Blog
Golfers Tested With 36 Hole Marathon
There was a lot of interest in watching some of the top golfers in the state show their skills at Egypt Valley on 5/23/11
The inaugural Forest Hills Invitational was unveiled at Egypt Valley Country Club on 5/23/11; hosted by Forest Hills Central, Eastern and Northern High Schools. 30 schools throughout the state were invited, including 16 OK Conference schools. It was the first local tournament to play 36 holes in one day. FHC coach, Paul TenEyck was asked if it was what he had envisioned, "We all (Jim, Brian, and myself) thought the tournament was a huge success. We had some great teams on a great course. We are looking forward to an even bigger/better field next year." Indeed the field was impressive as six Division 1, Top 10 teams participated: #1 FH Central - #2 Davison - #3 Grand Ledge - #7 Holt - #8 Mona Shores - #10 Detroit Catholic Central. Also, Division 2 ranked teams included #3 Cranbrook-Kingswood - #7 FH Northern - #8 GR Catholic Central. The #1 ranked Division 3 team, Jackson Lumen Christi attended, as did 3rd ranked West Catholic. In Division 4, NorthPointe Christian is ranked #4.
Reed Hrynewich, Mona Shores
Forest Hills Central won the tournament with a total of 600 strokes; four golfers; 36 holes. Mona Shores came in 2nd with 624. Reed Hrynewich (Mona Shores) led all golfers with a one over par total of 145 (72/73). Playing 36 holes of competitive golf in one day can be a strain on the players. Coach TenEyck was asked to comment on the quality of play, "It was an extremely difficult day, both physically and mentally. I think the toughest aspect for the kids was staying mentally sharp. There were a few lapses of judgment in the second round, but the boys seemed to rally on their back nines." Kudos should be given to a couple of golfers who made drastic improvement to their score on the 2nd 18 holes. Grandville's, Jonathan LaRue made a 12-stroke improvement as he followed an opening round score of 82 with a two under par 70; FH Eastern's, Kevin Finley shot a 91 on his first 18 holes, then closed with a nice 78 for a 13-stroke improvement.
Jonathan LaRue, Grandville
Kevin Finley, FH Eastern
The three Forest Hills schools hope to make this an annual tournament. Ranger coach Paul TenEyck spoke of possible changes, "We plan on sitting down in the next week or so to plan out next year's tournament. We probably will move to a shotgun start so that everybody ENDS at the same time. Overall, it went very smooth for a tournament of this size."
During the night prior to the tournament, heavy rains and impressive thunder/lightning rolled through Grand Rapids. Was the tournament jeopardized? Coach TenEyck was not too concerned, "We knew it was going to be brief, so we were more concerned for the safety of the players. Luckily, by daylight, it was only rain. This time of year, most tournaments seem to deal with weather; so I guess I am kind of used to it!"
Scoring details and action photos are posted on the boys golf page for several OK schools - FH Central, Eastern and Northern; Mona Shores, Grandville, Rockford, East Kentwood, West Catholic and GR Catholic Central.
Tournament Results: (OK Conference schools in Bold)
1st Forest Hills Central – 600 16th East Kentwood - 674
2nd Mona Shores – 624 17th Forest Hills Eastern - 677
3rd Grand Ledge – 629 18th Cranbrook-Kingswood - 680
4th Davison – 635 19th West Catholic - 682
5th Holt – 635 20th Jenison - 682
6th Detroit Catholic Central – 642 21st Vicksburg - 684
7th UD Jesuit – 646 22nd Hudsonville - 687
8th Grandville – 649 23rd Zeeland East - 690
9th Reeths-Puffer – 653 24th GR Catholic Central - 696
10th Jackson Lumen Christi – 653 25th NorthPointe Christian - 705
11th Rockford – 656 26th Hastings - 709
12th Hartland – 658 27th Flushing - 710
13th Forest Hills Northern – 658 28th West Ottawa - 716
14th Saginaw Nouvel – 667 29th Midland - 720
15th Saline – 674 30th Cedar Springs - 737
2010-11 All-State Hockey - photos
The following OK Conference hockey players have been recognized as All-State representatives. No photos were available for South Christian players.
