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The Student Voice of Forest Hills Central

The Central Trend

The Student Voice of Forest Hills Central

The Central Trend

The Student Voice of Forest Hills Central

The Central Trend

Sam Hopkins

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor

Entering his second year on staff, Sam has been given the task of leading his team of sports' reporters this upcoming year. Sam's favorite type of writing is sports reviews, as he has written several in the past. Sam plays baseball and indoor soccer in the winter. In his free time, Sam helps out at his church and attends youth group. When he's not participating in sports, studying, or at youth group, Sam will be found at Jimmy John's preparing sandwiches. Sam also enjoys reading; his favorite book is Kill Shot because of the action and intensity. On the average Friday night, Sam will be found sitting in the student section supporting Ranger athletics.

All content by Sam Hopkins
FHC JV Baseball routes Cedar Springs on way to big win

FHC JV Baseball routes Cedar Springs on way to big win

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor May 14, 2017

The FHC JV baseball team's bats came alive on Thursday night, as they drove in fourteen runs on their way to a fourth inning mercy against Cedar Springs. FHC was on top of their game from the get-go on...

FHC JV baseball defeats Greenville 11-1

FHC JV baseball defeats Greenville 11-1

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor May 5, 2017

Sophomore Cole Coughlin was on the bump for FHC, as the Rangers took on the Yellow Jackets of Greenville in a JV baseball showdown on Thursday night. Cole was untouchable, using his full arsenal of pitches....

Player Profile: Jon Martin

Player Profile: Jon Martin

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor May 4, 2017

Jon Martin Grade: Senior Sport(s): Football, Baseball, and Ski Five things people don't know about Jon: 1. He grew up in Alligator Point, Florida. 2. He's played baseball since he was 4. 3....

Girls varsity soccer defeats Lowell 4-1

Girls varsity soccer defeats Lowell 4-1

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor April 27, 2017

With one minute left in the first half, senior captain Bailey Korhorn slotted a shot into the bottom right corner to extend FHC's lead to 2-0 before the half. FHC would carry this newfound momentum into...

Player Profile: Linda Boulos

Player Profile: Linda Boulos

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor April 21, 2017

Linda Boulos Grade: Senior Sport(s): Tennis currently, volleyball and rowing in the past. Five things people don't know about Linda: " I'm lactose intolerant. " I can stand on all my toes without...

Varsity golf places third in opening tournament at Thornapple Pointe

Varsity golf places third in opening tournament at Thornapple Pointe

Sam Hopkins, Sports Reporter April 14, 2017

Embarking on their first tournament, the boys varsity golf team finished third out of nineteen in their opening tournament at Thornapple Pointe Country Club. With a young roster led by senior captain Peyton...

Player Profile: Jack Lorenz

Player Profile: Jack Lorenz

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor April 13, 2017

Jack Lorenz Grade: Junior Sport(s): Golf and Tennis Five things people donA?t know about Jack: I don't have my drivers license I'm allergic to honey crisp apples I hate mayo and mustard ...

FHC Girls Tennis looks to be a top contender in the state

FHC Girls Tennis looks to be a top contender in the state

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor March 30, 2017

Coming off of an average 2016 season, the 2017 girls tennis team looks to be a top contender in the state. After falling short of a state tournament run, they are primed for greatness this season with...

Girls varsity soccer primed for a highly anticipated season

Girls varsity soccer primed for a highly anticipated season

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor March 29, 2017

Last season ended with heartbreak in the state semifinals for the varsity girls soccer team. Despite falling short of their ultimate goal, a state title, this year's revamped team is back and better than...

Departing seniors leave a lasting legacy on FHC hockey program

Departing seniors leave a lasting legacy on FHC hockey program

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor March 21, 2017

The puck hit the back of the net, ending the Rangers hockey season in the blink of an eye. Despite battling Flint Powers, the number one ranked team in the state, for three periods and then some, FHC fell...

FHC Hockey looks towards Flint Powers in the State Semifinals

FHC Hockey looks towards Flint Powers in the State Semifinals

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor March 6, 2017

With four minutes to go, senior Jack Bowling put the puck in the back of the net to seal the deal for the boys hockey team. The Rangers defeated Jackson Lumen Christi 4-0 in the Regional Finals at Southside...

FHC hockey defeats EGR 9-1 in round one of the playoffs

FHC hockey defeats EGR 9-1 in round one of the playoffs

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor March 1, 2017

Pack the Patterson was the mantra on Tuesday night, as the Rangers of FHC took on the Pioneers of EGR for the third time this season. FHC, having already won the two previous matchups, had the Pioneers...

