Michigan bill would ban transgender student athletes from playing on teams associated with gender identity
LANSING, Mich. โ Michigan joined more than 20 states that have recently introduced legislation that would ban high school transgender students athletes from playing on teams associated with their gender identity. Senate Bill 218 aims to prohibit a transgender boy from playing on a boys team as well as transgender girls playing on girls teams. The bill was introduced by Sen. Lana Theis (R-Brighton) and co-sponsored by 12 other GOP senators, including Rep. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake). Thatโs what matters most.โRunestad contends that you can be a supporter of transgender rights yet still object to transgender girls competing on girls teams. However, Knott said there is not an example of high school transgender athletes taking those opportunities.
MHSAA announces sites, schedule details for Michigan winter indoor sports finals
The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced on Wednesday, March 10, the sites for indoor winter sports championship rounds. The Competitive Cheer Finals will move to Breslin Center to allow more fans to attend compared to other venues that were being considered. Girls BasketballWhere: Division 1 and 3 Semifinals at Breslin Center in East Lansing. All four Finals will be played at Breslin Center. All four Finals will be played at Breslin Center.
Metro Detroit student athletes, parents share excitement as winter contact sports resume
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. โ Michigan high school winter contact sports were allowed to resume beginning Feb. 8, and parents and student athlete are happy to be back in action. โIt means the world for her to be able to get back on the ice and play,โ said Erin Grom, whose daughter Kiera is a freshman forward on Livonia girls hockey team. Grom can recall when she found out hockey, wrestling, basketball and competitive cheer would be able to resume. According to the Michigan High School Athletic Association, things have been smooth so far. READ: Michigan youth contact sports resume -- here are all the rules, specifics and detailsREAD: Timeline, tournament dates for Michigan high school basketball, hockey, wrestling, cheer
COVID pandemic leads to shortage of referees for Michigan high school sports
The battle over high school sports may be settled for now in Michigan, but thereโs a new issue emerging because of the coronavirus pandemic. A lot of referees are choosing to stay on the sidelines and sitting it out, at least for now, and the Michigan High School Athletic Association will have to work around it. He said thatโs worst-case scenario because the MHSAA is determined to let student athletes play despite officials being down in Michigan by about 30%. Scott Waldendowski -- who officiates in the Macomb Area Conference -- said he sees firsthand thereโs a lot of work for officials like himself. READ: Michigan high school basketball, hockey players have to wear masks during gamesDue to the shortage, MHSAA is currently hiring.
Ann Arbor teen sets a US indoor mile record at weekend race
Hobbs Kessler (Ann Arbor, Michigan), a Michigan high schooler who set a national prep record with his 3:57.66, taking down Drew Hunterโs previous record of 3:57.81 from 2016. ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ A teenager from Michigan set a record for the fastest indoor mile by a high school runner, USA Track & Field said. Hobbs Kessler finished in 3:57.66 Sunday at the American Track League meet in Fayetteville, Arkansas, USATF said. Kessler, a student at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor, beat the previous record of 3:57.81 set by Drew Hunter in 2016. Kessler finished third in the race behind former Olympian Nick Willis and winner Takieddine Hedeilli of Texas Tech.
Michigan officials lay out testing guidelines as high school contact sports allowed to resume
DETROIT โ Student-athletes in Michigan can return to two of four contact sports, but there are new guidelines put in place by state officials. They put testing protocols as a main point because they know students are not going to want to wear masks. READ: Coaches ready for Michigan high school contact sports to resumeOn Monday, boys and girls basketball and ice hockey are allowed to start. Or they need a negative swab test within the preceding 72 hours. READ: Timeline, tournament dates for Michigan high school basketball, hockey, wrestling, cheerIf a student tests positive then they must isolate immediately and get another swab test within 48 hours.
Coaches ready for Michigan high school contact sports to resume
DETROIT โ High school sports are set to resume Monday morning in the state of Michigan. Not just the athletes, the parents, the teachers and coaches that have worked hard to train their teams. Catholic Central High School Head Varsity Basketball Coach, Brandon Sinawi said his team is more than ready to get back out on the court -- as youth contact sports are allowed to resume in Michigan. READ: Michigan youth contact sports can resume Monday -- here are all the rules, specifics and detailsโWeโre just weโre excited to get going. The locker-room will be closed and all players and coaches will have to be tested on a regular basis.
Top health official asks Michiganders to avoid gathering for Super Bowl parties
LANSING, Mich. โ Michiganโs top health official is asking residents to avoid gathering with others for Super Bowl parties due to the threat of spreading COVID-19. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said during Gov. Gretchen Whitmerโs Thursday (Feb. 4) that Michiganders should not let their guard down for Super Bowl Sunday. AdโThis Super Bowl Sunday, please avoid gatherings, and if you do gather, please keep it limited to only one other household, and make sure youโre wearing a mask, socially distancing and washing your hands frequently,โ Khaldun said. But Khaldun said itโs important not to let the Super Bowl cause a spike in cases that could make the state move backwards.
