FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[DBQ1965]

As it's quiet on the football front for at least another week or two (resultant of spring workouts, recruiting news, facility upgrades, and general anticipation), this link from the Wall Street Journal is pretty interesting... bound to create some seismic controversy and isostatic rebound in numerous Bay Area and Sacramento circles.  At least "which" rather than "whose" fault is clearly defined, but the strike/slip shifts are yet to be determined.   

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304432704577350214257041598.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

All the controversy aside ... having grown up in northern California and been to many a game at Memorial Stadium, I can safely say it is one of those "classic" football bowls.  It may not have the mystique of The Big House or The Horseshoe or Notre Dame Sadium or some of the other "big time" sites, but where else can you sit with a view of San Francisco Bay or watch the late morning fog roll out while tale-gate gatherings take place.  I can't imagine the student body (especially at Cal-Berkeley) tolerating an increase in student fees or "improvements" to the stadium and addition of multi-sport training facility.  We shall see . . .

[cave2bens]

All the controversy aside ... having grown up in northern California and been to many a game at Memorial Stadium, I can safely say it is one of those "classic" football bowls.  It may not have the mystique of The Big House or The Horseshoe or Notre Dame Sadium or some of the other "big time" sites, but where else can you sit with a view of San Francisco Bay or watch the late morning fog roll out while tale-gate gatherings take place.  I can't imagine the student body (especially at Cal-Berkeley) tolerating an increase in student fees or "improvements" to the stadium and addition of multi-sport training facility.  We shall see . . .

Absolutely, as was the old Stanford Stadium - attended the Axe games of '87 and '88.  Certain architectural gems, like Greek Theatre, the "Tower," and Memorial Stadium are iconic to the Berkley campus.  Agree 100% regarding pre-game atmosphere - it is unique.   

[DBQ1965]

All the controversy aside ... having grown up in northern California and been to many a game at Memorial Stadium, I can safely say it is one of those "classic" football bowls.  It may not have the mystique of The Big House or The Horseshoe or Notre Dame Sadium or some of the other "big time" sites, but where else can you sit with a view of San Francisco Bay or watch the late morning fog roll out while tale-gate gatherings take place.  I can't imagine the student body (especially at Cal-Berkeley) tolerating an increase in student fees or "improvements" to the stadium and addition of multi-sport training facility.  We shall see . . .

Absolutely, as was the old Stanford Stadium - attended the Axe games of '87 and '88.  Certain architectural gems, like Greek Theatre, the "Tower," and Memorial Stadium are iconic to the Berkley campus.  Agree 100% regarding pre-game atmosphere - it is unique.

Yes ... Stanford Stadium was another classic.  I remember the 1960 US Olympic Track and Field Trials there ... beautiful day, green grass and the red, crushed brick track surface.  After the running event were over, almost everyone in the Stadium stayed around to see Don Bragg set a world record in the pole vault ... 15' 9-1/4" ... with an aluminum pole.  Wonderful memories.

[Flying Dutch Fan]

Haven't read here for awhile (and don't have time to read everything I missed - so appologies if this is not news) - but it is BIG news:

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/04/new_synthetic_turf_set_to_roll.html

[Flying Dutchman56]

Great news indeed for Hope!  Given the facility (athletic and academic) improvements Hope has done over the last 5 to 10 years, this really will put the icing on the cake so to speak!  Another great example of the unique relationship between Holland City and the college.

[formerd3db]

Haven't read here for awhile (and don't have time to read everything I missed - so appologies if this is not news) - but it is BIG news:

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/04/new_synthetic_turf_set_to_roll.html

Great news indeed for Hope!  Given the facility (athletic and academic) improvements Hope has done over the last 5 to 10 years, this really will put the icing on the cake so to speak!  Another great example of the unique relationship between Holland City and the college.

Ditto!  As we had discussed recently about a month ago, this decision needed to be made now so that the field would be ready for this fall; otherwise, it would have been delayed for another season.  I agree that this is another example of longstanding unique relationship that Hope College has with the City of Holland.  All the parties (the 3 head admininstrators, Pres. Bultman, City Manager Robinson, and Superintendent Davis) involved have been working hard to complete a mutual agreement that would be beneficial to all parties involved and I know that Coach Kreps and his staff will be (are) more than pleased with this news.  Personally, I agree (as I'm sure many others do) that Hope College needs to own the stadium and it appears that will eventually be worked out as well.  This will solve a longstanding problem that, essentially, has been present from the beginning i.e. that stadium was built to replace and solve the same problems of the old city owned stadium, Riverview Park, however, the same problems existed i.e. the field conditions and same parties of use because synthetic turf was never put in as was originally planned and among some of the main reasons for a new stadium in the first place.  So yes, this is joyous news and compliments to those involved for mutually working this out.  Hope will now not be the "doormat" of the MIAA as far as football field turf.