Division 1
Brett White (8), E. Kentwood, forward - 1st Team; Stephen Flood (22), Grandville/Byron Center, forward - 1st Team
Jimmy Davis (24), E. Kentwood, defense - 1st Team; Erik Datema (21), Rockford, forward - 2nd Team
Erik Stapleton (9), E. Kentwood, forward - 2nd Team; Jordan Wood (93), Grandville/Byron Center, goaltender - 2nd Team
Sean Conley (19), Grandville/Byron Center, forward - honorable mention; James Lippert (17), Grandville/Byron Center, defense - honorable mention
Division 2
Evan Adkins (15), Mona Shores, forward - 1st Team; Jake Kramer (19), Grand Haven, forward - 1st Team
Trevor Boyd (5), Mona Shores, forward - 1st Team; Bryan Reitter (19), Forest Hills Northern/Eastern, forward - 2nd Team
Connor Kelbel (23), West Catholic, forward - 2nd Team; Doug Zelenka (17), Grand Haven, forward - 2nd Team
Jared Taylor (21), Mona Shores, defense - 2nd Team; Chris Hollemans (11), Forest Hills Northern/Eastern, defense - 2nd Team
Matt Moser (21), West Catholic, defense - 2nd Team; Sam Rennaker (18), Forest Hills Northern/Eastern, forward - honorable mention
Michael Bishop (17), Mona Shores, forward - honorable mention; Matt Stolzman (16), Reeths-Puffer, forward - honorable mention
Ben Wheeler (18), Reeths-Puffer, defense - honorable mention; Will VerDuin (9), Grand Haven, defense - honorable mention
TJ Roth (31), Grand Haven, goaltender - honorable mention
Division 3
Cam Kwaiser (19), GR Catholic Central, forward - 1st Team; Hunter Jenerou (2), GR Catholic Central, defense - 1st Team
Everett Thompson (22), Kenowa Hills, forward - 2nd Team; Owen Kane (9), GR Catholic Central, forward - 2nd Team
Donald Sund (25), GR Catholic Central, forward - 2nd Team; Nick Gerke (6), Kenowa Hills, forward - 2nd Team
Eric VanderKlok (2), Kenowa Hills, defense - 2nd Team; Zac Totten (1), Kenowa Hills, goaltender - 2nd Team
Brock Golembieski (6), GR Catholic Central, defense - honorable mention; Kyle Heemstra (11), Kenowa Hills, forward - honorable mention
Kyle VanderStelt (17), Kenowa Hills, defense - honorable mention
No Photos:
Blake DeVries, South Christian, forward - 2nd Team
Jake Holden, South Christian, defense - honorable mention
GRCC Hockey Title Spreads Pride Throughout West Michigan
In the past 20 years only two OK Conference hockey teams had been crowned as State Champions – East Kentwood, 1990 and Muskegon Mona Shores, 2000.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central added their name to the list on March 12, 2011, in convincing style. The Cougars went into the Division 3 State Playoffs ranked #3 and defeated #1 Cranbrook-Kingswood in the semi-finals, then took down #2 Calumet in the championship game. Head coach, Mike Slobodnik and his team turned in an outstanding record of 25-5. Only Division 2 Champion, Wyandotte Roosevelt (26-4) had more wins. The two state champions met in a mid-January game, won by Wyandotte, 4-3.
The GR Catholic Central hockey championship spread pride beyond the school boundaries as evidenced by comments gathered from area hockey coaches:
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Todd Gallup, head coach – Forest Hills Northern/Eastern High School: "It was an amazing run for those guys. I'm not surprised they won it all...I am surprised how they won it; considering who they had to get through. Beating the teams they beat, the way they beat them, was impressive to say the least. After the Cranbrook win, you got the impression there was no way they were going to be denied. They just seemed to be a team on a mission. Congrats to GRCC and West Michigan Hockey."
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Joel Breazeale, head coach – Grandville High School: "I called Slobo a few hours before the championship game and simply wished him good luck and asked him to bring a 3rd State Championship home to West Michigan. It's big for our West Michigan High School hockey community; over-all there are very few top level players not playing high school hockey here in West Michigan. Championships like last weekend, and great seasons from teams like GRCC, Mona Shores, East Kentwood, FH Northern/Eastern, Grandville and Big Rapids show that our teams can hold their own against the best in Detroit, and throughout Michigan."
"It is also neat to see how West Michigan coaches and teams support one another as we move into the post season and cheer each other on as the brackets get narrowed down. I love that about our High School Hockey Community! We are rivals in the regular season, but stand behind one another in the post season."
"When I moved to West Michigan from Detroit in '94, there was EK and MS; GRCC was struggling as were pretty much every other HS program. Now, 16-17 years later it is rewarding, as a long time coach, to see how the HS game has evolved with great players, solid coaching, and high quality teams."
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Rob Feenie, head coach – Forest Hills Central High School: "GRCC’s season speaks for itself. What a year. You could see from the start that the group of young men playing on this team was something special. This is great for local high school teams and West Michigan High School hockey. I’d like to think that it sends a message to the east that the west side has good, quality players, and that they are going to get even stronger in the future. LOOK OUT!!"
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Ed Van Portfliet, head coach, Rockford High School: "This was a great accomplishment for Catholic Central, but it was also a victory for West Michigan. High School hockey on the west side of the state doesn't get the same respect that the teams from Detroit & the U.P seem to get. We take pride in our high school teams and the coaches from our area do our best to promote our sport and make our teams better with help from one another. On a yearly basis, I think the top teams from our area can compete with the top teams from around the state. GR Catholic Central and East Kentwood proved that and did a great job of representing the OK-Conference. Coach Slobodnik and Coach Bell should be congratulated for a job well done!"
