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RHS Senior Lauren Reedy named D-1 Diver of the Year.
Rochester Senior Lauren Reedy was recently named Division 1 Diver of the Year by the Michigan Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (MISCA). Lauren capped off her tremendous career by winning the D-1 Diving State Title in November. In addition to her State Title, Lauren also won the OAA Championship, Oakland County Championship and captured the prestigious MISCA Diving Championship. Lauren set every Diving record at RHS on her way to becoming the school's first ever Diving State Champion. She will continue her diving career next year at the University of Missouri.
Rochester Senior Abby Rawling named Scholar-Athlete Winner
On February 21st the Michigan High School Athletic Association selected Rochester Senior Abby Rawling as one of 13 student-athletes from Class A member schools to receive a $1,000 scholarship through its Scholar-Athlete Award program sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance. Of Class A honorees, seven are girls and six are boys – with the seventh girl an at-large selection. Abi was chosen from over 300 nominees.
Abigail Rawling will play her third season of varsity soccer this spring and also played two varsity seasons of basketball and two sub-varsity seasons of volleyball. Abi was selected as captain of the basketball and soccer teams. She made her league's scholar athlete list each of her varsity seasons and is a three-year member of the National Honor Society and has earned her school's perfect attendance award. Abby earned honors from her school's pre-calculus and German departments, tutors at-risk students and mentors freshmen among volunteer efforts. She also serves as a Level 8 soccer referee and also recently obtained Red Cross lifeguard certification. Abby will attend Michigan State University's Eli Broad School of Business, and intends to major in accounting with a minor in sociology.
Essay Quote – "The lessons of self-control and courtesy, even when angry or frustrated, develop the skills to become a person of character. The simple things, like a handshake or a verbal 'good job' allow opponents and teammates to respect the effort put forth by both sides. The same thing is true everywhere, including school or work. The lessons of good sportsmanship are meant to be carried on into life beyond athletics."
Each scholarship recipient was honored during a halftime ceremony at the Class C Boys Basketball Final game March 24 at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing.
Rochester Wrestlers win 7 Individual District Titles
It was an epic day for Rochester Wrestling as the Falcons captured 7 individual District Titles.
Junior Justin Kim took the title at 103lbs. Kim won his first two matches by pin over Chippewa Valley and Lake Orion. He then defeated his opponent from Stoney Creek in the semifinals 10-6 before handing Connor McDill from Utica Eisenhower only his 2nd loss of the season with a 7-4 decision. Kim improved to 30-1 overall on the season.
At 119lbs Junior Josh Wood won the title. Wood defeated all of his opponents by pin as he won in :58 over his opponent from Utica Eisenhower, 3:58 over his opponent from Utica Ford and in the final in 3:04 over Dominic Patrus from Stephenson. Wood improved to 39-4 overall.
At 135lbs Junior Kalen Richards claimed the title with 3 wins. Richards opened with a pin in 1:12 over his opponent from Lanse Creuse North, defeated his opponent from Adams 8-1 in the semis and finished the day with an 8-2 win over Jake Johnson from Dakota. Richards improves to 41-5 overall.
At 140lbs Junior Dean Vettesse also had 3 wins to claim the title. Vettesse pinned his opponent from Chippewa Valley in 1:23, won a 9-0 decision over his opponent from Dakota and then defeated Rocco Borg from Oxford 6-1 in the final. Vettesse improves to 35-6 overall.
At 145lbs Sophomore Aaron Morgan claimed the title with 3 wins. Morgan pinned his opponent from Romeo in :36 to open his day, won a close 9-7 decision over his opponent from Dakota in the semifinals and won the title with an 8-3 decision over Andriw Prise from Stoney Creek. Morgan improves to 34-8 on the season.
At 171lbs Senior Cody Devoe prevailed in a tough district. Devoe opened with a pin in 1:24 over his opponent from Stoney Creek, won a 9-4 decision over his opponent from Lake Orion and then in the finals defeated the 3rd ranked 171lb wrestler in the State, Charlie Myers from Utica Eisenhower, 5-2. Devoe improves to 45-3 overall.
In the most exciting weight class of the day, Sophomore Schwan Shadaia won 4 matches at 189lbs to claim the title. Shadaia pinned his opponent from Utica in 1:17 to open his day, defeated his opponent from Adams 7-2, defeated his opponent from Adams 6-2 in the semifinals and won the Championship in dramatic fashion with a 14-12 OT decision over David Skochelak from Utica Ford.
