Living in Holland, Hope College is not something the community takes for granted.
But it is easy to overlook the fact that Hope's athletic conference ? the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association ? is the oldest in the nation.
It is a fact we have all heard at Hope games for years, but have we really listened?
The MIAA celebrated its 125th anniversary this past school year. Have we let that number really resonate? That's back to 1888.
Think about it, 125 years is nothing short of incredible.
The NCAA has deservedly given the MIAA an exhibit at the NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis, which will run until Sept. 30, to commemorate the special anniversary.
It isn't just tucked away, either.
The MIAA exhibit is front and center as you come up the stairs into the main gallery at the Hall of Champions, nestled in downtown Indianapolis along a beautiful canal and river walk.
There is a large section on each school ? Adrian College, Albion College, Alma College, Calvin College, Hope College, Kalamazoo College, Olivet College, Saint Mary?s (Ind.) College and Trine (Ind.) University ? making it a must for all Division III sports fans.
The MIAA display includes reference to key athletics officials who attended schools within the conference, a timeline dedicated to the addition of women?s sports, historic photographs, articles and awards dating back to 1937-38, along with general facts about the league and how it has developed into one of the most successful and notable conferences in NCAA Division III.
But Holland sports fans will find it particularly exciting.
The Hope display contains a history of the school and top sports moments ? and, of course, wooden shoes ? as well as a picture and section on Holland native Kyle Kreps.
Kreps, son of Hope football coach Dean Kreps, was the recipient of the MIAA's Allen B. Stowe Sportsmanship Award after helping the men's tennis team to a share of the league title.
Also highlighted are women's basketball 1990 championship hero Dina Disney and President Jim Bultman, who has been a champion of Division III athletics for decades.
The Calvin section also highlights a Holland native, paying tribute to Carissa Verkaik ? the top female basketball player in the area's history.
Verkaik won the Jostens Trophy in March, awarded to the top basketball player who excels on the floor, in the classroom and in the community.
Verkaik, a Holland Christian graduate, also has been named the National Player of the Year and is a three-time All-American.
The photo is fittingly Verkaik posting up against Hope's Meredith Kussmaul in one of the best individual battles in The Rivalry's history.
And if you are looking for a Holland bonus, the Hall of Champions' theater includes a 10-foot canvas poster of Wayne State diver Paige Kortman's appearance on the cover of the NCAA Champions magazine. Kortman is a former Holland High School diver who won an NCAA Division II national championship this season.
So if you are looking for a weekend getaway idea with a little Holland flavor, head to Indianapolis and the Hall of Champions.
? Contact Sports Editor Dan D'Addona at Dan.D'Addona@hollandsentinel.com or (616) 546-4276. Follow him on Twitter @DanDAddona and on Facebook at Holland Sentinel Sports.
?
?
?
Boy Meets World elizabeth taylor cam newton FedEx Gabriel Aubry cyber monday deals small business saturday
No comments:
Post a Comment