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Ron Baum, 1st OK Conference head coach to win a State Hockey Championship, 1990 – East Kentwood High School
"It was a very proud moment for many C.C. fans as well as West Michigan hockey people that were in attendance. It gave me chills as I watched the East Kentwood hockey team come downstairs to the locker room area after the game to congratulate their C.C. hockey buddies on their incredible achievement. It was no accident that these two teams could come together at this moment and share in the excitement since their respective coaches have a great relationship and a common respect for each other as well. This is what high school athletics is supposed to be all about, and it cannot be equaled any other way."
"Any time a West Michigan hockey team wins a championship, we all need to celebrate their accomplishment; whether it’s a Pee Wee tournament, a Bantam MAHA state title, a Little Caesars league crown, or the ultimate prize, a High School State Championship. Everyone involved in West Michigan hockey gains a little more state-wide respect. The players and coaches have worked hard and their parents have sacrificed a great deal of time, energy and financial resources. Now we have another opportunity to be proud of “West Michigan hockey” and we need to send our congratulations to Coach Mike Slobodnik and his 2011 State High School Hockey Champions – Grand Rapids Catholic Central!"
TRIBUTE: A Coach & Player; A Father & Son
Jon & Ian Post, Joey & John Alonso
This article is a tribute to a Father and Son and their bond formed by hockey. The father, a coach, instilled the love of the game in numerous children, many who are playing high school hockey today. The son, a player, is left with countless fond memories.
WMSP: On senior night, what will it feel like to be standing on the ice with your parents after all the years of playing hockey, and being coached by your dad?
Trish, Joey, John
Joey Alonso: On senior night, with my parents by my side, the feeling is going to be great for all of us. My mom has always been supportive, and my dad has coached me my whole life. It’s going to be a night of giving ‘thank yous’ to them for spending so much time and money so that I could play a game I love. It’s also going to be hard thinking this is one of my last games in high school.
It’s been 9 years since a group of seven and eight year old hockey players had the good fortune of being assigned to a Mite team at Kentwood, coached by a couple of guys that had their pictures placed next to the word FUN in the dictionary.
Coaches John Alonso and Jon Post both played for East Kentwood high school, rich in hockey tradition. Now that they had a couple of sons following in their skates, coaching seemed like a natural progression. Thing is, it was hard to pick between the coaches and the kids as to who was having more fun. Post’s son, Ian, graduated from East Kentwood after a 3-year stint on the varsity hockey team. Alonso’s son, Joey, is graduating this year from Grandville as a member of a very good Bulldog hockey team.
This tribute takes a look back at that special season and how some of the players from that team progressed to high school lineups.
Their methods and drills for teaching kids of this age were fun and effective. This was the period of time that Sponge Bob Square Pants came on the scene; and I’m sure that this Mite team was not the only one to claim Sponge Bob as their battle cry. One of the drills was to have the coaches’ crouch and skate behind large cardboard placards of Sponge Bob that the players shot pucks at. Other drills included shooting tennis balls at each other in a ‘dodge ball’ kind of game, and the coaches’ use of Super Soaker Squirt Guns to improve player skating and elusiveness. Coach Post reminisced that, “The kids had a blast with the large cut-outs of Sponge Bob and Patrick. I sometimes wonder if they were shooting to hit the cartoons or me. Fun stuff!”
They enlisted the knowledge of a team strategist, Rusty Otto, to come and give pep talks to the team. Rusty would give pep talks in the locker room and appear at road tournaments to pump up the team. He and Coach Alonso had a memorable moment at a hotel pool.
WMSP: What do you remember best about the Mite team?
Joey: What I remember most about that season is we had a tournament and after winning a game, we went out to eat. I got sick and couldn’t play the next morning, but I remember my dad coming back and telling me that we had won. I played the next game, and our coach’s were wearing Sponge Bob boxers that the parents had bought. What made it funny was the other team’s parents went out and bought some gold boxers for their coaches to wear. Both teams’ coaches were wearing boxers on the bench during the game.
Six boys from that Mite team have gone on to enjoy success as high school hockey players. As mentioned, Ian Post graduated last year, having played three varsity seasons at East Kentwood. His senior year, Ian won the Hobie Baker Award and earned recognition on the All Academic Team. Joey Alonso is a senior defenseman on the Grandville varsity team. Tommy Allen and Eric Stapleton are teammates at East Kentwood; Josh Berry plays for Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Alec Miller is playing at Forest Hills Northern/Eastern.
