http://JacksonAreaSports.Smugmug.com/

Jackson Area Sports, Jackson, Jackson, MI (2026)

06/08/2026

Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 National Debt Relief Toyota, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 07, 2026 in Brooklyn, Michigan.
Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images

06/07/2026

MIS announces FireKeepers Casino 400 as sellout

Michigan International Speedway announced that today’s Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race – the FireKeepers Casino 400 – has officially sold out as fans have packed the venue for NASCAR’s return to the Irish Hills.
“This sellout was made possible by the incredible passion of our loyal fans and the tremendous support of FireKeepers Casino and our partners,” said Joe Fowler, President of Michigan International Speedway. “From the camping areas to the grandstands, the electric atmosphere of a sold-out crowd will make for unforgettable memories for thousands of fans.”
Last November, the track announced the MISCamping.com infield sold out for the 2026 event, marking the fifth consecutive year that fans have filled the campgrounds inside the famed two-mile circuit. Premium hospitality areas including the Ally Champions Club and Victory Lane Club are also sold out for today’s race.

FILE PHOTO

06/07/2026

The Golf Report for June 7, 2026

Upcoming tournaments for local Jackson golfers

Jackson Amateur Golf Tour’s Lyle Ambs Tournament: Qualifying for the two-day event will be Saturday, June 20, and the match play tournament runs June 27 and 28 at Sharp Park Golf Course. After qualifying, flights are set and match play starts the following Saturday. It is a single-elimination tournament. Go to https://jacksongolf.net/mens-schedule/ for more information and to sign up.

JCWGA: The Jackson County Womens Golf Association will play the Lassie Cup Friday at Hankerd Hills Golf Course. The one-day event begins at 8 a.m. For more information on the event call Pam Messerly at 517-795-9446. Those interested in the JCWGA may call Barb Fischer at 989-239-6678 for more information on how to sign up. The organization has a new page at JCWGA 2.0.

R.W. Mercer Jackson Junior Golf Tour: The Tour kicks off June 16 at Deer Run Golf Course. Registrations closes on Friday, June 12, at 3 p.m. The event will feature a tribute to Tour founder Dave Gilpin. For more information on how to sign up for the event or become a Tour player, go online to https://jjgolftour.com/register-for-events. The Tour is intended for boys and girls ages 8-18 with some knowledge of the game of golf.

Junior Golf Clinic at Arbor Hills: The second Jackson Area Youth Golf Clinic will be held Friday, June 19, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Arbor Hills Golf Club. Cost is $20 per player and the event includes professional instruction from the Country Club of Jackson, Sharp Park, Calderone, Cascades, and is supported by local high school golf coaches. This is an opportunity to learn the game of golf from professional instructors. For more information on the one-day event go to jga-jacksonareayouthgolfclinic1.golfgenius.com.

Michigan Center High School graduate Kamryn Shannon has earned a sponsors exemption to play in the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship June 12-14 on the Epson Women’s Tour. The tournament will be played at The Medalist Golf Club near Marshall. The Epson Tour is the lower level professional tour for women players giving them a chance to advance to the LPGA.

Conor Spencer won the Lyle Ambs Memorial Tournament last year at Sharp Park Golf Course.

06/07/2026

Jackson Area Sports Scoreboard
Weekend Update for June 6, 2026

Lumen falls short in D-3 baseball quarterfinal

The Lumen Christi Catholic High School baseball team fell a couple of runs short of advancing to the Division 3 state semifinals at Michigan State University.
The Titans lost 7-6 in eight innings in the Division 3 quarterfinal at Plymouth Christian Academy.
Lumen Christi did win a regional title with a 6-0 win over the host school in the regional final.
The Titans took a 6-5 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning in the quarterfinal loss. But Detroit Edison tied the score in the bottom of the seventh and added one run in the bottom of the eighth inning for the win.
Wes Learned had three hits and one RBI and Harrison Botke added two hits and two RBIs for Lumen Christi.
Learned pitched a seven-inning shutout in the regional final against Plymouth Christi. He struck out eight batters and allowed only one hit in the contest.
Paul Sattler had two RBIs and Botke registered two hits for Lumen Christi (32-10).
The Titans earned district and regional titles this season in baseball and advanced to the Catholic High School League finals.

