Sports
Jack Boczar, Plymouth junior and member of the varsity golf team, shot a 66 in an 18 hole tournament, breaking the Plymouth record set in 2012 by Ryan Rieckhoff, who shot a 67. Boczar was medalist of the KLAA pre-season tournament, held at Idyl Wyld in Livonia, which is a par 70, making Boczar’s score four under par.
Boczar said about his record, “I’m just focused on helping out the team but two of my good friends, Kyle Rodes and Josh Henize, were very good players from Plymouth and following in their footsteps is always great.”
Boczar has been playing golf for around 10 years and has been a member of Plymouth varsity golf since his freshman year. His 18 hole average is 75 according to his recording profile on ncsasports.org.
The coach, Dan Young, explained Boczar’s progress: “I feel Jack’s biggest difference from his freshman year and even last year is his mental approach. He’s more seasoned and mentally tougher. This comes from experience and hard work.”
Other key performers at the tournament were senior Kyle Kozler shooting a 73, junior Joe Fontana with a 76, senior James Baldwin with an 81, junior Justin Kapke with an 84, and Matt Decker with an 88.
Young said, “As far as our team, we have a lot of work to do in order to be champions at the end of the season. We need to be more consistent in all areas of our game. If we continue to put in the work, I think we will be in the mix at the end!”
Kyle Meteyer, Plymouth Assistant Principal of Athletics and Activities, said, “Jack is an accomplished student and ace golfer on a team that is poised to accomplish a lot this season with coach Dan Young. The team has oodles of potential heading into the MHSAA and KLAA tournaments, and Jack will help lead his team throughout the season.”
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Jack Boczar Breaks a Plymouth Record
By: Genevieve St. Jean
News Editor
Nobody would have ever thought that two NBA owners who had just faced off against each other in the playoffs would join forces. However, that is exactly what happened. Cleveland Cavaliers owner and Michigan native, Dan Gilbert, reached out to Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons. Gores’ idea is to bring a Major League Soccer team to the faithful city of Detroit. Currently there are 20 MLS clubs, and MLS commissioner, Don Garber, has the intention of expanding the MLS to 28 clubs.
Canton soccer player Mohammad Miri said, “Bringing an MLS team to Detroit would do so much for the game of soccer in general as well as the city. For starters, it would give Michigan soccer fans a home team to root for. When you hear Detroit, you do not think of soccer. Now, there is an opportunity to expand the array of sports in Detroit.”
This hefty investment would include building a stadium, restaurants, hotel rooms, and a commercialoffice tower. The cost of this investment would total one billion dollars.
Their ideal location to build the new MLS stadium would be at the site of the Wayne County Jail., thus, the unfinished jail would have to relocate in order for this to happen.
According to a joint statement from Gores and Gilbert, their efforts to franchise an MLS team in Detroit are supported by Garber. However, Garber is unlikely to seriously consider expanding its league to Detroit if they are not able to land their target site (Wayne County Jail).
Detroit sports fan and Canton junior, Omar Ali said, “I believe that bringing an MLS team to Detroit can boost the energy in the area and bring a positive change for soccer fans in Detroit.”
Gores is an Israeli immigrant who grew up in Detroit. He is the founder of Platinum Equity, a Los Angeles based firm that specializes in acquiring and operating businesses throughout the world.
Gilbert on the other hand, grew up in Southfield, Michigan. Gilbert is the Founder and Chairman of Rock Ventures, which, according to the website, is the umbrella entity for his portfolio of business investments and real estate purchases. He is also the founder and chairman of Quicken Loans, the nation's second largest mortgage lender, according to Quickenloans.com.
Gores and Gilbert have many connections to the business world and to city of Detroit. Both businessmen have plenty of wealth and are familiar with the city. Gores and Gilbert make a great partnership due to their abundance of knowledge and business minds.
