Alderink Enters Transfer Portal After Freshman Season with Indiana State University
Former Zeeland West boys basketball standout Merritt Alderink has entered the transfer portal after completing his freshman season at Division I Indiana State University. Alderink was a finalist for the Mr. Basketball award as the top high school player in Michigan his senior year.
Photo by Greg Chandler
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Former Zeeland West standout and 2024 Mr. Basketball finalist Merritt Alderink is looking for a new school to continue his college career.
Alderink, a 6-foot-7 forward who led the Dux to the semifinals of the Division 1 state boys high school tournament a year ago, announced last week on his X social media account that he is entering the transfer portal after completing his freshman season at Indiana State University.
“When I first stepped on the campus of Indiana State University, I had a vision for how my journey here would unfold,” Alderink said in his X post. “Life, as always, has its own way of redirecting paths, and while this decision wasn’t one I originally anticipated making, I trust that change often leads to growth for everyone associated with it.”
Alderink played in 13 games for the Sycamores this season, averaging 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game, shooting 59 percent from the field. He scored a season-high 11 points in a 101-53 win over University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy on Dec. 21. He also had nine points in a 93-48 win over Eureka (Ill.) College on Nov. 7. Indiana State finished 14-18 on the season, 8-12 in the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference.
In his post, Alderink thanked his coaches, teammates “and the entire Sycamore family for welcoming me into the Terre Haute community.”
“The lessons learned, the effort to battle to get better alongside my teammates, and the genuine relationships will stay with me forever,” he said.
Alderink was fourth in the 2024 Mr. Basketball balloting, conducted by the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan in conjunction with the Detroit Free Press. His AAU teammate, Durral “Phat Phat” Brooks of Grand Rapids Catholic Central, who recently completed his freshman season at the University of Michigan, received the Mr. Basketball honor.
With Alderink leading the way, Zeeland West won its first-ever district and regional championships in school history a year ago, then avenged two earlier losses to Muskegon by edging the Big Reds in a quarterfinal contest before the Dux lost in the semifinals to North Farmington at Michigan State University’s Breslin Center.
“To those who have believed in me and supported me through every high and every low – I truly can’t thank you enough. The journey continues, and I’m thankful for how God will guide me through it,” Alderink said in conclusion.
Zeeland Record
Former Zeeland West standout and 2024 Mr. Basketball finalist Merritt Alderink is looking for a new school to continue his college career.
Alderink, a 6-foot-7 forward who led the Dux to the semifinals of the Division 1 state boys high school tournament a year ago, announced last week on his X social media account that he is entering the transfer portal after completing his freshman season at Indiana State University.
“When I first stepped on the campus of Indiana State University, I had a vision for how my journey here would unfold,” Alderink said in his X post. “Life, as always, has its own way of redirecting paths, and while this decision wasn’t one I originally anticipated making, I trust that change often leads to growth for everyone associated with it.”
Alderink played in 13 games for the Sycamores this season, averaging 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game, shooting 59 percent from the field. He scored a season-high 11 points in a 101-53 win over University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy on Dec. 21. He also had nine points in a 93-48 win over Eureka (Ill.) College on Nov. 7. Indiana State finished 14-18 on the season, 8-12 in the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference.
In his post, Alderink thanked his coaches, teammates “and the entire Sycamore family for welcoming me into the Terre Haute community.”
“The lessons learned, the effort to battle to get better alongside my teammates, and the genuine relationships will stay with me forever,” he said.
Alderink was fourth in the 2024 Mr. Basketball balloting, conducted by the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan in conjunction with the Detroit Free Press. His AAU teammate, Durral “Phat Phat” Brooks of Grand Rapids Catholic Central, who recently completed his freshman season at the University of Michigan, received the Mr. Basketball honor.
With Alderink leading the way, Zeeland West won its first-ever district and regional championships in school history a year ago, then avenged two earlier losses to Muskegon by edging the Big Reds in a quarterfinal contest before the Dux lost in the semifinals to North Farmington at Michigan State University’s Breslin Center.
