Today in the MHSAA: 9/6/19
September 6, 2019
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
A west-side swim meet between two of the state’s traditional powers and an east-side volleyball “war” top Thursday’s list of high achievers.
1. Girls Swimming & Diving: Zeeland downed Holland West Ottawa for the first time in more than a decade, 102-84; West Ottawa is an honorable mention in Lower Peninsula Division 1 – Holland Sentinel
2. Volleyball: St. Clair Shores Lakeview won its fifth straight War in the Shores tournament title – Macomb Daily
3. Cross Country: The Bridgman girls and Berrien Springs boys ran to Shamrock Invitational championships – St. Joseph Herald-Palladium
4. Boys Soccer: Division 2 No. 7 Gaylord moved to 8-0 with a 2-1 win over Traverse City Central to begin Big North Conference play – Gaylord Herald Times
5. Boys Soccer: Division 2 No. 2 Richland Gull Lake remained unbeaten by dealing Kalamazoo Central its second loss this season, 5-1 – JoeInsider.com
6. Volleyball: Walled Lake Central downed South Lyon East in five sets to win what could end up a key match in the Lakes Valley Conference race – Oakland Press
7. Boys Soccer: Division 4 top-ranked Muskegon Western Michigan Christian stopped a late penalty kick to hold on for a 2-1 win over Manistee – Local Sports Journal
8. Boys Soccer: Nic Brousseau scored three goals in Pinckney’s 8-2 win over Adrian to run his season total to 19 over 10 games – Livingston Daily Press & Argus
9. Cross Country: Hart swept championships at the Leanna Wolf Geers Invitational hosted by Mason County Central, with Ludington second in both races – Ludington Daily News
10. Boys Soccer: Division 1 No. 6 Midland Dow improved to 8-1 with a 4-0 shutout of Lapeer – Midland Daily News
Also of note …
Girls Tennis: From Wednesday, five-time reigning Upper Peninsula Division 1 champion Negaunee edged reigning three-time UPD2 champ Ishpeming Westwood 5-3 – Marquette Mining Journal
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.)