2025 brought historical accomplishments,
memories, change, and some sadness
By Bruce Rolfe
The calendar has flipped to a new year and the first week of 2026 offers an opportunity to take a look back at some of the memorable events that were covered in the Climax Crescent in 2025.
The top 5 newsmakers brought change, first time accomplishments, good memories and sadness.
The calendar has flipped to a new year and the first week of 2026 offers an opportunity to take a look back at some of the memorable events that were covered in the Climax Crescent in 2025.
The top 5 newsmakers brought change, first time accomplishments, good memories and sadness.
The Climax Crescent hopes you have a safe and healthy 2026.
C-S varsity football coach Tyler Langs was placed on paid administrative leave by the C-S School District. An investigation is still ongoing after 10 weeks.
(Photo by Bruce Rolfe)
No. 1 News Maker:
C-S football coach placed on paid administrative leaveBy Bruce Rolfe
The Climax Crescent’s top newsmaker of 2025 centers around a controversy that has led to an investigation that is still ongoing.
Climax-Scotts varsity football coach Tyler Langs learned before the varsity football team played at Pittsford October 24 he had been placed on paid administrative leave according to the school district’s Superintendent.
According to C-S School District approved board minutes the board added a closed session to the October 20 agenda with the item for discussion labeled as AD.
Langs is also the Athletic Director and Dean of Students.
C-S Superintendent Doug Newington said the school district received some complaints and was following through with an investigation.
In a statement offered by the school district, Newington said, “The district has received complaints regarding the current football coach. The district will not comment on the allegations within those complaints and is consulting with legal counsel to complete a thorough investigation. During this investigation the football coach will remain on paid administrative leave from his employment within the district in all capacities. We hope this process will move swiftly and reach a final conclusion in the coming days.”
Langs, currently in his fourth season as varsity head football coach at C-S, was not on the sidelines at the regular season finale at Pittsford as well as the two playoff games C-S played in.
Tyler’s father, current C-S assistant coach and former head coach Kevin Langs, coached the team in the regular season finale at Pittsford as well the two playoff games in Tyler’s absence.
As the investigation went from days to weeks with still no answer, the community increasingly became frustrated wondering why the C-S Board of Education had not provided any answers about the investigation.
With the investigation in its fifth week, supporters for Langs emerged at the November 17 C-S Board of Education meeting.
Four in the audience offered support for Langs.
When the investigation moved past five weeks, C-S Superintendent Doug Newington offered a statement hoping more information would be available after the Thanksgiving break that would guide the next steps of the process.
With the investigation into complaints Tyler Langs entering its eighth week and no end in sight, the Climax-Scotts Board of Education faced an overflow audience of approximately 35 people at the December 15 Board of Education meeting, including many who offered support for Langs.
Most of the six people who spoke during public forum at the school board meeting offered a picture of how Langs has been missed in his daily role as Dean of Students, Athletic Director and overall support of the student body.
Where the Story Is Today
The C-S School District scheduled a special meeting December 23 with personnel issues listed under items for action or discussion on the agenda.
The School District cancelled the meeting and stated on the school district’s website the special meeting will be rescheduled in January.
C-S Superintendent of Schools Doug Newington informed the Crescent the meeting was cancelled because the board felt the December 23 meeting needed to have all board members present but not all were able to attend.
The C-S-M co-op wrestling team is pictured with the Division 4 runnerup trophy after the team lost in the state finals championship match to Hudson February 22 at Wings Event Center.
(Photo by Paula Reitz)
Top Newsmaker #2:
C-S-M Wrestling Team Left Its Legacy With Historical Season
By Bruce Rolfe
The Climax-Scotts-Martin co-op wrestling team reached enjoyed a historical season that ended with a state runnerup trophy at the Division 4 Team State Finals.
They set a goal when the season started of advancing to the Division 4 Team State Finals championship match and an opportunity to wrestle for a state title.
And that’s exactly what the co-op wrestling team did.
It was truly a magical and historical season for the local co-op wrestling team.
After advancing to the State Finals event the last two seasons only to come up short in the semifinals two years ago against defending state champion Hudson and losing in the quarterfinals last year to St. Louis, the local co-op team felt with many returners, this was the year they had an opportunity to advance to the state finals championship match.
The determined group did it too. The co-op team defeated Union City 47-28 in the Division 4 Quarterfinals at Wings Event Center February 28, followed by a classic match that came down to the final bout C-S-M won over St. Louis.
Trailing St. Louis 25-24 entering the final match, C-S-M needed a win the final match to reach their goal of wrestling in the state finals championship match. Martin freshman Jacinto Lopez came through in the pressure packed match, pinning St. Louis’ Rudy Clapp in 4:50 that propelled the team into the State Finals championship match and unchartered territory.
