In the final season for the 20-year head coach — plus a highly-decorated senior class — the Trojans were chasing the ultimate prize of a state championship. Andrew Graham reports on their run at a title.
General News
The 10 Stories That Meant the Most to ELi Reporters in 2021
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We asked our reporters which stories that they wrote meant the most to them in 2021. They answered, passing along a varied collection of stories for this year in review.
Caring for Each Other
Spartan Ninja Warrior Hosting Open Gym, Fundraiser On Sunday
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As part of International Ninja Day on Sunday, daughter and mother Tristin and Nichole Martin are hoping to introduce more kids to the sport of “ninja” while also fundraising for a meaningful cause to them. Andrew Graham reports.
Community Disparities
East Lansing Football Team Subjected to Obscenities, Racial Slurs at South Lyon, According to Parents and Players
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ELi’s Andrew Graham spoke with ELHS players, parents, and the district’s athletic director about what happened, what they felt, and where it all goes from here.
Sports
Trojans Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser Volleyball Match is Building a Program Legacy
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Despite falling to Grand Ledge on Tuesday night, the East Lansing program can surely still call the evening a success. Andrew Graham reports.
Sports
Anna Delgado, Matthew Zeleke and the Trojan Boys Cross Country Team Shine at EL Invitational
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Delgado’s impressive win, along with a 1-2 finish by Zeleke and Page and team win for the ELHS boys cross country team marked a successful afternoon for the Trojans at their home invitational. Andrew Graham reports.
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East Lansing Insider: An Interview With ELHS Aquatics Coach Madi Zink
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Have a listen as ELi’s Andrew Graham and Madi Zink talk high school aquatics, and get a quick ELi news round-up from Andrew, too!
Sports
Fall Sports Are Back: Get To Know The Trojans
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From football to girls golf, to boys and girls cross country, get to know all the teams as the fall season gets going.
COVID-19
Covid Update: Linda Vail Lauds Local Schools and MSU Amid Rising Hospitalizations
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At a media briefing on Tuesday, Vail praised ELPS and MSU for Covid mitigation efforts and provided a general update on Covid in Ingham County, including increased hospitalizations.
Parks & Rec
It’ll Be Lights Out at the Patriarche Park Pickleball Courts, For the Time Being
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The power supply to the lights at the pickleball court was cut. Why? And why won’t there be repairs anytime soon?
Sports
EL Roller Derby Hosts Basic Skills Boot Camp and Learn-to-Skate Sessions
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Are you interested in roller derby or maybe just learning to skate? East Lansing Roller Derby is holding a virtual orientation tomorrow night for its upcoming boot camp and learn-to-skate sessions!
Community Disparities
East Lansing Insider: ELHS Black Student Union Leaders Share Their Experiences
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Anaiis Rios-Kasoga, Laila Lloyd, and Liyu Mesay discuss their work with the Black Student Union at ELHS, how the 2016 presidential election shaped their high school years, and what ELHS could do – and in some cases, has already done – to build a more inclusive environment
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ELPS Archery Shoots for the Stars
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“Kids who need a niche will find me,” Marble P.E. teacher and archery coach Casey Bain told ELi about the district’s archery program. How has the program developed and how has it weathered the challenges of the pandemic and a very different season?
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Remembering a Year of East Lansing Athletics Unlike Any Other
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The Trojans faced a tumultuous year, marked by fits and starts due to the pandemic, but it was not without major successes. ELi’s Andrew Graham takes a look back.
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Help ELi Grow Our Sports Coverage of ELHS and Reach our $15,000 Goal!
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In one month, high school sports will be back, and ELi would like to increase the coverage that it provides. ELi’d Sports Editor Andrew Graham breaks it down.
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Before East Lansing Baseball Took the Diamond in 2021, They First Climbed a Hill
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When indoor practices were suspended due to Covid, the ELHS varsity baseball team lugged logs up and down a snowy hill. Andrew Graham reports on how the hard work and tenacity of the team paid off.
General News
Remembering An Expectation-Setting 2021 East Lansing Boys Lacrosse Season
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The ELHS Boys Lacrosse team went to a regional final for the first time in more than a decade. The team, which hadn’t played together since 2019 due to the pandemic, had a benchmark-setting season. Andrew Graham takes a look back.
Sports
East Lansing Girls Tennis Revels in CAAC Blue Title, Beating Rival Okemos
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The Trojans beat Okemos head-to-head for the first time since their coach was playing for East Lansing. ELi’s Andrew Graham reports.
Sports
Regional Title Highlights a Dominant Season For the East Lansing Girls Track and Field Team
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The Trojans expected to qualify some runners for states, but were surprised when they found out they’d scored the most points at their regional. Andrew Graham reports.
