Linden Athletic Monthly August

A Message From the Athletic Director

What an amazing start to the fall season for Linden Athletics! I couldn't be more proud of our student athletes in the first month of the season. So much work was put in this summer by our programs that it is to nobody's surprise our seasons have started off in dominating fashion. We have had a lot of success already highlighted by our varsity volleyball team winning their own tournament which included Notre Dame Prep and Goodrich, both very respected programs in the state. The amount of students participating in athletics continues to grow, all the way from our youth programs to our high school. If you have been around campus in the afternoon you have witnessed the number of students participating. Campus is very busy each night while our student athletes practice after a long day at school, which is always fun to watch!

I do want to give a special shout out to our students who participate in the student section at our varsity football games. The student section this past week was absolutely huge, and to their credit, they behaved in a way that made us proud. Clear expectations were set and the students had a blast while meeting the expectations of how to behave at a game. That doesn't and will never go unnoticed on our end, because not every school/community is lucky enough to have students that do the right thing when nobody is watching. Once again, I am very proud to be a part of the Linden community!

A quick reminder to our athletes now that we are getting into the academic portion of our school year. School comes first, athletics come second. We are beginning to run weekly eligibility reports this week so please make sure your grades are taken care of. If you need some extra help, don't hesitate to go to study table in the media center which runs every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 2:30-3:30. Don't wait until your grades get to a point where it is mandatory to attend, take care of your business before hand!

Continue to make us proud as the season continues, good luck and Go Eagles!

Enjoy!

Pete Gleason

Athletic Director

Linden Community Schools

Nick Ondovcsik is a proud 2006 graduate of Linden High School whose journey from Linden, Michigan, has been defined by service, leadership, and a commitment to helping others reach their full potential. Following his graduation from Linden High School, Nick attended Michigan State University, where he earned his degree before answering the call to serve his country. He went on to spend more than a decade in the United States Army, serving within the prestigious 75th Ranger Regiment and military special operations. Throughout his military career, Nick demonstrated exceptional leadership, courage, and dedication, earning recognition as a recipient of the distinguished General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award.

After completing his military service, Nick continued his pursuit of leadership and professional excellence by attending Harvard Business School. Today, he brings together the lessons and experiences gained from athletics, military service, and business to make a meaningful impact on the next generation of leaders. Nick now works with collegiate athletic programs across the country, helping teams and organizations develop elite leadership, strengthen team culture, and build systems that promote accountability, trust, resilience, and sustained success.

His work is centered on the belief that great teams are built not only through talent, but through intentional leadership and a culture in which individuals are committed to something greater than themselves. From his beginnings as a Linden Eagle to serving his country at the highest levels and now helping shape leaders and teams across the nation, Nick Ondovcsik's story is a testament to the power of hard work, service, perseverance, and leadership. His journey serves as an inspiration to Linden students, student-athletes, and the entire community, demonstrating that the foundation built in a small community can lead to an extraordinary impact on the world.

The Linden Athletic Program would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Nick for taking the time to return to Linden and speak with our student-athletes last week. His message, experiences, and insight into leadership, teamwork, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence made a tremendous impact on everyone in attendance. On behalf of Linden Athletics and all of our student-athletes, thank you, Nick, for giving back to your alma mater and inspiring the next generation of Linden Eagles.

Once an Eagle, always an Eagle!

Boat Week was a huge success. Hundreds of community students were treated to fun food and exercise.

Be on the lookout for our athletic teams to be out in the community giving back as they participate in our community service project! The athletic department will continue what was started last year with our teams helping out in many different areas.

The Linden varsity volleyball team put together an impressive performance last week, capturing the tournament championship behind a balanced attack, strong defense and outstanding play from throughout the lineup.

Leading the way offensively was Amelia Wittbrodt, who recorded an impressive 29 kills to pace the Linden attack. Anna Miller added 24 kills, while Emery Pierscinski delivered a standout all-around performance with 17 kills and 17 blocks, making her a force at the net on both sides of the ball.

Linden's defensive effort was just as impressive. Lila Nester led the team with an incredible 52 digs, helping keep rallies alive and giving the offense opportunities to attack. Wittbrodt and Lilly Ciesielski each contributed 24 digs, providing additional stability in the back row.

The offense was directed by Kinleigh Mason, who finished the tournament with an outstanding 76 assists. Her ability to distribute the ball helped keep Linden's attack unpredictable and allowed multiple hitters to make significant contributions.

The combination of powerful hitting, relentless defense and consistent setting proved to be the difference for the Eagles throughout the tournament. Linden's ability to get contributions from multiple players helped the team battle through tough competition and ultimately finish the week as tournament champions.

With performances like these, the Linden varsity volleyball team showed why it is a team capable of making a deep run this season. The tournament victory was a complete team effort, highlighted by standout individual performances and the determination to make every point count.

