The OK Black Athletic Directors recently collaborated on an initiative aimed at fostering unity, leadership, and sportsmanship among student-athletes. The Conference Summit, held at The Foundry in Zeeland, brought 9th through 11th grade student-athlete leaders together and reinforce the sense of community within the OK Black.
“The OK Black Athletic Directors came together and decided we wanted to do something for our kids to bring our kids together and create more of that community within the OK Black,” said Hamilton Athletic Director Eric Talsma.
Student-athletes across the conference face similar challenges, and the morning certainly provided a platform to discuss and address them collectively. Hamilton High School junior Maleena Luckadoo noted the shared struggles among student-athletes, which were discussed throughout breakout sessions.
“I think seeing that we all struggle with the same things. Being a student-athlete, we all struggle with time management and balancing school work. Realizing that we all go through the same things off of the field or court is really important,” she said.
Beyond personal development, the initiative highlights leadership growth. Hamilton junior Brooks Hawkins reflected on the experience of meeting athletes from different schools and learning how to lead both on and off the field.
“It’s cool to see all of the different faces from all of the different schools. We’re learning how to control a team and bring the best out of everybody, as well as how to deal with challenges you face, whether you’re a student in a classroom or a player on a team,” Hawkins said.
Talsma stressed the impact upperclassmen can have on their younger teammates, reinforcing the importance of setting a positive example.
“When you become an upperclassman, the influence you have with underclassmen is huge. You can be that positive, encouraging figure to them, and that will have a huge impact on your program and your school,” Talsma said. “Today, we're talking about sportsmanship, leadership, the value of educational athletics, and really building community.”
As a team captain, Luckadoo recognizes her own role in shaping the culture of her team.
“Being a team captain, I feel I will have a big opportunity to influence people coming up to the varsity level,” she said.
Hamilton Middle School teacher and OK Conference official Duane Bosma echoed the importance of teamwork in all aspects of athletics.
“Officials, athletic directors, coaches, athletes—we’re all on the same team, and that is to have some awesome experiences during their high school years,” Bosma said.
The event was highlighted by breakout sessions led by each of the conference's seven Athletic Directors as well as the presence of Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Executive Director Mark Uyl.
“There are over 700 schools in the MHSAA, so we feel pretty honored that MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl took his time to come and meet with these seven schools,” Talsma said. “That shows what kind of leader he is and how important student leadership is to him and to the MHSAA.”
