seasons for IdeaSport, who became affiliated with MLS Next. That move keeps DeTorres eligible to play college soccer, but essentially ended his high school eligibility.
“That part is really disappointing for me because I love Celebration and its program. Still, I think it is the right decision for me because exposure in MLS Next is an upgrade in competition and gives me more exposure to colleges and professional soccer.”
“He’s certainly ready for that next step,” Boudreaux said. “Luca definitely wants to eventually play college and then professional soccer and this is the best thing for him,” Boudreaux says.
All-County Boys Soccer
Player of the Year: Luca DeTorres, Celebration
Coach of the Year: Sagar Patel, Gateway
All-County Team — Goalie: Mateo Chavel, Sr., Gateway; Defense: Luca Ciccone, Sr., Celebration; Luis Rivero, Sr., Gateway;
Midfielders: Sebastian Guttierez, Sr., Osceola; Samuel Garcia, Sr., St. Cloud; Matt Cardenas, So., Harmony;
Forwards: Luis Angel Moreno, Jr., Gateway; Kitamba Lubulu, Sr., Harmony; Victor Ramos Mora, Sr., Celebration; Chris Blanton, Sr., Osceola
Honorable Mention: Andres Morales Molero, Sr., Celebration; Lorenzo Walls, Jr., Harmony; Josh Diascoaga, Sr., Osceola; Ryan Kermoun, Jr., Poinciana; Juan Page, Freshman, Tohopekaliga; Mathias Jiminez, Sr., St. Cloud
College Sports
Century of School Sports: Together, We are the MHSAA
A primary mission of the MHSAA’s 100-year anniversary has been to connect today’s athletes, administrators, coaches, game officials and spectators with their roles in the ever-growing story of school sports in Michigan. Indeed, together, we are the MHSAA. Over the last 10 months and with today’s 44th and final installment, our “Century of School Sports” […]

A primary mission of the MHSAA’s 100-year anniversary has been to connect today’s athletes, administrators, coaches, game officials and spectators with their roles in the ever-growing story of school sports in Michigan.
Indeed, together, we are the MHSAA.
Over the last 10 months and with today’s 44th and final installment, our “Century of School Sports” series also has sought to tell a deeper and more detailed story of how the MHSAA has arrived at this moment. As our work becomes new with the start of every school year, and with every family experiencing educational athletics for the first time, it’s a story that must always be updated, expanded and retold.
But at the heart of most organizations is a fundamental statement. So to close this celebration, we below break down what is literally the “About” of the MHSAA – as we prepare to build on these values in adding to our story again and again during the century to come.
The MHSAA is a private, not-for-profit corporation …
Although the MHSAA has built a thriving relationship with the Michigan Department of Education over the last many decades – and, in fact, the state superintendent or designee has a non-voting position on the Representative Council – the MHSAA also has maintained its autonomy since its start and even before, as a legislative takeover attempt of the former Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Association led to the MHSAA’s formation in December 1924.
The MHSAA was first incorporated in 1972 and is classified as a 501(c)(3) organization. In the most basic terms, as a non-profit corporation the MHSAA must reinvest all revenue it receives back into its mission of administering school sports. Put another way, whatever money the MHSAA makes must be spent to conduct its tournament events and the several other educational, leadership, etc., programs the MHSAA provides for students, coaches, officials and others who contribute to educational athletics.
… of voluntary membership …
Through their boards of education, member schools voluntarily join the MHSAA each and every year, vowing by formal school board resolution to abide by and enforce the MHSAA’s rules for educational athletics. Membership is optional; schools may conduct a complete program of interscholastic athletics and may participate against MHSAA member schools in regular-season competition without joining the MHSAA. But the great majority of high schools in Michigan approve that membership annually.
… by more than 1,500 public and private senior high schools and junior high/middle schools …
Over the last several years, the MHSAA has counted about 750 high schools and 800 junior high or middle schools, or elementary schools with 6th-grader participation, among its membership. For 2024-25, those totals were 754 high schools, 777 junior high/middle schools and 63 elementary schools with participating sixth graders.
… which exists to develop common rules for athletic eligibility and competition.
This drove the original formation of school sports associations across the nation going back to the late 1800s, including the Michigan State Teachers Association’s first inroad into athletic administration in 1895. The MHSAA Handbook, updated annually with rules and other changes voted upon by the Representative Council, is the rulebook for all MHSAA member schools – public and nonpublic – with rules for general topics like student eligibility but also specific to each sport to regulate scheduling and other intricacies.
