Ovid-Elsie Concludes Fall 2024 MMAC Competitions with a Strong Finish!

The Marauders capped off the 2024 Conference Campaign with strong finishes across many sport programs to begin the 2024-2025 school year!  The Fall season was led by our Boys and Girls Cross Country programs that continued to prove their dominance in the league.   The Boys Cross Country program finished 1st overall in the league for the first time in over 20 years, while the Girls Team finished in a tight race for first place overtaking Chesaning to earn the top spot again for the fourth consecutive year!   Congratulations to Boys and Girls Cross Country! Coach Ritenburg's Boys Tennis program finished unbeaten in conference play with the top overall record in the League.   Due to less than 50% participation in the MMAC, O-E is not awarded a League Title but we congratulate our boys on another strong league season!  The Varsity Volleyball program finished 3rd place in the MMAC behind the recently added volleyball powerhouse of Birch Run and Mt. Morris. &nbs

Ovid- Elsie to Host Blue and Gold Night on August 16th

The Ovid-Elsie Athletic Department welcomes family, friends, and community members to Mark H. O'Donnell Field for a night of energy and excitement for your Marauders!    Team and coach season previews will begin at 5:30pm.    This will also be your first glance at many Marauder programs as most teams will conduct intra squad scrimmages around the athletic facilities beginning at 6:00pm with the football program hosting the Blue and Gold Game beginning around 7:30pm.    Ovid-Elsie comes off an extremely successful Fall campaign in 2023 in which the lady Marauder Volleyball program won it's first District Championship in over 20 years,  Marauder football captured both District and Regional Championships and returns most of it's roster, and the Boys and Girls Cross Country return the Male and Female Conference Champions as well as many state Qualifiers.   Boys tennis also captured it's third consecutive Tennis Conference Championship.   We

Shaun McKinney Selected as Next Girls Basketball Coach

Ovid-Elsie Athletics would like to announce the hiring of Shaun McKinney as Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach. Coach McKinney comes to O-E most recently after serving as the Director of Basketball operations at Middle Tennessee State University. McKinney also served as a Graduate Assistant for Michigan State Girls Basketball as well as serving on the coaching staff at Grand Valley State University and Olivet College. McKinney is a graduate of Michigan State University. Coach McKinney had an extremely successful high school career as a player at Laingsburg High School including a runner- up finish in the State Championship in 2013. Quote from Athletic Director, Chris Winter:“Coach McKinney’s background, passion for leading, and experience really resonated with the hiring committee during our search. His vision for the program and ability to connect with student-athletes make this an extremely exciting time for Ovid-Elsie Girls Basketball! Coach McKinney has spent time in cha

Girls Tennis Cougar Invitational

  The Ovid-Elsie girls tennis team traveled to Lansing Catholic on Saturday, May  4th for the Cougar Invitational. Ovid-Elsie dropped their first dual match of the  day 2-6 to Jackson Lumen Christi. The lone wins came at first singles with Jollee  Swender winning 6-0, 6-3 and Kaia Spiess at 4th singles with a 7-5, 6-0 win over  her opponent  The Lady Marauders then topped Lansing Christian in the second dual match  with a 7-1 win. Jollee Swender won 6-3, 6-1 at first singles, while 2nd singles  Ellyanna Carman defeated her opponent 6-1, 6-0. 3rd singles Jenna Tomasek  had an amazing comeback to win 3-6, 7-6, 10-4 in the third set tie break. The  first doubles team of Willow Evans and Hailie McCreery cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 win  and the 2nd doubles team of Mikayla Bashore and Evaley Swender won 6-2, 6-2.  Ava Anderson and Autum Baczkiewicz topped their 3rd doubles opponents 6-1,  6-1 and the fourth doubles team of

Ovid-Elsie Girls Basketball's Cunningham Announces Retirement

Tuesday, April 9th Head Coach Ryan Cunningham announced his retirement from the Head Girls Basketball Coaching Position.    Cunningham amassed over 200 varsity wins.   The Marauders won 3 consecutive MMAC League Championships,  two MHSAA district championships, and one MHSAA regional championship under Cunningham.   We thank Coach Cunningham for the hard work and dedication in building the Girls Basketball Program at O-E!  