Ian Post, East Kentwood
Joey Alonso, Grandville
Tommy Allen, East Kentwood
Eric Stapleton, East Kentwood
Josh Berry, Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Alec Miller, Forest Hills Northern/Eastern
Also on the Mite team were two girls who have continued playing hockey and have enjoyed much success. Kara Scaturro, a junior at East Kentwood, plays for GRAHA. Emily Neitzel, a senior at Grandville, plays for Little Caesars, Belle Tire AAA.
Kara Scaturro
Emily Neitzel, Little Caesars Belle Tire AAA
WMSP: Do you recognize former teammates when you play against them?
Joey: Yes and no; it depends if I stayed in contact with them and know what they look like. My dad will tell me who is on what team, and I’ll try to look for them. It’s always fun to play EK and see my old friends like the Dykstra brothers, Tommy Allen and Erik Stapleton.
WMSP: Describe your favorite youth hockey moment.
Joey: Three years ago, we got news that my Grandpa had passed away and went to his funeral. The next day, I had a game; I played it for him. The other team scored first, but I got a breakaway and scored on a wrist shot to tie the score. A few minutes later, I was at the blue line and dumped the puck toward the net and went off for a line change. My teammate, Jay Savage (who now plays with me at Grandville), comes up to me and says, “Did you see that?” I answered, “No.” He says, “You Scored!” We went on to win, 4-1. (Thanks for your help, Grandpa???)
WMSP: Talk a bit about your backyard rink.
Joey: My dad and I would build an ice rink in the backyard all through my youth hockey years. When we had the rink, my teammates would come over for pickup games. We would even play after we had an ‘official game’. It was a lot of fun; we’d have music blasting, and when we’d get cold, we’d go in for some hot cocoa. When everyone left, I’d go in and warm up then my dad and I would go back out and play a little bit. I’d use the rink to work on shooting, skating, dekes and other stuff.
Grandville coach, Joel Breazeale remembers meeting the Alonso family, “Sometime in the fall of 1999 in our relatively new housing development in Grandville, I was out for a bike ride with my then 4 year old son Michael. As we rode by one house in the back of the neighborhood, I noticed quite the construction project going on in the backyard. Tons of earth and a bobcat were involved so I figured my son would enjoy watching the project for a while. When the man on the bobcat stopped for a moment, I said hello and introduced myself. The man said he was constructing a backyard ice rink for his son and two daughters, but from my perspective it was no ordinary "backyard" rink. The rink I had put in our backyard was ordinary and typical. His, however, was on a much grander scale. Was this guy for real? Who was this hockey nut? I immediately thought, "His wife must be a saint like mine!" That was my first meeting with John and Trish Alonso.”
Joey is a defenseman on the Grandville varsity team. His favorite moments have been victories this season over Muskegon Mona Shores and Grand Rapids Catholic Central. At the Trenton Showcase this year, Joey scored on a slap shot from the blue line against the Bay Area Reps.
WMSP: On that sweet goal at the Trenton Showcase, the puck ended over by the glass where I was standing. I noticed that your captain, Stephen Flood, skated over, picked it up and took it to the bench. Was that ... ?
Joey: Yes, that was my first high school goal. It felt really good to put one in. I knew the season was coming to an end and hadn’t scored yet. It didn’t bother me too much, since I play defense, and my role is to help my goaltender keep pucks out of the net. Stephen grabbing the puck was a nice thing and I’m glad he did it. Glad that he recognized, in the commotion of the game, that it was my first goal.
Coach Breazeale had this to say of his senior defenseman, “Joey is a huge asset to our team. His small frame is not the typical dimensions of a defenseman, but his speed, competitive spirit, and willingness to listen and learn make him a critical part of our defensive corps. The part I enjoy most about coaching Joey is his daring style of play. Joey very rarely second guesses himself on the ice; he plays by instinct and uses his athleticism and wits to win his share of battles for a puck against larger, more physical hockey players. I love that!”
Joey's plans after graduation include attending Grand Rapids CC with studies to become a police officer. He said that he’d like to get into coaching hockey with his dad and may try to join a men’s league team.
WMSP: How aware were you, growing up, of your father’s hockey career at East Kentwood?
Joey: My dad played hockey at East Kentwood??? (just a hint of the Alonso humor) My dad was never telling me how good he was or what he accomplished; he was always focused on helping kids with their skills. I’ve been told that he was a great hockey player in the area. He shares stories with me now, but not while growing up. He really is quite humble about his accomplishments. I admire him a lot from hearing the stories from his friends and his high school coach, Ron Baum.
John Alonso has family ties that date back to the very beginning days of East Kentwood High School hockey. In January, 1973 his brother Bill and several friends approached an EKHS teacher who they knew played hockey, for help in forming a club hockey team at the school. Mr. Ron Baum decided to take them up on their invitation and a few days later visited the Alonso backyard ice rink on Carrick Street to watch the players and get things started. “I was very curious to see the level of play I was going to coach”, said the new self-appointed coach. “In the beginning, many of our practices were held on backyard rinks and local ponds”.