Gilbert and his Cavaliers swept the Pistons out of the playoffs in the first round. With most Detroit fans being upset about the loss, Gilbert quickly gave those fans something to get excited about. Gores and Gilbert now have the opportunity to root for the same team.
Detroit has four major sports teams: the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, and Pistons. With that being said, some might argue that Detroit is already set in regards to professional sports. On the flip side, some might also argue that bringing an MLS team to Detroit would draw big crowds due to the other sports teams already located in the city.
Zuhair Qamar, Salem senior and an avid Detroit sports fan, said, “With the city of Detroit currently having a bad reputation, I believe bringing a Major League Soccer team to the city would boost its overall status as a city. It would draw more attention and attract more fans.”
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Possibility of Major League Soccer Team in Detroit
By: Hamoudy Turfe
Staff Writer
Plymouth, Canton and Salem competed together one last time in the MHSAA track and field regional competition on May 20. It was especially a good day for Salem boys, who took home the championship title, and Plymouth girls, who took the spot as runner-up in the region. Both teams secured their spots with a big lead on the scoreboard.
This was the Salem boys’ first regional win in four years and it was a solid one with a whopping 26 point lead against Churchill. Sixteen boys qualified for the state meet, which will take place on June 4th. Individual qualifiers include sophomores Andrew Davis and Alex Howie, junior Cameron Grace and seniors Chaz Jeffres, Jannik Schmitt, and DeAngleo Meredith.
Plymouth girls placed 2nd for the third year in a row. They will be sending many extremely talented athletes to States, including junior Ryen Draper who qualified in three sprinting events and high-jumper Katherine Harris who is the first Plymouth athlete to ever qualify for States all four years.
“Placing 2nd out of about 15 or 16 teams is something to be very proud of,” said Draper. “Everybody came, performed and did great! I couldn't be more proud of the team and what they have accomplished.”
Salem and Canton girls had a good day as well, with Salem coming 4th in the region and Canton placing 6th. Canton boys placed 5th and Plymouth boys came in 12th.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Park Rivals Final Face-off on the Track
By: Kylie Cardenas
Staff Writer
Ten years ago, hearing a girl say “I play lacrosse” was extremely rare. Now, it has become more common.
Girls lacrosse has taken the youth sports world by storm. According to US Lacrosse, girls lacrosse has seen a growth rate of 31.2 percent, making it the fastest growing sport among both boys and girls. Over the past five years, the Park has also grown in the lacrosse department. Plymouth, Canton, and Salem each have a junior varsity and varsity girls lacrosse team.
Girls from each school note how they’ve fallen in love with the sport, and their teams.
Plymouth junior Cierra Steiner says, “Girls lacrosse has had a major impact on my life in many ways. Physically it has made me healthier because it makes me go out and play, giving me exercise. Mentally, I have learned to be a team player.”
Salem junior Madison Mullins agrees. “Lacrosse has made me a healthier person. If I had not started playing lacrosse, I wouldn’t have gotten so into weight lifting or maintaining a healthy diet. I’ve become a more confident person as well, which has really changed the way I live my life,” said Mullins.
Many girls have made the switch from other sports to lacrosse, like Salem junior Stephanie Miller, who used to play soccer. However, some girls enjoy playing lacrosse along with another sport.
Canton junior Lauren Rippy, who recently committed to Brown University for girls hockey, said, “My favorite thing about lacrosse is it’s a lot more freedom than hockey in terms of running around and scoring instead of stopping pucks. It’s a lot of fun.”
Salem Varsity is currently 2-7, Plymouth is 7-1, and Canton is 1-9. They all compete in the Kensington Lakes Athletic Association, and are all a part of Division One in the Michigan High School Athletic Association.
Girls lacrosse is not only growing in high school, but college as well. Many girls from the Park are looking into opportunities to play lacrosse after they graduate.
“I am planning on playing club in college. A few schools have reached out to me about playing college ball, but it isn’t my top priority,” said Mullins.
