Today in the MHSAA: 1/22/16
January 22, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Records fell, stealing the show Thursday night – both puns intended – as bowling and basketball milestones were achieved on both sides for the bridge.
Boys Basketball
St. Ignace’s Gage Kreski had eight steals (to go with 29 points and 17 rebounds) in a 78-40 win over Pickford to extend his career steals total to 366, breaking the MHSAA career record of 363 – Sault Ste. Marie Evening News
Howard City Tri-County’s Dylan Matulis threatened the single-game MHSAA record for steals for the second time in a week, following up Friday’s 13 against Newaygo with 10 more against Holton; the record is 14 – Grand Rapids Press
From earlier this week, Boyne Falls’ Marcus Matelski became the 35th player in MHSAA boys history to score 2,000 points, breaking that plateau with 38 in an 81-19 win over Harbor Springs Harbor Light Christian – Petoskey News
The fight for first in the Cascades Conference came down to the final seconds as Michigan Center beat Hanover-Horton for the first time since 2010, 56-55 – Jackson Citizen-Patriot
A.J. Morgan’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer gave St. Clair Shores South Lake a 57-56 win over Clinton Township Clintondale – Macomb Daily
Bowling
Zeeland’s Christina Scheuerman set two school records in a 28-2 win over Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills with a high game of 279 and series of 481 – Holland Sentinel
Ice Hockey
Zach Leonard’s five goals helped formerly-ranked Berkley to a 6-2 win over Division 1 No. 9 Lake Orion – Oakland Press
Skiing
Cadillac swept both the girls and boys competitions at its invitational at Caberfae Peaks on Thursday – Cadillac News
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.)