LANSING, Mich. (February 14, 2024) — Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) and Rep. Veronica Paiz (D-Harper Woods) have issued the following statement after welcoming the Harper Woods High School football team to the Michigan Capitol today in celebration of their historic 2023 season:
“This year, our state has been home to some amazing football teams — the Detroit Lions, the University of Michigan Wolverines and the Harper Woods Pioneers,” said Sen. Hertel. “All throughout their 2023 season, the Harper Woods football team played with dedication, grit and heart to clinch the school’s first state title. It was an honor to host the team for a day at the Michigan Capitol and celebrate their record-breaking season. Congratulations, Pioneers — the whole District 12 community is cheering you on!”
“The Harper Woods community could not be prouder of the Pioneers,” said Rep. Paiz. “Bouncing back from a 3-6 season in 2022, the team fought their way to the top through hard work and determination, securing the first state championship in the school’s history. Thank you for coming up to the State Capitol to celebrate this momentous achievement — here’s to another successful season in 2024!”
In November 2023, the Harper Woods football team claimed the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 4 Football State Championship title at Ford Field, winning 33-27 against Grand Rapids South Christian High School. With a final record of 11-3, this season was the first time the Pioneers took home a state championship trophy in the school’s history.
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