Times were when doctors with black bags full of stethoscopes, band-aids and ointments, stalked the sidelines at high school football games.  Times were when they volunteered their services to help out the young athletes in their communities.  They performed team physicals, taped ankles, wrapped knees and checked out bumps and bruises young football players would incur during practice and on the playing field.  There are few left now, replaced by athletic trainers in the growing area of sports medicine.  They include eight who have given at least 20 years of service on the sidelines.  The distinguished service award honors these individuals for so selflessly giving their time and talents back to the schools in their communities.

Grand Haven’s Dr. Larry Poel also made it a point to be at girls and boys basketball games, and served the Buccaneers for over 25 years.