“To those who have believed in me and supported me through every high and every low – I truly can’t thank you enough. The journey continues, and I’m thankful for how God will guide me through it,” Alderink said in conclusion.
East, West Girls Play to Scoreless Draw
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
With a minute and 23 seconds remaining in Friday night’s varsity girls soccer game between rivals Zeeland East and Zeeland West on the Dux home pitch, a hand ball foul in the penalty area gave the Chix a chance at a game-winning goal.
But Dux junior goalkeeper Izzy Terpstra would have none of that.
Terpstra came up with her ninth save of the game on the left-footed penalty kick by East junior Natalie Bailey. Moments later, the game ended in a scoreless tie.
“It was a big save, a great save for her, a huge one … something special in a game like this,” West coach Ben Hondorp said.
Hondorp said after the game that Terpstra had just been moved to keeper before the start of the season, after having not played the position since eighth grade. She had been a midfielder last season.
The tie left East, which has not allowed a goal to start the season, with a 2-0-1 record, while West was at 0-1-1. The teams split their head-to-head matchups a year ago, with West defeating East 2-0 in a district tournament contest.
Despite the fact that neither team was able to score, the game featured a lot of end-to-end action. West had a great opportunity to draw first blood in the 10th minute. But East sophomore keeper Sophie Reese made a diving save to keep the game at 0-0.
“Sophie’s a killer goalie. We’re happy to have her. She’s a key part of our team,” East coach G Hunderman said.
East outshot West 15-13 for the contest and had four corner kicks to two for the Dux. Reese made six saves in net for East. Possessions were nearly even, with West possessing the ball 51 percent of the time to East’s 49 percent.
On March 26, West dropped a 1-0 decision to Grandville in its season opener. The Bulldogs scored the only goal of the game midway through the first half.
“We definitely had some first-game jitters,” Hondorp said. “However, I felt we grew into the match and were much more confident and comfortable the final 10-15 minutes leading into the break. We did a much better job of moving the ball and finding pockets of space in possession in the second half, generating 3-4 really good chances on net.”
East opened its season March 21 with a 1-0 win over Middleville Thornapple Kellogg, then blanked Jenison 3-0 on March 24. On Monday, the Chix continued their outstanding defense, holding Holland Christian scoreless in a game that ended in a 0-0 tie.
Zeeland Record
With a minute and 23 seconds remaining in Friday night’s varsity girls soccer game between rivals Zeeland East and Zeeland West on the Dux home pitch, a hand ball foul in the penalty area gave the Chix a chance at a game-winning goal.
But Dux junior goalkeeper Izzy Terpstra would have none of that.
Terpstra came up with her ninth save of the game on the left-footed penalty kick by East junior Natalie Bailey. Moments later, the game ended in a scoreless tie.
“It was a big save, a great save for her, a huge one … something special in a game like this,” West coach Ben Hondorp said.
Hondorp said after the game that Terpstra had just been moved to keeper before the start of the season, after having not played the position since eighth grade. She had been a midfielder last season.
The tie left East, which has not allowed a goal to start the season, with a 2-0-1 record, while West was at 0-1-1. The teams split their head-to-head matchups a year ago, with West defeating East 2-0 in a district tournament contest.
Despite the fact that neither team was able to score, the game featured a lot of end-to-end action. West had a great opportunity to draw first blood in the 10th minute. But East sophomore keeper Sophie Reese made a diving save to keep the game at 0-0.
“Sophie’s a killer goalie. We’re happy to have her. She’s a key part of our team,” East coach G Hunderman said.
East outshot West 15-13 for the contest and had four corner kicks to two for the Dux. Reese made six saves in net for East. Possessions were nearly even, with West possessing the ball 51 percent of the time to East’s 49 percent.
On March 26, West dropped a 1-0 decision to Grandville in its season opener. The Bulldogs scored the only goal of the game midway through the first half.
“We definitely had some first-game jitters,” Hondorp said. “However, I felt we grew into the match and were much more confident and comfortable the final 10-15 minutes leading into the break. We did a much better job of moving the ball and finding pockets of space in possession in the second half, generating 3-4 really good chances on net.”
