http://www.record-eagle.com en-us Copyright CNHI All Rights Reserved. 5 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:55:57 +0000 http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_324235541.html http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_324235541.html Win or lose today, Michigan State fans will head to another bowl game wondering "what could have been" this season. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:25:58 +0000 http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_302072658.html http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_302072658.html Welcome to a new era of Detroit Pistons basketball. For the first time in nearly a decade, the season opened Wednesday with little interest and even less expectations. A year ago, Detroit was coming off a sixth-straight conference final and looked to be in line for one more run with a mix of veterans and up-and-coming players. How quickly things can change. Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:35:57 +0000 http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_192203657.html http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_192203657.html Apparently, the Cherry Festival's Festival of Races is like a fine wine and gets better over time. I'm sure over the course of the 30 years of the event, there have been changes here or there. But in Saturday's run, the changes were both noticeable and substantial. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:05:59 +0000 http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_189070638.html http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_189070638.html Admit it, Piston fan. The notion of being a player in the LeBron James sweepstakes had you intrigued. Especially if he could have been packaged with a big man like Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire. But now, in the first full week of July, all of that is gone. The money? Spent. The young talent? Either gone or rumored to be leaving at one point or another. The coaching staff? Blown up. Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:50:58 +0000 http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_178205115.html http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_178205115.html For the last year, Scott Hebert has been able to dub himself a national champion. Now, he will know what it's like to defend that title. All eyes will be on Hebert, the head pro at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, when he competes at Twin Warriors Golf Club in Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M., beginning today in the PGA Professional National Championship. Sat, 23 May 2009 22:05:55 +0000 http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_143220559.html http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_143220559.html In my training, there seemed to be a point of pride to running the entire course. I'm not saying anything negative about the walkers, without question every runner has to go at their own pace and slow down when need be. But that wasn't going to be me. Sometimes, though, things don't go as planned. Tue, 28 Apr 2009 06:30:57 +0000 http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_118063222.html http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_118063222.html The only sure-fire selection Detroit made was Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew. When the Lions selected him with the 20th pick in the first round, I didn't quite understand it. But upon further review, Detroit seems to have nailed a home run. Sat, 25 Apr 2009 21:29:58 +0000 http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_115212957.html http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_115212957.html When the Detroit Lions unveiled their new logo on Monday at a Metro Detroit sporting goods store, fans of the organization showed up to cast their vote for Saturday's NFL draft. "Cur-ry, Cur-ry," they chanted. Lions fans spoke. The team didn't listen. Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:00:58 +0000 http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_093220146.html http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_093220146.html This Michigan State team is deep, multi-dimensional and capable of beating any of the other three schools still dancing. But, the Spartans won't do anything more if they rest on their laurels and buy into all of the attention they've received this week. It's been a great season, but this has the potential to be more. It could be magical. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:00:57 +0000 http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_087211136.html http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_087211136.html Sure, the Tigers will again be an offensive power and should be better defensively than a year ago. But there are still too many questions on the pitching staff. Specifically, in the bullpen. Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +0000 http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_085070510.html http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_085070510.html A month away from the NFL Draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. still thinks the Detroit Lions will select Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford with the top overall selection. However, his reasoning seems like it's more a pick of convenience rather than hitting on a can't miss prospect. Why Stafford? Why not? Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:00:59 +0000 http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_079222515.html http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_079222515.html In McBain, basketball is more than just a game. It's a family affair. The Ramblers are led by two-time first-team All-State senior Elizabeth Hamlet. She's joined on the court by her sister, freshman Annemarie Hamlet. And they're coached by their father, Todd Hamlet. Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:00:57 +0000 http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_050095725.html http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_050095725.html Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Time is running out on the NBA rumor mill as today's 3 p.m. trade deadline looms. Will any of the big names be traded? Will Kobe and Shaq be reunited? Are teams still trying to clear cap space for the LeBron James sweepstakes of 2010? Sat, 07 Feb 2009 15:20:00 +0000 http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_038095812.html http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_038095812.html University of Michigan fans finally got to see Friday who would be rounding out the last open spot on the 2009 football schedule. A matchup with a national powerhouse like Oklahoma, Florida, USC or Texas? Not quite. On Oct. 17, the Wolverines will welcome Delaware State to the Big House. Get your tickets now. Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:00:58 +0000 http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_318094807.html http://www.record-eagle.com/mikeeckert/local_story_318094807.html Roger Mason has never coached professional baseball. But his hiring Wednesday as Traverse City's new pitching coach may have been one of the biggest moves in Beach Bums history. In one week's time, the Beach Bums have announced new manager Gregg Langbehn, who comes in with 10 years of coaching experience in the Houston Astros system. Now, Traverse City adds a local guy and former major leaguer, instantly assembling a coaching staff that will no doubt have other Frontier League executives jealous.