While a 45-25 loss to Hudson in the Division 4 State Finals championship match February 22 stung, team goals that were reached along with historical firsts brought satisfaction.
It marked the first time since Climax-Scotts and Martin merged to form a co-op in 2014 the team reached the state finals, and the first time C-S had played for a team state title since the 2004 football team won the state championship, the same year Martin lost in the team state wrestling finals to New Lothrop.
This determined team felt they not only could reach the championship match, but felt they could compete and push Hudson in the championship match after losing to the defending state champions 51-12 in the 2023 quarterfinals.
Push and compete they did.
C-S-M’s 25 points were the most points Hudson had allowed in a State Final championship match since Clinton defeated Hudson in 2020, 36-27. C-S-M’s 25 points also ended a stretch of 21 straight matches Hudson had held its opponents under 25 points in the postseason.
C-S-M finished with a 26-2 record.
The magical season also brought personal milestones.
Senior Logan Gilbert became the new C-S school record holder for career wrestling wins at the Individual Wrestling State Finals at Ford Field, by going 4-1 at the tournament, giving him a 191-21 record for his career.
Top Newsmaker #3:
Climax Township Fire Department Will Be
Medical First Responders for calls in Wakeshma Township
Medical First Responders for calls in Wakeshma Township
By Bruce Rolfe
The Climax Township Fire Department will become Medical First Responders for calls in Wakeshma Township beginning April 1, 2026.
The Wakeshma Township approved leaving the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority and approved contract language with the Climax Township Board at a March 3 meeting pending approval of the one-year agreement by the Climax Township Board for fire and medical first responder services that was approved by the Climax Township Board March 11 at the township board’s regular meeting.
The Brady Township Board unanimously approved (7-0) to sign an agreement with Charter Township of Pavilion for fire and medical first responder services beginning April 1, 2026 and at the same time create a withdrawal notice that was needed by the Fire Board Authority’s meeting March 19.
The Charter Township of Pavilion Board unanimously voted to approve a one-year agreement with Brady Township to provide fire and medical first responder services at its March 10 meeting.
Wakeshma and Brady Townships will leave the Fire Authority March 31, 2026 with the new agreements going into effect April 1, 2026.
Brady Township, Vicksburg Village, Prairie Ronde Township, Schoolcraft Township, Schoolcraft Village, and Wakeshma Township currently make up the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority. The Fire Authority currently covers 144 square miles, however with two townships dropping out, the Fire Authority’s territory will be cut in half.
Climax Township agrees to provide services to Wakeshma Township in a manner similar in substance and quality to the services rendered by the Climax Township Fire Department within Climax Township. It is recognized by the parties however that Climax is not required to locate any buildings or equipment within Wakeshma Township to provide these services.
The agreement also adds Climax Township shall ensure that fire and emergency response personnel are properly trained and equipped to respond to all incidents within the service area.
The one year agreement with Climax Township for fire and medical first responder service will be in exchange for $64,778 Wakeshma Township currently receives for a 1-mill fire millage in place.
Brady Township Supervisor Randy Smith said the fee for each Local Unit of Government (LUG) changes every year based on a formula that uses the previous year data. He said the formula is based on LUG population (30%), LUG taxable value (30%), and LUG usage (number of hours spent in each Local Unit of Government - 40%).
Smith adds Brady Township typically contributes under $200,000 per year, which he said is a little over 25 percent of the formula. Wakeshma Township Supervisor Jason Gatlin said Wakeshma Township currently pays the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority a monthly fee of nearly $5000.
Smith said the agreement with Charter Township of Pavilion for fire and medical first responder services is a one year roll over agreement and will be for approximately $195,000 the first year for man power and equipment, which he said is about what the township is paying the Fire Authority.
Every year the Charter Township of Pavilion and Brady Township Boards will meet to review runs and cost to determine if a change in the yearly fee is needed. There is a one-year out clause.
Gatlin said his township would likely face an increase in expense to help make up the lost revenue with Brady Township pulling out of the Fire Authority. However he emphasized Wakeshma Township’s location is the biggest concern. Without Brady Township available to respond, he said Wakeshma Township residents could be isolated. The closest municipality to Wakeshma Township in the South County Fire Authority would be the Vicksburg Fire Department.
The Climax Township Fire Department will become Medical First Responders for calls in Wakeshma Township beginning April 1, 2026.
The Wakeshma Township approved leaving the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority and approved contract language with the Climax Township Board at a March 3 meeting pending approval of the one-year agreement by the Climax Township Board for fire and medical first responder services that was approved by the Climax Township Board March 11 at the township board’s regular meeting.
