Monroe Review

In a report from the MiSenateGOP website, Sen. Dale Zorn (R-Ida) commended Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive orders, along with the vote from the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), which combined gave high schools the green light for fall sports to be played this year, including football.

“I am pleased that the governor and the MHSAA listened to all of us and have decided to give our high school student athletes the opportunity to play the sports they love and compete to be the best they can be,” Zorn said, according to MiSenateGOP. “In addition to having fun and staying in shape, students in sports learn important lessons about teamwork, leadership and perseverance.”

In late August, the senator participated with student athletes, parents and coaches in the "Let Them Play" rally that took place on the Michigan Capitol's steps. The rally was an effort to urge Gov. Whitmer and the MHSAA to allow fall sports to commence. 

Sen. Dale Zorn | #MiSenateGOP

Rob Beaudrie, head coach of the Erie Mason High School football team, said that the process to get the go-ahead for fall sports has been arduous.

“The process has been a very emotional roller coaster for everyone involved, more importantly the student athletes,” Beaudrie told MiSenateGOP. “The support of the parents, coaches, ADs (athletic directors) and superintendents has been outstanding to say the least. All these athletes have just witnessed how to never give up and settle and fight for what you believe in. A very, very important life lesson.”

Jayme Ansel McElvany is a parent of a student athlete and the founder of the Facebook group dedicated to getting Michigan athletes the oportunity to play.

"My son is ecstatic!" McElvany said, according to MiSenateGOP. "He never truly believed that this could happen. Even more than him getting his football back, I am thankful that he got to see how people stood up for their rights, fought for what they believed in and trusted God through it all. I am even more happy for the other kids and families in this state than I am for my own! I can only imagine the smiles, tears and screams across the state right now, and it makes all of this so worth it.”

Stacy Johnson, superintendent of the Britton Deerfield Schools, said she is thankful for the parents who came together for their children. 

"It’s great to know we still live in a society where ‘We the People’ still have a voice,” Johnson told MiSenateGOP. “Sen. Zorn was with us in this fight from the beginning, and I am very grateful for the support and help for our children. This is the time of their lives!”

Fall high school games started on September 18.