Your 2020 OK White Athletes of Year: Jaydon Moleski and Omani Morales!

By John Norton, Athletic Director Cedar Springs Public Schools

John Norton, Athletic Director at Cedar Springs Public Schools, recently announced their OK White Conference Athletes of the Year. Both recipients receive a plaque and conference certificate. What follows is his announcement.

As we do every year, we have one male and one female athlete that will represent our school as the 2020 OK White Conference athlete of the year, as well as being the Class of 2020 Athlete of the Year. This is the most prestigious award annually in the athletic department.

These athletes are recognized by all coaches, players, and athletic directors in the OK Conference and here at Cedar Springs High School as examples of how high school student athletes should compete and act—on and around the playing fields. These individuals have achieved athletic excellence.

Your 2020 female Athlete of the Year and OK White Conference Athlete for Cedar Springs is Omani Morales. Omani is a multiple sport standout in softball and bowling, as well as a star in the classroom with a 3.95 GPA. Outside of sports, Omani is easy going, funny, incredibly humble with great priorities—you can tell she has great parents. But as an athlete she has laser focus on her goals and an incredible work ethic. She was a softball and bowling team captain this year, and one thing that always stood out to me, is her sportsmanship. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a better sport or teammate, in success or in failure. But her domination of the bowling alley is what has earned her a scholarship to bowl at Davenport next year. How’s this resume?

Led team to first ever and multiple consecutive OK White championships; two-time regional champ; academic all-state; four-time conference champion; three-time state individual qualifier; state champ; dream team – all classes; Miss Bowling 2020 in Michigan. 

The best. Nothing else to say—Omani Morales—congratulations, you’ve been a joy to watch.

Most the time, I’d say that’s a tough act to follow, but our male athlete of the year more than holds his own. I’m proud to announce our male selection as athlete of the year is Jaydon Moleski. He is mostly known for his excellence in track and cross country, but he also played hockey and soccer during his career. I remember watching Jaydon as a freshman playing varsity soccer, and I knew he was special, he was a competitor, and he was going to succeed no matter what he did.

In addition to a fierce competitor, Jaydon is a loyal teammate and true leader as described by his coaches.

Cross country coach Jones said the following: “I can’t say enough about his impact off the course as well. He has a bright personality and approaches everything he does with enthusiasm. He knows when it’s time to have fun but also knows when it’s time to flip the switch and compete. I feel that Jaydon has set the standard for Red Hawk distance runners for years to come. If our younger runners can continue to emulate his work ethic, competitiveness and leadership skills then I’ll be a happy coach.”

And the accolades speak for themselves:

Cross Country: #9 Cedar Springs All-Time; three-time All-Conference; one-time All-Area; two-time Regional Medalist; two-time Academic All-State; one-time All-State.

Track & Field: One-time All-Conference; one-time All-State (Indoors); one-time All-State (Outdoors).

Jaydon will be continuing his running career on scholarship at Rochester University while studying in their Sports Management program. I am certain that he will continue to represent our town and our athletic department at the highest level during his next chapter in life.

Madi Outwin officially signed at a small ceremony outside Cedar Springs High School on June 16  to continue her volleyball career at Great Lakes Christian College In Lansing, Mich. Family, friends and coaches were there to commemorate the event. 

Madi has been a two-sport standout (soccer and volleyball) throughout her four year career at Cedar Springs. She is the daughter of Amy and Ryan Outwin.

CEDAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL

TRACK & FIELD

Julia Danielson

Parents: Elise Gates, DJ & Hollin Delacruz, Tony & Andrea Caruso

Future Plans: Attend Grand Rapids Community College to study Child Development, with future plans to work with kids

Career Highlight: Long Jumping 16 feet and 1.75 inches ,which was a new personal record at Greenville last year, in what was her last track meet

“I want to thank my whole family, and all my friends for being there and supporting me through all my years of playing track. Coming to every track meet, no matter what type of weather, they were always there for me and I love them so much. I also want to thank all the coaches that helped me get better everyday at practice, and pushed me to do my best at every track meet.”

