State Representative Pauline Wendzel has launched the 2025 Southwest Michigan Spirit Tournament, a chance for schools throughout her district to show off their pride.

Wendzel tells us the tournament is a March Madness-style bracket and kicks off with a prime-time matchup between reigning champions the Hartford Huskies and the South Haven Rams on Sunday.

“It’s all about liking and sharing,” Wendzel said. “It’s all social media related, of course, and showing your school spirit with pictures and comments.”

The rest of the competitions start Monday. Schools compete by sharing photos that display their spirit and engaging online.

Wendzel says it’s always encouraging to see how Southwest Michigan feels about its schools.

“I went to Watervliet and I know our small schools have more spirit and it’s so fun. I think in Southwest Michigan we’re so unique in the way that a lot of us, generations — I was the fifth generation to attend Watervliet Public Schools. Our parents have gone there, our grandparents sometimes, our cousins and aunts and uncles, and we all are very proud of our schools.”

Wendzel says the tournament is about celebrating everything that makes our schools great — academics, robotics, athletics, arts, and the sense of community. The tournament runs all month.

The rules can be seen below.