Today in the MHSAA: 12/14/23
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
December 14, 2023
1. WRESTLING Top-ranked Detroit Catholic Central downed No. 4 Davison 54-12 in a matchup of annual Division 1 title contenders – WJRT
2. WRESTLING Remus Chippewa Hills earned a pair of notable wins, 42-33 over Division 2 No. 3 Bay City John Glenn and 44-31 over Shepherd – Big Rapids Pioneer
3. GIRLS BASKETBALL Layla Baber had a school-record 19 steals to go with 32 points in Saginaw Arts & Sciences’ win over St. Helen Charlton Heston Academy – Saginaw News
4. HOCKEY Grand Rapids Christian turned a hot stretch during the first period into a 4-3 win over Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern/Eastern – FOX 17
5. WRESTLING Division 4 No. 7 Union City defeated Mendon 64-15 in an “assembly dual” during the school day – Coldwater Daily Reporter
6. HOCKEY Division 3 No. 5 Flint Powers Catholic handed Davison/Genesee its first loss – Flint Journal
7. HOCKEY Fenton/Linden edged Milford 4-3 in overtime – WNEM
8. WRESTLING Division 4 No. 3 St. Louis defeated Carson City-Crystal and Chesaning at another assembly meet – Mount Pleasant Morning Sun
9. WRESTLING Cadillac won big over Manton and McBain during its assembly meet – Cadillac News
10. BOYS BASKETBALL Shepherd came back from an early deficit to defeat Clare 47-36 – MI Sports Now
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.)