Boys freshman basketball falls to Ottawa Hills 56-30

Boys freshman basketball falls to Ottawa Hills 56-30

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor February 24, 2017

A tenacious, scrappy full court press from Ottawa Hills caused confusion on the offensive end for the Rangers, as they threw the ball away on back-to-back-to-back trips down the court. The FHC freshman...

FHC Ski Team looks to dominate at the state competition at Boyne Highlands

FHC Ski Team looks to dominate at the state competition at Boyne Highlands

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor February 23, 2017

365 days ago, junior Ben Finkelstein was in the midst of rehabbing a spiral fracture in his tibia. Today, a little over a year since his injury, Ben is preparing to take on the individual skiing state...

JV boys basketball defeats Cedar Springs with ease

JV boys basketball defeats Cedar Springs with ease

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor February 17, 2017

Mitchell Wilkinson, Tate Hallock, James Shields, and Adam Tellier all got their names on the scoresheet in the first three minutes of play, as the four knocked down four in a row from behind the arc to...

FHC hockey defeats Reeths Puffer and wins Conference Championship

FHC hockey defeats Reeths Puffer and wins Conference Championship

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor February 12, 2017

On Friday night, the Rangers claimed both their nineteenth win and their Conference Championship trophy. FHC closed out the regular season with a big 8-4 win over Reeths Puffer in a high scoring affair....

Freshman girls basketball defeat FHN due to stout defense

Freshman girls basketball defeat FHN due to stout defense

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor February 3, 2017

On a night where pediatric cancer was the focus for all, defense for the Rangers was the focus in particular. The FHC freshman girls basketball team defeated rival FHN in dominant fashion. The Rangers...

FHC sends off senior athletes on NLI signing day

FHC sends off senior athletes on NLI signing day

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor February 2, 2017

As we have arrived at the midway point of the 2016-17 school year, ten more FHC athletes prepare for the next step in their journeys. Congratulations to the ten FHC students that will look to continue...

FHC freshman girls basketball defeats Ottawa Hills with ease

FHC freshman girls basketball defeats Ottawa Hills with ease

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor January 27, 2017

In the opening minutes, freshman Bryn Yoder took advantage of the lackadaisical Ottawa Hills defense and scored seven points within minutes. Bryn would go on to capitalize on her match up all night long...

Player Profile: John Fuller

Player Profile: John Fuller

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor January 22, 2017

John Fuller Grade: 12 Sport: Basketball Five things you don't know about John: He loves to write He is the youngest student in the class of 2017 He is a die-hard Michigan fan Orange...

FHC hires new varsity lacrosse coach Patrick Clay

FHC hires new varsity lacrosse coach Patrick Clay

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor January 19, 2017

In 2007, when the demand to play lacrosse became too much for one team in the Forest Hills district, FHC and FHNE went their separate ways, diverging into two highly competitive programs. Over the past...

FHC boys JV basketball continues its winning streak against Northview

FHC boys JV basketball continues its winning streak against Northview

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor January 13, 2017

Freshman Jimmy Scholler began to heat up right before half, knocking down consecutive three’s going into the break. His career high twenty point game would help push the FHC boys JV basketball team...

JV Girls Basketball Falls to FHN in Shootout

JV Girls Basketball Falls to FHN in Shootout

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor January 6, 2017

Coming out of the break at halftime, the Huskies of Forest Hills Northern came out with a new mentality. They picked up their play offensively, catching fire behind the arc and going on an 11-0 scoring...

Player Profile: Nick Sarjeant

Player Profile: Nick Sarjeant

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor January 6, 2017

Nick Sarjeant Grade: Senior Sports: Hockey, Baseball, and Soccer Four things you don't know about Nick: - Nick was in a movie when he was in 4th grade - Nick is going to be an assistant...

Boys Varsity Basketball Looks Towards Northpointe After Loss to Covenant Christian

Boys Varsity Basketball Looks Towards Northpointe After Loss to Covenant Christian

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor December 24, 2016

In the opening moments, senior Jack Uecker laid the ball in to give the Rangers a 2-0 lead. Covenant then came storming back, putting up a 16 point run of their own. Although the Rangers would battle back...

Girls JV Basketball Falls to East Kentwood in Low-Scoring Affair

Girls JV Basketball Falls to East Kentwood in Low-Scoring Affair

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor December 10, 2016

Sophomore Chloe Grooters was having lots of success running the point on Thursday night.  She managed to create six scoring opportunities with her passing, put eleven of the Rangers twenty-five points...