Grass Lake claims second consecutive regional softball title

Longtime Grass Lake High School softball Coach Roger Cook got a little emotional when talking about freshman Lily McVicker after the Warriors wrapped up a regional title with a 4-2 win over Clinton.
McVicker made a key play in centerfield despite being under the weather.
Grass Lake defeated Clinton in the championship game and Homer in the regional semifinal 5-2.
The Warriors will play Ottawa Lake Whiteford in the Division 3 quarterfinal Tuesday at Novi High School beginning at 5 p.m.
The Warriors are the defending state champions in Division 3.
Cook said McVicker was suffering from heat exhaustion but refused to come out of the game.
“I don’t know if you noticed but she was throwing up as the ball was coming to her,” Cook said of the key play in the outfield. “She didn’t want to come out … she did it for the team.”
With Grass Lake leading 4-0 Clinton mounted a rally and put runners on second and third base with two outs. A single would have appeared to score two runs before McVicker threw out the runner on second base for the last out of the inning.
Grass Lake would need it was Clinton scored on run in the seventh inning and had the bases loaded with only one out and trailing 4-2.
Cook contemplated bringing in another pitcher but kept Morgan Conrad in game.
“It is a coach’s tough decision … but when it double keep the senior out there,” Cook said.
A force out a home plate and a bounce out ended the game.
Chloe Hollifield had a key two-run single and Kayleigh Hilberer had two hits and two RBIs for Grass Lake in the regional title win.
Makenzie Hilberer had three RBIs for Grass Lake in the 5-2 win over Homer in the regional semifinal.
Riley Zuck and Rihana Canfield each had a pair of hits for Homer in the loss. The Trojans finish the season with a 22-12 record.
Clinton defeated Lumen Christi 2-0 in the other regional semifinal game. Ollie Powers had two hits for the Titans in the contest.
Lumen Christi finishes the season with a 22-8-1 overall record, and conference and district titles.

Division 2 regional: Milan defeated Western 19-8 in the Division 2 regional at Fowlerville. The Panthers led 5-4 at one point before Milan exploded for big runs in the fourth, sixth, and seventh innings. Amber Gregory and Boston Hoffius each had two hits and one RBI. Gregory hit a home run in the third inning for Western. Western finishes the season with a 20-17 overall record and a district title.

Lumen Christi finishes fourth in D-3 golf final

Lumen Christi Catholic High School boys golf Coach Michael Kulka said the Titans scheduled the toughest teams and best golf courses at the beginning of the season to get the squad ready for late-season tournaments.
It may have paid off for LCCHS as the Titans finished fourth in Division 3 after nearly setting the school record last week with a 292 at regionals.
Lumen Christi finished the two-day Division 3 state golf tournament at Bedford Valley Golf Course with a total of 647.
Grand Rapids West Catholic won the title with a two-day total of 626.
Brandon Kulka finished second in the state with a total of 147 for LCCHS. Fellow junior Gabe Cooper tied for third with a total of 150. Both earned top 10 medals and all-state considerations.
The Titans played the tournament with four juniors and one freshman.

Division 2 at The Meadows Golf Course: About the only course Bentley C**n of Western High School did not demolish this season was The Meadows on the campus of Grand Valley State University. But he is getting closer to mastering it. C**n shot a 1-over-par 72 Saturday to finish the two-day Division 2 state tournament at 148. He finished ninth overall with a total of 148 earning a top 10 medal and all-state considerations. According to iWanamaker stats he finished first in the state in birdies and scoring average. Western tied for 10th in the team tournament with a score of 650. Andrew Boldt finished with a total of 153 for 21st place individually for Western. Clark Erwin of Marshall shot 151 and Leo Nguyen of Jackson shot 152 in the tournament.

Division 4 at Forest Akers West: Springport finished ninth in its first appearance in the Division 4 state team tournament. The Spartans were consistent with scores of 349 on Friday and 350 Saturday. Addison finished 15th overall improving 17 shots Saturday for a two-day total of 737. Brody Baum of Springport finished eighth overall with a total of 157 – earning a top-10 medal and all-state consideration. Addison was led by Lucas Schwartz who shot 162 – two shots away from a medal.

Jackson Area Sports Scoreboard
For June 5, 2026

Golf state finals
Division 2 – The Meadows, Grand Valley State University: Western High School is 10th after scoring a 324 Friday. A four-hour rain delay slowed the process. Andrew Boldt shot a 75 and Bentley C**n finished with a 76 to lead Western. Leo Nguyen of Jackson High School is 25th individually after scoring a 77.

Division 3 – Bedford Valley, Battle Creek: Lumen Christi sits in third place with 325 behind West Catholic and St. Francis. The Titans were led by Brandon Kulka and Gabe Cooper with 73s – tying them for first place individually in the tournament.