No government funds or tax dollars support the MHSAA …
In maintaining that independence noted above, the MHSAA receives no funding from local, state or federal governments. The MHSAA’s income is derived primarily from ticket sales at postseason events, with smaller portions from sponsors and advertising, officials and coaches education registration fees – and again, with all money brought in by the MHSAA going back into those tournament events and programs to support students, athletic directors, coaches and officials.
… which was the first such association nationally to not accept membership dues or tournament entry fees from schools.
These have long been points of pride for the MHSAA; membership remains and has been completely free since the mid-1940s, after the end of World War II, and member schools may enter MHSAA Tournaments for free.
Member schools which enforce these rules are permitted to participate in MHSAA tournaments …
In adopting and upholding MHSAA rules as their own, school districts agree to promote a standard of competitive equity necessary to keep MHSAA Tournament events fair for all involved.
… which attract more than 1.4 million spectators each year.
Over the last 35 years, attendance at MHSAA Tournament events has reached at least 1.1 million spectators annually (not counting the COVID-affected 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years), with a high of 1.68 million during the 2005-06 school year. Attendance during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years began climbing again toward 1.5 million spectators, those last two years’ ticket totals ranking among the highest over the last 15.
School sports have a massive footprint in Michigan, which has a population just above 10 million residents. Sure, attendance figures likely count the same spectators several times – the same person might buy tickets for several rounds of several sports over the course of a school year – but a one-to-one comparison using athlete totals also is powerful.
Conservatively, Michigan has at least 160,000 high school athletes. Add in parents of those athletes, grandparents, other relatives with significant interest, and that’s a huge block – let’s say at least 5 percent of the state’s population have some current tie to the athletes playing at the local high school. That’s not even covering athletes at MHSAA junior highs and middle schools, coaches and athletic directors at all levels, and more than 8,000 game officials who make those contests possible. And our groups of athletes are rolling over at least every four years, meaning many tens of thousands more have had at least recent direct contact as participants in our programs.
The MHSAA always has provided opportunities to compete and win championships, but more importantly to learn life lessons gleaned from simply taking part in the process.
This work is important; its impact is significant. And just as our predecessors surely felt beginning this endeavor 100 years ago, we remain eager and enthused to play our part.
Previous “Century of School Sports” Spotlights
June 25: All-Time ‘Parade of Champions’ – Read
June 17: Top Performers Tell Us What High School Sports Mean to Them – Read
June 10: ‘The Mitten’ Becomes Sought-After Symbol of MHSAA Greatness – Read
June 3: MHSAA’s Move to TV, Now Internet, 60 Years Old & Growing – Read
May 27: Upper Peninsula Helps Make Michigan’s School Sports Story Unique – Read
May 20: From Nearly A to Z, Schools Repped by 221 Nicknames – Read
May 13: These Record-Setters were Nearly Impossible to Defeat – Read
May 6: 200+ Representatives Fill All-Time Council Roster – Read
April 29: MHSAA Programs Prioritize Health & Safety – Read
April 23: Patches Signify Registered Officials’ Role in MHSAA Story – Read
April 16: Student Advisory Council Gives Voice to Athletes – Read
April 9: State’s Storytellers Share Spring Memories – Read
April 2: Sharp Leadership Synonymous with MHSAA Success – Read
March 25: Athletic Directors Indispensable to Mission of School Sports – Read
March 18: 2025 Finals Begin Next Half-Century of Girls Hoops Championships – Read
March 11: Boys Basketball’s Best 1st to Earn MHSAA Finals Titles – Read
March 5: Everything We Do Begins with Participation – Read
Feb. 25: Slogans & Logos Remain Unforgettable Parts of MHSAA History – Read
Feb. 19: MHSAA Tickets Continue to Provide Fan-Friendly Value – Read
Feb. 11: We Recognize Those Who Make Our Games Go – Read
Feb. 4: WISL Conference Continues to Inspire Aspiring Leaders – Read
Jan. 28: Michigan’s National Impact Begins at NFHS’ Start – Read
Jan. 21: Awards Celebrate Well-Rounded Educational Experience – Read
