FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dexter High School - Michael McHugh inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame. The Michigan High School Coaches Association (MHSCA) has selected Michael McHugh from Dexter High School for induction into the Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place at the Comfort Inn & Suites Conference Center, Mount Pleasant, MI, on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The MHSCA is a 72-year old association with nearly 9,000 members representing 18 sport related sport associations. It was founded on the campus of Central Michigan University in 1954. The Hall of Fame is located in the hallway of the old Rose Arena entrance. Coaching Biographical Information: For more than two decades, Michael McHugh has been the driving force behind one of Michigan’s most successful and admired high school swimming and diving programs. Since arriving at Dexter High School in 2006, McHugh has built a dynasty defined by excellence, discipline, and a team‑first culture that has shaped hundreds of student‑athletes. McHugh’s competitive record is extraordinary. As head coach of Dexter’s boys’ program for 20 seasons, he has led the Dreadnaughts to 14 conference championships, five MHSAA state titles (2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019), and a state runner‑up finish in 2014. From 2011–2019, Dexter placed in the top four at the MHSAA Division 2 Championships every year, establishing one of the most dominant eras in Michigan swimming history. His teams also earned 11 Top‑5 national finishes in the NISCA Dual Meet Rankings. His career varsity record stands at 175–62, with 181 multi‑team event wins. McHugh has coached 123 All‑State swimmers, 17 individual state champions, and 27 state runners‑up, along with numerous collegiate standouts and Olympic Trials qualifiers. Among them are Nik Eberly, Rob Zofchak, Clayton Kinnard, and Kirk Kumbier, who credit McHugh for shaping their athletic and personal development. The letters supporting his nomination reveal the depth of his impact. Former athlete and Auburn/Michigan swimmer Nik Eberly wrote, “Coach McHugh ended up being the most consistent coach I’ve ever had… He cares about his athletes, about their success and their wellbeing.” He added, “A great coach teaches you how to thrive in and out of the sport. McHugh is that great coach.” Another former swimmer, Andrew Pek, shared, “He meets every athlete where they are… For those who needed mentorship, he was eager to be there—and continues to be, even 11 years after I graduated.” Parents echo the same sentiment. One wrote, “He developed athletes out of kids who could barely swim 50 yards… and at the same time coached state champions in the same pool.” Another noted his leadership during the COVID‑19 shutdowns, calling him “a genuine mentor and role model who held everything together.” Beyond the pool, McHugh has served the sport through leadership roles with MISCA and NISCA, including terms as MISCA President, Zone 4 Director, and National Dual Meet Ranking Chair. For his competitive excellence, mentorship, and lasting influence on Michigan swimming, the Michigan High School Coaches Association proudly welcomes Michael McHugh into the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. For more information about the MHSCA Hall of Fame contact Mark F. Holdren at mholdren.11@gmail.com or 517-526-4575.