The Falcons will next be in action as a team Wednesday at Utica Ford in the team Regionals. Rochester will open up with L'anse Creuse at 5:00pm.
2008 Grad Amy Meier named Golf Association of Michigan Women's POY.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -Amy Meier, junior captain on the Ohio State women's golf team, was named the Golf Association of Michigan Women's Player of the Year, the organization announced. The Rochester Hills, Mich., product was the top point-scorer among all women golfers in the state this season.
Meier had a solid season on the links this past summer highlighted by solid performances on the national level. She opened with a fifth-place finish at the U.S. Women's Open Sectional Qualifier in Chicago, earning second alternate from the district.
She finished tied for first at the 2011 U.S. Women's Amateur Sectional in Dayton and reached the national tournament held at the Rhode Island Country Club, Aug. 8-14. Meier tied for 18th following two round of stroke play to advance to the match play portion of the tournament she knocked off Canada's Jennifer Kirby in the opening round, but fell in the second.
Following the fall season, Meier is tied for second on the 2011-12 squad with a 75.58 stroke average over 12 rounds played.
Senior Lauren Reedy Wins D-1 State Title in Diving.
Senior Lauren Reedy capped her perfect season as she nailed her final two dives to capture the Division 1 MHSAA State Title in Diving. Reedy trailed by 8 points going into the final two dives but finished 21.4 points ahead of 2nd place finisher Emma Gaboury from Marian. Reedy had a tremendous season as she won the MISCA Championship, OAA Championships and set two school records in diving. All of her hard work and success was rewarded last week as the Senior signed a National Letter of Intent with Missouri.
Senior Taylor Perry Signs With Western Michigan.
Senior Taylor Perry has signed his National Letter of Intent to play basketball at Western Michigan University. Perry, a 4-year starter for Rochester High, has scored 582 points in his first 3 seasons. Perry led Rochester to an OAA Championship as a Junior and a 16-6 season as he averaged 19.3ppg, 7.6rpg, 3.2apg, 1.9spg and 1.1bpg.
Senior Kelsey Dieters wins 2nd Tennis State Title at #1 Singles.
Senior Kelsey Dieters of Rochester closed out her high school tennis career by winning her second Division 1 No. 1 singles flight championship."It was real exciting," Dieters said. "It's my last time here, so I wanted to play really well. I wanted to end it on a high note because it was my goal all season."
Dieters, the No. 1 seed, came back to win after dropping the first set in both of her matches on Saturday at the Midland Community Tennis Center.
She lost the first set in the semifinals, 5-7, then came back to win, 6-3, 6-2, over No. 4 seed Daniella Pattton of Midland Dow. No. 3 seed Alix Thurman of Harrison Township L'Anse Cruese took the first set in the finals, 6-3 and was up 3-0 in the 2nd set before Dieters came back to win, 7-5, 6-4.
"I didn't play my best," Dieters said of the first-set struggles in the final. "I just tried to keep pushing through the rest of the match.
"We both just wanted to play our best. It was a battle."
Dieters lost in the semifinals as a freshman and junior. She won the title as the top seed as a sophomore, beating Nicole Janek of Clarkston, 6-2, 6-2.
Dieters finishes her career with an incredible record of 105-4 including wins in 85 of her last 86 matches. Dieters will continue her career next season at The Ohio State University.
6 More Falcons Sign Letter of Intent.
Seniors Kelsey Dieters, Nick Bradley and Erin Leppek made it official as all 3 accepted scholarships offers to Division 1 schools.
Kelsey Dieters will continue her tennis career at The Ohio St. University. Dieters won the 2009 MHSAA D-1 Championship as a Sophomore going a perfect 26-0 on the season. Dieters was also a State Semifinalist as a Freshman and a Junior and is currently the #1 Ranked Senior in the State of Michigan and #2 Ranked Senior in the Midwest. In addition to her success on the court, Kelsey also maintains a 3.95 GPA.
Nick Bradley will continue his Baseball career at Western Michigan University. Bradley, a 4-year starter, led Rochester to their first District Title in 12 years as a Junior hitting .354 as a SS along with being the teams #1 Pitcher. On the Football Field Nick was a 3-year starter at QB who led the Falcons to their 1st Playoff Appearance in 11 seasons this past Fall earning All-OAA Honors in the process.