Boys Basketball Ends 2024 with District Final loss at Chesaning

Coach Canyon Walker and the Marauder Boys Basketball Team finished the 2023-2024 season with an overall record of 14-10, losing in the District final to Chesaning 50-34.     The Marauder Boys basketball team was led this year by senior post Hunter Bates who finished the season with a First-Team all League Selection.   Senior contributors for the Marauders were Gunnar McCreery, Jamison Custer, Bruce Thornton, and Mason Ritenburg.   Returning next year for the Marauders at the Varsity level will be Juniors: Tryce Tokar, Tucker Loynes,  Jayce Herblett, Jake Bowen, Javen Belill, Joe Bancroft, as well as Freshman Travis Milner.    Thank you Coaches Canyon Walker, Jason Walker, Travis Brown, and Austin Migoski for all your efforts this season! 

Ovid-Elsie Girls and Cunningham finish 2024 Campaign in District-Semi Final

The Ovid-Elsie girls basketball program over the course of the past five seasons has been a pillar of dominance in the conference and region.    Under the the leadership of Head Coach Ryan Cunningham, who accumulated his 200th win, the Marauders have finished with four consecutive seasons with over 19 wins, 2 District Championships and 1 Regional Championship.     The girls basketball program finished their 2023-2024 Campaign in the District semi-final against twice beaten New Lothrop, but Hornets were a tough opponent at Ithaca winning the game 43-26.    The Marauders say, "Thank you and farewell," to seniors: Braden Tokar, Hailee Campbell, Francesa Giacobbe, 2022-2023 Player of the Year Ava Bates, and 2023-2024 Play of the Year Evalyn Cole.   The future is extremely bright for the Lady Marauders as they return Juniors: Tava Kvalevog and Ellyanna Carmann, and a stable sophomore talent in: Mackenzie Keck, Lily Bates, Dan

Bowling Sends Two to MHSAA State Final

Congratulations to Brayden Gruesbeck (Jr) and Gage Wiktorowksi (Jr) in competing at the MHSAA Boys Division 3 Singles State Championships.    Brayden finished 39th overall and Gage finished at 52nd.   This is the first trip to the State Finals for both competitors. 

Winter Sports Close out 2024 with a Bang!

Congratulations to our 3 Senior Wrestlers that placed at MHSAA State Finals.   Talan Parson finished his career with 2 State Championships and 2 Runner-Up finishes.   Senior Cole Workman finished his career with a 5th place finish at the MHSAA State Finals at 138.   Lastly, Senior Maddie Miller ended her wrestling career with back-to-back 3rd place finishes.  Coach Spiess and Coach Goodrich were both awarded Head Coach and Assistant Coach of the Year in the Girls Wrestling Regional!  

Photos!

Be sure to check out these great sports photos :-)

Boys and Girls Basketball Visit Elementary School to Promote Mini M-Zone

Members of both the girls and boys basketball team attended Leonard Elementary and E E Knight Elementary to promote the Mini-Zone program and ask for support during their 2022-2023 Season's.  Members of both programs spoke about the importance of attending home events at Ovid-Elsie High School and the importance of having Marauder Pride.   Both assemblies concluded with a dance off versus Marauder Max, a special thank you to the teachers that showed off their dance moves, and a rim shattering dunk from Senior Clay Wittenburg!   The Mini M-Zone is a new program in which students can sign up and for a $15.00 t-shirt fee, receive a Mini M-Zone shirt and attend all home events for the rest of the 2022-2023 school year for free.   We hope to see our elementary students join us for all Marauder home events and show the strength of our community!    Please email: chris.winter@ovidelsie.org for more information. 