28 cases of COVID-19 B117 variant confirmed in Washtenaw, Wayne counties, officials say
LANSING, Mich. โ Michigan has confirmed 28 total cases of the COVID-19 B117 variant in Washtenaw and Wayne counties, according to state officials. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said during Gov. โThis variant is more easily spread from person to person,โ Khaldun said. โIf this variant becomes more common, as national experts predict it could, then we could see a very rapid rise in cases and more hospitalizations and deaths.โSo far, 28 cases of the B117 variant have been identified in Michigan, all in Washtenaw and Wayne counties, Khaldun said. The B117 variant, which was traced back to the United Kingdom, has already shut down the entire University of Michigan athletic department.
Michiganโs most important COVID-19 numbers trending in right direction
LANSING, Mich. โ Michiganโs most important COVID-19 numbers are once again trending in the right direction, according to the stateโs top doctor. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, provided updated numbers Thursday (Feb. 4) during Gov. The Detroit, Traverse City and Upper Peninsula regions all have case rates below 150 cases per million people, according to Khaldun. AdRight now, 6.6% of the stateโs hospital beds are filled with COVID-19 patients, according to Khaldun. โMichiganders are doing their part by wearing masks, avoiding gatherings and socially distancing.โOn Thursday, state officials announced 1,358 new COVID-19 cases and 74 additional deaths.
Gov. Whitmer says 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Michigan
LANSING, Mich. โ Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer revealed Thursday that more than 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across the state. By the end of Wednesday, the state had administered exactly 1,076,545 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the governor. โThat number is going up as we speak,โ Whitmer said. AdOfficials wanted to make teachers eligible for vaccination after setting a goal of offering in-person learning to all students by March 1.
Will Michigan shut down youth sports if COVID outbreaks threaten in-person learning?
Basketball is among the sports allowed to resume Monday at the youth level in Michigan. LANSING, Mich. โ Michigan officials announced Thursday that youth contact sports will be allowed to resume next week. They were asked whether a COVID-19 outbreak among sports teams could lead to a shutdown if it threatens in-person learning. She reiterated that MDHHS will watch the COVID-19 numbers and monitor potential outbreaks closely. For contact sports to resume, masks must be worn during practices and competition, Whitmer said.
Timeline, tournament dates for Michigan high school basketball, hockey, wrestling, cheer
LANSING, Mich. โ Michigan officials announced that high school basketball, ice hockey, wrestling and competitive cheer can resume next week. AdFor contact sports to resume, masks must be worn at all times during practices and competition, Whitmer said. AdWhen not actively playing, participants must maintain six feet of distance and wear face masks at all times, Whitmer said. One lawsuit filed against the state health director claims the high school sports shutdown might have contributed to the death of a teen hockey player. Their lawsuit asked a judge to grant an injunction, sending high school athletes back into action, not just practice.
7 takeaways from Whitmerโs COVID update: Michigan sports, variant spread, metrics
Gretchen Whitmer provided an update on the stateโs COVID-19 situation, addressing high school contact sports, the spread of a COVID variant, vaccinations and the latest virus trends. Khaldun and Whitmer were asked about balancing the resumption of sports and the risk of COVID-19 spread that could lead to students not being able to go to school. Michigan COVID metricsKhaldun revealed promising movement with Michiganโs three most important COVID-19 metrics. AdOn Thursday, state officials announced 1,358 new COVID-19 cases and 74 additional deaths. B117 variantThe new variant of COVID-19, B117, which shut down the University of Michigan athletic department for two weeks, is still a concern for officials.
Michigan youth contact sports can resume Monday -- here are all the rules, specifics and details
Basketball is among the contact sports allowed to resume under the new order. LANSING, Mich. โ Michigan youth contact sports will be allowed to resume practices and games starting on Monday (Feb. 8), with certain COVID-19 safety rules in place, Gov. For contact sports to resume, masks must be worn at all times during practices and competition, Whitmer said. Hertel said additional guidances will be released by Monday to help teams and parents prepare to resume under the new rules. โLet Them Playโ respondsThe attorney for the Let Them Play Michigan coalition released the following statement following the announcement that contact sports will resume:โLet Them Play Michigan appreciates Director Hertelโs efforts to move this important issue forward in a timely manner.