Erin Leppek will continue her Volleyball Career at the University of Iowa. Leppek was a 4-year starter who led the Falcons to 103 wins during her career. Leppek, with her size and great vertical, compiled 713 Kills and 543 blocks during her career as she earned All-OAA and All-Region each of the last two seasons. Erin has also excelled in the class room maintaining a 3.95 GPA.
Senior Brook Handler ran a perfect race as she went shoulder to shoulder with race favorite Gabrielle Anazalone from Grand Blanc from the start and then outkicked Anazalone to win the D-1 State Championship. Handler finished in 17:00.2 which is the 2nd fasted time ever at MIS just 6 seconds off the State Record set last year by Megan Goethals. Anazalone finished 1.5 seconds behind Handler to take 2nd place. Last week, Handler took 2nd place at Regionals behind Shannon Osika from Waterford Mott. Osika finished in 6th place this week a full 38 seconds behind. Handler finished in 13th place last season to also earn All-State Honors. It is the 3rd straight year a runner from Rochester has won the Championships. Also running a season best time was Freshman Jessica Goethals who finished in 49th place in a time of 18:56.2. It was the 10th best time for all Freshman in D-1.
Rochester Captures District Title
In the District Semifinal, Rochester jumped out to an early lead, and then came back late to beat Utica Eisenhower 6-5 in 8 innings. Junior Nick Bradley got things going early for Rochester with a 2-run blast in the first inning. With 2 outs in the 3rd inning Falcon Junior Trevor Elliott came through with a huge hit knocking in Bradley to give Rochester a 3-0 lead. Ike would come back with 2 runs in the 3rd and 3 in the 4th to take a 5-3 lead. However Elliott came through again in the 5th with another 2 out hit knocking in Seniors Jimmy Kingsley and Nick Crivella, who both singled, to tie the game at 5. The game remained tied going into the 7th when Ike had a chance to end it. With bases loaded and two-outs, Nick Bradley got a big flyout to set up extra innings. In the 8th, Falcon Senior David Rohn walked to start the inning and was sacrificed to 2nd base by Senior Alec Camp. A base hit by Senior Steven Roessel put runners on the corners. Rohn would then score the go ahead run on a balk. Nick Bradley would pitch a 1-2-3 8th to seal the win. Bradley pitched 4 solid innings of relief allowing shutting down Ike while allowing just 1 hit.
In the District Championship Game, Senior Jimmy Kingsley threw a 2 hitter and Rochester came through with some clutch hits as the Falcons beat Athens 6-2 to claim the District Championship. Kingsley struck out 5, walked 3 and got some excellent defensive support from his teammates who did not commit an error.
Rochester opened the scoring in the 3rd inning as Junior Mike Kmiec reached on an error to start the rally. RBI Singles by Seniors Jimmy Kingsley and Mike Rau followed for a 2-0 Falcon lead. In the 4th inning the Falcons added a run to their lead. Senior David Rohn reached on an error, advanced to 3rd on a single by Senior Steven Roessel and was knocked in by a 2 out hit from Senior Ryan Crivella Athens responded with 2 runs in the 5th on their only 2 hits, but that was all for the Red Hawks. Rochester would add 1 run in the 6th as Roessel walked. Sophomore Cody Devoe pinch ran and stole 2nd and 3rd base. Devoe was then knocked in with another 2 out hit by Ryan Crivella. In the 7th the Falcons added more insurance runs as Nick Bradley reached on an error, Senior Mike Rau singled and Junior Trevor Elliott walked to load the bases. Senior David Rohn singled in a run followed by a squeeze by Senior Alec Camp to give Rochester a 6-2 lead. Kingsley would retire the side in order in the 7th inning.
Rochester Captures D-1 State Championship
By MARVIN GOODWIN
Of The Oakland Press
ROCKFORD — Rochester’s girls let the Oakland County and OAA Red track titles slip away from them by the slimmest of margins. But on the biggest stage of the season, the Falcons didn’t let this one get away.
Using a combination of speed and endurance, the Falcons captured the Division 1 state track and field title Saturday at Rockford High School.
Rochester scored 65 points, finishing ahead of Rockford (58), East Kentwood (46.5) and Grosse Pointe South and Ann Arbor Pioneer, which each finished with 33 points.
Rochester lost the OAA Red meet title by a point and placed third at the Oakland County meet behind Troy and Lake Orion. But the Falcons were ready for state.
“We knew it was going to be ups and downs,” Rochester coach Larry Adams said. “Our goal was to score in every event we were in and we accomplished that goal. Matter of fact, every girl who competed today came home with at least one state championship, whether on a relay or individual. Everybody chipped in and everybody was a part of that win. I am very, very happy with that. The girls did a great, great job. I’m really thankful for a great season.”
