Edited by Trinity Hurford (Class of 2028) and Mr. Harding (Journalism Advisor)
Written by Ava Blossingham (Class of 2028), Jasmine Lapp (Class of 2026), and Riley Cogburn (Class of 2026); edited by Trinity Hurford (Class of 2028)
Football and Cross Country results courtesy of Mr. Nathan Bradford, OCS Athletic Director
VOLLEYBALL (by Ava Blossingham)
On Monday, October 20, the varsity volleyball team traveled to Shelby for a tri-match against White Cloud and Shelby. After dropping the first set to Shelby (21–25), the girls bounced back to win the next two (25–20, 25–21). They then defeated White Cloud in 2 straight sets (25–13, 25–21).
On Thursday, October 23, the team traveled to Evart and earned another sweep, winning in three more straight sets (25–13, 25–23, 25–13).
Then, on Saturday, October 25, the girls competed in the Aggie Invite at Beal City. They opened pool play with a two set win over Saginaw Valley Lutheran (25–23, 25–19). They split sets with Beal City (25–15, 20–25). They then defeated Bay City John Glenn (25–11, 25–13). Finishing as the top seed heading into tournament play, the team defeated Gaylord in three sets to advance to the semifinals, where they fell in two close sets to Saginaw Valley Lutheran (23–25, 20–25).
On Tuesday, October 28 they traveled to Mason County Central. The girls swept the night, winning every set! They defeated Mason County Central: 25–14, 25–19, Big Rapids: 25–11, 25–23, and Manistee: 25–14, 25–22.
Then on Thursday, October 30 the girls traveled to Buckley. The girls opened against Traverse City Christian, taking the first set 25–23 before dropping the next two (13–25, 8–15). The Portagers bounced back in dominant fashion, defeating Bellaire (25–9, 25–11) and Buckley (25–16, 25–19) to close out the night strong.
Most recently, the Lady Portagers took down Frankfort for a fourth straight season to capture a sixth consecutive district title. Congrats, ladies! Regionals await. (More coverage in our next recap; for immediate coverage needs, please check the Manistee News Advocate!)
CROSS COUNTRY (by Jasmine Lapp)
On Saturday, October 18th, our varsity cross country team raced at the Division 4 Northern Michigan Meet of Champions in Cadillac. We had Zakia Wagoner and Addy Zeller giving it there all with some impressive times. Wagoner came in 3rd place with a time of 20:46.6 closely behind Zeller who claimed the 2nd place spot with a time of 20:12.8.
On Saturday, October 25th, Our varsity cross country team went up to Benzie for the MHSAA Regional Meet. Our girls impressed everyone with an impressive 4th place overall finish. Zakia Wagonar finished in 11th place with a time of 20:06.60. Addy Zeller placed in 4th place with a time of 19:20.30. Callie Sinke claimed 2nd place with a time of 18:35.00.
Finally, on Saturday, November 1st, Our Varsity Cross Country Team went to the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn to compete in the MHSAA State Finals. Addy Zeller placed 45th with a time of 20:52.40. Zakia Wagoner placed 34th with a time of 20:30.80. Callie Sinke claimed 8th place finishing with a time of 19:14.10 and also earned All-State honors. Congratulations on the impressive season!
FOOTBALL (by Riley Cogburn; box scores courtesy of head coach Justin Sedelmaier)
On October 16, Onekama traveled to Baldwin for their Homecoming game. The Portagers stomped the Panthers 66-6.
On Friday, October 24, the Portagers made history when they defeated Bellaire, 27-8. They rounded off the regular season 9-0; their first-ever 9-0 start, and their second-ever undefeated regular season (1976). It was also Senior Night, and the Portagers recognized and praised our seniors, bidding them farewell and a great regular season, as they stride into the playoffs. Onekama finished the regular season as MHSAA's #2 team at the eight-man D2 level.
Finally, on Halloween night, Friday, October 31, the #2 Portagers overwhelmed Hillman, 42-14, to win their first home playoff game since last year's program-altering upset of #2 Marion.
