(12-7-25) Negaunee (Michigan) High School is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A boys basketball player was removed from the varsity basketball team for missing two practices to attend deer camp — a long-standing Upper Peninsula tradition.
AN UPPER MICHIGAN DEER CAMP – FIRST WEEK OF RIFLE SEASON
Michigan deer camp tradition lives on for decades in one forest
The incident has put the community in an uproar.with some siding with the player the other with the coach…and the school administration makes a statement.
Complete from Facebook post above….
UPDATE: New Details Emerge in Negaunee Basketball Controversy Dividing the U.P.
What began as a heartbreaking post from a parent has now grown into one of the most emotionally charged and divided high school sports debates the Upper Peninsula has seen in years. Now, with public player comments, a released text message exchange, the full practice/hunting schedule from Coach Hill, and an official district statement, the full picture is becoming clearer.
The Original Situation
A post from Tiffany Store began circulating after her son Gaven was removed from the Negaunee varsity basketball team for missing two practices to attend deer camp — a long-standing Upper Peninsula tradition. According to the family, the absences were communicated in advance, but the consequence was removal from the roster. Gaven, who had never missed a single game day with his teammates since 3rd grade, was devastated and has since moved to a different sport.
Added by SSN –
Online reaction quickly exploded.
Many called it “punishment, not coaching.” Former coaches chimed in saying it went against what high school sports are meant to teach. Others pointed out that the school handbook allows students two excused school days per year for hunting, which intensified frustration over whether that should extend to sports.
But just as quickly, a strong wave of support for the coach followed.
⸻NEW: Text Message Exchange Shared Publicly
Tiffany has now also shared a screenshotted text message exchange between herself, her husband, and Coach Hill.
In the message, Tiffany asked the coach directly whether Gaven was removed from the team specifically because he informed the coach in advance that he would miss two practices while out of town with family.
Coach Hill responded that:
- • After tryouts, Gaven told him he would be hunting on Monday and Tuesday
- • He was told the expectation was that he would be at practice
- • Gaven reiterated again on Friday that he would still miss both days
- • At the varsity level, full attendance is required
- • The situation had already been discussed with the athletic director
This exchange has now become a major part of the public debate surrounding communication, expectations, and accountability.
⸻Players & Parents Speak in Support of Coach Hill
Several Negaunee players and parents have publicly defended their coach and the team’s standards.
One player wrote:
“The ‘unhealthy expectation for kids’ is soft. The bar was set, we knew it. If you’re not mentally and physically fit and not willing to fully commit your time, don’t play. Multiple players gave up hunting time and work time. Nobody is complaining. We communicate and work around it. Our coach is flexible and easy to talk to. He made a decision knowing the consequences. Simple.”
Another emotional parent post said their child would “bend over backwards, walk on hot coals” for Coach Hill and credited him with making a huge positive impact on athletes from 3rd grade through 12th grade. That same parent expressed heartbreak over how the social media reaction has affected not just one family — but the entire community.
Other parents added that:
- • The gym is open more frequently for players
- • Confidence, work ethic, and player development have increased
- • The summer camp and overall culture have been overwhelmingly positive
⸻Coach Hill Releases Full Practice & Hunting Schedule
Coach Hill has now released the full tryout, practice, scrimmage, and hunting window, showing that varsity players had up to 9 full days available to hunt, JV had 10 days, and freshman had 11.
Key Dates
- • Tryouts: 11/12 (Wed), 11/13 (Thurs)
- • Practice: 11/14 (left work early so kids could hunt), 11/17–11/21
- • Scrimmages: 11/22 at Eagle River, 11/24 vs CFFP
- • Optional Practices: 11/23, 11/26 (Thanksgiving break), 11/30
- • OFF Days: 11/25, 11/28, 11/29
- • Season Opener: 12/02 vs Escanaba (“The Post”)
Coach Hill stated:
“Varsity players could have hunted 9 full days if they chose. Negaunee basketball values family time. I missed my own kids’ first basketball tournament because Negaunee Varsity Basketball came first. Love our team, love our parents, love our administrators! You only made us stronger.”
He also added:
“Me and my son only got two days to hunt. We chose basketball, and God is good — he still got his first buck ever on Sunday 11/16. We were able to do both like many of our boys in the program.”
⸻Still a Deeply Divided Community
Some still firmly believe:
- • Family first
- • Traditions matter
- • The penalty was too extreme
Others believe:
- • Expectations were clearly stated
- • Flexibility existed
- • Team commitment must mean something
This has now become a conversation about tradition vs. accountability, family vs. program commitment, and what discipline should look like in small-town athletics.
One Final Note
Negaunee opened the season with a dominant 54–35 win over Escanaba, showing the program remains focused on the court while emotions continue to run high off of it.
UP sports. Real life. Real emotions.
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