Andrew McDonald
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Sports Reporter @WOODTV | Producer @XBMornings | Past: Sports Editor @CMLife, @CMLifesports, @MaizenBrew | CMU alum | ⛳️
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Articles by Andrew McDonald
Hitting Out of the Woods: Mines Golf Club Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — WOOD TV+ is debuting a new podcast highlighting golf courses all across West Michigan. News 8 sports correspondents Dean Holzwarth and Andy McDonald will visit area golf courses throughout the summer and discuss their experiences while talking to golf course owners about their respective courses. The second stop on their summer tour was Mines Golf Club at 330 Covell Ave. SW on Grand Rapids’ West Side.
Miyu Yamashita keeps emotions even, wins Meijer LPGA Classic Original
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — While she wasn’t watching the final hole with everyone else who attended the Meijer LPGA Classic by the grandstand on the 18th hole, Miyu Yamashita stayed ready just in case. Regardless, the result wasn’t going to change how she felt all day: happy with her play. It didn’t seem like there was going to be a playoff hole after what the other front runner Lottie Woad did on the 17th hole. Lottie Woad at the Meijer LPGA Classic on June 21, 2026.
Grand Valley State University wins back to back national championships Original
PITTSBURGH (WOOD) — For the third time in school history and second time consecutively, Grand Valley women’s basketball is the national champions of Division II college basketball. The Lakers got off to a much better start in this game and left no doubt, defeating Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 72-49. In the last two seasons, GVSU has lost just three games. They’ve won 73 of them, a truly dominant run to back-to-back national titles.
GVSU seniors look to make history in last game Original
PITTSBURGH (WOOD) — In the era of the transfer portal, Grand Valley State women’s basketball progam has been unlike many others. The success that head coach Mike Williams and his staff have built has made Allendale a place players want to come to and stick around. The 2026 senior class is the perfect example. Avery Zienstra is the only true senior in the class. The other four are all redshirt seniors that have stuck with GVSU: Molly Anderson, Nicole Kamin, Lexi Plitzuweit and Paige VanStee.
GVSU women’s basketball coach earns national recognition for second year in a row Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Everywhere Mike Williams has been, he has won. The Grand Valley State women’s basketball coach has proven it time and time again, and that’s why he’s being recognized at a national level. For the second consecutive season, Williams was named the Division II Women’s Basketball Coach’s Association Coach of the Year. After winning a national title last year, his Lakers have put up a 34-1 record and are competing in the Final Four this week in Pittsburgh.
GVSU women lock in for Final Four matchup Original
PITTSBURGH (WOOD) — Once again, the Grand Valley State University women’s basketball team finds itself in Pittsburgh for the Final Four. For the second consecutive season, the Lakers have made a run into late March to close in on what they hope will be their second national championship in a row. To do that, they will have to get through the University of Alabama in Huntsville, with tipoff at 8:30 p.m. Thursday. UAH holds a 32-5 record and a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Division II tournament.
Friendly competition inspires Grand Rapids Griffins goalies Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Goaltending has been key to all of the success that has followed the Grand Rapids Griffins in the 2025-26 season. One of the most well-known goalies in not just in the Detroit Red Wings organization, but also the entire American Hockey League is Sebastian Cossa, who has been an All-Star the past two seasons and a staple in net for Grand Rapids.
The top 10 high school football prospects in West Michigan 2025 Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — As West Michigan athletes prepare to return to the gridiron for another year of high school football to show off what they can do, News 8 is showing you this year’s top talent. Over the next two weeks, News 8 is spotlighting the top 10 prospects in West Michigan as decided by 247Sports recruiting analyst Allen Trieu.
R.J. Boudro takes over as Grand Valley State University wrestling coach Original
ALLENDALE, Mich. (WOOD) — Before coming to the decision of hiring former Lowell High School wrestling coach R.J. Boudro, Grand Valley State University Athletic Director Keri Becker was looking all over. After launching a search firm, Becker’s committee interviewed over 100 candidates for the job. They certainly didn’t expect the hire to be someone from their own backyard. In the end, none of it mattered when they began to learn more from the community surrounding Boudro.