After four years of finishing in the middle of the pack of a newly-formed high school league, young Johnny Alonso showed up for tryouts as a freshman and made the team. A speedy skater with a unique ability to score, John began to climb the ladder of prolific scorers at East Kentwood. During his four years of varsity play from 1978-82, John played in 85 games, scored 86 goals, 62 assists and finished his career with 148 points, good for 9th place on EK’s all-time scoring list. In John’s first two years, his team finished in last place in the old Suburban Division, but by the time he left, East Kentwood had won their first two Conference and Class A Regional playoff championships and Quarter Final appearances. “We witnessed quite a turn-around during John’s days at East Kentwood”, commented Coach Baum.
Coach Ron Baum
Reflecting back, Coach Baum recalls many “John Alonso stories”, as he calls them, but shares one for this article. “It was late in a must-win, end of the season game to decide the Conference Championship at the old Stadium Arena downtown. We had dug ourselves a very deep hole and were slowly battling back from a four goal deficit against a talented Grandville team”, Baum remembers, “and our guys were totally spent – out of gas. I told them on the bench that we sure could use a time-out, but time outs were not in the rule book back then. I changed lines, and shortly after the very next faceoff, John went down on the ice and squirmed around like he was in a great deal of pain. I didn’t see him involved in a particularly hard hit, but play was stopped, and I jumped over the boards and ran across the ice to him. When I knelt down, he slowly turned his head toward me and, through his face mask, gave me a sly wink and whispered, ‘here’s the time out you wanted, coach’. I had all I could do not to laugh or even smile”, Baum continues, “John was quite a character. Although we were still a goal behind in the game, that ‘time out’ allowed all of us to catch our breath and we went on to score two more goals in the last three minutes to win our second conference championship. John had a goal and assist on those last two scores, ending with a 5 point night”, concluded Baum.
Photo from GR Press
You only need to spend a couple minutes with John to realize the passion he has for the game of hockey, and the respect that he shows his players. Grandville head coach, Joel Breazeale, “From the frequent drop-bys on his way to and from work or the rink, we would share our thoughts and perspectives on youth hockey, player development, and how things ‘should be done.’ In John, I found a great hockey mind, a person with a passion for putting the kids and the game first. I found that his philosophies on player development were originally influenced by our common friend and mentor Ron Baum, that John's belief that skills and concepts trump systems; these beliefs were in lock step with mine. Frankly, John is one of the most knowledgeable hockey people I know in West Michigan. John's passion and straight forward honesty is refreshing.”
Joey Alonso, Alec Miller, Ian Post
John took the time to answer a few questions:
WMSP: You played on some of the early high school teams at East Kentwood. How has high school hockey evolved from those early years? How many area schools even had hockey teams?
John: High school hockey is a lot faster and more competitive now than it was when I played at Kentwood. Back in the early 80’s there were 13 area teams – Grandville, EK, EGR, FHC, Lowell, Northview, Kenowa Hills, GRCC, GR Christian, GR Union, GR Creston, GR Ottawa Hills and GR Central. For the most part it was a pretty competitive league and evenly matched teams.
WMSP: Nine years ago, you coached your son’s Mite team. I have talked to numerous parents who call that year the most enjoyable they’ve ever had. Several of those players have gone on to high school success. What do you remember about that year?
John: Some of the best memories I have from that season were having the kids over to skate on our outdoor pond. It was great to watch them discover the game without the scoreboard, fans or refs; pure hockey at its best.
Joey Alonso (l); Ian Post (r)
WMSP: Six players from that team have gone on to play high school hockey; you’ve seen them all play at that level. How much pride do you have in helping play a role in getting their hockey careers started?
Alec Miller (l); Josh Berry (r)
John: It was an honor to have had a small hand in getting them started in hockey at a young age. I was more interested in teaching them to become better gentlemen than hockey players. They seem to have become better hockey players all by themselves.
Tommy Allen (l); Eric Stapleton (r)
WMSP: You had a couple of girls on that team that have continued to succeed at hockey.
John: I’ve coached more than 300 players over the last 20 years; Kara Scaturro and Emily Neitzel are as athletic and competitive as any of the boys I’ve coached. From this particular Mite team, Emily is probably the most accomplished hockey player of the entire group.
Note: Emily Neitzel, a senior at Grandville High School, has played the past four years in the Little Caesar’s Belle Tire, AAA programs. Emily has been a member of teams that have won two Tier 1 State Championships and two State Finalists. On the national level, Emily’s teams have won Silver and Bronze Medals in National Tournaments. Upon graduation, Emily will embark on a college hockey career at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
WMSP: What does it mean to see your son develop the same dedication to hockey that you had at his age?
