John Messenger

John Messenger

Class of 1964

John Messenger's varsity letters represent his all around athletic ability. John earned three letters in football, three letters in basketball, two letters in track and four letters in baseball. When you combine an exemplary work ethic with a warrior's spirit of competition and solid physical skills, what you have is John Messenger. Through four years of high school (1960-64) there was plenty of ink used by the Kalamazoo Gazette sports section in recording John's athletic endeavors. He was named to all state teams multiple times in basketball, football, and baseball. John's athletic talent was well recognized and he was able to "trade" his physical skills which allowed him to play at the collegiate level for the education he received from Western Michigan University. Not surprisingly, upon graduation John became a teacher of physical education and a coach. John coached both boys and girls in various sports and served as a model and mentor for countless numbers of young people.   Written by John Mooy

Comstock High School

  • 12 Varsity Letters – Football, Basketball, Baseball & Track
  • 1963 Class B 1st Team All State Football - QB
  • 1964 3rd Team All State Basketball
  • 1964 Received Minor League Baseball offer from Cleveland Indians
  • 1963-64 KVA Champions – Football, Basketball & Baseball

Western Michigan University – NCAA Division I

  • 4 Yr. Varsity Letter Winner – Football
  • 1966 Mid American Co-Champs

Coaching Career – 1969-2005 - Three Rivers High School

  • Varsity Football Coach 1973-83
    • 1978 – 8-1 Record – State Ranked
  • Varsity Girls Basketball Coach – 1984-88 & 1994-2000
  • 8th Grade Boys & Girls Basketball Coach – 1975-2005
  • Middle School Tennis Coach – 1985-2005

Athletic Honors

  • 1998 Wolverine Conference Girls Basketball Coach of the Year
  • 2002 Wolverine Conference Distinguished Service Award
  • 2006 Three Rivers High School Hall of Fame
  • 2010 Comstock High School Hall of Fame