At right, Justin Sterk, the junior forward for state champion Traverse City Central. Justin Sterk, the son of Jim (1972 LaSalle alumnus) and Kelley Sterk, is a member of the Traverse City Central High School hockey team, which recently won the Division 2 state championship.

The Trojans defeated Davison 4-3 in the semifinals and upended Saline 2-1 in the title game at Compuware Arena in Plymouth Friday, March 10, and Saturday, March 11.

Justin, the grandson of Harold and Jean Sterk of St. Ignace, recorded the assist during the winning goal in the semifinal game against Davison.

The junior forward is in his second season on the Trojans squad that won the Big North Conference with a 9-0-1 record and completed the championship season with a 26-2-1 overall mark, the first hockey crown in the history of Traverse City Central's program.

The Trojans, coached by Chris Givens in his 11th season, advanced to the final four after defeating Muskegon Mona Shores 4-2 and Portage Northern 5-4 in the regionals and edged Haslett/Williamston 2-1 in the quarterfinals.

The tie was against cross-town rival Traverse City West at 1-1, and the two setbacks with Warren DeLaSalle 3-0, in the very first game of the season, and Saginaw Heritage 1-0.