Key Tournament Statistics:

• Amelia Wittbrodt: 29 kills, 24 digs
• Anna Miller: 24 kills
• Emery Pierscinski: 17 kills, 17 blocks
• Lila Nester: 52 digs
• Lilly Ciesielski: 24 digs
• Kinleigh Mason: 76 assists

Linden's tournament championship was their second in a row as they won Linden's tournament last year as well.

Lucas Lewandowski Earns Fargo All-American Honors

Linden High School wrestler Lucas Lewandowski continued to make his mark on the national wrestling scene this summer, earning All-American honors at the 2026 U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota.

Competing for Team Michigan in the 16U Greco-Roman division at 215 pounds, Lewandowski put together an impressive tournament run, winning his first four matches and advancing all the way to the semifinals.

Lewandowski ultimately finished sixth at 215 pounds, earning a coveted spot among Fargo's All-Americans. USA Wrestling recognized his accomplishment as part of Michigan's strong showing in the 16U Greco-Roman competition.

This accomplishment represents a tremendous achievement for Lucas and Linden Wrestling, as competing at Fargo brings together many of the nation's top young wrestlers. His success on the national stage is a testament to his hard work, dedication and commitment to improving his craft.

Congratulations to Lucas Lewandowski on becoming a Fargo All-American! Linden is proud of you! Go Eagles!

Linden Football Rolls Past Haslett Behind Explosive Offensive Performance

The Linden varsity football team came away with an impressive victory over Haslett last week, putting together a strong all-around performance on offense, defense and special teams.

Leading the way for the Linden offense was Andrew Maienbrook, who turned in a spectacular performance and was named the team's Offensive Player of the Game. Maienbrook carried the ball 18 times for an incredible 211 yards and three touchdowns, consistently finding running room and helping Linden control the game on the ground.

The Eagles also found plenty of success through the air. Max Widner had an outstanding night at quarterback, throwing for 276 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to make plays through the air, combined with Linden's powerful rushing attack, gave the Haslett defense a difficult matchup throughout the game.

Linden's defense also came up with several big plays when the Eagles needed them. Braylon Bouwman was named the Defensive Player of the Game after recording three tackles, a forced fumble and an interception. His ability to create turnovers helped Linden maintain momentum and prevent Haslett from putting together sustained drives.

Special teams provided another important spark for the Eagles. Khare Williams earned Special Teams Player of the Game honors after making a huge impact by blocking a punt. The big play gave Linden valuable field position and was another example of the Eagles making plays in all three phases of the game.

With Maienbrook's explosive rushing performance, Widner's efficient passing attack, timely defensive turnovers and Williams' impact on special teams, Linden showed the kind of balanced football that can make a difference as the season progresses.

The victory over Haslett gave the Eagles plenty of momentum heading into their next challenge, with contributions coming from every phase of the game.

Linden Players of the Game

• Offense — Andrew Maienbrook: 18 carries, 211 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns
• Defense — Braylon Bouwman: 3 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception
• Special Teams — Khare Williams: 1 blocked punt
• Quarterback — Max Widner: 276 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns

Look for more productions from our Production Class ran by Sherri St. Clair

Meet Linden Boys Varsity Golf Coach Thomas G. Diegel

Thomas G. Diegel brings more than 35 years of golf experience to the Linden Boys Varsity Golf program, combining a lifelong passion for the game with deep roots in the Linden community.

Thomas began his collegiate golf career as a scholarship athlete at Lake Superior State University, where he played from 2000–2001. He later transferred to Saginaw Valley State University, completing his collegiate playing career while earning bachelor’s degrees in Sports Management and U.S. History. He continued his education and professional development as a two-year student intern at the University of Notre Dame from 2007–2008.

In 2008, Thomas moved to the Fenton-Linden area, where he soon met his wife, Rachel, a Fenton graduate. Together, they have two sons who attend Linden Schools: Dylan, an eighth grader, and Leo, a kindergartner. The Diegel family has also been a member of Spring Meadows Country Club for the past 10 years—the course the Linden High School golf program proudly calls home.

Thomas is no stranger to Linden Golf. He returns as Head Coach of the Linden Boys Varsity Golf Team, a position in which he previously led the Eagles to the 2015 State Finals—the program’s most recent State Finals appearance.

With decades of experience as a player, coach, and student of the game, Thomas is excited to return to the Linden golf program and help develop the next generation of Eagles both on and off the course.

https://linden-mi.finalforms.com/

For new users, please create a new account following the process explained on our athletic website:

https://www.lindenschools.org/o/athletics/page/finalforms-parent-playbook

Important info when registering for next year:

• Select the sports and activities your student would like to participate in.
• While you can complete your forms now, your school/state may have additional or updated forms to sign closer to the fall.
• You can always come back and work in the current 2023-2024 year anytime.

Linden Athletics

Email: pgleason@lindenschools.org
Website: https://www.lindenschools.org/o/athletics
Location: 7201 Silver Lake Road, Linden, MI, USA
Phone: 810-591-0417

It is paramount that when we are home or away, we represent LINDEN in a positive light.

#LINDENEAGLEPRIDE