To the high school senior athletes who never got to compete
In response to the COVID-19 virus, the Michigan High School Athletic Association recently canceled the Spring 2020 high school sports season.
While this decision is hard on all effected athletes, it is especially heartbreaking for seniors. Many of these seniors have participated in their select sport for years. The senior season is normally the pinnacle of their high school careers… a one final chance to compete for their school.
As a special tribute to the senior high school athletes of 2020, we decided to put together a piece recognizing the local high school seniors who will not be able to complete in their final spring sports season.
Portland Baseball
Coached by Chris Trierweiler
Owen Russell
Years on varsity: 2
Position: Pitcher/First Base
From the coach: We were looking for him to help us this year on the mound and a big target at first. Owen is an athletic kid that likes to joke and have fun in everything he does.”
Patton Russell
Years on varsity: 2
Position: Outfield
From the coach: “Patton is hard working player that loves to be part of a team and will do what the team needs and just wants to be around to help anyway he can.”
Ty Snitgen
Years on varsity: 2
Position: Second Base
From the coach: “Ty would have helped us a lot at second this year with the pitching rotation going on. Ty really turned into a good infielder.”
Blake Meyers
Years on varsity: 3
Position: Shortstop/Pitcher
From the coach: “Blake is a player that Loves baseball and works really Hard at it. This was his year to shine and he would have done some really big things.”
Gavin McGregor
Years on varsity: 2
Position: Outfield/Pitcher
From the coach: “Gavin is more athletic than he knows and brings a lot to the table with his speed and athleticism.”
Jake Smith
Years on varsity: 2
Position: First Base
From the coach: “Jake worked really hard at getting better and would have really helped us with his bat, he turned into a real good hitter.”
Andrew Seavey
Years on varsity: 2
Position: Outfield/Pitcher
From the coach: “Andrew was also one of them players that Loves baseball and nobody outworked him. He put a lot of time in his game and I believe he would have had a real good year on the mound.”
Brody Smith
Years on varsity: 2
Position: Catcher
From the coach: “Brody was a great catcher and would have done some great things this year, he was definitely a player to watch behind the plate.”
St. Patrick’s Baseball
Coached by Bryan Scheurer
Devin Fedewa
Years on varsity: 4
Position: P/OF
From the coach: “Won our District title, Regional Semifinal, Quarterfinal & State Final game as a Freshman (Starting/Winning pitcher). Has battled injuries ever since & has still been a major contributor... The fastest player we’ve ever had out of the box & on the base paths... He was finally, completely, healthy this year.”
Sam Mauren
Years on varsity: 4
Position: P/3B
From the coach: “He has hit & made highlight real plays at 3B his entire career... Great arm (from the IF & on the mound) w/ great pop @ the plate - He has a really high ceiling & is considering some college opportunities to potential extend his baseball career.”
Seth Hoppes
Years on varsity: 4
Position: CF
From the coach: “Came up for the playoff run as a Freshman & turned himself into a starter and a State Champion... He’s a great leader (vocally & by example), an extension of the coaching staff & really just buys into doing winning things... His speed and instincts really shine in the outfield & on base.”
Ryan Lay
Years on varsity: 4
Position: P/SS
From the coach: “Just a really good athlete & even better kid... Great hand eye coordination that shows at the plate, in the field & on the mound... He just has an infectious personality & attitude... The best Big Rock/role model ever for our son:)!”
Alex Kissane
Years on varsity: 4
Position: C/UT
From the coach: “Can argue that he is our hardest worker & most selfless player in the program... He is a very solid catcher & ascending hitter that has consistently improved from year to year... He has both good speed & quickness which shows on the bases.”
Zach Spitzley
Years on varsity: 3
From the coach: “Has great pop at the plate and can really run... Has been hitting for us since his Sophomore year & has really put in extra time (& seeing the results) leading into his Senior year... Nobody‘s voice was more positive, consistent or important in the dugout or on the field for us than Zach’s.”
Portland Softball
Coached by Brandee Novara
Emma Johnson
Years on varsity: 4
Position: Outfield
Natalie Linebaugh
Years on varsity: 4
Position: Second Base
Jada Walton
Years on varsity: 4
Position: Shortstop
Kenna Miller
Years on varsity: 2
Position: Third Base
Ella Gardner
Years on varsity: 4
Position: First Base
From the coach: “All girls will be greatly missed as they were returning starters for us. My hope for them this year was to win their 3rd District title. They worked very hard in the off season and were going to be great leaders on and off the field. I am very proud of the careers they had at Portland High School and wish them the best of luck next year.”
