Two senior basketball players and Coach Gary Bailey represented Grace in the annual “Champions of Character All-Star Basketball Classic” on Wednesday night.  The game is played by local college seniors against former West Michigan players that are now in the pros here or outside the country.  Paul Nelson and Kyle Rothley competed against such former players as Drew Neitzel (MSU) now playing in Germany, Thomas Kelley (MSU) playing in Israel, Kyle Visser (Wake Forest) playing in Germany and many more.  Paul Nelson hit four three’s in the game and totaled 14 points while Kyle Rothley hit for 5 points and pulled down 6 rebounds.  The rest of the squad was made up of players from Western Michigan University, Central Michigan University, Cornerstone, Davenport, Aquinas, Calvin, and Trinity Christian. 

Grace Coach Gary Bailey was asked to co-coach the Seniors Team with Hope College legend Glen VanWieren who has amassed  a 660- 219 record at the D-III school.  VanWieren retired this year after 33 seasons.  “What a great honor for some of our players to be invited to play tonight.  This is the first time Grace has participated in the game.  It was a great blessing to be asked to coach in this game and I don’t know how it could get any better than to sit beside Glen VanWieren”, said Head Coach Gary Bailey.  “He is a true gentleman and a classy man.  He has everyones respect.”  

Brandon Herlein was also asked to play but was unavailable for the event. 

Paul Nelson with Callistus Eziukwu (France)

Kyle Rothley knockes down his free throw

Coach Bailey with Glen Van Wieren