Gwinn played Sault Ste. Marie in the championship game of the 2024-25 High School Bowl tournament and won by a score of 360-110. Thirty-six schools from the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin compete in WNMU-TV's High School Bowl tournament, now celebrating 46 years on the air. Northern Michigan University awarded scholarships to the first and second-place winners, with Gwinn receiving $2500 and Sault Ste. Marie $1500 in scholarship funds to be distributed by the schools.
Gwinn High School Senior Thomas Jenkins was named as this year's recipient of WNMU-TV's Dave Goldsmith Scholarship, awarded annually to an outstanding senior player. This year marks the 21st presentation of the Dave Goldsmith Scholarship, established by the family of the late High School Bowl host after his death in 2002. Dave was the host of WNMU-TV’s popular local program for 24 years. Tom appeared on High School Bowl for four seasons and was instrumental in leading Gwinn to the finals. Tom will receive $1500 to use towards his college education.
Gwinn's road to the championship began with a win over Watersmeet in the very first match of the season; then went on to defeat Negaunee, and in the “Sweet 16” round they defeated Newberry. The Modeltowners advanced through the next two rounds with wins over Manistique and Ironwood to earn a coveted spot in the championship game. Gwinn's players include Landyn Spade, Thomas Jenkins, team captain Donnie Jourden and Charles Lininger. This team has remained the same for four seasons, and their hard work and dedication has clearly paid off. The team's alternates are Hanna Rahmlow and Kendall Bash, and they are coached by Dan Turecky.
Sault Ste. Marie began this season by defeating Westwood in their initial round, and Houghton in the second. They sealed their spot in the championship with wins over Gladstone in the quarter finals, and Escanaba in the semi finals.
There are a number of ways to watch High School Bowl. Aside from being broadcast on channel 13.1, the program is also available throughout the state of Michigan on the Michigan Learning Channel (13.4) from October through April. You can stream live anytime from our website, WNMU Passport, or the PBS App. Past episodes and seasons are also available online.
Major production funding for High School Bowl is provided by the Donald & Audrey Anderson Foundation and Island Resort & Casino. Local support is provided by 14 Upper Peninsula Credit Unions: TruNorth Federal Credit Union, Limestone Federal Credit Union, Tahquamenon Area Credit Union, Embers Credit Union, Soo Co-op Credit Union, Marquette Community Federal Credit Union, Gogebic County Federal Credit Union, Peninsula Federal Credit Union, U.P. State Credit Union, Breakwater Federal Credit Union, Settlers Federal Credit Union, Northern Lights Community Federal Credit Union, Great Lakes First Federal Credit Union, and Baraga County Federal Credit Union. Local support is also provided by Vincent and Nora Petrucelli, in partnership with the Regional Educational Service Agencies & Intermediate School Districts of the Upper Peninsula.
WNMU-TV is a member-supported public broadcasting service of Northern Michigan University and is licensed to the NMU Board of Trustees.