The high school sports seasonal reviews are always popular.  Assistant Athletic Director, Sarah Bulthuis, filled in for Cavin Mohrhardt who was attending an OK Blue Conference meeting.  Sarah has a long history with Spring Lake Public Schools from former athlete to parent of student athletes, longtime successful varsity volleyball coach, volunteer assistant softball coach, and for a number of years the assistant Athletic Director.  It is people like Sarah upon which the success of our school sports programs are built.

 

                Certain of the winter sports were not represented.  There are seven in total.  On the girl’s side is competitive cheer.  Thirty-one girls are participating at the varsity and junior varsity levels.  The team has seven competitions and are coached by Katie Bowen.

 

                Spring Lake offers hockey by way of a cooperative team with Grand Haven.  Of the twenty players, about one-half are from Spring Lake.

 

                Boys swimming is headed up by first year coach David Kieft, an all-time great Laker swimmer, who replaces another great, Rob Peel.  Currently, the team is 0-2 with dual meet losses to powerhouses Grand Haven and East Grand Rapids.

 

                The school also has a boys and girls ski team which is both competitive and fun.

 

                Lastly, Sarah reported on the wrestling program.  Longtime coach Dan Robinson is back at the helm.  His team numbers 18 and is particularly strong in the light weights.  With two returning State qualifiers, the team is looking good.  In addition, the future looks bright with 60 kids in the junior high and elementary levels.

 

                Present at the meeting were the basketball programs.  Girls basketball coach is Rich Hyde, who returns to the position after a four year of hiatus.  Joining him were seniors Natalie Sawyer and Abby Perkins who were subbing for co-captains Phoebe Saunders and junior Jennifer Judge.  Rich is putting in a lot of time to restock the program and looks for a .500 season in a tough conference.  They are currently 2-4.

 

                On the boys side, coach Bill Core brought his senior tri-captains, Caden Ball, Isiah Lendsey, and Zach Kegser.  The team is currently 3-3 and have yet to play a home game.  The season will be a challenge with some early season injuries.  The team consists of seven seniors, five juniors, and one sophomore.  Programs with the numbers were up.  Next year the OK will realign.  We lose Sparta, Comstock Park, and Grand Rapids Catholic Central; they will be replaced by Hamilton, Unity Christian, Holland Christian, and Fruitport.  Go Lakers.

 

Raffle Winner:  Joyce Jackson