Boys Swim and Dive: Looking to Top Last Year's Success

Boys Swim and Dive: Looking to Top Last Year’s Success

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor December 4, 2016

Senior captain Dakota Weinman walked away from last years state finals counting it as a success. Dakota qualified for states in both the two IM and 100 meter backstroke. His fourth relay also managed to...

Conor McGregor: The Two Belt Champ

Conor McGregor: The Two Belt Champ

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor November 18, 2016

The 5’9” 155lb assassin runs around the octagon in a crazed state. 18,200 people sitting in the jam packed venue of Madison Square Garden look down into the cage in shock, awe, and disbelief. The Notorious...

Lady Rangers Golf Season Wrap-Up

Lady Rangers Golf Season Wrap-Up

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor November 17, 2016

Coming into the 2016 girls golf season with high expectations, the young, diverse team thrived when it mattered most. Although this year's inexperienced team didn't match the 2015 team in making it to...

Q&A with Former Ranger Football Player John Roark

Q&A with Former Ranger Football Player John Roark

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor November 10, 2016

FHC Football has not beaten the Lowell Red Arrows in seventeen years.  With the Regional Finals coming up this Friday night, I thought that it'd be interesting to have some insight from someone who knows...

FHC Varsity Volleyball Cruises Past Greenville in a Three Set Sweep

FHC Varsity Volleyball Cruises Past Greenville in a Three Set Sweep

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor November 1, 2016

FHC’s Varsity volleyball team faced off against their conference foes for a third time this season, ending with a similar result. Monday night in the District Quarterfinals, the Lady Rangers defeated...

Player Profile: Emily Wiltz

Player Profile: Emily Wiltz

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor October 29, 2016

Player Profile Name:  Emily Wiltz Grade: 12 Sport: Volleyball/Softball Number:  4 Five things you didn’t know about Emily: She’s the worst driver you'll ever meet. One of...

Key Players Heading into Round One of the Playoffs

Key Players Heading into Round One of the Playoffs

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor October 27, 2016

Cam Deines - RB Being promoted from JV into the starting Varsity running back position, Cam will have to step up big to establish the Ranger’s ground game in their first round of playoffs this Friday....

FHC varsity Soccer Falls to East Kentwood in District Semifinals

FHC varsity Soccer Falls to East Kentwood in District Semifinals

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor October 21, 2016

On August 19th, the FHC varsity soccer team took on East Kentwood at Crest Wood Middle School and suffered a defeat 2-0 to start out the season with a loss. On October 20th, almost exactly two months later...

FHC Equestrian Team Finishes Sixth in State Finals

FHC Equestrian Team Finishes Sixth in State Finals

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor October 17, 2016

The FHC Equestrian team members - seniors Abby DeWeerd and Jenna Sitarski - don't gain much recognition around the halls of FHC, but by the way they've been competing this season, they sure deserve it....

Junior Miko Rodriguez Commits to Division One Texas A&M

Junior Miko Rodriguez Commits to Division One Texas A&M

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor October 11, 2016

The World Wood Bat Association Championships not only offer the opportunity to compete and bring home hardware, but also offer the chance to be seen by potential college scouts.  Junior Miko Rodriguez...

FHC Varsity Soccer defeats Lowell, Putting Themselves in Position for a Conference Title

FHC Varsity Soccer defeats Lowell, Putting Themselves in Position for a Conference Title

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor October 7, 2016

Running over to the corner flag and doing a quick celebratory dance, junior Ian Abel was mobbed by his energized teammates. Just moments before, Ian had driven a shot low across the net and into the bottom...

FHC Varsity Soccer Defeats FHN in Overtime Thriller

FHC Varsity Soccer Defeats FHN in Overtime Thriller

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor September 30, 2016

With fifty-four seconds remaining in overtime,  junior goalkeeper Jared Ireland made the save of his life, preserving the 2-1 lead. With this big save, the Rangers would hold on to defeat the FHN Huskies,...

FHC Varsity Volleyball Sweeps Greenville with Ease

FHC Varsity Volleyball Sweeps Greenville with Ease

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor September 23, 2016

Receiving the set pass from junior libero Audrey Tubbs, senior Reese Weslow sent yet another kill over the net at the Yellow Jackets. “Our service passing has been getting a lot better,” Reese said....

FHC JV Soccer Defeats the Greenville Yellow Jackets 8-0

FHC JV Soccer Defeats the Greenville Yellow Jackets 8-0

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor September 15, 2016

With thirty one minutes remaining on the game clock, sophomore Alec Norris slotted the ball into the bottom left corner of the Greenville net.  This goal, the Rangers eighth of the night, would end the...

