Today in the MHSAA: 4/26/16
April 26, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Some of the best play on the diamonds statewide happens in Macomb County, and top matchups in baseball and softball from that area highlight Monday’s action.
Baseball
Unranked but previously-ranked Sterling Heights Stevenson came back to down Division 1 No. 8 Macomb Dakota 7-3 in Macomb Area Conference Red play – Macomb Daily
Boys Golf
Golf jamborees don’t get much closer than the one hosted by Rockford on Monday – the Rams were first at 160, Grand Haven second at 161 and Holland West Ottawa third at 162 – Grand Rapids Press
Boys Lacrosse
From Saturday, Battle Creek Harper Creek won the first-ever All-City Lacrosse Tournament downing Lakeview 10-4 to claim the title – Battle Creek Enquirer
Girls Soccer
Alma’s Sydney Hanson broke her school’s career points record Monday despite only being a sophomore; she has 43 points, two more than the previous mark – Saginaw News
Softball
Waterford Kettering improved to 10-3 with a walk-off hit in the seventh inning to down Howell 4-3 – Livingston Daily
Utica Ford edged Romeo 3-1 in their MAC Red opener and in a matchup of teams receiving honorable mentions in the Division 1 rankings – Macomb Daily
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.)