“Currently I have several colleges asking me to visit their schools and join their team, but I haven’t decided yet where I would like to go, although I am very interested in playing in college,” says Steiner.
Lacrosse has brought not only a healthier lifestyle to these girls, but also a happier one. All agree that they’ve made friendships from their team that they wouldn’t have made otherwise.
Rippy said, “It’s brought me a lot closer to some of my classmates and my teammates are some of my best friends.”
There are many camps and clinics out there for girls who are interested in starting lacrosse. Canton juniors Brianna Tetlow and Abby Coyne became interested lacrosse just a few months ago, and are now on the junior varsity team for Canton, so there is definitely room to learn.
One piece of advice Rippy has for someone who wants to play?
“Go out and have fun with it. Playing lacrosse has made my experience at Canton so much more enjoyable.”
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Girls Lacrosse is Becoming More Popular
By: Rachel Quigley
Guest Writer
The Canton Chiefs dominated the Salem Rocks on Saturday, June 4. This district final for girls varsity soccer was full of aggression and physicality coming from both sides. At the end of the day, the Chiefs were victorious, pulling through with a 2-0 win and and the district championship. The Chiefs will be playing in the regional semifinals on June 7 against Ann Arbor Pioneer.
The second the ball was in play, the Chiefs seemed to be on the offensive side, keeping a majority of the possessions and getting some solid shots on target. Salem seemed to struggle to get the ball over midfield, and when they did, it usually resulted in either a turnover or a poor shot. The dominance from the Chiefs’ offense resulted in forward Hannah Lapko scoring a goal from inside the box with 27 minutes left in the first half.
The game was intense with unnecessary pushing and shoving coming from both sides. The officiating took some heat from fans, as three players were injured during aggressive play. Canton junior Mohammed Miri said, “There are many missed calls and some silly calls. Not good officiating; there needs to be consistent control.”
As much as Salem tried to get back in it, Canton would not allow it. Plymouth junior Keaton Haggerty said, “Both teams have good players, but Canton simply has the edge as far as talent goes.” Canton scored another goal with 37 minutes left in the game and that was the nail in the coffin. Salem was not able to come back or gain any control over the game.
Canton’s Lapko said, “We need to keep working hard, keep connecting passes, keep pushing the whole game, and keep our momentum going in order to win our next game in the regional semifinals.”
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Chiefs Roll Past Rocks in District Final
By: Omar Abdel Baqui
Guest Writer
The Canton Chiefs prepare to play the Salem Rocks for the district championship.
Photo by Autumn Lorenz
The Rocks take the opportunity to discuss a game plan.
Photo by Autumn Lorenz
Salem senior Carolin Simko is treated for an injury during an intense game against the Chiefs.
Photo by Autumn Lorenz
6/7/16 Update: Canton defeated Ann Arbor Pionner 1-0 in PKs. The Chiefs will play Brownstown Woodhaven in the regional final on June 10.
6/10/16 Update: Canton deafeated Brownstown Woodhaven 1-0 to become the regional champions. Canton will play Grand Rapids Forest Hills in the state semifinals on June 14 at Spring Arbor University at 7 p.m.
You wake up and it’s game day. You’ve got to get a good breakfast, put on your team’s apparel and head to school. During the day you pass your opponents, and maybe even sit next to them in class. This is P-CEP athletics; the only place where a team can play an away game at home.
Being a student athlete at the Park presents you with a unique sports environment. With three schools, it is extremely competitive to become the “Park Champions”; even more so that you may be on the field facing some of your best friends. Jessica Lutkenhoff, senior on the Plymouth Varsity Gymnastics team said about rivalry meets, “It’s more fun to go against friends and it’s more of a friendly competition. It makes us work harder.” While Hailey Katulski, senior on the Salem Varsity soccer team aid, “They are more intense because you know the people you are playing against, and if you lose it’s a downer seeing them at school.”