East opened its season March 21 with a 1-0 win over Middleville Thornapple Kellogg, then blanked Jenison 3-0 on March 24. On Monday, the Chix continued their outstanding defense, holding Holland Christian scoreless in a game that ended in a 0-0 tie.
West Teacher Honored by Officials Association
By Brandy Navetta
Zeeland Public Schools
Zeeland West High School teacher Michael Costello was named the Don Edwards Football Official of the Year at the West Michigan Officials Association banquet and awards celebration March 24 at Sunnybrook Country Club in Grandville.
This prestigious award recognizes Costello’s 23 years of dedication to officiating high school football, with 16 of those years as a referee. His career includes numerous accolades such as 21 consecutive playoff appearances, multiple regional final appearances, and semifinal appearances in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Notably, Costello officiated the lowest-scoring finals game in MHSAA history in 2017, when Clarkston defeated West Bloomfield 3-2 in the Division 1 championship game at Ford Field in Detroit.
As a two-time nominee for the Don Edwards Football Official of the Year, Costello’s commitment to excellence, honor, and integrity shines both on the field and in the classroom. When not wearing the stripes, he is a dedicated teacher at Zeeland West High School, where he instills the same values of creativity, hard work, and community in his students. Additionally, he is a talented musician, contributing to the vibrant West Michigan music scene.
“Our students and staff exemplify the best of the best, not only in academics and athletics but in character and commitment to our community. We are proud to celebrate Michael's achievements and the standard of excellence he upholds as a teacher and official,” ZPS Interim Superintendent Matt Stolz said.
Costello’s success is also a reflection of the team effort that supports him. He credits his officiating career to the crew members and mentors who have guided him throughout the years. His leadership as crew chief with a team of dedicated officials, including Wesley Collins, George Friday, Kyle Smoes, and Lowell Winne, is a shining example of collaboration and professionalism.
For more information on the Don Edwards Football Official of the Year Award and the West Michigan Officials Association, please visit www.wmoa.net.
“Michael’s award is a testament to the caliber of individuals who make up the Zeeland community,”“Michael’s award is a testament to the caliber of individuals who make up the Zeeland community,”
Zeeland Public Schools
Zeeland West High School teacher Michael Costello was named the Don Edwards Football Official of the Year at the West Michigan Officials Association banquet and awards celebration March 24 at Sunnybrook Country Club in Grandville.
This prestigious award recognizes Costello’s 23 years of dedication to officiating high school football, with 16 of those years as a referee. His career includes numerous accolades such as 21 consecutive playoff appearances, multiple regional final appearances, and semifinal appearances in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Notably, Costello officiated the lowest-scoring finals game in MHSAA history in 2017, when Clarkston defeated West Bloomfield 3-2 in the Division 1 championship game at Ford Field in Detroit.
As a two-time nominee for the Don Edwards Football Official of the Year, Costello’s commitment to excellence, honor, and integrity shines both on the field and in the classroom. When not wearing the stripes, he is a dedicated teacher at Zeeland West High School, where he instills the same values of creativity, hard work, and community in his students. Additionally, he is a talented musician, contributing to the vibrant West Michigan music scene.
“Our students and staff exemplify the best of the best, not only in academics and athletics but in character and commitment to our community. We are proud to celebrate Michael's achievements and the standard of excellence he upholds as a teacher and official,” ZPS Interim Superintendent Matt Stolz said.
Costello’s success is also a reflection of the team effort that supports him. He credits his officiating career to the crew members and mentors who have guided him throughout the years. His leadership as crew chief with a team of dedicated officials, including Wesley Collins, George Friday, Kyle Smoes, and Lowell Winne, is a shining example of collaboration and professionalism.
For more information on the Don Edwards Football Official of the Year Award and the West Michigan Officials Association, please visit www.wmoa.net.