Sports
East Lansing Boys Runners Race to Conference, State Meets
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Headlined by a 4×200 meter relay team that recently held the fastest time in the state, the ELHS boys track team is hurtling towards the conference meet on Wednesday and states beyond. Andrew Graham reports for ELi.
Ask ELi to Investigate
Yes, That River Trail Extension East of Hagadorn Is Still Coming
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Readers have been asking! So we asked Ingham County to give ELi an update, and now we bring you the news of what to expect when.
bicycles
Greater Lansing Ride of Silence Back in 2021 to Honor Injured, Killed Cyclists
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The event will take place on May 19 at 6:30 pm, heading from Wells Hall on campus to the Capitol in Lansing. The event is open to all riders.
Sports
Gracie Emerson, East Lansing Dominate Holt, 14-2, in 1st Round of CAAC Tourney
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Emerson tallied seven goals in the first half, and eight total, as the Trojans topped the Rams in girl’s lacrosse. Andrew Graham reports.
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Your ELi: Help Shape ELi’s Sports Coverage
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ELi plans to cover ELHS Trojans’ varsity sports, but we would like your feedback on what that might look like.
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Staunch Defense, 2 Long Shot Goals As Trojans Tie with Okemos
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After the game, EL Head Coach Jeff Lyons wasn’t explicitly happy with the tie, but pleased to do well against a team the Trojans historically struggled against. Andrew Graham reports.
Sports
Trojan Swimming and Diving Team Reflects on 2nd-Place CAAC Blue Finish
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The season looked different than previous ones due to the pandemic. How did the team make it to their second place finish? What did it mean to them?
COVID-19
ELPS Considers Lifting Pause on Sports, as Area Sees Covid Situation Worsen
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Our area is a national Covid-19 hotspot. How are schools and local government responding? How is the vaccine rollout going?
Schools
Despite Senior Guard Duo Starring, East Lansing Loses State Quarterfinal, 66-56, to Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern
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With a few players absent from the team for Tuesday’s game, the Trojans leaned on senior guard Marcus Wourman and David Wilkerson. Andrew Graham reports how their combined 43 points weren’t enough for EL to win.
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Trojans Fall Short in State Quarterfinal, Losing 56-42 to Hudsonville
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Despite getting bombarded from 3 and struggling with officiating, East Lansing only trailed by four with minutes to play. Andrew Graham reports on how the season ended.
Sports
On To States: Trojans Win Regional Outdueling Coldwater, 63-57
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With a trip to the state quarterfinals on the line, the Trojans and Cardinals locked in for 32 minutes of back-and-forth, up-and-down, desperate basketball. How did the Trojans pull off the win? ELi’s Andrew Graham brings this report.
Sports
States Bound: Annelise Lebeda Shines As Trojans Dominate Kalamazoo Central, 62-38
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Thanks to 20 points from the senior on a night where East Lansing was banged up, the Trojans are headed to states. Andrew Graham reports.
Sports
True to Form, Marcus Wourman Leads East Lansing Past Holt, 65-56, to Regional Final
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“Everyone else is trying to strive and get to that same level,” Trojan head coach Ray Mitchell said of Wourman. “It just sets the tone for the whole program.” What burdens was the senior guard carrying?
Sports
Brevin Jackson Displays Scoring Knack as Trojans Win District Title, Top Waverly, 59-54
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Jackson’s offensive display propelled the Trojans to a regional game that will take place onTuesday evening at Grand Ledge High School. Andrew Graham reports on the Trojans boys district championship.
Sports
Trojans Win 6th-Straight District Title, 55-36 Against Haslett, As Baker Stars Off Bench
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The Trojans girls basketball team has now won six-straight district titles, going all the way back through 2016. Where will they go from here?
Sports
Junior Wrestler Emilio Cabrera Returns to Regionals for His Shot at Redemption
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Cabrera made it to state finals his freshman year, but a loss at regionals his sophomore year prevented a return. How has Cabrera planned for his hopeful return this year? How did the pandemic change the process?
Sports
Trojans Escape DeWitt in Overtime, 59-52, Head to District Finals
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After the game, Trojans Head Coach Ray Mitchell said he “expected it to be a dogfight.” Andrew Graham reports how the Trojans came out as the top dog on Thursday.
Sports
‘Best Defender’ Corkie Jones Stands Out As Trojans Advance to District Finals, Beat DeWitt 50-28
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In a basketball game where the score resembled that of a football game for most of the night, the best unit on the court was East Lansing’s defense. What happened at the game, and how can you see more great photos?
