Scott Lonier, class of 1986, was a versatile athlete and natural leader whose high school and collegiate careers left a lasting mark on Grand Ledge athletics. As a tight end for the Comets, he capped his prep career with selection to the East vs West All-Star game, embodying both skill and leadership on the gridiron. Lonier’s impact on Grand Ledge football remains firmly etched in the record books. He still holds school records for receptions in a single season (61) and receiving touchdowns in a season (13), both set during a remarkable 1984 campaign. His 896 receiving yards that year rank second all-time in program history. Over the course of his career, Lonier established himself as one of the most productive receivers ever to wear the Comet uniform, finishing first all-time in career receptions (115), career receiving yards (1,605), and career receiving touchdowns (23). Lonier also excelled on the defense.  His 160 career tackles rank 8th in school history. 

His excellence was recognized with All-State honors in 1984, Special Mention All-State in 1985, and consecutive selections to the LSJ Dream Team ('84, '85). Lonier also served as co-captain his senior year and was selected to the West All-Star team in 1985, highlighting his leadership and impact on the program. Scott also earned a varsity letter playing basketball his senior year at GL.

Scott Lonier’s influence extended to Western Michigan University (1986-1990), where he became a cornerstone of the Broncos’ defense. Standing 6'4" and weighing 235 pounds, Lonier quickly established himself as a versatile and physical linebacker. Over his career, Lonier accumulated 82 total tackles, including 42 solo tackles, along with 7 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception, demonstrating his consistency and playmaking ability. He was a vital part of the Broncos’ 1988 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship team, which went on to compete in the California Bowl, marking a high point in the program’s history (1st outright league title, 1st 9-win season, 1st win over a Big Ten team - @ Wisconsin 24-14, 2nd ever bowl appearance), the 1988 team was considered the program's greatest team up to that point (football had been around since 1906 at WMU).

After graduating from Western Michigan, Scott came home to Grand Ledge to coach as an assistant Varsity Coach (Defensive Coordinator) for 7 seasons under Coach Pat O'Keefe from 1993-1999. During that time, GL had a winning record every season, 8+ wins three times, 9 win seasons twice, won the CAC twice, made the playoffs 4 times, and made the regional finals twice.

Lonier’s dedication, leadership, and performance at Grand Ledge & Western Michigan solidified his legacy as one of the standout football players of his era, earning him a place among the Comets' & Broncos’ all-time greats and a lasting reputation in the programs' histories.

LINK: 1988 MAC Title Team - Scott is #88