By Dave Merchant [email protected] Luke Metropoulos is a senior from St. Frances Cabrini who is good on the ice as a hockey player and good on the greens for the golf team. In hockey he is a forward and in golf he is a valuable piece of the team. “Winning Cabrini’s first Catholic League Championship last year was a big moment,” Luke said. “And achieving above a 3.0 GPA.” His favorite class is physical education. Science is his favorite subject. His favorite teacher is Mr. J and his favorite coach is Matt Grant. Luke wants to attend Central Michigan University and study business. “I want to graduate from college and get a good job,” he said. “Hobbies I enjoy are fishing, and hanging out with friends.” His friends he hangs out with include Niko Brithnee, Logan Fryz, and Evan Taylor. His parents are Paul and Renee Metropoulos. Luke’s brother is Justin Metropoulos. Advice to younger students is strong for Luke.“Continue to work hard through whatever you may be doing whether it is sports or your education,” he added.
0 Comments
By Jim Jacek
The center opened at the new location (4517 Allen Road) on January 7, 2020 moving out of its Melvindale location. A donor provided the building, so there is no rent to the crisis center. Angela Griggs is the executive director, and is helped by about 12 volunteers. The center provides advice and options for women that become pregnant. There is no age limit, they may already have children. This pro-life organization can provide maternity clothes, baby clothes, diapers, and formula free of charge. They rely on donations, and are a 503(c)(3) charity. Anyone can stop in for a confidential conversation. Their hours are Tuesdays from 6pm to 8pm and Wednesdays from 10am to 2pm. If you would like to donate gently used baby clothes, or baby items no longer needed, feel free to call them. You can reach them by phone at 313-382-5941, or check out their website at www.melvindalecpc.org. By Dave Merchant [email protected] As a senior at Allen Park High, Ryan Waddell is a leader on and off the varsity basketball and baseball teams. He plays Varsity Baseball- OF/1B and Guard for Varsity Basketball. “We were 2019 Baseball District Champs,” Ryan said. “I was Downriver League All-Academic (Basketball), and Principal’s Scholar.” Psychology is his favorite class. Math is the subject he likes best. His favorite teacher is Mr. Whitlow and his favorite coach is Dave Wilkie. His college is currently undecided but his major will be Finance. Hobbies include hanging out with his friends, and working at Sky Zone. His parents are Dan and Tera Waddell. His sister is Mackenzie Waddell, and his brother is Jay Shelton. His advice is strong: “Don’t pass up great opportunities thinking that another one will come around, 4 years goes by fast so make the best of every chance you get,” he said By Dave Merchant [email protected] Crystal (Krieger) Jones is still a star soccer player who might still have some time left on the field. She recently tried out for a soccer team which will be coming to Detroit. Despite not making it she still enjoys the sport. Crystal is a 1998 graduate of Cabrini High School. Her high school sports included playing JV volleyball her freshman and sophomore years. Crystal played soccer all four years on varsity. She was a starting player her freshman year. She played forward and midfield. “I was All-League, All-Catholic, All-Regional, and All-News-Herald 1st Team in high school,” she said with a smile. “I married my high school sweetheart, Dan Jones,” she said. Dan is a psychotherapist, school social worker, independent filmmaker, writer, and aspiring stand-up comedian. My children are Danny (18), Alex (16), and Charlotte (13). All three of my kids played soccer.” She graduated in 2008 from Madonna University with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers in Ann Arbor in 2009. She is a Registered Dietitian, and is a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition. She has worked at St. Mary Mercy Livonia since 2010 as an Inpatient Clinical Dietitian and Outpatient Oncology Dietitian. Her hobbies include playing soccer and watching soccer. “I enjoy going to the Detroit City FC games in Hamtramck,” she said. “I also enjoy playing ping pong and watching movies (including independent films, foreign films, and classic films).” She still plays soccer and has many goals: “To continue to play quality soccer for as long as possible,” she said. “Be a healthy and active role model for my family, children, student athletes, and patients/clients.” “I started playing soccer in fourth grade on a recreational team,” she said. “Our team lost every game and never scored a goal the entire season. During our end of the season tournament, the coach put me in at forward and I scored the first goal of the season and we won our first game. I then went on to score another goal in the second game of the tournament. This was the moment I fell in love with the game of soccer.” “I would come home from school, do my homework, grab my soccer ball, and spend hours kicking the ball against my garage and working on footwork,” she said. “I grew up playing for the Dearborn Soccer Club in their select program (Little Caesars) and often played year-round. At one point, I was invited to try out for Olympic Development Program, but unfortunately I did not pursue the opportunity at that time.” Recent sport activities: “I play outdoor soccer in the Great Lakes Women’s Soccer League in the summer. I play boarded indoor soccer