Who We Are
Our Story
and Purpose
Our Story
Former Athletes Saw a Serious Funding Gap
Back in 2019, former athletes Rick Dyer (SJPS Class of 1976), Kerry Wright, and Tereck Halsey met with Athletic Director Kevin Guzzo to discuss the value and benefits provided to students through athletic participation. Having participated in athletics themselves, and being parents of student athletes, they understood the positive impact and life lessons learned through athletic team involvement.
They talked about the needs within SJPS’s athletic program, not just for high-profile sports like football and basketball, but for every sport. They also learned that over 50% of all students participate in at least one athletic team.
What they discovered through discussions and research was eye-opening. With school budgets stretched thin to support academic, transportation, food, and operational expenses, the athletic department and individual teams lacked the resources needed to maintain appropriate facilities, purchase quality equipment, and offer training opportunities for coaches and student athletes.
It was clear that without additional support of SJPS’s athletic program, too many students would miss out on an athletic experience and all the life-shaping lessons that come with it.
After continuing discussions through the COVID years and investigating options and opportunities, the Maize and Blue Fund Athletic Fund was created during a meeting of Rick, Kerry and Kevin in early 2025. Now, the Maize and Blue Athletic Fund is guided by a dedicated board of directors, made up of former athletes, alumni, parents of athletes, and community members, along with active and committed committee members.
Our Purpose
Close the Funding Gap and Build a Stronger Future for SJPS Athletics
The Maize and Blue Fund raises vital awareness of the ongoing shortfalls in athletic funding, particularly for high-impact projects such as facility enhancements, equipment modernization and programs that foster athletic skills, leadership and character development. It fills the gap by rallying support from former SJPS athletes, alumni, parents, staff, community members, businesses and organizations.
Every dollar raised helps provide resources for all Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) sanctioned sport at SJPS. Together, we’re enriching the athletic experience for today’s middle and high school athletes and building a legacy that will benefit generations to come.
Our Community. Our Athletes. Our Legacy.
Our Goals
Enhance the Athletic Experience for all SJPS Students
Our goal is simple – to enhance the athletic experience for all SJPS students and provide the opportunity to learn long-term life skills and lessons through athletic participation.
Former President and Five-Star General Dwight D. Eisenhower indicated that it was his involvement in youth sports when he first discovered his talents as a leader and organizer. We know that athletic participation is much more than simply being “in the game” or “on the team”. Athletic participation helps student athletes develop a multitude of life-long skills such as:
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Teamwork and working toward a shared goal
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Commitment and dedication
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Hard work and preparation
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Celebrating wins with grace and class
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Respecting opponents and healthy rivalries
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Dealing with frustration, disappointment, and loss
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Leadership
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Multi-tasking and time management
Through athletic participation, student athletes develop character and skills, while the athletic events themselves create an environment wherein SJPS students support and encourage each other, while also providing connections, school spirit, and common purposes.
Maize & Blue Board of Directors
Rick Dyer
President
Kerry Wright
Vice President
Kevin Guzzo
Vice President
Justin Mack
Treasurer
Maureen Fischer
Secretary
Bob Basselman
Kristen Bawks
Ex Officio
Janna Conybeare
Maritza Dibkey
Kara Gibson
Tereck Halsey
Catherine Kirshenbaum
Liz Petzke
Mike Ryan
Jamie Spitale
Dr. Chris Trigger
Dr. Tim Ward