By Dan Hardenbrook
So the school year is over. The MHSAA hosts their final spring tournaments this weekend, and when they conclude, it will officially be summer vacation for the local athletic programs. But just because school is out and teams have packed up until the fall, that doesn’t mean the fun and games stop. There is still plenty to do and watch as part of the summer fun in the Tahquamenon Area.
Golf Outings for Great Causes
Several local businesses and organizations will tee it up this summer to raise money for everything from educational scholarships and grants, to community causes and events. The Tahquamenon Education Foundation will host its long running annual event June 23rd at the Newberry Country Club. TEF uses money from the event for scholarships awarded to yearly graduates at TAS and provides grant money and opportunities for staff and teachers. Helen Newberry Joy Hospital and Health Care Center will also raise money for the HNJH Foundation at their annual event July 21st (also at NCC). The Foundation supports causes and organizations in the community and has a Health Career Scholarship fund that awards graduates from Tahquamenon and Engadine who pursue a career in the healthcare field. The Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club in Naubinway will also host scrambles to benefit Engadine Consolidated Schools Athletics and The 4th of July Fireworks in Naubinway. Check out individual organization websites for registration information.
4H Fun on the Diamond
Want fun and excitement, plenty of smiles, and entertainment? Head to the Charles Rd Complex and check out some 4H baseball. From T-Ball all the way up to senior travel teams, area youngsters will face off against each other and teams from nearby towns in exciting fun during the 4H season. Luce County MSU Extension is in its second season of running the summer ball program that was formerly Tahquamenon Falls Little League, and they have done a great job building the local youth program.
Kick It in Engadine
Soccer may often be one of the farthest sports from the casual fan’s mind, but it’s building popularity and momentum in Engadine. Youth soccer for boys and girls takes place throughout the week next to the Frank A Salzeider football field in Engadine. Locals from Engadine, Curtis, Newberry, and other surrounding towns participate in one of the most popular summer programs among parents and kids.
Indians Become Warriors
The 2023 high school baseball season just ended, but work is already beginning to prepare for next year. The local American Legion Post 74 sponsors a summer baseball program named the Newberry Warriors. Made up of current and former players (recent graduates ages 18 or 19 are eligible) take on Legion and AAU travel teams from across the EUP and Soo Canada. The team kicks off its summer campaign this week and will host multiple home games this summer.
41st Annual Black Bear Run
One of the summer’s premier traditions will return again as part of Engadine and Naubinway’s 4th of July Celebrations. Now in its fifth decade, the Black Bear Run brings participants from all over the country to kick off the Independence Day celebrations. Local standouts, former stars, school and community leaders, pro runners, and your friends and neighbors come together for an event that features full length elite distances or just a short friendly stroll. For more info on this year’s event, check out black-bear-run.com