Girls Varsity Cross Country at MMAC Conference Championship

Once the dust settled from the boys' race, the girls stepped up to the starting line in what promised to be an extremely competitive race. Ovid-Elsie entered the final conference meet tied with Chesaning and the title of conference champs would come down to this third and final conference matchup. The O-E girls put forth a gritty team effort to edge out a young and very talented team from Chesaning. This allowed the Marauders to secure their fourth straight MMAC Conference Championship! Leading the way for Ovid-Elsie was junior Clarissa Baese with a time of 20:43, followed by teammates Kendal Tokar 21:50, Madalynn Bushard 22:58, Piper White 23:15, Audrey Bensinger 23:32, Ava Juhas 24:18, Dana Juhas 24:21, Hannah Koutz 24:55, and Katelyn Wright 29:52.  Earning first team all-conference honors for the girls were Kylie Mausolf (Birch Run), Clarissa Baese (Ovid-Elsie), Kendal Tokar (Ovid-Elsie), Chloe Koskinen (Birch Run), Leah Theile (Chesaning), Ally Andres (New Lothrop), and M

Boys Varsity Cross Country at MMAC Conference Championship

The stage was set for an exciting night of competition at the MMAC Cross Country League Championship, held at Uncle John’s Cider Mill on October 9th. The boys kicked things off first with the team from Ovid-Elsie remaining unbeaten in the league and bringing home the conference championship! They were once again led by senior captain Clay Powell who finished the course with a time of 17:09, his fellow teammates put forth a tremendous effort, Joshua Miller 18:05, James Kelly 18:17, Travis Wright 19:06, Mitchell Gonzalez 19:35, Jeremiah Stewart 20:34, Colton Sempsrott 21:10 and Destin Kinney 31:30 to help secure the win for Ovid-Elsie over a very talented team from LakeVille. The evening concluded with several runners earning all-conference accolades.Earning first team all-conference honors for the boys were Tyler Leach (LakeVille), Clay Powell (Ovid-Elsie), Wyatt Roberts (LakeVille), Jace Thomas (Birch Run), Connor Kennedy (LakeVille), Mason Koskinen (Birch Run), and James Kelly (O

Girls Varsity Cross Country at Birch Run Invitational

The O-E girls cross country competed at the Birch Run Invitational finishing 9th place out of 16 teams.  Several runners posted personal best times and top finishers for the Marauders earned medals. Medaling for the Marauders were Clarissa Baese 20:40, Piper White 23:09, Dana Juhas 24:29.22, Ava Juhas 24:29.45, and Hannah Koutz 25:02. The team is back in action this Saturday as they travel to the Greater Flint Cross Country Championship. Not pictured-Hannah Koutz

Boys Varsity Cross Country at Birch Run Invitational

Twenty teams converged on Taymouth Park to compete in the Birch Run Cross Country Invitational. The Marauder boys team placed 4th overall and posted several personal best times. Medaling for the Marauders were Clay Powell 16:55, Joshua Miller 17:57, James Kelly 18:10, Travis Wright 19:09.25, and Mitch Gonzalez 19:09.64. The team is back in action again this Saturday at the Greater Flint Cross Country Championship. 

Boys Varsity Cross Country at MMAC Jamboree 1

The O-E boys cross country team traveled to Chesaning Showboat Park to compete in the first of three MMAC Conference Jamborees. The Marauders put forth a tremendous team effort and secured a first place finish!  Top runners include Clay Powell finishing 2nd, James Kelly 6th, Joshua Miller 11th, Travis Wright 14th, and Mitch Gonzalez 24th. Rounding out a great showing by our Marauders were Jeremiah Stewart, Colton Sempsrott, and Darin Richardson. The boys are back in action again on September 24th as they travel to Durand for MMAC Jamboree 2. 

Girls Varsity Cross Country at Saranac Invitational

The O-E girls cross country team battled the heat, humidity, and hills finishing sixth at the Saranac Invitational. Medaling for the Marauders were Clarissa Baese finishing 10th, Kendal Tokar 27th, and Madalynn Bushard 30th. Rounding out the top five scoring for the girls were Audrey Bensinger 46th, and Dana Juhas 48th place. The girls team will be back in action on September 4th as they host the Marauder Invitational at Uncle John's Cider Mill. 

