Attending a big university is something that Greenville graduate Melanie Wallis has wanted to do for as long as she can remember. Closing the high school chapter of her life, she’ll get to make that dream a reality in the most unexpected way possible as a member of the University of Michigan’s women’s rowing team.
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‘I want to be an All-American’
Belding alum Jack Ward has standout freshman wrestling season at OlivetIn a new place 60 miles from home, Jack Ward is making a name for himself in collegiate wrestling. The four-time All State and state champion wrestler from Belding entered his new chapter of life not really knowing what to expect. “I was pretty naive,” Ward said. “I wouldn’t say I came in with too much confidence, but I just expected good things.”
‘Redeem yourself’
Greenville’s Blaser and several local riders shine at Montcalm County Fair rodeo eventHigh temperatures and blistering sun rays were no match for the toughest sport on dirt, making its return to the Montcalm County Fairgrounds over the weekend. To kick off this week’s fair festivities, Flying Star Rodeo Productions of Reed City brought the rodeo to town for an evening of family-friendly fun.
‘Boring golf’ pays off for Centurions
With probationary handcuffs off, MCC golf makes a national splashAfter finally fulfilling both state and national probationary periods, the Montcalm Community College Centurions men’s golf team quickly made a splash, earning a regional title and an appearance at the national championship. With MCC bringing back its athletics program, after a more than 40-year hiatus, each Centurions team was on a standard probationary period both the National Junior College Athletics Association (one year) and Michigan Community College Athletics Association (two years).
Feels like home
Back-to-back late birdies leads Spain’s Ciganda to win Meijer LPGA Classic, first tour win since 2016Sunday’s final round of the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give was full of drama from start to finish. Following a highly competitive third round on Saturday, six golfers entered the last day of the tournament sharing the lead at 11-under par, setting the fans up for a thrilling day of women’s golf.
GHS Athletic Boosters find growing success in second annual golf outing fundraiser
Beautiful weather conditions and a massive crowd of people made for an exciting day on the fairways and greens of Brookside Golf Course Friday afternoon. Carrying out the success of last year’s event, which originated from an idea during a boosters meeting only a year ago, the Greenville High School Athletic Boosters hosted their second annual golf outing fundraising event to raise money for their general funds.
Giving back on the mat
Jack Ward gives back to Belding wrestling with small wrestling campAll Jack Ward has ever wanted to do during his wrestling career is find a way to give back to the program that has given him so much over the years. After some thought, he found a way to accomplish his goal with the help of both new and familiar faces. “The sport of wrestling is all about giving back,” Ward said. “It’s a really small community, so it’s just kind of a thing you do.”
‘A great community’
Several major and past champions to headline field for 11th Meijer LPGA ClassicLast year’s Meijer LPGA Classic win was something completely unexpected for California native Lilia Vu. “I think winning here meant everything to me,” Vu said at a press conference on Tuesday. “It was after my two-month break from my back injury, and I remember I wanted to come to this event, felt like I was finally ready, and I didn’t really have a goal for myself. I think I made it really easy: just make contact with the golf ball.” She was able to accomplish this and so much more in her first tournament in three months as she beat former champion Lexi Thompson of Florida and Australia’s Grace Kim, who had a five-stroke lead to start the final day, in a three-hole playoff to win the title, finishing the weekend 16-under par.
East Kentwood, Gull Lake’s, East Lansing ADs selected for 2025 MHSAA Bush Awards
East Kentwood athletic director Blaine Brumels, Richland Gull Lake athletic director Karyn Furlong and East Lansing athletic director Nikki Norris are widely regarded as exemplary event hosts after decades of managing countless Michigan High School Athletic Association tournament competitions at their respective schools — and also thriving in leadership positions at the Finals championship level. Their expertise in fulfilling this essential role in MHSAA postseason play is among several reasons Brumels, Furlong and Norris have been honored as the 2025 recipients of the MHSAA’s Allen W. Bush Award.
GRCC men’s golf coach Forton announces retirement
Greenville man led Raiders to a decade of successGrand Rapids Community College men’s golf coach John Forton has announced that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2025 season, capping a remarkable 10-year run at the helm of one of the most consistently dominant programs in the region. Forton’s leadership has helped shape GRCC into a powerhouse in collegiate golf. Under his guidance, the Raiders recently clinched their 16th consecutive conference championship and 12th MCCAA title — milestones that speak to both sustained excellence and a culture of winning.
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