Manistique meets 2024 fall athletes in annual Meet the Emeralds event
Trending
MANISTIQUE -- Parents, fans and members of the community came together Friday night to meet this years fall athletes at Manistique High School.
It was the school's annual Meet the Emeralds night. This event began a few years back when Manistique had a game against West Iron County that got cancelled. To fill the void of free time, the community got together and had a night of fun games and activities while also having a chance to interact with the community.
"This event does a lot for our community," Emeralds football coach Steve Pugh said. "It gives the kids a chance to get together after summer break. Some kids don't see each other over summer break, so it's a chance to get them back together before school starts."
This years event was moved indoors after thunderstorms and heavy rain ended the outdoors event. "Kudos to our Superintendent Dr, Hanson and our principals for working out a plan so that the event could go on as scheduled," Pugh said.
Fans got a chance to meet the football, volleyball and cross country teams as well as the Manistique High School pep band.
Manistique football will from a passing attack anchored by quarterback Parker Graphos and wide receiver Wyatt Demers to a more run balanced attack this season. Emeralds' junior Mack Pugh is ready to take the helm held by Graphos and begin the journey.
"We all just want to come together, learn, win some games and continue to improve every time out," Mack Pugh said.
The volleyball team looks to defend its district title from last season. They will have to do that without Linnea Way, Danielle Lund, Ella Schuetter and Emma Jones, who's playing collegiately at Lake Superior State University. The Emeralds do return Leah Goudreau, who earned First Team All U.P. Honors in 2023, and a plethora juniors and a heavy sophomore class to pick from "We are ready to defend the district title," Emeralds coach Amy Nixon said. "We have been working hard the first couple weeks of practice, and we are exited for what the season holds for us."
The Emeralds cross country team returns all of its runners from last season and looks to build off of last season.
"I'm really exited for this season," Alex Harrison said. "I love running and we get everyone back so I think it will be a great season."
Emeralds volleyball and cross country seasons have already began and Emeralds football kicks off Thursday as they travel to East Jordan.