Hearing today on Michigan high school winter sports ban
The battle over whether high school winter sports should resume amid the coronavirus pandemic continues in Michigan. AdRead more: Lawsuit suggests stoppage in Michigan high school sports may have led to teenโs deathTheir lawsuit is asking a judge to grant an injunction, sending high school athletes back into action, not just practice. The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) went against the state, even going as far as stating they believe COVID spread is not happening or is very low in high school sports right now. Let Them Play, Inc. had been threatening their lawsuit unless winter high school sports were resumed by Monday, Feb. 1, the same say the MHSAA says winter contact sports started in 38 other states. Whitmer encourages Michigan public schools to reopen for in-person learning by March 1Jan. 9: Michigan high school football playoffs resume after 2 month COVID break
Michigan Gov. Whitmer to announce youth contact sports can resume
Gretchen Whitmer is expected to announce that Michigan youth contact sports will be allowed to resume with COVID-19 safety measures in place, Local 4 has confirmed. UPDATE: Michigan youth contact sports can resume Monday -- here are all the rules, specifics and detailsParents, coaches and athletes involved in contact sports that are currently shut down due to the pandemic have voiced their desire to return. AdโTo be direct, winter โcontactโ sports need to start,โ Vitti wrote. โThe continuing suspension of winter โcontactโ sports contradicts the message that it is safe to return to in-person learning,โ Vitti wrote. Their lawsuit is asking a judge to grant an injunction, sending high school athletes back into action, not just practice.
Everything to know about COVID in Michigan before Gov. Whitmerโs Thursday (Feb. 4) briefing
Youth contact sportsWhitmer is expected to announce that Michigan youth contact sports will be allowed to resume with COVID-19 safety measures in place. โThe continuing suspension of winter โcontactโ sports contradicts the message that it is safe to return to in-person learning,โ Vitti wrote. Two shutdowns, partial reopenings: How Michigan restaurants have been handled during COVID pandemicOn Monday (Feb. 1), restaurants were allowed to open to 25% capacity after being shut down for two and a half months. She had traveled to the UK and returned with the variant, officials said. U of M athletics shut downAll athletics at the University of Michigan are still shut down because of the outbreak.
Parents file lawsuit demanding restart of Michigan high school sports
High school athletes and their parents through the group, Let Them Play Michigan, took to the state court of claims in Lansing Tuesday morning. They want high school sports reinstated before the Feb. 21 deadline the governor announced last month. Read: Michigan officials considering resuming high school winter sports sooner than plannedRead more: Lawsuit suggests stoppage in Michigan high school sports may have led to teenโs deathInitially, they intended to file last week and spoke with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Thursday and Friday. AdOn Tuesday, attorney Peter Ruddell went to a judge saying high school athletes are victims of age discrimination, and lost their free assembly and equal protection rights because college and the pros can play. Whitmer took decisive action during the recent surge of COVID-19 cases that threatened to overrun hospitals,โ read the statement.
Parents push for start of winter sports in Lansing
LANSING, Mich. โ Parents and student athletes rallied in Lansing Saturday to urge state officials to resume winter sports sooner than the Feb. 21 deadline. โThe kids need to play. โGoing forward, these kids need something. โThe opportunities that these kids are missing out on are building relationships with their friends and community,โ Hutson said. Itโs absolutely terrible.โMore: Michigan parents set to file lawsuit demanding restart of high school sports
Michigan officials considering resuming high school winter sports sooner than planned
LANSING, Mich. โ The Michigan High School Athletic Association is pushing for high school sports to resume before the current Feb. 21 deadline. There was a legislative hearing Thursday that resulted in an unanimous senate resolution that said high school sports should start earlier. The Michigan High School Athletic Associationโs executive director, Mark Uyl, held a press conference Friday where he said their data suggests high school sports are good and not a problem. AdMark Uyl, with MSHAA, said their data suggests high school sports are good and not a problem. More: Detroit schools superintendent urges Whitmer to resume high school contact sports
Will sports resume? MHSAA clashes with MDHHS over winter contact sports ban
LANSING, Mich. โ The Michigan High School Athletic Association spoke out Friday on the hiatus of winter sports in the state. They are asking for the state to resume practice and competition in the four main contact sports sooner than the Feb. 21 deadline. Let Them Play, Inc. has been threatening a lawsuit unless winter high school sports are resumed by Monday. Mark Uyl, with MSHAA, said their data suggests high school sports are good and not a problem. More: Detroit schools superintendent urges Whitmer to resume high school contact sports
Parents, student athletes voice concerns over high school sports pause at Lansing hearing
LANSING, Mich. โ Michigan parents and student athletes voiced their concerns at the state Capitol Thursday, hoping to convince Gov. โWeโre not given any kind of hope at all, and Feb. 21 isnโt an option. We canโt do all this on Feb. 21. One school superintendent, who also recovered from COVID, described students who came to her office after learning that their season wouldnโt start for weeks. There, outside my office, were high school students from all grade levels.
Michigan lawmaker bombarded with calls demanding restart of high school sports
Michigan parents are in the process of filing a lawsuit against the state over the current pause on high school sports amid the coronavirus pandemic. A few have scholarship opportunities ... itโs part of the health and the welfare of the kids.โMore: Michigan parents set to file lawsuit demanding restart of high school sportsAs coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths rose rapidly at the end of 2020, high school sports were put on pause in Michigan to help curb virus spread. Gretchen Whitmer is urging schools to resume in-person learning by March 1, and has extended the pause on high school sports until at least Feb. 21 under Michiganโs latest epidemic order. โThe continuing suspension of winter โcontactโ sports contradicts the message that it is safe to return to in-person learning,โ Vitti added. โOne only needs to ask any winter โcontactโ sport athlete and they will tell you we are sending mixed and contradictory messages to them.โMore: Detroit schools superintendent urges Whitmer to resume high school contact sports
Michigan parents set to file lawsuit demanding restart of high school sports
LANSING, Mich. โ A group of high school parents is preparing to sue the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director, demanding indoor sports be reinstated by next week. The health department has not indicated itโs interested in reinstating indoor sports. READ: Detroit schools superintendent urges Whitmer to resume high school contact sportsThe group, Let Them Play, Inc. sent a letter to new MDHHS director Elizabeth Hertel. Itโs promising a lawsuit unless winter high school sports are reopened by next Monday. Kampe tweeted that he wanted to see high school sports opened back up.
