Go Bears!

It's a fun run right now. The Buckley Bears are challenging tonight for the MHSAA Regional Championship. They're playing Leland at Benzie Central High School. 

Coach Réne LaFreniere and the boys have prepared for this since their improbable District title in 2009. The team had a sub–par record, but won the title. They lost in the Regionals to eventual Class D State Champion Muskegon West Michigan Christian, 77–62 . LaFraniere was a first–time coach last season, as he joined the Bear family as athletic director and boys' basketball coach in the Fall of 2008. He also assumed control of the volleyball program when the coach suddenly quit.

LaFreniere's dad, Réne II, has had some success as a coach, as well. He was the longtime coach at Manton High School and is in the Hall of Fame. He even helps out at practice and on the bench now and then.

The team's goals for the year included

1. Win the Northwest Conference Championship
2. Win the District Title
3. Challenge for a Regional Title

So far, so good. It's been a fun run for the Bears, and they're looking forward to continuing on after tonight. The pep assembly this afternoon was cool — and Principal Kulawiak offered to have the team shave his head if they advance to the Breslin Center … Now, that would be cool.