Division 4 – Forest Akers West, Michigan State University: Springport is seventh as a team with a score of 349 and Addison is 17th after scoring 377.
Brody Baum of Springport is tied for second individually with a 76 and Lucas Schwartz of Addison is 17th after scoring an 83. Round two continues Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.

Girls tennis finals
Midland Tennis Center
Division 3 state finals: Western High School tied for ninth on day one of the state tournament at Midland with six points. Natalie Hyde/Karly Foster scored an upset of No. 5 Chelsea in the second round of No. 3 doubles. Western secured its third consecutive top 10 finished in Division 3. Wins were also registered by Chehek Bharatiya at No. 1 singles, Ellie McCollum at No. 2 singles, and Anna Wilcox/Anna Willinger at No. 2 doubles. Coach Brad Wilcox said the Panthers had “great play by all players” in the state final. Becca Brushaber and Sophia Nguyen also received a No. 5 seed at No. 1 doubles giving Brushaber her second seed in the state tournament.

06/06/2026

Lumen falls short in D-3 baseball quarterfinal

By Jeff Steers
Jackson Area Sports on Facebook

The Lumen Christi Catholic High School baseball team fell a couple of runs short of advancing to the Division 3 state semifinals at Michigan State University.
The Titans lost 7-6 in eight innings in the Division 3 quarterfinal at Plymouth Christian Academy.
Lumen Christi did win a regional title with a 6-0 win over the host school in the regional final.
The Titans took a 6-5 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning in the quarterfinal loss. But Detroit Edison tied the score in the bottom of the seventh and added one run in the bottom of the eighth inning for the win.
Wes Learned had three hits and one RBI and Harrison Botke added two hits and two RBIs for Lumen Christi.
Learned pitched a seven-inning shutout in the regional final against Plymouth Christi. He struck out eight batters and allowed only one hit in the contest.
Paul Sattler had two RBIs and Botke registered two hits for Lumen Christi (32-10).
The Titans earned district and regional titles this season in baseball and advanced to the Catholic High School League finals.

06/06/2026

Lumen Christi finishes fourth in D-3 golf final

Photo, story by Jeff Steers
Jackson Area Sports on Facebook

Lumen Christi Catholic High School boys golf Coach Michael Kulka said the Titans scheduled the toughest teams and best golf courses at the beginning of the season to get the squad ready for late-season tournaments.
It may have paid off for LCCHS as the Titans finished fourth in Division 3 after nearly setting the school record last week with a 292 at regionals.
Lumen Christi finished the two-day Division 3 state golf tournament at Bedford Valley Golf Course with a total of 647.
Grand Rapids West Catholic won the title with a two-day total of 626.
Brandon Kulka finished second in the state with a total of 147 for LCCHS. Fellow junior Gabe Cooper tied for third with a total of 150. Both earned top 10 medals and all-state considerations.
The Titans played the tournament with four juniors and one freshman.

Division 2 at The Meadows Golf Course: About the only course Bentley C**n of Western High School did not demolish this season was The Meadows on the campus of Grand Valley State University. But he is getting closer to mastering it. C**n shot a 1-over-par 72 Saturday to finish the two-day Division 2 state tournament at 148. He finished ninth overall with a total of 148 earning a top 10 medal and all-state considerations. According to iWanamaker stats he finished first in the state in birdies and scoring average. Western tied for 10th in the team tournament with a score of 650. Andrew Boldt finished with a total of 153 for 21st place individually for Western. Clark Erwin of Marshall shot 151 and Leo Nguyen of Jackson shot 152 in the tournament.

Division 4 at Forest Akers West: Springport finished ninth in its first appearance in the Division 4 state team tournament. The Spartans were consistent with scores of 349 on Friday and 350 Saturday. Addison finished 15th overall improving 17 shots Saturday for a two-day total of 737. Brody Baum of Springport finished eighth overall with a total of 157 – earning a top-10 medal and all-state consideration. Addison was led by Lucas Schwartz who shot 162 – two shots away from a medal.

Brandon Kulka of Lumen Christi Catholic High School finished second in the state in Division 3 with a total of 147 during two rounds at Bedford Valley Golf Course.

