Couch: LSJ Sports Awards have blown away my expectations

I loved the idea of the Lansing State Journal Sports Awards before they ever happened. And I loved that we were producing this, recognizing our best and bravest high school athletes. We ought to do that sort of thing.

I had no idea, however, that this “red-carpet” event would be anything more than a Rotary Club meeting on steroids. It turned out last year to be truly a next-level production, grand in scale, style and details.

We’re back for Year 2, this time at the Wharton Center on Wednesday night, with two-time gold medal Olympic boxer Claressa Shields of Flint as the featured guest. Our James Edwards will interview her on stage. She has an incredible story.

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This night is again an opportunity to honor and highlight our best high school athletes and competitors — naming finalists and then our player of the year for each sport, fall, winter and spring, from our Dream Team selections. This time, winners won’t be known beforehand (we were our own spoilers last year). We’ll also again recognize teams that should be memorialized and athletes who’ve persevered in the face of difficulties out of their control. That’s my favorite part of the night — the Courage Award — even if perhaps heartbreaking.

Among the other aspects of this night that I appreciate: For one evening, the best high school bowlers are on an even plane with the top high school football stars; and that all of the winners are afforded a chance to say a few words, to thank people who matter to them. Last year, most didn’t know they’d have that opportunity. I suspect this year, there might be a few clever speeches.

I realized quickly last year — with about a thousand folks in attendance — that this event could be a big deal in our community annually. And in an evolving media landscape, where serving those who rely on us comes with new challenges each year, this is one way we can make a dent and remind you that we do care, that we’re all in this village together. 

These high school athletes deserve to be recognized. They are the best of our community. They represent us in competition. It’s awesome to put them all under one roof for one night and let them know we’re proud.

I hope you’ll be there with me.

Contact Graham Couch at gcouch@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Graham_Couch.

LSJ Sports Awards

When: Wednesday night; doors open at 7 p.m., show begins at 8

Where: Great Hall, Wharton Center, East Lansing

Featured speaker: Olympic boxer Claressa Shields

Tickets: $28; sportsawards.lansingstatejournal.com