STUDENT VIEW: KUHN’S CORNER — Year to remember at Rochester

ROCHESTER HILLS — While this is definitely a time for celebrating things like graduation or advancing to next grade, this is also a perfect time to reflect and remember the past athletic year at Rochester High.

And, while some years in the past were wanted to be completely forgotten, not remembered, the 2010-2011 school year at the corner of Livernois and University is one to remember for sure.

Let’s take a look back on the year that was:

FALL: A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE

Of the many gains made by the Falcons, a few are standouts. First off, senior cross country runner Brook Handler continued the high standard of excellence set by 2010 graduate Megan Goethals, a two-time state champ, and national champion in 2010. Handler continued that excellence.

At the Division 1 state finals, Handler continued the streak of Rochester girls cross country state championships, winning her first. Her time of 17:00:02 was the second fastest in the state of Michigan behind record holder: Goethals (16:54).

Junior Laruen Reedy also made her mark in the Rochester history books. Reedy set the new record for the one-meter dive. Reedy proved her excellence yet again by setting the new mark at 252.50, blowing away the previous mark of 247.05. And she still has one year left to compete. It will be fun to she what she accomplishes over the course of her senior year.

Lastly, the Falcons’ football team surprised everyone but themselves and took Rochester for a ride they haven’t had in over a decade. The 2010 squad made a quantum leap, reaching the playoffs after finishing just 1-8 the previous season. From week one — a 28-0 shutout versus Macomb L’Anse Creuse North where even students took a victory, celebratory lap — to capturing moments of pure joy after clinching a playoff spot with a 48-7 win over Royal Oak, a team 0-27 over the last three years.

The season was amazing, one I will never forget, and leaves me longing for next year, my senior year to start so that I can see what happens, and if Rochester can repeat a playoff appearance. And while head coach Eric Vernon (7-11 in two years) doesn’t take credit, it’s clear to me, he had some part in turning the once-tabbed “Failcons” back into to a playoff contender.

WINTER: THE DYNASTY FALLS

The main story of the winter sports season was the erratic success of the Falcons’ competitive cheer team. Known as a state powerhouse for close to three decades, and expected to contend for a state title, the team not reaching the Division 1 state finals leaves a black mark for a New York Yankees-esque team.

While it hurt for the team, in the end, the end of Rochester’s tenure as a state powerhouse was going to come eventually. The team, according to veteran coach Susan Wood, was not as talented as years past, though still above average. But, relying on falling talent, and reputation along, can only last so long.

Rochester did not advance to the state tournament for the first time since 1982, finishing fifth at the regional level and just a fraction out of a state berth.

SPRING: RAIN AND FAIRWELLS

Rain has played a significant factor in an odd spring. It has caused countless practices and games to be called off around the state, causing players’ seasons to be cut short. And, to be honest, despite being only a junior, senior-itis when it comes to covering the

spring sports has kicked in. So, I have a plan B: not focusing on games, but individuals. Along with the end of the sports, eras come to an end. Rochester loses some of the best athletes it has seen, many playing multiple sports. Handler, mentioned above, also runs track, and without her, Rochester loses one of the top runners in the state and country, and with that, Rochester’s era of dominant power might end.

Rochester loses Diego Camp, a varsity wrestler and football players. Camp was a state qualifier in wrestling and served as a leader of both the mat and the football field. His presence will be missed on both surfaces.

There’s Kelsey Dieters, arguably the best tennis player in the history of the school, is graduating and heading off to Ohio State University. While many sports will have holes to fill in 2012, her spot is possibly the greatest.

Finally, there is three-sport star Nick Bradley. Now, while some may complain he gets too much press, he has deserved it. Bradley has been the starting quarterback of the varsity football squad since his sophomore year and has been the team’s cornerstone.

Junior Jack Glancey will be replacing the Western Michigan-bound legend, comparable to the next shortstop of the Yankees once Derek Jeter retires. He also led the basketball team to its first Crosstown Showdown win against Rochester Adams, hitting six three-pointers, and also helped the basketball team to its first league crown in 11 seasons.

Finally, he helped the baseball team win the district title in 2010 among many accomplishments.

While there are many more, it we took the time to mention them all, it would never end.

Rochester High is full of athletic ability and talent.

So, what a year it has been. Teams have reached new heights and new lows. All in all, it was a year many, including myself, won’t forget. And what a precursor to 2011-2012.

I can’t wait for my senior year to start and to witness what my graduating class’ legacy will be, and what we’ll accomplish in our year as the king of the school.

But, for now, I’m still a junior and left to marvel at the year it was, and the athletes who made it so.

(Aaron Kuhn is a senior-to-be at Rochester High School and part of the www.northoaklandsports.com Student Correspondence Program. Interested in being a correspondent, contact senior editor Dan Stickradt at dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com.)

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