Newaygo Lions 1984-85 and 1985-86 State Championship Basketball Teams Recognized

Members of the 1984-5 and 1985-6 State Championship Basketball Teams (l to r back): Erica Boyd, Keri Thomas, Amy Putnam, Kristin Long, Sonja Heinzman, Sandy Wagner, Coach Stan Thomas (l to r front): Lori Bruggema, Kristen Mast, Dawn Bourdon

January 31, 2020 was the 35th anniversary of the Newaygo Lady Lions winning back-to-back State Championships. A recognition ceremony was held in the gymnasium between varsity games. 

Those who were able to attend were honored with team photos and plaques that stated "Welcome Home" and the years of their State Championship winning teams.

Current Varsity Girls Basketball Coach Nate Thomasma read aloud some notable statistics pertaining to these two teams. One of which was that not a single player on the team was listed as above the height of 5'7". Often, especially come tournament time, they were playing against girls well over 6'0".

These women were the first women's team ever to be inducted into the Muskegon Hall of Fame in 2010. 

The State Championship team of 1984 beat Pewamo-Westphalia 57-52 in the finals. The regular season record was 18-2. They also beat Flint Academy in the semi-final game 48-46.

Members of the 1984 team: Dorren (Berger) Hook, Erica (Thomas) Boyd, Keri Thomas, Sandy Wagner, Kristin Long, Sonja (Beckman) Heinzman, Dawn (Bulk) Bourdon, Sheryl (Frye) Presler, Kristen (Westcott) Mast, Coach Stan Thomas.

The State Championship team of 1985 beat Detroit St. Martin dePorres 46-43 in the finals. The regular season record was 19-1. They also beat Benzonia Benzie Central 59-35 in the semi-finals.

Members of the 1985 team: Amy (Schenk) Powell, Lori (Mauer) Bruggema, Amy (Saum) Putnam, Erica (Thomas) Boyd, Keri Thomas, Tammy (Morton) Dey, Sandy Wegner, Kristin Long, Assistant Coach Rose Bonk and Head Coach Stan Thomas.