By Dave Merchant [email protected] Allen Park senior Kyleigh Richards loves her two sports. For four years she has played varsity softball and basketball. In softball she plays outfield and in basketball she plays center/forward. Memorable sports moments: “Finding out we won leagues for basketball after defeating Wyandotte on our senior night for basketball my junior year,” Kyleigh said. “Going into overtime with Southgate after Gracen Kubik made a three pointer from the corner my sophomore year in basketball.” Her favorite teacher is Mr. Brown, she has him currently for AP Calculus & had him for Pre-Calc. Her favorite coach is Coach Steve Littleton (Softball), College is undecided but is thinking maybe Wayne State University. Her major will be Exercise Science. She has strong goals: “To make unforgettable bonds with the girls I play with,” she said. “Learn and focus on communication skills and working together to earn a team win.” She wants to have fun in the future. “Find a job that I’m successful at and that I enjoy doing daily,” she said. “I want to have a healthy family and plan on adopting kids. Eventually I want to be able to give back to my community.” Friends for her include Madi Ramey (best friend & teammate), Lynsey Fowler (best friend & soccer player), Izzy Conn & Madison Stibel (teammates), Abbie Slate (cousin), and Morgan Cartwright (former teammate). Her parents and siblings are Vicky & Chris Richards and her brother is Nate Richards. Advice to younger athletes is important. “Leave everything you have out on the court/field,” she added. “Everyone says time goes by so fast in high school & I never really believed it until last year when the buzzer went off & I realized I didn’t get to play another game with my cousin, Abbie or teammates anymore because they were seniors. Play for each other, not for yourself.”
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By Dave Merchant [email protected] Allen Park Jaguar varsity center Isabelle Conn Is good at what she does. She plays in the middle and does a fantastic job for the basketball team. She has fond memories: “Winning a District and a League championship back to back,” Isabelle said. “Specifically the league outright in 2019. That feeling when our coach told us after senior night that Trenton had lost to Taylor. I will never forget that with my team.” “Also, this year Carlson, came back from a 12 point deficit to win by one. The team atmosphere and the collective effort and determination to win was a great memory.” She likes her teachers. “Mr. Danosky, he always seeks your best performance and pushes you to do better, and makes you want to learn, a great mentor inside and out of the classroom.” She has always had good coaches. “If it weren't for my first basketball coach Jason Martin I would not be where I am today,” she said. “He taught me how to play and why I play. It's been continued on through coach Stowe and Monte, They have three must to do lessons each practice and those are daily reminders of why we play and what it takes to do great things. Without those three lessons everyday many players would take it as a normal practice, but I take it as a couple hours to get better and be together with something "greater than yourself" just as Stowe says.” Favorite class is foreign languages. “My favorite class would be Spanish, I learn something new about Spanish every day,” she said. “I have learned to appreciate the language and it's beautiful culture.” She has chosen to attend Alma College in Alma MI. She is majoring in Biology. “A goal for myself that I have chosen is to be more grateful. There is so much to be grateful for that is over looked every day and if for one second I can focus on something each day, I hope to become a better version of myself,” she said. “I am proud to say I have the best group of friends, from my best friend Julia Martin whom I have played with for nearly 9 years, we have done so much together and I am grateful for her,” she said. “I am also lucky to have people like both Sydneys' in my life, Gabi Vera, Leo and best friends from track Kiara and Paige. Love and enjoy your friends while you can and whenever you can.” She loves her family dearly. “My mom and dad Veronica and Scott Conn, are my biggest mentors and supporters,” she said. “They have sacrificed so much for me to be successful.” “I have 3 older sisters who have mentored and guided me all my life. The oldest Sarilda has given me two nieces who have made being the "cool" aunt the best name I could have! We all went through schools in Allen Park: Sarilda class of 2011, Iyana Class of 2014, and Saranda Cabrini class of 2013.” Advice to younger athletes is strong: ”To younger athletes, I say go to that extra open gym, lift the extra weight and get to practice early,” she said. “One day it will end and all you will be left with is memories. Make every day count.” AP girls basketball head coach Warren Stowe had this to say about Isabelle: “I have coached Izzy for the past two years and have also had her in my classroom. She is an amazing student and athlete. Working hard is something that she does, both on and off the court. She takes challenging courses and I can't even count how many mornings she has been in the gym before the sun comes up to work on her game. That dedication and work ethic is something that has helped her and our team be extremely successful. She's an amazing role model to young female students and athletes, I am very proud of her.” By Dave Merchant [email protected] Julia Beaudrie is a junior who plays three sports at Allen Park High School. She plays a sport for every season. Her sports are basketball, volleyball and track and field. Her positions include Point guard/ Forward, Outside hitter, High jump, pole vault, and 300m hurdles . Memorable sports memories include: “Going into triple overtime with Huron my freshman year on JV basketball,” Julia said. Mr. Brown is her favorite teacher. Coach Bob is her favorite coach who introduced her to the sport of basketball in 4th grade. She is interested in Michigan State but still looking into colleges. “Not sure right about now but most likely I’ll major in something dealing with sciences or mathematics,” she said. She has goals in sports and life. “Have fun and get the most of my high school experiences in sports,” she said. “Just accepting that failure is a part of the journey to success.” Her friends include Avery Beamon, and Kylee Dietz. Her parents are Jerold and Judith Beaudrie. She is the youngest out of her sister Jaclyn and brothers Jared and Jacob. Advice to younger athletes is strong: “Play for your team and enjoy every moment because one day you’re going to look back and want it back,” she said. By Dave Merchant [email protected] Blake Gilliam is one very talented Jaguar who has stepped it up as a senior. He played football, basketball and track too. His college will be in Detroit where he officially signed. “I am attending Wayne state to play football,” Blake said. “I picked Wayne State because it fits my academic needs and I fell in love with their “Why” and what I mean by their why is why they play the game, and why everyone is on the field and buying into the overall goals of the team.” “Also they have an amazing coaching staff that can build me up to the best player I can possibly be over the next 4-5 years.” He plans on going into civil/environmental engineering. His closest friends are Mateo Balders, Marcus Smith, Jakob Marsee, Nick Setser, Xavier England, Zack Kauffman, Nathan Magier, Joey Mocnick, Michael Mastropietro, Max Slate, Colton Caswell and more. His mother is Krystal Gilliam-Haley, his step-dad is Thomas Haley, his father is Micheal Gilliam, his Step-mother is Nerissa Gilliam, his brother is Cole Gilliam, and his sisters are Belah Haley and Mia Gilliam. “My goals for the remainder of this basketball season are to win the league, win a district title and be the best leader I can be on and off the court,” he said. His college goals are to start 3 years and be 1st team GLIAC two of those years, and also to continue to be a leader in college and be the best teammate possible. By J.M. Boggs [email protected] Sitting Allen Park City Council member Robert Stites died last week at the age of 71. A longtime public servant with the Allen Park Police Department, Stites was elected to the City Council last year. This being the first time he had ran for an elected office. The City of Allen Park announced his passing on its Facebook page Jan. 22 “It is with great sorrow to inform you that Councilman Robert Stites passed away this morning. “Bob was a retired Police Officer for the City of Allen Park, had served on several Boards and Commissions for the City over the years, and was elected to the City Council in November. “He will be greatly missed.” Comments echoed that final sentiment. “Those of us that knew Bob, know the loss to his family and city are sorrowful as well as enormous,” Miles Archer posted. “He has big shoes that won’t easily be filled. For those that didn’t have the honor to know Bob, his charitable work affected our entire community. At some point, each of us benefited from his commitment to our community. You will forever be missed Bob. RIP.” His memorial wall, an online space where well-wishers could view his obituary and funeral arrangements and leave messages is filled with