Once again, Rochester senior Megan Goethals led the charge, winning the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs for the second straight year, and running the leadoff leg on the record-setting 3,200-meter relay, which clocked a sizzling pending Division 1 record of 9:05.47. Brook Handler, who was second in the 800, Cady Pozolo and Erin Leppek joined Goethals.
“This is my third time doing the three and I knew it’s more mentally tough at states, more stressful ... so I just prepared myself mentally for it this week,” said Goethals, who although capping her career with a team state title, also realized her high school career is over. “It’s kind of bittersweet. I’m really happy about everything, but I’m sad because I’m done with high school racing.”
But the Falcons weren’t done. Ashley Keyes won the 100-meter dash in 12.39 seconds, edging Southfield-Lathrup’s Jewel Thomas. Keyes also joined Emily Leppek, Lauren Hetrick and Teanna Murray on the winning 400 relay (48.42). Keyes also placed sixth in the long jump and Erin Leppek placed eighth, as the Falcons continued to gather points to keep a strong Rockford squad at bay.
Rochester Senior Alec Suleskey Drafted in 1st Round of the NAHL Draft
Rochester Senior Alec Suleskey capped his tremendous Rochester United Hockey career as he became First Round Draft pick in NAHL Draft. Suleskey was drafted 21st overall by the Michigan Warriors.
"He's a big, strong, hard hitter, a little bit nasty,” Warrior General Manager Tom Boileau said upon drafting Suleskey. “He's highly skilled but he has a little nasty edge to him. He's a big hitter in the neutral zone, a Scott Stevens-type guy. If you're coming through the neutral zone with your head down, you better watch out. He keeps everybody honest. He's a real presence."
Suleskey has led Rochester United to new heights the past two season as RU won their first Regional Championship in 2009 and then returned to the Regional Championship in 2010. Suleskey was a First Team All-County Selection and Honorable Mention All-State his Senior year. In addition, Suleskey became the 1st player from Rochester named to Team Michigan. Team Michigan was comprised of the best High School players from Michigan assembled to play in the Minnesota Showcase. The Minnesota Showcase is a tournament featuring the best players from around the Country.
RCS would like to congratulate Alec on your fantastic career to date and Good Luck with your future hockey endeavors.
Six More Falcons Moving On to the Next Level
Six more Rochester student athletes have signed letters of intent to continue their playing careers at the collegiate level. In all, 14 Falcons will continue their athletic careers in college. Pictured from Left to Right are: Kristin Swann (Lake Erie College Volleyball), Alycen Wiacek (Wayne St. Swim), Sean Herbon (Northwood Basketball), Sam Sobie (University of Detroit Cheer), Samantha Wright (University of Detroit Cheer) and Lindsey Allen (University of Michigan Cheer). Also pictured is Head Varsity Volleyball Coach Shana Poll, Head JV Volleyball Coach Kirk Gibbs and Girls Head Swim & Dive Coach Paul Karas. Congratulations to all on their wonderful High School careers and future collegiate careers.
Seniors Alyssa Rawling and Alycen Wiacek Named Academic All America in Swim
Seniors Alyssa Rawling and Alycen Wiacek have both been named Academic All America by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association of America. The two Seniors led Rochester's remarkable turn around this past season which resulted in an OAA White Division Title for the Falcon's.
Alysaa Rawling was the Falcons top performer in the Breaststroke finishing 3rd at the OAA White League Meet and was also on the State Qualifying 200 Melay Relay team that finished 4th at the League meet for Rochester. Rawling's carries a 4.0 average and is the class Valedictorian.
Alycen Wiacek is the school record holder in the 200 Free and a State Qualifier in both the 200 Free and 500 Free. Wiacek was also the OAA White Champion in the 200 Free and Runner-up in the 500 Free. Wiacek also maintains a 3.9 GPA and was a finalst for the MHSAA Scholar Athlete Award.
Over 289,000 students are involved in high school aquatics and less than 2% are recognized as High School Academic All Americans. Congratulations to both Alysaa and Alycen for their tremendous careers both in the pool and in the classroom at RHS.
Five Falcon Wrestlers Qualify for State Finals
Rochester turned in a tremendous performance at Individual Regionals as the Falcons won 3 Championships and will send 5 total qualifiers to the Individual State Finals.