“Michael’s award is a testament to the caliber of individuals who make up the Zeeland community,”“Michael’s award is a testament to the caliber of individuals who make up the Zeeland community,”
On the Record . . .
East Baseball Off to 3-0 Start
The Zeeland East varsity baseball team is off to a strong start to the 2025 season.
The Chix opened their season March 26 with a 16-3 romp over Holland Christian, pounding out 17 hits, including five doubles.
Ryan Kuzma led the way for East with a 3-for-3 performance at the plate, including a pair of doubles. He drove in five runs and scored two. Peyton Davis also had three hits, while Cam Jaworowski, Quincy Thome and Mason Raade chipped in with two hits apiece.
Max Mulder picked up the pitching victory, allowing one hit over three shutout innings and striking out four.
East had a 14-4 lead after three innings in the second game before it was suspended due to darkness. The game was to have been completed Tuesday afternoon, but the results were not available at press time.
Last Thursday, the Chix swept a doubleheader from Middleville Thornapple Kellogg, 9-0 and 6-5.
Jaworowski led the East offense in the opener with two hits and four RBIs, while Thome had two hits and scored three runs. Kuzma and Davis also had two hits. Raade picked up his first career pitching victory with four strikeouts over three innings. Derek Baxter pitched two perfect innings of relief, striking out three.
In game two, the Trojans jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, but Caden Hunderman and Jailen Nesbit shut down the TK bats the rest of
the way, allowing just one run and combining for seven strikeouts.
Meanwhile, Jaworowski delivered a clutch hit in the final inning to drive in the go-ahead runs for the Chix.
West Swept by Bulldogs in Softball Opener
The Zeeland West softball team was swept in its opening doubleheader last Thursday, falling to Byron Center 3-2 and 13-3.
In the opener, Maddi Veersma got the Dux on the board with a first-inning double, but the Bulldogs came back to score three unearned runs in the bottom of the inning.
Madison Wyckoff shut down the Byron Center bats after that first inning, allowing just five hits and no earned runs, striking out nine over six innings.
Bri Kamer reached base four times with two hits and two walks, and drove in the second run for West.
In game two, Emily Kragt belted a three-run homer in the first inning to get the Dux off to a good start. But Byron Center erupted for five runs in the third to take a 7-3 lead and eventually went on to win in six innings via the 10-run rule.
Sadie Kragt took the loss in the circle for West in game two, allowing six runs (four earned) and seven hits over three innings.
East Girls Tennis Takes Two Out of Three
The Zeeland East varsity girls tennis team won two out of three matches at Grand Haven on Saturday.
The Chix sandwiched victories over Whitehall (8-1) and Holland (6-3) around a 7-2 loss to the host Buccaneers.
The No. 2 doubles team of Mahalia Vis and Elizabeth Rogovich won all three of their matches for the day, as did the No. 5 doubles team of Kasey and Maylee Fisher.
Taya Schanski at second singles, Trinh Kleikamp at fourth singles and the No. 4 doubles team of Natalie Veldheer and Taylor Bouws each went 2-1 on the day.
The Zeeland East varsity baseball team is off to a strong start to the 2025 season.
The Chix opened their season March 26 with a 16-3 romp over Holland Christian, pounding out 17 hits, including five doubles.
Ryan Kuzma led the way for East with a 3-for-3 performance at the plate, including a pair of doubles. He drove in five runs and scored two. Peyton Davis also had three hits, while Cam Jaworowski, Quincy Thome and Mason Raade chipped in with two hits apiece.
Max Mulder picked up the pitching victory, allowing one hit over three shutout innings and striking out four.
East had a 14-4 lead after three innings in the second game before it was suspended due to darkness. The game was to have been completed Tuesday afternoon, but the results were not available at press time.
Last Thursday, the Chix swept a doubleheader from Middleville Thornapple Kellogg, 9-0 and 6-5.
Jaworowski led the East offense in the opener with two hits and four RBIs, while Thome had two hits and scored three runs. Kuzma and Davis also had two hits. Raade picked up his first career pitching victory with four strikeouts over three innings. Derek Baxter pitched two perfect innings of relief, striking out three.
