Mick McCabe
@MickMcCabe1
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Retirement lasted 10 months, so this must be semi-retirement. In my 55th year covering high school and college athletics for the Detroit Free Press.
Joined October 2011
I never planned on writing a book, but after compiling Dream Teams covering my 50 years at @freepsports . this is the back story. The book turned out well despite my input.
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29 of the 32 first-round draft picks were two-sport athletes and 14 of the 29 were three-sport athletes. Next time your personal trainer or your coach tells you you need to specialize in football, maybe you really need a new trainer or coach.
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You want data? We've got data. Playing indoor "contact" sports like basketball and hockey are not spreader events so let's stop messing with high school kids' heads and Let Them Play.
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If school is in session, @GovWhitmer needs to do the right thing again and let kids play sports. High school is about so much more than just taking classes. Time for Big Gretch to step up!
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If @GovWhitmer really looks at the numbers, @mhsaa high school sports are not the reason COVID-19 is spreading. It's time to let football, volleyball and swimming finish their seasons. #LetThemFinish.
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Sorry, Governor, but high school athletes are the wrong target for the latest spike in CVOVID-19 cases.
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High school sports begin practicing Monday with no testing, no masks, no social distancing -- just sports . for now. Let's keep it that way.
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How do you say goodbye after covering preps for the Detroit Free Press for 46-plus years? This will have to do.
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With the money grab for 7-on-7 leagues under way, it's time for @GovWhitmer to allow @MHSAA high school football to be played and open the high school gyms for volleyball and the pools for swimming. It's time.
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High school football is back! Will begin Sept. 17-18 with Week 4 schedule. Everyone in the state playoffs. Volleyball, soccer and girls swimming are on, too.
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Ann Arbor Skyline's Hobbs Kessler shatters the national high school record for 1,500 meters by almost 4 seconds, 3:34.3. And he also qualified for the Olympic Trials. My man!!!.
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Happy 81st Birthday to the GOAT, John Herrington. The winningest coach in state history -- 443 with 13 state championships, another state record. The Best!
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Happy 80th Birthday to The Goat, John Herrington. He is the winningest coach in state history — 443 wins, 13 state championships and his teams were a remarkable 93-21 (81.6%) in the state playoffs.
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ICYMI: @GovWhitmer smacks away the @MHSAA, ignoring the data that says it's safe to finish football, volleyball & swimming championships. This is disgusting.
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So, in 1965 there was this 15-year-old about-to-be a junior who needed a picture to run with his first column for Cabrini High's newspaper about his job for Sportservice at Tiger Stadium. Bill Freehan was willing and gracious, just as he was every day of his life. RIP.
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Three officials stole a state title from Iron Mountain. It is the duty of the @MHSAA to make sure the best officials work the state finals more than once every four years.
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Now that the @MHSAA is back in action I wonder if Grand Rapids Catholic Central is finally going to make its school free for families?.
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The interim president says several times this is not "the old MSU." Oh, yes it is. This was not a press conference. This was a dog-and-pony show.
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Blaming high school athletics for the recent spike in COVID-19 cases is just not the way to go here. It can be a factor, of course, but not the main reason. My point:
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Having an AED in the gym and a Certified Athletic Trainer Collin Karcher was the difference between life and death for Grosse Pointe South coach Bob Zaranek, who was clinically dead. The AED, Karcher and others brought him back.
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The @MHSAA hasn't cancelled the state tournaments yet. What it if is looking for a way to complete them later this spring? A reason to believe.
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I can find 25 women working high school basketball in Michigan who are better than these clowns.
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After 23 seasons, 190 wins and 3 state titles at @Detroit_CTFB, coach @thomaswilcher is joining the staff at @MSU_Football.
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Happy 78th Birthday to The GOAT, John Herrington, the state’s winningest football coach — 443-112-1 and 13 state championships. With Harrison closing he will be a consultant at North Farmington to Jon Herstein, his former assistant.
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Happy 89th Birthday to the legendary Al Fracassa, the man who made Brother Rice an absolute football powerhouse. He sounded great this morning and so did his wife, Phylis. It's on to 90!!!'
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Mark Uyl, executive director of the @MHSAA, vowed to have fall, winter and spring sports seasons finish with state championships. Despite pushback from the governor's office and the MDHHS as well as some idiot parents and moronic coaches, he delivered.
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Will someone please explain to me why @cassiuswinston is only a 2nd team All-America!!!!!!.
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My first day at the @freepsports was June 3, 1970. That makes it 52 years in the books. Seems like yesterday . well, a lot of yesterdays. So, what about 53?.
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My 52nd year of covering high school football for @freepsports begins today at Novi Detroit Catholic Central. Let's go!!!
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How differently would this be handled if the protesters were Black? I'll hang up and listen.
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The @MHSAA has done the right thing and made @WLW_Football wide receiver and Northwestern bound @abdurryaseen eligible for his senior season. More to come.
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Yeah, I'm retired, but when Jud Heathcote passes, retirement takes a day off. Mother's Day will never be the same.
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No. 1 @BellevilleFB and head coach @JermainCrowell under investigation by @MHSAA for alleged undue influence violations.
