HOWELL HONORS TOP ATHLETES
Howell athletics held its honors night last night as nine student athletes were inducted into the Howell Athletic Hall of Fame. The Senior Scholar Athlete award winners and the male and female Highlanders of the Year were also recognized in a ceremony that took place virtually due to the covid-19 restrictions.
The evening began with the recognition of the Senior Scholar Athlete Award winners being recognized. The award goes to the top male and female athlete with the highest cumulative GPA over their career. Volleyball player Maria Eskola and cross country and track runner Noah Weslock took home the honors. Weslock was the top student in the class of 2020.
The HOF saw six seniors and three sophomores inducted as Stefan Frantti (Hockey), Hunter Gubeno (Swimming), Spencer Holdcraft (Diving), Tony Honkala (Basketball), Mason Nelson (Football), Everett Pietila (Hockey), Dominic Rossi (Hockey), Jonah Schrock (Wrestling) and Maeve St. John (Basketball) became the class of 2020 inductees.
This group of student athletes have led Howell athletic teams to unprecedented success. Highlander hockey team made an MHSAA frozen four appearance this Spring before covid-19 ended their quest for a state championship; Jonah Schrock finished sixth at the MHSAA wrestling finals in 2020; Boys basketball made an MHSAA final four appearance at the Breslin Center in 2019, Softball made an MHSAA final four appearance by in 2018 and followed that up as runner’s up in 2019; and two individual MHSAA state championships in 2019 by Hunter Gubeno who also finished the covid shortened 2020 season ranked #1 in the state in the 100 yd backstroke and 500 yd freestyle.
The ceremony concluded with the recognition of the Highlanders of the Year; given to the top male and female athletes of the year. Candidates are nominated by their coaches and finalists are voted upon by all varsity coaches and the athletic director.
Molly Carney, who was instrumental in softball’s success over the last three years was the female HOTY winner. Jonah Schrock, who earned 11 letters in football, rugby, track & field, and wrestling garnered the male award.
The Hall of Fame tradition is for each inductee to hang their photo on the wall in the Howell Fieldhouse at the conclusion of the ceremony. Given the covid-19 restrictions, each inductee will schedule an appointment to bring their family into the fieldhouse to watch them hang their photo.
HOWELL ATHLETICS UPDATE (6/4/2020)
Starting on Monday, June 8, 2020, Howell schools will allow student-athletes and coaches to begin summer workouts while following all applicable guidelines. We will begin the re-entry process during a two-week period of activities that are centered around strength and conditioning. At this time, no indoor activities are permitted per governor’s orders.
As we have seen in the last couple of weeks, things change rapidly. We will provide updates as quickly as possible as we receive them from the governor and/or MHSAA.
Here is what all student athletes must know.
Each coach and student athlete must complete the online “Student Athlete-Coach Covid Monitoring Form prior to the start of EACH WORKOUT. Student athletes will be required to complete the form EACH MORNING and will not be admitted to training sessions if this requirement is not met. The link to the form is https://forms.gle/8g2U7XHdd45exNvQ6
As a health and safety precaution, there will be no water provided. Students must bring water each day as hydration is of utmost importance.
All student athletes and coaches will be required to maintain current social distancing requirements at all times throughout the workout.
Coaches will group student athletes into small “pods” to further maintain social distancing and minimize contact with larger groups of student athletes.
The use of a protective face covering is highly recommended for all student athletes and coaches.
Student athletes should always use proper hygiene practices including frequent hand washing, using a tissue or other cover when you sneeze, and refraining from spitting into the air or on to the ground.
The only facilities that will be in use at this time are the stadiums at Howell High School and Parker Middle School. (Construction could push the HHS stadium activities on to the grass fields).
No locker rooms will be available. A single bathroom will be open.
Student athletes may not congregate before or after a training session. You will be expected to leave the facility and school grounds immediately following the completion of your workout. Students who do not drive to practice should be picked up immediately at the end of a scheduled workout.
Student athletes should not shake hands, high five, fist bump or have any other contact with student athletes or coaches at this time.
Equipment that is used will be cleaned throughout the day.
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"John Dukes Field at Memorial Stadium"
We are honored to have this opportunity to name the field after such an incredible Highlander. All funds must come through private donations and sponsorship. We need your help! Donate below or click here for more information.