Today in the MHSAA: 2/12/16
February 12, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Wrestling Districts again dominated the action Thursday, and many of the headline grabbers are linked up below – as well as a basketball game filled with impressive numbers and a video feature showing one of Michigan’s all-time high school greats.
Boys Basketball
Jamal Cain had 42 points and 20 rebounds to lead Cornerstone Health/Technology to a 101-93 win over Detroit Pershing – Detroit News
Wrestling
Matt Mills won the final match of the night to give Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central its fourth straight District title with a 32-31 win over Rockford – Grand Rapids Press
Macomb Dakota also trailed going into the final match of its Division I District Final, but Dustin Solomon won to give the No. 9 Cougars a final 29-28 victory over No. 8 New Baltimore Anchor Bay – Macomb Daily
Portage Central beat rival Portage Northern for the first time in three years, claiming a Division 1 District title with a 42-41 victory – Kalamazoo Gazette
No. 6 Caro won its 23rd straight District championship, downing Essexville Garber in a Division 3 championship match – Saginaw News
From Wednesday, Tecumseh won its 14th straight District championship, claiming a Division 2 title – Adrian Daily Telegram
Also from Wednesday, Manistique won the first wrestling District title in school history, downing Newberry 31-24 in a Division 3 Final – Escanaba Daily Press
Worth the Watch
This came out during the fall, but is a worthwhile 23 minutes on a frigid day as well; Dearborn Heights Robichaud’s Tyrone Wheatley is considered one of the most incredible athletes in Michigan high school history and then came back to successfully coach his alma mater before moving on to the football staff at University of Michigan. This is his story, complete with clips from his high school days – State Champs!
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.)