Freshman Josh Wood followed up is District Title with a Regional Title at 103lbs. Wood won a Majority Decision(11-2) over Ian Murphy of Cousino in the Quarterfinals, a Majority Decision over Eric Rybarz from Anchor Bay (14-3) in the Semifinal and gained a 3rd Majority Decision in the Championship with a 13-3 Decision over Tayron Womble of Romeo. Wood improves to 29-5 overall.
Fellow Freshman Kalen Richards got some revenge as he followed up his District Runner-up finish with a Regional Title at 119lbs. Richards defeated Eric Maniaci by pin at 2:45 in the Quarterfinals, Doug Zendel of Roseville by Decision (7-2) and then beat Andrew Napieraj of Brother Rice, who beat him last week in Districts, in the Final by Decision 7-2. Richards improves to 40-11 overall.
In what may have been the most open class at the Rochester Regional, Junior Diego Camp claimed a Regional Championship at 140lbs in exciting fashion. Camp defeated Blake Bradley from L"anse Creuse North by pin at 1:41. Camp followed that up with a pair of exciting OT wins. Camp 1st beat got some payback on District Champ Jordan Hrynik of Stoney Creek with a 7-5 win. Camp lost 3-0 to Hrynik at Districts last week and trailed 5-0 before staging a comeback. Camp then capped off his day with a 10-8 OT win against Nolan Solomon from Sterling Heights to win the Regional Title. Camp improves to 29-24 overall.
Senior Alec Camp also moves on with a 2nd place finish at 171lbs. Camp was dominant in his 1st two matches defeating JeJuan Henderson of Grosse Pointe North by Tech. Fall in the Quarterfinals and Brennan Kelly of DeLaSalle by Tech. Fall in the Semifinals. Camp, who is ranked 9th at 171lbs, faced unbeaten (54-0) and 3rd Ranked Josh Batkins from L'Anse Creuse in the Championships. It was a tight battle but Camp fell just short of handing Batkins his first loss as he dropped a close 6-4 decision. Camp improves to 38-7 overall.
Also qualfying at 160lbs was Junior Matt Waszkiewicz with a 4th place finish.. Waszkiewicz dropped his Quarterfinal match to Matt Schodowski from Anchor Bay in a 5-1 decision before rallying in the blood round. Waszkiewicz defeated Roderick Hicks from Warren Cousino by decision 6-2 then defeated Orrin Bryant by a 12-6 decision to punch his ticket to the Finals. Waszkiewicz dropped a close 6-3 decision to Schodowski from Anchor Bay in the 3rd place match. Waszkiewicz improves to 33-14 overall.
The 5 Falcons will get 2 weeks to prepare for the State Finals March 4th-6th at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Rochester's Megan Goethals Named "Gatorade National Cross Country Player of the Year"
On Wednesday, February 3rd Rochester Senior Megan Goethals was named the 2009-10 Gatorade National Cross Country Player of the Year. Megan became first time a female athlete from the State of Michigan to win the award in the 25-year history of the award in any sport. Megan is now one of 11 finalist for the Gatorade/ESPN National Player of the Year. That announcement will be made in July in Hollywood at the ESPY's.
Eight Falcons Sign Letter of Intent
8 Rochester Student Athletes have signed letters of intent to continue their playing careers at the collegiate level. Pictured from Left to Right are: Haley Burtraw (Central Michigan Soccer), Lindsey Chenoweth (Olivet Soccer), Megan Goethals (University of Washington Cross Country/Track), Amanda Anton (West Virgina Soccer), RayLynn Coghlan (Mott Volleyball), Molly Irvine (OCC Volleyball), Christine Meier (Michigan St. Golf), and Dayna Drews (Lake Superior St. Golf). Also pictures is Cross Country Coach Larry Adams, Principal Wendy Zdeb, Volleyball Coach Shana Poll, and Golf Coach Jeff Haney. Congratulations to all on their wonderful High School careers and future collegiate careers.
Coach Jerry Murphy Inducted into the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame
On February 4th, with Family, Friends, Alums and peers present, Rochester High School Varsity Tennis Coach Jerry Murphy was inducted into the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Below is a Description of Coach Murphy and his accomplishments provided by the Tennis Coaches Association.
High school students learn that the statement: “If Christopher Columbus hadn’t discovered America, we wouldn’t be here” is a fallacy. After all, somebody would have eventually accomplished the feat. Nevertheless, we celebrate Columbus Day.
