
Congressional hearing examines soaring youth sports costs and private equity influence
A recent Capitol Hill hearing highlighted the growing financial strain on families and the shifting ownership landscape of youth hockey rinks.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Kalamazoo across Football, Hockey, Soccer.

A recent Capitol Hill hearing highlighted the growing financial strain on families and the shifting ownership landscape of youth hockey rinks.

Brent Scott rises to associate head coach, Sam Little joins as video coordinator, and Alex Grumer is promoted, while Patrick Dorney and Jake Szczecina take on new operational roles.
The Boyne City Ramblers and Harbor Springs Rams prepare for pivotal postseason games against top‑ranked opponents, navigating long journeys and historic rivalries.

Carson Hocevar, a Michigan native, prepares for a home‑track showdown that could rewrite history for a new generation of fans.
The Saugatuck girls soccer team reached the regional finals for the first time, capping a season of milestones that included wins in baseball and basketball and a standout track performance.
The Saugatuck baseball squad advanced to the regional semifinals for the first time in a decade, captured a district championship, and is poised for a bright future despite a 9-2 defeat.

Eastern Michigan University announced the appointment of Mike Ott as its new head baseball coach, tapping a proven developer of talent and culture. Ott, who spent 14 years at Kalamazoo College, guided the Division III program to consecutive conference titles and multiple academic awards. His arrival follows a sub‑par 19‑34 season under interim leadership and comes amid a broader shuffle of coaching moves across the nation.
William Whitelaw’s journey learning American Sign Language to connect with his deaf grandfather has shaped his hockey career, his influences, and his ultimate goal of winning a National Championship with Western Michigan.

Michigan's 2027 recruiting class has secured 14 commitments, highlighted by four-star safety Tavares Harrington, propelling the Wolverines to No. 8 on the 247Sports Composite and No. 11 on Rivals.
Four-star cornerback Tavares Harrington from Mount Carmel in Chicago has pledged to the University of Michigan for the 2027 recruiting class, adding to a defensive surge that includes other top Illinois prospects.

Michigan's football program has added eight recruits in May and is poised to land a ninth, highlighted by four‑star safety Tavares Harrington's upcoming announcement.

The Wolverines have surged from unranked to the top ten in ESPN's 2027 rankings, adding eight commitments and several high‑profile prospects.
Kyle Busch, a two‑time NASCAR Cup Series champion, died on May 22 at 41 after a severe illness. His family, NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing confirmed the news, recalling his upcoming plans for the Coca‑Cola 600 and his legendary performances at Michigan and Kalamazoo.

Lundon Hampton, a three-star athlete from Kenowa Hills High School, has pledged to Michigan over Iowa, Michigan State and Penn State, becoming the 13th commitment in the Wolverines' 2027 class.

A long‑standing youth hockey association faces eviction, sparking a debate over economic viability, branding control, and the future of community sports in Kalamazoo.
The Calhoun Christian/St. Philip co‑op squad rolled past Maple Valley 8‑0, with Mylee Grimm scoring seven goals and Leah Downey adding one. The team now prepares to host Jonesville on May 26, while other district matchups see Lakeview, Mattawan, Parma Western and others moving forward.

Four‑star prospect Dewey Young praised his trip to Boulder, underscoring Colorado's growing appeal as the program reshapes its 2027 roster with key commitments and portal activity.
Colorado hosted four-star offensive tackle Dewey Young on an official visit, a move that underscores the program’s intensified effort to rebuild its line and compete nationally.

Antijuan Wilkes, a four-star offensive tackle from Detroit, Michigan, is emerging as one of the most coveted names in the 2028 recruiting class. His dual-sport background, impressive rankings, and multiple official visits have placed him at the center of a fierce competition among Big Ten schools.

ESPN has historically ranked Michigan football prospects lower than rival services, but the 2027 cycle sees several Wolverine commits break into the network's 300‑player list, highlighting a shift in perception and raising expectations for the program's next era.

The Wolverines' 2027 recruiting haul has surprised analysts, with ESPN ranking several commits among the nation's top 300 and placing Michigan among the leading programs.