Smith surprises Howland at benefit basketball game

April 23, 2016 at 12:09a.m.

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By BRIAN DZENIS

HOWLAND

De’Veon Smith would rather be the guy getting the flags and fouls tossed his way.

The Howland graduate and current Michigan running back was a surprise guest at his old high school Friday night. Howland was hosting the inaugural Howland Community Charity Basketball Game between Howland’s police and firemen— Guns vs. Hoses — when Smith was spotted in the second half, earning a shout out from the public address announcer.

He was given the chance to briefly referee the contest. Smith kept a healthy distance from the action and his only call was a technical foul on Patrolman Eric Bowker, who was the school resource officer when Smith was in high school.

“He was always in the high school with us and I’d thought it’d be funny to give him a technical,” Smith said. “It was fun messing with him.”

Smith is back in his hometown for the time being until he returns to Michigan in early May. He rushed for 753 yards and six touchdowns in his junior season with the Wolverines under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The Michigan coach’s intensity won over Smith as early as the first spring practices.

“He got us ready with those four-hour practices in the spring,” Smith said. “You gain toughness and have to dig deep within yourself to figure out if you really love this.”

The police got the better of the fireman Friday night, 26-24. That final score is a little deceptive as 10-point shots were introduced after the firemen fell behind 16-5 at the half. Fireman Brian Barton made a 10-point shot to make the game close at near the end. Passion made up for the lack of basketball acumen as both sides were given sideline warnings and there were three technical fouls handed out.

Proceeds from the game went toward the Howland Community Stadium Foundation, which is raising funds to upgrade Howland’s Richard Lombardo Stadium. All upgrades must be paid for by private donations.

“We’ve tried to pass levys in the past to get new facilities, but we have to take care of what we have to make it the best in the hopes that down the road we can look at different options,” Howland athletic director Andrea Ferenac said.

Ferenac said Lombardo Stadium last got a major renovation 15 years ago and its last major addition was the press box several years ago.

The total cost to perform all the desired upgrades comes out to roughly $1.85 million. The plan is divided into three phases. The first phase is installing FieldTurf $550,000 and the fundraising group is about $150,000 shy of meeting the goal heading into the charity game.

“We’re still working on potential donors,” Foundation President Kevin Wyndham said. “I think if we can secure one or two of those before the end of May, we could still get turf installed this year.”

Phase two involves infrastructure improvements to the stadium’s electrical system, drainage, fencing, improved ticket booths and gates and an expanded Hall of Fame garden. Phase two also involves getting the stadium compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Phase three is improved seating and concessions.

“I think it was a great reach out from the police and fire department to show the investment that this isn’t just a school thing,” Ferenac said. “This is a community event and this whole project is meant to benefit the community.”

To learn more about how to donate, visit howlandstadium.com.