In 1964, a young Albert Gillespie whisked down the slopes of Mt. Holly Ski Resort for the first time—just eight years after business partners James “Grant” Hanks and Morton Graddis opened it with a modest four runs.
On a crisp first day of November, Powers Catholic’s deeply talented cross country squad was about to toe the Division 2 state meet starting line following a season of spectacular performances.
Before the parades and pumpkin pie, before families across Flint sat down to eat, there was one thing that brought the entire city together, even as it divided it: the Thanksgiving Day Game.
Michigan State receiver Omari Kelly’s face lit up when asked about his position coach, Courtney Hawkins, during this year’s spring practice. “I love coach Hawk, that’s my guy,” said Kelly, a first-team Conference USA standout who transferred from Middle Tennessee State following last season. “We have our serious moments, but a lot of times, we are just bonding and having a good time. Since he’s played at the highest level, he can chime in on things he has seen and experienced and that puts things in better perspective for me.”
There was little doubt about the pitch that made the Grand Blanc-based District 4 squad Senior League Softball World Series Champions.
It’s been a banner year for Greater Flint high school sports – and the championship banners prove it! From the hardwood to the bowling lanes to the ice, our local athletes delivered standout seasons packed with grit, teamwork and unforgettable moments. Let’s take a look at the teams who brought home the titles and made their schools and communities proud.
Greater Flint is home to some of Michigan’s most driven, talented and inspiring student-athletes – and this year’s standout seniors and rising stars have proven that hard work, leadership and passion yield powerful results.
Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley became mesmerized by the enthralling events and sheer spectacle of the Midwest Invitational Rodeo as he watched it unfold one year at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Belleville.
Duncan Beagle and Tom Saxton share a deep affection and appreciation for Flint’s venerable Atwood Stadium, the site of countless memorable sporting events and other community happenings for nearly a century.
The 2023-24 team matched the 2012 state champs by finishing the regular season unbeaten before falling to eventual state champion Detroit Edison in the state quarterfinals. Photo courtesy of Goodrich High School Athletics.
As the final lap of the Olympic men’s 5,000 meter race at raucous Stade de France in Paris began to unfold, Grant Fisher was summoning everything his body had left to give.
The Powers Catholic High School Chargers finished with a school-record 37 wins and just six losses, winning 19 of their final 20 games, including a victory over eventual Division 1 State Champion, Northville. Coach Tom Dutkowski (far left) was named the 2024 Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association Coach of the Year.
