Having coached two varsity sports at Brandon in the 2004-05 season, Brian Moore had a vested interest in this year’s Flint Metro League all-sports race.
In that light, Moore, who coached the hockey team and girls tennis team this year (he resigned as hockey coach at the end of the 2004-05 season), was pleased with how the Blackhawks finished in the race.
Brandon took second place with 80 points, trailing only Fenton, which won the trophy with 99.5 points. Lapeer East took third with 70.5 points. Point totals are compiled based on each school’s finish in each varsity sport during the season.
The second-place finish is the highest Brandon has placed in the competition during its three years in the league, according to Brandon Athletic Director Larry Lamphere.
Moore said the idea is similar to a competition held by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which awards a trophy to the school with the best combined finish in intercollegiate athletics.
‘I think it’s pretty exciting, and a pretty neat concept,? he said.
In sports where all seven Flint Metro teams field varsity teams, first place teams are awarded eight points, while second place teams are awarded six points. Point totals then decline one point for each place finished until seventh (or last) place, where teams are awarded one point.
The Blackhawks earned three first place finishes in varsity action this year ? girls cross country, hockey, and girls track.
The hockey team’s first-place finish was the first by a Brandon boys team since the Blackhawks joined the Flint Metro League. The Blackhawks also won their third straight regional title in the program’s five-year history.
‘I think it shows a group of kids can work hard and accomplish their goals,? he said. ‘It was nice for a new program to contribute to the (second-place) finish.?
Brandon had their strongest showing in the fall sports season, as the Blackhawks compiled 35 points, second to Fenton’s 44. In the winter, Brandon finished fourth with 18 points (Lapeer West was first with 29), and the Blackhawks were third in spring sports with 27 points (Fenton was first with 40).
Moore said Brandon’s finish is a credit to the district, as well as the players and coaches in the program.
‘I think we have so many good kids playing a lot of sports,? he said. ‘Our school district does a nice job of offering programs to kids, and there are a lot of dedicated coaches in those programs.?