Jan. 14: Predecessors Laid Foundation for MHSAA’s Formation – Read
Jan. 9: MHSAA Blazes Trail Into Cyberspace – Read
Dec. 31: State’s Storytellers Share Winter Memories – Read
Dec. 17: MHSAA Over Time – Read
Dec. 10: On This Day, December 13, We Will Celebrate – Read
Dec. 3: MHSAA Work Guided by Representative Council – Read
Nov. 26: Finals Provide Future Pros Early Ford Field Glory – Read
Nov. 19: Connection at Heart of Coaches Advancement Program – Read
Nov. 12: Good Sports are Winners Then, Now & Always – Read
Nov. 5: MHSAA’s Home Sweet Home – Read
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Oct. 23: Cross Country Finals Among MHSAA’s Longest Running – Read
Oct. 15: State’s Storytellers Share Fall Memories – Read
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Oct. 1: Michigan Sends 10 to National Hall of Fame – Read
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Sept. 18: Why Does the MHSAA Have These Rules? – Read
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Aug. 28: Let the Celebration Begin – Read
College Sports
USA World Junior Summer Showcase Roster Highlighted By James Hagens
The U.S. will begin its quest for an unprecedented three consecutive gold medals at the World Junior Championship in late July. USA Hockey announced the 42-player roster for its annual World Junior Summer Showcase event, which will help the decision makers evaluate the players in the running to be on Team USA’s roster at the […]

The U.S. will begin its quest for an unprecedented three consecutive gold medals at the World Junior Championship in late July. USA Hockey announced the 42-player roster for its annual World Junior Summer Showcase event, which will help the decision makers evaluate the players in the running to be on Team USA’s roster at the 2026 World Juniors held in the Twin Cities.
This year’s Summer Showcase, normally held at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, will be at the University of Minnesota’s Ridder Arena. USA will have their candidates, while teams from Sweden, Finland and Canada will also participate in a round-robin style event.
The Americans will be led by head coach Bob Motzko, who previously led the U.S. to gold and bronze medals as World Junior head coach in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Here’s a look at who was invited to the camp including nine members of last year’s gold-medal winning roster and nine first-round NHL Draft picks.
Team USA World Junior Summer Showcase Roster
Forwards
- Kamil Bednarik, Boston University (NYI)
- Trevor Connelly, Providence (VGK)
- Cole Eiserman, Boston University (NYI)
- Kristian Epperson, Saginaw Spirit/Denver (LAK)
- James Hagens, Boston College (BOS)
- Will Horcoff, Michigan (PIT)
- Ben Kevan, Des Moines Buccaneers/Arizona State (NJD)
- Jacob Kvasnicka, U.S. National Under-18 Team/Penticton Vees (NYI)
- Ryker Lee, Madison Capitols/Michigan State (NSH)
- Cole McKinney, U.S. National Under-18 Team/Michigan (SJS)
- Brendan McMorrow, Waterloo Black Hawks/Denver (LAK)
- LJ Mooney, U.S. National Under-18 Team/Minnesota (MTL)
- Will Moore, U.S. National Under-18 Team/Boston College (BOS)
- Jack Murtagh, U.S. National Under-18 Team/Boston University (PHI)
- Aidan Park, Green Bay Gamblers/Michigan (EDM)
- Max Plante, Minnesota Duluth (DET)
- Cullen Potter, Arizona State (CGY)
- AJ Spellacy, Windsor Spitfires (CHI)
- Teddy Stiga, Boston College (NSH)
- Mac Swanson, North Dakota (PIT)
- Shane Vansaghi, Michigan State (PHI)
- Will Zellers, Green Bay Gamblers/North Dakota (BOS)
- Brodie Ziemer, Minnesota (BUF)
Defensemen
- Henry Brzustewicz, London Knights (LAK)
- EJ Emery, North Dakota (NYR)
- Blake Fiddler, Edmonton Oil Kings (SEA)
- Elliot Groenewold, Quinnipiac (BOS)
- Tanner Henricks, Lincoln Stars/St. Cloud State (CBJ)
- Caeden Herrington, Lincoln Stars/Vermont (LAK)
- Logan Hensler, Wisconsin (OTT)
- Cole Hutson, Boston University (WSH)
- Adam Kleber, Minnesota Duluth (BUF)
- Sam Laurila, Fargo Force/North Dakota (NYI)
- Luke Osburn, Youngstown Phantoms/Wisconsin (BUF)
- Jacob Rombach, Lincoln Stars/Minnesota (NSH)
- Will Skahan, Boston College (UTA)
- John Whipple, Minnesota (DET)
Goalies
- Nick Kempf, Notre Dame (WSH)
- Kam Hendrickson, Waterloo Black Hawks/UConn
- Cale Heil, Madison Capitols/North Dakota (TBL)
- Jack Parsons, Chicago Steel/Providence
- Patrick Quinlan, U.S. National Under-18 Team/Sarnia Sting/Notre Dame
Instant Analysis
The U.S. is going to have a harder time to make it three straight gold medals as there will be some roster drop-off from the previous two entries. They will have the benefit of home ice advantage and there will also be a number of returning players to guide the next group forward.
