Mike Young Recipient of Al Bush Award

My father-in-law, Mike Young, was honor Friday night during the halftime of Buchanan's football game. Mike is one of two recipients of this years Al Bush award.

The award honors individuals for past and continuing service to prep athletics as a coach, administrator, official, trainer, doctor or member of the media. The award was developed to bring recognition to men and women who are giving and serving without a lot of attention. This is the 16th year of the award, with the selections being made by the MHSAA's Representative Council.

Per the MHSAA newsletter:

Michael Young: Serving three schools in his career, with 32 of those 37 years at Buchanan, Young was a teacher-coach, athletic administrator and assistant principal. After his graduation from college in 1968, he spent four years each at St. Johns High School and Colon High School where he taught and coached. At Colon, he was the head coach in football and track, and he held the same roles at Buchanan – coaching football for eight seasons and track for four. He assumed the dual role of assistant principal and athletic director in 1984, working in both roles until 2001, when his athletic responsibilities shifted to a game management position. He retired in 2005.

As an athletic administrator, Young hosted numerous MHSAA and Lakeland Conference tournaments. He was twice honored as a coach of the year, and also won teacher of the year honors. The South Bend Classic Track Meet bestowed a service awards upon him in 2002. In the community, Young participated in a Neighborhood Watch Public Task Force, and in lay positions at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University. He was nominated for the Bush Award by the Lakeland Conference.

"Michael Young is a great role model for anyone wanting to become involved in high schools sports," said Roberts. "He enjoyed working with young people, providing participation opportunities for them, guiding them in the way they should go and then delighting in their success. He is regarded as a loyal leader, and respected for his expertise and his integrity. We are pleased to honor him with the Bush Award."

Congratulations Mike! We don't know of anyone more deserving!!!