In game two, the Trojans jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, but Caden Hunderman and Jailen Nesbit shut down the TK bats the rest of
the way, allowing just one run and combining for seven strikeouts.
Meanwhile, Jaworowski delivered a clutch hit in the final inning to drive in the go-ahead runs for the Chix.
West Swept by Bulldogs in Softball Opener
The Zeeland West softball team was swept in its opening doubleheader last Thursday, falling to Byron Center 3-2 and 13-3.
In the opener, Maddi Veersma got the Dux on the board with a first-inning double, but the Bulldogs came back to score three unearned runs in the bottom of the inning.
Madison Wyckoff shut down the Byron Center bats after that first inning, allowing just five hits and no earned runs, striking out nine over six innings.
Bri Kamer reached base four times with two hits and two walks, and drove in the second run for West.
In game two, Emily Kragt belted a three-run homer in the first inning to get the Dux off to a good start. But Byron Center erupted for five runs in the third to take a 7-3 lead and eventually went on to win in six innings via the 10-run rule.
Sadie Kragt took the loss in the circle for West in game two, allowing six runs (four earned) and seven hits over three innings.
East Girls Tennis Takes Two Out of Three
The Zeeland East varsity girls tennis team won two out of three matches at Grand Haven on Saturday.
The Chix sandwiched victories over Whitehall (8-1) and Holland (6-3) around a 7-2 loss to the host Buccaneers.
The No. 2 doubles team of Mahalia Vis and Elizabeth Rogovich won all three of their matches for the day, as did the No. 5 doubles team of Kasey and Maylee Fisher.
Taya Schanski at second singles, Trinh Kleikamp at fourth singles and the No. 4 doubles team of Natalie Veldheer and Taylor Bouws each went 2-1 on the day.
Klaasen Receives WMOA Award
Zeeland West senior Jordyn Klaasen (center) was named recipient of the West Michigan Officials Association scholarship award for girls basketball last month. Flanking Klaasen are Dux varsity head coach Ryan Lane (left) and assistant coach Biz Geertsma (right).
Photo courtesy Zeeland Public Schools
By Brandy Navetta
Zeeland Public Schools
Zeeland West senior Jordyn Klaasen has been selected as the West Michigan Officials Association (WMOA) Award winner for girls basketball student-athlete.
Jordyn was honored at the WMOA Awards Banquet on March 24 at Sunnybrook Country Club in Grandville.
This top regional honor celebrates athletic ability, academic excellence, leadership, and service to the community. The WMOA is known nationwide as an exemplar chapter of sports officials, and their influence spreads far beyond West Michigan.
This award is especially meaningful because it is voted on by officials who have seen Jordyn compete with integrity, toughness, and sportsmanship throughout her high school career.
Jordyn is a standout in every sense of the word. A two-year team captain, she recently became only the second female in Zeeland West history to score 1,000 career points.
She consistently leads by example on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.
Jordyn is also a regular volunteer with Zeeland Recreation summer camps, where she inspires and encourages young female athletes. Her positive presence and willingness to give back reflect the kind of leader she is, one who uplifts others and leaves a lasting impact.
A well-rounded student athlete, Jordyn competes in soccer, track, and cross country and is involved in various activities outside of the classroom. Her academic performance, time management, and quiet confidence make her respected by peers, staff, and everyone around her. She has signed to play Division I soccer at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. next fall.
“Jordyn's impact as a student-athlete at Zeeland West has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Coach Ryan Lane, a Creekside teacher and ZW varsity coach. “Through her leadership, commitment to academic excellence, and selfless community involvement, she has set the standard for student-athletes. She is an incredible role model, inspiring countless future female athletes with her work ethic and sportsmanship. It has been a privilege to coach her over the past four years and to see her receive this well-deserved honor."
Zeeland Public Schools
Zeeland West senior Jordyn Klaasen has been selected as the West Michigan Officials Association (WMOA) Award winner for girls basketball student-athlete.
