CHEBOYGAN — It’s hard to believe we’ve nearly made it through June, but I’m still thinking about how fun spring sports season was in 2026.
From championships won to thrilling moments, top-caliber athletes and meeting new people, these last couple of months didn’t disappoint in the Cheboygan area.
I’d like to look back on spring and provide you with what I enjoyed (and will miss) most.
Softball season was a blast
I love a lot of the sports I cover in this job, but when it comes to pure passion, intensity and excitement, softball is at the very top of the list.
This spring, I had a blast covering a lot of our teams, including the Cheboygan Chiefs, who shook off a sluggish start and went over 20 victories on the campaign.
However, it all ended for the Chiefs in a heartbreaking loss to Boyne City, who not only won the district but went on a run to the quarterfinals. Still, this was an exciting group of Chiefs to cover, from some terrific seniors I’ve watched for years like Presley Chamberlain and Tessa Lake — who will be playing college ball — to superb youngsters like Lydia Kosanke and Diem Schley.
Over in Onaway and Pellston, the Cardinals and Hornets earned hard-fought district titles, with Onaway taking down rival Inland Lakes in the championship. Like Cheboygan, the Cardinals had quality seniors like Marley Szymoniak and Carley Karsten doing their part in leading the program to success, as did the Hornets with Ella Klungle, Lanie Irwin, Breanna Willis and Allie Cameron.
While those teams won district titles, Erica France guided Mackinaw City to a Northern Lakes Conference crown in her first season in charge. For someone who was never head coach at the varsity level before, that’s quite the accomplishment, but she had plenty of Comet stars like Kenzlie Currie, Poppy Wallace and the three Kruczynski sisters helping lead the way.
Thrilling (and emotional moments)
This spring didn’t lack entertainment as we saw some great moments.
As for individual athletes themselves, we had those as well.
You had Cheboygan senior soccer star Jaelyn Wheelock net a pair of goals in a district victory over Grayling. The goals themselves were both thrilling and emotional for Wheelock, who battled her way back from injuries just to play a sport she loves dearly. Wheelock won’t play at the college level, but for someone who’s faced a ton of adversity, those memories will last forever.
Just like a random softball game when Cheboygan senior Caleigh Easter had her own special moment on her home field. Knowing how badly she wanted to blast a first-career varsity home run, Easter had the ultimate thrill as she hammered the ball to straightaway center and out of the park, followed by one of the happiest faces you’ll ever see from an athlete — if you don’t know, her photo in this story proves it!
There were many great memories from this spring, but when it comes to pure emotion and thrill, it’s hard to top Wheelock’s big-game postseason goals and Easter’s homer.
Saying goodbye (and good luck)
Anytime senior classes graduate, it’s tough for me, as I’ve watched these kids grow up.
Athletes like Inland Lakes senior Ty Kolly, who I saw flourish during his four-year career. While Kolly’s baseball career is over, he recently earned well-deserved all-state honors.
Athletes like I-L’s Chloe Robinson, who thrived in three different sports and will have a shot at basketball success with Bay College next season. In her final spring sport of track, Robinson helped fuel the Bulldog girls to regional and Ski Valley Conference titles.
Athletes like Cheboygan’s Presley Chamberlain and Tessa Lake, whom I mentioned earlier, were a joy to follow on the softball and volleyball scene over the last four years.
Athletes like Onaway’s Marley Szymoniak, who was kind enough to act as a de facto softball coach when I needed quotes for stories. Oh yeah, she’ll be playing in college, too.
Athletes like Mackinaw City’s Braylon Currie and Ben Strittmatter, who were class acts all the way.
As fun as it was around this area in terms of finding stories, it was also great to meet new people, such as Hillman senior all-state pitcher Gretchen Weiland, someone I enjoyed writing about as the Tigers made another thrilling run to East Lansing. Weiland will be a member of the Alma College softball team next season, and much like all Cheboygan-area athletes, I wish her the best.
This was a wonderful spring, and quite frankly, it’s why I love doing what I do.
Thanks to everybody for another great sports year!
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Great memories and moments, Cheboygan-area spring season was a blast
Reporting by Jared Greenleaf, Cheboygan Daily Tribune / Cheboygan Daily Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jared Greenleaf, Cheboygan Daily Tribune | USA TODAY Network
