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Holland Christian
950 Ottawa Ave.
Holland, Michigan
49423
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 2007 Season |
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 | | Hooker was a standout pitcher both collegiately (Kentucky) and professionally. | |
Wednesday, October 4
Maroons to host Jon Hooker Memorial Tournament
Head Coach Mike Ott announced today that Holland Christian will host its first tournament under Ott on May 12, 2007, the Jon Hooker Memorial Tournament. The tournament will honor the memory of Jon Hooker, one of Coach Ott's closest friends, who perished in the Kentucky plane crash of ComAir 5191 on August 27, 2006. The night before Jon was married to his wife, Scarlett, and was on the flight on their way to California for their honeymoon. Ott and Hooker were roommates in both of their final years of professional baseball and remained extremely close over the next 2 years. Ott also served as one of the groomsmen in the wedding and days later was named a pallbearer. "This is something I wanted to do to remember Hook knowing his love of baseball. He was extremely supportive over the years I've been building the program here at HC and I see no better way to remember him and continue the legacy of Jon Hooker. He always said he would come see us play and this is my way of letting him. This will be a very difficult event for me personally as this is something that will always be with me...but it is in honor of my friend and I, and our team, will do our best to honor him in the way we play" said Ott. All of the proceeds from the tournament will go to the Jon Hooker Scholarship Fund that has been set up in lieu of his death.
The tournament will consist of 8 teams playing on four fields (with the cooperation of Zeeland East, Zeeland West and Holland High School). This will be a true tournament style with 6 of the 8 teams playing 3 games working their way throughout the brackets. The games will start on May 12 at 10:00 a.m., with second round games following at 12:30 p.m., and the final rounds of games at 3:00 p.m. "We have had a lot of help making this happen with the other schools joining the tournament and enabling the use of their fields and I greatly appreciate that. He will always be near my heart and this is a tournament I definitely want to win for Hook." The teams and pairings will be announced at a further date.
For more information on Jon Hooker please access http://woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5336369 and http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/special_packages/crash/15378473.htm
 | | Cousins fires one of his 28 passing touchdowns in 2006. | |
Friday, January 19
Cousins to Quarterback Michigan State
| |  | | Cousins, under center, will be directing a new program in 2007. |
Kirk Cousins will not only be leading and quarterbacking the Maroons baseball program this coming spring, he will be quarterbacking a much larger program in 2007-2008 when he becomes a Spartan. He entered 2007 looking to establish himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the country and his affirmation came today when he verbally committed to Michigan State University to play quarterback. Cousins became the second Maroon to commit to a Big Ten school as fellow teammate Josh Rooks verbally committed to Northwestern prior to the 2006 season. Kirk is also the number one pitcher and captain for the Maroons baseball team entering his third season on the varsity in the 2007 season. This continues a busy week for committals dealing with the 2007 Maroons baseball program joining fellow captain Nick Scholten in deciding their collegiate and athletic futures.
Cousins, who missed over half of the 2005 season due to a broken ankle, entered his senior year with high hopes of driving the Maroons football program forward. He, and the Maroons, did not disappoint going 7-3 on the season and reaching the MHSAA playoffs for the first time in school history. Their three losses all came at the hands of State Champions. The Maroons fell to Division 2 State Champion Muskegon and District 4 State Champions Zeeland West, once in conference play and the other in the first round of the playoffs.
We really felt the hand of the Lord leading Kirk to Michigan State for numerous reasons said Don Cousins, Kirks dad and Holland Christian Assistant Football Coach. Early in the summer, Michigan State actually called Kirk and asked him to come throw for them and it started then that we felt that the Lord was opening doors. This is the right decision and he deserves it as he has worked so hard for this as it was always his dream to play for a major Division 1 program and now he gets that chance at a Big Ten school. We are extremely proud of him because he is a great football player, but he is an even better person.
Cousins numbers in 2006 were extremely impressive as he earned Honorable Mention All-State, as well as All-Area, All-District, All-Conference honors to go along with being named the Holland Sentinel 2007 Player of the Year. Cousins threw for 2100 yards and accounted for 30 touchdowns, 28 passing, 2 running, while only throwing 10 interceptions. This play helped guide the Maroons to their greatest season in only the fourth season of football being offered at Holland Christian. Kirk was our leader all season and couldnt happen to a better kid added Head Varsity Football Coach Tim Lont. They were impressed with everything Kirk can do as a quarterback from his incredible accuracy with the football to his great footwork and technique to being as mentally prepared and understanding of the game of football as anyone. To be a quarterback at a Big Ten school says a lot about his abilities.
This is a great honor for me to accept the offer from Michigan State added Kirk. This just came down to my faith as I had a lot of opportunities but it seemed like the Lord was guiding me to MSU with some of the things that have happened since the year started. This is a big opportunity and one I am looking forward to.
This would seem to have little to do with the baseball program per say but Kirk is a vital part of our team and program and this is one of the best kids on and off the field that I have ever been around and he means so much to all of us said Varsity Baseball Head Coach Mike Ott. Michigan State got a special athlete, student and person and all of his teammates are all very excited for Kirk. He is a vital part of our program and I am very proud of him and look forward to our final season together. I know what a huge opportunity this is and he deserves it.
Cousins will sign his National Letter of Intent on the NCAA Division I football national signing day, February 7, 2007.
 | | Kirk lines a triple against rival Unity Christian in 2006. |
 | | Scholten(left) smiles after signing his scholarship (R-L Schans, Paul, Marilyn) | |
Tuesday, January 23
Scholten signs scholarship
Nick Scholten is officially signed on to become a member of the Trinity Christian baseball program in the fall of 2007. Scholten officially signed his athletic scholarship Tuesday. Trinity's Head Coach, Matt Schans, traveled to Holland Christian High School to sign Scholten. "I think this will be a big sign for the Trolls" Schans said. "We hope this jump starts some other recruits to sign here because I have a really good feeling about our upcoming season and the recruiting class we are starting to bring in." Scholten was joined at the signing by Athletic Director Tim Schoonveld, Mike Ott, head varsity baseball coach, and his parents, Paul & Marilyn. "It's not everyday you sign an athletic scholarship for college so I hope he realizes how his hard work has paid off" added Ott. "We are all very proud of Nick."
Friday, January 26
OK-Green Webpage gets rave early reviews
(Courtesy of the Grand Rapids Press & Steve Kaminski)
One thing that drives Holland Christian baseball coach Mike Ott crazy is when the Maroons are in a pennant race and he can't find out how that race is going. "Sometimes, you get late in the season and you are trying to win the conference, and you wait for a score and you can't find it," Ott said. "You wait for the paper the next day, and that doesn't have it either." So Ott and his fellow baseball coaches in the O-K Green Conference have decided to do something about it. Ott launched the O-K Green baseball site in November, located at www.okgreenbaseball.com.
It's not unusual to find your favorite high school team on the information superhighway these days, and some great sites are based in West Michigan. Lowell's football team has a sweet-looking site dedicated to the 2006 O-K White champions. Grand Haven's wrestling team does a nice job with its site, too. It's updated quickly with results after each meet. But what we see from the O-K Green baseball gang may be the most ambitious effort yet as far as the high-school level is concerned. Ott said he is unaware of any conference in the state that offers its own Web site. I haven't been able to find one either.
The start of the season is more than two months away, but Ott keeps the site updated even when the fields are covered with snow. There is news on the homepage this week about Holland Christian's Kirk Cousins and Nick Scholten committing to colleges, along with who is coming to play in the Zeeland East Baseball Tournament this spring and who is sponsoring the Zeeland West Tournament. It will prove most beneficial when teams play four and five games a week and the standings are changing daily. But it's not going to be easy maintaining it, Ott said.
Maybe the day will come when high schools will offer students credit for producing a Web site such as this one. But Ott is happy to keep the information coming for now, and he said it will take cooperation from the Green coaches. Ott has experience in the field since he ran a team site for the Maroons last season.
"We have a conference where we are competitive against each other, but when we are not on the field, we see the greater good of what we are trying to do as coaches," Ott said. "The other six coaches in the league have been real receptive of what we are going to do. Every game we play, the winning team's coach will call me with the information if it's a league game. I figure when they win, they will always be happy to call me. And for every non-conference game they play, they will call me, win or lose."
The site is as thorough as it can get. There is more than scores. There is a link to each of the seven teams, and expect rosters when teams are finalized this spring. The schedules are already up. There are photographs submitted by each team, and there are directions to each team's field.
"It went over extremely well with our parents and school when we introduced our team page last year," Ott said. "Even if it takes me three hours a night, it will be done right. It's our first year, and we will have to try to iron out the kinks. "I understand this isn't feasible for everyone. But I'm as Type A and organized as you can be, I have an understanding wife and no kids."
Ott pitched for Calvin College and won All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association honors all four years at Calvin. He pitched in the Chicago Cubs organization before being slowed by injuries. "For whatever reason, high school baseball doesn't get enough coverage, and I think this will be a great asset for the kids and parents, and it will help push the sport forward," he said. "It will be nice for the kids to get some recognition, too."
Monday, January 29
District Dates Changed
Holland Christian's first district title in seven years did not come easily in 2006. There were two rain outs, a location change and a suspended game all in the course of the week of districts. The same may be true in 2007. Zeeland West, who is hosting the 2007 district, has announced its plan to move the district from its familiar Tuesday/Saturday schedule to a Tuesday/Friday alternative. The schedule is now one in which on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, there will be two pre-district games played at the same time. Zeeland West shares it's facility with Zeeland East and will be using the Zeeland East Baseball Field. The semi-finals on Friday, June 1, 2007, will share the same outlook as the two semi-final games and will be played at the same time on the neighboring fields. The semi-finals are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. with the championship game to be played immediately after on Dux Field.
 | | Bosma's hustle will aid the Maroons in 2007 and soon Calvin's program. | |
Saturday, February 3
Bosma lands at Calvin
| |  | | Andrew Bosma held first base down for the Maroons in 2006. |
Andrew Bosma has always taken opportunities when presented to him in the past and this time was no different. Another opportunity presented itself the majority of the fall with several colleges recruiting Bosma to join their baseball and football programs. After narrowing his search down and taking a few official visits he went with his heart and chose Calvin College to continue his education and athletic career. Bosma finalized his decision in a phone call today to Jim Timmer, Calvin Colleges head baseball coach. Andrews father attended Calvin College, majoring in Engineering, and that is the path that he will follow when he attends Calvin next fall. I took a number of visits to other schools and had a few scholarship offers for both sports, but it came down to my heart leading me Bosma noted. I love playing baseball and want to continue what we are doing here in a collegiate setting and I was always most comfortable with Calvins campus, baseball program and Engineering department and I am very excited to make this decision.
Bosma, who emerged as one of the surprise talents in the Maroons school record postseason run last season, became increasingly valuable to the Maroons when first baseman Chad Hill was lost for the 2006 season with a torn ACL. As many questions hurdled about the possible replacement and Hills injury effect on the season, Andrew Bosma entered the equation and took to learning the position of first base and the rest was history. Boz was a savior last season both at first base and behind the plate said varsity head coach Mike Ott. His athletic ability, coachability and work ethic served him extremely well and he started to show that he was the type of player I knew he was capable of being. He had some opportunities to gain a baseball scholarship at a few other schools but felt comfortable at Calvin and that is wonderful. He will have a great opportunity to play immediately at Calvin and I think he can go there and become an impact player that will help their program.
Beyond his play the first base, the emergence of Jeff Nykerk as a number one pitcher forced another opportunity upon Bosma when he was asked to take on catcher duty when Nykerk pitched and he thrived in that role as well. By the end of the season he was as good of a catcher as there was in our conference added Ott. His versatility is a wonderful attribute for a coach to be able to put to use and we are all looking forward to seeing his growth this season after all his work this off-season.
Bosma, who had narrowed his search to four schools before choosing Calvin, becomes the Maroons third senior this season to commit to a college to continue their athletic career. I know he wont be our last guy committing as I think all of our seniors will be involved at the collegiate level added assistant varsity coach Ken Beelen. We are very proud of what type of players we are producing, but it says a lot about our kids, their families, our school and our program that these kids are excellent players, as well as people. They are showing the commitment and dedication that we teach daily athletically, educationally and spiritually and taking this journey to college. Im very excited and proud of Andrew.
2006 was Bosmas first season at the varsity level and he made the most of his inaugural campaign. He played in 32 of the Maroons 33 games, making 31 starts between first base, third base and catcher. Along with this he compiled an impressive .384 batting average, going 30 for 78, with 6 doubles and 2 triples. Bosma also added 24 RBIs, a .497 on base percentage, a perfect 18-18 in stolen bases and leading the team with 25 walks and 210 putouts. Despite the three positions, Andrew maintained a .985 fielding percentage only making 3 errors all season.
Entering the 2007 season, Bosma will once again be called upon for his versatility as the Maroons look to find a group that meshes well together come the Spring. He will either be found at third base, first base or catcher once again. I would love to be able to lock him into a role and position but given our situation this season with some different pitchers playing larger roles, Boz will be moving around Ott commented. This has nothing to do with his ability, just the betterment of the team which he is fully in support of. One thing is for sure, the kid will be on the field.
Andrew will join former Maroon, Kyle Cousins, at Calvin next season as Cousins is currently a sophomore pitcher/outfielder for the Knights.
 | | Andrew Bosma digs in the box at the MHSAA Quarterfinal game in 2006. |
Monday, February 5
Top Michigan Athlete Joins Baseball Program
(Courtesy of Trinity Christian College's Athletic webpage & Head Coach Matt Schans at http://www.trnty.edu/athletics/news/archive/070130/index.html)
For the second year in a row Coach Matt Schans has found quality in the baseball program at Holland Christian High School (MI). Senior standout Nick Scholten, second baseman for the Maroons, has signed a letter of intent to play for the Trolls next year.
Scholten, an all-state player, was named the Most Valuable Player of the conference last season as a junior. It is easy to see why when you look at his statistics from the year. As a leadoff hitter he recorded a .500 batting average with 51 hits, including 10 doubles and three triples. He also scored 43 runs with 35 stolen bases and 41 RBIs.
I am very happy that Nick is choosing to come to Trinity, said Schans. We are graduating a number of infielder and Nick is talented enough to step in and contribute immediately. In addition he has shown the ability to be a solid top-of-the-lineup hitter and an excellent base runner. Scholten knows what it takes to win as the Maroons have been very successful, winning over 50 games in the past two years. Last season they advanced to the state quarterfinals and posted a 27-6 record. Scholten was named all-conference, all-area, all-district, and second-team all-state.
At Trinity Scholten will join former teammate Jeff Nykerk, who is currently entering his freshman season. Holland Christian coach Mike Ott has done a great job over the past three years with their program, said Schans. They have had tremendous success on the field, and more importantly he has produced athletes that are outstanding men. He has helped tremendously with the recruitment of both Nick and Jeff and deserves a lot of credit for what he does for his players.
Scholten received offers to other schools, but felt that Trinity was a good place for him. I looked at all the things, from the baseball to the academics to the location, and I felt that Trinity was the best fit for me, Scholten said. Schans agrees and believes that Nick will be a great student-athlete who will represent Trinity well.
 | | Cousins (left) and teammate Josh Rooks (right) sign with MSU and Northwestern. | |
Wednesday, February 7
Cousins signs with MSU
With the national signing date upon him, February 7, 2007, Kirk Cousins became one of the first Maroons to sign a National Letter of Intent with a Division I school as he signed with Michigan State University to play football. His teammate Josh Rooks also signed today with Northwestern University. Cousins also doubles as the Maroons #1 pitcher and third baseman, a role he will continue in 2007. More regarding the signing can be found on the Holland Sentinel's webpage with their February 7th article.
 | | Zoerhof eluded tackles throught his career as a Maroon. | |
Thursday, February 22
Wheaton picks up Zoerhof
|  | | Zoerhof, #33, gathers in on of his 70 tackles. | |
The winds of winter continue to blow through West Michigan and along with the chilled breezes, the winds of change continue to roll through the Maroons Athletic program. Austin Zoerhof, the Maroons senior rightfielder, became the fourth baseball player to commit athletically to play a sport in college, and the third Maroon football player when he committed to continue his football career at Wheaton College in Illinois. Zoerhof helped lead both the Maroons baseball and football programs to record breaking seasons in 2006. The football team became the first team in Holland Christian history to make the playoffs, while the two sport star helped the Maroons baseball program to a record breaking seasons for wins and the furthest advancement in school history (MHSAA Quarterfinalist) and finishing the year ranked third in the State.
Austin is a great testament to what hard work and a positive mindset in all he has overcome added head varsity baseball coach Mike Ott. He certainly deserves this and it shows what hard work and perseverance can do for a person. Zoerhof, who has endured numerous injuries in his high school career from a back injury early in his high school years to a broken leg his junior season in football to reoccurring ankle injuries, overcame all of these to put together a strong senior season on the football field. The barrage of injuries upon a young athlete often forces these athletes to find other aspects of their life. Zoerhof has taken his injuries and became not only physically stronger to overcome the physical issue, he also has taken the extra work in the physical therapy setting and found another passion. He plans to pursue a career in Physical Therapy and seek an Advanced Science major at Wheaton.