Now, the only question remains...are we going to get blue or orange turf?   Just kidding!!! (although perhaps we could have that in the endzone - and a little red somewhere for Holland High School?  or at least their logo?).

Anyway, thanks for posting the news for us. 

[sac]

Haven't read here for awhile (and don't have time to read everything I missed - so appologies if this is not news) - but it is BIG news:

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/04/new_synthetic_turf_set_to_roll.html

Obvious, this is great news.  Given the aesthetic and functional improvements to most of Hope's facilities (baseball, soccer, softball, basketball, tennis) I have no doubt that within a year or so Hope will come up with a very nice plan for the stadium and its surroundings beyond what this article mentions. 

[Flying Dutch Fan]

Now, the only question remains...are we going to get blue or orange turf?   Just kidding!!! (although perhaps we could have that in the endzone - and a little red somewhere for Holland High School?  or at least their logo?).

Anyway, thanks for posting the news for us.

The Hope website is showing this:



Not sure if that is what's actually coming, or just an example of what could be

[formerd3db]

FDF:
That looks really great.  Also, if you look at the arial photo on Hope's athletic website showing the athletic complex, you can see the middle portion of the football field's bare spot without quesiton i.e. between the 40 yard lines as compared to the nice totally dark green synthetic turf of the Van Andle Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium at the top of the photo. 

The other aspects that should be done in a "Phase II" renovation of the stadium, some of which are already to be in such a plan according to the article is that concession stands and restrooms need some renovation/improvements; also, IMO, we need to have a new football locker room and coaches offices/min-training room in a building at the north open end of the stadium.  The current training room/locker rooms then can be used also for the soccer and lacrosse, even though that stadium has locker rooms and a small training room.  The current training room is bigger, so the soccer/lacrosse mini-training room could just be used for game days -they are that small.

Thereafter, all we need to do in a "Phase III" is get synthetic turf the practice field in the middle of the track were the final pre-season intrasquad team scrimmage is held at the end of August each year!

[Raider 68]

FDF, formerd3db,

Great news for Hope, the proposed layout would look good! Hope they can make it happen. Formerd3db, you saw another good field design in the playoffs at Mount Union last fall. 

[formerd3db]

FDF, formerd3db,

Great news for Hope, the proposed layout would look good! Hope they can make it happen. Formerd3db, you saw another good field design in the playoffs at Mount Union last fall. 

Indeed, I did.  Nice atmosphere there as you well know.   And yes, the proposed layout looks very good.  It appears the field is going in and will be ready for the first game this season.  It will be a very different look for sure.  BTW, hope you are doing well.

[Raider 68]

FDF, formerd3db,

Great news for Hope, the proposed layout would look good! Hope they can make it happen. Formerd3db, you saw another good field design in the playoffs at Mount Union last fall. 

Indeed, I did.  Nice atmosphere there as you well know.   And yes, the proposed layout looks very good.  It appears the field is going in and will be ready for the first game this season.  It will be a very different look for sure.  BTW, hope you are doing well.

formerd3db,

You as well! Check your PM later on Sunday.

[vandyboy]

http://nflmocks.com/2012/04/15/name-to-remember-chris-greenwood-cb-albion/

Another nice tidbit about Chris Greenwood.  Big week for Chris.  Wish him all best for the upcoming draft.

[SUADC]

http://nflmocks.com/2012/04/15/name-to-remember-chris-greenwood-cb-albion/

Another nice tidbit about Chris Greenwood.  Big week for Chris.  Wish him all best for the upcoming draft.

This is awesome, looking forward to hearing his name. I wish him the best as well. Good to see guys from Division III getting some attention.

[Stinger]

There continues to be debate with K and it's neighbors whether or not to include lighting with its new fields project.  Here is a letter to the editor from President EWO, and a response from the neighborhood association.  Any thoughts?

http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/04/kalamazoo_college_athletic_fie.html

http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/04/kalamazoo_college_should_elimi.html