St. Patrick’s Softball
Coached by Jocelyn Rockey
Ally Florian
Years on varsity: 4
Position: Left Field/Centerfield
From the coach: “Ally is a dynamic individual. She’s enthusiastic, funny, and leads quietly by example. Ally reaches out to underclassmen and unifies our team. Ally’s bat was essential in many victories over the past four years and she was a leader at the plate. Ally also held our outfield to great expectations and learned to read the ball off the bat. She reacted quickly and confidently and knew what to do with the ball once she fielded it. Her mental toughness, gravitational personality, and leadership will be missed this year!”
Samantha Teachworth
Years on varsity: 4
Position: Catcher/Centerfield
From the coach: “Samantha was born to lead. She does so in a knowledgeable and enthusiastic way. When you watch Samee’s enthusiasm and love for the game, you can’t help but raise two fists in the air and cheer on with her. With Samee behind the plate we had very few past balls, and she could calm our pitchers in a tough position. When Samee was needed in the outfield it was a pleasure to watch her read the ball off the bat, field the ball, and throw an absolute bullet from her location. Samee also led our team in power hits. Samee’s bat was so strong and capable of game changing at bats. Samee is someone who is infectious, exudes comic relief, and is as positive as they come. She excels in all aspects of her life and her homerun hitting, base stealing, larger than life energy will truly be missed.”
Emma Weller
Years on varsity: 4
Position: Second Base/Right Field
From the coach: “Emma leads by example each day on the field. She works hard, encourages her teammates, and sets goals for herself! Emma has speed and has the fastest bat speed on the team. Because of Emma’s determination and personal drive she was able to turn singles into extra bases, and sacrifice bunts into bunts for hits. While Emma worked on the Varsity she also gently guided those around her. She was calm, considerate and exuded a light that helped us rally from behind. Emma’s defense was quick and she was always working on closing that middle gap a little bit more at second base! Emma will continue to lead and shine in her next steps, but she will truly be missed on our field!”
McKenna Pixley
Years on varsity: 4
Position: First Base
From the coach: “McKenna is energetic, spunky, and a communicator! She worked so hard to make a play, and never gave up if the ball was headed her way. McKenna could stretch for a ball unlike many first baseman that we had. When McKenna joined our team she immediately impressed us with her ability to communicate to the younger teammates that surrounded her. She had a tremendous bat that ripped through on contact and we appreciated her bat speed against faster pitchers. McKenna will be missed dearly as she naturally handled so many tiny details for our team. She was a constant cheerleader, and encourager. We absolutely could not have had the dynamic we had without her.”
Olivia Fogarty
Years on varsity: 2
Position: Second Base
From the coach: “Olivia is our biggest fan and our biggest asset to our come behind victories. This girl joined our team her JR year - went 2:2 with 2 doubles and then broke her arm on a safe slide into second which put her out for the rest of the year. Olivia’s lack of experience was overcome by her ability to put in hard work, be coachable, and always striving for that extra base. Her career was cut short both years but we absolutely could not have had the year we had last year without her! Olivia showed up with her spunk, personality, and her rally cap whenever we needed it. She was most definitely our spark plug, energy, and the adrenaline we needed to continue fighting through our toughest battles. Olivia is a natural born leader, and the places she will go, will most definitely be exciting, logical, and driven. Olivia you will always have our vote! You will be missed!”
Portland Boys Golf
Coached by Jon Snellenberger
Adam Foote
Years on varsity: 2
From the coach: “2020 would have been Adam’s second year on varsity. Played as a number five or number six golfer in several matches as junior.”
Spencer Pohl
Years on varsity: 2
From the coach: “Played primarily as a number four golfer in several matches as junior; 2020 would have been Spencer’s fourth season playing golf for PHS.”
Jared Thomas
Years on varsity: 2
From the coach: “Played as a number three golfer and shot a usable score in all sixteen matches in 2019; Earned First Team All-Conference and award the 2019 Team’s Coaches Award as junior; 2020 would have been Jared’s fourth season playing for PHS.”