Black Sox history remains strong in West Michigan Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — From 1958-61, you could see Dan Groce take the mound for the Grand Rapids Black Sox as a pitcher with electric stuff. When he took the field in 2025 at LMCU Ballpark to be recognized for his contributions to those teams, he had to laugh when he thought about just throwing out the first pitch. “I was talking to my daughter about this just earlier today,” Groce said.
Whitecaps’ Kevin McGonigle overcomes injuries with strong start
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — It was an excellent start to the 2025 season for Kevin McGonigle of the West Michigan Whitecaps. He went 2-for-5 with four RBI right out of the gate in his first game after his 2024 season was cut short due to injury. The next morning, it all changed so quickly. The MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported that McGonigle had an ankle injury and would likely miss time. The Tigers would later report it was an ankle sprain.
Whitecaps’ Kevin McGonigle overcomes injuries with strong start
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — It was an excellent start to the 2025 season for Kevin McGonigle of the West Michigan Whitecaps. He went 2-for-5 with four RBI right out of the gate in his first game after his 2024 season was cut short due to injury. The next morning, it all changed so quickly. Advertisement The MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported that McGonigle had an ankle injury and would likely miss time. The Tigers would later report it was an ankle sprain.
Ciganda finishes journey to Meijer LPGA Classic title Original
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — When Carlota Ciganda approached the final putt of her day for a birdie on the 18th hole at Blythefield Country Club to essentially seal the 2025 Meijer LPGA Championship, she couldn’t help but think back to nine years before at the same place. It was then she was attempting to win the same tournament in a playoff hole against Sei Young Kim, who would birdie to defeat Ciganda for the title. It was the first time she competed in the event.
‘Bigger’: What to expect from the 2025 Meijer LPGA Classic
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — The Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give is returning with big news. It turns out the 3-hole playoff that concluded last year’s tournament won’t be the last time LPGA golfer Lexi Thompson takes the course at Blythefield Country Club. Though Thompson announced her retirement last year, Meijer LPGA Classic Executive Director Cathy Cooper announced Tuesday that she would returned for the this year’s tournament.
‘Bigger’: What to expect from the 2025 Meijer LPGA Classic
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — The Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give is returning with big news. It turns out the 3-hole playoff that concluded last year’s tournament won’t be the last time LPGA golfer Lexi Thompson takes the course at Blythefield Country Club. Though Thompson announced her retirement last year, Meijer LPGA Classic Executive Director Cathy Cooper announced Tuesday that she would returned for the this year’s tournament.
Pistons send series to Game 6, look to end home playoff blues
White rally towels on every seat, fans flooding the streets and one of the main sports that drove this city for years on national display: The Pistons brought playoff basketball back to Detroit. As they like to phrase it, they are finally “Back to work.” However, the results were only heartbreak in Games 3 and 4 of the first round of the playoffs versus the New York Knicks.
Tigers return to Comerica Park with high hopes for 2025
DETROIT (WOOD) — The Detroit Tigers were back at Comerica Park Friday for their home opener with high expectations and welcomed by plenty of changes around the ballpark. For former West Michigan Whitecaps like Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson, opening day jitters haven’t gone away even as it becomes more familiar. Advertisement “I don’t think it will ever get old to me,” Torkelson said. “I love it every single time. It’s crazy this is my fourth one.
Tigers return to Comerica Park with high hopes for 2025
DETROIT (WOOD) — The Detroit Tigers were back at Comerica Park Friday for their home opener with high expectations and welcomed by plenty of changes around the ballpark. For former West Michigan Whitecaps like Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson, opening day jitters haven’t gone away even as it becomes more familiar. “I don’t think it will ever get old to me,” Torkelson said. “I love it every single time. It’s crazy this is my fourth one.
Whitecaps prospects, renovations bring excitement to Opening Day
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — This may be one of the more anticipated seasons for the West Michigan Whitecaps in recent memory. Detroit Tigers’ second-ranked prospect Max Clark said this team might be the best high-A roster of all time. “Our spring training games, we kind of dial it back on playing other teams ’cause our organization is good enough to play each other each and every day,” Clark said.
Whitecaps prospects, renovations bring excitement to Opening Day
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — This may be one of the more anticipated seasons for the West Michigan Whitecaps in recent memory. Detroit Tigers’ second-ranked prospect Max Clark said this team might be the best high-A roster of all time. Advertisement “Our spring training games, we kind of dial it back on playing other teams ’cause our organization is good enough to play each other each and every day,” Clark said.
