LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jon Bumstead on Monday presented state tributes to the Muskegon High School football team in celebration of its 2023 MHSAA Division 2 state championship and to Big Reds football Head Coach Shane Fairfield in honor of his selection as the NFC recipient of the NFL’s 2023 Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award.
“This has been a wonderful year for the Big Reds,” Bumstead said. “Hard work, discipline and perseverance have paid off in a historic championship season and national recognition for the Muskegon High School football team and Coach Fairfield. These outstanding achievements are a source of celebration and great pride for the entire Muskegon community.”
The Big Reds 33-21 victory over two-time defending state champion Warren De La Salle High School at Ford Field on Nov. 28 marked the 900th win in Muskegon football history. The program has a record of 900-287-43 dating back to 1895 and its .749 all-time winning percentage earns them the distinction of being the winningest football program in Michigan.
Fairfield was nominated by the Detroit Lions to represent the NFC as high school NFL coach of the year at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games in Orlando and Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. The award included $15,000 in grant funds for the Muskegon High School football program and a $10,000 cash prize from the NFL Foundation in partnership with Nike.