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Heading into year No. 50 covering high school football for @freepsports, what has changed? Whack job parents, Underwear Olympics, 7-on-7, personal trainers, specialization, school of choice, state playoffs. In other words, not much.
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The best high school basketball coach in the state -- Dan Fife -- has called it a career after winning the last two Class A state championships at his alma mater, @ClarkstonBball.
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This is a tremendous get for @MSU_Football. Courtney did so much more at Beecher than just coach football. He will be a terrific recruiter and have profound effect on the MSU players. Good luck to @CoachHawk_5.
Michigan State football adds Courtney Hawkins to Mel Tucker's staff as WR coach
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This week's Semiretirement Tour brings me to North Farmington for the Traverse City Central-North Farmington game featuring two of the most successful coaches in state history, John Herrington and Jack Schugars. Combined they are about 200 years old.
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For all of you genius parents who think the only way for your kid to make it to the next level or beyond is to pick one sport and specialize, please read this. I mean, REALLY read it.
In 2021, Jared Bernhardt won the Tewaarton Trophy as the nation's best lacrosse player. He transferred to Ferris State for football, went undefeated at QB, and won the D-II national championship. He started playing WR in May, and he just made the Atlanta Falcons' 53-man roster.
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With two Catholic schools in the Final Four, will public universities call for separate NCAA tournaments?.
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Kids are going to play football one way or another -- high school or 7-on-7. It would be best to have them play for their high school. And let's get volleyball, girls swimming and boys soccer going, too.
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Final: @ChelseaBulldogs 21, @FHHarrisonFB 14. This is the final football game in the history of Harrison and the final game in the career of Harrison coach John Herrington, the winningest coach in state history.
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Some coaches just don't get it, trying to avoid opponents just to get a win or skip a game altogether. Whatever happened to: "Let the kids play?"
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ICYMI: @MHSAA data shows high school athletics don't spread COVID-19. It's time to resume the playoffs in football, volleyball and girls swimming. #LetThemFinish.
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This takes voter fraud to an entirely different level. @MSHOF officials may demand a recount.
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One year and two weeks after the horrific car accident nearly took his life, the "miracle" is complete. Greg Piscopink is coaching at @RiceWarriorsFB again, son @GPiscopink is the QB and mom Jennifer is the happiest person on the planet.
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Happy 87th Birthday to the legendary Al Fracassa, the man who put Brother Rice on the map. He says he feels good and Phyliss is there to keep him in line.
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John Herrington's coaching career ends with a state record 443 wins and a record 13 state titles, but that is not why he coached. A story on why he leaves as The GOAT!
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One thing we learned today is that Alan Haller is in so far over his head as athletic director it isn't funny.
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Happy 86th Birthday to Al Fracassa, the Pride of Detroit Northeastern. He won 430 games and nine state championships at Brother Rice. He said he is feeling fine.
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On June 3, 1970 I walked into the @freepsports for my first day of work. Guess that means 54 years now are in the books.
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June 3, 1970 I began working at the Free Press. Hoping year No. 52 is when I finally get off double-secret probation. On second thought . maybe next year.
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S/O to Drew Valentine, the new head coach at Loyola, where he had been a valuable assistant for the last four seasons. An all-stater at Lansing Sexton, he has always been the classiest guy in the room and he will be terrific!.
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BREAKING: It's football in the fall and business as usual for @mhsaa sports in traditional season. Of course, not much is business as usual these days. Wear the damn mask!
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How WL Western football helped Rob Hudson, @BigRob741998, go from 440 pounds with a 0.8 GPA to a Purdue commit.
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Andrew Copp, @Copp94, believes one of the biggest reasons he is with the @DetroitRedWings is because he played high school football and did NOT specialize in hockey. There is a lesson here for kids and parents.
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Belleville fires football coach @JermainCrowell, who the @MHSAA has banned from coaching any team in the state for two years.
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The 2018 Hal Schram Mr. Basketball is @FosterLoyer of @ClarkstonBball. And it wasn't close:
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Despicable Alert: Chandler Park Academy refuses to play Cranbrook this week because it's already in the state playoffs. How low can you go?
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Not only is @DetroitEdisonGB senior Rickea Jackson , @iamthathooper, the best Michigan high school player this year, the @HailStateWBK recruit is the best Michigan player EVER!
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Just letting Charles Barkley read off the list of 68 would have been better TV than this.
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Happy 92nd Birthdsy to the legendary Al Fracassa, who built Birmingham Brother Rice into a powerhouse. He sounded well this morning and we're hoping for many more Nov. 13 phone calls.
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The Yoopers have changed their allegiance.
There is an absolute TON of blue here tonight. I’ve been covering Packers home games now for 30 years and I’ve never seen more of the other team’s colors in the stands at Lambeau than tonight. Ever.
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Leading 52-13, De La Salle's Brady Drogosh left the game, after completing 21 of 23 passes for 249 yards and 2 TDs while carrying the ball 15 times for 152 yards and 3 TDs. Phenomenal.
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First time in 47 years no high school football practice for me today. Instead, at the "Sleepless in Seattle" house.
