Athletics | Lenawee Christian School

As days turn into weeks and then into years, it’s easy to forget the moments of real progress. Each photo in this album is evidence of students striving toward their full potential. The collection of photos is like the “pile of stones” that Joshua asked the Levites to build as a way to remember when God miraculously made a way for the Israelites to enter the promised land (Joshua 4). LCS focuses on achieving two outcomes in the lives of students, spiritual maturity and academic excellence. It’s only fitting that we stop and remember some of the moments when excellent learning and signs of maturity occurred this school year. We call it “Excellence Achieved.”

Live Love

Throughout the school year, we focused our attention on a passage in Romans 12:9-21 which gives us instructions of how to live out our faith and love others. Our students, staff, and parents took this theme to heart and put it into action in countless ways. While we don’t know all the moments when our students were living out love, we do know that they spent more than 4,300 hours serving needs in our community. We are so thankful for the many times students, teachers, administrators, and parents “lived love” this year by caring, serving, sacrificing, and supporting others.

$4 Million in Scholarships

When graduation day came, our secondary principal, Mr. Crafts, announced some of the achievements of the class of 2019. He shared about their positive impact on the school through their innovative ideas, wise spiritual guidance, exceptional co-curricular performance, and their academic success. As evidence of their diligence, the class was awarded over $4 million in college and university scholarships – a sign of the desire for these leaders to become innovators and influencers in the classrooms, clubs, and communities at many colleges and trade schools around the world. Congratulations to the Class of 2019!

Les Misérables

When an epic story pairs with a cast of talented stage actors, musicians, and crew, a magical creation is formed. In our spring production of Les Misérables, the story of redemption, love, and justice shone through the darkness of war. Crowds were captivated by the tale of Jean Valjean – a prisoner whose life was transformed by one simple act of mercy. This act served as the pivotal moment when Valjean left his destructive past and chose to “live love” to those around him. One local critic compared the quality of the show to those he’d seen on the stages of New York and Chicago. To those actors, directors, crew members, costumers, makeup artists, and set builders, congratulations on telling the tale in masterful fashion.

Haleigh Adams – All-State Cross Country

Haleigh Adams continued her winning ways this Cross-Country season, taking home her second consecutive All-State honor. Haleigh placed 22nd overall in the MHSAA Division 4 State Finals and currently holds the fourth spot in our list of all-time fastest Cougars. Congratulations on a momentous year, Haleigh!

Adam Baker – All-State Football

LCS Junior, Adam Baker, put on quite a show this year for the LCS varsity football team. On defense, Adam made 6 tackles for loss (73 tackles total), one sack, two interceptions, five pass-break-ups, and recovered a fumble. On offense, he passed for 1,618 yards and 22 touchdowns, completing 64.7% of his 204 pass attempts. Adam also rushed for 419 yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 4.9 per carry. On special teams, Adam punted 16 times for 482 (30.1 yards/punt). He was named to the Division 7-8 All-State defensive squads by the AP and Detroit News, earned Defensive Player of the Year from the Daily Telegram Sports, and earned All-SCAA honors on offense, defense, and special teams. Congratulations, Adam, on a remarkable season!

Middle School 3D Design & Printing

After the addition of three-dimensional (3D) printers in our middle school this year, students enjoyed the opportunity to pair their creativity with programming. Using various digital tools to develop and test their ideas, students sought to solve problems by designing and printing 3D objects. One example is in the lower-right corner of the graphic, a flowerpot designed to house a succulent plant. What a joy to see such engagement and excitement in the students who used this innovative technology! Thanks to all our donors who contributed to offer these new tools to our middle school students.

Libby Miller – All State Basketball

There are few moments more thrilling than a 3-point basket in those “clutch moments” of a tight game. During this basketball season, Libby Miller seemed to live for those moments. This season was record-breaking for Miller, who set two new marks for the Cougars with threes-made in a season (69) and in a career (130 and counting). She also etched her name into many post-season award lists including the All-State rosters from Detroit News and the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan. Of the many memories we have of this season, few are brighter than seeing Libby’s signature smile in the closing moments of the State Final game… evidence of her poise in yet another pressure situation. Thanks for leading well, Libby, when your team needed “calm” and “cool” in the “clutch.”

670 College Credits - Class of 2019

Over the past four years, members of the Class of 2019 spent a considerable amount of time exploring ideas beyond the scope of a typical high school curriculum. By taking college-level coursework, students gained valuable knowledge while earning credit toward a college degree. These courses also provide them with the potential of saving time and reducing the cost of their college experience. Many of our graduates use these savings to enter their advanced degree programs sooner or reduce their degree completion time. Congratulations to the members of the class of 2019, who earned 670 college credits through our dual enrollment program!

Bree Salenbien – All-State Volleyball

This past fall, LCS sophmore, Bree Salenbien, was named All-County, All-Region, and All-State for her effective performance during the varsity volleyball season! Bree led our state-ranked Cougars to a Regional Championship and led the team with 385 kills. Way to go, Bree!