Canton senior on the Varsity football team Jared Stephens said, “Going into a park rivalry game has always been different. During the game you are playing against people you are probably going to hang out with after the game, but you have to remember that you’re playing for the team and not to have fun with your friends. Winning that game gives you bragging rights around school for the next year regardless of your finishing record.
It can be an awkward experience. What if your significant other goes to a rival school? Do you stay loyal to your school and remain in “The Blue Crew” for Salem, or do you become a traitor and join your boyfriend or girlfriend in “The Tribe”?
Worst of all, what if your significant other and yourself play the same sport for a rival school? Although boys and girls soccer are different seasons, after a boy plays for Plymouth in the fall, his girlfriend may step on the field as a Chief in the spring. When they face-off, who is he to support? It’s a very odd situation for students at the Park to be in.
Every soccer player looks at the grass field as their own “home field”, and technically they’re right… or are they? Half of the games that soccer players play on the grass field, they are the away team, it is technically not always “home of the Chiefs.” It is the same case for the turf field, Park football teams take turns under the Friday night lights in the fall, and lacrosse fights for the lights in the spring, boys and girls.
As for the gymnastics teams, there is only on gymnastics room between the three schools. Lutkenhoff said, “It’s difficult to share because our practices overlap sometimes, so it can be hectic to share equipment.”
Think about the pools at the Park, in Phase 3 and in Salem, but then came Plymouth, shaking up the whole system. The Wildcats have their home in a completely different school.
In a way, it creates a bond between the three schools. They say the home is where the heart is, so even with all the different teams, we all love playing the same games in the same place.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Home Field is Where the Heart is
By: Jordan Anheuser
Staff Writer
Once the Canton Chiefs Girls Soccer team had a lead, they never looked back. In a very defensive, back and forth game with the Grand Rapids Forest Hills Rangers, the Chiefs came out victorious with a score of 2-1. The next game for the Chiefs will be the state championship game against Rochester Hills Stoney Creek on June 17 at Michigan State University.
“All 25 of these girls work hard every day and they all deserve credit. I couldn’t be happier for them,” said Canton head coach Jeanine Reddy. “They told me from the first game that they would make it to the last game at Michigan State, and I couldn’t be any prouder of them.”
The Chiefs broke through early in the game with a goal by Rachel McGue. After that, the Rangers drove up the intensity, keeping the ball in the Chiefs’ half for the majority of the first half of the game. The Rangers won the majority of the balls in the air, while the Chiefs were more composed on the ground.
With 24 minutes remaining in the second half, forward Raquel Church took her opportunity when forward Hannah Lapko played her a through ball, creating a one on one between Church and a Rangers defender at the 18 yard line. The Rangers’ goalie came out to challenge Church, but with a simple deke right, Church beat both players and shot a low, hard drive past the keeper to the center of the net. That goal proved to be the game winner for the Chiefs.
However, the Rangers retaliated with 11 minutes left to go in the game, scoring off of a corner kick. With the lead narrowed down to one goal, the Chiefs drove up the intensity of their game, trying to remain in control of the game and keep the ball out of the Chiefs’ defensive end. Goalkeeper Jordan Anheuser made many saves in this time off of foul kicks and corner kicks, keeping the Chiefs alive. “Jordan had such an amazing game,” said Canton midfielder Abby Heyde.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Chiefs Rally Past Rangers, Move on to State Championship
By: Hannah Saad
News Editor
Disclaimer: Part one of this opinion piece was published in the April 2016 Edition of The Perspective. Last month I ended my column with an extremely open ended question; “Why did Pay to Play for athletics go up so much?”
You will shortly find out the answer. Now here’s where this whole thing gets tricky.
Okay, bear with me here. According to the P-CCS Pay To Participate Fee Structure FAQs, published by P-CCS, “To balance the budget, programmatic, staffing and operational cuts were supplemented by raising revenue [where feasible] in voluntary programs such as parking fees, summer school, and athletics/activities.”