To the Underclassmen: “Never give up, and always do your best at every track meet. Never take it for granted, because 4 years will go by fast, and they are gone just like that!”

Alyssa Washington

Parents: Steve and Jody Washington

Future Plans: Joining the Army National Guard while also majoring in chemistry and minoring in health and fitness at Muskingum University where she will be continuing to run track.

Highlight: Going to varsity conference meet at Housman Field every year and “hammocking” behind the bleachers for hours before the meet started.

“I want to thank not just my Mom and Dad, but any parent or teammate who has supported me as a runner, much love to you all. I would also love to thank each coach who I have had the honor to run under, thank you for not only believing in me, but pushing me further in my track career.”

To the Underclassmen: “I love you all and I’m going to miss you so much! I’m super bummed we didn’t get one last season together but don’t let that stop you from making your next seasons even better. Follow your heart and do what you love, but remember, no matter where you end up you all will always have a place on the track.” 

Tonya Tepin

Parents: Jim and Michele Tepin

Future Plans: Attending Olivet College to continue her Cross Country career and to major in Biology.

Track Career Highlight: Running on the 4x800relay team and making the podium at the Daily News Meet and running on the 4×400

“I would like to thank my Mom for pushing my siblings and I to run and my Dad for always supporting the work it takes. I would also like to thank all of my coaches, both old and new, for pushing me and always expecting more from me. It has helped me become more dedicated to the sport and find my love of running.”

To the Underclassmen: “Just try to be positive! With me not being around all the time, y’all are going to need to start believing in yourselves! As cliché as this sounds, you are all so talented and can do so much more, as I have seen most of your dedication and speed coming out in practice! Please, learn how to escape your own doubt, as it will help you in more places than on the course/track. Thank you so much for all the memories and not trying to kill me when my positivity is at an annoying peak.“

Avery Rugg

Parents: Todd and Becky Rugg

Future Plans: Attend Michigan State University and participate on the Rowing team at MSU

Career Highlight: 100 meter in 13.06 seconds; 200 meter in 29.05 seconds

“Thank you to Coach Neier for helping succeed in my High School track career.”

Avery has a 3.96 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society

GIRLS TENNIS

Samantha Rusche

Parents: Matt Rusche and Jason and Beth Matthews

Future Plans: Attend Baker College to become an X-ray Technician

Career Highlight: Playing tournaments and placing first and second

Message to underclassmen: “They told me my senior year would go fast but I sure didn’t think it would be quite this short! Enjoy every minute in High School, it will be over before you know it . Congratulations Class of 2020!”

“Thank you to my wonderful parents, sisters; Payton and Kennedy, and friends who have helped to get me this far in life. I could not ask for more amazing people in my life!”

Desiree Wise

Parents: Melissa Stewart

Future Plans: Attending Central Michigan University to major in Secondary Education with a concentration in Mathematics and minoring in Child Development

Career Highlight: Coming in first place for my flight at the Sparta Invitational for 2 years in a row.

“I want to say thank you to my coached that I’ve been lucky to have throughout my high school career. I have grown so much because of their help and through all the hard work and the persistence they’ve helped me grow and I will never forget that. I also want to thank H (or Mr. Harden) because even though he was never my coach he helped me grow on and off the court from being a part of the Athletic Leadership Council. He taught me what it meant to be a true leader and I hope to continue growing my leadership skills. Last but not least, I want to thank my mom because I definitely wouldn’t be where I cam today without her.”

To the Underclassmen: “Don’t take this for granted and make sure you put in the work. You should always give your 110% no matter if you are at practice or at a game it doesn’t matter. Your never know when this is going to end so take it from a member of the Class of 2020 and make every moment count because it can be over before you know it.”