Oakland basketball coach Greg Kampe calls for Michigan high school sports to be reinstated immediately
(Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)ROCHESTER, Mich. โ Oakland University basketball coach Greg Kampe is the latest prominent figure to call for Michigan high school sports to resume. โI ask that the latest order be reconsidered and high school athletics (be) reinstated immediately,โ Kampe wrote. Michigan high school contact sports ban: What Whitmer said about possibility of resumingKampe, 65, has been a constant in the stateโs basketball scene for decades. โThey lose the year and the benefits of sport -- team building, memories, physical activity, learning how to win and lose,โ Kampe wrote. โPlease take a step back and remember that radical statements and radical ideas at a time of crisis never turn out well,โ Kampe wrote.
Detroit schools superintendent urges Whitmer to resume high school contact sports
Dr. Nikolai Vitti started the letter by clarifying that he supports Whitmer, but he has grown frustrated by a lack of clarity about when winter contact sports can resume. He said there are continuing and legitimate fears about COVID-19 in the Detroit community, but 31 female and male high school coaches want to play basketball. โThe continuing suspension of winter โcontactโ sports contradicts the message that it is safe to return to in-person learning,โ Vitti wrote. โPlease do not let this frustration reach the level of a lawsuit against you and the state,โ Vitti cautioned. โCoaches, student-athletes and their parents are in conversation with attorneys.โMental health, physical well-being and scholarship opportunities are being affected, he said.
Oak Park, Warren De La Salle shine in new COVID high school football playoffs
The 2020-21 school year has been a unique one for football players, whose shortened season started, then stopped and then started again. To make up for the odd year, the Michigan High School Athletic Association allowed every team to make the playoffs. The Oak Park Knights werenโt expected to make it to playoffs, but the team is two wins away from a state title. โItโs a great feeling, for real, to come back and be able to help the team,โ Rayshawn said. The De La Salle Pilots, had a 2-4 regular season team peaking at the right time.
Michigan high school football playoffs resume after 2 month COVID break
BELLEVILLE, Mich. โ High school football playoffs started back up again Saturday after players were sidelined for weeks because of coronavirus. High school football in January hasnโt happened in Michigan before, but the 2020-21 school year has been a unique year. Jan. 9, 2021: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 519,082; Death toll now at 13,354Belleville faced Detroit Cass Tech nearly two months after the game was supposed to originally happen. โTodayโs a great day for football,โ said Cass Tech head coach Thomas Wilcher. The hope is every coach, player, referee and school staff member gets through these playoffs safely and the MHSAA crowns a champion.
New COVID-19 testing program to help Michigan high school sports resume safely
Trying to figure out how to complete the fall sports season amid the coronavirus pandemic has proven difficult for Michigan high schools. However, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) believes it can be done safely through a new, pilot rapid testing program. โAn opportunity came along to partner with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). The tests are antigen rapid tests provided by MDHHS. Detroit Catholic Central High Schoolโs football team is still in the playoffs, and Athletic Director Aaron Babicz said they have a tentative plan.
Michigan high school sports practices suspended for COVID-19 testing
LANSING, Mich. โ The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced on Tuesday that it will suspend practices for football, volleyball and girls swimming and diving immediately after receiving requirements for the stateโs pilot rapid testing program. โThe MHSAA also is working to update dates of competition to better reflect the testing schedule. The MDHHS will conduct webinars on Dec. 28 and 29 to train school personnel who will be involved in the testing process. Team practices could resume as early as Dec. 30 once the first tests have been administered. If schools are delayed in the start of testing, they may begin practice once individuals have had one negative test.
Michigan high school football teams get back to practice
The season came to a screeching halt just before heading into the playoffs, but on Monday, weeks later high school football players will be back to practice. Read: Michigan high school football, volleyball, swimming and diving tournaments to resumeโI thought that was the last game with my team. Read more: Michigan high school football tournament to resume next month -- here is the scheduleHead coach Jermain Crowell who just recovered from COVID-19 says the shutdown was necessary. Heโs thrilled the Michigan High School Athletic Association will be providing more testing for the athletes as they finish out their season. Read even more: Michigan lets high schools, entertainment venues reopen
Michigan high school football, volleyball, swimming and diving tournaments to resume
The Michigan high school football, girls volleyball and girls swimming and diving tournaments will resume early next month, state officials announced. The Michigan High School Athletic Association announced teams can return to practice Monday (Dec. 21) as part of the stateโs pilot rapid testing program. FootballMichiganโs high school football playoffs will resume Jan. 2, with regional finals for 11-player teams and semifinals for 8-player teams. READ: Michigan high school football tournament to resume next month -- here is the scheduleThe 8-player championship games in both divisions and all 11-player semifinal games will be played the following Saturday (Jan. 9). Girls swimming and divingThe girls swimming and diving finals will return with its three Lower Peninsula Finals completed during the weekend of Jan. 15-16, with one division at each of three locations.
