Bears Are Winners On and Off the Ice

The 21 guys who make up the state champ hockey team aren’t just winners on the ice. They’re also success stories in the classroom.

School officials smiled Tuesday night as it was announced that the team has been honored as an all-state academic team, meaning all of the players have a combined grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

In Wyandotte’s case, the average is 3.14, head coach Mike Quint said.

This is the first time in Quint’s eight years as Roosevelt's hockey coach that the team has reached the academic honor.

“We’ve come close, but this team is the one that did it,” Quint said. “That’s why they’re where they’re at. You can teach a kid who wants to learn.”

The Bears were the guests of honor at Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting. The guys entered the packed meeting room to applause and a standing ovation. They then opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

One by one, each player took the microphone and introduced himself. A few had some extra words to toss in, including, “Go Bears!,” “It feels good to be a state champ” and “Thanks for all the support.”

Mayor Joe Peterson, who also is an assistant hockey coach, pointed to the team’s trophy as he addressed Superintendent Patricia Cole who is retiring at the end of the school year.

“Dr. Cole, as you go away, your present is right there,” Peterson said.

Not only did the Bears bring home the school’s first state championship title in hockey, but this is the school’s first state title in any sport.

“I’m so proud of our students,” Cole said. “Everybody knows Wyandotte now. Everyone.”

Board Trustee Dana Browning said she already has a calendar hung up at her house counting down the days till next year’s hockey season.

“I could not be prouder of each and every one of you,” she said.