year-round on an over 30 Co-Ed league every Friday night, and an over 30 women’s league every Sunday night at Total Soccer in Novi. I recently played in an over 30 women’s charity soccer tournament (Kicks for Kindness).” “I tried out for the Inaugural Detroit City FC women’s team on Jan. 4th” she said. “I knew trying out would be a long shot at this point, but I can honestly say I played my heart out and gave it my all. I’m proud of myself for putting myself out there and proud of the way I played. At 39 years of age, I was one of the oldest players at tryouts and playing against ladies literally half my age. I’ve never doubted my ability, but to play with the best around Detroit, I now know that I can compete at that level and 100% played like I belonged there. These opportunities were not available to female soccer players when I was growing up, and playing soccer on a semi-professional/professional level has always been an aspiration for me. I did not make the team, but the experience was 100% worth it. The stands were full of avid soccer fans (specifically the Northern Guard) who cheered us on (playing drums and singing) during the tryout. When we came off the pitch and walked across the facility, the little girls in the crowd reached out to slap our hands. To me, it was worth it just for that. It was so exhilarating for me to see the excitement and anticipation for the women’s team, and know that future female soccer players now have these opportunities.” With sports comes travel to Paris, France in 2019. She saw three games of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, including the USA vs Chile game. During the USA vs Chile game, Dan and her were on TV for a few moments in the crowd. She has fond family memories of soccer: “Fond family memory is when our kids were younger and they all played soccer, we would spend all day watching our kids play soccer in back-to-back games,” she said. “We would often fit in a sideline family picnic.” They belong to the Cabrini Parish. Her daughter, Charlotte, is in 8th grade at Cabrini Middle School, so they attend her sporting events and other school activities. “Most recently, I was the head coach of the 7/8th grade Cabrini girls soccer team in fall 2019,” she said. “We went undefeated/took first place in our league and took 2nd place in the Downriver Soccer Classic. I was also head coach of the Cabrini JV high school boys’ soccer team in fall 2015. I was also an assistant coach for Cabrini’s CYO boys’ soccer team for few years, and coached for Cabrini Boosters a few times.” Her advice for kids and adults is tremendous: “For adults, sports aren’t just for kids,” she said. There are plenty of adult sport leagues at many different skill levels available. Look into it! Sports not only improves your health through physical activity, but they can also provide an outlet for stress reduction and social interaction.” “I have met some of the best people playing soccer throughout my life, and my soccer teammates are like family to me. Kids-If you’re passionate about a sport you’re playing, practice on your own outside of team practices. During team practices, practice like you’re playing in a tied game. You’ve got to push yourself to get better. Coaches can teach you skills and motivate you to be a better player, but ultimately it is up to you to do the work necessary to improve your game.” By Dave Merchant [email protected] Emily Obrycki-Smith is a senior who enjoys the sport of cheerleading. She is one of the members who has been on the team the longest for the Allen Park High cheer team. She does Competitive Cheer and side base. “We have State Champions, 2x District Champs, 2x Regional Champs, League Champs, and 2x State Runner Up,” Emily said. Her favorite class is College Prep Spanish and her favorite subject is Math. Her favorite teacher is Mr. Loyd and favorite coach is Meghan Terry. She would like to go to college at Michigan State or Eastern. She plans to study teaching. “My goal in life is to be happy,” she said. ”My hobbies are cheer, hanging with friends, my job and going to the gym.” Her mom is Jen Obrycki and her dad is Robert Smith and her brother is Jason Obrycki-Smith. Her advice to younger athletes makes a lot of sense: “My advice to younger students is always thank your parents and coaches for the things they do for you and always cherish the moments you have because high school is over in a blink,” she said. “Also be positive and treat others how you want to be treated.” By Dave Merchant [email protected]
Robert (Bobby) O'Guin from Cabrini has the ability to be good at two sports. This senior plays both basketball and baseball. “I was All-League Basketball Selection, All-Academic Baseball Selection,” Bobby said. “One of my biggest moments was playing in the Catholic League Championships for baseball last season. English is his favorite class, Mrs. Keith Is his favorite teacher and his favorite subjects are English/Chemistry. He is undecided for college. His parents are Steven and Jean O'Guin. Hobbies include reading and watching sports. Advice is sound for this young athlete. “Enjoy every moment you have with your teammates, because that time flies by very quickly,” he said. By Dave Merchant [email protected] Allen Park is full of talented youth in sports. Avery Garden and Kiley Carr are two such examples of talent especially in softball, who have a history of playing all over the country together on highly recognized softball teams. Avery Garden is a very good eighth grade softball player. So good she plays on a travel team in Chicago over the summer. At 13 this eighth grader at Allen Park Middle school also plays basketball, volleyball, swimming and track. “I have played (softball) since I was 6 years old,” Avery said. “I play first base.” Her goals for the future are attainable. “My goal is to play D1 softball,” she said. Avery’s parents are Andrew and Melanie Garden. Her sister is Kate Garden. She likes playing softball in Chicago. “The drives are no big deal anymore after playing all over the Midwest since 10u,” she said “We’ve traveled to Florida, California, Kansas City, St. Louis, Des Moines, Iowa and we will travel to Atlanta this summer.” Big moments for her include: 1. When I was recognized as being one of the top 100 players in the country in my class of 2024. 