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MKG Risers Transitions To New Leadership
MUSKEGON, MI - The Risers soccer organization transitions to new leadership under H.C. Michael Boogaart, Josh Armstrong and Pedro Sanchez.
The change in leadership comes after 11 years of leadership under Matt Schmitt. While no longer involved in the day-to-day, Schmitt will remain a trusted advisor to the new operators.
Boogaart, Armstrong, and Sanchez are no strangers to arena soccer or the Risers. The trio has experience running an arena team, The Grand Rapids Wanderers, which competed in the Premier Arena Soccer League (PASL) & were founding members/affiliates to the Risers in the Major Arena Soccer League third division (MASL3/M3).
Schmitt commented on the recent Rise & Grind podcast episode (ep. 2) about the transition:
"After 11 years of me (Matt S) at the helm and growing it according to a vision that I had after growing up in Muskegon and playing soccer at a high level and seeing how a team could work in this community from a grassroots perspective and it's time to grow. It's time for new ideas."
Schmitt continued, "I, personally and professionally, emptied the tank with everything from my experiences in life, my talents, the relationships that I have in Muskegon. It's one of those situations where it's time for a new vision and renewed energy."
The new group stepped in mid-November with team tryouts as their first task.
Sanchez, who will manage the day-to-day operations of the risers, commented:
"I'm grateful for Matt and his friendship that led us to this point. He was very thorough with his dealings with the organization, which has made it easy to step in and avoid restarting everything. Mike is no stranger to the fan base as he enters his 2nd year as head coach. He'll also lead our Women's team this winter. Furthermore, we're committed to carrying the torch that Matt has passed on to us and continuing to provide the highest entertainment on the turf and service in the community."
For a full interview with Matt, listen to the "Rise & Grind" podcast: [HERE]