Michigan high school football tournament to resume next month -- here is the schedule
(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)The Michigan high school football tournament will resume next month after being shut down due to COVID-19 restrictions. READ: Michigan high school football, volleyball, swimming and diving tournaments to resumeThe Michigan High School Athletic Association announced teams can return to practice Monday (Dec. 21) as part of the stateโs pilot rapid testing program. Michiganโs high school football playoffs will resume Jan. 2, with regional finals for 11-player teams and semifinals for 8-player teams. The 8-player championship games in both divisions and all 11-player semifinal games will be played the following Saturday (Jan. 9). Semifinal games in all 11- and 8-player divisions will be played at home sites.
Legendary Detroit high school football coach James Reynolds dead at 75
DETROIT โ A legend in the Detroit high school football scene has died Saturday. James Reynolds spent decades as the head football coach at Martin Luther King School earning the title of winningest coach in PSL History. King High School is a well respected school throughout the state of Michigan. Thatโs how Former King High Football Player Vincent Charles describes Reynolds. It was that style of coaching that got him the title of the best football coach in PSL history.
Belleville football coach shares recent bout with COVID-19, weighs in on high school sports
BELLEVILLE, Mich. โ At the beginning of the season, Belleville football coach Jermain Crowell was 100% in on playing the season. Since testing positive with COVID-19, he has a different perspective on high school sports. READ: Michigan extends COVID-19 restrictions for 12 days to gauge Thanksgiving impactAt first, he thought it was the flu. Crowell said the hardest part is telling his kids that their dream of a state title may not come. โI believe it (winning state title) could be life changing for all of my kids, but at the same time, itโs a game,โ he said.
Michigan high school athletes, coaches anxious for game plan from state amid COVID restrictions
Michiganโs โthree-week pauseโ is set to expire on Dec. 8, meaning fall high school sports could wrap up and make way for winter sports. High school coaches and teams are eager to get back to playing -- especially at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School, where the football team was three wins away from a state title. The Michigan High School Athletics Association (MHSAA) recently released dates for regionals, semi finals and final competitions, and the MLK Crusaders are ready to compete. But coaches say that if restrictions affecting high school sports are extended further than Dec. 8, fall teams likely wonโt be able to finish their seasons this year. โ... for us at Martin Luther King, (weโd) have to move on to 2021.โAs for high school winter sports, wresting hasnโt yet begun.
Marian Mustangs volleyball team returns to virtual training after high school sports put on hold
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. โ Many student-athletes are disappointed with the new COVID-19 restrictions, especially the Marian Mustang volleyball team. READ: Here are 14 changes going into effect under Michiganโs new COVID-19 restrictionsThey thought they might play the quarterfinal round on Tuesday night, but the decision was made by the Michigan High School Athletic Association to suspend all tournaments immediately. Watch the video above for the full reportMichigan high school sports put on hold as part of new COVID-19 restrictionsHigh School volleyball, swimming and football have all been put on hold in hopes of slowing the spread of COVID-19. High school football teams were just three wins away from becoming state champions, but the games are now in question as COVID-19 restrictions postpone the season. โI think this is much different than where we were at last March and April,โ Michigan High School Athletic Association Executive Director Mark Uyl said.
Michigan high school sports put on hold as part of new COVID-19 restrictions
DETROIT โ High School volleyball, swimming and football have all been put on hold in hopes of slowing the spread of COVID-19. High school football teams were just three wins away from becoming state champions, but the games are now in question as COVID-19 restrictions postpone the season. READ: Tracking coronavirus cases, outbreaks in Michigan schoolsโI think this is much different than where we were at last March and April,โ Michigan High School Athletic Association Executive Director Mark Uyl said. But I also have to step back and look at the bigger picture,โ Saline High School Head football coach Joe Palka said. You know, I donโt know how good it looks for, you know, high school athletics to just continue down that road when everybody else is sacrificing like crazy.
