Today in the MHSAA: 6/11/19
June 11, 2019
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
We’re at the point in our school year where there were no events played Monday – Softball Quarterfinals are today, as are half of our Girls Soccer Semifinals – but here are a few headlines to check out as we continue to move through the final week of 2018-19.
This weekend: The Baseball, Softball and Girls Soccer Finals return to Michigan State University’s Old College Field beginning Thursday, and the Greater Lansing Sports Authority fills in the details – LansingSports.org
be nice.: The MHSAA is turning attention toward a new path in its health & safety mission – mental health – and here’s a glance at some of the work we’ll be doing to promote the be nice. Action Plan – Running in Silence
Baseball: The Detroit Free Press spent the MLB draft with Brownstown Woodhaven pitcher Colin Czajkowski, arguably Michigan’s top player, and documents the decisions that led to his ultimately not getting drafted – this time – as he’ll go on to University of Michigan instead – Detroit Free Press
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.)