Brett Riley embraces role as Ferris State head hockey coach
BIG RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Brett Riley got a big question from a big name while being introduced at a press conference as Ferris State’s new head hockey coach. Head football coach Tony Annese, one of the pillars of Bulldogs athletics, asked Riley what it would take to get back to the Frozen Four. Riley gave a smile and answered. “Good question, maybe we could take your blueprint and we could get there a little quicker,” Riley, who was announced Friday as the new head coach, said.
Brett Riley embraces role as Ferris State head hockey coach
BIG RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Brett Riley got a big question from a big name while being introduced at a press conference as Ferris State’s new head hockey coach. Head football coach Tony Annese, one of the pillars of Bulldogs athletics, asked Riley what it would take to get back to the Frozen Four. Riley gave a smile and answered. Advertisement “Good question, maybe we could take your blueprint and we could get there a little quicker,” Riley, who was announced Friday as the new head coach, said.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central comes up short of Pearl’s first state finals trip
EAST LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) — Coach Chris Pearl kept the Grand Rapids Catholic Central boys basketball program in the position it was in under former head coach TJ Meerman by getting the team back to the Breslin Center. It took Meerman eight years to win his first state title with the Cougars in 2021, their first and only state title to date. While Pearl’s first run came this far, he and the Cougars came up just short from playing on the last day of the season.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central comes up short of Pearl’s first state finals trip
EAST LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) — Coach Chris Pearl kept the Grand Rapids Catholic Central boys basketball program in the position it was in under former head coach TJ Meerman by getting the team back to the Breslin Center. It took Meerman eight years to win his first state title with the Cougars in 2021, their first and only state title to date. While Pearl’s first run came this far, he and the Cougars came up just short from playing on the last day of the season.
MSU defeats Michigan again, soars into tournament play
EAST LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) — Although the result of the University of Michigan vs. Michigan State game didn’t matter in the Big Ten, the rivalry was enough to make it special on senior day for the Spartans. Sure, wins for seeding in the NCAA Tournament for both teams was in play. While that does matter, the true hate these teams have for each other was enough to pack the Breslin Center and make this one worth a little more. Michigan State University didn’t disappoint the home crowd.
Grand Rapids Rise looks to grow in second season Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Plenty of new faces and excitement for the second year of the Grand Rapids Rise have the team eager for the start of the 2025 season. Since last year was a start up season for the Pro Volleyball Federation, all the players entered free agency. The Rise found themselves adding a lot of new pieces from all over the country and even the world. A face that Grand Rapids fans will recognize from both last season and her years at Michigan State is head coach Cathy George.
Byron Center outlasts Mona Shores, wins district title Original
NORTON SHORES, Mich. (WOOD) — These teams knew coming into Friday’s game what was at stake. Both the Mona Shores Sailors and Byron Center Bulldogs went 9-1 in the regular season, with the Bulldogs’ only loss coming to the Sailors in week four in a 14-12 defensive grudge match. The Michigan High School Athletic Association ranked both teams on top of Division 2, with the winner of Friday’s contest looking to be a favorite by many to make it to Ford Field.
‘Pitching chaos’ gives Tigers control of ALDS
DETROIT, Mich. (WOOD) — For the first time in a long time, the magic returned to Comerica Park in October. Playoff baseball was back Wednesday afternoon, the city coming alive as streets filled with orange, white and blue. The scene was set for a big day in Detroit. As for the Tigers, they were ready to answer the call. Grinding out runs with timely hitting and stellar pitching throughout guided Detroit to a 3-0 victory, as it has so many times this season.
‘Pitching chaos’ gives Tigers control of ALDS
DETROIT, Mich. (WOOD) — For the first time in a long time, the magic returned to Comerica Park in October. Playoff baseball was back Wednesday afternoon, the city coming alive as streets filled with orange, white and blue. The scene was set for a big day in Detroit. As for the Tigers, they were ready to answer the call. Grinding out runs with timely hitting and stellar pitching throughout guided Detroit to a 3-0 victory, as it has so many times this season.
