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"I started coaching right after college for Bob Sager," Tithof recalled. "I thought I'd be coaching the freshmen, but he put me on as the varsity defensive coordinator."

Tithof graduated from Chesaning Union High School in 1980, where he was an all-state football player. His head coach was Jim Eurich, with Sager as offensive coordinator and Szappan as defensive coordinator.

He went on to play football at Saginaw Valley State University, playing for George Ihler.

"I've been lucky," Tithof said. "I've played for and worked with some pretty good coaches. Chesaning has a pretty good tradition."

Tithof has also worked Hall of Fame coaches Cap Pullman and John Quaderer in his career.

In addition to his 23 years as a football assistant coach, Tithof spent 16 years as Chesaning's head wrestling coach, and has been an assistant track coach for 17 years.

When the Indians take to the field in August, there may be a few new twists, but it will be business as usual for the players. Dan Yates will be returning as offensive coordinator, while JV coach Bob Coon moves up to varsity defensive coordinator. Tithof is still in the process of interviewing coaches to round out the staff.

"I'm excited at this opportunity," Tithof said. "I hope to have the kind of success my predecessors have had."

Brady Lake the new gridiron top 'Dawg

ST. CHARLES -- When the high school football season kicks off in August, there will be a new head football coach prowling the sidelines.

Brady Lake has been named to replace long-time gridiron mentor Bob Welzein, who retired as coach at the end of the 2007 season.

"I am excited about coaching in a town that loves their football as much as St. Charles," Lake said. "Our athletes are working hard and doing everything we are asking them to do."

Lake brings a lot of familiarity with the program to the job. He quarterbacked the Bulldogs for Welzein as a player, graduating in 1991. He has also been coaching for 10 years.

Lake spent two years as a varsity assistant at Beal City, and has coached four years at the freshman level and two years at JV for St. Charles. For the past two years, he has been the varsity offensive coordinator.

He is also on the teaching staff in the district, teaching social studies at the high school.

"I am very thankful for the opportunity, and appreciative to Bob (Welzein, athletic director) and Mike Wallace (superintendent) for having confidence in me," Lake said. "We have an outstanding staff who will all return next year as well. They are good men and outstanding coaches, and we take our jobs as football coaches very seriously."

Summer ball registration extended to April 10

CHESANING -- Due to the dates of the Mid-Winter Break and Spring Break, registration for Chesnaing Parks and Recreation summer ball has been extended until April 10. Completed forms should be returned to the player's school. Each player needs an individual form.

Boys Minor and Major League baseball teams will be selected on Tuesday, April 15 at the Chesaning Middle School. Minor League will be at 6 p.m., and Majors at 7:30 p.m.

The girls softball teams will be selected on Wednesday, April 16 at the Chesaning Middle School. Minor girls will be at 6 p.m., and Majors at 7:30 p.m.

Games will begin the week of May 12. Boys Minor and Major and Girls Minor and Major home games will be played at Showboat Park. Away games may be played at Maple Grove or Corunna.

T-ball and Coaches Pitch will be selected April 22. All games will be played in Showboat Park.

Those who volunteered to coach will be notified.

Registration forms are available at area schools and online at www.chesaningp-r.org. For further information, contact Dave Richardson at (989) 845-8099, ext. 1377.