Rachael Ells

Parents: Jeff and Kelly Ells 

Future Plans: Attend Grand Valley State University and study Allied Health Sciences 

Career Highlight: 1st place at Sparta Invitational and 2nd place at Middleville Invitational

“I want to first off thank my parents and my brother Connor for supporting me no matter what. For coming to every single match, for sitting for hours in the hot sun at my tournaments every weekend. For always having to remind me to grab my water bottle and sunscreen. I love you guys so much! I’d also like to thank Coach Russel and Coach Johns. Thank you guys so much for always encouraging us to do our best, and for coaching us every step of the way! And lastly to my long time partner Sam Rusche, I have had so much fun being your partner for the last couple of seasons! You are an amazing player, and I’m so happy that we got to kick butt together!

BOYS GOLF 

David Mitchell

Parents: Ricky Mitchell & Kristy Mitchell

“Dave was one of our top golfers, and he has opportunities to continue his golf career at the next level.” – Coach Schlump

Trey Lewis 

Parents: Amy Lewis & Jason Lewis

“Trey has been committed to our golf program and has shown consistent growth and has improved each sea-son” – Coach Schlump

Lucas Secor 

Parents: Robin Secord & Wayne Secord

“Lucas is a second year golfer who plays like he is much more experienced than that! Lucas is fun to be around and works very hard to improve his game.” – Coach London

BASEBALL

Connor Ellison

Parents: Megan and Pat Ellison

Future Plans: Michigan State University for Hospitality Business and Accounting

Career Highlight: Winning the Minors All-Star Tournament

“Thank you to my parents and coaches throughout the years. 

To the underclassmen: Enjoy every moment

 Colton Moore

Parents: Mike and Teresa Moore

Future Plans: Ferris State University for Plastics and Rubber Engineering

Favorite Memory: Breaking my nose on a grounder from Coach Bob in the first practice of all-stars for CSJBL.

“I just want to say thank you to my parents and coaches for helping me through all my years of playing .”

Nathan Male

Parents: Dan and Heather Male

Future Plans: Attend trade school to become a heavy equipment operator.

Career Highlight: Last year in the Allendale Tournament he threw three guys out on 1st base, from right field, in one game!!

To the underclassmen:“Every time you walk out on that diamond appreciate it because it will be over before you know it. Be confident and not cocky, remember why you started playing in the first place. Love the game! “

“I want to thank my Mom and Dad for always supporting me athletically, emotionally and financially. I love you guys. I also would like to thank all the coaches I have had over the years, and Mr. Norton for his support.”

Kyle Wise

Parents: Kit and Hollie Wise

Future Plans: Attend trade school for HVAC or become an electrician

Career Highlight: Pitching a perfect game for his Algoma team

“I thank my Mom and Dad for always playing catch with me as a kid, and for coming to every game. I also thank my grandparents who got to see me pitch a few times. I also want to thank every coach I’ve had, especially Coach Glyshaw, he has been my favorite coach, and he was the most competitive!”

To the underclassmen: “Keep practicing everyday, and never stop playing baseball.”

Caden Markey-VandenBerg

Parents: Angela and Gregory VandenBerg

Future Plans: Try to play baseball at MCC or GRCC, and pursue a degree as a sports analysis.

Baseball Highlight: One of my best memories come from when I was in the 5th grade and the Coach at the time, Steve Saboo, let me practice with the varsity team in open gyms

“Thank you to the Zain family playing a big role in my baseball life. Also thank you to everyone who has supported me.”

To the Underclassmen: “You guys are only losing 5 seniors. stay together and keep working. Next year is coming fast and you never know when it will be gone.”

“Forever, Cedar Spring’s Red Hawks!”

Avery Rugg, a senior at Cedar Springs High School, has signed her national letter of intent for Women’s Rowing at Michigan State University. Avery has been a Junior Olympic Gymnast for R Athletics for the past 10 years, and is also a three-year Varsity track runner for Cedar Springs High School.  

“I am looking forward to my next adventure,” she said. 

Avery hopes to do something in Agriculture. 

She is the daughter of Todd and Becky Rugg, of Courtland Township.