Zach Pier
Years on varsity: 4
From the coach: “Zach has been Portland’s number one golfer since his freshman year 2017; Earned Team’s Most Valuable Golfer Award all three years; Earned First Team All-Conference all three years; Numerous First Place (Medalist Honors) in stroke play matches and eighteen hole invitational tournaments over his three year career; Lansing State Journal Boy’s Golf Dream Team and All Area for three years; Ionia County All Area Golf Team all three seasons, Ionia County Golfer of the Year in 2017 & 18; First Team All-State in Division 3 in 2017 & 18; Qualified and played in three Division 3 State Finals as an individual with his best finish a third place in 2017.”
“Zach will continue to be a Raider this fall playing collegiate golf as a student athlete at Grand Rapids Community College.”
“Had the 2020 high school boy’s golf season not been cancelled, Zach would have been competing to possibly have become the first Portland High School golfer to have ever qualified and play in four consecutive high school golf State Finals. Even with having his final season cancelled by this historical health pandemic, Zach has earned a special place in Portland High School athletics and boy’s golf history as one of the best golfers to have ever played for Portland High.”
St. Patrick’s Golf
Coached by Aaron Thelen
Jeff Davlin
Years on varsity: 2
From the coach: “Jeff spent most of his time as the number 1 or 2 golfer on varsity and was on track to have a really good senior season. He’s always been a good leader and a great example of how to act on a golf course, even if his round wasn’t going well.”
John Schneider
Years on varsity: 1
From the coach: “John was convinced to play golf after deciding he wanted a break from track in his senior season. We were excited to add him to our roster, as he would always brag to me about his weekend rounds during football season.” More from the coach: “It’s really unfortunate that we didn’t get to see what these two could have added to our team. I think we could have made some noise in the conference this year and these two would have been at the center of it.”
Portland Boys Track
Coached by Bart Simpson
Shane Brandsen
Event: Thrower
Gabe Hankey
Event: Thrower
From the coach: “Gabe was one of the top 2 throwers in the league, BUT had also gotten himself into great running shape and was gonna hit the track as well.”
Kobe Kazamer
Event: Thrower
From the coach: “After a great football year and strong winter of lifting, sprinter/thrower Kobe Kazamer was going to concentrate fully on the throws.”
Devin Foote
Event: Hurdler/sprinter
From the coach: “Was our top hurdler and also sprinted”
Chris Teachout
Event: Sprinter/high-jumper
From the coach: “Sprinted, ran relays, and was one of the top high-jumpers in the league.”
Chris Walker
Event: Pole Vault
From the coach: “Former mid-distance runner Chris Walker converted to the Pole Vault and was chomping at the bit for his senior year.”
Brendan Wartella
From the coach: “One of three newcomers “who we were going to try out in several areas to find their niche.”
Ryan Watkins
From the coach: “One of three newcomers “who we were going to try out in several areas to find their niche.”
Bryson Kreiger
From the coach: “One of three newcomers “who we were going to try out in several areas to find their niche.”
Andrew Pace
From the coach: “Andrew was going to run distance, as he gets ready to leave for the service.”
Paton Russell
From the coach: “Paton was gonna split some time with baseball, BUT was excited to see what he could get to as a former Lansing Honor Roll vaulter in middle school.”
More from the coach: “Energy was very high headed into our 2020 Boys Track Season. The guys did a GREAT job recruiting and our boys numbers had tripled. Many athletes not playing a winter sport had been working out all winter and excitement was high!”
“My heart breaks for our seniors. I am always most excited to see what the seniors do, because it’s their biggest, strongest, and fastest year physically. Couple that with the great turnout and they were likely going to experience their most successful season yet as a team.”
St. Patrick’s Track
Coached by Dawn Fedewa
Tyler Coyne
Event: Mid-Distance/Distance
Years on Varsity: 4
From the coach: “After continuous improvement each year, Tyler was on track for a phenomenal senior season with the goal of qualifying for State Finals in the 1600. While Tyler's leadership and strong work ethic will be very much missed, he graduates as part of the 4x400 relay that set the school record during the 2019 season.”
Veronica White
Event: Mid-Distance
Years on Varsity: 4
From the coach: “Veronica improved significantly throughout each year of her career, running as part of the school record setting 4x800 relay and as an alternate on the State qualifying 4x400 relay team during the 2019 season. Her leadership, maturity, strong faith and team first attitude will be greatly missed.”