Austin, who was named All-Conference and All-Area, scored 9 total touchdowns on the year and hauled in 33 passes for 517 yards. Along with his offensive attributes, he contributed on the defensive side with 3 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries and 70 total tackles. I am very excited in my decision to attend Wheaton Zoerhof noted. It is a great fit for me with what I was looking for, great academics, a caring coaching staff and great players on the team. They are a successful program and you really feel like you are a part of a family. Head Coach Mike Swider has indicated they want to use the versatile Zoerhof in a variety of positions, either at defensive end or at tight end on offense. Wheaton is coming off a 2006 season in which they made the NCAA postseason and were defeated by eventual National Champion Mt. Union College. Wheaton also received the commitment of Austin Zoerhof's teammate Michael Dozeman.
Zoerhof, who will enter the baseball season as the primary rightfielder, also contributed in 31 games in 2006, starting 21 of them. He finished the year batting .265 while amassing 12 stolen bases in 12 attempts. Austin was returning from a year off from baseball due to his injuries and started slow last year knocking off all the rust but he came on towards the end of the season added Ott. He has put together a good off-season addressing his weaknesses and turning them into strengths and I am looking forward to the gains he has made and seeing them play out. He is a great kid, who works hard and fits our program perfectly with him being a leader on and off the field and we are excited for another season with him on our team. Wheaton got a very special young man. Zoerhof may be continuing his two sport habit suiting up to play baseball as well for Wheaton. He will make that decision upon the conclusion of the Maroons season and weighing the load of football and academics. Zoerhof and the Maroons can be seen in their first game at Maroons Field on March 27.
 | | Zoerhof will be seen in rightfield for the Maroons in 2007. |
 | | The Maroons celebrate their new look with their Opening Day win. | |
Tuesday, March 27
Maroons manufacture win
|  | | The Maroons rode the arm of Cousins to 9 strikeouts and a victory. | |
The 2007 version of the Varsity Holland Christian Maroons debuted a new look on Opening Day but it came with familiar results. They were able to manufacture a 6-5 win over an Allendale Falcons team returning the majority of their players from their 20 win 2006 season. Allendale drops to 0-1 while the Maroons move to 1-0 on the early season. It was not the best game we have ever played said varsity head coach Mike Ott. However it was our first game and we battled mentally and stayed together as a team and it paid off in us gathering the win. If this is our low and we are still able to fight and pick up a win that is a great sign of things to come. HC was able to use their baserunning ability and senior leadership to capitalize without the use of a strong offensive contribution.
The Maroons received a strong outing on the mound from starter Kirk Cousins who went four innings on a limited pitch count. He was able to strikeout 9 men, while only walking 2 and allowed 4 runs, 2 of which were unearned. Cousins scattered 4 hits and was bit by some untimely fielding errors. Nick Scholten came on to finish the final three innings and earn his first save of the season. Scholten allowed 1 hit, struck out 1 and walked only 1. I was happy with the pitchers added varsity assistant coach Mike Spiegel. Kirk dominated a team by pounding the zone. Scholtens mentality was phenomenal and he bore down and picked us up when we needed it.
Uncharacteristically Holland Christian committed 4 fielding errors which led to 3 unearned runs. Despite the errors HC was able to hold Allendale down when they needed it at the end. Our defense is a strong point for us and that is something we have to lock up soon Ott noted. On the upside I thought Tom Baillargeon was great behind the plate in his varsity debut and the last play of the game shows how well we were mentally in the game. The game ended on an in between groundball between first and second base and was fielded by Cousins at second. There was no one at first but Scholten, who was pitching, did exactly what he was supposed to on a ball hit to the right side of the infield and covered first to seal the win for the Maroons.
At the plate, Scholten picked up in 2007 right where he ended in 2006 being the catalyst going 3-3 with 3 singles and 1 RBI. He also added 3 runs scored and 3 stolen bases. Alex Beelen added 2 hits and an RBI while Kirk Cousins also chipped in with a single and RBI. Senior Kyle Schonewill added an RBI on a sacrifice fly. The highlight of the game came in the third inning when Dan Kortering gathered an RBI with a perfectly run squeeze play plating Schonewill who easily scored from third base. Despite the lack of offense, the Maroons were consistently on base and making things happen. I felt we manufactured runs extremely well today and that says a lot for the maturity and mentality of our team commented Ott. "We are a much better offensive team that we showed today and will come back tomorrow and work on improving that." The Maroons were a perfect 10 of 10 in stolen bases and consistently reeked havoc on the basepaths creating awkward positions for Allendale to be in. We spoke about placing the pressure on the other team all off-season and feel we did this up to our potential today said Ott. We manufactured well today laying down two great bunts (sacrifice and squeeze), moved runners up, hit and runs and got a run in with a perfectly executed sacrifice fly. When we do this and place the pressure on the other team we are tough to deal with.
The Maroons will try and gather their second win of the season tomorrow at 4:15 p.m. at Maroons Field against Grand Rapids Union. Junior Dan Kortering will get his first varsity start on the mound.
 | | Scholten led the Maroons offensively with 3 hits, 3 stolen bases and 3 runs. |
Tuesday, March 27
JV bats come alive
Many questions are answered on the first game of the season. Today, for the JV Maroons this could not be more true after an 18-0, 4 inning, mercy-shortened victory over the Allendale Falcons. The scoring barrage started right in the first inning off the bat of freshman catcher Sam Bruns. Bruns laced a triple down the first base line and later scored off a sacrifice fly by Nic Kiekover. Sophomore Steve Lynch would later score off a fielder's choice. After that the Maroons would put up runs in all 4 innings played and everyone from the starting lineup would score.
On the offensive, the Maroons were led by Nic Kiekover, Steve Lynch, Sam Bruns, and A.J. Westendorp. Each player went 2 for 3, combined for 11 of the 18 runs, with Bruns adding a triple and Kiekover and Lynch each adding a double. Also contributing were Ryan Dykstra, Ryan Walters, Kris Lokker, and Jamison Caldwell who all added a single and combined for 5 runs. "Although the score was 18-0, most of that came from our timely hitting rather than Allendale miscues," added Head JV Coach Joe Baillargeon.
The Falcons were held scoreless off the arm of freshman pitcher Nic Kiekover. Kiekover surrendered only one hit, while striking out seven and walking just two. "Nic pitched extremely well today because he kept the ball down and he threw to contact. He is the kind of competitor who wants the ball everyday and that showed today," said Baillargeon.
"I thought that the best part of the game was how we shut the door at the end. It is real easy to sit back and take it easy when the score differential is so huge. When that happens the other team can be let right back into the game. Today, our guys did not let that happen because they finished the game right. For that I am extremely proud of them."
Tomorrow the Maroons are back in action as they travel to Sullivan Field to play the Red Hawks of Grand Rapids Union High School. "Right now the score may read 18-0, but tomorrow it's back to 0-0 as we take on a quality opponent in Union High," said Baillargeon. Then even more questions will be answered.
 | | Dan Kortering was dominant in his first varsity shutout and win. | |
Wednesday, March 28
Maroons elude Redhawks
| |  | | Chad Hill led the Maroons with 2 hits and also contributed an RBI. |
Dan Kortering shrugged off more than just a cold and windy Michigan day, as he threw a complete game, 1 hit shutout in his first varsity start. The Maroons defeated Grand Rapids Union 3-0 at home to round up play before the week and a half hiatus for Spring Break. Holland Christian was able to capitalize on several late inning walks by the opposing pitching staff and give Kortering the run support to move their record to 2-0 on the young season.
Kortering took advantage of an aggressive Redhawks team completing all 7 innings in just 64 pitches. Kort was fantastic today added head varsity coach Mike Ott. All the work he has done in the off-season we started to see it coming to fruition. The lone hit that he gave up was a leadoff bunt single in the fifth inning. This was Unions only real scoring threat and this was put to bed by a fabulous defensive play by rightfielder Austin Zoerhof. With 1 out in the fifth inning, Kortering induced a fly ball hit right into the 30 mile an hour wind that was blowing in from rightfield. The ball died in the air and allowed Zoerhof to catch the ball with his weight going to the plate. From normal depth in rightfield Zoerhof threw a bullet in the air to catcher Tom Baillargeon to nail the tagging runner for the third out in the inning. That played turned the tides for us and what a play by Austin and Tommy added Ott. The Maroons would add 2 runs, capitalizing on the momentum shift, in the bottom of the fifth. After the scoring threat, Kortering sailed through the final two innings to move his record to 1-0.
Besides great pitching, the defense for the Maroons stepped up and made the adjustments from the game before and played an errorless game. Besides Zoerhofs webgem, Nick Scholten contributed with a diving play in the infield. Also Alex Beelen and Kirk Cousins both shined on the left side of the infield for the Maroons. We did not hit the ball real well again today but these kids understand there is more to the game than just hitting said Ott. I was very proud of the way they did not let that affect other aspects of the game and that shows real maturity. Kortering also contributed 5 putouts helping himself defensively.
At the plate, the Maroons struggled again early in the season. Its frustrating but it is early in the season noted Ott. I just think we are being too selective and that has to change and will come with repetitions. We have the talent but the guys are going to have to get the right mentality going. Chad Hill led the Maroons with 2 hits and an RBI. Alex Beelen and Kyle Schonewill also contributed with a single a piece. Nick Scholten drove in a run with a well place sacrifice fly to give HC their third and final run. HC was able to take advantage of some spotty control by Unions pitcher and was able to steal 10 bases on the day.
The Maroons did leave a number of men on base, despite Union walking 11 men on the day. Having 11 walks and only scoring 3 runs is very disappointing. However, I felt I took us out of some innings with some of my calls and I will take blame for that Ott said after the game. I was trying to keep us aggressive and forced the issue a few times so that had something to do with it but we need to start playing up to our potential. Im not happy in that aspect but its early and I know the capability we can play with. HC is now off for Spring Break and returns on April 9 with a home doubleheader against Ottawa Hills. First pitch is slated for 4:15 p.m. with Alex Beelen starting game one and Nate DeLoof starting game two.
 | | Jake VanAlten beats the throw as the Maroons running game did not slow down. |
Wednesday, March 28
JV offense explodes once again
The JV stepped onto historic Sullivan Field and left their own mark against Grand Rapids Union defeating the Redhawks 21-6 to move to 2-0 on the season. After scoring 6 runs in the top of the first, Union answered with 5 in the bottom of the inning. Union tied the game at 6 in the bottom of the third only to have the Maroons add 2 runs in the 4th and then open the game up with a monstrous 5th inning plating 14 runs. The Redhawks added 1 run in the bottom of the fifth before the game was called.
Steve Lynch started the game and only pitched 2 innings giving up 5 earned runs on 2 hits and 6 walks. He had 3 strikeouts. Freshmen, Jamison Caldwell came on in the third inning and gave up 2 earned runs on 1 hit and 3 walks in 3 innings pitched.
Leading the way offensively for HC was sophomore Ryan Dykstra who was 3 for 5 with a single, double and a bases loaded triple in the 5th inning. Freshmen Sam Bruns had another nice day offensively as he reached base 4 of 5 times with a single and 3 walks. He also contributed 4 runs. A.J. Westendorp chalked in 2 more hits today going 2 for 3 with 2 walks and scoring 3 times. For the second day in a row, everyone in the lineup scored at least once.
Jamison Caldwell really stepped up today coming in at the start the third inning with a 6-5 lead noted JV assistant coach Adam Locker. He came in and got the job done, just like we asked him to do.
The team was very powerful offensively again today added head coach Joe Baillargeon. They were all very patient at the plate and made great contact with the pitches they hit. The Maroons are off until Monday April 9 due to Spring Break. They will travel back to Grand Rapids for a doubleheader against the Bengals of Ottawa Hills. First pitch is slated for 4:15 p.m.
Friday, March 30
Maroons #1
In the last year, the Holland Christian baseball team has set and broken nearly every record in school history regarding its baseball program. It's time to add another. For the first time in school history the Maroons are ranked #1 in the state. After a 2-0 start, the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association released their first poll with the Maroons atop the Division 2 rankings. "It is a great testimony to this program and the work we have done the past several years" said varsity head coach Mike Ott. "This is what I envisioned when taking over the program and now we have to continue to push forward. It says a lot about us last year and what we are returning this year but if we think we are going to win just showing up because we are ranked #1 we are in for a surprise. We already know we have a target on our back and why we have to focus on our process of playing our best game rather than worrying about results and other teams."
HC is not ready to stop with last year's success and this ranking. With the type of players and leadership returning, HC is primed to be even stronger in 2007. "It's an early season ranking and I am proud of it but I want to have this ranking in 3 months and we have a lot of work to get to that" Ott added. "If anything this should help the guys see what type of potential they have and really kick them to try and reach that potential because we haven't even touched that yet this season. I don't want us to become complacent because we have a great team, but we have a long way to go." The top ranked Maroons will be back in action April 9 in a doubleheader against Ottawa Hills at Maroons Field. The MHSAA baseball rankings can be found at http://www.mhsbca.org/Polls.htm.
Monday, April 9
Maroons Schedule Changes
With the weather changing, so to must the Maroons schedule. Given the poor forecast already for this week and the remainder of the week there have been several changes to both the Varsity and JV schedules. The Ottawa Hills doubleheader was cancelled. This was to be played on Monday with the JV traveling to Grand Rapids and the varsity playing at Maroons Field. The JV game with Allegan has been cancelled due to Allegan not fielding a JV baseball team. The varsity game with Allegan has been postponed due to poor field conditions at Maroons Field. The game will be played at Allegan High School next Thursday, April 19, at 4:15 p.m. The varsity did fill their date on Tuesday with a scheduled doubleheader to be played in Grand Rapids. The Maroons will travel to Godwin Heights High School and play two five inning contests. "With the forecast, I just wanted to find some games to fill our cancelled dates and Godwin has been very flexible and fit us in" said varsity head coach Mike Ott. "The weather is a bit better in Grand Rapids and Godwin was one of the only schools in Grand Rapids that did not have a game so it will be good to get back to work." The directions for the games and schedule changes can be found here at the home of the Maroons Baseball program, or on the OK-Green conference website.
 | | Nate DeLoof gave up only 1 hit, striking out 4. | |
Tuesday, April 10
Pitching leads to doubleheader sweep
|  | | Kirk Cousins delivered the big blows with a double and triple, with 4 RBI. | |
Holland Christian returned from its two week break with a little rust but found a way to take two games from Godwin Heights to move its record to 4-0. Both games were only five innings. The Maroons did however show a strong pitching game again as starters Alex Beelen and Nate DeLoof shined both earning their first victories of the season. "Today was good as we got everyone on our roster in the game and some experience" said varsity assistant coach Ken Beelen.
In game one, the Maroons struck first scoring in the first on a Chad Hill sacrifice fly that plated Nick Scholten. Junior Jon Kloosterman earned his first varsity hit in the second inning with a RBI single that was ripped to right field that scored Dan Kortering who walked earlier. Alex Beelen and Chad Hill both scored in the third inning. The scoring was completed in the fifth inning when Kirk Cousins RBI double scored two runs. Alex Beelen helped his own cause with 2 hits on the afternoon. "We are starting to show signs of our offense" said varsity head coach Mike Ott. "We just have to be a little more patient in letting the ball get into our hip zone."
Beelen shined on the mound limiting Godwin Heights to 2 hits on the afternoon in four innings. He struck out 7 and walked 2. Freshmen Jeff Victor made his debut for the varsity on the mound throwing a scoreless inning of relief to close out the game. Junior Tom Baillargeon continued to impress behind the plate throwing 3 runners out.
In game two, DeLoof shined for Holland Christian. He went four and two thirds innings striking out 4 men to 0 walks. He only gave up 1 hit and stranded that runner at second base. "Nate pumped the zone and challenged the hitters and I am very proud of him" said Ott. Junior Monty Vander Wall entered to close the game and struck the only hitter out he saw on three pitches. DeLoof runs his record to 1-0 on the season.
The bats came alive for the Maroons in the third inning as they scored all 4 of their runs. Ben O'Neal, Josh Garvelink and Jeff Victor all earned their first varsity hits in the game. Kyle Schonewill ripped a double in the game and Cousins continued his strong day at the plate with a 2 RBI triple. Andrew Bosma and Jake Van Alten also contributed hits for the Maroons. Cousins led the team finishing the day with 2 hits and 4 RBI.
The defense was solid for the Maroons committing only one error on the day. "We got a lot of guys some reps and I always enjoy those games" said Ott. "It's hard with such a short time (5 innings) but we are making strides. I am not worried about our result, just meeting our expectation. We were much better in our approaches in the second game." The Maroons will be back at Maroons Field tomorrow with a game against Holland with the first pitch slated for 4:15 p.m.
 | | Alex Beelen struck out 7 in four solid innings of work. |
 | | Jeff Victor shined for the Maroons pitching an inning and a third scoreless. | |
Monday, April 16
Maroons fall to Reeths-Puffer
| |  | | Kyle Schonewill contributed 2 of the Maroons 6 hits. |
The OK-Green conference play opened very quietly for Holland Christian. Reeths-Puffer opened the game scoring 3 runs in the first inning and eventually jumped out to an 8-0 lead. The Maroons did fight back to score 5 runs but fell short losing the game 8-5 for their first defeat of the season. Reeths-Puffer increased to 6-0 on the year and is now in first place in the OK-Green with a 1-0 record.