John: It has been awesome to see Joey come to love the game as I did. Hockey is a great way to pass the long winters in Michigan, and it is a great way to spend a lot of quality family time. It’s amazing that Joey came to love the game while having a father/coach ‘barking’ at him all the time. He was a much better coach’s son than I was a player’s father.
Eric Stapleton, Ian Post, Joey Alonso, Owen Kane
WMSP: Have you given any thought as to how you might feel when Joey plays his final high school game?
John: Tricia and I haven’t given that much thought. Hockey allowed us the opportunity to spend large amounts of time getting to ‘know’ Joey. That was the greatest gift we received from hockey. Now we are looking forward to seeing him move on to college and watching him find his own way.
Coach Ron Baum, State of Michigan Coaches Hall of Fame
Coach Baum remembers a young John Alonso as an energetic, fun-loving hockey player. He also remembers how John showed maturity at a young age. “We had games where we would win by lop-sided scores”, Coach Baum explained. “John did not enjoy these games; he didn’t want to beat them by big scores because he knew how bad they would feel. I think the values he learned from his wonderful parents and older brother made him sensitive to how other people – including opponents – felt. I believe these character traits followed him into his adult life and helped him to become a hockey coach that kids wanted to be around and could trust. They were caught up in John’s passion for the game and his love for other people, and as a result, John connected with his players, respected them, and they loved playing for him.” Coach Baum finishes by saying, “We are so blessed to have had John – and his entire family – play such an important part in the history and building of East Kentwood hockey, and I couldn’t be prouder of him as he developed his coaching skills and gave back to our game and the next generation of kids that love hockey.”
Joey, John, Alec
Its funny how spending just six months with someone could lead to a lasting friendship; joined because my son was lucky enough to be assigned to a special Coach’s team. It can be difficult, sometimes, to wrap up an article. I’m going to ask Coach Breazeale to help me wrap up this one about the Alonso family…
Grandville High School hockey coach, Joel Breazeale: “It's been a great experience coaching Joey and also having John and Trish as parents on the team. Having a long-term relationship with them well before becoming the Grandville coach has really been beneficial, I think, for both parties. We know, enjoy and respect each other. It's a unique situation that I'm fortunate enough to have been a part of.”
Grand Haven Hockey = Class
Amid the celebration of winning a League Championship; Amid the celebration of beating a respected hockey program for the 2nd time this season; Amid the celebration of earning the right to move up to the next level and play other top area hockey teams; Amid all this, you could excuse a team if they thumped their chests and stuck out there noses. This didn't happen with the Grand Haven hockey team as they accomplished all of the above and handled the aftermath with complete CLASS.
They were denied this moment last year by Forest Hills Central, but came back wiser and more determined. Having gone toe-to-toe with East Kentwood, twice, and coming out champions, I have to believe that all returning players are glad they had to wait - this has to be more satisfying than it would have been last year.
The Buccaneers' fans - although I didn't sit in the stands, it appeared to me that they displayed as much class as their team. They were large in number and cheered for their team; they did not chant against the other team. I don't believe that Grand Haven and East Kentwood have a hockey history. EK has always resided in Tier 1 and plays a very competitive non-league schedule. I can't confirm, but this may be the first time they've played each other twice in one season. This Grand Haven hockey team, overall, a young team, did not play scared; did not play in awe of the accomplished Falcons. With so much at stake, they got the job done. They played EK with respect, but did not get in the back seat. I saw a measure of respect from EK toward GH at the end of the game. It was earned and deserved.
After the game, the championship Buccaneers retired to the locker room to share the moment as a team and listen to the praises from their coaches. Then they came out, still in uniform, and shared the moment with their family, friends and classmates. It was something to see. A warm fuzzy on an otherwise cold February night.
I'd like to climb aboard the Grand Haven hockey bandwagon, not because they have one of the best records in the state, and not because they won a league championship ... I'd like to climb aboard so I can watch them accomplish more - Because they handle it so well!
Realignment of the Tiers
OK Conference schools have 21 hockey teams placed in one of three Tiers. Each year the 1st place team in Tier 3 moves up to Tier 2, with the last place team in Tier 2 dropping down to Tier 3; the 1st place team in Tier 2 moves up to Tier 1, with the last place team in Tier 1 dropping down to Tier 2.
Admittedly, there is a lot of hockey to be played this year, but it looks like the same teams that changed Tiers this year will be changing back next year. Jenison fell from Tier 2 to Tier 3 and is currently sporting a league best 4-1 record. The team they switched with, Grand Rapids Christian, has yet to win at the Tier 2 level, and, with an 0-5 record, may find themselves back in Tier 3 next year.
A similar situation is also happening at the next level where East Kentwood is 5-0 in Tier 2 after being dropped from Tier 1. The team that replaced them, Forest Hills Central, has yet to win a Tier 1 game and is in last place at 0-5.
Where Has the Flow Gone?
