Football, basketball, volleyball, golf, soccer, cross country, gymnastics, wrestling, swimming, track & field, and more filled our feeds this past year, featuring all the good news about our Michiana athletes in their respective sports. There is so much talent to go around in our area, and we had a blast attending games, matches, meets, and more to help others see the action from a unique perspective.
Whether it was helping you get to know your sports icons, giving you the latest on Notre Dame athletics or anything in between, we shared it all in 2024 on behalf of the high schools and colleges that make Northern Indiana proud.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 sports articles on Michiana.Life to recap the good news in 2024!
South Bend Regional Chamber Golf Classic brings local business leaders together for a day of golfing and networking
Business leaders and professionals from across the Michiana region gathered at Knollwood Country Club on Monday, June 10 for the South Bend Regional Chamber Golf Classic, sponsored by Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center (OSMC). This highly anticipated golf outing presented a unique opportunity for fostering new connections and entertaining clients in a relaxed and scenic environment.
As one of the largest golf events in the area, the Chamber Golf Classic attracted about 180 golfers. With many seasoned participants, as well as first-time attendees, it was the perfect occasion for networking.
Embracing esports in high schools across the state with skill development, community, and academic opportunities
The phenomenon of esports, or competitive video gaming, has gained worldwide popularity and is now being recognized and valued in high schools. In this article, we will explore the presence of esports in high schools, highlighting the numerous benefits for students, the scoring systems utilized, the sense of community fostered, and the opportunities created for personal and academic growth.
The captivating nature of esports is evident in the field’s rising popularity among high school students. The availability of video game live-streaming platforms and organized competitions has significantly contributed to this surge. High schools have begun to recognize the value of embracing this digital phenomenon and have started establishing esports programs. These programs provide students with a structured platform to compete, develop skills, and connect with like-minded peers.
It’s GAME DAY for Career Academy Network Volleyball
It's game day for Career Academy Network's volleyball teams! The middle school, junior varsity, and varsity teams prepared to seal three wins against Community Baptist. Go Trailblazers!
Mishawaka’s Keith Kinder named 2024 ‘Coach of the Week’ for Week 2
Keith Kinder of Mishawaka High School has been named the Colts/NFL Coach of the Week, presented by Indianapolis-based Corteva Agriscience and sponsored in part by Certor Sports, the Colts announced today.
Kinder earned this recognition after his Class 4A No.8 Cavemen (2-0) drilled Class 6A Penn 27-7. The 20-point win over Penn was the largest margin of victory for the Cavemen over the Kingsmen since 1977.
Annie Dehnke named new IU South Bend Head Softball Coach
Annie Dehnke makes the transition from NCAA Division III at The College of Wooster (Wooster, Ohio) to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), joining the Indiana University South Bend Staff as the Head Softball Coach on August 19, 2024.
Annie helped lead The Fighting Scotts to a .500 record in her first year as assistant coach, finishing with a 19-19 overall record and an even 7-7 North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) record, improving Wooster's record by five games in her inaugural season as assistant coach. Dehkne's first year also saw first-year Julia Jennings win the inaugural National Fastpitch Coaches Association/Rawlings Gold Glove Award for NCAA Div. III third basemen, while the Fighting Scots' star broke the single-season program record with a .450 average. In year two at The College of Wooster, Dehkne helped the Fighting Scotts break even once again in the North Coast Athletic Conference at 7-7.
Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech Welcomes The University of Notre Dame to its Partner Consortium
Comcast announced today that The University of Notre Dame has joined the partner consortium for Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech, powered by Boomtown, as the program’s first collegiate organization. Starting with SportsTech’s fifth class, which will begin in 2025, companies selected to join the innovation program will have an opportunity to explore collaborations and engage directly with experts and leaders from the University and its network.
This also builds on the landmark partnership Notre Dame has had with NBC Sports for over four decades – the longest collegiate media relationship. Dating back to 1991, NBC Sports has exclusively presented Notre Dame home football games, and recently announced enhanced rights to bring more Notre Dame content to fans across Peacock and additional platforms.
In the Style Of Grantland Rice
In the heart of the Lone Star State, where the rugged and resolute gather to test their mettle, the University of Notre Dame's Fighting Irish emerged victorious from a battle of wills against Texas A&M. On a Saturday evening when the air was thick with anticipation, the Irish orchestrated a masterful 85-yard drive in the waning minutes to secure a hard-fought 23-13 victory at Kyle Field, etching another chapter in their storied legacy.
It was a contest defined by grit and determination, where every yard gained was a testament to the resolve of two proud programs. The Aggies, defending their home turf with the ferocity of a lone ranger, managed to claw their way back into the fray, knotting the score early in the fourth quarter. But it was the Irish, with the poise and precision of a seasoned general, who would have the final say.
Len Clark presents Notre Dame Athletic
Len Clark, Ph.D. has an eclectic background in higher education, media, and sports. The Portage, Indiana native uses emerging media tools to cover Notre Dame athletics and has been recognized by the National Sports Media Association (NSMA) as “Indiana Sportscaster of The Year," while his audio package on the Notre Dame-USC football rivalry earned national honors from the association. In 1996, then, Governor Evan Bayh recognized him as a “Sagamore of the Wabash” for his innovation and contribution to the state of Indiana.
Girls Wrestling continues to fight onward
High school Girls Wrestling in Northern Indiana is an up-and-coming sport that started in 2017. Like Boys Wrestling, there are rankings and weight classes, so the girls compete against girls their size. At the state tournament level, they compete at this same type of level but are divided out.
Gymnastics takes every victory with resilience as they take over Northern Indiana
The gymnastics teams all over Northwest Indiana (NWI) have made a lot of triumphs this 2022-23 season. Valparaiso High School won its 14th state title, Portage High School ended the season with great numbers, Crown Point High School placed 3rd after there state championship, Merrillville High School continued showing resilience and a great attitude, Lake Central High School placed 5th in the state at the end of the season and so on. Each team in NWI and beyond worked hard to get where they are, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
These victories, big or small, wouldn't have been possible without the ladies on the squad along with the coaches.
