Greenville High School - Hi Life Yearbook (Greenville, MI)

Page 32 text:

Rivalry climaxes year At mid season Greenville began proving their worth to the conference, community and their school. They had rid themselves of Lakeview and the powerful Ionia Bulldogs. Friday nights came and the Greenville team showed that they had come to play. It was showtime. Playing against Coopersville, Senior Greg Schoenfelder spoke of the victory as a “long awaited payback.” Greenville moved up in conference ratings and broke into the state class B ratings at honorable mention. But “The opera isn’t over until the fat lady sings,” Hattenbach reminded his players. The season was not over and the roughest games were still to come. Suddenly, the whole area began talking about the GHS Jackets. They had definitely made a name for themselves and the pressure to win was on. Lakewood battled but fell to Greenville and the Jackets ravaged Fremont as well as Sparta. Then came Lowell, whose 6-0 record challenged Greenville’s own 6-0 record. Both teams were exerting themselves for the top; it was to be the game of the season and hundreds came in anticipation and curiosity of who would soon boast the Tri-River championship title. Both teams were poised and tense in concentration holding their formations awaiting the snap. Andy Petersen snapped the ball to Steve Bernard who sent the Jacket ball into play. But it was Above Right: Among ihe honors bestowed on the varsity team was for the leadership of Coach Joe Hattenbach. Here he proudly accepts the American Legion award for Greenville’s 35-22 victory over Belding. Right: Senior Jeff Thorlund is lifted onto his teammates shoulders after rushing for 228 yards and scoring all five of Greenville's touchdowns against Belding. the incredible 27 'boot pass play to Doug Zank that sent the fans into a frenzy. The defense continued to hold back the powerful Lowell offenses, as the score climbed to a final 16-8 score. When the clock stopped ticking the championship crown belonged to the elated Greenville team. Cedar Springs was defeated the following Friday. “But the barbeque sauce on the hog,” said Senior Walt Taylor, “was the Belding game.” The traditional rivalry matchup proved to be as exciting as always. Belding and Greenville exchanged touchdowns, but Senior running back Jeff Thorlund came through as the key player scoring 33 of Greenville's 35 points to defeat the Redskins. Thorlund was named AP player of the week and at the seasons end he was honored as Most Valuable Player. 28

Page 31 text:

Senior Halfback Jeff Thorlund swerves upficld, avoiding a collision with Fremont's defense at the Homecoming Game. Varsity Football: Ball boys David Schnepp and Steve Engel. 1st row, Jim Disser. Steve Bernard. Jeff Thorlund, Mike Adams, Brian Stevens, Fred Roberts, Jeff Emmons, Jerry Remelts, Jeff Hopkins. Mario Alverez. 2nd row, Dave Lewis, Andy Petersen, William Nichols. Ken Wall, Tim Rydahl, John Vinton, Bill Corner. Dan Sandic, Rick Thomas. 3rd row, Randy Cairns, Chris Bell, Doug DeVries, Greg Shoenfelder. Don Wittkop, Walt Taylor, Tony Mach, Darren Ladderman, Steve Scott. 4th row. Rich Rasmussen. Bill Stein, Brett Guernsey, Eric Sorenson, Terry Hopkins, Mike Schncpp, Jerry Cook, Doug Zank. Coaches Tom Warrincr, Paul Engel. Bruce Schnepp and Joe Hattcnbach. 27

Page 33 text:

Below Left: Senior Jeff Emmons struggles for extra yardage against Lowell. The Yellow Jackets added yet another victory (16-8) to their record. Below Right: Coach Hattenbach gives careful instruction to his defensive squad at the Bclding game. Above: Junior Jerry Rcmclts concentrates on keeping his balance amidst Lowell's strong defense. Greenville is the last Tri-River Football Champion. The conference disbanded at the end of the 1983-84 school year. Greenville last won an outright football championship in 1954 in the Old West Central League. Greenville averaged 23.3 points per game offensively in the Tri-River Conference and allowed 3.3 points per game defensively. For the nine-game season, Greenville averaged 24.9 points offensively and 6.0 points defensively. Greenville’s 9-0 record represents its first unbeaten, untied season in modern history. Greenville has won three straight Tri-River Championships. It was co-champion in 1981 and a tri-champion in 1982. 29