Today in the MHSAA: 4/26/17
April 26, 2017
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Oakland County again features some of the best boys lacrosse and girls soccer in the state, and top teams this spring took a step forward in both sports Tuesday afternoon.
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 Lacrosse
In a matchup of top programs statewide, Division 1 No. 7 Lake Orion downed No. 6 Clarkston 8-5 to take a lead in the Oakland Activities Association Red race – Oakland Press
Girls Soccer
Division 1 No. 4 Brighton extended its winning streak to seven over rival Hartland with a 2-0 victory – Livingston Daily Press & Argus
Division 2 top-ranked Bloomfield Hills Marian moved to 7-0 with a 6-3 defeat of rival Farmington Hills Mercy in the Detroit Catholic League – Oakland Press
Softball
Division 1 No. 6 Midland got past Bay City Western in a doubleheader, 12-2 in the first game but only 5-3 in extra innings in the second – Bay City Times
Calumet hit six home runs in a sweep of nearby Hancock in the first Copper Softball Trophy game – Houghton Daily Mining Gazette
Track & Field
The Bad Axe boys nudged past Cass City 105-102, to win the Unionville-Sebewaing Invitational, while Reese pulled away in the girls competition – Huron Daily Tribune
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.)