120 student athletes have been selected for the 2025-2026 Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Scholar-Athlete Awards.

Now in its 37th year, the program has recognized student-athletes since the 1989-90 school year. This winter, it will again honor 32 individuals from MHSAA member schools who participate in at least one sport in which the association sponsors a postseason tournament.

Two of this year’s finalists are from the local area: Cole Haist of Big Rapids and Eli Smith of Pine River.

Haist, a senior for the Cardinals, was nominated among Class B finalists. The three-sport standout has earned all-conference honors on the football field, basketball court and baseball diamond. He has also received all-state academic honors from the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan

“Cole has been an outstanding leader for our football team,” said Mike Selzer, Big Rapids football coach. “Cole’s knowledge of the game, his accountability on and off the field, as well as his willingness to put the team first are just a few of his best attributes. Cole has been an integral player helping advance our program over the past few seasons.”

Smith, a senior for the Bucks, was nominated among Class C finalists. The basketball standout was an all-state honorable mention last year and has earned all-area and all-conference honors twice. He was also named to the Baker College honor roll during dual enrollment.

“Eli has been and continues to be one of the best leaders I have ever had the privilege to coach,” said Devin Ruppert, Pine River boys basketball coach. “He is driven, works hard at whatever he puts his mind to, gives great effort, is resilient, gritty, tenacious, and you always know you are getting his best. A true class act and a young man of immense integrity.”

Scholarships will be awarded proportionately by school classification:

• 12 scholarships to Class A student-athletes (six female, six male)
• 8 scholarships to Class B student-athletes (four female, four male)
• 6 scholarships to Class C student-athletes (three female, three male)
• 4 scholarships to Class D student-athletes (two female, two male)
• 2 additional scholarships for at large to minority recipients, regardless of school size

To be eligible for the award, students must have achieved a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 and previously have won a varsity letter in at least one MHSAA sponsored sport. The student athletes were also asked to respond to a series of short essay questions, submit two letters of recommendation and write a 500-word essay on the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics.

Winners of the award will be announced beginning in February. To see a full list of finalists statewide, visit here: Finalists Announced for 2025-26 MHSAA/Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete Awards.