The Maroons offense, once again, started the game slowly and ended the game with 6 hits. HCs offense failed to score throughout the first four innings. In the fifth, the Maroons erupted for 4 runs. Junior Dan Kortering started the inning with a walk and later came around to score on an RBI single by Alex Beelen. Kirk Cousins contributed a two RBI single driving in the second and third runs of the inning. Kyle Schonewill followed with an RBI single driving in Alex Beelen for the fourth run. In the sixth, Holland Christian did get the tying run to the plate but only managed one run on an RBI by Nick Scholten. Schonewill had two of the six hits. Chad Hill and Tom Baillargeon each contributed singles. We didnt show up for the game until the fifth inning and we cant do that said varsity head coach Mike Ott. We are not making real solid contact, even when we are making outs and are going to have to learn from this and get back to work tomorrow. We have the talent; we have to piece it together and soon.
Cousins took the loss for the Maroons dropping his record to 1-1 on the year. He struck out 3 and walked 2 in 4 2/3 innings. Jeff Victor came on in relief and pitched a scoreless inning and a third. Nate DeLoof pitched a scoreless seventh inning in relief. Victor and DeLoof did a great job in relief said Ott. They were hitting their spots and keeping the ball down and kept us in the game. With the Maroons falling behind by such a margin early in the game their running game was taken out early in the game. They ended with 2 stolen bases on the day. The pitching staff allowed 3 walks on the day and 7 hits. "You have to give them (Reeths-Puffer) a lot of credit because they showed up ready to play and did a nice job hitting the ball and doing it solidly."
The Maroons defense did not have one of its better games committing 3 errors, two of them on attempted pick offs at first base. Also there were a total of 3 wild pitches/passed balls that contributed to 3 of Reeths-Puffers runs being plated. I know we are a better team than we showed but this is getting to become a habit of us not showing up for all seven innings and that is not how we practice or how they are coached added Ott. "For us to make those mental lapses and that many fielding errors is not our game whatsoever." Holland Christian travels to Zeeland West on Wednesday for an OK-Green conference game. First pitch is slated for 4:15 p.m. at Dux Field.
 | | Kirk Cousins added a 2 RBI single to aid the Maroons cause. |
Monday, April 16
Rockets walkoff to win over Maroons
It had been nearly two and a half weeks since the JV Maroons had set foot on a baseball field and after the layaway play resumed on Monday. But things did not end up in the Maroons favor as they dropped their OK Green opener 9-8 in the bottom of the seventh. The game began with the Rockets surging out of the gate scoring 4 runs in the bottom of the first. But the Maroons would chip back in the top of the 3rd inning after Kevin Kloosterman sent a booming double to the right-center gap. Kloosterman would later score off of a Rocket wild pitch. Reeths-Puffer would then go on to score another run in the bottom of the 3rd.
Then with the score still 5-1 in the top of the 5th the Maroons offense finally woke up after another spark off the bat of Kevin Kloosterman. Kloosterman, who went 2-3 and scored 2 runs, led off the inning with a single and then was followed by another single by Ryan Dykstra. After a pass ball moved the baserunners to 2nd and 3rd, Sam Bruns delivered a clutch 2-run single up the middle. The JV Maroons would go on to plate 7 runs in the 5th inning and would be paced by Kris Lokker (3-4, 3 singles) and Nic Kiekover (2-4, 2 singles). Also adding hits would be Ryan Dykstra, Sam Bruns, Steve Lynch, and A.J Westendorp. "We really showed a lot of character by not getting down when we were in a hole. It is real easy to get down and give up, but my guys did not do that and for that I am very proud," said Head JV coach Joe Baillargeon.
Going into the bottom of the 7th the Maroons were up 8-6 and still riding the arm of Nic Kiekover. After a couple timely hits, precision bunts, and capitalizing on Maroons' mistakes, the Rockets were able to plate 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th and walk away with a victory. "Nic pitched an amazing game. He gave us a chance to win the game and that is all I can ask him to do," added Baillargeon. Kiekover would finish pitching 6 2/3 innings, scattering 11 hits, giving up 9 runs, 7 earned.
"We just came out a little flat and really did not show up to play until the fifth inning. We really cannot do that when it comes to conference games," added Assistant JV Coach Adam Locker. The Maroons will be back in OK Green Conference action on Wednesday when they face the Dux of Zeeland West at Maroons field. First pitch is slated for 4:15 p.m.
 | |
Wednesday, November 29
OK-Green Baseball Webpage
After several months of work, the OK-Green Conference is one of the first conferences to have a sport specific website geared towards pushing the sport of high school baseball diligently forward with the access of news, information, scores, etc. The OK-Green Baseball website is officially now up and running and public and can be visited all year at www.okgreenbaseball.com. As long as your screen resolution is above 800 x 600 pixels there will be no problem with the site.
This will be the home for OK-Green Baseball and is an information site for all fans, media, players, and parents. This will be the site to gather information regarding the conference's games, standings, information, box scores, directions, pictures and information via links on the NCAA Clearinghouse, the MHSAA and other sites. This site will be up to the minute with scores and information as all 7 of our coaches will be working together all year long.
Continue checking it all year long as it will have all the news and headlines as baseball season approaches and will be the source of news for all information pertaining to the OK-Green conference. This is a conference mission to push the players of the OK-Green forward, along with the game of high school baseball in publicity and access. Continue to support the OK-Green in their mission to push their sport and their players forward in baseball and in life! www.okgreenbaseball.com
Saturday, December 2
Jon Hooker Memorial Tournament Brackets
The pairings for the May 12, 2007 Jon Hooker Memorial Tournament have been set and released with the eight participating schools having confirmed their involvement. The tournament honors the life of Jon Hooker, Holland Christian's Head Coach Mike Ott's close friend, who perished in the ComAir 5191 plane crash in Kentucky on August 27, 2006. All proceeds from the tournament will go to the Jon Hooker Scholarship Fund that was set up in wake of his death.
The schools participating are the host Maroons of Holland Christian, along with the Zeeland East Chix and Zeeland West Dux, who have aided Ott in hosting the tournament. The Grand Rapids City League will have two of its members participating as Coach Ott's alma mater, Grand Rapids Union (Redhawks), and Creston (Polar Bears), coached by a former college teammate of Ott's, will be traveling to the Holland area. The Sailors of South Christian, Mustangs of North Pointe Christian and the Redhawks of Cedar Springs complete the eight team field. I am happy to have these teams participating in the tournament that not only will feature a good day of baseball, but also will accomplish the mission of honoring Hooks life said Ott. I hope the word travels and we will have great crowds at the four sites and I am looking forward to having some fresh faces around to play, as well as some familiar faces and teams. We hope everyone will come out, whether you are a fan of any of the eight teams or not because this cause is such an important one to me personally. All of this is for a great cause, one that will always be very difficult for me but its a great way to honor such a great man.
The bracket can be viewed to the left by clicking on the Jon Hooker Memorial Tournament thumbnail. The drawing of teams has decided the first round matchups of the teams and will feature the host Maroons taking on North Pointe Christian at Maroons Field. There will be a battle of the Redhawks at Holland High School with Cedar Springs facing Grand Rapids Union. Zeeland East drew South Christian and will host the Sailors at the Zeeland East Baseball Field. The Polar Bears will travel to Dux Field to take on Zeeland West to conclude the first round matchups. "The host teams were set as far as where they were playing but I think the games that we drew got some very good matchups against teams that are not familiar with one another and that should lead to some interesting events for the day" added Ott. All first round games will take place at 10:00 a.m. The entrance fee for the day is $5 with all proceeds of concessions, entrance fees and other activities on the day going towards the Scholarship Fund in Jon Hooker's honor.
Thursday, December 7
2007 Schedule Changes
Varsity Head Coach Mike Ott has announced several changes to the 2007 schedule. Affecting the varsity will be the removal of a scheduled doubleheader with Northview High School in Grand Rapids, MI. This game was to take place on Tuesday May 22, 2007. The Maroons will now add Lansing Sexton to the schedule on Saturday May 26, 2007. The Big Reds of Lansing Sexton will travel to Maroons Field for two games starting at 12:00 p.m. This will be the final tune up for the Maroons prior to their attempt to repeat as district champions.
The JV schedule has also been revamped to add more contests. On April 28, 2007, the Maroons will travel to South Christian High School to face the Sailors in a doubleheader. While the varsity will not be playing Northview, the JV doubleheader at Maroons Field for May 22, 2007 will still be played. The final addition to HV Head Coach Joe Baillargeon's schedule is the Maroons participation in the Grand Haven Big Buc JV Tournament. This will take place on May 12, 2007 with the first game at 10:00 a.m. in Grand Haven. More details on the tournament will be made known closer to the tournament date.
Sunday, January 14
Maroons road to Battle Creek announced
This weekend the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Convention occurred and the playoff locations and District teams were set. The Maroons are the reigning District champion of District 47 and will have to defend their title at Zeeland West's Dux Field. The Dux were selected by the MHSBCA to host the 2007 District. The teams assigned to District 47 are Holland Christian, Rogers, Unity Christian, Wyoming Park, Zeeland East and Zeeland West. This will be the first year the Dux will be in this District after 2 years competing in District 48 in Grand Rapids.
"We are familiar with Zeeland's field playing there in conference play and it is a good selection as I feel this is one of the better athletic complexes in our area" said varsity head coach Mike Ott. "It will be different with West joining us in the District and losing Hamilton but it should come down to some good competition amongst teams who are familiar with each other as we all play one another throughout the season." The Maroons play every team in their district in the 2007 regular season, except Wyoming Park. They remain familiar with the Vikings however after conference battles in the OK-Gold through 2005. This district also will house 4 teams from the OK-Green conference. "That is odd that we are all set there but it also means that some of us will have to face each other three times and that always brings some difficulty despite the familiarity" added Ott. The matchups for the District bracket are drawn in early May and will be posted when made available.
The winner District 47 will advance to Regionals to play against the winners of Districts 48, 49 and 52. These are the same Districts that the Maroons defeated in 2006 to earn their first Regional title in school history. The Regional will be held at Unity Christian's Athletic Complex. The winner of this district advances to the MHSAA Quarterfinal which will be held at Battle Creek Central. Then the MHSAA Semi-final and Final games are held at Bailey Park in Battle Creek. "We hope to match our run of 2006 this season and it is nice to know what the road looks like that we want to travel" Ott said.
 | | Scholten lines the game winning 2 RBI single in the 2006 District Championship. | |
Tuesday, January 16
Scholten commits to Trinity Christian
|  | | The Maroons will look forward to seeing this much more in 2007. | |
Good things come to those who wait. That is exactly what Nick Scholten has been doing since the end of the 2006 season. After setting several Holland Christian school records and earning All-State honors in 2006, Scholten had been busy visiting colleges, receiving recruiting phone calls and weighing several schools scholarship offers. Those offers were cleared off the table when he officially accepted and committed to NAIA's Trinity Christian. Nick becomes the second Maroon in the last two seasons to accept a scholarship from head coach Matt Schans, joining Jeff Nykerk who signed prior to the 2006 season.
I feel very good about the decision said Scholten after ending his phone call with Schans. I looked at a lot of places but felt Trinity was right for me after visiting and the recruiting process that I went through with Coach Schans. Scholten will be an immediate impact player at Trinity and one of the marquis players in Schans 2008 recruiting class. Im really happy with the signing of Nick said Schans. I feel he is definitely an immediate impact guy for us but feel we are getting more than just a great baseball player, we are getting a well rounded student-athlete. Im excited because I feel he has some special things in store for him in his four years here at Trinity.
When you spend almost everyday with these kids for several years you become personally invested in their lives and this is no different in Scholtens case. Scholt has earned this scholarship and I am extremely proud of him head varsity coach Mike Ott added. The number of hours he has put in working on improving himself as a person and for baseball are remarkable and that commitment and dedication is one of the attributes I most admire in Nick. He had a number of substantial scholarship offers giving him many roads to choose and I am very happy in the fact that he is so comfortable in his decision and feel Trinity got a gem both on and off the field. He got a great offer and a school he is happy with and that is a great thing for me to see happen to him.
Scholten, who is anchored at second base and will be in the Maroons starting rotation on the mound, is coming off a tremendous 2006 season. In 2006, he helped carry the Maroons to the greatest season in school history setting school records in almost every team and individual category. He ended the 2006 season with a .500 batting average amassing 51 hits. Of those 51 hits, 10 were doubles and 3 were triples. He also led the Maroons with 43 runs scored, 35 stolen bases, 41 RBIs and a .580 on base percentage.
After earning All-State, All-Regional, All-District, All-Area and All-Conference honors, Scholten was named a 2007 captain and has taken to the position immediately. What impresses me is that Nick has been here everyday since early July said varsity assistant coach Ken Beelen. He has never rested on his past accomplishments and that is a tremendous example for this program and everyone involved in it. I am very proud of Nick as he deserves everything that comes to him.
Scholten, now with the pressure of college off his shoulders, will continue to focus on his third season on the varsity, the 2007 Maroons season. Ott, Beelen and the rest of the Maroons are excited to have one more year with him in their lineup and plan to use him a great deal. Nicks going to be huge this year for us said Ott. He will again be our catalyst at the plate and in the field; he will be a bigger part of the Maroons pitching staff and be looked to on and off the field for his performance and his leadership. He still has room to grow and realizes this and wants to finish his Maroon career right and we are well on that path. Hes one of the best in this state and certainly in West Michigan and I know he will be successful not only for us this year, but for the remainder of his career.
Scholten will sign his National Letter of Intent and scholarship papers on Tuesday when Schans will travel to Holland.
 | | Scholten's speed led to 35 stolen bases and 43 runs in 2006. |
 | | Nick Scholten pitched 5 solid innings for Holland Christian. | |
Wednesday, April 18
Maroons continue to struggle
|  | | Andrew Bosma's 2 RBI single was a lone bright spot for HC's offense. | |
Holland Christian dropped its second consecutive game of the 2007 season as they lost in the bottom of the seventh to host Zeeland West. The Maroons record drops to 4-2 on the season and 0-2 in the OK-Green. Holland Christian managed only 4 hits on the afternoon, as the offense continue to struggle, but were bit by their fielding miscues as 3 errors led to 3 unearned runs. Two of the errors came in the bottom of the seventh.
Zeeland West jumped to a 4-0 lead on starter Nick Scholten by scoring 2 in the second and 2 unearned runs in the fourth. Their offense remained quiet until the seventh inning. Scholten pitched five solid innings as he gave up 8 hits, struck out 4 and walked no one. Scholten did a nice job tonight and kept us in the game said varsity assistant coach Ken Beelen. We have to back him up better than we did tonight. Junior Dan Kortering came on in the sixth and worked a scoreless sixth, as the Maroons turned their first double play of the year. In the seventh, Zeeland Wests leadoff hitter led off with a single on an 0-2 pitch. Then Kortering got the next man up to pop up. The third hitter came up and grounded back to Kortering who turned to throw to second but did not move his feet and threw the ball so it pulled the shortstop off the base and then the ball was thrown away to first base. The runners moved up to second and third. The next batter was intentionally walked to create a force play at the plate. Kortering got the next man to fly to centerfield and a good throw by Jake Van Alten kept the runner at third. With two outs, the next man grounded to third but the ball was misplayed and the winning run came into score to end the game. Kortering earned the loss, striking out 1 and walking 2 to move his record to 1-1 on the season.
There was not much to say for the Maroons offense as they again struggled to hit the ball solidly until the fifth inning. Austin Zoerhof started the rally with a walk and then Van Alten laid a perfectly placed base hit bunt down for a single. Alex Beelen and Kyle Schonewill each manufactured an RBI on a fielders choice and a sacrifice fly. Andrew Bosma came up with a clutch two out hit to plate two men to tie the game at 4-4. The inning was ended with a base running error at third base. The Maroons did not threaten again going 1-2-3 in the sixth and seventh innings.
There isnt anything to say, we are playing horribly said varsity head coach Mike Ott. This is on the guys. To work as hard as we have and not be able to do the things we practice daily is just inexcusable. We need to learn from these mistakes quickly or its going to be a long season.
 | | Freshman Nic Kiekover connects on his 2 RBI single. | |
Wednesday, April 18
JV Rebound aginst Zeeland West
| |  | | Ryan Dykstra delivers a pitch in his 3 innings of work. |
After dropping their OK Green Conference opener on Monday to Muskegon Reeths Puffer, the JV Maroons rebounded well today against Zeeland West with a 12-6 win. The team came surging right out of the gate putting up 6 runs in the 1st and 2nd innings. It all started with a walk taken by Freshman Bruns and then followed with a single by Steve Lynch. After a pass ball moved the runner to 2nd and 3rd, Freshman Nic Kiekover came up with a clutch single to score them both. Then in the bottom of the 2nd after two walks Bruns came to the plate again and delivered a huge double to the left center gap which would score 2. It was good to see our offense come alive again and to set the tone right away at the start of the game, said JV Coach Joe Baillargeon.
