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But, that's where the Elks' incredible run ended. Grand Rapids South Christian took an early lead and never relinquished it in posting a 3-2 win at Big Rapids.

The Elks finished the year 20-6, and won their 12th regional championship. It was the second biggest sports story of 2007.

Unfortunately, in a stunning postscript, long-time head coach Al Gredlein stepped down following complaints that he swore at his players on the sidelines during a game.

Although he later tried to recant his letter of resignation, the school board voted 5-2 to accept and end Gredlein's term as coach.

Gredlein guided the Elks to four state finals appearances, and came back with the championship trophy twice.

Elk Rapids had to overcome serious injuries that put several key players on the shelf for extended stretches, and yet were consistently successful. The Elks didn't have their full complement of starters on the pitch at the same time until the post-season.

Ian Sliger and Garrett Gribi, the team's top two scorers who also led in assists, frequently were seperated by injuries. Fortunately, the Elks' defense kept them in every game, finishing the season with 12 shutouts.

"Each and every one of the players that I asked to assume a role that they were not accustomed to did so," Gredlein said. "And did it better than I would have ever thought they could. It goes to prove that kids can do a lot of good things even though it is outside their comfort zone."

Gribi and Sliger graduate in June, which takes away the better part of the Elks' offense this season.

Sliger led the Elks with 31 goals and 19 assists, while Gribi added 30 goals and 17 assists.

Replacing them, and the other six graduating seniors, will be the first major chore for the in-coming coach.

But the cupboard is certainly not barren. There's plenty of talent coming back, and some solid prospects off the junior varsity team to consider. It will be a year of transition. But the Elks are counting on making it back to the state semifinals.