Sports
Trojans Advance to District Semis, Survive St. Johns, 66-55
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With the win, the Trojans are now slated to play DeWitt on Thursday at 5 p.m. at Waverly High School. But first, Andrew Graham takes you through Tuesday’s win.
COVID-19
News from ELPS: Covid Management, Return-to-Schools, and Marble Construction
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How is the district identifying and handling the few positive Covid cases that have emerged? How many students will return after Spring Break? How’s the new Marble looking? We bring the answers.
Sports
Marcus Wourman and Brevin Jackson Lead Trojans To 57-48 Comeback Win Over Okemos
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ELi reporter Andrew Graham and photographer Gary Caldwell take you to yesterday’s exciting game. We also give you a link to all of Gary’s photos from the event.
Sports
Soraya Timms Shines as Trojans Win CAAC Blue, Top Grand Ledge 79-43
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The Trojans won the conference title, on Friday night, the first of several championships East Lansing is pursuing this year. Andrew Graham reports.
Sports
No. 2 Trojans Begin Their Championship March with 65-50 Win Against Holt
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“We have enough things in place where we’re prepared to compete any style of game,” Coach Rob Smith tells ELi. Read all about the Trojans’ latest win.
Sports
Trojans Throttle Waverly on Senior Night, 92-22, Behind 50 Combined Points from Seniors
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The Trojans celebrated their three seniors at halftime. The young women who were the glue that held their team together, cheered from the sidelines in the second half after scoring a combined 50 points in the first half.
Sports
Defense, Payton Baker Spark No. 2 Trojans in 49-30 Win Over Haslett
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East Lansing trailed for the first time all season, falling behind Haslett 8-4 at the end of the first quarter. ELi’s Andrew Graham reports on how the Trojans came back.
Schools
Girls’ Hoops Recap: Staunch Defense Propels No. 2 Trojans Over Okemos, 62-21
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ELHS remains undefeated after an impressive victory. Strong defense led to turnovers, paving the way for running up the score.
Arts & Cultures
How Did Mickey Mouse Hill Get Its Name?
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Is it a comment on the topography? A reference to the middle school’s name? A tribute to a beloved educator? What we know is that people in East Lansing love their sledding hill!
Ask ELi to Investigate
That Bumpy Part of the River Trail Will Be Fixed
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We answer a reader’s question about a teeth-rattling section of the Lansing River Trail where it enters East Lansing, and ask Ingham County Commissioner Mark Grebner why he has the reputation of being a bit grouchy about the county trails millage.
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ELHS Diver Gwen Petrie Reflects on Her Path to a 10th-Place Finish at States
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The ELHS sophomore placed 10th at the State Finals for diving. Andrew Graham reports on her uncertain path toward this achievement.
Policing
Your ELi: It’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in East Lansing
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The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan will host an event on television this evening. This morning, ELi reflects on covering news related to racial equity and justice.
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East Lansing Trojans Fall, 24-21, in Regional to Muskegon Mona Shores
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Despite trailing by two touchdowns with 10:25 to play, the Trojans roared back to tie the game and had a chance to win, only to fall short. Andrew Graham reports on the first loss of the season.
Arts & Cultures
The Top Ten East Lansing Stories of 2020
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What were the biggest stories in East Lansing for 2020? ELi’s Publisher and Managing Editor bring you the top 10 list.
Sports
East Lansing Offering Buddy Basketball Program This Winter
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The program for little kids is tentatively scheduled to begin in January. If public health orders make it a no-go, registrants will be fully reimbursed. Andrew Graham brings you the details.
COVID-19
Trojans Coach Bill Feraco Discusses Team’s Stand Against Racism, Covid-19 Delays
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Speaking to ELi on Wednesday, the head coach hoped that the new Covid restrictions work and his team can get back on the field in December. Andrew Graham reports.
COVID-19
Mixed Bag for MSU Game Day as Several Students Face Fines, Restorative Justice Program
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What did game day look like in East Lansing look like on Saturday? And what will happen to students who violated public health orders? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott and Heather Brothers report.
General News
A Brief News Update and Looking Ahead at Next Week
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ELi is following the happenings on game day and getting you prepped for the next week of meetings in ELPS and City of East Lansing government. Andrew Graham brings you up to speed.
COVID-19
MSU Football Returns Saturday. East Lansing Is Bracing for Impact.
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Big Ten football comes backs to East Lansing this Saturday, Oct. 24. The return is bringing on a mix of excitement and apprehension. ELi’s Andrew Graham reports on what is expected and what it all means.
COVID-19
Stephens, Schor, 10 Other Big Ten Mayors Send Letter to Conference About Covid
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The letter asks for the conference to work with local health officials to monitor community positivity prior to games and to play games earlier in the day. Andrew Graham has the details.
