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

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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

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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

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JV gridders struggle during season There was no freshman football team in the 1982-83 season. The 83-84 J.V. football team provided many Greenville players with their 1st opportunity to play football against other schools. “We started the season with a very inexperienced team. About half of the players had never played football and the other half who had played last year had seen very little action. We went into each game as the underdog,” stated Head Coach Dodd. The team worked out throughout the week prior to their Thursday night’s game. They ran the down-ups, wind sprints, and performed all the necessary calisthenics, but somehow victory evaded them. “It is hard to come back each week after losing and try to pick yourself up and get ready for the next game. These players did the best they could which is all anyone could ask,” commented Dodd. The J.V. team finished it’s 1983-84 season with a 0-9 record. During those Thursday nights the J.V. football cheerleaders had chanted encouragement and support to the J.V. RIGHT: The Jackct-Rcdskin action holds the attention of the Greenville J.V. players as they await their turn to play- football team. A lot of time was spent in preparation for the Thursday games. The girls worked 2 hours, 2 days a week to perfect their cheers and chants. In addition to “regular” practices, the girls planned to attend a competition in East Grand Rapids. This competition would have been the squad’s first taste of technical judging on their skill and overall style, “Unfortunately, due to unexpected events and illness the girls were unable to com- pete. stated cheerleading coach, Nancy Dickson. However, the girls did take part in various other activities. They assisted with pep assemblies, fund raisers, and a Varsity Squad sponsored cheerleading clinic for area children. Dickson also commented that, “they arc a fine bunch of girls who worked very hard throughout the season. I hope many will return next year.” Junior Varsity Football Cheerleaders: Vicki Larsen, Heidi Ayers. Julie King, Beth Vanhoose. Pam Corwin, Kellie Kent, Staci Ward, Amy Perks. Coached by Nancy Dickson. 30