Michigan high school athletes adapt to COVID policies in preparation for winter season amid rising cases
GROSSE POINTE, Mich. โ As COVID-19 cases rise throughout Michigan, high school sports teams must adapt to new policies and procedures. At Grosse Pointe South, the varsity girlโs basketball team has begun practicing for the winter season. Other high school winter sports are required to wear masks 100 percent of the time, like wrestling and competitive cheerleading. Geoff Kimmerly, a member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) says the decision to play winter sports is left to each individual school district. Related: MHSAA confirms winter high school sports in Michigan will start on time
MHSAA confirms winter high school sports in Michigan will start on time
Officials from the Michigan High School Athletic Association have confirmed winter sports in the state will begin on time, with guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19. Previously:The Representative Council of the MHSAA confirmed during its meeting Thursday (Oct. 22) that 2020-21 winter sports will begin on time. Most high school sports traditionally begin practice the first three weeks of November, with games starting in mid-November and the first weeks of December. Start dates for middle school winter sports seasons are determined by local leagues and conferences. A number of precautions have been put in place, including for competition limits, numbers of spectators allowed and face coverings.
Here are the 7 players on Minnesotaโs football roster who had scholarship offers from Michigan
ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ When Michigan football takes the field Saturday against Minnesota, it will do so against seven players who received scholarship offers from Jim Harbaugh. Meanwhile, three of Minnesotaโs best players received Michigan offers. Thatโs how recruiting works in this era of college football, and it means Michigan likely prioritized each of these players differently. 47 in OhioAccording to 247 Sports, Minnesota and Michigan were the only Power Five schools to extend scholarship offers to Fleming. He also received scholarship offers from Michigan State, Iowa, Northwestern, Purdue and Illinois.
Female kicker scores game-winning point for Bloomfield Hills BlackHawks
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. โ When it came down to the wire, one Bloomfield Hills High School student scored the winning point in a once-in-a-lifetime football game Friday night. Sara Huston is the president of the math club, a member of the National Honor Society and has a 4.0 GPA -- she also happens to be the kicker for the Bloomfield Hills BlackHawks. Berkley scored first in overtime but Bloomfield Hills blocked the extra point. The 17-year-old is only the third female kicker for the BlackHawks in history. โItโs the best football moment Iโve had my entire career.โRelated: Detroit Lions defeat Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field
Unified sports gains Howell High School national recognition for inclusion
HOWELL, Mich. โ Inclusion is a word thatโs being used more often and itโs a concept thatโs being put into action, especially in schools. One school is embracing inclusion to strongly that its getting national recognition for it. In Howell the Highlanders have a lot of school spirit and take a lot of pride in including everyone. Just this week, Howell was one of 36 high schools in the country -- and the only one from Michigan -- to be named to the 2020 ESPN Honor Roll. To be eligible the school has to demonstrate commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards.
Ann Arbor Huron, Pioneer football teams suspend activities after confirmed COVID-19 case
ANN ARBOR โ Ann Arbor Public Schools announced on its website on Thursday that a Huron varsity football player has tested positive for COVID-19. According to the notice, AAPS was made aware of a probable case on Oct. 6 and reported it to the Washtenaw County Health Department. All Huron varsity football activities and games through Oct. 16 have been canceled. Huron played against Pioneer last Friday, and due to potential contact during the game, all Pioneer varsity football activities have been suspended. AAPS said it is working with the Washtenaw County Health Department on contact tracing with members of the Pioneer team.
MHSAA: Coronavirus guidelines for high school sports persist amid emergency order uncertainty in Michigan
MHSAA face mask requirementsOfficials say that face mask requirements will remain the same for athletes and other participating individuals for the time being. MHSAA face covering requirements were initially established on Sept. 10. MHSAA crowd capacity limitationsThe MHSAA announced capacity limits for athletic spectators on Sept. 30. Capacity limitations vary based on the venueโs seating capacity and if the sporting event is indoors or outdoors. Emergency coronavirus order confusionThe MHSAA provided an update Tuesday following the Michigan Supreme Courtโs ruling against Whitmer and her emergency powers.
4Frenzy Game of the Week highlights
DETROIT โ Here are the highlights 4Frenzyโs third Game of the Week, featuring Notre Dame Prep vs Detroit Country Day, that aired on Local 4 over the weekend, if you missed them! If you missed it, check out the story highlights on our Instagram to see the NDP cheer team takeover from the game! Stay on the lookout for our next Game of the Week on clickondetroit.com/4Frenzy, or follow us on social media! You can share your photos and videos with our hashtag #4Frenzy. Instagram: @4Frenzy (you could participate in a takeover!)
โUnmask Our Athletesโ protesters gather in Lansing to rally against mask mandate in school sports
LANSING, Mich. โ A rally was held in Michigan on Wednesday called โUnmask Our Athletes.โThe supporters of the rally believe mandating that children and teens wear masks while playing sports is not just a nuisance, but also a danger to their health. Players are required to wear masks to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). READ: Metro Detroit high school football athletes, parents gear up for season with COVID-19 restrictions implementedThe organizer told Local 4 that they want their voices heard. And masks can decrease the risk,โ McGeorge said. The rally participants said it should be up to the parents to decide if their children will wear masks or not.