06/06/2026

Hestwood earns City Golf Championship in marathon match

Photo, story by Jeff Steers
Jackson Area Sports on Facebook

In a case of father knows best, Jackson golfer Riley Hestwood may have his father to partly thank for winning the Jackson City Golf Championship Saturday at the Country Club of Jackson.
After playing six match-play matches in the last week, Hestwood was finding the second 18 a grind in the 36-hole championship.
With seven holes remaining in a tight match, Hestwood’s father took over caddying duties for the lefty and Riley responded with a 1 up win over Bret Valkuchak.
It is the third major championship for Hestwood in Jackson County having won the Spring Thaw in 2020, the Jackson Masters in 2024, and the City Championship in 2026.
Hestwood was getting a little slow physically and maybe mentally heading into the back nine.
“The second 18 (of a 36-hole championship match) is a grind,” Hestwood said. “It was nice to have a familiar face watching me play.”
Hestwood and Valkuchak started hot on the front nine of the opening round as Hestwood shot a 33 and Valkuchak carded a 35.
Hestwood had a 3 up lead with two holes remaining in the morning 18 before Valkuchak won 17 and 18. Hestwood was 1 up after 18 holes.
“My speed on the greens was off a bit at the end of the first round,” Hestwood said. “I had to remind myself I play out here quite a bit.”
Valkuchak won hole Nos. 1 and 3 to go up in the match. Hestwood won No. 6 with a birdie and eight with a par.
Valkuchak made a bomb on No. 9 to tie the match with nine holes remaining. Both players struggled on the final nine as Hestwood scored a 38 and Valkuchak a 39.
Hestwood took the lead for good with a par on 17.
His 30-foot putt for an eagle on 18 ended up inches short for a tap-in birdie and the win.
Hestwood expects to play in a number of major tournament around the area and in the Michigan Amateur at the end of the month.

Riley Hestwood won the Jackson City Golf Championship Saturday at the Country Club of Jackson with a 1 up win in the 36-hole final.

06/06/2026

Grass Lake claims second consecutive regional softball title

Photo, story by Jeff Steers
Jackson Area Sports on Facebook

Longtime Grass Lake High School softball Coach Roger Cook got a little emotional when talking about freshman Lily McVicker after the Warriors wrapped up a regional title with a 4-2 win over Clinton.
McVicker made a key play in centerfield despite being under the weather.
Grass Lake defeated Clinton in the championship game and Homer in the regional semifinal 5-2.
The Warriors will play Ottawa Lake Whiteford in the Division 3 quarterfinal Tuesday at Novi High School beginning at 5 p.m.
The Warriors are the defending state champions in Division 3.
Cook said McVicker was suffering from heat exhaustion but refused to come out of the game.
“I don’t know if you noticed but she was throwing up as the ball was coming to her,” Cook said of the key play in the outfield. “She didn’t want to come out … she did it for the team.”
With Grass Lake leading 4-0 Clinton mounted a rally and put runners on second and third base with two outs. A single would have appeared to score two runs before McVicker threw out the runner on second base for the last out of the inning.
Grass Lake would need it was Clinton scored on run in the seventh inning and had the bases loaded with only one out and trailing 4-2.
Cook contemplated bringing in another pitcher but kept Morgan Conrad in game.
“It is a coach’s tough decision … but when it double keep the senior out there,” Cook said.
A force out a home plate and a bounce out ended the game.
Chloe Hollifield had a key two-run single and Kayleigh Hilberer had two hits and two RBIs for Grass Lake in the regional title win.
Makenzie Hilberer had three RBIs for Grass Lake in the 5-2 win over Homer in the regional semifinal.
Riley Zuck and Rihana Canfield each had a pair of hits for Homer in the loss. The Trojans finish the season with a 22-12 record.
Clinton defeated Lumen Christi 2-0 in the other regional semifinal game. Ollie Powers had two hits for the Titans in the contest.
Lumen Christi finishes the season with a 22-8-1 overall record, and conference and district titles.

Division 2 regional: Milan defeated Western 19-8 in the Division 2 regional at Fowlerville. The Panthers led 5-4 at one point before Milan exploded for big runs in the fourth, sixth, and seventh innings. Amber Gregory and Boston Hoffius each had two hits and one RBI. Gregory hit a home run in the third inning for Western. Western finishes the season with a 20-17 overall record and a district title.

Grass Lake High School claimed it second consecutive regional title with a 4-2 win over Clinton Saturday at Hanover-Horton High School.

06/06/2026

Here are photos from the Homer and Grass Lake Division 3 regional semifinal Saturday at Hanover-Horton High School. The defending state champs from Grass Lake prevailed 5-2. https://jacksonareasports.smugmug.com/Softball-Regional-Semi-Grass-Lake-vs-Homer-at-HH-6-6-26

06/06/2026

Riley Hestwood earned a 1 up win over Bret Valkuchak at the Jackson City Golf Championship at the Country Club of Jackson. It is his third major in Jackson County. Look for a story soon ... it's a very busy day!

Jackson Area Sports

06/08/2026

06/07/2026

06/07/2026

06/07/2026

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category