sports

Soccer Sheds Damaged in East China Township

East China, MI — The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department is looking for information about vandalism to property in East China Township.

According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Department, the vandalism took place at the East China soccer fields on Recor Road. The damage is believed to have occurred overnight on December 26th or early on December 27th. Two AYSO Region 673 storage sheds were significantly damaged.

AYSO Region 673 is a volunteer-run organization that facilitates the soccer program in St. Clair, Marysville, Marine City, and Algonac. The sheds had been repaired by volunteers this past fall and contain items that are used to run the youth soccer programs.

Deputies were called to the scene on December 27th and noticed that locks had been pried off the sheds and the contents were ransacked. It is unknown if any theft occurred.

Any tips about the property damage should be reported to Deputy Jacob Garza at the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office at (810) 985-8115. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

High School Sports to Wrap Up Fall Season; Winter Season Starts Mid-January

High School sports are scheduled to continue, but with some new protocols. With the “pause” in high school athletics mandated by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, fall sports were left in limbo.

According to the Michigan High School Athletic Association, a plan is now in place to finish out the seasons for those teams that made it to the state finals.

The latest statement from the Michigan High School Athletic Association says, “With high schools now reopened, the MDHHS has announced a pilot testing program that will allow the three unfinished fall sport tournaments to resume under these new testing requirements.” The test requirements include antigen testing to try to ensure safe completion of football, volleyball, and swimming and diving finals.

Winter sports like wrestling and basketball are not to have any practices until after the current order expires January 15th. When they finally get started, spectators will be prohibited.

Spring sports are expected to start as scheduled. Updated schedules and latest information can be found at mhsaa.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lelito’s Legacy Gives Out Grants for “Pay to Play” Fees

The Lelito’s Legacy Foundation has granted $9,000 to student athletes who need a helping hand. The Foundation’s mission is to support low income student athletes who may have trouble paying the “Pay to Play” fees. School teams are not actually playing right now, but the Foundation is looking with hope to youth sports starting back up at some point. 

Foundation founder Tim Lelito, former NFL player and standout football player at St. Clair High School, said, “It has been a tough year for all athletes. I’m happy that as a foundation we were able to grant these funds and take the financial stresses off their plate, so when sports safely return, they’re ready to play!” 

The grants have stayed in St. Clair county, spread out among 15 public middle and high schools. Jackie Hanton, Vice President of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, said, “It’s a blessing to have Lelito’s Legacy Foundation envision a safe and inclusive sports community for all, and no child should be left out of a game due to costs. Their donor advised fund has allowed our local schools to help more than 200 kids cover their pay to play fees.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McMorran Arena Opens for Hockey with Precautions

Port Huron, MI — It’s been a long time since the puck has dropped on the McMorran ice, but things are starting to move closer to normal at McMorran Place Sports and Entertainment Center in Downtown Port Huron. The ice arena has reopened to high school hockey teams and the Port Huron Prowlers could be taking to the ice this season.

The ice arena has new lights, new seats, and fresh ice; it just needs some players and fans to feel like the old days before the pandemic.

There are extensive precautions being taken to keep athletes and staff healthy. Entry procedures have been carefully constructed and include entry through the North entrance of the arena only. Players will need to scan a QR code which will link them to a COVID-19 screening questionnaire. Temperatures will be taken and only those who pass the health check can enter the building.

Only players and coaches are allowed in the locker room. Kids aged ten and under can have an adult accompany them. Masks and social distancing are expected, all in an effort to keep the arena open and give the area’s youth hockey players and the professional team a chance at a real competitive season.

More information can be found at http://bit.ly/entryprocedures.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

High School Winter Sports Season Proceeds with Restrictions

Winter high school sports are scheduled to proceed as planned, but with some restrictions. A bulletin issued to member schools late last week outlined the actions taken.

Football playoffs were scheduled, and schools are looking ahead to winter sports. Practices and competitions are scheduled to begin on time, but schools or conferences could delay the starts and reduce the number of games. Limited spectators and face coverings for athletes are part of the plan.

According to the directive, “Regular-season competition limits in winter sports will restrict the number of teams and individuals at any one competition site. The concept is winter competition will take place as locally as possible with no large-scale events, invitationals or tournaments during the regular season. Out-of-state competition for Michigan schools must follow these MHSAA limitations.”

MHSAA reports that COVID-19 doesn’t seem to be spread at actual sports events, but it is spreading at events after competitions, like team dinners and parties. Athletes and their families are encouraged to limit this type of behavior to do their best to maintain the winter sports season.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Area Mourns Passing of Jim Whymer, Beloved Local Sportswriter and Advocate

Port Huron, MI — The Blue Water Area is mourning the loss of Jim Whymer, who passed away on September 24th, at the age of 64. Whymer had been a fixture in the local sports reporting scene since the 1970s.

Whymer has been lauded as an advocate for area youth sports and a genuine friend to athletes, who went out of his way to connect with individual athletes and tell their stories. He was often seen officiating youth sports and recently worked as part of the athletics department at St. Clair County Community College.

Local parent, Stacy Thompson, recalled the special quality that Whymer had, saying, “He never forgot a kid he wrote about. He was an amazing man- such a loss for the community.” Thompson said that Whymer referred to her son with his team nickname, long after he had graduated. Such a story is common throughout the entire region as those who were involved in youth sports recall Mr. Whymer’s ability to make connections and reach out.

Mr. Whymer fought cancer for six years. He leaves his wife of 43 years, Patty, along with three children and one grandchild. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland