Welcome to another edition of Making the Grade, where we highlight the achievements of our student-athletes and discuss the success of Big Rapids Public Schools’ athletic programs. This episode features a distinguished panel: Mike Selzer, Head Coach of Football and Boys Track; Tim Haist, Superintendent of Big Rapids Public Schools; Cole Haist, Student-Athlete and MHSAA Member; and Dawn Thompson, Athletic Director.
Blog post by Connor Penn
The episode begins with each panelist sharing their background and experiences, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on the Fall and Winter seasons. The conversation kicks off with an impressive look at the achievements from the past year. The women’s golf team not only captured another Conference Championship but also earned a spot in the State Finals. Similarly, the men’s tennis team reached the State Finals, showcasing their skill and dedication.
Sports at Big Rapids High School
Mike Selzer then highlights the football team’s third Conference Championship victory andtheir successful playoff run. Cole Haist adds his perspective on the season, emphasizing that the team accomplished all of their goals, marking it as a highly successful year. Dawn Thompson shifts the focus to the winter season, noting the remarkable achievements of the women’s basketball team, which completed a perfect 10-0 run in Conference play. Despite being a young team, they demonstrated incredible promise and performance on the court. Additionally, Dawn discusses the men’s basketball team, which won 16 games, and touches on the success of the wrestling and hockey programs. As the discussion continues, Mike Selzer provides an update on the boys’ track team, offering insights into their progress and expectations for the upcoming season.
Athletics
Moving on the episode continues by diving deeper into the athletics programs at Big Rapids Public Schools. Mike begins by recognizing several students who earned spots on athletic teams at Ferris State University, a testament to the high level of talent cultivated within the district. Cole Haist talks about the baseball team and their impressive performance in the previous season. Dawn Thompson rounds out the conversation by detailing the breadth of sports offered at Big Rapids, noting that most sports have varsity, junior varsity, and even freshman programs, providing ample opportunities for student-athletes to participate and grow throughout the school year. For more information on Big Rapids Public Schools athletics, please visit brps.org/o/bra.
Going forward we then talk to Mike Selzer about the importance of academics when it comes into play with high school sports. He speaks out how academics come first before sports. If you don’t have the grades that meet the standards to participate in sports you aren’t allowed to play in any sporting events. Cole Haist pipes in with how sometimes being an athlete means you have to sacrifice doing other things outside of athletics. Then expresses that it’s always important to stay committed to something and be a team player and not abandon your what you are apart of.
Role of Athletics/ Mental health
We then talk to Dawn about the role of the athletic leadership team (which has been running in Big Rapids High School for about 10 years now). How they pick these leaders is based on finding 4-5 kids from each grade level (freshman, sophomore, etc.) these leaders are then in charge of making athletics and fan engagement better for all sports. Including reaching out to the student body and inviting them to sporting events and even throwing events to make it an overall inclusive experience.
Cole then talks about his experience of being selected as one of the eight juniors in the state of Michigan to be a part of the MHSA Student Advisory Council and the process it takes to be a part of the council. What this council does is each year they have a goal that is set. This year’s goal is social media and pushing out the youths’ voices so they can be heard. Dawn speaks up about how important mental health is especially for the younger generations and how it is ok not to be okay. She also expressed that it’s important to have a group of friends or teammates to bond with and use that bond to speak up or find a trusted authority figure.
We then wrap up this episode of Making the Grade with how all the faculty not only at Big Rapids High School but also at Ferris State University want you to know that you are in a safe zone and that each establishment wants you to be aware that they are looking out for you and want you to be safe. Thank you for joining us today and remember you are not alone. If you or someone you know is having a hard time talk/ call somebody today at 988 or 988lifeline.org
Watch the full episode to learn more and join us next week for more content!