The Brady Township Board unanimously approved (7-0) to sign an agreement with Charter Township of Pavilion for fire and medical first responder services beginning April 1, 2026 and at the same time create a withdrawal notice that was needed by the Fire Board Authority’s meeting March 19.
The Charter Township of Pavilion Board unanimously voted to approve a one-year agreement with Brady Township to provide fire and medical first responder services at its March 10 meeting.
Wakeshma and Brady Townships will leave the Fire Authority March 31, 2026 with the new agreements going into effect April 1, 2026.
Brady Township, Vicksburg Village, Prairie Ronde Township, Schoolcraft Township, Schoolcraft Village, and Wakeshma Township currently make up the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority. The Fire Authority currently covers 144 square miles, however with two townships dropping out, the Fire Authority’s territory will be cut in half.
Climax Township agrees to provide services to Wakeshma Township in a manner similar in substance and quality to the services rendered by the Climax Township Fire Department within Climax Township. It is recognized by the parties however that Climax is not required to locate any buildings or equipment within Wakeshma Township to provide these services.
The agreement also adds Climax Township shall ensure that fire and emergency response personnel are properly trained and equipped to respond to all incidents within the service area.
The one year agreement with Climax Township for fire and medical first responder service will be in exchange for $64,778 Wakeshma Township currently receives for a 1-mill fire millage in place.
Brady Township Supervisor Randy Smith said the fee for each Local Unit of Government (LUG) changes every year based on a formula that uses the previous year data. He said the formula is based on LUG population (30%), LUG taxable value (30%), and LUG usage (number of hours spent in each Local Unit of Government - 40%).
Smith adds Brady Township typically contributes under $200,000 per year, which he said is a little over 25 percent of the formula. Wakeshma Township Supervisor Jason Gatlin said Wakeshma Township currently pays the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority a monthly fee of nearly $5000.
Smith said the agreement with Charter Township of Pavilion for fire and medical first responder services is a one year roll over agreement and will be for approximately $195,000 the first year for man power and equipment, which he said is about what the township is paying the Fire Authority.
Every year the Charter Township of Pavilion and Brady Township Boards will meet to review runs and cost to determine if a change in the yearly fee is needed. There is a one-year out clause.
Gatlin said his township would likely face an increase in expense to help make up the lost revenue with Brady Township pulling out of the Fire Authority. However he emphasized Wakeshma Township’s location is the biggest concern. Without Brady Township available to respond, he said Wakeshma Township residents could be isolated. The closest municipality to Wakeshma Township in the South County Fire Authority would be the Vicksburg Fire Department.
The
Coach Bill Maskill statue is pictured above shortly after it was
unveiled September 5 at a pre-game ceremony at Maskill Field.
(Photo by Bruce Rolfe)
Top Newsmaker #4:
Maskill statue arrives home; unveiling and
dedication ceremony takes place Sept. 5
dedication ceremony takes place Sept. 5
By Bruce Rolfe
A months long process came to an end when a statue of Galesburg-Augusta legendary Hall of Fame Coach Bill Maskill was placed on a cement pedestal July 30 and later unveiled at a very special ceremony September 5 at Maskill Field on the campus of G-A High School.
The impressive statue, made by Kalamazoo artist Josh Diedrich, drew praise. Having a statue of a man that was loved by many and did so much for the community at the field named after him, brought appreciation.
Known as “Coach” by most people, Maskill coached at G-A from 1957-1990. He guided four G-A football teams to four Class C state championships (1962, 1966, 1967, and 1970), and two Class C state runner up finishes in 1990 and 1959.
Long time football statistician and lifelong Galesburg resident Dale Martin said G-A’s 42-12 win October 15, 1982 over Paw Paw gave Maskill 213 wins and made him the winningest high school coach in Michigan at that time. A picture was taken that night of Maskill being carried off the field by his players. The statue shows three players lifting Maskill on their shoulders.
Diedrich said the Maskill family started talking to him in 2019 about the statue. He began the design process in October, 2023.
After Martin pulled a blanket off the statue for the public to see the impressive statue Diedrich made of Coach for the first time, the words, “Oh my God” could be heard as the large gathering gave a loud applause.
The varsity football team led the audience with the school fight song.
Maskill’s daughter Jayne Maskill called the statue unveiling event held before a large number of people covering a variety of age spans, “overwhelming.”
“All of these people coming together and the connections that Coach had is here. It’s part of his legacy and how he demonstrated it. He touched everybody in a different way. And he connected people,” said the Hall of Fame coach’s daughter.
