“Six years ago, I told our coaching staff this would be the renaissance of Lake Orion athletics,” said LOHS Athletic Director Bill Reiss.
And he wasn’t lying.
Since then, the athletic program has grown into a regional, state and nation contender in many varsity sports. Especially noteworth are football (state runner-up), girls basketball (state semi-finalists), wrestling (state semi-finalist), boys cross-country (regional champs), cheer (state finalist), boys soccer (district champs), boys bowling (county champs), boys swimming (league champs), boys skiing (state finalist) and powerlifting (two-time state champs).
“We had all the ingredients for success: strong support from our school board and central administration, high quality facilities, a plethora of ambitious student athletes, an adoring community with a strong fan base and a cadre of dedicated coaches,” Reiss said.
Simply put, Lake Orion was ready to make a splash on the athletic scene and coaches answered the charge.
Reiss says each teams owes much of its success to the active and supportive parents.
“Our parents give our teams the personal touch that vaults us over the top of other school systems. They provide our athletes with pre-game meals, produce our game day programs, inventory equipment, wash uniforms and sponsor raising efforts to defer other program costs,” he said.
Each of the programs has also developed a strong ‘feeder’ system that goes beyond what is provided through middle school athletics.
“Not only do our coaches sponsor camps and clinics for future Dragon athletes, they support the community efforts of parks and recreation, youth leagues and AAU programs,” said Reiss, adding that the administration echoes the sentiment by providing organizations with field space and gym time.
In addition, the athletic department has fostered events and clinics with local professional teams such as the Pistons, Shock, Lions and Tigers to bring high quality athletic programming to the community.
“I believe what you are seeing now is the fruits of everyone’s labors,” the athletic director said.
Since 2003, LO sports teams have been moving up in the ranks steadily and no longer revel in league championships. They now persue state and national championships.
What’s brought the steady rise?
According the the athletic department, the only major change instituted was a decision to seek competition outside of LO’s conference – Oakland Activities Association. The deparment sought out the largest venues (EMU Rynearson Stadium, MSU’s Breslin Center) and took on any opponent in a effort to become playoff ready.
And the results speak for themselves.
“One thing for certain is our previous successes raised the bar for the teams that followed,” he said, adding “now, Lake Orion has become the measuring stick by which other programs are compared. I have teams from across the state, and those from neighboring Ohio and Windsor Ontario seeking an opportunity to match up against our teams .
Further adding to LO’s success are former Lake Orion athletes serving as coaches.
Denny Davis (softball), Steve Roberts (basketball), Chris Bell (football), Nancy de Avila (cheer), Bob Howey (volleyball), Joe Woitrya (softball/wrestling), Desiree Villareal (cheer), Dennis Recknagle (baseball), Monty Gallaher (golf), Debi McDonald (cross country), Niki Perryman (cheer), Eric Carpenter (wrestling), Brandon Reiss (swimming and diving), Cory Heck (bowling), Ben Knight (wrestling), Jason Bothwell (wrestling) and Debbie Booth (lacrosse) have bought dedication and a ‘push’ to LOHS athletics, bring it into the spotlight.
And because of thier successes, the district has been able to attract high level coaches into our coaching ranks. As a result, athletes receive some of the best instruction available.
Speaking of success, it’s not just athletes winning tropies on the field and in the gym.
This year the marching band and color guard both competed on the national level and impressed spectators and judges with their skills.
“Success breeds even more success. As a department, we embrace all activities with which we are associated,” Reiss said.
The marching band’s recent efforts led to a runner-up finish at the state band competition and a trip to the national competition in Indianapolis.
And next season, the dance team will come under the athletic umbrella.
“Hopefully, they’ll enjoy similar success,” said Reiss.
So what’s in store for the future?
Maybe a national title. But for now, LOHS is pretty proud of it’s current accomplishments.