Tigers celebrate in Detroit after clinching playoff berth Original
DETROIT (WOOD) — For the first time since 2014, the Detroit Tigers are going to be playing baseball beyond the regular season. With a 4-1 victory Friday over the Chicago White Sox, Detroit clinched a berth in the American League Wild Card Series, with a seed and opponent to still be determined. As the final out was recorded, the 44,435 fans in attendance — a sellout crowd — let out a roar Comerica Park has been waiting to hear for some time as the celebration began.
Game by game, Detroit Tigers are building an unforgettable run
DETROIT (WOOD) — No matter how you look at it, all of this was unlikely. The Detroit Tigers on Aug. 10 had a 0.2% percent chance to make the playoffs, according to FanGraphs. In other words, they were essentially out of the playoff race. As of early Thursday afternoon, with four games to go in the season, the same Tigers team was three wins away from clinching a spot in the 2024 MLB Postseason.
Game by game, Detroit Tigers are building an unforgettable run
DETROIT (WOOD) — No matter how you look at it, all of this was unlikely. The Detroit Tigers on Aug. 10 had a 0.2% percent chance to make the playoffs, according to FanGraphs. In other words, they were essentially out of the playoff race. As of early Thursday afternoon, with four games to go in the season, the same Tigers team was three wins away from clinching a spot in the 2024 MLB Postseason. Meadows and Torkelson homer as the Tigers move closer to the postseason with Sept.
Takeaways from Lions preseason victory over Pittsburgh Original
DETROIT, Mich. (WOOD) — The Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers battled at Ford Field for the final week of the preseason Saturday afternoon. The Lions walked out victorious with a 24-17 victory. Detroit ended the preseason with a 2-1 record, the Steelers went winless at 0-3. Now comes the hard part for Lions head coach Dan Campbell and company: Cuts. “I was really proud of those guys,” Campbell said.
Whitecaps, new acquisitions adjusting well
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Whitecaps, new acquisitions adjusting well
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Just a week ago, most of the focus was on who the Detroit Tigers would be giving up at the trade deadline. All in all, they parted ways with four players: relief pitcher Andrew Chafin, starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, catcher Carson Kelly and outfielder Mark Canha. Meanwhile, the minor leagues for Detroit had major shake-ups as new players were put on different levels.
‘Means a lot’: Lilia Vu victorious after back injury
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Lilia Vu came into the weekend of the Meijer LPGA Classic just wanting to make contact with the golf ball. After not playing competitive golf since early March at the Ford Championship due to a back injury, it wasn’t about chasing low scores for Vu. It was more of doing her best to put a solid round together each day.
Berggren’s hat trick guides Griffins to Game 5 in Milwaukee Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — This isn’t the first time Jonatan Berggren has come up big for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the playoffs, but Friday night was magical. The 33rd overall pick in the 2018 draft has been a leader and scorer all season for the Griffins, and on Friday, he proved the moment is never too big for number 48.
Detroit’s NFL Draft breaks records Original
DETROIT (WOOD) — On a night where the city of Detroit was the center of the sports world, the 2024 NFL Draft had plenty of record-breaking statistics. The crowd itself set the day one attendance record of 275,000-plus people. For comparison, throughout all three days of last year’s draft in Kansas City, 312,000 people were tallied. Needless to say, people were excited in Detroit and from around the country to see who would be the newest member of their team in 2024. Hopefully, they like offense.
Cappuccilli looks forward to opportunity at West Michigan Whitecaps
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Tony Cappuccilli will be the first to tell you he doesn’t know exactly what kind of manager he is going to be yet. It’s his second chance at being a manager at the professional level. He managed the Arizona Complex League Dodgers in 2021. It may take time to feel out the team and situation for the West Michigan Whitecaps. What Cappuccilli does know right now is what he wants to help implement on a day-to-day basis.
Cappuccilli looks forward to opportunity with West Michigan Whitecaps
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Tony Cappuccilli will be the first to tell you he doesn’t know exactly what kind of manager he is going to be yet. It’s his second chance at being a manager at the professional level. He managed the Arizona Complex League Dodgers in 2021. It may take time to feel out the team and situation for the West Michigan Whitecaps. What Cappuccilli does know right now is what he wants to help implement on a day-to-day basis.
