Athletics
SEVEN WEST MICHIGAN SCHOOL DISTRICTS ANNOUNCE THE CREATION OF THE RIVER CITIES ALLIANCE
News provided by: River Cities Alliance
October 25, 2023
MICHIGAN – It is with great excitement and purpose that the member school districts announce the creation of the River Cities Alliance. Beginning in the fall of 2024, the River Cities Alliance will become a school-based conference throughout West Michigan, collaborating in athletics, the arts, and academics.
The inaugural members are Allendale Public Schools, Cedar Springs Public Schools, Coopersville Area Schools, Greenville Public Schools, Lowell Area Schools, Kenowa Hills Public Schools, and Sparta Area Schools.
The River Cities Alliance was formed to pursue a partnership between nearby school districts of similar size to create localized competition and a more community-centric atmosphere for students to share their athletic, artistic, and academic skills. “As part of the River Cities Alliance, we are committed to ensuring the best interests of our students and their families always come first,” said Kenowa Hills Public Schools Superintendent Gerald Hopkins. “Our commitment is rooted in the shared desire for all students to have the opportunity to compete at more local venues, showcasing their talents against athletes and scholars from nearby schools of similar size.”
Beginning in the fall of 2024, the school districts that make up the River Cities Alliance will compete against each other as any other athletic conference would, while continuing to compete in non-conference games. The member districts are also focused on supporting other co-curricular experiences through competition in academic groups like robotics, math, and debate clubs, as well as shining a brighter light on fine arts programs by having all-conference band and choir competitions. “We are excited to see this alliance come to life,” added Hopkins. “Hometown rivalries, closer travel for our students and their families, and a shared network of resources between seven committed districts will only enrich the experiences of our students.”
Pete Bush, a seasoned educator and leader, has been appointed Commissioner of the River Cities Alliance. With a Master of Arts in Athletic Administration from Central Michigan University, Bush’s career has been marked by a commitment to the development and well-being of young students and athletes. With a background that includes serving as athletic director in Cedar Springs and coaching varsity basketball and baseball at Lowell High School, his passion for sports education and mentorship began at the school level and progressed through his career. As a former superintendent of Sparta Area Schools, as well as a high school principal at Coopersville High School, Bush’s leadership has consistently emphasized the importance of youth sports in shaping character and fostering growth. He has previously served as President of the OK Conference and OK Blue Division and became a National Certified Athletic Administrator in 2007.
Bush's appointment signals a bright future for youth sports, with dedication and mentorship at its core. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the River Cities Alliance, working alongside educators with a student-first mindset,” said River Cities Alliance Commissioner Pete Bush. “I’ve had the privilege over my career to work with four of the seven River City Alliance schools and I’m honored to be able to return to my passion for youth sports, and also help build the alliance to further support competition in both academics and the arts.”
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MEDIA CONTACT
River Cities Alliance
Commissioner Pete Bush
Phone - 616-893-4567
Email - pbush@capsk12.org
rivercitiesalliance.org