USA is a little shallow on the blue line and woefully shallow in net with no clear-cut No. 1 goalie in the mix just yet after having the World Juniors’ best goaltending tandems in each of the last two trips. The forwards have plenty of offensive firepower, but also have the benfit of balance as there are a number of bigger players that can fit into depth roles.
I would anticipate each of USA’s nine returnees to make the roster if healthy, but beyond that, there are a lot of holes to fill. Top-four defense spots, some top-six options and the starting goaltender position could be battled for all the way through to the December camp just before the tournament begins.
The important steps in finding out who the serious contenders for those spots are will begin now, however.
USA comes into the tournament with plenty of pressure on them to keep the first-ever gold-medal streak going, but they’re definitely going to have to punch above their weight in a tournament field that should include high-end rosters from Canada and Sweden, among other nations.
The World Junior Summer Showcase is going to provide a great early glimpse of where this U.S. player pool is and where it will need to get to when the puck drops for real on Dec. 26 in St. Paul.
Notable Omissions
There are always going to be a few players who are not invited that are at least notable for one reason or another.
The only 2025 NHL Draft first-rounder from the U.S. not invited is Chicago Blackhawks pick Mason West. The 6-foot-6 center from Edina High School still has plans to play high school football in the fall, so it really was no surprise to see that he did not make Team USA’s camp roster. It might have been worth bringing him in to see where he’s at relative to the class as a just-in-case, but with him playing football it’s hard to imagine him jumping into a World Junior-caliber tournament with a month’s preparation.
One player I was hoping to see in camp, though not surprised he isn’t is Chase Reid of the Soo Greyhounds. Reid is a late 2007 birth year, who was invited to try out for the U.S. Under-18 Team at last year’s World U18 Championship, but ultimately didn’t make the roster. I think he has a chance at being a very high pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and would be an additional puck-mover that could be worth a longer look. Reid started last season in the NAHL before moving to the O and becoming a point-per-game, minutes-munching defenseman. He is absolutely a player they should keep tabs on.
Lukas Fischer, a St. Louis Blues prospect who was in the Summer Showcase last year and had a good showing, was not invited this time around. I think he may have been edged out by some players that simply had better seasons. Fischer didn’t take a huge step forward with the Sarnia Sting this year, but I figured he’d be in the mix as the U.S. has plenty of question marks on their blue line at this point.
Avalanche prospect Tory Pitner was another player who was in last year’s camp, but not invited this time around. He saw limited action at the University of Denver last season, registering just one assist.
Where Is The World Junior Summer Showcase?
The World Junior Summer Showcase will be held at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the campus of the University of Minnesota. The event will feature teams from the U.S., Sweden, Finland and Canada.
When Is The World Junior Summer Showcase?
The World Junior Summer Showcase will run from July 25 to August 2. The first games of the WJSS will be held on July 27 with the final games played on Aug. 2.
World Junior Summer Showcase Game Schedule
Sunday, July 27
- USA White vs. Finland, 1 p.m. CT
- USA Blue vs. Sweden, 4:30 p.m. CT
Monday, July 28
- Finland vs. USA Blue, 1 p.m. CT
- Sweden vs. USA White, 4:30 p.m. CT
Tuesday, July 29
- Canada Red vs. Canada White, 4:30 p.m. CT
Wednesday, July 30
- Sweden vs. USA, 1 p.m. CT
- Canada vs. Finland, 4:30 p.m. CT
Friday, Aug. 1
- Canada vs. Sweden, 1 p.m. CT
- Finland vs. USA, 4:30 p.m. CT
Saturday, Aug. 2
- Sweden vs. Finland, 1 p.m. CT
- USA vs. Canada, 4:30 p.m. CT
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