Athletic committee update: new coach introductions, facility work and public plea to sustain hockey funding

Board members at the May 9 special meeting received an athletics update summarizing recent coaching introductions, cooperative-sport arrangements and planned facility work, and heard a public comment urging continued support for the high-school hockey program.

An athletic committee member read an update prepared by Mr. Friday describing the new football coach’s visits with staff and players, a well-attended parent/player meeting, and plans to install new bleachers after graduation. The presenter said locker-room and trainer-room renovations (including unfinished science labs from before COVID) are planned, that 13 companies walked the locker-room project and bids are expected next week, and that the district hopes to complete work over the summer.

The presenter also said DTE Energy provided an $8,500 windscreen for the baseball outfield fence, the hockey cooperative with Ottaway, Inland Lakes, Pellston and Saint Ignace was renewed for two years, and a scoreboard sponsored by Citizens National Bank will be installed this coming summer. New chairs were purchased for the gym and used at graduation.

During public comment, Christie Harvey, who identified herself and said she represents the Blue Liners, urged more funding for hockey-related expenses — buses, prepping fees and athletic trainers — and said the hockey program has attracted five school-of-choice students this year and has potential recruits for next year. “This current year we have 5 school of choice students because of the hockey team,” Harvey said.

The update described ongoing facility planning and procurement steps but did not include contract award decisions or final cost breakdowns for the renovation work. The presenter said bids will be solicited and one contractor may be selected to combine science lab and locker-room work to attract more bidders.

What’s next
The transcript records the athletic update and the planned bid timeline; the board did not make facility-contract awards during the recorded meeting. Board members acknowledged the public comment and the presenter said they would follow up with the commenter.

Provenance
Athletic committee update appears from SEG 101 through SEG 246; public comment by Christie Harvey appears at SEG 265 through SEG 300.