Boys Varsity Cross Country at Saranac Invitational

The O-E boys cross country team battled the heat, humidity, and hills finishing fourth at the Saranac Invitational. Medaling for the Marauders were Clay Powell finishing 10th, JD MIller 19th, and James Kelly 23rd. Rounding out the top five scoring for the boys were Travis Wright 32nd and Mitch Gonzalez 35th place. The boys team will be back in action on September 4th as they host the Marauder Invitational at Uncle John's Cider Mill. 

Boys Varsity Cross Country at Happy Acres Invitational in Webberville

The Ovid-Elsie boys cross country team kicked off their season competing in the Large School Division at Happy Acres in Webberville earning a 3rd place team plaque. Medaling for the Marauders were Clay Powell who finished 8th followed by James Kelly with a 12th place finish. The top 5 was rounded out by JD Miller 17th,  Mitchell Gonzalez 21st, and Travis Wright finishing 26th, just one spot away from a medal. The boys are back in action on Wednesday, August 28th as they travel to Saranac. 

Girls Varsity Cross Country at Happy Acres Invitational in Webberville

The O-E girls cross country team kicked off their season competing in the Large School Division at Happy Acres in Webberville earning a 5th place finish. Medaling for the Marauders were Clarissa Baese finishing 5th and Audrey Bensinger who finished 19th. The top 5 was rounded out by Madalynn Bushard 29th, followed by Ava and Dana Juhas 32nd both with a time of 27:43:45. The girls are back in action on Wednesday, August 28th as they travel to Saranac. 

Boys Varsity Golf finishes 3rd in Postseason MMAC Tournament; 6-1 in matches to finish 3rd overall in the MMAC

Played at Willow Brook in Byron on 5-21-24 Mikey Bancroft earns 1st Team All-Conference with points earned in matches and league tournaments.    Dominic Kline earns 2nd Team All-Conference with points earned in matches and league tournaments.    

Boys Varsity Golf finishes 3rd in Postseason MMAC Tournament; 6-1 overall in league matches-good for 3rd overall in the MMAC

Played at Willow Brook in Byron on 5-21-24 Mikey Bancroft earns 1st Team all conference MMAC with points earned in matches and tournamets. Dominic Kline earns 2nd Team all conference MMAC with points earned in matches and tournaments     

Boys Varsity Golf finishes 3rd in Postseason MMAC Tournament; 6-1 overall in league matches-good for 3rd overall in the MMAC

Played at Willow Brook in Byron on 5-21-24 Mikey Bancroft earns 1st Team all conference MMAC with points earned in matches and tournamets. Dominic Kline earns 2nd Team all conference MMAC with points earned in matches and tournaments     

Marauder Golfers Rally Late to Defeat Byron by 2 Strokes-Finish 6-1 in MMAC play

We’re really proud of our guys and their resiliency getting through a competitive league schedule at 6-1. We continue to get mentally tougher and improving in each and every match. The win over New Lothrop knocked them out of the league lead, and was in some tough conditions. We needed a clutch birdie, and par saves in the last 2 holes to sneak by Byron.

Boys Varsity Golf vs. New Lothrop

Big win over league leading Hornets for the Marauders in tough conditions!  

Boys Varsity Golf vs. Mt. Morris High School

Boys Varsity Golf vs. Durand Area High School

5/1/24 @ Emerald Golf Course, St. Johns  

Boys Varsity Golf vs. Montrose Hill-McCloy High School

4/30/24 @ Briar Ridge, Montrose  

Boys Varsity Golf vs. Lakeville

4/26/24 @ Emerald Golf Couse, St. Johns

Boys Varsity Golf @ Alma Panther Classic

Panther Classic @Alma 4/22/24 Mikey Bancroft 10th place Medal Team 16th Place 391

Boys Varsity Golf vs. Chesaning

4/23/24 @Twin Brooks in Chesaning