When Governor Whitmer ended face to face school for the remainder of the year, the MHSAA followed up by announcing an end to spring sports in Michigan. That left the seniors of every sports team without a chance to compete in their final year of high school. The Cedar Springs Varsity Baseball team, led by head coach Justin Glyshaw and assisted by Matt Greenleand and Steve Reed, would like to honor each of their five seniors.

Colton Moore

Colton is a young man with a big heart. He’s what you call “a character guy.” He showed up to all off season workouts and led by example. Colton was a versatile player who pitched for the Red Hawks, along with playing second base and a little outfield. His favorite baseball memory was taking a ground ball from Coach Bob in his first all-star practice…a ball that would take a bad hop, hit him in the face, and break his nose. Colton has plans to attend Ferris State University and study Plastics and Rubber Engineering. He’s thankful to all of the adults who have influenced him throughout his life, especially his coaches and parents.

Nathan Male

Nate played on the varsity team each of his high school seasons. He was always one of the fastest players on the team and had a big arm from the outfield. On the bases he was always a threat to steal, and from the outfield he was never afraid to take a chance and try to throw runners out. His favorite baseball memory was from a tournament the boys played in Allendale last season, where he threw out three runners at first base from right field. This is something you might see once in a while, but three times in one day is a rare sight to behold. The coaches will miss Nathan’s athleticism as he pursues a career as a heavy equipment operator. 

Caden Markey-Vandenberg

Caden was able to see some time on varsity as a sophomore because of his skill as a hitter. He was also a versatile infielder, playing a majority of his time at third base. Coaches will remember him as a kid who was never afraid to dive for a ball and get dirty to prevent a ball from leaving the infield. Caden’s favorite memory came to him as an 11-year-old when his team won the CSJBL All Star Tournament. He said it was the best he ever played the game, but the moment will always stand out to him because he got to share it with his father. Caden plans to try to walk on and try out for the baseball team at either GRCC or MCC in the fall and pursue a career in sports analysis.

Connor Ellison

Connor was one of the top pitchers on the varsity team. A natural middle infielder, Connor played every single position on the field during his high school career. Injuries and illness sometimes happen and kids are forced to play out of position. Connor was always the first one to raise his hand and say, “I’ll do it coach.” Though he was a talented athlete, the program will miss his humor. Connor always has a smirk on his face and has an uncanny ability to take any situation, no matter how serious, and make everyone laugh. His favorite baseball memory came from a time as a 12-year-old, when playing for Rebels Baseball, when he traveled to Cooperstown, NY and played in their annual tournament. Connor plans to attend Michigan State University and major in accounting and finance.

Kyle Wise

Kyle was also a pitcher on the varsity team who also played third base. His favorite childhood baseball memories are playing little league in Algoma and joking around with his teammates, especially Seth Biggs (a 2019 graduate). Kyle has a laid back personality who rarely lets his emotions get the better of him. This is a great quality dealing with the ups and downs of pitching. Kyle has been attending KCTC for the past two years, studying HVAC and electrical work. After graduation he plans to attend trade school to study one or both of these skills.  

This is a group of boys who will be missed by both their coaches and teammates, and we wish them luck as they take their first steps in a life after high school.

EAST LANSING, Mich. The Michigan High School Athletic Association is seeking student-athletes to become members of its Student Advisory Council beginning with the 2020-21 school year.

Four boys and four girls from the Class of 2022 will be selected to two-year terms and will meet on matters related to maintaining and promoting a proper perspective and sensible scope for high school sports in Michigan. Eight members from the Class of 2021 already are serving on the Council, while eight members of the Class of 2020 are leaving the Council this spring.

To be eligible for the committee, candidates must be a member of the Class of 2022, complete the official application including answering the three short-answer questions, submit a letter of recommendation from a school administrator, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and be available for all scheduled meetings.

In addition, candidates should show a history of leadership on athletic teams as well as with other extracurricular activities, community service projects, or in the workplace; and show an understanding of the role of school sports and have ideas for promoting a proper perspective for educational athletics.

