Alumni Lead Lakers Into 2006 Winter Sports Season
By Dave Latva

Mackinac Island Lakers volleyball team includes (front, from left) Shelbie Mosley, and Jane Finkel; (middle) Karlena Mosley, Arial Leeper, Danielle Wightman, and Michi Mullings; (back) Emily St. Onge, Christina McLean, Shayleen Mosley, Coach Sarah Dehring, manager Colton Fisher, Supeechar Sapruang, Melissa Bunker, and Kristi Kamphuis.

Mackinac Island volleyball and basketball programs have new head coaches this year, and both wore the blue and white uniforms for the Lakers.

Sarah Dehring, a 1999 graduate, and Jim Fisher, class of 1994, were both standouts on the volleyball court and hardwood for the Lakers and will bring their hard work ethics and enthusiasm to both squads.

Ms. Dehring was part of the Ferris State University volleyball program for five years. She was red-shirted for one season, played two years, and coached two years for the Bulldogs.

"I want this team to be a strong defensive squad and play with a lot of heart," said Coach Dehring.

Eight girls return from last season to form a strong nucleus for the first-year coach, led by seniors Melissa Bunker, Emily St. Onge, and Christina McLean.

At left: Mackinac Island Lakers basketball team includes (front, from left) Michael Gamble, Tymon Horn, Paul Fisher, Thomas Rilenge, andRobert Chambers; (back) Woody Beardsley, Tyler McLean, Caleb Straight, Coach Jim Fisher, Sam Kamphuis, and Jason Pettit. Missing from photograph are Ben Mosley and Riley Chaffee.

Underclassmen returning will be junior Kristi Kamphuis, sophomore Karlena Mosley, and freshmen Shayleen Mosley, Danielle Wightman, and Arial Leeper.

First-year players are senior exchange student from Thailand Supeechar “Gap” Sapruang, freshman Michi Mullings, and eighth grade athletes Shelbie Mosley and Jane Finkel.

The Lakers have a mission statement to be a close-knit team and show true sportsmanship throughout the season.

Mackinac Island will host their own tourney Saturday, December 10, and will compete at the Engadine Invitational and battle Beaver Island, Paradise, Ojibwe/Brimley, Munising Baptist, and Grand Marais in dual matches.

SarahDehring

Seven returnees will be the strength of the basketball squad, led by seniors playing in their final season, including Ben Mosley at guard, Jason Pettit at center, and Sam Kamphuis at forward, while sophomores Woody Beardsley at guard/forward and Riley Chaffee at forward/guard, and freshmen Robert Chambers and Michael Gamble at guards return from last season.

First-year players are sophomores Caleb Straight at guard/forward and Tyler McLean at guard, and eighth grade athletes Paul Fisher, Tymon Horn, and Thomas Rilenge at guards.

"Our returnees are strong and with the addition of the athletes we hope to contend for the Northern Lights League championship," Coach Fisher said.

The Lakers will battle Beaver Island, Hannahville, Paradise, Grand Marais, Munising Baptist, and Ojibwe/

Brimley during two-game weekend series throughout the season.

Mr. Fisher owns Mackinac Wheels with his wife, Julie.

JimmyFisher