sports

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills Allowing Alcohol Sales At College Sporting Events And Making Liquor-To-Go Permanent

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed bipartisan legislation that marks a significant change for college sporting events in Michigan. 

The new law permits alcohol sales at these events, leveling the playing field and bringing Michigan State University and the University of Michigan in line with other Big Ten schools. The move aims to enhance fairness, safety, and revenue generation. 

Governor Whitmer highlighted the potential for reduced binge drinking, as attendees will no longer feel the need to excessively consume alcohol before games. Reports from universities that have already implemented similar policies indicate a decline in alcohol-related incidents.

The legislation, Senate Bill 247, enables the issuance of liquor licenses to sporting venues on public university premises, benefiting both fans and the student experience. Furthermore, Governor Whitmer also signed Senate Bill 141, making the liquor-to-go policy permanent to support small businesses while adhering to CDC guidelines.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Record Number of SC4 Athletes Earn NJCAA Academic Awards

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is celebrating a historic achievement as a record-breaking twenty-seven of their Skippers athletes have been named recipients of National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) academic awards for the 2022-23 year. 

This is the highest number of academic honorees the Skippers have seen since the early 2000s. To qualify, these student-athletes completed a minimum of 24 credits and maintained an impressive 3.60 GPA or higher.

SC4’s dedication to academic excellence extends to their teams as well. Eight Skippers teams secured NJCAA Academic Team status for the 2022-23 year, boasting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

For the complete list of individual award recipients, visit NJCAA All-Academic Awards, and for team rankings, check out NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Adaptive Sports Wheelchair Basketball Coming To SC4

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) will launch a wheelchair basketball team for the 2023 fall semester. The team will be open to both SC4 students and community members with disabilities or those who are able-bodied and enthusiastic about wheelchair basketball, with priority given to SC4 students.

SC4’s new co-ed wheelchair basketball team will expand the college’s collegiate athletic offerings to 16 teams, including baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, dance, Esports, golf, soccer, softball, volleyball, and wrestling.

SC4 Athletic Director Dale Vos says, ” Our Skippers Athletics Program continues to grow and flourish, and the addition of adaptive sports at SC4 is a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and diverse campus community. We’re thrilled to offer this new opportunity for both athletes and fans.”

Individuals interested in joining the wheelchair basketball team for 2023-24 can visit:  sc4.edu/athletics, or send an email to: mjwhittredge@sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Skatepark At Optimist Park Will Celebrate With Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

If you live in the City of Port Huron you may have seen the construction of a new skate park at Optimist Park over the past few months. The project is now complete and getting ready for their grand opening and ribbon cutting. 

The new skatepark will feature state-of-the-art equipment and ramps for local skaters to perform all sorts of tricks and stunts. 

The huge project, which has been in planning since 2018, was made possible through the partnership of organizations such as The Skatepark Project, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Community Foundation of St. Clair County, Advia Credit Union, private investors/donors, and many others.  

On Saturday, May 20th, they will have their grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. at Optimist Park located at 1400 Whipple Street, Port Huron. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Northern Player Awarded Mr. Basketball Award For 2023

The Blue Water Area has reason to celebrate one of its youth recently, Tyler Jamison from Port Huron Northern High School has been awarded the most prestigious award for a student-athlete.

Jamison has become the 43rd individual awarded the Hal Schram Mr. Basketball Award. The Michigan Mr. Basketball Award is named in honor of the late Hal Schram who covered high school athletics for over 40 years with the Detroit Free Press.

The 6 foot 5 Jamison, who plays the guard position, averaged an astounding 26.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 3.3 steals per game. Those are impressive numbers for any basketball player, especially one still in high school.

The Port Huron Northern senior is not only a star on the court, he also boasts an impressive 4.7 Grade Point Average (GPA).

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

NFL Flag Football Registration Coming Soon To Sarnia

It’s springtime, which means the weather is beginning to warm up and our youth are looking to get out and be more active. If you live in the Sarnia area NFL Flag Football is starting its registration soon!

NFL Flag Football is the official Flag Football program of the NFL. They serve youth athletes ages 4 – 17. They are a no contact league that gives boys and girls a chance to develop their skills in an inclusive environment. 

Flag football has become one of the fastest growing sports for youth. The number of children participating has increased 38% since 2015. NFL Flag Football is the largest flag football league with more than 1,600 leagues in North America. 

Early Bird Registration (until March 31st) is $250 plus tax, and late registration is $300.00 plus tax. 

For more information on registration dates, visit: NFLFlag.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell