General | August 12, 2025 | 10:48

When reflecting on the history of the Prep Kickoff Classic, Dave Beachnau beams like a proud parent when asked if he ever thought the event would reach its 20th year after debuting in 2005.
 
"I would have said it wasn't possible," said Beachnau, who served as executive director of the Detroit Sports Commission from its founding in 2001 until February 2025. "You always hope an idea comes to full fruition. It's probably one of the proudest moments of my career to establish this event and see where it's come since 2005."
 
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Prep Kickoff Classic, an annual season‑opening showcase that has brought communities together, created lifelong memories and given countless high school athletes a platform they'll never forget.
 
"It's a great environment and adds excitement to the start of the season," said Allen Park head coach Tom Danosky, whose team will make its 10th appearance in 2025. "I always ask the kids if they want to play in the game or just stay at home. Our kids love playing at home, but every time they choose the Prep Kickoff Classic."
 
A vision to unite communities
While the Detroit Sports Commission has helped land major national events for the city — including the 2024 NFL Draft and the 2027 NCAA Men's Final Four — its mission is equally rooted in serving local athletes and communities.
 
"It's critically important," Beachnau said. "We're always looking for support and collaboration to bring the community together. A lot of what we do requires community support, and the relationships we've built with athletic directors and coaches have gone a long way in our success."
 
That philosophy inspired Beachnau in 2003 to travel to Cincinnati, Ohio, to experience the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown — a season‑opening high school football event that, at the time, was played at the University of Cincinnati. 
 
Impressed by the atmosphere, Beachnau set out to create a similar showcase for Southeast Michigan. The goal: give athletes — many of whom would never play beyond high school — the rare opportunity to compete on a college campus in front of large crowds.
 
"To give them an opportunity to play on a college campus in front of big crowds is really what it's all about," Beachnau said.
 
To get the ball rolling, Beachnau first met over breakfast with Wayne Welton and Curt Ellis, then athletic directors at Chelsea and Novi high schools, respectively. He also held brainstorming sessions with Chelsea head coach Brad Bush, now with the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Bush, a former Eastern Michigan assistant coach, helped leverage his connections at EMU to host the inaugural event at Rynearson Stadium in 2005.
 
Getting it started
The first Prep Kickoff Classic featured four games: Saline vs. Northville (Northville won 40‑13), Allen Park vs. Trenton (Allen Park 41‑6), Lake Orion vs. Troy (Lake Orion 35‑6) and Chelsea vs. Novi (Novi 14‑7).
 
Convincing teams to give up a home game for the showcase was the biggest initial hurdle.
Bush recalled that while the idea wasn't an easy sell, teams quickly discovered the benefits.
 
"It created a buzz among our kids," he said. "They were excited about it. It almost felt like a college bowl game — playing in a different stadium, against a good opponent, in a big game."
 
Word spread fast. Soon, athletic directors and coaches were calling the Detroit Sports Commission to request a spot in the event.
 
Heading into 2025, 96 schools — including several from outside Michigan — have competed in the Prep Kickoff Classic.
 
"As time went on and we established ourselves as a credible, quality event, we started to receive phone calls from schools wanting to participate," Beachnau said. The event quickly grew beyond football. Cheerleaders, marching bands and entire school communities embraced the experience."It's been a great opportunity for our players, cheerleaders and band members to display their talents in a collegiate stadium and a great environment," Danosky said.
 
Growing bigger and better
In 2012, the Prep Kickoff Classic moved from Eastern Michigan to Wayne State University, where it continues to thrive. Hosting the event in the heart of Detroit has only amplified its reach and impact.
 
"The Prep Kickoff Classic gives us exposure," said Marvin Rushing, head coach of Detroit Cass Tech, which will make its 12th appearance in 2025. "Exposure for our kids to get recruited across the country. Exposure to play against some of the best players and coach against some of the best coaches in the country."
 
Cass Tech senior offensive lineman Khalief Canty first played in the event as a sophomore in 2023.
 
"It's electric," Canty said. "When we come out, we feel like we own it. Playing on that field just feels special."
 
The momentum shows no signs of slowing. Community support remains strong, and demand to participate continues to grow.
 
"We get that feedback each and every year," Beachnau said. "We encourage bands, cheerleaders — everyone in the community — to be part of it, embrace it and be recognized. We've been able to do that."
 
Expect future milestones — and even bigger celebrations — for the Prep Kickoff Classic in the years ahead.