But the tone that was set would not last long as the Dux would chip away at the Maroons lead in the 3rd, 5th, and 6th innings cutting the lead to 7-6. The tides would quickly turn the Maroons way in the bottom of the 6th inning. Sophmore Kevin Kloosterman got the Maroons offense going once again with a shot double down the first base line. He would be followed by a single from Sophmore Ryan Dykstra, double by Bruns, single by Lynch, and a double by Sophmore Kris Lokker. The Maroons would put up 4 runs in the bottom of the 6th and hold the Dux in the top of the 7th for the victory. The guys really stepped up and responded and gave us a nice little cushion going into the 7th, added Assistant Coach Adam Locker.
The JV Maroons would be paced by starter Ryan Dykstra. Dykstra pitched 3 innings, striking out 3, walking 5, giving up 3 runs, 2 earned. After Dykstra, Steve Lynch stepped in and held the lead. Lynch went 2 innings, walking 6, striking out 3 and giving up only one run. After Lynch, Freshman Jamison Caldwell shut the door on the visiting Dux. He pitched 2 innings, giving up 2 runs, 1 earned, striking out 1 and only walking 1. Our guys played well today and for that I am proud. It is nice to play more than one game in a week and get into some kind of rhythm, said Baillargeon.
Next game is set for tomorrow against the visiting Eagles of Hudsonville High School. First pitch is slated for 4:15 at Maroons Field.
Thursday, April 19
Maroons finally show up
| |  | | Senior Nick Scholten contributed 3 hits, including a 2 RBI double off the wall. |
There was only one word varsity head coach Mike Ott wanted to get across after the Maroons 18-3 four inning mercy victory over Allegan, finally. We finally played to our potential and showed the type of team we can be. Our offense finally showed up said Ott. We had a little come together meeting prior to the game and we were not pleased at all in our performance so far this week and our guys came out and showed it. Holland Christian pounded out 19 hits and moved their record to 5-2 on the season.
The offensive outburst from the Maroons was a team effort as all but one of the starters got a hit. The Maroons opened the game putting up 3 runs in the first inning, 4 in the second and blew the game open with 11 in the fourth inning. Our entire lineup had great approaches and were aggressive and we made very solid contact added Ott. "That's the way we are capable of hitting." Seniors Nick Scholten, Kirk Cousins, Kyle Schonewill, Chad Hill and Andrew Bosma all contributed with multiple hit games. Scholten just missed his first homerun of his career stroking a 2 RBI double off the top of the centerfield wall. He finished the game with 3 hits. Cousins continued to drive in runs as he totaled 4 RBI on the day going 3-4 on the day with a triple. Kyle Schonewill added 2 singles while Chad Hill added 3 singles. Andrew Bosma rounded out the senior hitting parade with 2 singles himself. Alex Beelen helped his own cause on the mound, by going a perfect 3-3 on the day with a double and two singles. Juniors Dan Kortering, Tom Baillargeon and Jake VanAlten also contributed singles for the Maroons. Each starting position player scored at least one run on the day.
The Maroons limited Allegan to only 4 hits on the afternoon, 2 of them came in the fourth inning with a 17 run cushion. Beelen gave HC a solid start going 3 strong innings, striking out 5 and only giving up one run. The run came in the first with a squeeze bunt. Allegan did not threaten again on Beelen. B was fantastic today added Ott. He has very good stuff; he just needs to believe in it. Monty VanderWall came on in the fourth inning and gave up the 2 runs on a 2 run homerun. Holland Christian solidified their defense going the entire game without making an error.
This is only one game but should show the guys what type of team we can be said Ott. We have to bring it like this everyday. Every player on Holland Christians roster made an appearance in the game. The Maroons now travel to Kalamazoo Christian on Saturday for their annual trip to the Kalamazoo Christian FunFest. They will take on the host Comets of Kalamazoo Christian at 10:00 a.m.
 | | Alex Beelen moved his record to 2-0 after another solid start. |
 | | Freshman David Blystra pitched 3 solid innings for the Maroons. | |
Thursday, April 19
JV drops game to Eagles
Fresh off of an OK Green Conference victory over Zeeland West on Wednesday, the Maroons were back in action against non-conference opponent Hudsonville High School. But things did not end up in the Maroons' favor as they suffered an 11-1 defeat in 7 innings. Starting the game for the Maroons was Freshman David Blystra who pitched 3 very solid innings. Blystra scattered 5 hits, gave up 4 runs, 2 of which were earned, struck out 1 and walked 2. "Dave pitched very well today. He threw to contact and kept the ball down for the most part which earned him a spot on the rotation," said Head Coach Joe Baillargeon.
Following Blystra was Sophmore Kevin Kloosterman who gave up 6 hits, 5 runs, struck out 1 and walked 2. Kloosterman then gave way to Sophmore A.J. Westendorp who held the Eagles to 2 runs, 1 of which was earned and struck out 1. "A.J. showed us something today. He has good velocity with some decent command on his pitches. If he keeps the ball down he could do well as a middle reliever," added Baillargeon.
The Maroons' bats were silenced today after averaging over 14 runs per game in the previous four games. Adding hits were Sophmore Ryan Dykstra and Freshman Sam Bruns, both singles. Going on to score the Maroons' lone run would be Dykstra. "Our bats need to come alive once again going into more conference games next week," added Assistant Adam Locker, "and I don't doubt that they will."
"Overall, although the score does not reflect it, it was a good day. We got a chance to see what some of our guys could do in different positions and I was very pleased with how many of them did. We also got a chance to get everybody into the game and get some reps," said Baillargeon.
The JV Maroons are off this weekend, but will be back in action as they travel to Hudsonville to take on the Crusaders of Unity Christian. First pitch is set for 4:15.
 | | Kevin Kloosterman worked 3 innings in relief. |
 | | DeLoof won the game on the mound (2-0) and went 2-2 with the walkoff single. | |
Saturday, April 21
Maroons walkoff with victory/Split in Kalamazoo
|  | | Monty VanderWall gets hiis first varsity hit | |
Holland Christian salvaged a split at their annual trip to the Kalamazoo Christian Funfest. The Maroons were defeated by the host Comets in game one by a score of 6-1. In game two, HC beat South Christian on a walkoff single by Nate DeLoof in the seventh inning to win the game 4-3. Holland Christian is now 6-3 on the season.
In game one, Kalamazoo Christian struck first scoring one run in each of the third and fourth innings. The Comets broke the game open in the fourth inning scoring 4 off of 2 Maroon errors. Holland Christian scored in the sixth inning on an RBI groundout by Kyle Schonewill. The Maroons offense was stagnant for the entire game, managing only 5 hits in the game. Kirk Cousins paced the offense going 2 for 3 with a double. Nick Scholten and Alex Beelen each added a single on the day. Junior Monty VanderWall gathered his first varsity hit roping a single in the seventh inning. Our offensive approach today was very poor said head varsity coach Mike Ott. We got back to over thinking and being passive and that is not a good combination for success for us. We just have to swing the bat. We did the work, now it's time to trust it.
Dan Kortering suffered the loss going four innings, walking no one and giving up 3 runs. Only one of those runs was charged as earned runs. Three other pitchers made appearances in game one as Jeff Victor (1 inning), Ryan Dykstra (1/3 of an inning) and Monty VanderWall (2/3 of an inning). Victor gave up 3 runs, none of which were earned as the two Maroons errors put the game out of reach. VanderWall escaped a jam in the seventh to keep the game within reach for Holland Christians offense. Our pitching was pretty good in game one said Ott. We just didnt get the defensive backing and that hurt us greatly.
In game two, Holland Christian jumped to a 3-0 lead after two innings but was unable to put the game out of reach as they did not capitalize on 6 walks by the opposing pitcher, and stranded 10 runners in the game. We havent been great with runners in scoring position or getting 2 out hits said Ott. This almost came back and bit us and we have to have better approaches at the plate as a whole.
The Maroons had nine hits in game two as Nate DeLoof, Kyle Schonewill and Dan Kortering paced the Maroons offense. DeLoof shined in game two going 2 for 2 with the game winning RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning. Dan Kortering was 2 for 3 on the afternoon with a double. Schonewill went 2 for 4 and scored the game winning run. South Christian tied the game at 3 a piece in the fourth inning and the two teams were locked in a stalemate until the seventh. Kyle Schonewill laced a single up the middle with one out and moved to second the next pitch stealing second base. South Christian was able to get the next batter out on a shallow pop fly setting up DeLoofs game winning, 2 strike single that was laced to right field that plated Schonewill, who was running on contact, easily. Nick Scholten, Alex Beelen and Jon Kloosterman each had a single on the afternoon. DeLoofs hit was great said Ott. He had two strikes and let the ball get deep and went the other way just like you are supposed to do in that situation. He came to play today!
On the mound in game two was Alex Beelen. Beelen shined again on the mound for the Maroons going 4 strong innings before his limited pitch count forced him to leave the game. Only one of the three runs was charged as earned as the Maroons once again made three errors in the game. Our fielding must improve. With as much attention and detail we place on our defensive approach, today was disappointing Ott noted. Nate DeLoof was strong on the mound working 3 scoreless innings and earning the win to move his record to 2-0 on the season. DeLoof struck out two, while walking one. Beelen had five strikeouts and zero walks.
Holland Christian returns to conference play as they host the Crusaders of Unity Christian at Maroons Field on Monday at 4:15 p.m.
 | | Dan Kortering laces a double in game two. |
 | | Cousins begins his stroke that resulted in the game winning 3 run homerun. | |
Monday, April 23
Inside the park homerun lifts Maroons
|  | | Nick Scholten laces his RBI double in the second inning. | |
The Maroons bats awoke in their rivalry game against Unity Christian to take the game 9-6. The game was well in hand as the Maroons scored in 5 of their 6 turns at bat taking a 9-2 lead into the seventh inning. Unity rallied to score 4 to close the score before the game was finished on a groundout to Andrew Bosma at third base. Holland Christian pushed its record to 7-3 on the season and achieved their first OK-Green victory of the season.
The Maroons pounded out 12 hits in six innings as eight of the nine starters all gathered hits on the afternoon. The Maroons started the scoring by scoring two in the second innings with the big hit coming off of senior Nick Scholtens bat with an RBI double. In the third inning, Chad Hill had one of his two singles to drive in Kyle Schonewill. In the fourth inning, Dan Kortering scored on Alex Beelens RBI groundout. The Maroons had a great chance to score more in the fourth but a key call at third base slowed the Maroons momentum. I made a terrible call said varsity head coach Mike Ott. I completely stopped our momentum by holding Kort up on Scholts single. I already had him stopped before he got to third and he would have scored easily and would have moved our runners up and that cost us in that inning. Im better than that and that hurt us. The Maroons overcame the call and scored two in the fifth inning on Dan Korterings RBI single and Tom Baillargeons sacrifice fly. The big blow for Holland Christian came in the seventh inning when Nick Scholten reached on a walk, and then Alex Beelen singled to set up men on first and second for Kirk Cousins. Cousins stepped up and scorched the first pitch to the centerfield wall. That ball was ripped added Ott. The centerfielder took a poor route allowing the ball to reach the wall. Cousins, motoring out of the box, was waved in for the inside the park homerun. The homerun was the Maroons first of the season and Cousins first of his career. These three runs turned out to be the game winning runs. Scholten added an additional single for a multiple hit game, as did Andrew Bosma and Alex Beelen. Tom Baillargeon and Kyle Schonewill each contributed singles in the game. I was very happy with our offensive mindset today said Ott. We are slowly getting to where I want us to be.
Cousins pitched a complete game, going all seven innings while striking out 2 and walking three. Kirk did his job but was not as sharp as he normally is said Ott. There is a minor mechanical adjustment we need to make but he came through with a game we needed. Cousins scattered eleven Unity hits. The big inning for Unity Christian was the seventh inning. With the Crusaders trailing by seven, Cousins was just throwing strikes and Unity took advantage of that fact gathering some key hits and using a Maroons error to gain some momentum before Cousins shut the door. In that situation, Kirk did his job said varsity assistant coach Mike Spiegel. We need to back him up and at the same time, Kirk needs to get that ball down so we can close the door a lot earlier. Cousins moved his record to 2-1 on the season.
The Maroons will host Mona Shores in an OK-Green contest at Maroons Field with the first pitch slated for 4:15 p.m.
 | | Andrew Bosma contributed 2 singles, 1 pictured above, on the day. |
Monday, April 23
JV loses close game
| |  | | Steve Lynch paced the Maroons going 4-4. |
The JV Maroons walked onto the fields of Unity Christian knowing that they would have a game on their hands because whenever Unity Christian meets Holland Christian it is always a good game. That could not be truer for the game on Monday night. Unfortunately, the JV Maroons dropped a close game to the Crusaders 3-2.
The Maroons were paced once again by the arm of Freshman Nic Kiekover. Kiekover pitched wonderfully going 6 innings, allowing only 3 hits, 3 runs and 4 walks, but would take the loss moving his record to 1-2. Nic once again kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win the ball game. That is all I can ever ask any of our pitchers to do. He has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, said Head Coach Joe Baillargeon.
The Maroons offense was once again shut down by the opposing team and was only able to push across 2 runs. Part of the reason for this was the inability to drive in runners in scoring position. The Maroons would put on runners in every inning but the 4th and would leave a total of 11 runners on base. That sure is a tough pill to swallow, said Baillargeon because we kept knocking on the door but were not able to convert. Pacing the Maroons offense was Sophomore Steve Lynch as he went 4-4 on the evening and also stole 3 bases. Also leading the Maroons was Sophomore Ryan Dykstra who went 3-4, stole 3 bases, and scored both of the teams runs. Freshman Sam Bruns also added a hit, along with Sophomore A.J Westendorp who put down a beautifully-placed bunt single in the 6th inning.
On the bright side of things, the team played error-free ball and showed a lot more hop than in the last few games. It was huge to see our defense step up like they did, said Assistant coach Adam Locker, it was nice that we did not give the team any extra outs which is what we need to continue to do.
I thought the guys played real well, well enough to win the game. We just need to get our bats going again and that will come, added Baillargeon. The JV Maroons will be back in action as they travel to Muskegon Mona Shores on Wednesday. First pitch is set for 4:15.
 | | Ryan Dykstra scored both of the Maroons runs, while going 3-4 at the plate. |
 | | Andrew Bosma hits his 2 RBI double that tightened the score to 5-4. | |
Wednesday, April 25
Sailors capitalize on 4 Maroon errors
| |  | | Tom Baillargeon Swings on his RBI single. |
Once again Holland Christian was its own worst enemy in their loss to Mona Shores. The Maroons fell to 7-4 on the season and 1-3 in OK-Green Conference play. The Maroons had more errors than hits compiling four errors to only three hits. The four HC errors led to five unearned runs for Mona Shores. Our focus is so hit and miss right now and it is extremely frustrating after everything we have prepared for said varsity head coach Mike Ott. "They made the plays, we did not and that's the end of the story."
Nick Scholten was effective on the mound but got the loss to move his record to 0-1 on the season. He went five and a third innings. Scholten was bit by the four errors as all nine runs were charged to him, but five of them were charged as unearned. If we back Scholt up we are in that game said Ott. Nate DeLoof pitched effectively again pitching a score inning and two thirds.
Andrew Bosma led the Maroons offense with a two RBI double that brought HC back to close the game at 5-4 in the third inning. Mona Shores would score the next three innings to pull away. Tom Baillargeon had an RBI single and Jake VanAlten had a single. We closed the game to one run and then didnt make the plays in the field when we needed to and they got away Ott said. Nick Scholten and Chad Hill were the lone Maroons with a stolen base. Its very hard to play our game with us not hitting the ball said Ott. We have prepared to be fundamentally sound, offensively and defensively, but have yet to play like that.
Holland Christian will travel to Zeeland East tomorrow with the first pitch slated for 4:15 p.m.
 | | Nate DeLoof pitched effectively with a scoreless 1 2/3 innings. |
Wednesday, April 25
JV trips up Mona Shores
The JV Maroons were able to close the door this time against the Sailors of Mona Shores and improve their conference record to 2-2. The Maroons were paced by a balanced pitching effort by Ryan Dykstra, Jamison Caldwell, and A.J. Westendorp. Dykstra earned the win going 4 innings giving up 2 runs, striking out 1 and walking 5 moving his record to 2-0 on the season. Holding the Sailors was Freshman Jamison Caldwell giving up 4 runs, 3 of which were earned and giving up only 2 hits. Finally, earning the save for the Maroons was sophomore A.J Westendorp, who pitched a one run 7th (unearned) and giving up 2 hits. "We had a really balanced pitching effort today and our guys really stepped in and were able to hold the Sailors enough to earn the win," said Head Coach Joe Baillargeon.
The Maroons' bats also woke up after enduring a small slump. It would be the Maroons that would strike first pushing across 2 runs in the 3rd inning off of a Kris Lokker 2 RBI single, capitalizing off a Sailor error. But then in the 5th inning, the Maroons' bats would explode, scoring 5 runs all with 2 outs and would add an extra insurance run in the 6th. Pacing the Maroons at the plate would be Kris Lokker and A.J Westendorp each adding 2 RBI singles. Also adding hits would be Sam Bruns, Nic Kiekover, and Jamison Caldwell. "I give our guys a lot of credit for hanging in there with 2 outs and building momentum to be able to score 5 runs. We did a lot of work in practice with our hitting and it showed today. That is something that gets us coaches fired up," added Baillargeon.
