BIG RAPIDS - The Michigan High School Athletic Association announced the Class B winners of the Scholar-Athlete Award on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Each recipient will receive a $2,000 scholarship for their performance in the classroom and in varsity athletics.
To qualify for the scholarship, student-athletes must maintain at least a 3.5 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are required to have previously earned a varsity letter in a sport where the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) sponsors a postseason tournament. Candidates must also demonstrate active participation in school and community activities and produce an essay regarding the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics.
Big Rapids’ Cole Haist was announced as a winner. He played in three seasons of varsity football and four seasons of varsity basketball. He is scheduled to play his third season of varsity baseball this spring. These athletic efforts resulted in all-conference honors in baseball, all-area honors in football, and all-state honors in basketball. During his career, he helped lead teams in all three sports to league championships and helped the football team earn district titles.
Haist served as captain for both the football and basketball teams. He was also part of teams that earned academic all-state honors in two different sports. These leadership roles extended to student government, where he is currently in his fourth year on the student council. After serving as class president for three years, he now serves as the student body mayor.
His involvement with the MHSAA includes a second year on the Student Advisory Council. He also participates in his fourth year on the athletic leadership council and his second year in the National Honor Society. Additionally, he is in his fourth year as a member of the Climate Crew.
Outside of school activities, the recipient officiated youth football, basketball, and baseball throughout his high school career. He also worked as a coach for youth sports teams in the community.
Haist is currently finalizing his course of study. He remains undecided on where he will attend college.