4Frenzy Game of the Week highlights
We covered TWO games this week, so make sure to check out the other school rivalry Cass Tech vs. King in the second video, too! See below for our coverage of the next strong city rivalry Cass Tech vs. Detroit King; itโs โnot just a regular gameโ between these two schools. Our next Game of the Week is Belleville vs Dearborn Fordson. Local 4 cameras will be at the game Friday the 25th at 7 p.m. Watch for highlights on Local 4 News Saturday morning and on ClickOnDetroit. Stay on the lookout for our next Game of the Week on clickondetroit.com/4Frenzy, or follow us on social media!
High school football returns to Metro Detroit
OAK PARK, Mich. โ High School football returned to Metro Detroit Friday -- albeit under very different circumstances. There are rules limiting the number of fans allowed to keep everyone safe. West Bloomfield took on Oak Park Friday night. A second positive COVID-19 test in the Lake Orion High School Varsity Football Program led to Fridayโs game against Oxford to be canceled.
Metro Detroit high school football athletes, parents gear up for season with COVID-19 restrictions implemented
Orchard Lake โ Before people were allowed into the stadium at Orchard Lake St. Maryโs on Thursday, they had to wear a mask, have their temperature checked and their name checked off of a guest list. Each participant is allowed two people to attend -- the stands were filled primarily with parents and had plenty of room. Thursday nightโs game against Orchard Lake St. Maryโs and Walled Lake Western was the first of the season. The game went on, parents cheered their hearts out and the kids were just happy to be on the field. Final score was 28-7 with Orchard Lake St. Maryโs taking the win.
Utica football opener canceled, team isolated after player exposed to COVID-19 outside of school
UTICA, Mich. โ After months of waiting and preparing for the season opener, the Utica High School football teamโs first game was canceled after a player was exposed to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outside of school, officials said. Friday was supposed to be the season opener for the Utica Chieftains on their home turf. โWe had high hopes this season was a go, and then a player got COVID-19,โ quarterback Brett Berg said. It could happen to any player, person.โSince the team couldnโt practice, district officials had to cancel the season opener against Lโanse Creuse North. Thatโs better than canceling the entire season.โOfficials with the Michigan High School Athletic Association mandate 12 practices before the first game.
Protesters gather outside Michigan Capitol for Let Them Play rally aimed at allowing high school sports
The rally was organized by the group Let Michigan Football Play. READ: Michigan High School Athletic Association cancels fall football season due to coronavirusTwo 16-year-old students named Aiden Dale and Max Jones came from Macomb Township to plead for their football season to be given the green light. I wrestle too and I dont know what I would do if I couldnt play sports. Both he and Jones play for Dakota High School as a middle linebacker and a free safety, respectively. Whitmer to reinstate high school footballAll of these sports are in jeopardy and were not whiny and its not about me watching sports. READ: More high school sports coverage
Michigan high school football postponed until spring due to virus
EAST LANSING, Mich. The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced Friday that the fall football season has been moved to the spring amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The association elected to postpone the 2020 football season due to a high risk for COVID-19 spread among athletes. Officials say football is specifically considered a high-risk sport due to the level of player-to-player contact.At the end of the day, we did everything we could to find a path forward for football this fall, MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. Officials say volleyball and soccer are considered moderate-risk for the spread of COVID-19. The MHSAAs football postponement comes after a number of college-level conferences have announced cancelations of fall sports competitions due to COVID-19.
Michigan high school sports council approves phased-in plan for fall sports
DETROIT Fall sports for high schools in Michigan will begin with a phased-in approach, due to COVID-19, MHSAA announced on Wednesday. The Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association approved the next steps in returning sports for member schools, adopting a plan to phase in competition for fall sports in hopes of continuing to deter the spread of COVID-19. However, moderate and high-risk sports football, girls volleyball and boys soccer may begin practice but not competition. Football will delay the start of practice with full player pads and equipment until Monday, Aug. 17. The Council chose to make these adjustments to help ensure our athletes have a safe regular season this fall.
MHSAA provides fall sports update, announces phased-in plan
Finalized the fall sports guidance documents for the safe return to activity. This guidance includes general information along with sport-specific directives for students, coaches, staff, officials and media members. The concept is fall competition will take place as locally as possible with no large-scale events, invitationals or tournaments. See the fall sport-specific guidance documents for these limits. Allowed all low-risk sports to begin practice and competition as scheduled on August 12.
Fall high school sports to begin as normal in Michigan, with COVID-19 backup plans
DETROIT Fall high school sports in Michigan are set to begin as normal, but there will be contingency plans in place for possible coronavirus (COVID-19) interruptions. High school football practices are currently scheduled to begin Aug. 10. If fall sports have to be suspended, theyll be rescheduled using a reconfigured calendar that could include winter sports starting in November and fall and spring seasons extending into July 2021, according to the MHSAA. The association also considered swapping traditional fall and spring sports seasons but determined that wasnt a feasible plan. Our plan moving forward is Fall in the Fall, starting on time.