The turning point for the Maroons was in the 6th inning when the defense shut the door on the Sailors. With Mona Shores threatening with bases loaded and nobody out in the 6th inning, the defense was able to allow only 1 run which held the momentum for the Sailors. "That inning was huge because it held them from taking the lead, and allowed us to eventually earn the win," said Assistant Coach Adam Locker.
"All in all, we shut the door today and that was good to see. It felt good to get a quality win and hold the opponent from winning the game. Our guys should be very proud of that," said Baillargeon. Officially, the Maroons improve their overall record to 4-3 and hope to build on that tomorrow as they take on the Chix of Zeeland East at Maroons Field. First pitch is set for 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, April 29
Maroons sweep South Christian
The JV Maroons were able to complete a 2 game sweep over the Sailors of South Christian today in non-conference action. The Maroons took game 1 with a score of 6-3 and then finished the day off with a five inning, mercy-rule shortened game 11-0.
In game 1, Freshman Jeff Victor came down from varsity for the weekend and started the game for the JV Maroons. Victor struggled at first, but then found his composure later in the game earning the win for the Maroons. Victor went 5 innings, giving up only 1 run, 2 hits, striking out 6, and walking 3. It was fun to have Jeff come down from varsity and spend the day with us. He pitched well and took the game for us, said Head Coach Joe Baillargeon.
On the offensive side of things, it would be the Maroons that would strike first, scoring 2 runs in the top of the 1st off of an RBI single by Jeff Victor and a Sailor error. The Maroons would go on to score their final 4 runs in the top of the 4th from another RBI single by Victor and a booming triple by Kris Lokker. The Maroons would be paced by Victor, Steve Lynch, and Lokker who combined accounted for 6 of the Maroons 11 hits. Also adding hits were Ryan Dykstra, A.J. Westendorp, David Blystra, and Alden Boven. Bovens hit was his first on the JV level.
In game 2 the Maroons bats exploded right out of the gate. Once again, it would be the Maroons that would strike first pushing across 6 runs in the top of the 1st. Starting things off in the inning was lead-off man Ryan Dykstra who hit a double to the left center gap. Then after a few South Christian walks, Kris Lokker brought in 2 runs with another double and was followed by yet another 2-run double by David Blystra. Pacing the Maroons at the plate in game 2 would be Kris Lokker and Sam Bruns who both had two hits on the day and combined for 3 RBIs. Contributing to the effort with hits would be Dykstra, Jeff Victor, David Blystra, and Jamison Caldwell. Also adding a hit would be Clayton VanderWall who came in the game in the 4th inning in a pinch hit situation and laced a single down the right field line for his first hit with the JV. All in all, the Maroons would accumulate 9 hits on the day and score 11 runs.
11 runs would be all that freshman pitcher David Blystra would need. Blystra earned the win pitching a wonderful game going five strong innings. He shut down the Sailor line up giving up 0 runs, 1 hit, walking 2 and striking out 9 (in which he struck out the side in both the 2nd and 4th innings). Dave pitched amazing today. He kept the ball down, got ahead of their hitters and threw to contact. It was fun to watch, added Baillargeon.
The JV Maroons have won 3 straight improving their record to 6-3 and hope to use this momentum as they take on OK-Green Conference opponent Muskegon at Marsh Field in Muskegon. First pitch is set for 4:15.
Monday, April 30
JV postponed in the 3rd inning
The JV Maroons were postponed due to rain and lightning in the third inning at Marsh Field in Muskegon. HC was winning the game 6-0 at the time the game was called. The game will be rejoined in progress on May 16 as part of a doubleheader at Maroons Field.
 | | Cousins dealt in his five innings gathering his first shutout of the year. | |
Monday, April 30
Maroons bolt to shortened win
|  | | Beelen makes one of his two plays on the game getting the runner by a step. | |
The Maroons outlasted three lightning delays to get an official game in with the visiting Big Reds of Muskegon. Kirk Cousins worked quickly and efficiently around the delays to get Muskegon through five innings and won the game by a score of 1-0. "Kirk was great today" said varsity head coach Mike Ott. "With the weather we didn't have much time so to be able to get the game in officially says a lot to how well he pitched."
Cousins worked all 5 innings for his first shutout of the season. He struck out four and walked no one while only giving up 2 hits. Cousins pushed his record to 3-1 on the season. The Maroons played solid defense behind Cousins as they held Muskegon scoreless. Alex Beelen highlighted the defense making 2 spectacular plays directly behind the mound. "Those were two sensational plays" said Ott. "It kept Kirk in a groove and men off base."
At the plate, HC hit the ball solidly despite the lone run being scored. The game started optimistically as Nick Scholten and Alex Beelen led off with singles. Kirk Cousins was hit by a pitch loading the bases with no one out. Kyle Schonewill grounded into a 6-4-3 double play, which plated Scholten for the lone run. "We hit the ball solidly today" said Ott, "but it was right at people. I'm happy for the most part offensively as we had 6 hits in only four plus innings." Scholten led the Maroons with two hits and two stolen bases. Andrew Bosma, Chad Hill and Jake VanAlten also contributed singles for the Maroons.
The lightning and rain shortened victory pushed the Maroons to 8-4 overall and 2-3 in the league. The second trip through the OK-Green starts Wednesday as Holland Christian travels to Reeths-Puffer on Wednesday with the first pitch at 4:15 p.m.
 | | Nick Scholten led the offense with two hits on the day. |
 | | Dan Kortering contributed a strong 5 2/3 innings gathering his 2nd win. | |
Wednesday, May 2
Maroons upend Rockets
| |  | | Andrew Bosma strokes his 2 RBI double which put the Maroons ahead for good. |
Holland Christian took their longest road trip of the season and returned home with a big win over Reeths-Puffer. After suffering a loss to the Rockets in the first OK-Green game of 2007, the Maroons achieved a matter of revenge defeating Reeths-Puffer for their first home loss of the season. The victory pushes the Maroons to 9-4 on the season and 3-3 in the OK-Green. âThis was a big win for usâ? said Mike Ott, head varsity baseball coach. âI am very proud of how we played, especially coming back against a very good team.â?
The Maroons offense was potent putting up double digit runs and hits in the seven innings. HC jumped out in the first inning plating Nick Scholten who was on base after singling to start the game. He scored on an RBI groundout by Kirk Cousins, who had 2 RBI on the day. The Maroons jumped all over Reeths-Puffer in the third inning scoring 6 runs to gain the advantage for the rest of the afternoon. Scholten singled and scored on a successful hit and run single by Alex Beelen. On the single, Scholten moved to third and scored on a throwing error by the rightfielder which also moved Beelen to third base. Taking advantage of the miscue, Kyle Schonewill singled in Beelen. With Cousins and Schonewill on second and third, after a Chad Hill sacrifice, Andrew Bosma doubled to left field scoring both runs. Jon Kloosterman also brought in a run with an RBI groundout. In the sixth inning, the Maroons plated three more insurance runs using a walk, two singles and another Rocket error to score the 3 runs. Nick Scholten led the Maroons with 3 hits, all singles. Kyle Schonewill also contributed two singles on the day. Jon Kloosterman, Dan Kortering and Jake VanAlten each added a single on the day. HC used a great deal of small ball moving the runners into scoring position and came up with several big hits and at bats. âI thought we had a very good offensive dayâ? said Ott. âWe put the pressure on Puffer with our running, small ball and it forced them to crack a few times. We have said how the little things mean so much like dropping down sacrifice bunts, and we did those little things today. That is our game and it was great to see.â?
Reeths-Puffer plated four runs in the first off of starter Dan Kortering to take the lead 4-1. Although Kortering struggled early, he bore down and held Puffer scoreless over the next four and two thirds innings. Kortering allowed only five hits on the afternoon, three of them were in the first inning. âKort showed a lot todayâ? said Ott. âHe kept Pufferâs bats quiet as he pounded the zone and gave us everything he had. He pitched with a lot of heart and I am very proud of him.â? Kortering finished the day with 1 strikeout and 2 walks. He moved his record for the year to 2-2. Nate DeLoof entered and got the final inning and a third to close the game out. DeLoof continued his strong season on the mound striking out no one, walking 1 and allowing 0 runs. The Maroons defense played strong behind both pitchers committing only 1 error all afternoon. âWe had a few positioning miscues that is on us as coaches early but we made the adjustmentâ? said Ott. âOur defense was spectacular and I loved how we fought all day.â? The defense was highlighted by an inning ending assist from outfielder Jake VanAlten. With a runner on second, a fly ball was hit to centerfield. VanAlten caught the ball and used his mometum to throw a strike to cutoff man Beelen who threw to Cousins at third base to catch the runner.
The Maroons now return to Maroons Field to host Zeeland West on Friday with the first pitch at 4:15 p.m.
 | | VanAlten's catch, and strike to Beelen, highlighted the Maroons defense. |
Wednesday, May 2
JV stage comeback win
The last time that the JV Maroons faced the Rockets of Reeths-Puffer, they were handed a walk-off loss in the bottom of the 7th. But today when the Maroons faced the Rockets once again, it would be the Maroons that would win in walk off fashion 10-9.
Out of the gate, the Maroons started slowly and spotted the Rockets a 7-1 lead through 2 innings. But then the Maroons did not lie down and die, but chipped away at the Rocket lead by scoring 3 in the 3rd, and 2 in the 4th. Then in the bottom of the 6th inning with the Rockets ahead 8-6, the Maroons offense would ignite, pushing across 3 runs off of an RBI double by Kevin Kloosterman, a pass ball, and a sacrifice fly by Sam Bruns to take the lead. Going into the top of the 7th the Maroons were unable to hold the lead and allowed the tying run to score. But the damage could have been a lot worse had it not been for the all-out-horizontal diving catch by sophomore centerfielder Ryan Dykstra. Had Dykstra not made the catch, the Rockets would have scored two more runs to take the lead 11-9. That catch was huge, said Head Coach Joe Baillargeon. It kept the score tied and allowed us some momentum going into the bottom of the 7th.
The Maroons then used that momentum in the bottom of the 7th loading the bases with nobody out, but they were unable to push across any runs. But the Maroons would not be altered and would hold the Rockets to zero runs in the top of the 8th. In the bottom of the 8th, Ryan Dykstra started things off with a single to left. Then Sam Bruns hit a shot back at the pitcher that the pitcher fielded and was able to tag Dykstra out in a rundown between 2nd and 3rd. But as Dykstra was tagged out, Bruns was able to advance to 2nd base. Then after a sharp single to right by Steve Lynch in which Bruns was held up at 3rd, Kris Lokker hit the game winning single over the head of the drawn in outfielder.
Pacing the Maroons at the plate was Sam Bruns who went 3-4 on the day with a sacrifice fly, and 2 RBI. Ryan Dykstra also led the Maroons with 2 hits, 2 RBIs and scored 4 of the Maroons 10 runs. Delivering the RBIs was Kris Lokker who went 2-4 with 3 RBIs, one being the game winner. Also chipping in with hits for the Maroons were Kevin Kloosterman, Steve Lynch, A.J. Westendorp, and Nic Kiekover.
The starting pitcher on the day was freshman David Blystra. Blystra, fresh off of a dominating win over South Christian, struggled a little bit today. He pitched 2 and 2/3 innings, giving up 7 runs, 4 of which were earned, 4 hits, striking out 4 and walking 5. Although the pitching line looks bad, Blystra kept the ball down, but did not have the defense to back him up. Following Blystra would be Freshman Jamison Caldwell who would hold the Rockets in wonderful fashion pitching 4 and 1/3 innings, giving up 4 hits, and surrendering only 1 run. Earning the win for the Maroons would be A.J. Westendorp who pitched 2 innings, gave up 2 hits, and 1 run.
I am so proud of our guys, added Baillargeon. They never gave up during the whole game and stepped up and made a play when they had to. That is something I love to see and they should all be very proud of that. The Maroons will be back in action Friday when they face the Dux of Zeeland West at Zeeland Field. First pitch is set for 4:15.
Friday, May 4
JV defeat Dux
|  | | Kiekover delivers a pitch in the Maroons six inning victory. | |
After giving up one run in the bottom of the 1st inning to the Zeeland West Dux, the Maroons were able to hold the Dux to that 1 run and explode to a 6 inning mercy-rule-shortened win 14-1. This also completes the season sweep over the conference rival Dux improving the Maroons record to 8-3 overall and 4-2 in the conference. Freshman Nic Kiekover earned the win pitching all 6 innings giving up the lone run, 3 hits, striking out 6 and walking 5. Kiekover improved his record to 2-2. "Nic struggled with his control in the beginning, but over time he settled down and pitched a good game," said Head Coach Joe Baillargeon.
The Maroons' bats were silenced for the first 3 innings, but then came alive in the 4th, 5th, and 6th innings scoring all 14 of their runs in those innings. Leading the attack for the Maroons were Sam Bruns and Steve Lynch who each added 3 hits and accounted for 4 RBI's. Also adding hits for the Maroons were Ryan Dykstra, Kris Lokker, A.J. Westendorp, Alden Boven, and Kevin Kloosterman. "We all hit the ball well today. It's fun to see that because we have worked so hard on that both in practice and in the off-season," added Baillargeon.
The Maroons now enter an extremely busy next couple of weeks with 9 games in 10 days, 6 of those games being in OK Green Conference League play. They start the week off with a home non-conference matchup against cross-town rival West Ottawa at Maroons Field. First pitch is set for 4:15.
 | | Freshmen Alden Boven lines one of his 2 hits on the afternoon. |
 | | Zoerhof's diving catch (sequence above) highlighted the Maroons defense. | |
Friday, May 4
Maroons make quick work of Zeeland West
|  | | Dan Kortering drives his RBI double. | |
In a quick paced hour and twenty minutes, Holland Christian avenged an early season loss to Zeeland West by defeating them 6-1 at Maroons Field. Team ace Kirk Cousins made quick work of Zeeland West by two hitting the Dux on the afternoon. Despite the quick game, HC still managed 12 hits on the day. "I am happy with how we played" said Mike Ott, head varsity baseball coach. "We do need to do a better job with some clutch hits as we left a lot of guys on base today."
Leading the offense on the afternoon was senior Austin Zoerhof who paced the Maroons with two hits. Zoerhof contributed two singles and lined out hard to the left fielder. Joining Zoerhof, fellow seniors Andrew Bosma, Kyle Schonewill and Nick Scholten also contributed two singles. Bosma had a big 2 RBI single in the first inning, and then later contributed an RBI single in the sixth. Alex Beelen also had an RBI single in the first inning driving in Nick Scholten. Beelen added a single later to add to his hit collection for the day. Dan Kortering came up big for the Maroons with a big RBI double for the lone extra base hit on the day. Jake VanAlten also added a single on the afternoon and was robbed of another hit by a diving catch by the second baseman in the fourth inning. Holland Christian also kept its torrid pace on the bases stealing a perfect seven stolen bases on the day. The Maroons left 12 men in scoring position hurting their chances to break the game open earlier. "I thought we were aggressive and had some very solid hits, and even outs" said Ott. "I want us to be better focused with guys in scoring position however as we had several blown opportunities."
For the second time in the week, Kirk Cousins won the game on the mound for the Maroons. He moves his record on the year to 4-1. Cousins made pounded the strike zone letting the Dux put the ball in play and the Maroons defense highlighted the afternoon. Zoerhof aided Cousins with a stellar diving catch in the top of the fifth inning. Alex Beelen also added another highlight reel play on a slow roller. Cousins completed the day striking out 2 and walking no one. "Kirk was excellent" added Ott. "He was down in the zone and let our defense do its job. I am very happy with our defensive focus and the way Kirk is stepping into his own as the ace of our staff." The lone run on the afternoon scored on an error on a potential stolen base. "We have to eliminate the unearned runs we are giving teams" said varsity assistant coach Ken Beelen, "but we are playing much better and need to continue to get better everyday."
"We are starting to find our identity as a team and I am very proud of the fight we are showing" said Ott. "We have a ways to go but the journey has been a fun one thus far and I am looking forward to it continuing." Holland Christian runs its record to 10-4 on the season and 4-3 in the OK-Green. The Maroons will take a break from conference play and visit local rival West Ottawa on Monday. The first pitch against the Panthers is set for 4:15 p.m.
 | | Cousins delivers a pitch in his 72 pitch, 2 hit complete game. |
 | | Senior captain Kirk Cousins led the Maroons with 2 hits and 2 RBI. | |
Monday, May 7
Maroons bow to West Ottawa
| |  | | Jake VanAlten doubles in 2 runs in the 6th inning. |
The Holland Christian Maroons just gave the Panthers of West Ottawa too many opportunities and could not hold off West Ottawa at the end of the game. The Maroons watched as Grant Caserta lined a game winning homerun over the right field fence to clinch the game 8-7. The loss drops the Maroons to 10-5 overall on the season.
