Today in the MHSAA: 11/17/16
November 17, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
A few more Michigan high school hockey teams faced off for the first time Wednesday, while we waved good-bye to a well-regarded coach and learned about the inspiration behind one of our football finalists.
Each weekday during the school year, we’ll gather and post media links covering the most significant and intriguing high school events from all over the state.
Ice hockey
Cadillac was among the next wave to start its season Wednesday, handing a 9-2 loss to Traverse City-based co-op Bay Area Reps – Cadillac News
Good Reads
Fans watching the MHSAA 8-Player Football Final on Friday will notice a pink ribbon on the backs of Deckerville players’ helmets as they honor someone who has influenced them and the coaches who lead their program – Huron Daily Tribune
Coach Will Cleaver has been a face of high school football in Gaylord for two decades, and has stepped down from the Blue Devils for the second time after previously leading the team to its first playoff berth and more recently back to the postseason – Gaylord Herald Times
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.)