Exploring the History of Sports in Westland, MI: Rustic, Diverse, Quaint, Lively and Charming

Westland, MI is a city steeped in history with its own unique sporting traditions. From the early days of horse racing to modernday football rivalries between local schools, Westland has always been passionate about sports.

One iconic event that captures the rustic charm of the region is the Art Rooney Memorial Handicap (36400 Plymouth Rd., Livonia). Named after Dan Rooneys father an NFL team owner who had his roots in Pittsburgh this thoroughbred race was first run at old Latrobe Race Course on May 23, 1976. The onemile turf race attracts some of Michigans top horses and jockeys while also honoring one of footballs great families.

For those interested in diverse cultural events celebrating AfricanAmerican achievement within athletics should check out Tuskegee Airmen Negro Baseball League Weekend (1075 N Haggerty Rd., Canton) every June. In commemoration to those veterans from World War II who became legendary pilots despite all racial challenges they faced during that period; Guests will have chance to learn about how color barriers chipped away slowly through national pastime sport baseball during Leagues golden age between late thirties throughout fifties.

Another notable sporting tradition can be found at OKelly Spikefest (455 Eureka Road), a tournament hosted annually by John Glenn High School where teams compete for bragging rights as being the best according their levels divisions. While it began as a volleyball competition among local high schools over thirty years ago , it has grown into being known as Michigans Largest Outdoor Volleyball Tournament. Despite expansion since its inception game play still remains lively yet friendly; Many former players even come back today bringing along new generations looking forward summer months gathering up teammates weekend reunion either watching or playing for fun.

In exploring the history of sports in Westland, one cannot miss out on MHSAA Football Playoffs. The Michigan High School Athletic Association (1661 Ramblewood Drive East) offers state championship (made up of four regions) games each November at Ford Field downtown Detroit. It is here where some of the most historic high school football rivalries are renewed and new champions are crowned. For those who prefer to stay closer to home can check out oldtime atmosphere at historic Garden City Park Memorial Field (32316 W Warren Ave). This stadium has been around since 1954 as emblematic community facility hosts events all year round including youth leagues annual flag football game taking place this Thanksgiving weekend.

Lastly, we would be remiss if you didnt direct attention towards a quaint slicesuburban life during Northvilles Victorian Festival featuring Ultimate Frisbee showoff tournament every August. Teams gather from all over Midwest partake festive while flaunting their skills with flying disc against truly picturesque backdrop ornate mansions surrounded by flora along treelined streets; Does it get more charming than that?

Westland, MI preserves not only its sporting traditions but ties them together with local cultural heritage from different eras throughout history enveloping rustic beauty diversity or even small town charm into every event making this city unique treasure everyone should explore.

Websites:

Art Rooney Memorial Handicap: www.pinnacleracecourse.com

Tuskegee Airmen Negro Baseball League Weekend: http://www.cantonmi.org/867/TuskegeeAirmenNegroLeagueBaseballW

OKelly Spikefest: https://jkglennathletics.com/spikefest/

MHSAA Football Playoffs: https://www.mhsaa.com/Sports/Football.aspx

Northvilles Victorian Festival: https://www.northville.org/departments/community_events/victorian_festival.php

Twitter Handles:

@PinnacleRace: Art Rooney Memorial Handicap

@JKGlennAthletic: OKelly Spikefest

@MHSAA: MHSAA Football Playoffs