Hunter Adams – All-State Cross Country

When Hunter began his senior season, he was in reach of becoming the fastest male to ever put on the Cougars Cross Country uniform. On October 20, at the Michigan Class D State Championships, his personal record time of 16 minutes and 24 seconds placed him into the top spot, edging the ten-year-old record previously set by Will Brown in 2008 (16:25.5). At the MHSAA State Finals, Hunter capped his career with All-State status after placing ninth in the race.

Middle School Honors Band

Four LCS middle school students, Grace S., Heidi S., Madi B., and Carlie B. accepted their nomination to join the Lenawee County Band Directors Association 2019 Middle School Honors Band. These gifted musicians joined more than one-hundred Lenawee County middle school students to prepare and perform for a concert last March. Congratulations, ladies, on being recognized as four of the best middle school musicians in Lenawee County!

Girls Cross Country – Academic All-State

One of the challenges of being involved in the many opportunities outside of the classroom is effectively managing schoolwork. Our girls #LCSXC team this year showed how well they managed their studies by earning Academic All-State honors! The Cougars placed second in team GPA at the Class D State Cross Country meet, earning them this honor. Thanks for setting a great example both in the classroom and on the course, ladies! #ExcellenceAchieved #LCSStories

Jameson Chesser – All-State Football

When looking back on the 2018 #LCSFootball season, one might wonder if the Cougars were playing a video game instead of on the gridiron. As a case in point, sophomore Jameson Chesser racked up 81 tackles in only 8 games and sent opponents backwards on 13 of them. He sacked opposing quarterbacks twice, forced two fumbles, and recovered two more. When in the backfield on offense, Jameson ran for 354 yards and scored 8 touchdowns, 4 rushing and 4 receiving. He also returned a kickoff for a touchdown, kicked two field goals, and added 18 extra points on 21 attempts. For those keeping score, that’s 78 points on the season! For his efforts on the field, Jameson earned Division 7-8 All-State honors from the Detroit News and the Associated Press, All-County (Linebacker), and All-Conference on offense and defense. What a memorable season!

Isaac Goniea – State Honors Choir

This past winter, LCS Senior Isaac Goniea was selected to join the 2019 State High School Honors Choir. Only 300 high school students in Michigan were bestowed this honor based on their performance at several regional events. After months of practice at home, the TTBB choir joined together for two days of practice and performance in the DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids. What an incredible honor! Congratulations, Isaac!

Dani Salenbien - All-State Basketball

On the day before the State Championship game, Coach Salenbien spent time with the team practicing strategies that they would employ against the Saints of St. Ignace. Near the end of the practice, the team imagined that they had a small lead and leaned on the point guard, Dani Salenbien, to lead the team to the final buzzer. The next day, the Cougars found themselves in that exact scenario. With only a few minutes remaining, and a four-point lead, Coach Salenbien trusted the plan and let the girls play. “She’s the floor general,” coach Salenbien said. “We trust her.” He watched Dani take command of the offense and lead the Cougars past the attacks of the scrappy Saints. After the buzzer sounded, the Cougars were Champions again. Congratulations on a phenomenal season, Dani! We look forward to seeing “The General” lead the Cougars again this year!

Tucker Rupp - All-State Soccer

LCS Junior soccer player Tucker Rupp turned in one of the more exciting individual performances in recent memory. Because of his performance, he earned All-ISL East Division first team honors and was named to the MIHSSCA All-State team! Despite being out for a week with an injury and playing the last third of this season with an arm in a cast, Rupp recorded 21 goals and 20 assists for the Cougars. His perseverance during such a trial showed his grit and team-first attitude. Congratulations, Tucker!

Vocal Music Concerts

As anyone who has ever enjoyed a recent performance by a LCS choir will tell you, plan to leave with a greater appreciation and understanding of vocal music. This year’s concerts were no exception! Using a unique blend of education, vocal performance, and art, Mrs. Zeng led the elementary, middle, and high school students to perform in outstanding ways this year. Thank you, students, for working so diligently to share your musical gifts with us!

Varsity Volleyball - Academic All-State

Our volleyball team had an incredible run this season, earning our first regional championship in many years. Their diligence extended beyond the court and into the classroom as well! Michigan Volleyball coaches recognized their efforts with Academic All-State honors! Way to go, Cougars!

Jameson Chesser - All-State Track & New School Records

Jameson Chesser really hit his stride this year. In the fall, he earned All-State status in football and then earned All-State honors in the 200m dash in track. Over the course of the spring, Jameson broke two 18-year-old school track records in the 100m and 200m races, both previously set by 2001 alumnus Lee Pennington during his senior season.