Whitecaps start 2024 with many new beginnings
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Things will be a little different this season at LMCU Ballpark for both the Whitecaps team and the facility itself. The locker rooms, concourse and workout facilities are all among what will be upgraded as the season moves along. For now, when you pull into the ballpack, there is plenty of construction still being done. With the improvements being made, the players and staff already love what they are seeing.
Whitecaps start 2024 with many new beginnings
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Things will be a little different this season at LMCU Ballpark for both the Whitecaps team and the facility itself. The locker rooms, concourse and workout facilities are all among what will be upgraded as the season moves along. For now, when you pull into the ballpack, there is plenty of construction still being done. With the improvements being made, the players and staff already love what they are seeing.
Michigan ‘felt right’ for new men’s basketball coach Dusty May
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WOOD) — The University of Michigan was the best fit for Dusty May. There were plenty of other schools with great basketball traditions that were contenders, such as Louisville and Vanderbilt, but ultimately becoming a Wolverine just felt right. On Tuesday, March 26, it became official. May is the 18th head coach in Michigan men’s basketball history. “For me and my family, it just felt right,” May said.
Michigan ‘felt right’ for new men’s basketball coach Dusty May
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WOOD) — The University of Michigan was the best fit for Dusty May. There were plenty of other schools with great basketball traditions that were contenders, such as Louisville and Vanderbilt, but ultimately becoming a Wolverine just felt right. On Tuesday, March 26, it became official. May is the 18th head coach in Michigan men’s basketball history. “For me and my family, it just felt right,” May said.
With buzzer-beating shot, Falcons fall in semifinals
EAST LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) — In recent years, a name has been made around the state for the Grand Rapids West Catholic girls basketball team. The Falcons have won districts the last five seasons and regionals the last three, with a trip to the Breslin Center in all of those seasons as well. While they’ve come close to the ultimate prize of a state championship, they haven’t quite conquered that goal. Friday night was the toughest chapter yet in that storybook.
‘We will be back’: Rams fall to Lakers in semifinals
EAST LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) — Just a season ago, Rockford and West Bloomfield met in a nail-biter for a state title that the Rams pulled out in the closing minutes. West Bloomfield didn’t forget about that. On Friday, when the teams met again, the Lakers wore camouflage into the arena, representing their mantra all season: hunting down what they felt they left at the Breslin Center a season ago.
Rockford holds off West Ottawa, returns to Breslin Center Original
GRANDVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) — In a marquee matchup between not just two best teams in the West Michigan area, but the state, there was no question Rockford and West Ottawa knew what was coming. However, the Rams had to take on the Miss Basketball winner Gabby Reynolds and the Panthers without one of their star players, Sienna Wolf, who was out with a leg injury. No matter, Rockford just stuck to its “horns up” mentality.
West Ottawa’s Gabby Reynolds achieves long-term goal, wins Miss Basketball
DETROIT (WOOD) — Three years ago, as a sophomore, West Ottawa’s Gabby Reynolds was asked to give a long-term goal for herself with the Panthers basketball program. Head coach Paul Chapman had Reynolds and her teammates fill out a list of goals before each season, and every year her goal remained the same long term: win the Miss Basketball award. On Monday morning, it became official she had accomplished what she set out to do.
‘Resilient’ Grand Rapids Christian advances to state finals
EAST LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) — After Grand Rapids Christian’s Tyler Davis made layups on back-to-back possessions, Chelsea head coach Andrea Cabana was forced to take a timeout. With just 5:39 remaining and a 10-point lead, the Eagle crowd and bench began to rise to their feet as it felt a victory was near. Just over a minute later, after a pair of 3-pointers and a fast break layup from Chelsea, the GRC lead was cut to 2 points, just like that.
‘Resilient’ Grand Rapids Christian advances to state finals
EAST LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) — After Grand Rapids Christian’s Tyler Davis made layups on back-to-back possessions, Chelsea head coach Andrea Cabana was forced to take a timeout. With just 5:39 remaining and a 10-point lead, the Eagle crowd and bench began to rise to their feet as it felt a victory was near. Just over a minute later, after a pair of 3-pointers and a fast break layup from Chelsea, the GRC lead was cut to 2 points, just like that.
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