Forest Hills Defeats East Grand Rapids in Dominant Fashion

Forest Hills Defeats East Grand Rapids in Dominant Fashion

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor September 7, 2016

Sophomore Rain Tarango received the pass from Molly Fanning, and poked the ball into the goal to give Forest Hills the first, and only goal of the game. Forest Hills Unified JV Field Hockey team took...

Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the Rangers Thursday Night

Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the Rangers Thursday Night

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor August 31, 2016

Best Case Scenario: To ensure success on Thursday night, it is crucial that two things happen.  First, it is essential that senior, defensive linemen Nick White and Harrison Engler create disruption...

Cam Deines Finishes with Three Rushing TD's, Leading FHC to Victory

Cam Deines Finishes with Three Rushing TD’s, Leading FHC to Victory

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor August 24, 2016

Breaking free out of the back field, sophomore Cam Deines broke two tackles, and side stepped a Jenison defender as he marched his way to the end zone.  This would be just one of Cam’s three rushing...

Kelvin Grady resigns as girls varsity basketball coach

Kelvin Grady resigns as girls varsity basketball coach

Sam Hopkins, Sports Editor June 2, 2016

After competing in basketball and football at the University of Michigan, Kelvin Grady wanted to play professionally.  When those hopes didn't come together, coaching became his passion. “Coaching...

Logan Vredenburg - Senior Class President

Logan Vredenburg – Senior Class President

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer May 24, 2016

Name: Logan Vredenburg Current Grade: 11th grade Running for: Class President Q: What impact would you like to have on FHC? A: I would like to have a positive impact on FHC that shows how our...

Rangers defeat Pioneers in Conference Championship

Rangers defeat Pioneers in Conference Championship

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer May 19, 2016

Tuesday night, the Forest Hills Central Rangers squared off against their notorious rivals, the East Grand Rapids Pioneers in a winner takes all, conference championship. Already facing off previously...

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Katie LaValley to be inducted to FHC Athletic Hall of Fame

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer May 11, 2016

Having an impressive career in both academics and track at FHC, Katie LaValley departed from FHC and moved on to bigger and better things at the University of Michigan.  Continuing her track career at...

Rangers Reign Victorious Over Pioneers

Rangers Reign Victorious Over Pioneers

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer May 4, 2016

The number one ranked team in Division II lacrosse, the Forest Hills Central Rangers, squared off against the number two ranked East Grand Rapids Pioneers yesterday in a late night thriller. Battling back...

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The Accumulation of Choices

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer April 20, 2016

Growing up in a close knit family, with two solid parent figures, I was taught a wide variety of things in my early years. Reflecting on all the life lessons I’ve been taught along the way, one nugget...

Gridiron Gang: Where Losers Become Winners

Gridiron Gang: Where Losers Become Winners

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer March 23, 2016

Stuck on my couch with a 101-degree temperature, I had a lot of time to pass. Out of natural habit, I turned on the TV and scanned the ever-so-addicting Netflix. Scrolling past most of the junk that Netflix...

Crafting the Perfect Bracket

Crafting the Perfect Bracket

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer March 16, 2016

With March, comes madness. Beginning on March 16th, sixty-four teams will embark on a quest to be crowned the top college basketball team in all of the nation. From powerhouse dynasties to Cinderella stories,...

Dave Mills: Helping Others Achieve Greatness

Dave Mills: Helping Others Achieve Greatness

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer March 9, 2016

The smell of sweat occupies the air of the east gym. This scent is not foreign to gym teacher Dave Mills, as he’s been accustomed to it for the better part of his life. Some thirty years after his own...

Transfer of Power

Transfer of Power

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer March 2, 2016

World renowned terrorist Rafique Aziz sat in the Oval Office, waiting for the feeble minded Americans to make their move. Aziz and his henchmen had seized control of the White House with ease, displaying...

The Fragility of Life

The Fragility of Life

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer February 24, 2016

A steady stream of tears rushed down the faces around me. A look of shock and terror transfixed the eyes of my friends and family. Just minutes prior, I had been obsessing over my newly treasured baseball...

More Than a Game

More Than a Game

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer February 17, 2016

Lacing up his sneakers and joining his friends on the court, junior Konstantin Melder is ready for practice. Unlike many student athletes around the halls of FHC, he doesn't find practice grueling and...

