Today in the MHSAA: 1/10/22
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
January 10, 2022
1. BOYS BASKETBALL Reigning Division 3 champion Flint Beecher ended 2021 Division 2 champ Grand Rapids Catholic Central’s winning streak at 27 with a 75-69 victory – Mid-Michigan Now
2. GIRLS BASKETBALL Nevaeh Williams scored 60 points, tied for fourth-most in state history, in Mount Clemens’ 71-27 win over Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac – Macomb Daily
3. WRESTLING Davison had a tournament-high five champions among an elite field at the Detroit Catholic Central Invitational – Michigan Grappler
4. GYMNASTICS Grand Ledge topped a loaded field at the Rockford Flip-Flop Invitational, followed by Canton – Coldwater Daily Reporter
5. WRESTLING Alma was first and Hudson second at the New Lothrop Hall of Fame Tournament – Coldwater Daily Reporter
6. BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING DeWitt won Saginaw Heritage’s Muzz Relays, and Marquette was second in what was believed to be its first trip for a downstate competition in the sport – Marquette Mining Journal
7. WRESTLING Iron Mountain ended host Escanaba’s four-year championship run in winning the Elks Invitational – Iron Mountain Daily News
8. COMPETITIVE CHEER Allen Park finished first among teams in all divisions at its 20-team invitational – Southgate News-Herald
9. WRESTLING Temperance Bedford was first and Holt second at Bedford’s Denny Brighton Invitational – Monroe News
10. HOCKEY Lane Petit’s goal during the final seconds pushed Brighton past Hancock 2-1; Brighton would go on to defeat Calumet the following day – Livingston Daily Press & Argus
Holland West Ottawa Athletics Complex Recognized with National Award
December 12, 2023
Holland West Ottawa Public Schools’ new athletics complex, with architectural firm GMB, has been recognized as the top multi-field facility nationally by the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), the national organization for builders and suppliers of materials for athletic facilities.
West Ottawa’s new stadium consists of two turf playing fields. The west field was designed deliberately without a surrounding track to bring the stands and field closer together with a central tunnel beneath the grandstands for the home team to enter onto the field. The same synthetic turf, light posts, and state-of-the-art audio/video systems are utilized on both fields for an equitable experience for all users.
Multiple ground-level entry points with access to the fields, barrier-free locker rooms and multiple seating options with elevator access also create accessibility for spectators, players, coaches, and support staff.
“This facility allows our students the opportunity to play in one of the premier complexes in the state of Michigan,” said Jeff Malloch, assistant superintendent of business services at West Ottawa Public Schools. “We have seen continued interest in lacrosse, football, and soccer, and this complex will be utilized by our community youth from elementary age to high school student-athletes.”
Adding elevated fan experiences, such as a concourse level between the upper and lower sections of the home stands, bigger bleachers, and updated concession stands and restrooms establish a venue for multiple sports and attract the entire community to utilize the facility.
“This is a one-of-a-kind facility for West Michigan, and it’s been wonderful to see student-athletes from across the state enjoy the complex’s unique amenities,” said Nate Bosch, a landscape architect with GMB. “The collaboration needed to make this project come to life was an inspiring process to be a part of, and we are so pleased to celebrate this accomplishment with West Ottawa.”
This is the first time a GMB project has been awarded a multi-field facility of the year honor by the ASBA. GMB also has received four Project of the Year honors in the outdoor tennis category and 20 distinguished awards from ASBA for other athletic facility projects over the past 12 years.
(Photos by M-Buck Studio.)