In layman terms, they raised prices on these things to balance the budget- which makes sense in my mind- but when you look at what is being raised and by how much, it’s bad.
The main money maker for this whole plan is to raise revenue, including raising the Pay to Play fee from every athlete playing a school-funded sport to a $385 flat fee.
According to the same document made public on the P-CCS official website, 1,923 P-CEP students participated in educational athletics during the 2015-16 fall and winter athletic seasons.
So after I whipped out my calculator and had my math checked by Plymouth math teacher Kenneth Fistler, I came to the conclusion that if every one of those athletes just played one sport, the district would make, just off of Pay to Play, $740,355.
That's almost three quarters of a million dollars. That's not including the fact that we have a ton of student athletes who play in the spring. Just from Pay to Play, you could easily make over $1 million.
However, according to Anna Britnell of Salem Athletics, the athletic departments don't get one cent of the Pay to Play money.
If the money to fund athletic improvements, facility upkeep, jerseys and all the other miscellaneous expenses doesn't come from Pay to Play or from any extra hidden, invisible money from the state, where is it coming from?
How is P-CEP in 5 million dollars in debt( See Part 1 for more information) when we pay a participation fee that is almost four times that of Bishop McDevitt High School in Pennsylvania, and have three times more athletes than they have total students; how are we in debt while McDevitt’s athletics thrive?
Maybe it's all the money (bond paid or not) that we are spending on things like: new lights, a new sound system, brand new turf at the football stadium, repairing the bleachers (and then deciding to destroy them anyway) and a freshly painted and resurfaced track. Salem has added two huge sports banners that stretch all the way across the athletic wing, along with a new cross country and track record board, the Wall of Champions and Retired Jerseys signs were put up along with art on all of the Salem auditorium doors.
Canton pretty much redesigned the Canton North “Phase 3” building with murals on all of the trophy cases and walls; they also added their own “Wall of Champions” where all of the teams or individuals who won a state title are displayed. Plymouth got the entire athletic wing repainted (with colors that don't really match their colors) and a bunch of new signs that are all around the gym and on the walls in the hallways. They also added signs to the baseball and softball fields.
These improvements seem really expensive and when I asked the athletic departments for concrete numbers I never received them.
They need to trim the low hanging fruit and not pay for things that don't need to be improved. Does Plymouth really need a paint job? Did Salem really need a 20-foot picture of Brodie’s face on the wall? I don't think P-CEP really needs these improvements when we might need to replace the maintenance staff or maybe put more funding into arts and STS (the Student Television Show).
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
My View On Sports
Part 2 of 2
Why Did Pay to Play for Athletics Go Up so Much?
By: Emmanuel Jones
Editor-in-Chief & Sports Columnist
The Chiefs celebrate their semifinal victory and moving on to the championship game, while the Rangers get emotional over the end of their season.
Photo by Hannah Saad
Goalie Jordan Anheuser drop kicks the ball up the field.
Photo by Hannah Saad
Keeping the lead proved to be an even tougher mission when defender Baylee Kramer was injured. Kramer had been a big help to the Chiefs in the game by getting balls up the field and keeping the Rangers away from Anheuser. However, with minutes remaining, all of the Chiefs stepped up to keep the ball away from the Rangers. “I can’t give enough credit to the defenders and everyone that defended on the field,” said Reddy.
“Determination definitely made us win today,” said Church, “we were all very excited about moving on to the state champs. Everybody played incredibly.”
“We played as a team. We deserve this win because we work really hard every single day at practice and we had a mindset of winning every game,” said Heyde.
In order to win the state championship, Church said, “We need to play exactly how we’ve been playing, try our hardest and keep the determination we’ve had throughout the entire season.”
Photos by Hannah Saad
Left: Mary Galm heads the ball in the air over Stephanie Curry. Right: Forward Raquel Church scores the game-winning goal after deking past the defender and goalie.