It has been a standout school year for Kingsley High School athletics. The highlights: a Division 6 football State Championship, a State Champion wrestler, State qualifiers in cross country and wrestling, a girls basketball conference championship and several Stags signing their letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.
It was also a big year for our very own athletic director, Mitch Miggenburg, who was recognized by the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association for ten years of service to the district. It’s a milestone not many other ADs can claim as the career path has a high turnover rate.
“I never thought I'd make it this long,” said Mr. Miggenburg with a laugh. “My favorite part is always seeing the success that our programs have on the field, and overall, I just want them to have a good experience.”
Half of the KHS student population plays sports. Mr. Miggenburg is responsible for coordinating their schedules, game times, transportation, and other logistics.
“People see me at all the games, but there's just so much more that goes into it, it’s a year-round job,” said Mr. Miggenburg. “I'm constantly working two seasons ahead, sometimes a year ahead.”
His logistical wizardry was especially apparent during the football team’s championship-winning season. Mr. Miggenburg worked closely with head coach Tim Wooer to coordinate bussing, hotels, and accommodations for their journey to Ford Field.
“I want our coaches and athletes to be able to focus on the sport rather than all the things around it. When the kids were making their run, I was like, ‘I'm at your mercy to do whatever you need me to do.’” said Mr. Miggenburg.
As he rings in his 10-year anniversary at Kingsley High School, Mr. Miggenburg is preparing for next season’s transition to the newly-created Northern Shores league. The Northern Shores Conference will include Boyne City, Charlevoix, Elk Rapids, Grayling, Harbor Springs, Kalkaska, Cheboygan, and Kingsley. The new conference was born out of inter-district discussions seeking to create a more competitive balance between schools of similar demographics and sizes.
“We've been super happy with the Northwest conference, but as we've grown, I think it makes a lot more sense to to be in a league with schools that are more our size and offer the same programs,” said Mr. Miggenburg.
Congratulations, Mitch, on all of your successes!
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To learn more about Kingsley Athletics visit www.kingsleystags.com or email Mitch Miggenburg at mmiggenburg@kingsleyschools.org