memories of Stites as a passionate Michigan fan and warm friend. “All our love to Melissa, Bobby, Sarah and the entire family. Bob Stites was a giant among men. His grace and dignity will never be forgotten. Our community has lost a tremendous leader and we have lost a great friend. May Eternal Light shine upon you. Jim and Denise Sombati, Go Blue,” one such message read. “On behalf of the Wayne County Police Lieutenants, Sergeants, and Corporals Association, we are shocked and saddened by this sudden loss. Our sincere thoughts and prayers to Melissa and family. Bob was the Secretary and a cornerstone of our Association for many years. God bless you. Jay Newcomb, President WCPLSCA,” stated another. Martenson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. His obituary reads: Stites, Robert L., age 71, January 22, 2020 of Allen Park, Michigan. Beloved husband of Melissa. Loving father of Bobby Stites and Sarah (John) Foss. Proud grandpa of Buchanan. Dearest brother of Charlene Vorva, Barbara Marsh, Janet (Pat) Dragone, Kathy (the late Dan) Berdich, Daniel (Terri) Stites and the late Donna Welsch. Also survived by his brother-in-law Jerry Welsch. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bob's life may be made directly to the family. Following funeral services at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church, he was laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery. By Dave Merchant [email protected] For Melvindale Cardinal senior Emily Biggott this spring will not be her last time to play softball. Emily will be playing in college at Madonna University. She pitches and plays shortstop for softball and she was a setter for volleyball. “I’m lucky and had the chance to have my dad coach me in softball since I was younger,” Emily said. “He was always there to push me and help me improve.” Her favorite teacher is Mr. Macdonald. Even though she has only had him for 2 classes these past 4 years, he has always been there for her with anything she needed and she knew she could always go to him for help. Some of her favorite musical artists are AJR and Wallows. She likes to draw and ride bikes with her friends in the summer. “The thing I like most about Madonna is the campus and how far it is from home,” she said. “The campus is beautiful and it’s far enough away to feel like I’m on my own but close enough for my friends and family to come and watch me play at the next level.” She plans to major in Forensic Science. “My goals for college are to succeed in the classroom and keep my grades up,” she said. “On the field, my goal is to work as hard as possible and hopefully be able to start as a Freshman.” She can’t wait to play her last high school season in softball. “I am super excited for the spring,” she said. “This spring is the last time I will play with the same people I’ve played with since I was little, and I plan to make the most of it. It’s a bittersweet feeling knowing that it’s coming to an end but it makes the season that much more special.” She said some of her best friends are Hailey Holbrook, Rylee Kurpowic, Samantha Wolnowski, Karina Gregory, and Abby Kapala. “My parents are Matt and Marcy Biggott, and my sister is Jessica Biggott.” Her advice to younger athletes is solid. “My advice for younger athletes is to always push yourself to be better, even if it means working on things by yourself sometimes,” she said. “There are always things you can do to improve not only for yourself, but to help your team too.” By Dave Merchant [email protected] One local business on Allen Road is celebrating a special anniversary this month. The Lions Den barber shop opened up in January of 1970. With 50 years of service to the community they have something to be proud of. The current owners of the barber shop are Mary and Jim Abbott who live in Gibraltar. Their son Ryan lives in Redford and works at the Lion’s Den. Wally Sobocinski has been cutting hair here since 1976 and he lives in Rochester Hills. The building is located on a corner and has some great features inside. There is plenty of things to look at and enough room for everyone. They even have third generations of clients. He cuts the hair of former Major League Baseball pitcher J.J. Putz aTrenton HS grad, his dad Tom, and his brother. There is still room for new barbers. In 1976 they had 10 barbers. They are looking for two new barbers at this time. They have current clients from Milan, Ann Arbor and the Upper Peninsula: “We have a diverse clientele,” Jim Abbott said. “Young and old. We knew we found a home when we connected with the clients.” He said the people here are hardworking, honest, genuine and fun-loving. “When you visit us don’t be surprised if you get caught up in the laughter,” he said. “Thanks for your patronage.” The Lion’s Den does a wide variety of haircuts. Regular cuts, wash and cuts, flat tops and specialty cuts are $14 and up. Styles are $18. Lions Den is located at 6761 Allen Road in Allen Park. Fundraiser Subscription Drive!!! Help the Allen Park Guardian Raise Money for Allen Park Jags Athletics Please fill out the form below and either mail or drop off at 6543 Allen Road Allen Park, MI 48101. For every $26 home subscription received AP Guardian will donate $5 to the sport/club of your choice! Subscription Drive will end February 29, 2020. Send yours in now! Thank you for your support! Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________________________________ Phone or Email:________________________________________________________________ Sport/Club you would like to support:_________________________________________________ By Dave Merchant [email protected] The Allen Park Police Department has a new K-9 unit who is ready for action. The new dog is named Enzo and he is handled by Officer Christopher Franco. “We got him in the end of October,” Franco said. “We have had him for three months and he passed his initial certification which he has to do once a year.” Enzo is 17-month old Germain Sheppard who was purchased from a breeder in Ohio. Allen Park is a single car city so Enzo will be with Officer Franco at work as well as around him 24/7. “The dog will always go on patrol with me,” he said. “He is always going to schools and the Boy Scouts. He checks lockers at the high school.” Other cities like Lincoln Park, Southgate and Wyandotte have K-9 dogs. The communities assist each other with K-9s if one is off or unreachable. They simply call for assistance from other communities. The Allen Park Police Department takes care of the dog food and veterinary care for the entire life of the officer. “The hardest part is learning how to read the dog and get the animal to get along with my family,” he said. “They don’t mind being in kennels.” So be on the lookout for the newest member of the Allen Park Police Force. He loves to meet residents, especially children. Remember he is on the City’s side. The previous Allen Park K-9 was named Phantom. He passed away from an illness last year. He was also trained by Franco. He was only three and half years old when he died. He had a disease EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency) which is when the body does not have the right amount of pancreatic enzyme. Phantom’s ashes are in an urn. He is missed by the Franco family who considered him one of their own. He still had treats and food left over from his friend. “He was my four-legged friend,” he said. “He was part of the family and I was his whole life.” By Dave Merchant [email protected] Mackenzie Schick a senior at Cabrini enjoys playing three sports. This senior keeps active all year long. She plays Volleyball- Libero, Basketball- Shooting Guard, and Softball- 3rd base. “Spending these last four years with amazing teammates is a favorite moment,” Mackenzie said. “ Another favorite moment is blocking a girl on Gabriel Richard last year in an away basketball game at their place.” She enjoys Government and her favorite teacher was Mr. V. “I have had many good coaches throughout my career but my favorite has to be my fourth grade basketball coach, Coach Durant who sparked the love of basketball in me,” she said. She has been accepted to a handful of schools but she is leaning towards Michigan State. “I will sadly be ending my sports career this spring in high school, not competing at the next level,” she said. “I would love to stay involved in the sports I love, hopefully coaching one day. I also hope to have a wonderful family and to leave my mark on the world.” In the future she may choose Medicine as a profession. “I am looking at the medical sciences, but I do not know for sure, she said. “As long as I am helping people I will be happy.” Friends she hangs out with are mainly teammates. “I tend to hang out with my teammates the most along with my boyfriend,” she added. “I try to be friends with everyone but outside of school and sporting events I only hang out with a few close friends.” Her family is important to her. “My dad, Fred Schick, and mom, Terri Renker, are my inspiration every day along with my older sister, Brooklyn who I have always looked up to,” she said. Advice for athletes is important. “Find the fun in the game especially when you are questioning your worth, role, and even the game itself,” she said. “Never let someone else dictate your love for the game, play because you want to compete.” |