Applications are due to the MHSAA by 4:30 p.m. on April 29. Applications can be downloaded from the Student Advisory Council page of the MHSAA Website and must be returned via e-mail. The link to the MHSAA page is https://www.mhsaa.com/Schools/Students/Student-Advisory-Council.

The Student Advisory Council meets seven times each school year, and once more for a 24-hour leadership camp. In addition to assisting in the promotion of the educational value of interscholastic athletics, the Council discusses issues dealing with the 4 S’s of educational athletics: scholarship, sportsmanship, safety (including health and nutrition) and the sensible scope of athletic programs. A fifth S – student leadership – is also a common topic. Members contribute in planning Sportsmanship Summits, Captains Clinics and other student leadership events, and assist with medal ceremonies at MHSAA championship events. The Council also judges the “Battle of the Fans,” which it created during the 2011-12 school year as a way to promote positive sportsmanship.

Newly chosen members will join the following from the Class of 2021: Pierre Brooks II, Detroit Douglass; Macy Brown, Cadillac; Lydia Davenport, Ithaca; Freddy Kopplow, Traverse City St. Francis; Colin McAuliffe, Salem; Avery Peters, Mason; Abigail Pheiffer, Novi; and Landen Thompson, Stevensville Lakeshore.

The eight new members of the Student Advisory Council will be notified by May 8. The 2020-21 meetings are tentatively scheduled for Aug. 23, Oct. 4, Dec. 6, Feb. 14, April 18 and May 16. Meetings will take place at the MHSAA Office in East Lansing. Conference call meetings will be held Jan. 10 and Jan. 24. For more information, contact Andy Frushour at the MHSAA – 517-332-5046 or afrushour@mhsaa.com.

We have a temporary change in our office routine to announce in regard to circumstances regarding the COVID-19 virus. Due to the fact that we have employees with auto-immune disorders and employees caring for vulnerable family members with breathing problems, our office will be closed to the general public until further notice. Please consider emailing us or calling us (696-3655) if you need to submit something, discuss something, or need to make a payment. We can take your payment over the phone with a credit/debit card. If you need to drop something off, we will have a mailbox outside our door that we will check often. Please do not put checks or valuables in the box. If you need to give us a check, please send through regular mail. At least one person will be in the office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday to take calls, and we will be closed on Friday. This is only temporary and we apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for understanding!

For more contact information visit our About page http://cedarspringspost.com/about/

Girls basketball all conference:

Arianna Rau

Avery Sparling

Honorable mention:

Kaelyn Colclasure

Bowling all conference:

Omani Morales

Katelyn Paige

Chloe Fisk

Isaiah Waite

Ethan Plummer

Honorable mention:

Clifford Ranger

Competitive cheer all conference:

Paige Pierson

Zoe Castor

Sophia Dault

Sarah Adkison

Kate Roth

Honorable mention:

Naliya Clark

Abbey Salisbury

Wrestling:

Trevor Marsman

Boys basketball all conference:

Bryce Marvel

Honorable mention:

Trenton Cooper

Almas signs with Alma

Seth Almas with coach Gus Kapolka. He has signed to play football at Alma. 

Galloway to bowl at Spring Arbor

Sarah Galloway, class of ‘19, signing at Rockford Lanes to bowl at Spring Arbor next year. She is the daughter of Todd and Brenda Galloway.

Moleski to run Cross Country at Rochester

Jaydon Moleski signed to run Cross Country at Rochester University. He is pictured here with his coach Justin Wood.

Morales to bowl for Davenport

Omani Morales has signed to continue her bowling career at Davenport University. She is pictured here with her coach Tim Jackson. Omani was four year all conference bowler. She had the highest conference average for girls three years in row. 

Omani won regionals her sophomore year; state her junior year; and regionals her senior year.

Boys Varsity won the Great Lakes 6 district championship. The boys had a great season and Coach Eric Besmer is proud of the boys as they came together to finish the season strong.