It seems like yesterday that high school sports in Brandon and Goodrich were in full swing.
However, a few weeks have passed since Brandon’s varsity softball team, the last team from either district still standing, was eliminated from the Division 2 state playoffs in the regional finals.
Thus, the 2004-05 sports season in Brandon and Goodrich came to a close, but not without plenty of highlights from both districts.
The fall season produced another Division 3 state championship for the Goodrich girls cross country team, their second in a row.
Brandon’s girls cross country team had a fine season as well, capturing the Flint Metro League championship, their first league title of any kind. The future looks bright for their program as well.
Goodrich’s football team gave Martian fans another season to remember, winning an outright league championship for the first time in more than 30 years. The Martians also set a school record with 10 wins on the season.
Senior Kirk Elsworth had a season for the ages, breaking the Genesee County season rushing record and landing in Sports Illustrated’s ‘Faces in the Crowd? section. Elsworth accepted cepted a scholarship offer to Western Michigan University.
In the winter, Goodrich freshman Mark Weber won the Division 3 state championship in the 103-lb. weight class during the individual state wrestling finals in March at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Weber was the second straight Goodrich wrestler to win a state title, after Barrett Johnson’s feat in 2004.
The Brandon hockey team also showed it has come a long way in a short time, advancing to the Division 3 regional finals for the third time in the program’s five-year history. Despite the loss to Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, Brandon fans showed their spirit by packing the Troy Sports Arena.
The spring season was highlighted by the performances of Brandon and Goodrich’s track teams. The Martian girls captured their second straight Division 3 state championship, and the Martian boys placed fifth at the state meet.
The Brandon girls team had a stellar season as well, capturing the league crown and sending several competitors to the state meet. In addition, Brandon’s Adam Hyde made All-State in the Division 2 boys 300 meter hurdles.
Although Goodrich’s varsity baseball and softball teams were both eliminated in regional action, they continued their tradition of excellence this season. Matt Hughes made second team All-State for Division 3 baseball, while Julie Owen and Kelsey Krych made first team All-State for Division 3 softball, and Jessica Morgan made the honorable mention squad.
The Brandon varsity softball team, under first-year coach Carl Gabrielson, had a season to remember, making the Division 2 regional finals and placing three team members on the All-State team. Meridith Dura made first team All-State, while Jill Perry and Chelsea Wengren made honorable mention All-State.
Although the Brandon varsity baseball team had a disappointing season after high preseason expectations, senior Derek Foyt distinguished himself, making first team All-State and being one of a select few high school baseball players invited to the East-West High School All-Star Game June 23 at Comerica Park in Detroit.
Brandon’s overall athletic program also showed progress in Flint Metro action, placing second overall in the league’s All-Sports competition in only its third year in the league.
All told, our local communities can be proud of the efforts of our student-athletes this season. If 2004-05 is any indication, the 2005-06 year looks promising for both schools.