Jordyn was honored at the WMOA Awards Banquet on March 24 at Sunnybrook Country Club in Grandville.
This top regional honor celebrates athletic ability, academic excellence, leadership, and service to the community. The WMOA is known nationwide as an exemplar chapter of sports officials, and their influence spreads far beyond West Michigan.
This award is especially meaningful because it is voted on by officials who have seen Jordyn compete with integrity, toughness, and sportsmanship throughout her high school career.
Jordyn is a standout in every sense of the word. A two-year team captain, she recently became only the second female in Zeeland West history to score 1,000 career points.
She consistently leads by example on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.
Jordyn is also a regular volunteer with Zeeland Recreation summer camps, where she inspires and encourages young female athletes. Her positive presence and willingness to give back reflect the kind of leader she is, one who uplifts others and leaves a lasting impact.
A well-rounded student athlete, Jordyn competes in soccer, track, and cross country and is involved in various activities outside of the classroom. Her academic performance, time management, and quiet confidence make her respected by peers, staff, and everyone around her. She has signed to play Division I soccer at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. next fall.
“Jordyn's impact as a student-athlete at Zeeland West has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Coach Ryan Lane, a Creekside teacher and ZW varsity coach. “Through her leadership, commitment to academic excellence, and selfless community involvement, she has set the standard for student-athletes. She is an incredible role model, inspiring countless future female athletes with her work ethic and sportsmanship. It has been a privilege to coach her over the past four years and to see her receive this well-deserved honor."
Hope Leads in Tight MIAA Commissioner’s Cup Race
By Alan Babbitt
Hope College
Hope College holds a narrow lead in the 2024-25 MIAA Commissioner's Cup chase after the conclusion of the winter sports season.
Following Hope, which has 94.5 points, are second-place Calvin University (94) and third-place Trine University (82.5).
The MIAA Commissioner's Cup recognizes the cumulative performance of each member school across the league's 23 sports — 11 women's and 12 men's. Each institution's top-eight finishes per gender contribute to the final standings. The winter update includes results from seven men's and six women's sports. No results will be dropped until the spring update.
Hope has captured a league-record 40 MIAA Commissioner's Cups, including the past three consecutive years.
This winter, Hope secured an outright MIAA title in women's swimming and diving, finished runner-up in women's basketball and took third in men's basketball, men's indoor track and field, and women's indoor track and field. Hope totaled 46 points between men's and women's winter competition.
The rest of the overall standings features Albion College (75), Alma College (52), Adrian College (51.5), The University of Olivet (45.5) and Kalamazoo College (44.5).
In men's sports, Hope topped the field with 47.5 points after fall and winter competition, three more than Trine. Calvin (44) sits in third and is followed by Albion (41.5), Olivet (32), Adrian (30), Alma (29) and Kalamazoo (23.5).
In women's sports, Hope totaled 47 points and trails Calvin by three. Trine (38) is in third and followed by Albion (33.5), Alma (23), Adrian (21.5), Kalamazoo (21), Olivet (13.5) and Saint Mary's College (13.5).
Hope College
Hope College holds a narrow lead in the 2024-25 MIAA Commissioner's Cup chase after the conclusion of the winter sports season.
Following Hope, which has 94.5 points, are second-place Calvin University (94) and third-place Trine University (82.5).
The MIAA Commissioner's Cup recognizes the cumulative performance of each member school across the league's 23 sports — 11 women's and 12 men's. Each institution's top-eight finishes per gender contribute to the final standings. The winter update includes results from seven men's and six women's sports. No results will be dropped until the spring update.
Hope has captured a league-record 40 MIAA Commissioner's Cups, including the past three consecutive years.
This winter, Hope secured an outright MIAA title in women's swimming and diving, finished runner-up in women's basketball and took third in men's basketball, men's indoor track and field, and women's indoor track and field. Hope totaled 46 points between men's and women's winter competition.
The rest of the overall standings features Albion College (75), Alma College (52), Adrian College (51.5), The University of Olivet (45.5) and Kalamazoo College (44.5).
