Contact Information

Pat Marsman, Athletic Director
(616) 994.5030 marsmanp@westottawa.net

Athletic Office: 3685 Butternut Dr. 
Hours: 9:00AM to 4:00PM 
Phone: 994-5030

Downloads

PDF DocumentHS Student Athlete Handbook
PDF Document2010 Physical Form
  

NCAA Information

NCAA Clearinghouse Information
 

Sport Teams & Start Dates

Fall Sports - 2010

  (FIRST PRACTICE)
 

  • Sideline Cheerleading - August 11
  • Cross Country - August 11 @ 8:00am / Tunnel Park
  • Football - August 9 @ 3:00pm-5:30pm & 6:30pm - 8:30pm.
  • Girls Golf - August 11 @ 9:00am - 12:00 noon / Pigeon Creek Golf Course
  • Boys Soccer - August 11 (JV/Varsity) @ 9:00am-11:00am & 5:00pm - 7:30pm (9th Gr.)  5:00pm - 7:30pm
  • Girls Swimming - August 11 @ 9:00am - 12:00 noon.
  • Boys Tennis - August 11 @ 9:00am - 12:00 noon.
  • Volleyball - August 11 @ 4:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Boys Water Polo - August 16 @ 7:30am - 9:30am &  3:00pm - 5:00pm.

Winter Sports - 2010
 

  • Boys Basketball - November 15
  • Girls Basketball - November 8
  • Competitive Cheer - November 8
  • Competitive Dance - September
  • Ice Hockey - November 1
  • Boys Swimming - November 22
  • Wrestling - November 15

Spring Sports - 2011
 

  • Baseball - March 14
  • Boys Golf - March 14
  • B&G Lacrosse - March 14
  • Girls Soccer - March 14
  • Softball - March 14
  • Girls Tennis - March 14
  • Track & Field - March 14
  • Girls Water Polo - March 14


High School Athletics

There are many reasons for each student to join an athletic team.

Studies have indicated that participants in educational athletics have higher grade point averages, lower dropout rates, better attendance, and fewer discipline problems that do non-participating students.

A recent survey reveals, not surprisingly, that participants in extra-curricular school programs are happier about school than non-participants. In a statewide poll of high school graduates, the item that was listed most often as the most enjoyable aspect of school was extra-curricular activities.

We have thirteen sports for boys and fifteen for girls and every one of them is equally important. There is at least one sport in which every member of the student body can participate. You might not be a star - that's O.K. - you'll learn new skills, you'll be in better physical condition, and you'll make some of the best friends of your life. It won't all be fun. There will be hard work, frustration, and sometimes disappointment. But, these are present whenever we dare to take risks. Many of you will find sports at which you excel even though you may not recognize right now how much talent you possess.

Physicals

All athletes must have a physician's statement certifying that the student has passed a physical examination dated after April 15, 2010 on file prior to trying out or practicing for a sport. The MHSAA regulations prohibit any athlete from competing unless the school has this statement on file.

A West Ottawa physical card must be used! West Ottawa physical cards may be obtained at the high school office, the athletic office, Macatawa Bay office, Harbor Lights office, or the Central Administration building or online.  

West Ottawa offers low cost physicals at school in early June. Physicals may also be obtained from you family doctor or Med 1 Sports Physical Clinic. Remember appointments are always more difficult to schedule in August!

Equipment Expenses

Athletics do cost some money; we believe, however that the benefits will far outweigh the expense. West Ottawa provides most equipment and uniforms for our athletes. Exceptions include shoes, baseball & softball gloves, tennis rackets, and some special equipment. Occasionally, teams elect to purchase clothing items, which the players keep (Sweatshirts, jackets, T-shirts). Physicals and insurance are also expenses for which all athletes are responsible.

Athletic Eligibility

It's very important that you understand the academic requirements in order to participate on a sports team. Three different eligibility standards must be met: 1) You must have passed four classes from the previous  trimester (1st semester freshmen are exempt from this). If you did not, you are ineligible to compete for 60 school days. 2) You must be passing four classes during your current semester as established by the MHSAA. If you are not, you are ineligible to compete for at least one week. 3) You must be passing the number of classes during the current semester as established by the school district. If you are not, you are given an opportunity to improve. If no improvement is shown you are ineligible to compete for at last one week. Don't take chances with your athletic eligibility. If you have any questions or need any help see your counselor.

Code-of-Conduct

All athletes are required to sign a Code-of-Conduct. We expect our athletes to abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs, to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, and to always represent West Ottawa with honor. Athletes who do not adhere to the Code-of-Conduct will be disciplined.

 

 

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