The Maroons would jump out first in the first inning, using a Nick Scholten single, a Panther error, a stolen base and a Kirk Cousins sacrifice fly to take the early lead. HC used another Panther error to take the 2-0 lead after two innings of play. After five innings of play, Holland Christian found itself down 7-2 before they plated five runs ion the frame to tie the game. Andrew Bosma got one of his two hits on the afternoon and scored on Nate DeLoofs RBI single. Ben ONeal and Nate DeLoof then scored on Jake VanAltens 2 RBI double. Alex Beelen plated Austin Zoerhof on an RBI groundout and VanAlten came around to score on Kirk Cousins second hit of the afternoon. Cousins and Bosma both went 2-2 on the afternoon. Jeff Victor, Austin Zoerhof and Dan Kortering all contributed singles on the day. HC had a total of 10 hits. The Maroons however left 8 men in scoring position. I thought the game turned when we had guys on second and third with no one out said Mike Ott, head varsity baseball coach. We had the meat of our order up and we couldnt put one across. They used that momentum and took charge of the game after that. We have to have those middle of the lineup guys start to produce, especially in those situations. Cousins and VanAlten each had 2 RBI on the day.
The chink in the Maroons armor was the inability for the pitchers to throw strikes early in the counts. We plain and simple did not do enough on the mound to win added Ott. We couldnt locate offspeed for strikes and get ahead and they knew it. Give them credit they capitalized. For the first time all year, HC showed weakness on the mound walking a season high 8 batters. Starter Alex Beelen went two and two thirds of an inning. Junior Dan Kortering entered with the bases loaded and a 2-2 game with two outs and struck the batter out to elude any further damage. Nate DeLoof came on in the fifth inning and worked out of another jam to help the Maroons tie the game. With the score 7-7, a full count and two outs in the sixth inning, Caserta lifted a DeLoof offering over the fence for the game winning run. Their guys just made us pay for getting behind said Ott. DeLoof took the loss to drop his record to 2-1 on the season. HC committed only 1 error on the day; however it was costly leading to 2 unearned runs in the third inning. "We had been playing well but we were too up and down all day today" added Ott.
Holland Christian returns to action on Wednesday for an OK-Green contest at Unity Christian with the first pitch slated for 4:15 p.m.
 | | Andrew Bosma added a 2-2 day with 2 runs scored. |
Monday, May 7
JV defeated by Panthers
The JV Maroons were back in action today at Maroons Field and dropped a 5 inning mercy-rule shortened game to cross-town rival West Ottawa 17-6. The Maroons were slow out of the gate and gave the Panthers 3 runs right away in the 1st inning and that is what set the tone for the rest of the game. We fell into a huge hole right away and that is something we cannot continue to do, especially in conference play, said Head Coach Joe Baillargeon.
The Maroons however would chip back in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th innings to run their score to 6 on the day. The Panthers however were too much and scored runs in all of the 5 innings with timely hits and capitalizing on Maroons errors and free passes. We gave them way too many free passes today through walks and hit-by-pitches, added Baillargeon, and they used that to their advantage, give them credit.
Pacing the Maroons at the plate would be Ryan Dykstra and A.J. Westendorp. Dykstra added 2 hits on the day and also scored a run. Westendorp would also add 2 more clutch hits plating 2 Maroon runners. Also adding hits for the Maroons would be Sam Bruns who had a booming RBI double to the left field wall, Nic Kiekover who hit a laser to left centerfield, Kevin Kloosterman who had an RBI single, and Josh Arendsen who had a shot single to right. The Maroons amassed 8 hits on the evening.
The starting pitcher for the game was Ryan Dykstra who lasted 3 innings, gave up 8 runs, 6 being earned, on only 6 hits, walking 7 and striking out 1. Following Dykstra was Kevin Kloosterman who pitched 1 and 2/3 innings, giving up 9 runs, 4 earned, 5 hits, walking 3 and striking out 3. Finally finishing the deal was A.J Westendorp who faced one batter and struck him out.
With this game out of the Maroons memory, they return to OK-Green Conference play when they face rival Unity Christian at Maroons Field. First pitch is set for 4:15.
 | | Alex Beelen went 3-4 with a double for HC. | |
Wednesday, May 9
Maroons let game slip away
|  | | Cousins was strong for the Maroons throwing 5 2/3 innings. | |
A strong pitching performance from Kirk Cousins was not enough as Holland Christian fell to rival Unity Christian by a score 7-3. The Maroons committed 3 errors which led to 4 unearned runs. Along with the errors, HC left 14 men on base squandering opportunities in every inning they were at bat. Unity Christian answered each Maroons score with their own never allowing HC to keep momentum. These are the times that test your soul said varsity head coach Mike Ott. It has nothing to do with ability, right now its all about confidence.
Cousins was strong on the mound going 5 2/3 innings limiting Unity to only 6 hits on the afternoon. We have to back up Kirk and if we had done that we would have been on the better end of this one said Ott. Cousins used his defense forcing Unity to put the ball in play but were bit by some untimely fielding miscues. The Maroons were up 3-2 heading into the sixth inning when Unity plated 5 runs, 4 of which were unearned. Kirk Cousins had only used 55 pitches to get through 5 innings, but a lengthened sixth inning forced him to throw 30 pitches in the frame. Cousins took the loss dropping to 4-2 on the season. Freshman Jeff Victor came on in the sixth and got a groundout to stop the bleeding for HC.
At the plate, Alex Beelen led HC with a 3-4 day with two singles and a double. Andrew Bosma aided the Maroons with a double. Chad Hill, Nick Scholten and Austin Zoerhof each contributed singles on the afternoon. The real story for Holland Christians offense was the inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Each inning, Holland Christian had runners in scoring position but only plated 3 runs, 1 of which came on a bases loaded walk. We had guys up there who we want up and I really think our confidence is the key added Ott. We have to have our guys want to be up in those situations and we will go back to work tomorrow.
I believe in our guys but they are the ones making the plays and have to be ready and believe in themselves said Ott. The fortunate thing is we still have a lot of season going and I really think when we stop beating ourselves we are going to be a tough team to contend with. It's tough to keep letting games like this go away but we have to learn from this and make ourselves better. HC will travel to Muskegon to play league leading Mona Shores on Friday with the first pitch at 4:15 p.m. Freshman Jeff Victor will make his first varsity start on the mound for the Maroons.
 | | Chad Hill contributed an RBI single in the second inning. |
Wednesday, May 9
JV defeat Unity
After falling short to Unity Christian 3-2 in a previous meeting, it would be the Maroons that would come out on top this time 6-5. It was the Maroons that struck first after a scoreless first 3 innings. In the bottom of the 4th A.J. Westendorp started things off with a single to center. After a stolen base by Westendorp and 2 more Maroon outs, Ryan Walters hit a ball between the 1st and 3rd baseman. The 3rd baseman fielded the ball and committed a throwing error which scored Westendorp.
After a Unity rally in the top of the 5th, the Maroons would again answer in the bottom of the inning. After the first two batters got out, Steve Lynch stepped up to the plate and drew a 2 out walk. Lynch advanced on a Unity pass ball and was plated by a Kris Lokker single. A.J Westendorp then added another single and Nic Kiekover hit a 2 RBI single that scored both Lokker and Westendorp.
With the score 5-3, Unity yet again rallied to tie the score at 5 going into the bottom of the 6th. Once again with 2 outs the Maroons rallied and capitalized off 2 Crusader errors to plate the winning run.
The Maroons were paced on the mound by Freshman Nic Kiekover who pitched 6 strong innings, giving up 5 runs, 7 hits, striking out 3, and walking 5. Kiekover would earn the win improving his record to 3-2 on the year. Shutting the door for the Maroons and earning the save was A.J. Westendorp who pitched the final 7th inning giving up 0 runs, 0 hits, walking 0, and striking out 1.
Adding hits for the Maroons was Steve Lynch who was 2-3 on the day with a double and single and started both of the Maroons rallies. Also adding 2 hits was A.J. Westendorp. Kris Lokker and Nic Kiekover also contributed to the Maroons offense.
Today was a great win for us. Whenever we play Unity it is going to be a good game and this game was no exception. I am extremely proud of our guys for never giving up and securing the win at the end, said Head Coach Joe Baillargeon
The Maroons will be back in OK-Green Conference action on Friday when they face the Sailors of Mona Shores at Maroons Field. First pitch is set for 4:15.
 | | Jeff Victor settled in and went 5 innings in his first start. | |
Friday, May 11
Sailors defeat Maroons
| |  | | VanAlten singles up the middle for one of HC's 2 hits. |
Holland Christian suffered a six inning mercy rule defeat to Mona Shores by a score of 11-1. The Maroons were holding off their pitching depth for their tournament this coming weekend. Freshman Jeff Victor and junior Monty VanderWall gained some valuable experience pitching against a strong Sailors team. We pitched a couple of guys who had not seen much time on the mound said varsity head coach Mike Ott. They got behind to some very good hitters and Mona capitalized on it. HC drops its record to 10-7 overall and 4-5 in the OK-Green.
The Maroons offense was held stagnant by Mona Shores ace Chris Mattson. HC managed only 2 singles on the afternoon. Andrew Bosma and Jake VanAlten added singles. The lone Maroons run came on an RBI groundout by Kirk Cousins. A second run was gunned down at the plate in the fourth inning. This was HCs lone scoring chance on the day. I am still not sure why we are not driving the ball like we have had teams do to us, because we have that ability and I see it daily at practice said Ott. We were aggressive at the plate, and hit some balls right at people but have to really work on getting something behind the ball. The Maroons were behind the eight ball early so only managed 3 stolen bases on the afternoon.
Victor, who was making his varsity starting debut, was shaky early walking 2 men in the first inning and both came around to score on a two out double. The Sailors then used 2 more Victor walks in the second to score three more runs. Jeff settled down after the first two innings and ended up pitching well added Ott. He has got to come out of the shoot that way because he has great stuff. I was pleased with the way he finished but five walks are giving teams runs and that is not our pitching philosophy. VanderWall pitched the sixth inning and gave up four runs ending the game due to the MHSAA mercy rule. Monty got the ball up and we have to live at the knees said Ott.
Holland Christian hosts the Jon Hooker Memorial Tournament tomorrow with the first game at 10:00 a.m. at Maroons Field. This is as personal of an event and set of games that I have ever been a part of commented Ott. I am already very emotional about it and tomorrow will be very difficult for me. I want this tournament and we can make this tournament be a big turn around for our season. Nate DeLoof makes the start at 10:00 a.m.
 | | Andrew Bosma stayed hot at the plate gathering a single on the day. |
Friday, May 11
JV charges to win
The JV Maroons offense once again exploded propelling itself to a 4 inning mercy-rule-shortened hour and twenty minute victory 15-0 over the Sailors of Mona Shores. The tone was set in the very first inning as the Maroons put up 7 runs to jump to an early 7-0 lead. After that the Maroons would ignite for 1 run in the 2nd inning, 5 in the 3rd, and finally 2 in the 4th inning to close out the game. We drove the ball extremely well today to all fields, said Head JV coach Joe Baillargeon. The Maroons amassed 11 hits on the day, 3 of those for extra bases.
Leading the charge for the Maroons was leadoff-man Ryan Dykstra. Dykstra was 4-4 on the day with 3 single and a booming double off the left-centerfield fence. Freshman catcher Sam Bruns went 3-3 on the day adding 2 singles and a triple to the right center gap. Also driving the ball for the Maroons was freshman second baseman Alden Boven who added a single and a double over the leftfielders head that rolled all the way to the fence. Steve Lynch, Kris Lokker and David Blystra also added hits on the day.
This offense and run support would be all that freshman David Blystra would need on the mound. Blystra pitched sensationally throwing 4 innings, giving up 4 hits, striking out 5 and walking none. Blystra worked quickly, keeping the ball down and faced only 3 over the minimum amount of batters. Dave stayed on top of the ball all night and was able to locate his fastball well with downward motion which kept their hitters in holes they did not want to be in, added Baillargeon.
Tomorrow, the JV Maroons will travel to Grand Haven for the Big Buc Tournament where they will once again face the Sailors of Mona Shores in the first game at 10:00 am. The winner of that game will play the winner of the Muskegon/Grand Haven game at noon.
Saturday, May 12
JV take 2nd in Big Buc
The JV Maroons traveled to the Big Buc Tournament in Grand Haven and lost in the championship game 9-4 to host Grand Haven. But to get to the championship game, the Maroons defeated OK Green opponent Mona Shores 13-10, only one day after defeating the Sailors 15-0 the night before. This game, however, was a different story.
Starting for the Maroons in game #1 was sophomore Steve Lynch who went 2 and 2/3 innings, giving up 1 hit, striking out 1 and walking 7. Also pitching for the Maroons were A.J Westendorp and Jamison Caldwell and finally finishing off the Sailors (and earning the win) was freshman Nic Kiekover.
Offensively, the Maroons came right out of the gate scoring 3 in the top of the 1st inning. Throughout the game, the Maroons responded to every Mona Shores rally with one of their own scoring 3 in the 3rd, 2 in the 4th inning, and finally 3 in the 6th inning to take the lead for good. Leading the Maroons was sophomore A.J. Westendorp who went 2-2 and also scored 2 runs. Ryan Dykstra capped off a 2-5 game adding a monster triple off the centerfield wall. Kevin Kloosterman also was 2-3 adding an additional run.
In Game 2 the Maroons switched fields and faced off with the host Bucs of Grand Haven. After only having 10 minutes in between games, the Maroons picked up right from where they started. Once again the Maroons would score first in the bottom of the 1st inning after Ryan Dykstra drew a walk, advanced on a Buc error, then scored on a Steve Lynch single. Ryan Dykstra would once again start the rally in the top of the 3rd inning by leading off with a single, advancing on a fielders choice, and then singled in by Steve Lynch. The Maroons would strike again in the top of the 4th inning, scoring 2 and the Bucs would respond in the bottom half of the inning scoring 3. With the Maroons leading 4-3 in the bottom of the 6th inning, the Bucs erupted for 6 runs to take the lead 9-4, and hold it in the top of the 7th inning for the tournament crown.
The Maroons pitched by committee all during the second game. Contributing to the effort were freshman David Blystra, freshman Jamison Caldwell, and sophomore A.J. Westendorp. Westendorp would eventually earn the loss for the Maroons. Today was a good day for us, said Head Coach Joe Baillargeon. We struggled, but prevailed, in the first game, and we hung extremely well with Grand Haven throughout the majority of the game. We had a chance to see some different people in different positions to see what they could do.
The Maroons return to OK-Green action on Monday with a doubleheader against Zeeland East and Chix Field. First pitch is set for 4:15.
 | | Jon Hooker 2007 Memorial Champions | |
Saturday, May 12
Maroons represent Hook
| |  | | Deloof, on his birthday, deals a pitch in his no hit shutout. |
On a beautiful sunny day, the Maroons shined in their tournament victory. Honoring the life and legacy of Jon Hooker, the Maroons played inspired baseball winning three games on the afternoon to capture the tournament title. Out of enormous grief for one of my closest friends was born a tribute to him and what he stood for said varsity head coach Mike Ott. Ott and Hooker were roommates in their last season of professional baseball, and were close friends for the next three years. Ott stood in Hookers wedding the day before he was killed in ComAir Flight 5191 that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky in August of 2006. I cannot put into words what today meant to me added Ott. I am so proud of my guys as they played as good as we have played all year and showed how good of a team we can be when we are focused and play to our potential. I love them and will never forget this. Hook would be proud!
HC opened the emotional day riding the birthday boy, Nate DeLoof. DeLoof gave himself, and the Maroons, a great birthday gift, twirling his first career varsity no hitter. DeLoof held the Mustangs of Northpointe Christian hitless over the 5 innings before the mercy rule took effect. DeLoof had 4 strikeouts and 3 walks. He ran his record to 3-1 on the season. I am so proud of Nate Ott said. That was a great effort and something he will always remember on his birthday; I am very proud of him.
Backing DeLoof the Maroons flexed their muscles banging out 12 hits on the afternoon. Leading the way was Chad Hill as he stroked two doubles. Alex Beelen added the other a double and Andrew Bosma added a triple. Kirk Cousins added two singles as did Nate DeLoof. Jon Kloosterman and Ben ONeal each also added singles on the day. The Maroons were able to capitalize and steal 10 bases in game one.
After a lengthy layoff, HC moved to the second round to face Union High School. The Maroons won the game 11-6. Dan Kortering took to the mound and dominated the Redhawks throwing 6 2/3 innings giving up a lone run in the seventh inning. Junior Monty Vanderwall logged the final third of an inning. Kortering struck out 1 and walked no one, limiting Union to 6 hits. He is now 3-2 on the season. Dan was great added Ott. Our defense was very strong behind him and he pounded the zone.
Austin Zoerhof and Alex Beelen led the Maroons offense with two hits each, as HC pounded out 9 hits in game two. Andrew Bosma added another extra base hit with a double. Chad Hill contributed three RBI and a single in the game. Tom Baillargeon, Kirk Cousins, Kyle Schonewill and Nick Scholten each added singles.
Not wanting to let the opportunity slip out of their fingers, HC made quick work of Cedar Springs in the championship game defeating the Redhawks mercying Cedar Spring 10-0 in five innings. Holland Christian used a big first inning to jump to a lead they would never relinquish. HC capitalized on 3 base hits and four consecutive hit batters to score 6 in the frame. That would be more than enough for Scholten, who started on the mound. Scholten, Beelen and Bosma each added two hits in the game. Kirk Cousins finished the game with a bases loaded walk off single plating the mercy rule run. Schonewill added a single and Zoerhof stroked a double to right center. I thought today we got some of our swagger back at the plate and on the bases said Ott. We have the offensive capability and it was great to see our guys have fun fulfilling that potential. That was what today was all about.