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I remember when you could read articles only by buying the newspaper.
@MickMcCabe1 @nba_pbj @kb33zy_04 @LegendGeeter4 I remember when you could read articles without a "subscription".
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If this coaching thing doesn't work out -- he's already won a state championship, Marine City's Ron Glodich, @Marinecityfb, has a future in writing. His excellent take on parents/kids for the Port Huron @phthSports.
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Former sports writer @petercunningham becomes a teacher at Mumford, wants to coach wrestling but there are no wrestling teams in Detroit. So he starts one himself. Sounds like a movie.
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The 2021 Hal Schram Mr. Basketball award is Pierre Brooks II, @nba_pbj, from Detroit Douglass. A big get for @MSU_Basketball.
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My column on the Archdiocese of Detroit's nonsensical ruling that none of its high schools or elementary schools can play on Sunday. My excommunication may be on the table.
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Connor Stalions is back in football, coaching at Detroit Mumford (think Eddie Murphy). He is still running from the media, but no one is chasing him. A complete clown show!
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The 370 wins & 10 state titles don't begin to tell how much Tom Mach meant to Detroit CC and Michigan high school FB. Happy retirement.
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Lansing Catholic’s Jim Ahern is the @Lions Coach of the Year. He also receives two tickets to the Super Bowl. He was disappointed when told the cheerleaders will not be accompanying him.
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The finalists for the 43rd annual Hal Schram Mr. Basketball award are: @KadenBrown04, GRCC; @ryhurst, North Farmington; @TylerJamison32, Port Huron No.; @Curtis5Williams, Brother Rice; @Sonny_wilson3, U-D Jesuit.
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The 2019 Miss Basketball is Rickea Jackson, @iamthathooper from @DetroitEdison. She has signed with @HailStateWBK.
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Either the @MSHOF made a terrible error in judgement or they figured every class needs a class clown. I'll settle for either.
Over 45 years @freepsports, he was the 2010 MI Sports Writer of the Year, and is a member of the MI Journalism Hall of Fame. Now it’s time to induct @MickMcCabe1 into the @MSHOF. Join us September 28 for the 2018 Induction event, presented by Meijer. 🎟:
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A lot more goes into coaching than just winning and losing football games. No one knows that better than @CVBigReds Scott Merchant, the @freepsports All-State Coach of the Year.
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From now on, this place will be known as Dan Fife Fieldhouse.
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How many people have to give the multi-sport message before it sinks in with idiotic know-it-all parents? Specialization hurts kids!
David Cutcliffe: Sport specialization creates kids that are not as mentally healthy or mature.
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This looks like fun in Ishpeming.
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Congrats to Dan Fife and @ClarkstonBball. The state's best coach has his state championship. Nobody deserves it more!.
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Jim Ahern has won 301 games and the D-5 state title. Yet, he thinks Lansing Catholic has given him more than he has given the school. He is the @freepsports All-State Dream Team Coach of the Year.
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The runaway winner of the 53rd annual Hal Schram Mr. Basketball award is @TylerJamison32 of Port Huron Northern. Next year he will be playing for @FDUKnightsMBB.
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Harrison football coach John Herrington received the Lifetime Achievement award at the @freep Sports Awards Thursday. This is how he learned to become the best football coach in state history.
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High school sports -- football, volleyball and swimming -- are off for the next three weeks. But the playoffs are NOT cancelled. They are on hold and @mhsaa plans to complete them.
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If you don't understand what a sport like football can do for someone, meet @RougeFootball senior safety @Armorion7, who will be the first in his family to attend college, @GoBearcatsFB.
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By the way, Skyline's Hobbs Kessler's time of 3:34.36, was also faster than the NCAA record. He will be running in the high school state meet next Saturday in East Kentwood.
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Tap, tap, tap. Coach @JermainCrowell has tapped out at Belleville, fired and cannot coach anywhere in Michigan for the next two seasons. #dontcheat.
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The most efficient QB in the state isn't Matthew Stafford, its Saline's Zach Schwartzengerger. Really! @zschwartzy.
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So please remind me one more time, how poorly does my man @cassiuswinston play against Michigan? He's The Man!.
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A mere 46 years ago today I wandered into @Freep sports department. They still haven't been able to get rid of me. Year No. 47 begins now!.
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Ironically, the Magic Man lost this game. It was the semifinal of his junior year. Catholic Central went on to beat Saginaw for state title.
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Who gets the blame in the @ThomasKithier affair? You can start with everyone involved. They all have blood on their hands. The entire thing stinks.
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Dan always told his players it was OK to have girlfriends, but they had to be good rebounders. He said Jan was a great rebounder so he married her. Perfect!
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4-star RB @DEdwards__ will make his college decision in the memory of his late mother, whom he can't remember but will never forget.
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The 2020 Hal Schram Mr. Basketball award winner is Benton Harbor's Scooby Johnson @scoobycm35. Next year he will play at @ButlerMBB.
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My man, Hobbs Kessler from AA Skyline, who turned pro yesterday, won the first heat of the 1,500 in 3:43.63 to qualify for Thursday's semifinals of the Olympic Trials.
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