Manistique meets fall 2024 athletes at annual Meet the Emeralds event

Manistique high school senior Cooper Curtis (22) runs through the student tunnel during Meet the Emeralds on August 23, 2024 at Manistique High School. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

MANISTIQUE — Parents, fans and community members gathered Friday night to meet this year’s fall athletes at Manistique High School.

It was the school’s annual Meet the Emeralds night. This event started a few years ago when Manistique hosted a game against West Iron County that was canceled. To fill the lack of free time, the community came together and had a night of games and fun activities while having the opportunity to interact with the community.

“This event brings a lot to our community” Emeralds football coach Steve Pugh said. “It gives the kids a chance to get together after the summer holidays. Some kids don’t see each other during the summer holidays, so it’s an opportunity to bring them together before the start of the school year.”

This year’s event was moved indoors after thunderstorms and heavy rain shut down the outdoor event. “Congratulations to our Superintendent, Dr. Hanson, and our school principals for developing a plan that allowed the event to go ahead as scheduled.” Pugh said.

Fans had the opportunity to meet the football, volleyball and cross country teams as well as the Manistique High School band.

The Manistique football team will transition from a passing attack anchored by quarterback Parker Graphos and receiver Wyatt Demers to a more balanced rushing attack this season. Emeralds junior Mack Pugh is ready to take the helm from Graphos and begin the journey.

“We all want to come together, learn, win games and keep getting better every time,” Mack Pugh said.

The volleyball team is looking to defend its district title from last season. They will have to do so without Linnea Way, Danielle Lund, Ella Schuetter and Emma Jones, who plays collegiately at Lake Superior State University. The Emeralds also return Leah Goudreau, who earned first-team All-UP honors in 2023, as well as a plethora of juniors and a deep sophomore class to choose from. “We are ready to defend the district title” Emeralds coach Amy Nixon said. “We’ve been working hard over the first two weeks of training and we’re looking forward to seeing what the season has in store.”

The Emeralds cross country team returns all of its runners from last season and looks to build on last season.

“I’m really excited about this season” Alex Harrison said. “I love racing and we get everyone back, so I think it will be a great season.”

The Emeralds’ volleyball and cross country seasons have already begun and Emeralds football will kick off Thursday when they travel to East Jordan.

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