As one chapter closes, another opens.
Glen Lake seniors Michael Houtteman and Benji Allen signed to compete at the Air Force Academy in golf and Grand Valley State University (GVSU)in football Friday. Both Houtteman and Allen leave a three sport legacy at Glen Lake.
Houtteman heading to the Air Force
Houtteman committed to the Air Force Academy to play golf after an illustrious Laker career on the links.
“I’m proud to announce my commitment to the United States Air Force Academy to continue my athletic and academic career,” Houtteman said. “I’m incredibly thankful for the support of my family, coaches, teammates, and friends who have been with me every step of the way. I especially want to thank my parents for their constant encouragement and sacrifices, and my coaches for pushing me to grow as both a player and a person. Representing Glen Lake has meant so much to me, and I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned into this next chapter. I know the journey ahead will be challenging, but I’m ready to give it my all— on the field, in the classroom, and in service.”
The Air Force Falcons finished 11th in the Mountain West in the 2025 spring season.
Houtteman recalls Air Force coaches being in person at the state championships last year and the relationship quickly grew.
Afterwards he sent his tournament rounds and was extended an offer.
But before making it official, Houtteman had several obstacles to overcome to enter the Air Force.
Houtteman took that as a challenge and retook the SAT multiple times, taking extra classes, and completed several meetings with government officials before being nominated to attend the Air Force Academy.
Houtteman went on a visit last fall to Colorado Springs and immediately fell in love with the campus that is at the base of the Rocky Mountains.
“I fell in love with the campus and the vibe of the brotherhood,” Houtteman said.
Houtteman was considering the University of Wisconsin and Old Dominion University while receiving significant interests from several other NCAA Div. 1 golf teams.
“I set the goal for myself in seventh grade after watching a couple good local golfers have the chance to play.
And I said, ‘I want to do that.’ Ever since I’ve set my mind on practicing when I could be doing other things and just work for it. This really means a lot to me and something that I’ll always cherish. ”
Houtteman competed for a NWC championship yesterday before competing in regionals and at the state championships throughout May and June.
Houtteman had to restructure his senior year in terms of academic requirements to get into the Air Force including more physics and advanced math classes. He got a tutor to put in the extra work and long days necessary.
“Pam (Houtteman), and I are super proud,” said Lee Houtteman, father and Glen Lake golf coach. “(Michael) still has goals he wants to achieve in his senior year. If you’re the type of person that can (handle the pressure), and he is one of those where he can compartmentalize it and not get too stressed.”
Michael was nominated allstate for the past three years, and received a super team nomination, top-8 golfer in the state regardless of division.
“My advice is really to keep improving no matter what you’re doing each time. You’re going to play against kids that are at a higher level than you. No matter where you go.
But just keep trying to work on the things that you need to improve on and be aware of them whether it’s driving or whether it’s your iron play, wedges, putting, short games, just keep focusing on the areas you need to improve. And then after a while, boy, keep nudging yourself forward …. improve your weak areas and you can compete with anybody,” Lee said. “In life, just listen to dad.
Probably more so mom and try to do the right thing. We tried to raise him by making good decisions and we feel pretty good about him moving on to making good decisions. Not going to be perfect every time.
You’re going to have a few hiccups along the road, but you realize that’s normal and then keep trying to make good decisions.”
Houtteman will be competing at regionals Thursday, May 28 at East Jordan and the state championship June 6-7 at Ferris Sate University.
Allen becomes GVSU Laker
Grand Valley State University posted on social media “Speed, skill, and grit–Benji Allen is built for the Valley!’
“I’m proud to announce my commitment to Grand Valley State University to play football and pursue a degree in the medical field,” Allen said. “I’m incredibly grateful for all the people who have supported me—my family, coaches, teachers, and teammates. Representing Glen Lake has been an honor, and I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned into this next chapter. I’m ready to work hard and give it everything I have to succeed both on and off the field.”
The quarterback, running back, and linebacker combination shined on both sides of the ball throughout his high school career, en route to landing an offer from GVSU.
Allen committed to play football and study at Grand Valley State University after an unforgettable three-sport career as a Glen Lake Laker.
When Allen went on a visit to GVSU he fell in love with the atmosphere and campus.
“I liked how everything was pretty close together.
I love their facilities and the culture … They just brought me in and made me feel welcome. And honestly, I love that about Grand Valley,” Allen said.
Glen Lake has had a solid pipeline to GVSU with several recent football players repping another Laker uniform including his brother Brody.
Growing up, Allen was admittedly 100% a baseball kid, travelling around the state playing in tournaments. The senior still stars on the baseball team but his love for football began freshman year and that quickly became a goal of playing at the next level.
“I loved football and my brother played it and he went and played a year of college football,” he said. “ I just fell in love with the game and from there, I got to keep playing this after high school. Couldn’t let it go.”
Allen wants to go into the health care field with thoughts of becoming a heart surgeon or in the veterinary sector. Allen will be remembered as a surgical tool all across the field for the Lakers who made a run in the playoffs this year.
Allen will be focusing on the defensive side of the ball as a GVSU linebacker.
“You want to make sure you give all your players an opportunity to go to the next level and exceed it if it’s something that they love to do. (Allen) is a great competitor, great athlete.
But the one thing that you really love about Benji is the stuff he does outside the field. He’s just a great role model, especially getting younger kids … those little things that he does go a long way.” Glen Lake coach Jesse Smith said.
Smith credits Allen for helping on Saturday’s at pop warner youth football games. Smith is excited for Allen to fall in love with the culture of GVSU.
“Allen is a student of the game. Benji played quarterback, then turned around as a linebacker and called the defense,“ Smith said.
GVSU starts the season at home (Lubbers Stadium) Saturday, August 30 at 1 p.m. against Lincoln (Pa.) before traveling to Pittsburg State in Pittsburg, Kansas.
The Lakers went 11-2 in 2024 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Playoffs (32teams) where Glen Lake graduate Cade Peterson had an illustrious career at GVSU.
