Here at CatchMark SportsNet, we typically keep our coverage close to home — focused on the West Michigan Lakeshore and the incredible athletes in our backyard. But every now and then, a story reaches far beyond regional lines, and it demands to be told. This is one of those stories.
On Sunday night, April 27, members of the Charlevoix High School boys golf team were involved in a devastating crash in Benzie County. The team had just finished a two-day tournament at Arcadia Bluffs and was heading back to their hotel when a head-on collision turned their world upside down.
While traveling along M-115 in Joyfield Township, their van was struck by a stolen SUV that crossed the centerline at a high rate of speed. The SUV was driven by 32-year-old Michael Austin Plichta of Cedar, Michigan. Plichta had a criminal history that included multiple arrests, including one just three days prior to the crash. According to reports, he was released from jail on Friday and by Sunday was allegedly under the influence when he stole a vehicle from Grand Traverse County.
Plichta was actively fleeing police when he swerved into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with the golf team’s van. He was killed in the crash.
Inside the van were seven Charlevoix student-athletes and their coach, Doug Drenth. All of them were injured. Several were taken to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, and Coach Drenth was airlifted due to the severity of his injuries.
One of the players, junior Joe Gaffney, sustained major internal injuries and significant pelvic trauma. His father, Aaron Gaffney, told reporters how deeply touched their family has been by the community’s overwhelming support. (Per The Detroit News)
And that support has been massive.
A verified GoFundMe created to assist with uncovered medical costs has already raised more than $248,000. Other schools across Northern Michigan — including Ellsworth High School — have launched their own fundraising efforts and spirit days in honor of Charlevoix. On May 2, the Charlevoix-Emmet ISD declared “Rayder Strong Day,” calling on students, staff, and the community to wear maroon and rally around the injured team.
Photos and stories have poured in from all over the state — golf teams dedicating matches, schools sharing signs of encouragement, and local businesses organizing collections.
A larger fundraiser is scheduled for May 13 at Castle Farms in Charlevoix. The event will include dinner and a silent auction, with proceeds going directly to the families affected.
Charlevoix Superintendent Mike Ritter summed it up best: “We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support from our community, neighboring districts, local businesses, and the junior golf program.” (Per The Petoskey News-Review)
This story is heartbreaking on every level — a senseless tragedy made worse by the fact that it was preventable. But it’s also a reminder of the power of people to rise up and support one another when it matters most.
At CatchMark SportsNet, our hearts go out to every player, parent, coach, and community member in Charlevoix. You’ve got a lot of people pulling for you far beyond your town lines. We’re with you. Stay Rayder Strong.
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