Secondary Band - District Competition

Members of our middle and high school bands performed this winter at the district event for the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association. Judges at the event scored our band in four skill areas, rating each area on a 1-to-5 scale. (One is a superior rating, two is an excellent, three is average, etc.) Our band this year scored 2, 2, 1, and 2 in the four areas, with an average rating of “excellent.” We would like to congratulate our musicians and our director, Mrs. Rubio, on their excellent rating!

Zach Riordan - All-State Soccer, LCS Record Holder

Over the past three seasons, Zach Riordan has built a significant resume of accomplishments as a player on the varsity soccer team. Coming off the 2017 campaign, which was cut short by injury, Zach led the Cougars to conference and district titles. After three seasons of scoring more than 30 goals, Zach ranks 17th in Michigan history for goals in a career (129), 12th in career points (goals+assists, 159), and holds the #8 spot for most goals in a single season (61, 2018). He has earned spots on All-State rosters for three years straight and was named the 2018 Player of the Year by The Daily Telegram!

Bree Salenbien - AP Player of the Year

When you think of the many impact players who have played in a LCS uniform, it doesn’t take long before someone mentions Bree Salenbien. In her first two years of high school, she has broken records and received recognition that few have the chance to experience. The remarkable thing about Bree is that, when getting to know her, she is humble, joyful, and unassuming. When asked about the best memory from the season, she didn’t mention the State championship, breaking the thousand-point mark, or her new record for free throws in a single game… she mentioned the time she spent bonding with her teammates at the hotel on championship weekend. “That was one of our highlights for sure. It was just so much fun, staying with everyone. That was a really great time.” After the season was over, Bree earned at least six All-State nominations for her performance on the hardwood, including being named by the Associated Press as the Player of the Year in Division 4 for the second-straight year. To meet her, you’d never know about her records or recognition, but you’ll never forget her humble nature, fearless faith, and friendly demeanor. Congratulations, Bree, on being “All In” both on and off the court.

A Christmas Carol

This past November, our drama students gave life to Charles Dickens’ classic tale, A Christmas Carol, and took us on a supernatural journey through of the life of Ebenezer Scrooge. We experienced the joys and sorrows of his past, the harshness of his present, and the projected legacy of his greed and cruelty. We were guided by spirit-characters who showed Scrooge kind-heartedness through Bob Cratchit, inspiration and love through Tiny Tim, joy through the Fezziwigs, and grace and forgiveness through Scrooge’s nephew, Fred. Through these scenes, Scrooge’s hardened heart was broken and made new A reminder that even the most undeserving can find redemption and eternal hope through repentance and the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We are so thankful for the care that our cast showed when ushering us through such a convicting, yet motivational adventure. Congratulations to all who worked so hard to share such a powerful story!

Hunter Adams – Fastest Distance Runner in School History

Over the past year, Hunter Adams has become the fastest long-distance runner in LCS history. In the fall, he set a new mark in the LCS record book running the 5000m Cross Country race in 16:24, breaking the previous mark set by Will Brown in 2008. He finished his #LCSXC career with All-State honors and then placed his focus firmly on track season. During the spring, Hunter broke two #LCSTrack records in the 1600m and 3200m long-distance events, both also held previously by Will Brown. He completed his running career with the Cougars by placing 2nd in the 1600m at State Finals and earning All-State honors. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, we are challenged to run our race to win. Hunter’s focus, discipline, and heart provided a great example of how to “…Run in such a way as to [win] the prize.” (9:24b, NIV) Congratulations on a great high school career, Hunter!

Back-to-Back State Champions - Girls Basketball

In the final four minutes of the 2019 Division 4 State Title game, those who wore black and gold or blue, white, and red were teetering on the edges of their seats. Reality had lived up to the expectations, and no one could predict how it would end. An experienced and undefeated team was wrestling with the battle-hardened defending champ and an entire arena was glued to the action. As the seconds passed, the chess match played out in dramatic fashion until the final buzzer sounded, which turned tension into joy for the Cougar faithful. LCS had won back-to-back titles! As we’ve reviewed the many moments of excellence from the last school year, many will recall where they sat when that buzzer sounded. Winning a State title is such a rare feat of endurance and grit. The moments shown here are just some of the many that were captured at the end of the game. They tell only some of the stories that will be remembered by the players, fans, and coaches. We’re so blessed to have been a part of such an event at the end of a remarkable season. Congratulations to the Cougars for playing “All In” and giving those wearing blue, white, and red the thrill of a lifetime.

LCS is an amazing place where a culture founded on the belief that we have a God-given responsibility to work with parents to bring up a child in “the way they should go,” based on the passage found in Proverbs 22:6. The outcome of this partnership between LCS, parents, and area churches is the achievement of excellence in school activities, studies, and spiritual formation.

Are you curious to know more about how a partnership with Lenawee Christian School can provide an excellent environment for your child? Contact our admissions team at admissions@lenawee.org or call 517-438-8820.

Softball is Back!

Excellence Achieved – A Look Back at the 2018-2019 School Year