Sports
ELHS Football Players and Coaches Are Ready for Football, And Its New Challenges
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Players and coaches have been hoping for the chance to play since the season was canceled in August. Now they’ve got their shot.
Schools
At Socially Distanced Ceremony, Andrel Anthony Jr. Commits to Michigan
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Yesterday saw a moment of joy and celebration at East Lansing’s high school football stadium, with Andrel Anthony Jr.’s family there to share the big moment.
Amelia Arnold: Trojan Senior Ends Softball Career With All-Star Berth
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Amelia Arnold, starting catcher for the ELHS softball team and 2020 graduate, will play one more game on July 8. Read more about the talented and dedicated athlete.
COVID-19
Parks & Rec Reverses Course; Will Open Playgrounds and Dog Park
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A day after ELi’s Patty Bonito reported it’d be a long time before playgrounds and the dog park would reopen, the Parks & Rec Director changed his mind.
Ask ELi to Investigate
East Lansing Parks & Rec Is Keeping the Playgrounds and Dog Park Closed
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East Lansing playgrounds will remain off-limits until at least July 13, and the dog park until August 3 according to Tim McCaffrey, Parks & Rec Director.
Sports
Leading by Supporting, Kelsey Mongoven Is ELi’s Trojan of the Week
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“We tried to create an environment that worked for everyone,” Kelsey Mongoven explains. A junior at MSU, Mongoven has taken on the responsibility of head coach for the Trojans’ varsity gymnastics team.
Sports
Ed Outslay, Trojan of the Week, Remains in the Hearts of Those Who Knew Him
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This week, ELi’s Mark Meyer brings a remembrance of baseball coach Ed Outslay, who passed away a year ago doing what he loved.
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Trojan of the Week Andrel Anthony Jr. Has Risen to the Head of His Class
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Plenty of big-time college football coaches are eager to add Trojan of the Week Andrel Anthony Jr. to their lineups.
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Epitome of a Team Player, Zoe Morse is Our Trojan of the Week
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Former Trojan Zoe Morse has elevated her soccer-playing career to the professional level. Mark Meyer speaks with her as she prepares to join the Chicago Red Stars.
Sports
Life in the Fast Lane: Trojan of the Week Andrew Lane Knows No Other Way
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Andrew Lane trains as hard as he competes (if that’s possible). He also leaves a large footprint as one of the top distance runners in ELHS history.
Sports
ELi’s Trojan of the Week, Nikki Norris, Has Devoted Her Career to Athletics
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Nikki Norris believes lessons learned on the field can bring a lifetime of value. She’s lived that ideal in her career.
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ELi’s Trojan of the Week: Swimmer Matias Jimenez
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Senior swimmer Matias Jimenez, ELi’s Trojan of the Week, was set to join his teammates for one last lap. Then reality set in.
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ELi’s Trojan of the Week: Senior Standout Aaliyah Nye
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In the first of a new series celebrating Trojan athletes, ELi’s Mark Meyer features the skills and record of senior Aaliyah Nye.
COVID-19
Trail Etiquette During a Pandemic: Some Reminders to Us All
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Trail usage is way up as people get out for mental and physical health. So what should we be remembering as we (and our dogs) travel along?
COVID-19
Playmakers Hosting a Space Race This Saturday
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This Saturday, Playmakers’ race participants will spread out to run, walk, and roll worldwide at three different distances.
COVID-19
Trojan Coaching Staff Laments Shutdown of Seasons, Expresses Concern for Student Athletes
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When word of the season cancellations became known, athletic director Nikki Norris was thankful to be able to immediately connect with her staff. ELi’s Mark Meyer files this report.
General News
Playgrounds Close, but Recreation Opportunities Await at Area Parks
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There are plenty of outdoor paths and exercise opportunities to explore in East Lansing, Meridian Township and throughout the tri-county area — while still practicing social distancing. ELi’s Chris Gray brings us this tour.
Sports
One Week Later: Trojan Sports Family Regroups, Waits Patiently for Games to Return
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When will the high school athletic seasons — winter and spring — resume, and in what format? ELi’s Mark Meyer files this report.
COVID-19
MHSAA Announces Suspension of Postseason Events
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UPDATE (4:30 p.m. Thursday 3/24/20): Tonight’s MHSAA girls basketball regional championship game between East Lansing and Holt has been postponed indefinitely, as has Friday’s boys district championship game between East Lansing and Grand Ledge. The boys state swimming and diving finals, as well as the girls gymnastics finals, and state hockey finals, have also been suspended.