Scholten almost overshadowed the offense throwing a complete game 1 hitter for his first victory of the season. Scholten, now 1-1, gave up his lone hit on a sun aided bloop single to right field. He walked 1 man and struck out 2. It was my goal to go after this tournament noted Ott. We saved some pitching that we could have used Friday and took our lumps because of that but it turned out exactly how I hoped. Our pitching today was fantastic. We got ahead, located our offspeed and challenged hitters. I love how they competed.
With the 3 wins, HC took home the trophy for the Jon Hooker Memorial Tournament. Along with this, another honor besieged the Maroons as senior Kyle Schonewill was the member of the team chosen by an independent panel to be awarded with a scholarship in Jon Hookers name. Schonewill, who will be attending Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, was one of the eight players chosen who won this scholarship. The great thing about today is we got to honor a great man and turn a tragedy into something great for these kids involved Ott said. I am so happy with the way everything turned out and I am so proud to have been associated with Jon and I am even more proud to be a member of this team with my guys.
Holland Christian returns to action on Monday hosting the Chix of Zeeland East at 4:15 at Maroons Field.
 | | The Maroons celebrate the 3 wins with a splash. |
Monday, May 14
Maroons draw district bye
The annual MHSAA District 47 draw took place at Zeeland West High School early Monday morning. The draw determines the matchups that will take place on May 29 and June 1 for the District Title. The defending District 47 Champions, Holland Christian, received a bye and will play the winner of Wyoming Park and Zeeland East on Friday June 1 at 3:30 at Zeeland East's baseball field. In the other bracket, the host Dux of Zeeland West will face off against Rogers with the winner play idle Unity Christian at 3:30 on Friday June 1 at Dux Field. The winner of the 3:30 games on Friday will meet in the championship directly after. The Tuesday games will take place at 2:30 (Wyoming Park vs. Zeeland East) and 4:00 (Rogers vs. Zeeland West). The cost of entrance for each day is $5.00. More information will be made available closer to the time of districts.
 | | Jake VanAlten watches his homerun carry the left field fence. | |
Monday, May 14
16 hits propel Maroons
|  | | Dan Kortering launches one of his two triples in the second inning. | |
The Maroons bats carried Holland Christian to a five inning mercy win over visiting Zeeland East. Behind 16 hits, the Maroons pushed across 15 runs to win the game 15-3. The 16 hits are the second highest total for a game this season (19 against Allegan). The win evened their record to 5-5 in the OK-Green and 14-7 overall. We put together a very strong game offensively said varsity head coach Mike Ott. We were hitting the ball solidly and splitting the gaps and we have been waiting to jump out like that.
Every member of the starting lineup recorded a hit on the afternoon. The Maroons pounded out eight extra base hits, two of which were homeruns. The eight extra base hits are the tops in a game this year. Chad Hill and Jake VanAlten each launched homeruns into the left center gap. Hills homerun was a solo shot and VanAltens blast was a three run shot. It was the first homeruns of the season for each of them. Dan Kortering also highlighted the Maroons 9 run second inning with two triples in the same inning. You dont see that very often said Ott. Kort did a nice job driving those pitches and was hustling out of the box. Along with Korterings two triples, Andrew Bosma added a triple to go along with a double later in the game. Alex Beelen contributed two doubles to conclude the Maroons extra base barrage. Holland Christian scored nine runs in the second inning, one in the third and then five in the fourth inning. Nick Scholten, Austin Zoerhof and Kyle Schonewill each recorded two singles. Jeff Victor also recorded a single and an RBI in the fifth inning. Our confidence is really high right now and we are showing that at the plate commented Ott. We have to continue to go up there swinging and be aggressive and continue to build on these type of games.
Kirk Cousins got the start on the mound for Holland Christian but lasted only 1 1/3 innings as he was knocked out of the game when he took a line drive off the forearm. Kirk will be ok said Ott. He got a good shot off the forearm and it is bruised. It will tighten up but he will be ok. Victor did a wonderful job in Kirks relief. Jeff Victor was forced to enter the game and lasted the next 3 2/3 innings to gain his first varsity win of his career. Victor walked one, struck out two and gave up five hits. He moves his record to 1-1 on the season. The Maroons defense was solid once again behind the pitching staff committing only one error. Our defense has locked it up added Ott. Our one error we just rushed on a play. When we do not beat ourselves we are a tough team to deal with.
Holland Christian will travel to Zeeland East on Tuesday for another OK-Green contest. The first pitch is slated for 4:15 p.m.
 | | Chad Hill launched his first homerun of the season. |
Monday, May 14
JV split doubleheader
After losing 9-8 in the first game, the JV Maroons were able to salvage a sweep 7-6 in the second game against the Chix of Zeeland East.
In Game 1, the Maroons were slow out of the gate allowing Zeeland East to score the first 4 run in the 1st inning. But the Maroons chipped back in both the 3rd and 4th innings scoring 4 in the 3rd and 3 in the 4th. Then with the score 7-5 in the Maroons favor, the Chix pushed across 3 runs to make it 7-8 going into the top of the 6th, the final inning. After tying the game up in the top of the 6th, the Maroons could not hold off the Chix assault and allowed a game winning single.
Starting on the mound for the Maroons was freshman Nic Kiekover who pitched 4 and 1/3 innings, giving up 9 runs, 8 hits, striking out 4 and walking 7. Taking the loss for the Maroons however was A.J Westendorp, who would later redeem himself in game 2. Leading the Maroons at the plate was Nic Kiekover who was a perfect 2-2. Also chipping in hits were Ryan Dykstra, Steve Lynch, Kris Lokker, A.J Westendorp, and David Blystra.
After a brief intermission, both teams would take the field again, this time the Maroons the home team, and also with a different result. Throughout the course of the game, each team would chip away at each others lead and it seemed like whoever was going to bat last, would gain the advantage. This could not be more true than when sophomore Kris Lokker stepped to the plate in the bottom of the 6th inning, score tied at 6, and in the dusk of night. Lokker laced a single on the left side past the drawn in infield for his second walk off hit of the year and the Maroons 12th victory on the season. On the mound in Game 2 was freshman David Blystra who pitched 5 innings, giving up 4 runs, 6 hits, striking out 2 and walking 6. Working the 6th inning giving up 2 runs on 4 walks and 2 strikeouts was A.J Westendorp who would also gain the win in the game.
Pacing the team at the plate was freshman Alden Boven who finished with a 3-3 day, adding a double. Also contributing with multiple hits was Steve Lynch adding a triple. Ryan Dykstra, Sam Bruns, Kris Lokker, A.J. Westendorp, Ryan Walters, and Nic Kiekover all added hits as well. It feels good to salvage a split here. I am glad that we were able to get both games in and I am very proud of our guys for constantly fighting in both games and never giving up. That shows what kind of a team we are, said Head Coach Joe Baillargeon.
The Maroons return to action on Wednesday when they finish a resumed game and play a full 7 inning game against the Big Red of Muskegon at Maroons Field. First pitch is set for 4:15.
 | | Alex Beelen delivers a pitch in his complete game shutout. | |
Tuesday, May 15
Beelen shuts out Chix
| |  | | Senior, Kirk Cousins, singles up the middle for one of his two hits. |
Holland Christian completed the two day sweep of Zeeland East defeating the Chix 9-0 in a rain shortened six inning affair. The win brought the Maroons record in the OK-Green to 6-5 and 15-7 overall. Alex Beelens arm powered the way to the six inning victory with his complete game shutout. Beelen did a fantastic job tonight said varsity head coach Mike Ott. He wavered a bit on two batters but stayed mentally focused and trusted his stuff. He has the stuff; he just needs confidence in himself because when he has it he is tough.
Beelen went the distance throwing all 6 innings for his first career shutout and complete game. The win moved Beelens record to 3-0 on the season and lowered his season ERA to 0.36. We worked all off-season on having B trust his stuff and let his stuff do the work because he has fantastic life to his fastball and depth to his slider added Ott. When he is on, he is as good as anyone in the area. Beelen added 7 strikeouts and 3 walks on the afternoon. The Maroons defense was solid behind Beelen committing only one error and turning another double play. Beelen also assisted himself with a pickoff with a man on second base and two outs to get out of the only inning Zeeland East threatened.
At the plate, the Maroons bats cooled a bit from the 16 hits on the prior day. HC managed 4 hits with Kirk Cousins leading the way with 2 singles. Alex Beelen helped his own cause with a 2 RBI single. Andrew Bosma kept up his torrid hitting pace with an infield single to round out the four hits. We struggled a bit at the plate Ott said. We did put the ball in play and the opposing pitcher was wild which always hampers an offense. I liked how aggressive we were on the bases and made Easts errors come back and bite them. The Maroons aggression on the bases brought them 9 stolen bases. HC was also aided by five wild pitches by Zeeland East.
The Maroons complete their OK-Green schedule tomorrow as they travel to historic Marsh Field in Muskegon. Holland Christian will face the Big Reds of Muskegon with the first pitch at 4:15 p.m.
 | | Beelen strokes his 2 RBI single. |
 | | Bosma hammers his first career homerun. | |
Wednesday, May 16
Maroons offense slams Big Reds
|  | | Baillargeon just misses a homerun doubling off the rightfield wall. | |
Behind sixteen hits, Holland Christian capped off its second OK-Green conference season with a 13-4 win over the Big Reds of Muskegon. HC completes the 2007 OK-Green season with a 7-5 record. Pending the results of the rest of the leagues action, the Maroons have assured themselves of no worse than a fourth place finish. The Maroons bats came alive in the middle portion of the game opening up an insurmountable eight run lead they would not relinquish. The win moves their record to 16-7 on the season. I like the way we are playing right now said varsity head coach Mike Ott. We are being aggressive on the bases and at the plate and we are back to putting the pressure on the other team. We do have to shore up some smaller details that can make and break close games and we will get to working on those immediately.
Holland Christian struck first in the first inning as leadoff man Nick Scholten opened the game with a hustle double. Scholten then stole third base and was driven home on a sacrifice fly by Alex Beelen. The Maroons would fall behind 2-1 but pounce back with five runs in the second inning. In that frame, they accounted for five hits, one of them being a big two run RBI single by Alex Beelen and the other, a two run homerun down the leftfield line by Andrew Bosma. HC would then add to its lead scoring four more runs with two outs in the third inning. That was a big turning point in the game said Ott. They made a few mistakes, we put the ball in play and came up with some big hits when we needed them. The Maroons bats were quiet for the next three innings, stranding men in scoring position in two of the three innings. In the seventh, HC pushed across three more insurance runs for the final total of 13 runs on the day. Leading the way at the plate was Alex Beelen (3-4), Kirk Cousins (2-3), Kyle Schonewill (2-4) and Jake VanAlten (2-4). Junior catcher Tom Baillargeon just missed his first career varsity homerun slamming the ball off the top of the right field fence. Also adding singles were Josh Garvelink, Chad Hill, Ben ONeal and Jeff Victor. One the bases, the Maroons stole 11 of 11 bases on the afternoon to continue their torrid 2007 pace.
On the mound, HC used three pitchers to complete the victory. Coming off of a shortened outing on Monday due to being struck by a line drive, Kirk Cousins returned to the hill. Cousins went three innings before leaving the game. He struck out 1 and gave up no walks. Nick Scholten came in relief and pitched the next three innings. His three innings showed Scholten striking out 4 and walking no one. He received the win for the Maroons upping him to 2-1 on the season. Nate DeLoof pitched the final inning striking out and walking no one. We pitched alright tonight added Ott. We have to get the ball down as that was what they were hitting. We need to adjust a bit better so we do not continue to leave the ball up. Holland Christian committed two errors in the game, as Muskegon committed five. Alex Beelen, ala Derek Jeter, highlighted the defense with a running over the shoulder basket catch in shallow left field in the fourth inning.
Holland Christian will now be off until Saturday when they host an east side of the state visitor, Perry High School. The first pitch of the doubleheader will be at 12:00 p.m. at Maroons Field. Junior Dan Kortering will start game one.
 | | HC celeberates its win over Muskegon. |
Wednesday, May 16
JV sweeps Muskegon
After having their first game suspended two weeks ago in the 3rd inning up 6-0 due to lightning, the JV Maroons picked up right where they left off, literally. The Maroons finished the first game only playing three more innings rounding out the score 17-4. In total, the Maroons amassed 17 hits. Contributing to the offense were Ryan Dykstra (3-6), A.J Westendorp (3-4), Nic Kiekover (3-4), Sam Bruns (2-5), and Steve Lynch (2-3). Also adding hits were Alden Boven and Kris Lokker.
Starting the game 2 weeks ago and also finishing it out today was Ryan Dykstra. Dykstra went all 6 innings surrendering 4 runs, 3 of which were earned, 8 hits, 7 strikeouts, and just 2 walks.
In Game 2, the Maroons offense was not as potent as the previous game. The Maroons, now the home team, surrendered one run in the bottom of the 1st inning. With the score still 1-0 in the bottom of the 2nd inning, the Maroons offense responded by scoring four of their own off of a Big Red error, a walk, and an RBI single from Alden Boven. Muskegon then answered the call with 5 of their own runs in the top of the 3rd inning. The score remained 6-4 for the 3rd and 4th innings, where the Maroons were set down in order in both innings. Then in the 5th inning the offense woke up behind a 2 RBI single from A.J Westendorp. The Maroons pushed 4 runs across in the inning to take the lead for good and also would add an extra insurance run in the 6th inning.
Sharing duties on the pitchers mound were freshman Nic Kiekover and David Blystra. Getting the start was Kiekover who pitched the first 3 innings giving up 6 runs, 5 of which were earned on 5 hits, 1 strikeout, and 2 walks. Shutting the door on the Big Reds and earning the win for the Maroons was Blystra who worked the next 4 innings. Blystra only gave up 1 run in the final inning when the defense was back and just trying to get outs. He also surrendered just 2 hits, striking out 3 and walking none.
The JV Maroons push their record to 14-6 overall, with a 9-3 conference mark. Barring other conference action, the team is assured of at least a second place finish. Overall, we played well today. We scored the runs when we needed to and we held them from scoring when we needed to. I am very proud of what our guys have accomplished on the season, especially the conference season, said Head JV Coach Joe Baillargeon.
The Maroons are now off for a few days until they resume play Tuesday with a doubleheader against Northview at Maroons Field. First pitch is set for 4:15.
 | | The JV Maroons are the 2007 Co-OK-Green Champions. | |
Wednesday, May 16
JV win OK-Green
After finishing the OK Green Conference season with a record of 9-3, the JV Maroons were awarded the title of conference champions. In action this afternoon, Zeeland East split a doubleheader with conference leader Unity Christian. With the split, the JV Maroons were able to slip into top slot of the conference and share the crown with Unity Christian. This is a great achievement for our guys, said Head JV coach Joe Baillargeon. On the JV level, there is no postseason play, so to win the conference is the main goal that we aim for every year. I am extremely proud of what we all have accomplished. The Maroons finished the year with split decisions against Zeeland East, Muskegon Reeths-Puffer, and Unity Christian and also sweeps of Zeeland West, Muskegon, and Mona Shores.
 | | Kyle Schonewill connects on his 3 run pinch hit HR. | |
Saturday, May 19
Maroons run to sweep
|  | | Bosma locks in on his second homerun of the season. | |
Playing in their second Saturday set of games in as many weeks, the Maroons used 25 stolen bases and 27 hits to gather the doubleheader sweep of visiting Perry High School. The two wins move the Maroons to 18-7 overall on the season with Dan Kortering (4-2) and Alex Beelen (4-0) each gathering their fourth win of the season. I like how aggressive we were all day said varsity head coach Mike Ott. We have to try and keep building on this towards the postseason and when we create pressure we are in a good spot.
Perry High School upset Fowlerville High School, the 9th ranked team in MHSAA Division II, earlier in the season and showed that fight in game one. The Maroons jumped out to an early 2-0 lead when Nick Scholten singled to start the game. He then stole second base and was driven in on an RBI triple by Alex Beelen. Beelen then scored on an Andrew Bosma RBI groundout. The game stayed at 2-0 until Perry scored in the fourth inning to close the score at 2-1. HC responded scoring a run in the bottom of that same frame on an RBI single by Chad Hill which plated Kirk Cousins who had singled and stole second and third to get into scoring position. Perry would fight back and use two Maroons errors to tighten the game at 3-2 heading into the fifth inning. With HC fending off an increasingly confident team, the Maroons responded with 4 runs in that frame to open the game up. Nick Scholten started that inning again with a single and then a stolen base. He was then plated on an RBI single by Andrew Bosma. Following another hit by Kirk Cousins and a walk by Chad Hill, Kyle Schonewill came to the plate as a pinch hitter and launched a two strike pitch over the left field fence for the 3 run homerun. With the Maroons grabbing the momentum, HC plated six runs in the sixth inning to end the game by the mercy rule. The big blow in the inning was Andrew Bosmas second homerun of the year with a three run shot. The Maroons nabbed 13 stolen bases in game 1. Nick Scholten and Kirk Cousins each added a 3-4 day. Dan Kortering, Ben ONeal and Austin Zoerhof each added singles. Bosma and Beelen also added singles to go along with their extra base hits.
