LSJ Blogs: Get Prepped

Wait 'til next year, part II

On Monday we looked at early female candidates for 2009-10 LSJ Athlete of the Year. Here are some senior-to-be males to keep in mind.

A deserved next chapter

Mason's Qendrim Rexhepi suffered a knee injury on opening night of last fall's soccer season. But he'll get the chance to play again this season at Division II Tiffin in Ohio.

Wait 'til next year, part I

With our 2008-09 Athletes of the Year now announced, let's look at some of the early candidates for 2009-10. Today, the girls; Tuesday, the boys.

News Tip: Okemos' Antcliff steps down

Another big-time mid-Michigan coach has resigned. This time it's Okemos girls soccer coach Rob Antcliff, who stepped down Thursday afternoon.

Chopping Block

High school sports world is holding its collective breath this month as schools figure their budgets and what they might need to cut in these tough economic times. I've got some guesses, and I'd like to hear yours as well.

The Next Level

I'd like to print out full list of area seniors planning on competing at the next level next school year. Please click on the link below and let me know who I'm missing.

Home Sweet Home

Finally, Morrice and Webberville have found a home -- in the Genesee Area Conference.

Join the (sportsmanship) club

Summer time becomes non-school sports time for many area athletes, and I was asked lately how club sports can emphasize sportsmanship -- especially as it relates to parents going after referees/umpires/etc. -- without alienating some of its customers. Interesting question.

What's next

Here's our tentative schedule for the rest of this spring's all-area teams, and the 2008-09 Athletes of the Year.

Clearing the Classic

The Softball Classic has taken a bit of beating this week after Olivet had to pull out of the state quarterfinals because it accumulated too many regular-season competition points. Some fingers pointed at the Eagles' runner-up run at the Classic -- but that's a mistake.