The plaque on the cement pedestal base the statue rests on states Maskill coached 537 players in 34 years at G-A.
A large number of players who played for Maskill from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, were recognized on the track between the first and second periods of the September 5 game.
Maskill was named Regional Coach of the Year nine times and was recognized as Class C Coach of the Year seven times.
Coach compiled a 241-66-1 record at G-A and had a career record of 272-84-2. He retired in 1990 as the “Winningest” Coach in Michigan.
Maskill was inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1983, the National High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2005 and the G-A High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.
Maskill died October 22, 2019.
The legendary Hall of Fame coach’s son Billy Maskill, Jr., a 1967 graduate of G-A High School who went on to enjoy a coaching career that lasted 55 years, before retiring January 1, 2024, was asked by current G-A varsity football coach Chuck Hadley to deliver a pre-game speech to his team before the Rams took on Plainwell.
A months long process came to an end when a statue of Galesburg-Augusta legendary Hall of Fame Coach Bill Maskill was placed on a cement pedestal July 30 and later unveiled at a very special ceremony September 5 at Maskill Field on the campus of G-A High School.
The impressive statue, made by Kalamazoo artist Josh Diedrich, drew praise. Having a statue of a man that was loved by many and did so much for the community at the field named after him, brought appreciation.
Known as “Coach” by most people, Maskill coached at G-A from 1957-1990. He guided four G-A football teams to four Class C state championships (1962, 1966, 1967, and 1970), and two Class C state runner up finishes in 1990 and 1959.
Long time football statistician and lifelong Galesburg resident Dale Martin said G-A’s 42-12 win October 15, 1982 over Paw Paw gave Maskill 213 wins and made him the winningest high school coach in Michigan at that time. A picture was taken that night of Maskill being carried off the field by his players. The statue shows three players lifting Maskill on their shoulders.
Diedrich said the Maskill family started talking to him in 2019 about the statue. He began the design process in October, 2023.
After Martin pulled a blanket off the statue for the public to see the impressive statue Diedrich made of Coach for the first time, the words, “Oh my God” could be heard as the large gathering gave a loud applause.
The varsity football team led the audience with the school fight song.
Maskill’s daughter Jayne Maskill called the statue unveiling event held before a large number of people covering a variety of age spans, “overwhelming.”
“All of these people coming together and the connections that Coach had is here. It’s part of his legacy and how he demonstrated it. He touched everybody in a different way. And he connected people,” said the Hall of Fame coach’s daughter.
The plaque on the cement pedestal base the statue rests on states Maskill coached 537 players in 34 years at G-A.
A large number of players who played for Maskill from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, were recognized on the track between the first and second periods of the September 5 game.
Maskill was named Regional Coach of the Year nine times and was recognized as Class C Coach of the Year seven times.
Coach compiled a 241-66-1 record at G-A and had a career record of 272-84-2. He retired in 1990 as the “Winningest” Coach in Michigan.
Maskill was inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1983, the National High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2005 and the G-A High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.
Maskill died October 22, 2019.
The legendary Hall of Fame coach’s son Billy Maskill, Jr., a 1967 graduate of G-A High School who went on to enjoy a coaching career that lasted 55 years, before retiring January 1, 2024, was asked by current G-A varsity football coach Chuck Hadley to deliver a pre-game speech to his team before the Rams took on Plainwell.
Top Newsmaker #5
C-S, Martin split co-op arrangement in wrestling
By Bruce Rolfe
A co-op arrangement in wrestling between Martin and Climax-Scotts that yielded success on the mat and friendships, came to an end in March.
C-S and Martin wrestled together in a co-op arrangement since the 2014-2015 season because participation numbers in both school districts were low, making it difficult to win as a team.
However that situation changed.
Enrollment numbers in both school districts went up, and if the co-op arrangement had remained in place, C-S Athletic Director Tyler Langs said the co-op team would have been bumped up to Division 3 in wrestling competition.
Because participation numbers at both schools had increased, many wrestlers were not getting the opportunity to compete.
The two schools enjoyed a lot of success together on the mat wrestling as a co-op.
The co-op wrestling team qualified for the Division 4 Team State Finals at Wings Stadium three straight years, capped off by last season’s amazing run to the Team State Finals match when the team lost to Hudson and claimed the runner up trophy.
Team Hybrid also claimed team district championships the last four years and team regional championships the last three years.
The co-op wrestling team also won a team district and team regional championship the first year the two schools formed the co-op, before falling to Decatur 47-22 at Kellogg Arena in the Division 4 team quarterfinals in 2015.
The co-op wrestling team also won team district championships in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022.
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