Hail to the victors! The Suttmann family witnessed history as Michigan defeated Washington in the College Football Playoff National Championship game 34-13 in Houston to capture the Wolverine’s first national championship since 1997. “As you might expect it was a once in a lifetime feeling and experience,” Logan Suttmann said. “We have been through a lot of lows, some highs, as Michigan fans in the last 15 years or so. I just never thought we would get it done. I’m blown away.”
2. Top-10 strongest firefi ghter in the world: Cedar’s Joseph Voiles
Cedar Area Fire & Rescue Lieutenant Joseph Voiles competed in his second ‘World’s Strongest Firefighter’ on Friday and Saturday, March 1-2 in Columbus, Ohio at the Arnold Sports Festival. Voiles made it through the intense competition of 120 firefighters from seven different countries to finish 10th.
3. Pasch celebrates 50 years of football
Stan Pasch, a veteran high school football coach, marks an impressive milestone this year as he celebrates 50 years of coaching. From his start at Beal City to leading teams across northern Michigan, Pasch’s dedication to the sport and its players has been a cornerstone of his career. “Where else would you like to be on a Friday night,” Pasch said.
4. Muldowney 51 years officiating
When Mike Muldowney arrives on the basketball court it’s all business for the referee that’s been calling local sporting events on all levels for over 50 years. Muldowney started refereeing at the age of 19, and basketball quickly became his favorite sport to call. “Basketball is the greatest game in the world,” he said.
5. Not the same old Lions
Leelanau was well represented at the NFC Championship game Sunday between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers as multiple peninsula people made the trip out to San Francisco. Even though the Lions lost 34-31 in heartbreaking fashion, the experience will always be unforgettable for Matt Soltysiak of Glen Lake, and Nic and Casey Cross of Suttons Bay. Soltysiak, a Glen Lake High School Spanish teacher and podcast host of “Not The Same Old Lions” met one of his best friends from Seattle to take in the first Lions NFC Championship game since the 1991-92 season. “Every element of the Lions offense was working,” Soltysiak said in his most recent podcast episode that was released on Monday. “There were so many fans out there … Saturday night you would have thought you were at an establishment in Michigan.”
Stan Pasch, a veteran high school football coach, marks an impressive milestone this year as he celebrates 50 years of coaching. Enterprise photo by Brian Freiberger
