Update: Charlevoix Golf Team Vehicle Crash
By Tom Lang
It felt like a collective gasp went up across the state as word spread that the Charlevoix boys golf team was involved in a late April vehicle crash in northern Michigan. Too many reminders went to the fatal crash for the Graying golf team in 2013, while traveling home from a Traverse City tournament, when head coach Jason Potter and player Louis Menard IV were killed.
The recent head on collision involving Charlevoix, which police say was caused by a 32-year-old driver wanted for committing felony crimes in Antrim County, including stealing a motor vehicle, took place on M-115 not far from Crystal Mountain. That SUV driver died on the scene – while seven members of the Charlevoix boys’ team were injured to varying degrees, but the brunt was taken by driver and head coach Doug Drenth. All went to the hospital – and the update is that all are home and are in various levels of recovery – emotionally and physically.
“As anyone who goes through these things, sometimes it’s a daily fight, but I’m doing okay,” Drenth recently told fellow media member Bill Hobson on a podcast. “I just want to get a little bit better every day and that’s kind of my mode right now.
“I’m just grateful to be here, and grateful for all of the support,” Drenth added. “I just feel so fortunate to be around my family because there was a time I didn’t know if that would happen again.”
For his heroic efforts, combined with a couple decades of faithful service to the high school golf program, Drenth was recently named Michigan Coach of the Year by the Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association (MIGCA). Drenth has run the Charlevoix Golf Club, a 9-hole walking course dating back to before 1900, for much of his career.
The following is a statement provided by the school district to the Coaches Association:
We are collectively writing to support your efforts to recognize and honor Coach Doug Drenth, who has dedicated over 30 years to shaping young lives through teaching and coaching, many of those years spent in his hometown, right here in our district. His leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to student-athletes continue to leave a lasting impact on our school and community.
This past spring, during a tragic accident involving members of his golf team, Doug acted with extraordinary courage and care to protect his students. Jackson Crouse, a senior (now graduate) and golf team member in the van at the time of the accident, recalled Doug’s actions to save the students in an interview with the Traverse City Record-Eagle: “I saw everything unfold and one thing I know is our coach is a hero who saved lives Sunday with his quick response. He turned that van to the right to put himself between the oncoming vehicle and his team behind him.” His selfless actions and continued strength during recovery have inspired us all.
Even through adversity, Doug remains a guiding light for his team and a true example of resilience and dedication. His impact reaches far beyond the game; he is a role model for our entire district and community.
When Drenth was a boy, he rode his bike to the golf course to play, so there is a very special connection to the Charlevoix Golf Club. Hobson joked that when he called the course to try connecting with Drenth, they said to tell Doug to get back to work.
“I miss those guys, and I do look forward to the day I can get back over there and see the patrons and the members, but also just being in the shop,” Drenth said.
Hobson then asked Drenth what can people pray for, and he said he could use prayer for healing.
“I want to be without pain, which I don’t know if that will ever happen. So, healing, both emotional and physical, and prayer that all seven guys (players in the van) will be okay and can continue to thrive,” Drenth replied. “I’m really humbled and just amazed at the outpouring of support and prayers that we’ve received. I can’t believe it when people told me what has occurred and I just feel so grateful.
“My wife and I have conversations about how do you thank all of these people that have done what they’ve done for us and we’re struggling with that, because truly we feel so amazed and grateful on a daily basis.”
The team was large enough and some of those in the van were not severely hurt so the team was able to keep playing in spring tournaments and had a few good showings. Media reports indicated that Bryce Boss, Crouse and Landon Whisler – who were in the van that night – were playing golf in the spring season. Charlevoix hosted the regional at Belvedere Golf Club – but didn’t qualify for the state finals.