2. Our Motor City Madness team beat the 10u Beverly Bandits in their own tournament. 3. In Kansas City we beat the O.C. Batbusters from California. 4. Winning USSSA State Championships in 10 and 11u. Kiley Carr is a talented Allen Park Middle School softball player. Her jersey is number 5 and she is in the seventh grade. “I have played softball since I was 5 years old,” Kiley said. “I play second base and shortstop.” Other sports she plays are basketball, volleyball, track, and competitive cheer. “My goal is to play College Softball,” she said. Her parents are Thomas Carr (Dad) Kelly Carr (Mom) and Jessika Palmarchuk (Sister). She enjoys playing in Chicago. “Yes, I do like playing for the Beverly Bandits out of Chicago, IL.,” she said. “Playing for an elite organization has pushed me to be a better softball player and a good role model to my peers. I am very fortunate to be able to experience playing at a very high level for my age. Playing for the Beverly Bandits has given me the opportunity to play softball in places such as Florida, California, Kansas City, St. Louis, Des Moines, Iowa, and I will travel to Atlanta this Summer.” A few memorable moments she has had in softball would be: beating the number one ranked team in California, the OC Batbusters and batting a .500 in the California PGF Nationals last season. Avery and Kiley have played together since 10u when they joined forces to help their Motor City Madness team win the USSSA State Championship. Their Madness team went on to win again at 11u as well. It was after their 11u season that they were invited to become a part of the famed Beverly Bandits organization, recognized as one of the best in the Midwest and in the country. Now at 13u they are the only two teammates who remain together from 10u. They do a lot of their weekly training together. They hit and field weekly with renowned coach Eddy Ketelhut. They spend a lot of time working on getting better and doing what it takes to stay with the Bandits and get ready to be future Jags. By Dave Merchant [email protected] Allen Park three sport athlete Brendan Wilkes is also a scholar for the Jags. This senior is a busy person. Sports positions in football he played are fullback, linebacker, and long snapper. In baseball: outfield and second base. He also competed in swim and dive. Accomplishments in football were huge. “Back to back district champions in football,” Brandon Wilkes said. “In school NHS member, and student body treasurer. Physics is his favorite class. Science is his favorite subject and Mr. James Victor is his favorite teacher. He likes his swim coaches Chris and McKenna Maurino and Paul LaCroix. Brendan is undecided on college and a major. He has a good goal for life. ”To find a good career in life that I enjoy doing,” he said. His parents are Kristie and Bryan Wilkes and his brothers are Zachary and Daniel Wilkes Advice to younger students is strong. ”Work hard in classes, and do as many community service projects as possible,” he said. “It’s such a great feeling to give back to the community that has given you so much. ” By Dave Merchant [email protected] Allen Park senior three-sport athlete Jessika Palmarchuk is talented at all she does. Her sports include: Sideline Cheer, Competitive Cheer, and Track. “Accomplishment in sports are having an in track school record in 4x100 relay,” Jessika said. “Also, League title Cheer ~ State title, 2 State Runner-up titles, 2 Regional titles, 2 District titles, And 1 League title.” In school she has been named All Academic Award. “My favorite class is CAD,” she said. My favorite subject is Math and my favorite teacher is Mrs. Buchanan.” Julie Goodwin is her favorite coach. She would like to go to Grand Valley State and major in Engineering in college. Her hobbies are work and cheer. Her relatives are Kelly Carr, Tom Carr, Mike Palmarchuk, and Kiley Carr. Her advice for young athletes is good. “Always stay on top of your school work and enjoy it, because it goes fast,” she said.” By Dave Merchant [email protected] The Jags have some good soccer players. Senior head captain Aiden Chimienti is one such player. One of his favorite moments came two seasons ago. “Handing Woodhaven their only loss of the 2018 season with a 4-0 win,” Aiden said. His favorite class is AP Calculus. Favorite subject is math and favorite teacher is Mr. Loyd. Lee Hunt is his favorite coach. His hobbies include soccer, snowboarding, and music. His parents are Fabio and Michelle Chimienti and siblings are Zavier and Tristan Chimienti. His advice for young players is strong. ”Make every moment count,” he said. “Time goes by quick and you don't realize it until it's already gone.” |