The pieces were already in place last year for this magical run. Through injury and difficulty we were off to regionals in the storied Negaunee Lakeview Arena against a familiar foe, the North Central Jets. NC controlled the game throughout sending our boys home knowing what could have been. The feeling of familiarity losing in that fashion, to that team, led me to believe that the bar just may be too high for our little town. Counties close to major population areas would always be able to pull more talent together, and we would always just be the loveable underdog.
Mustang basketball has always had an identity; we are gritty, boys and girls. Coaches have tried to come in and change the framework of who we are, but our sporting teams have always embodied what Munising is: gritty, hardworking and committed to their family and community. Over summer, I had the opportunity to speak with both Coach Kienitz and Coach Prunick about what was to come. Both knew this team would be special but that there was still work to be done and hurdles to overcome. The next level would not come easy. I personally have an incredible amount of respect for Terry Kienitz to have the humility to accept Chris Prunick’s help, not every coach has the wisdom to go that direction.
Munising is a tough town. You have got to go through a lot just to live here. We raise tough kids, we work hard, we play hard and most importantly we love our community. These boys and coaching staff have raised the bar for our entire athletic and academic departments in our school.
As of right now, I would challenge anybody to find me a more successful group of kids that have been in our high school than the ones that are there right now, both athletically and academically, boys and girls. Success in both of these disciplines make successful adults along with memories that last forever and a love for the town that helped them get to those achievements. With that love for community you will find that these kids will be the future of growth and prosperity for our little town and potentially will be the greatest generation to come out of it. The future continues to look bright.
From Robotics to Quiz Bowl and Cheerleading to Cross Country, we are no longer a football town. We are a town that invests in our kids, and I would challenge everybody to come out for every one of them because every one of them is worth it for our little town’s future!
