LANSING—Senator Deb Cherry (D-Burton) recognized the Goodrich Varsity Boys Soccer Team and their staff with a special ceremony at the State Capitol today. Goodrich won the Division III State Championship for soccer this fall, only the second Flint-area team to win a soccer state championship since the Michigan High School Athletic Association began holding a tournament in 1982.

“This is an impressive and accomplished group of young men, and I am pleased to help recognize all that they have done,” said Sen. Cherry. “They have brought a great deal of pride to our community, not just with this championship, but with the character and integrity that they have instilled in their academic as well as athletic careers. These boys performed to their fullest capability on the biggest stage in the state, and will surely remember the experience for the rest of their lives.”

Goodrich defeated Whitehall 1-0 in the Division III final on November 1, 2008. The championship capped an 18-game winning streak for the Martians, who finished the season 21-3-2 overall. The team outscored their opponents 117-18, including 16 shutouts, this fall. Under the direction of Head Coach Evan Huizenga and Assistant Coach Dan Hartley, the Goodrich team excelled off the field as well as on. They were also named as an Academic All-State Team, with an average Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.6.

“It is an honor for our team to be recognized today, and I thank Senator Cherry for inviting us to the Capitol for this presentation,” Head Coach Evan Huizenga said. “This reinforces the fact that the accomplishment of these boys is something that not only the Goodrich and surrounding communities can be proud of, but the entire state as well.”

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