In men's sports, Hope topped the field with 47.5 points after fall and winter competition, three more than Trine. Calvin (44) sits in third and is followed by Albion (41.5), Olivet (32), Adrian (30), Alma (29) and Kalamazoo (23.5).
In women's sports, Hope totaled 47 points and trails Calvin by three. Trine (38) is in third and followed by Albion (33.5), Alma (23), Adrian (21.5), Kalamazoo (21), Olivet (13.5) and Saint Mary's College (13.5).
Nichols New East Cheer Coach
Zeeland East has announced the hiring of Adrian Nichols as its new varsity sideline and competitive cheer coach.
Nichols brings to her new role a successful run as a head coach at Hamilton and Middleville Thornapple Kellogg. She coached the Hawkeyes from 2017 to 2020, leading Hamilton to regional appearances in 2018 and 2019. She then coached at Thornapple Kellogg from 2020 to 2023, leading the Trojans to a conference championship and fifth-place finish in the state in 2023.
More recently, Nichols had been an assistant coach at Hartland and Northview high schools. She is also a registered MHSAA official and is a board member of the state cheer coaches association, serving as the scholarship invitational director.
Nichols will meet with cheer student-athletes and families on April 16 at 6 p.m. in the back of the Zeeland East cafeteria.
Nichols brings to her new role a successful run as a head coach at Hamilton and Middleville Thornapple Kellogg. She coached the Hawkeyes from 2017 to 2020, leading Hamilton to regional appearances in 2018 and 2019. She then coached at Thornapple Kellogg from 2020 to 2023, leading the Trojans to a conference championship and fifth-place finish in the state in 2023.
More recently, Nichols had been an assistant coach at Hartland and Northview high schools. She is also a registered MHSAA official and is a board member of the state cheer coaches association, serving as the scholarship invitational director.
Nichols will meet with cheer student-athletes and families on April 16 at 6 p.m. in the back of the Zeeland East cafeteria.
Kaat Named to Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame
Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Zeeland native Jim Kaat has added another honor to his lengthy resume.
Kaat, a 1956 Zeeland High School graduate who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. in 2022, is one of four new members of the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame. He will be honored later this summer during a Lansing Lugnuts minor league game.
Kaat pitched in the major leagues for 25 seasons, beginning with the Washington Senators in 1959 and ending his career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1983. He won 283 games during his career, including three seasons where he won 20 or more games. His best season was in 1966 when he won 25 games for the Minnesota Twins. Kaat also won 16 Gold Gloves for his defensive prowess.
After his playing career ended, Kaat became a broadcaster for CBS, ESPN and the YES Network. He also wrote several books, “Still Pitching,” “Good As Gold,” and “If These Walls Could Talk: The New York Yankees” (co-author). The Zeeland Little League baseball fields at Helder Park in Holland Township are named for Kaat.
Joining Kaat in this year’s Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame class are the late former Detroit Tiger first baseman Dave Bergman, former Aquinas College coach Terry Bocian and longtime DeWitt High School and Lansing Community College coach Frank Deak.
Kaat, a 1956 Zeeland High School graduate who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. in 2022, is one of four new members of the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame. He will be honored later this summer during a Lansing Lugnuts minor league game.
Kaat pitched in the major leagues for 25 seasons, beginning with the Washington Senators in 1959 and ending his career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1983. He won 283 games during his career, including three seasons where he won 20 or more games. His best season was in 1966 when he won 25 games for the Minnesota Twins. Kaat also won 16 Gold Gloves for his defensive prowess.
After his playing career ended, Kaat became a broadcaster for CBS, ESPN and the YES Network. He also wrote several books, “Still Pitching,” “Good As Gold,” and “If These Walls Could Talk: The New York Yankees” (co-author). The Zeeland Little League baseball fields at Helder Park in Holland Township are named for Kaat.
Joining Kaat in this year’s Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame class are the late former Detroit Tiger first baseman Dave Bergman, former Aquinas College coach Terry Bocian and longtime DeWitt High School and Lansing Community College coach Frank Deak.
