Kirtland Community College

Sports News Release

10775 N. St. Helen Road, Roscommon, MI 48653 (989) 275-5000     kirtland.edu
For Release: Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005 Office: Public Relations 
Contact: Irene Borak, (989) 275-5000 Ext. 242

Bobcats join roster of Kirtland Firebirds
ROSCOMMON – Brian Suchowesky and Dave Blanchard, two outstanding student athletes and 2005 graduates of Houghton Lake High School, have joined the roster of the Kirtland Firebirds men’s basketball team.

They join a large freshman contingent on the Kirtland squad this fall – out of 19, 14 are freshmen – and bring a large amount of talent to the court.

Suchowesky, a 6’4” forward, averaged just shy of 15 points per game for the Bobcats, as well as 8.2 rebounds.

“Brian was the most talented player I ever coached,” said his former Houghton Lake High School coach, Eric Drogt. “He can play any position, inside or outside.”

The proof is in Houghton Lake’s record – the Bobcats were 24-2, undefeated in league play for the last two seasons.

“Dave and Brian played a big part in that,” Drogt said.

Blanchard doesn’t have his teammate’s height, but at 5’8” he is quick and a strong ball handler, according to his new coach, Glen Donahue, head coach of Kirtland’s men’s team. He’ll be playing guard for Kirtland.

“Dave was a fine leader and the team’s Most Valuable Player,” Drogt said. “I wish them both the best at Kirtland.”

“We are certainly happy to have them,” Donahue said.

The Firebirds’ first home game, at the CRAF Center in Roscommon, is Tuesday, Nov. 22, when Kirtland hosts Lansing Community College. The Lady Firebirds play at 5:30 p.m., while the men’s game begins at 7:30 p.m.


Dave Blanchard (left) and Brian Suchowesky, both 2005 Houghton Lake High School graduates, have joined the ranks of the Kirtland Firebirds for the fall basketball season.