To the Journal editor:

We were all in Detroit for the Hematite game. We ventured to support, Alec Van Horn, grandson and nephew of the Mattson family. Since Munising was playing, we were trying to coordinate a way to get to the Munising game, but could not adjust our schedule. Flashing ahead..

We took off after the game at same time buses left. We stopped in Kewkawlin for lunch, Dort, 87 years old, took nap and then to St. Ignace. We knew Hematites/Mustangs were behind us, so we thought we might get in festivities.

Patti texted her sister Penny, Alec’s mom, who told us buses location. Joe was texting Karen Maxon at same time. Heck, we had plan. We were lucky again. We experienced the fire trucks etc. in Wetmore in 2013 and the escort from Wetmore to Ishpeming. As an old Mustang JV and Varsity football player from 1962/1965, I was proud of my Munisingite/Mustang heritage.

Little did I know what we were really headed for. As we were moving west toward Munising, I was texting my brother Greg Pond who told me to just wait. The reception for the teams was going to be pretty significant. Here is my account of the escorts:

At M117/M28 to McMillan, Village of Newberry Fire.

At Schoolcraft County line to Rest Stop/M-28, Seney Township Fire.

Alger County line to Wetmore, Alger Sheriff’s.

Wetmore to Munising Autrain, Onota & Munising Townships Fire, Munising and MichSP and Alger Sheriff’s.

There were hundreds of supporters to HS.

Autrain/Onota Fire escorted to Holiday Inn Express and Autrain.

Sand River to Ishpeming Armory, Marquette Sheriff’s

At Armory to High School. Ishpeming Fire and Police, Michigan SP, Marquette Sheriff’s

Third to Hematite to Main / Congress Pizza – large group of fans.

In Ishpeming, we caught up with Alec so Dort see him. Both teams played GREAT & represented us WELL.

We should be proud of these athletes (who cheer them too) for their conduct. I am impressed by Ishpeming and Munising’s dual support, for Black supporting Blue and& Blue supporting Black and All the support. What a show of GREAT support. God Bless all of you. You have confirmed, we live in a fantastic place to work and live.

MICHAEL?J. POND

Marquette