MUSKEGON TWP. — Syann Fairfield recently got her elementary education degree from Ferris State University.

Now at age 22, Fairfield is now the new Reeths-Puffer varsity head volleyball coach.

But despite her age, her volleyball background is strong.

As a three-year starter at Ferris State, Fairfield helped the Bulldogs win two regular season championships and two conference tournament championships in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference (GLIAC).

About hiring Fairfield, Rockets Athletic Director Cliff Sandee said, “Syann has been successful in every aspect of life, as a standout student-athlete at North Muskegon and Ferris State.”

“More impressively, she has routinely made people around her more successful,” Sandee also said.

“Her playing experience at Ferris State and her coaching experience at Inside Out and at Muskegon Community College has prepared Syann to lead right away,” Sandee continued to say.

Sandee said, “She will develop champions in all areas of life.

As a young first-time varsity coach, Fairfield is eager to take on a team that’s going to have a lot of very young talent.

Her predecessor, Justin Birr, resigned in the fall at the end of last season.

Fairfield said that parents and other coaches in the area asked her to apply for the Rockets job when it got posted, and that she decided to do it.

Fairfield also said that she was also seeking to gain experience of interviewing for a high school coaching job.

But as she learned more about Reeths-Puffer and its volleyball program, she became more excited about the job and was thrilled when she got the job.

“I figured, why not,” Fairfield said. “Let’s go through the process and get the feel of things.”

“But the more I talked to people and learned about the school, it just seemed like the place to be,” Fairfield said.

Fairfield also said, “I work hard and go all-in on everything I do, and I am ready to tackle it!”

“I know it’s not common for people to take a chance on someone who just graduated a few weeks ago from college, but I think they could see my passion and what my goals would be for the program for the next few years,” Fairfield said.

She stood out as a four-year player on North Muskegon’s volleyball team and graduated in 2021.

She attained all-state honors in her sophomore, junior and senior years, helping North Muskegon win two district championships and one conference title.

In 2021, she helped North Muskegon win a state championship in girls soccer in 2021, showing that she had talents in more than one sport.

BOZEMAN — Five legendary athletes and Montana State University’s president during an era of athletics and university-wide success enter the Bobcat Athletics Hall of Fame in January.

President Waded Cruzado, who led Montana State University from 2009-25, headlines a highly distinguished class of inductees. The list features Elvis Akpla (football, 2009-11), Jasmine Hommes Moeakiola (women’s basketball, 2012-16), Dan Johnson (track and field, 2004-08), Cody Kirk (football, 2010-13) and Cristian Soratos (cross country/track and field, 2012-15).

The ceremony is Jan. 16 at the Strand Union Building on the MSU campus. The evening begins with a social at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the inductions. Purchase tickets here.

The 2025-26 inductees:

President Waded Cruzado — Montana State University’s president during a period of historic growth and success … her support and vision drove the reconfiguration of the Bobcat Athletics physical plant, including the Sonny Holland End Zone, the Bobcat Athletic Complex, the Kennedy-Stark Athletic Center and renovations in Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.

Elvis Akpla, football — 2011 third-team All-America and first-team All-Big Sky, second in MSU history in career and single-season receiving yards, third in career touchdown catches, eighth in career receptions.

Jasmine Hommes Moeakiola, women’s basketball — 2016 Big Sky MVP, first-team All-Big Sky … 2015 second-team All-Big Sky … sixth in MSU history in scoring, seventh in blocked shots.

Dan Johnson, track and field — One of the most productive long-sprint athletes in MSU men’s track and field history … he won Big Sky 400-meter championships indoors in 2007 and 2008 and outdoors in 2008 and 2009.

Cody Kirk, football — First-team All-Big Sky in 2011, second-team in 2013 … MSU’s all-time leader in touchdowns with 47 and second with 3,422 career yards … his 666 career rushes are also second in school history.

Cristian Soratos, track and field/cross country — Two-time All-America (2015 mile, 2015 1,500) … 2015 Big Sky Championships outstanding performer indoor and outdoor … four-time Big Sky indoor champion (2015 800, mile; 2014/2015 distance medley relay), three-time Big Sky outdoor champion (2015 800 and 1,500; 2014 1,500)

MSU director of athletics Leon Costello also announced that Ben and Sue Schmitt, long-time supporters and volunteers with deep family ties to Bobcat Athletics, will be presented the second Torleif Aasheim Service Award. Both MSU grads, the Schmitts not only support Bobcat teams but have long aided individual staff members, coaches and student-athletes.