Michigan High School Athletic Association announces fall sports will begin on schedule
NOVI, Mich. The Michigan High School Athletic Association decided fall sports will be played as normal, not moved to spring as had been considered. In Novi, high school students from all over the region are playing in tournaments. READ: Heres how 25 sports have been divided into high, moderate, low COVID-19 risk categoriesA mother of one of the players is a nurse and she said she is comfortable with her son playing baseball. Especially considering how some districts have already pulled the plug on in-school classes this fall. READ MORE: Fall high school sports to begin as normal in Michigan, with COVID-19 backup plans
Dearborn High School football team cancels week of conditioning due to possible COVID-19 exposure
DEARBORN, Mich. The Dearborn High School football team has canceled this weeks conditioning after players might have been exposed to the coronavirus (COVID-19), the school announced. Those players had been regularly participating in football workouts, officials said. Both football players self-reported their possible exposure, the school announced. The school plans to resume football conditioning Monday (July 20) as long as negative COVID-19 test results come back for both of the athletes who might have been exposed. We appreciate the continued cooperation of all our parents and student-athletes in this new normal that we are now all a part of, Jeff Conway, the CAA athletic director at Dearborn High School, said in a statement.
Football moved to spring? Swapping fall, spring Michigan high school sports seasons under consideration
Gretchen Whitmer has suggested swapping the fall and spring seasons for high school sports, moving close-contact sports like football to the spring while socially distanced sports like golf, tennis and track could move to the fall. Whitmer floated the idea Tuesday, calling on the Michigan High School Athletic Association to consider it. Were also working with the National Federation of State High School Associations.Kimmerly said there are 750 high schools and more than 200,000 student-athletes statewide. Some have already started conditioning workouts outside, such as the West Bloomfield High School football team. He said the high school experience and college recruiting are key factors in wanting to have a 2020 season.
West Bloomfield begins practice as high school football season resumes amid COVID-19 pandemic
WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. The coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis is constantly changing, but Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has permitted high school sports to resume practicing outside. Monday was the first day of football practice at West Bloomfield High School, and there are a lot of changes from last year. The West Bloomfield Lakers are physically back on the field, but practice is far from usual. Bellamy said the school is following guidelines set by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lifts restrictions on overnight summer camps, school sports
Gretchen Whitmer has lifted some restrictions on overnight summer camps and K-12 school sport activities across the state. Whitmer issued executive order 2020-120 on Friday afternoon. School sportsThe executive order also allows certain K-12 school sports activities and other in-person extracurricular school activities to resume. Participants must follow social distancing guidelines, Whitmer said. While this is good news, theres still more work to do to protect Michigan families from the spread of this virus, avoid a second wave, and protect the heroes on the front lines.
Gov. Whitmer: Overnight summer camps, school sports to restart Monday
Whitmer said summer camps and youth sports could resume starting Monday, June 15th. Gretchen Whitmer lifts restrictions on overnight summer camps, school sportsIn downtown Detroit at Detroit PALs Corner Ballpark, private games were already being hosted Friday. Making sure we have plenty of hand sanitizers around. Making sure we don't have common drinking bottles making sure everyone has to bring their own water bottle, Superintendent Dr. Steve Matthews said. Overnight summer camps are also allowed to restart Monday.
Heres how 25 sports have been divided into high, moderate, low COVID-19 risk categories
DETROIT Will it be safe for children, high schoolers or anybody to play sports amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic? Experts have divided 25 popular sports into three categories: high, moderate and low risk. The National Federation of State High School Associations released their list, which is based on the amount of close, sustained contact, along with other factors. Oklahoma recently rejected a plan that would have required social distancing and allowed all high school sports to resume without restrictions. One idea being considered by many states would change the calendar to shift lower risk sports to fall and move higher risk ones to the spring.
Michigan Youth Soccer Association releases new guidelines in response to COVID-19 pandemic
WATERFORD, Mich. The Michigan Youth Soccer Association made it clear that they wont do anything yet, but when Michigan does reopen theyll be ready. They titled it, charting the path forward, and they are specific to each phase of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmers reopening plan. Once Michigan is in phase four and beyond, and training is permitted, those attending will still have to follow some rules. Competition is not yet allowed because participants must continue to follow social distancing.
MHSAA suspends all winter tournaments due to coronavirus
DETROIT โ The Michigan High School Athletic Association is suspending all activities due to coronavirus. โAll MHSAA winter tournaments are suspended, effective immediately and indefinitely due to concerns related to COVID-19. The decision comes as many schools are preparing for possible coronavirus cases, including training for online class and extensive cleaning programs. Michigan confirmed its first two cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday night, both in Metro Detroit. Related: Tracking Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19): Cases being monitored, test results pending
Nominate Students in 4Frenzyโs Winter Fan Choice Awards!
Nominate your favorite high school students, staff members, or clubs NOW! You can nominate BELOW between now and February 6th at 11:00 p.m. Voting will begin February 10th. The winners will receive a 4Frenzy patch or a certificate, and their names and schools will be featured on Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit. Weโll be doing stories on many of the nominees, so look for our โSpotlightโ articles on ClickOnDetroit.com/4Frenzy and you might just read about someone you know!