To say that if Jerry Murphy hadn’t pioneered what became known as the 16-point rule, we wouldn’t have the current 18-point rule is a similar fallacy. Nevertheless, any coach whose team didn’t place first or second in the regional but still qualified for state competition has Jerry to thank for it. John McEnroe once said that present-day female tennis pros should give a portion of their winnings to Billie Jean King. In like manner, if you qualified for state competition as a third place regional team, perhaps you should promote a movement to establish a Murphy Day (We suggest regional Friday or Saturday) to celebrate the Murphy Rule.
Jerry once described his quest to right this wrong as an exercise as in “positive dissatisfaction.” To be sure, he was propelled by a certain amount of self-interest. Although he has always fielded strong teams of talented tennis players in a community with lots of advantages, he competes in a rough neighborhood: Perennial powers such as Bloomfield Andover and Lahser, Birmingham Seaholm and Groves, Troy and Troy Athens, and neighbor Rochester Adams. Too often, he has seen his very good teams stay home while kids his players had defeated during the season have gone on to compete in Midland because they were fortunate enough to play in a weaker regional.
Indeed, Jerry’s overall dual meet record is just a bit above .500. He has brought home 4 regional trophies and qualified for state 5 times in the course of his 35 years at the helm. But those who have competed against his kids know that they can play.
And that the man can coach. “My most memorable Murph story,” says Warren Block of Troy Athens (himself a Hall of Famer, Class of 2005) “is when we were walking along the bleachers during a match and the old wood bleachers at Athens gave out and he really messed up his leg as one leg went right through and he sank up to his crotch. But he kept on coaching.”
Actually, Jerry’s career in athletics centered around football and baseball at Pontiac Central. He captained both teams as a senior but even more remarkably, he captained the football team for an unprecedented three years. He did well for the freshman football team at MSU but an injury hampered him enough to call it quits on Duffy Daugherty’s team his sophomore year. His major exposure to tennis came through his parents who excelled in the sport during their younger years, his dad being a high school state runner-up in 1941 in both singles and doubles and his mother winning the 1945 state municipal mixed doubles crown.
Their son graduated from MSU in 1971 with a major in social studies and a minor in coaching. He also earned a master’s degree in exercise physiology. He loves teaching U.S. history. “I asked a recently hired new teacher who graduated from Rochester High School if she knew Jerry Murphy,” reports Doug Adams, assistant principal of Clio High School and MHSTeCA Hall of Fame Class of 2000. “She stated: ‘He’s the reason I went into teaching!’ This young teacher who we hired went on and on about the enthusiasm and love of his subject that Mr. Murphy shared with his students on a daily basis.” This was in 2008.
He also maintained his love for football and passed it on, coaching various squads at the head freshman, JV, and assistant varsity levels in the Rochester schools for 34 years. He gave up football coaching only because of the gender equity change of seasons. This means three years of varsity girls coaching and 35 at the helm of the boys resulting in 216 dual meet wins against some pretty stiff competition. He also found time to serve as our president from 2003 to 2005.
“Always a joy to coach against,” concludes Warren. Indeed, Jerry rubbed shoulders with some pretty stiff coaching competition as well. In both the Metro Suburban Activities Association and the Oakland Activities Association, he has over three and a half decades enjoyed the fellowship of Hall of Famers Jan Esper of Bloomfield Lahser (Class of 2004), Ed Waits of Southfield-Lathrup (2007), Warren Block of Troy Athens (2005), and Al Must of Rochester Adams (2010). From personal experience and on several levels, they understand more than most that Jerry Murphy belongs, alongside them, in the Hall of Fame.
Goethals Uses Late Push to Capture the Foot Locker National Championship
Senior Megan Goethals capped off her brilliant High School career as she tracked down Chelsey Sveinsson from Dallas, Texas to win the Footlocker National Championship in San Diego.
Goethals ran with the lead pack throughout the race. With about 1/4 mile to go Sveinsson, who won the South Regional, began to pull away. Sveinsson opened up a 15 meter lead with about 150 to go when Goethals began her surge. Goethals incredibly made up the distance and edged a diving Sveinsson at the finish line by .2 seconds. Goethals, who won the Midwest Regional, finished in 17:06.9. Sveinsson finished at 17:07.1. With the win, Goethals becomes the first ever woman to win the High School Cross Country National Championship from the State of Michigan. The previous best finish by a Michigan woman was a 3rd place finish by Goethals at this event last year. Goethals will next move on to her collegiate career with the 2008 National and 2009 PAC Ten Champion University of Washington Huskies.