Leah Kissane
Event: Mid-Distance/Distance
Years on Varsity: 4
From the coach: “Leah began as a sprinter and progressed up to the 1600 during her career, finishing the 2019 season as part of the school record setting 4x800 relay. As Leah's mental toughness grew, so did her abilities on the track. We will miss her willingness to push through tough times, her leadership, positive attitude and the joy she brought to the team.”
Judith Pohl
Event: Sprints
Years on Varsity: 1
From the coach: “This was Judith's first year on the team. Even though the time was short, her impact on the team was great. Judith's willingness to try something new and her infectious laugh will be missed.”
Portland Girls Track
Coached by John Novara
Ari Babcock
Years on varsity: 4
Event: Distance
Bailey Badgero
Years on varsity: 4
Event: Hurdles
Mackenzie Cathcart
Years on varsity: 4
Event: Thrower
Maria Krause
Years on varsity: 1
Event: Sprinter
Hannah Martin
Years on varsity: 4
Event: Thrower
Jade Russell
Years on varsity: 1
Event: Sprinter
Fredrica Bozzo
Years on varsity: 1 (exchange student)
Event: Sprints
Portland Girls Soccer
Coached by Chris Roof
Mackenzie Cathcart
Position: Defender
4 years on Varsity
From the coach: “Mackenzie has been a duel athlete all four years of her high school athletic career. She is also a member of the Portland Girls Track team. She always has enthusiasm and a good attitude and is a joy to have on our team.”
Leona Pung
Position: Defender
3 years on Varsity
From the coach: “Leona missed a year of soccer due to a knee injury but came back strong last year and continuously worked hard to improve he skills. Always full of laugher and encouragement.”
Mikayla Taylor
Position: Defender
4 years on Varsity
From the coach: “Mikayla has been a committed member of the PHS Girls Soccer team both on and off the field. She is also a Captain of the team. She has been a starting member of the Portland defense all four years of her Varsity career.”
Madison Thelen
Position: Defense
4 years on Varsity
From the coach: “Madison has been a vital member of the Raider defense since her Freshman year. Consistently plays aggressive with a never quit attitude.”
Darragh Goeckel
Position: Defense
4 years on Varsity
From the coach: “Darragh has been a member of the Raider defense all four years of her high school career. She has battled a few injuries but always bounces back strong and ready to play.”
Mikenna Bayless
Position: Midfield
4 years on Varsity
From the coach: “Mikenna has improved her soccer skills every year. She puts in the determination every day and pushes her teammates to do their best as well.”
More from the coach: “Our girls soccer program had an impressive 37 players this Spring with 10 incoming freshman. For the second year in a row PHS Girls Soccer would field both a JV and Varsity team. The program grows year by year and we expect to have 7-8 incoming freshman next year.”
“Heartbroken is mild to how we feel. This would have been a great year for us. However we continue to train and work hard no matter what is put in front of us. Our players stay resilient and look forward to getting back on the field. RAIDER STRONG!!!”
Portland Girls Tennis
Coached by Crystal Lowe
Ainsley Ludema
2019 played #2 singles
From the coach: “This would have been Ainsley's fourth season on the Varsity tennis team. Ainsley would have spent her senior season as one of the captains. She was always a quiet, but fierce competitor.”
Novelle Matteson
2019 played #3 doubles (state finalist)
From the coach: “This would have been Novelle's third season on the Varsity team. She made a huge impact on the team's success her junior year while she and her doubles partner, Julia Savage, reached the state finals in their flight at 3 doubles. Novelle has an inner drive that makes her a tough competitor.”
Julia Savage
2019 played #3 doubles (state finalist)
From the coach: “This would have been Julia's third season on the Varsity team. She would have spent this season as a co-captain, putting her leadership skills to great use. Julia would be returning from a successful junior season as a state finalist at 3 doubles with her partner, Novelle Matteson.”
Patricia Saavedra
From the coach: “Patricia was an exchange student from Spain. She was very excited to be part of the tennis team and we were excited to have her. From the minimal amount of time we had to practice, it was clear that Patricia would have made a significant impact with the potential to be near the top of our lineup. She spent a lot of time with the tennis team in the off-season participating in group lessons and social activities with many of them.”
We would like to thank the coaches and parents who helped collect this information and the photos. If you are the parent of a senior student included in this piece who is missing a photo, we would be happy to add that if you can email jim@theportlandbeacon.com