The following opinion was submitted by a hockey fan from Muskegon:
Where has the flow gone?
No, I'm not talking about the long flowing hair protruding from under a forwards helmet. I'm talking about the flow of the game.
Is it just me, or are the men in stripes calling an abundance of penalties this year? Of the games I've watched this fall, I'd venture to guess that 75% of games are played either on the powerplay or penaly kill. I've seen more "DQ's" this season in the first few weeks than I have seen in the past 5 years? High school hockey in West Michigan has come a long way in the past few years, drawing kids away from AAA and Travel, and back to their school teams. If kids have to sit out a few games of an already short 24 game season, or get called for a penalty every time they deliver a big hit, they might just change their mind for next year.
Are the games more physical than normal? I'd say no, probably the opposite. Kids are afraid to finish checks or deliver the big open ice hit because they don't want to take the chance of putting their team down a man.
I understand that the refs are trying to keep the games clean, and keep the kids safe, but they are changing the way the game is played. If you want to develop hockey players to maybe move on and continue to play beyond their high school years, then let them play hockey. Call the penalties that need to be called, but don't forget that hockey is a physical game, and try hard not to change the outcome of games. (just to let you officials know, high school kids do curse, even if you don't want to believe it...)
Discovering New Sports - Part 4
Golf - Although attending girls golf matches this fall was not a "discovery", it did open my eyes to something - there is an abundance of talented golfers in the OK Conferences; in the Sophomore Class. It will be fun to see how much they improve and what they accomplish in their final two years of high school. Some have already won the ultimate prize.
Mona Shores won a 2nd straight Division 2 State Golf Title featuring four Sophomores
While attending the 2-day girls golf State Finals this year, two things stood out in the Divisions 2 and 3 programs that were handed out - 1) There were a lot of OK Conference schools represented at the State Tournament; 2) There were a lot of sophomores playing on the final weekend of high school golf. At the conclusion of the tournament, six sophomore girls wore State Championship medals. And, as a side note, there is a freshman who was on a 2nd place team.
Mona Shores teammates Hailey Hrynewich, right (2nd Medalist) and Morgan Smith (4th Medalist)
Heading the group is Muskegon Mona Shores, who won a 2nd straight golf State Title at Division 2. Of their 5-member team at the 2010 State Finals, remarkably, four are sophomores! And not only that, but two of them posted Top 4 individual scores for the tournament. Hailey Hrynewich turned in scores of 82, 82 for a 164 total and a 2nd place individual finish, just three strokes behind the individual champion (a junior). Teammate, Morgan Smith shot rounds of 86, 83 and a 169 total, good for 4th place in the field of 89 golfers. Additionally, Britni Gielow (181) and Kelsey McKinley (196) contributed mightily to the Sailors' championship effort. They'll all be back for two more years.
Hrynewich (l), Smith
Gielow (l), McKinley
The Greenville Yellowjackets turned in an impressive 4th place finish in the Division 2 tournament with the help of two sophomores. Britta Bernth shot scores of 89, 86 for a 175 total, which earned her the 7th place individual medal. Teammate Jessica Bohner also figured in the team's scoring on both days with a 206 total.
Bernth (l), Bohner
At the Division 3 State Finals, Forest Hills Eastern followed a 2nd place finish in 2009 with a Championship in 2010. The team relied heavily on the terrific play of two sophomores. Jordan DuVall improved throughout the season and truly shined on the big stage of the State Finals. Jordan opened with a solid round of 83 and closed with an eye-opening score of 79. The 162 total brought her the #8 Medal for individual scoring amid 90 golfers, and put her on everyone's radar for the next two years. Teammate, Anne Parlmer made an 8-stroke improvement on her opening round score by shooting a 91 for a 190 total. The pair of sophomores will be looked upon to continue Eastern's golf success for the next two years.
DuVall (l), Parlmer
East Grand Rapids had a nice Division 3, State Tournament showing with a 6th place finish among 15 teams. They return all five members of their team next year, and get the services of two sophomores for two more years. Claire Ludlow turned in two superb rounds of 88, 90 giving here an impressive 178 total. Fellow sophomore teammate, Margaret Bickley made a five stroke improvement on her 2nd round score for a 201 total.
Ludlow (l), Bickley
Forest Hills Central and Forest Hills Northern each had a sophomore gain some valuable experience by playing in these State Finals, and they each made the most of their appearance. Marti Corby led the FHC Rangers during the season and qualified for the tournament as an individual. Playing in the Division 2 side of the tournament, Marti had identical rounds of 93 for a 186 tournament score. FHN's, Kylie Hamilton, improved her game throughout the season and played in the Division 3, State Finals with her Huskies team. Kylie showed that she can be counted on for the next two years by shooting consistent rounds of 94, 93 and a 187 total.
