12/2/2013 Maroons get a heroes' welcome More than 200 fans show up at school to welcome team home

Menominee senior Devon Barley sits alone near the end of the title game loss. Val Ihde/Special to the EagleHerald Menominee High School football coach Joe Noha carries the Division 5 runner-up trophy back to his team Saturday at Ford Field in Detroit. The Maroons made their fourth trip to the state championship in the past 16 years. Grand Rapids West Catholic posted a 27-14 win. Val Ihde/Special to the EagleHerald Maroon magic The Menominee High School football team has played in four state championship games in the past 16 years. Here are the results: 1998 - Menominee 42, Haslett 6. Class BB. 2006 - Menominee 41, Madison Heights Madison 6. Division 5. 2007 - Menominee 21, Jackson Lumen Christi 7. Division 5. 2013 - Grand Rapids West Catholic 27, Menominee 14. Division 5. By MIKE DESOTELL EagleHerald staff writer MENOMINEE - Athletes play to win, it's their nature. Nothing comes close to the feeling of being top dog just as nothing stings as much as a loss. The Menominee Maroons took their flawless season to Ford Field in Detroit Saturday to play Grand Rapid West Catholic. When the game was over the Maroons came up short, 27-14. It was a long trip home for the team as their hopes for a first-place trophy were dashed. While there was disappointment in the outcome, there was no disappointment in the team. The players returned to a welcome home befitting a champion. Their bus was escorted to the high school by police cars and fire trucks, lights flashing and sirens blowing. Inside, more than 200 fans gathered to welcome them and thank them for an unforgettable season. Menominee Mayor Jean Stegeman kept her remarks brief and to the point. "I want to tell you fellows that we love you. Nobody worked harder than you guys, coaches, players and staff. But sometimes champions are not just reflected on the scoreboard," she said. "You played with a sportsmanlike attitude, with integrity and technique. This city could not be more proud of you." Master of ceremonies John Wills declared, "It's a great day to be a Maroon." With that he introduced the players, managers and coaches to thunderous applause and cheers. Coach Joe Noha spent the better part of 15 minutes thanking everyone associated with the team for its success this season, from his coaching staff to cheerleaders and the band. He praised the fans, booster club, Maroon Moms and all those who sponsored the team. Noha's comments were broken up by applause several times. "Ultimately I think the people who are here now are totally awesome," he said. "Our community support, you guys sitting here, giving your loyalty to our kids and our program, our school. I think it reflects Menominee as a whole because we try to emulate that wherever we go. I think people do notice." Team co-captain Mason Kewley spoke on behalf of the players, thanking everyone for their support and making the long drive to Detroit for the championship game. He said "it really means a lot" having such fans be the "driving force" throughout the season. Kewley also had praise for his coaches. "These coaches do a great job, getting to know every one of us personally," he said. "I had a lot of fun with them." The most poignant part of his speech came when he turned to his fellow players and said, "To my team, team 120. I love every one of you guys and I'd rather lose with you guys any day than to win with anybody else." The Maroon spirit was alive and well for parents and grandparents, too. Will Harris was beaming with pride for what Maroon football has done for his son, Devon. "He made me see him go from a young boy to a young man," he said. "He took it and he made it his heart, his passion and that is what I see." Even former Marinette High School alum Bob Hartwig was dressed in Maroon colors for his grandson Sam, one of the biggest players on the team at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds. Hartwig said the entire team can walk with their heads held high. "They did a great job. Those boys worked real hard," he said. "There's nothing wrong with second place." As a way to give back to the community, canned goods were collected at the welcome home rally. The idea was inspired by the Maroon coaching staff and players. Food and money collected will go to St. Vincent de Paul.