Today in the MHSAA: 12/16/16
December 16, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Looking for a neat feel-good story today? Check out how a Rogers City man filled in the missing words on a 78-year-old trophy in the school’s display case, a great find from our daily grazing of statewide preps coverage.
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.
Boys Basketball
Frankenmuth rebounded from a loss to Bridgeport with a 48-47 win over rival Millington led by Mario Whitley’s 28 points and 18 rebounds – Saginaw News
Hancock remained undefeated with a 41-37 win over rival Houghton – Houghton Daily Mining Gazette
Girls Basketball
A close game at halftime turned into a 44-26 St. Clair win over Almont – Clinton Township Voice
Hockey
Traverse City West scored first and most in a 5-2 win over rival Traverse City Central – Traverse City Record-Eagle
Wrestling
Clare went 1-1 with a win over Saginaw Nouvel and loss to Freeland, as Hart Smalley earned his 100th win – Saginaw News
Good Reads
A 1939 trophy at Rogers City didn't list a champion and led to a resident’s quest to find out more about the only team in school history to finish a boys basketball regular season undefeated – and have the final words added to the award – Alpena News
“Battle of the Fans VI” kicked off this week, and the northern Lower Peninsula has had its share of contenders including reigning champion Traverse City West and Petoskey – which will be applying again according to this report on the benefits of a strong student section – Petoskey News Review
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.)