Corby (l), Hamilton
That's 12 sophomore golfers who made a significant splash in the 2010 State Golf Finals while representing the OK Conferences. I would say that it's safe to assume the OK will remain in the State Golf headlines for years to come.
Oh yes, then there's Hastings freshman Kylee Nemetz. All she did was play a significant role on the Saxons' team that took 2nd place in the Division 3 State Finals. She turned in two rounds of 91 for a 182 total - as a freshman! You don't need me to tell you to keep an eye on her.
Hastings freshman, Kylee Nemetz
Discovering New Sports - Part 3
In the 3rd installment of my impressions in being introduced to new sports, I offer up Volleyball. Previous sports - Cross Country and Tennis.
Volleyball – Volleyball is an ultimate team sport with equal parts skill, grace and athleticism. Similar to tennis, points are gained by hitting winners and benefitting from unforced errors. Unlike tennis, every player relies on each other. Some of the plays that are made – diving, blocking, spiking – are jaw-dropping. Some of the rituals that teams do prior to games, after spikes, aces, etc. are fun and clever. The tradition in lining up for handshakes after a match is also unique and neat to watch. Watching a large tournament, with multiple games being played simultaneously, can sound like a rock concert. The cheering is constant, the whistles are constant, it is hard to concentrate on one game when there is excitement going on all around. A large tournament can be an all-day event; 8:00 am – 7:00 pm is not unheard of. These athletes are well conditioned, competitive and have a lot of fun at their sport.
Teammates
Strategy
Competitive
Athleticism
Long Days
Rituals
Discovering New Sports - Part 2
In the 2nd installment of my impressions in being introduced to new sports, I offer up Cross Country. Previous sport - Tennis.
Cross Country – This is a sport where boys and girls compete separately but at the same location. It becomes quite congested but with a festive element. The start of the race is neat to see; all of the schools are in groups, with multi-color uniforms. It takes a while for the ‘pack’ to begin separating, so early in the race, it is quite a spectacle. One of the first things I noticed was that parents were running willy nilly to different viewing locations. What’s up with that? There is little difference between the sexes when it comes to recognizing the determination and sheer ‘give everything’ mentality that this sport demands. Though you run alone; you run as a team. This is proven at the finish line as runners, who have completed the race, urge on their teammates as they come in. Although there may be race strategies among runners, there are no discernable ‘plays’ that other sports would have. You run > you run to finish > you run to finish ahead of other runners. When you practice; you run. When you compete; you run; Pretty simple. But these athletes give as much of themselves, in their sport, as any athlete does in any other sport. At the EGR Pioneer Classic, I watched kids, at the end of the race, (both girls and boys) sprinting to pass a runner in front of them; sprinting to keep a runner from passing them - AT THE END OF THE RACE! They’ve already given a lot, and they are still giving more. I saw one boy collapse about 30 feet short of the finish line. He lost about six places in the standings, but he struggled to his feet, unattended, and made it across the finish line. Oh yes, I found myself running willy nilly to get the following photos. I had a difficult time beating the kids to the finish line even though, unlike them, I had not been running for the last 15-20 minutes, and I took a shortcut. Cross Country Athletes – you have my respect.
Colorful Pageantry
ALONE:
TEAM:
DETERMINATION:
GIVING EVERYTHING:
Discovering New Sports - Part 1
One of the benefits of starting this web site is that it has exposed me to sports that I have never witnessed before. I quickly realized that I’ve been missing out on talent, excitement, dedication and celebration that would rival any of the hockey, baseball and football games that I have been attending. Over the next several weeks, I am going to offer my impressions of some of the sports that I’ve been to for the first time. Feel free to share your comments.
Tennis - There is a pecking order of talent in this sport, but what is nice is that the talent level is pitted against each other. It makes for some very competitive and quality tennis matches. Another unique thing is that the same schools can continually show up at the same tournaments making for repeat matches. It is still early in the season, but I overheard a player say that his doubles team was playing another team for the 3rd time this season. One of the things that struck me was that a lot of the points are scored from unforced errors as opposed to a player smashing a winner. I have seen one particular player whose strategy appears to be to simply send the ball back until his opponent hits it into the net or smacks it long. It makes for a bit of a boring match, but the kid has won every match that I’ve seen. Some other impressions I’ve gotten from this sport are: Sportsmanship and Respect – The players self-police their matches, and although there is the occasional, “are you sure that was out?”, the match quickly moves on without incident. Competitive – These players are very critical of themselves. Not much time passes between shouts of, “WHY DID YOU DO THAT!”, or, “YOU ARE SO STUPID”. These are self-directed statements and come from all of the courts. Grace and Athleticism – When you have watched a long rally for a point, chances are that you have seen some great hustle and skill that makes high school sports so entertaining. Dynasty – Some time, try to digest what FH Northern has accomplished in both boys and girls tennis.
Sportmanship
Grace
Agony
Athleticism
Dynasty
Dynasty
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