Friends: A Classic

Friends: A Classic

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer February 10, 2016

It's a rare occurrence when a TV show is on air ten straight years. It's even more rare when the cast stays the same and the viewers keep begging for more.  Friends, directed by David Crane and Marta...

Looking Ahead

Looking Ahead

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer February 3, 2016

Yes I’m still a junior, but looking forward a few years, I begin to wonder how the next chapter of life will read.  More specifically, even though I have more than a year to go, I’m beginning to look...

Ski Team: Striving for Perfection

Ski Team: Striving for Perfection

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer January 20, 2016

Standing at the bottom of the hill, realization had just set in that neither the boys, nor the girls FHC ski team would be advancing past the regional race. “Unfortunately, last year we weren’t...

Ringing in the New Year

Ringing in the New Year

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writter January 8, 2016

Unlike my normal tradition of staying in with friends, cozying up by the fire, and waiting for the ball drop, I decided to venture out this past Thursday night. Abandoning the comfort of my home, four...

Boys' Soccer: The Epitome of Perfection

Boys’ Soccer: The Epitome of Perfection

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer December 15, 2015

Time ran out, players rushed the field and the crowd went berserk. The Rangers were victorious and now the new state champions. “When that final whistle blew, there was validation for our team that...

Lights, Camera, Action

Lights, Camera, Action

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer December 15, 2015

It’s your typical Tuesday morning, and the students of FHC are sitting in their first hour class going over yet another lesson plan. Meanwhile, in room 116, a select few prepare the morning announcements....

A Clean Slate

A Clean Slate

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer December 8, 2015

Don't get me wrong, the subzero temperatures and the hours spent shoveling aren't things I love. In fact, if asked, I’d say that I wasn't at all fond of the winter. But one thing I admire about the winter...

Creed: One Fight at a Time

Creed: One Fight at a Time

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer December 1, 2015

The story of Adonis Johnson serves as a parable, displaying the struggles of life.  Throughout Creed, both Adonis and Rocky fight back after life knocks them down time and time again. Beginning in...

Expulsion or Acceptance: Q&A on the Syrian refugee crisis

Expulsion or Acceptance: Q&A on the Syrian refugee crisis

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer November 24, 2015

With the recent attacks in Paris, the world has been sent into a panic. In the past week, thirty-one governors have declared that their states have closed their borders to Syrian refugees. Over half of...

Culver's: Welcome to Delicious

Culver’s: Welcome to Delicious

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer November 11, 2015

Upon discovering that I would be taking a trip down 28th street to Culver's for dinner, my day had only been mediocre. Nothing special. Nothing out of the ordinary. That was all about to change at approximately...

Environmental Club: Making a Difference

Environmental Club: Making a Difference

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer November 3, 2015

Starting out in 2004, the environmental club at FHC was created with the intent purpose of trying to make a difference. Whether it be worldwide or more likely locally, these students wanted to make a change. "This...

Friday Night Lights

Friday Night Lights

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer October 27, 2015

Sitting on my couch in the basement, I had just completed all five seasons of Friday Night Lights. Immediately, a question was brought to the forefront of my mind: Why did I watch this? It wasn't...

The Good Ole' Days

The Good Ole’ Days

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer October 20, 2015

As I progress throughout my junior year, I ask myself a question: "Why was I in such a hurry to grow up?" Yes, growing up brings numerous opportunities and experiences that your younger self couldn't partake...

Rangers Trump Red Arrows in 5-0 Win

Rangers Trump Red Arrows in 5-0 Win

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer October 11, 2015

Standing side by side, the twelve seniors line up for pictures on senior night. This will be the last time these boys take the home field as a Ranger. Taking pictures and smiling wide, they are oblivious...

Pit Stop: The BBQ Eatery

Pit Stop: The BBQ Eatery

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer September 29, 2015

Walking up the steps towards the old fashioned barbeque shop, I stared the Pit Stop's signature metal pig dead in the eyes.  This was my first ever time dining in this BBQ eatery, and boy was I in for...

Lot of Work, Little Appreciation

Lot of Work, Little Appreciation

Sam Hopkins, Staff Writer September 22, 2015

Sitting in a crowd full of energetic and wild high school students, the boisterous teens scream their heads off.  Observers would call it rowdy, even barbarous.  Members of this student section would...

Boys soccer looks to improve upon last year’s success

Sam Hopkins August 27, 2015

Lining up the ball two yards outside of the box, senior Max Postlewait glared over the wall of defenders and towards the goalkeeper that he planned to beat with his upcoming shot.  Postlewait met the...

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