Junior Dan Kortering went the distance for the Maroons to receive his fourth win of the year. He struck out 4 men and only walked one. Kort was not as sharp today said Ott. He would get guys in good counts for us and would leave the ball up and that was what led to them hitting him a bit. Of the three runs, two were charged as earned as the Maroons committed two errors in game one.
In game two, the Maroons did not allow Perry to even get into the game plating five runs in the first inning. In déjà vu fashion, Scholten started game two with a single and a stolen base and then was plated on an RBI triple by Alex Beelen. The triple was in the same right field gap as his first triple of the day. Three more runs came in on an RBI groundout by Kirk Cousins, a sacrifice fly by Nate DeLoof and an RBI double by Josh Garvelink. HC used an eight run third inning to knock Perry out of the game early. The game was ended in the fourth inning with no outs on a two RBI double by Alex Beelen that gave the Maroons a fifteen run lead which forced the mercy rule to be put into effect. Leading the way at the plate was Alex Beelen as he was 4-4, a homerun shy of the cycle, and added 4 RBI. Scholten and Garvelink added two hits. Tom Baillargeon, Nate DeLoof, Kyle Schonewill, Jeff Victor also added singles. HC pounded out 12 hits to go along with 12 stolen bases in game two.
Beelen took the win on the mound going three hitless innings to push his record to 4-0. The lone run that was plated by Perry was charged as unearned scoring on a Maroons error. He struck out 5 and walked 1. Jeff Victor came on in the fourth and threw a scoreless inning striking out 1 man.
The Maroons are back in action on Monday hosting nearby Holland Calvary Baptist with the first pitch at 4:15 p.m. Junior Monty VanderWall will make his first start of the season.
 | | Beelen connects on his second RBI triple, one of his 6 hits on the day. |
 | | Lynch made the most of his debut going 3-3. | |
Monday, May 21
Maroons win family affair
| |  | | Vanderwall records his first varsity victory. |
The Holland Christian Maroons hosted nearby Holland Calvary Baptist and defeated the Crusaders 16-1 in three innings. The game was scheduled for varsity assistant coach Ken Beelen and his family. "Ken, and his family, do so much for this program" said varsity assistant coach Mike Ott. "He works so hard all year for this program, so much he rarely gets to see his other son play his own season. When we had a chance to give him a chance to see his son play, we jumped at it as a small way to say thank you." Beelen's son Kaleb plays for Holland Calvary Baptist. With the win, HC nears the vaunted twenty win mark as they are now 19-7. No team in school history has ever won twenty games in back to back seasons. Only three teams in scholl history have won twenty games, one of which was the 2006 team. The Maroons near this historic feat with five games left this week.
HC continued it strong offensive march adding to its already impressive .370 team batting average on the season. "Our offensive approach and ability has been extremely impressive, especially as of late" added Ott. "We have always had the ability, but now our confidence is merging with our ability and we are becoming dangerous." The scoring started early for HC as they played five runs in the first inning. The Maroons opened the game up using two Crusader errors and eight hits to score eleven runs in the second inning. With the MHSAA rule of fifteen runs after three innings for a mercy rule win, the Maroons did not bat in the third inning. Sophomore Steve Lynch made his varsity debut and took advantage of his time going 3-3 with two singles and a double. He also added 4 RBI on the game. Dan Kortering and Jeff Victor each added two hits a piece with Kortering doubling down the right field line. Nate DeLoof, Josh Garvelink, Jon Kloosterman, Ben O'Neal and Jake VanAlten each added hits to complete the Maroons twelve hits in only two innings.
Junior Monty Vanderwall made his first start on the mound and pitched effectively for two innings. He struck out six while walking two. He earned the victory and moved his record to 1-0 on the season. Josh Garvelink also made his debut on the mound for HC working the third inning giving up 1 run while striking out one and walking no one.
Holland Christian will now travel to nearby rival Holland tomorrow. The first pitch is slated for 4:15 p.m. "The rest of our week will be a good test for us" added Ott. "Holland is always tough as it is a rivalry game but Covenant and Rogers each finished second in their league and then we host Lansing Sexton at the end of the week so we need to keep our momentum going."
 | | Dan Kortering added two hits: a double lefthanded and a single righthanded. |
 | | Bosma strokes his 2 run triple, one of his three hits on a 3-3 day. | |
Tuesday, May 22
Twentieth win a historic one
|  | | Kyle Schonewill drills a double to the left field wall; one of his three hits. | |
Coming into the game versus rival Holland High School, Holland Christian was on the verge of a historic feat. With their 11-1 five inning mercy victory over the Dutch, the Maroons took their twentieth game of the season. This marks only the fourth time in school history that a baseball team has won twenty games and the first time in school history that any Maroons team had ever won twenty games in back to back seasons. ?I am very proud of that fact? said varsity head coach Mike Ott. ?That was one of the goals coming into the season and I am very proud of our guys because they deserve it. We have guys who have been committed to changing this program and that is exactly what these guys have done. They work harder than any team in the school, or the state, and it backs up that anything worth having requires hard work. This is only the start of the goals we have for our season.? The victory also marks HC?s tenth victory in a row moving their record to 20-7.
HC wasted no time continuing their torrid offensive pace as they plated four runs in the first inning behind five hits and a Dutch error. Alex Beelen started the inning with a double and was driven in on an Andrew Bosma single, one of his three hits on the afternoon. Two more runs scored on Chad Hill?s RBI single and the final run of the inning scored on Dan Kortering?s fly ball to left field which was dropped by the left fielder. Holland scored its lone run in the third inning and with the score 4-1, HC capitalized in the fourth inning. Jake VanAlten singled on a base hit bunt and came around with two throwing errors to bring the HC score to 5-1. Kirk Cousins came up with his second single of the game scoring Alex Beelen in a play at the plate. Chad Hill then doubled to the left centerfield wall scoring two. Two Maroons were gunned out at home trying to score. ?We are an aggressive team and we were not going to stop? said Ott. ?I love the way we were attacking the ball and the bases and Holland made a few plays to get us at the plate but when we play at that tempo we are extremely tough to deal with.? Andrew Bosma?s two run triple in the fifth inning drove in two more runs to move the score to 10-1. He then scored on a Holland balk finalizing the score at 11-1. Andrew Bosma fell a homerun short of a cycle going 3-3 in the game with a single, double and triple. Kyle Schonewill also added three hits going 3-4 with two singles and a double. Kirk Cousins and Chad Hill each had two hits on the day. Chad Hill added four RBI on the game. Dan Kortering, Nick Scholten and Jake VanAlten each added singles to wrap up the fourteen maroons hits. HC also stole four bases in the game.
Kirk Cousins was stellar on the mound giving up no earned runs in the five innings, throwing his fourth complete game of the season. He struck out two and walked no one. He is now 5-2 on the year. ?That is as good as Kirk has thrown all season? said varsity assistant coach Mike Spiegel. ?If he can continue to dominate the zone and live with the ball down we are in for a good run.? Cousins held the Dutch down to only two singles and did it with only sixty one pitches in the game. HC backed up Cousins for the most part committing only two errors, one however led to the lone Dutch run.
Holland Christian will continue on the road traveling to Grand Rapids to play Covenant Christian High School tomorrow afternoon. The game is scheduled for a 4:15 p.m. start with senior Nate DeLoof earning the start.
 | | Cousins winds up for a pitch in his 61 pitch complete game. |
Tuesday, May 22
JV brooms Northview
The Maroons took two games today from Northview High School, both mercy rule shortened games, but both two totally different games.
In the first game, the Maroons worked quickly forcing a 3 inning mercy rule shortened game, 17-2. The Maroons capitalized off of numerous Northview errors and with hits of their own. Leading the Maroons at the plate was freshman Ryan Walters who capped off a perfect 3-3 day. Adding multiple hits in game 1 were A.J. Westendorp, Nic Kiekover, and Jamison Caldwell. Also contributing hits to the barrage were Ryan Dykstra, Sam Bruns, Steve Lynch, Kris Lokker, and Alden Boven. Every person in the Maroons lineup had a hit and scored a run.
Earning the win for the Maroons was sophomore Ryan Dykstra who only had to pitch 3 innings. Dykstra gave up 2 runs, 1 of which was earned, only 1 hit, struck out 3 and walked 4. We came out firing on all cylinders on the first game and Ryan was pumping the zone which kept the game moving, said Head JV coach Joe Baillargeon.
After capping game 1 off with a win, the Maroons moved on to game 2. In game 2, the Maroons finished on top by a score of 24-14, a score that more resembles a football game than a baseball game. They would score, and then we would score the entire game. Finally we were able to hold them from scoring a few more runs and we came out on top, added Baillargeon.
David Blystra paced the Maroons at the plate going 3-4 on the day with a triple. Alden Boven also added 2 hits for the Maroons at the plate on the day by adding a 2 RBI single that ended the game in the 6th inning. Nic Kiekover, Steve Lynch, Kris Lokker, and Jamison Caldwell also all added hits.
Freshman Nic Kiekover started Game 2 and also came out with the win. Kiekover went 2 and 2/3 innings giving up 7 runs, 4 earned, 8 hits, striking out 2, and walking 4. Holding Northview for the remainder of the game was Jamison Caldwell who did a fine job in relief. Caldwell gave up 7 runs, 5 earned, 4 hits, struck out 3, and walked just 1.
With the 2 wins, the Maroons record improves to 16-6 on the season. Tomorrow they are back in action when they host cross town rival Holland High School at Maroons Field. First pitch is set for 4:15.
 | | DeLoof fires a pitch in his one hit victory. | |
Wednesday, May 23
One hitter lifts HC
|  | | Kirk Cousins laces an RBI single in the third inning. | |
Holland Christian extended its win streak to eleven games today defeating Covenant Christian High School. The Maroons defeated Covenant 11-0 in a five inning mercy rule victory. Nate DeLoof picked up his fourth victory of the year limiting Covenant Christian to only a leadoff single in the first inning. HC moves its record to 21-7 on the season.
Ten hits were pounded out by Holland Christian; none however were for extra bases. Kirk Cousins and Kyle Schonewill led the Maroons going 2-3 at the plate with two singles and an RBI, while Schonewill was 2-2 with two RBI and two singles. Nick Scholten also added two singles and three stolen bases. Tom Baillargeon, Alex Beelen, Andrew Bosma and Nate DeLoof each added singles on the game. Scholten and Bosma each scored two runs in the game. The Maroons running game did not slow down stealing a perfect ten bases in the contest.
DeLoof was spectacular on the mound using 53 pitches to get through the four and two thirds innings. He walked no one and struck out no one. With the win, DeLoof moves to 4-1 on the season. Junior Monty Vanderwall pitched the final third of an inning inducing a groundball. The game was ended on a spectacular diving play by Alex Beelen in the hole at short to get the runner at first base.
The Maroons continue their busy final week of the regular season hosting the Golden Hawks of Rogers tomorrow at 4:15 p.m. at Maroons Field. Alex Beelen will start the game on the mound for HC.
 | | Nick Scholten slides in safe, one of ten Maroons stolen bases. |
Wednesday, May 23
Dutch down JV
The JV Maroons were hindered by 5 errors and dropped their game to cross town rival Holland High School 12-10. David Blystra started the game going 4 strong innings giving up 8 runs, but only 4 were earned. Blystra also gave up 7 hits, struck out 3, walked just 2 and was given the loss. Nic Kiekover then resumed the pitching duties going the next 3 innings giving up 4 runs, 2 of which were earned. Kiekover also gave up 4 hits, walking no one and striking out 4. Both of our pitchers pitched very well today, but our defense could not back them up at all, said Head JV coach Joe Baillargeon.
Sophomore Steve Lynch had yet another impressive outing at the plate today going a perfect 4-4 on the day and only being a homerun short of the cycle. Kevin Kloosterman also returned to his old form after being out for a few games with a hand injury. Kloosterman went 3-4 on the day and was the spark for most of the Maroon rallies. Also adding hits for the Maroons were Nic Kiekover Ryan Dykstra, Kris Lokker, and A.J. Westendorp. Our offense was very good today. Usually when we score 10 runs that is good enough to win a game, but not today, added Baillargeon.
The Maroons have one more chance to end the season on a winning note when they travel to Wyoming Rogers tomorrow. First pitch is set for 4:00.
 | | Bosma slams his third homerun of the season. | |
Thursday, May 24
Bosma HR, Beelen's arm carries Maroons
| |  | | Alex Beelen fires a pitch in his second complete game victory. |
Nearly a year ago, HC squared off against the Golden Hawks of Rogers in the District 47 Championship game. The games, after one inning, looked like duplicate copies. In 2006, Rogers posted 3 runs in the first using a variety of hits and HC miscues to gather their runs. On Thursday, Rogers did the same sandwiching an error around three hits to plate three runs. That would be the extent of the scoring for Rogers as the Maroons, and Alex Beelen, clamped down and shut down any further scoring as they scraped back to win the game 4-3. The win moved HCs winning streak to twelve games and their overall record to 22-7.
The big blow for the Maroons came on an 0-2 pitch to Andrew Bosma. Bosma smoked a ball to the deepest part of the park over the centerfielders head. With Nick Scholten standing on second, both runners were running towards home. Third base coach Ken Beelen sent Bosma for his third homerun of the year, his first inside the park. I thought that call by ken got the momentum back and won the game for us said a sickened varsity head coach Mike Ott. I would not have sent him there but I like the aggressiveness and Bosma was hightailing it right out of the box. The homerun tied the game at three a piece until the Maroons unknotted the tie in the bottom of the fifth inning. Andrew Bosma was again at the center of the rally singling and then stealing second. Kirk Cousins lined a sun aided double to right field plating the go ahead run. Andrew Bosma led the Maroons going 2-3 with a single and a homerun, along with two RBI. Cousins also added a single for two hits on the game. Chad Hill and Dan Kortering each went 2-3 in the game with two singles. Our energy was not the best today and we have to find a way to get that back said Ott. Alex Beelen and Nick Scholten each added singles on the game.
On the mound, Beelen lasted through a tough first inning only to hang in and get his second complete game of the year. He did it in 87 pitches. B made great adjustments because Rogers was up there swinging added Ott. The victory moves Beelens record to 5-0 on the season as he struck out four and walked only one. The Maroons only made the lone error in the first inning. Only one of the runs was charged as earned for Beelen.
Its not easy playing nor winning four games in four days said Ott. We are playing very well now but need to continue working on our focus. We need to keep this momentum rolling right through the final two games of the regular season. HC completes its regular season hosting Lansing Sexton on Saturday in a doubleheader at Maroons Field. Dan Kortering will get the start in game one. This will be the final home games for seniors Andrew Bosma, Kirk Cousins, Nate DeLoof, Chad Hill, Nick Scholten, Kyle Schonewill and Austin Zoerhof. First pitch is slated for 12:00 p.m.
 | | Chad Hill lines one of his two hits in the game |
Thursday, May 24
JV end season with victory
In their final game of the season, the JV Maroons made the most of it by finishing off the season with a 15-1 victory over Wyoming Rogers in just 4 innings. Ryan Dykstra earned the win pitching 3 strong innings giving up only 1 run. Dykstra also gave up just 3 hits, struck out 5 and walked 2. Finally, closing the door was freshman David Blystra who worked a quick 4th inning giving up no runs, no hits, 1 walk, and 1 strikeout.
The JV Maroons responded well to yesterdays loss to Holland and exploded at the plate through a combination of Rogers errors and Maroons timely hits. Yet again pacing the Maroons at the plate who went 2-3 on the day and scoring 3 runs. Also adding 2 hits was freshman Nic Kiekover who plated 2 runs as well. Contributing to the offense as well were Kris Lokker and Kevin Kloosterman.
With the win the Maroons cap off a very successful season that included a record of 17-7 overall, a conference record of 9-3, and a co-conference championship. It felt good to end the season with a win, said Head JV Coach Joe Baillargeon. It was a very fun and successful season and I am so proud of the guys and what they have accomplished.
| | Bosma hits his conference homerun at Muskegon. | |
Friday, May 25
Maroons post three for All-Conference
| | | Kirk Cousins, selected for the second time in his career, delivers a pitch. | |
Late Thursday night, the coaches from the OK-Green conference voted on the All-Conference team. The Maroons were represented with three players on the First Team and one Honorable Mention. Andrew Bosma (first selection), Kirk Cousins (second selection) and Nick Scholten (second selection) were the members selected by the coaches for First Team honors. Shortstop Alex Beelen was named Honorable Mention.
Andrew Bosma appears on the All-Conference list for the first time in his career. Bosma, who is in the midst of a career season, batted .452 in the twelve conference games. He led the Maroons in league RBIs with fourteen and also stole ten of ten bases. He stroked four doubles, one triple and a homerun. Bosma also accounted for ten runs and twenty three total bases. I am very proud of Boz said varsity head coach Mike Ott. He has put a ton of work in over the past three years and it is all coming to fruition this season. He makes adjustments as quick as anyone on our team and is extremely coachable and always looking to improve. The way he has hit the ball all season has been extremely impressive and been a factor in carrying our team. Bosma will be attending Calvin College next season to continue his education and baseball career.
Kirk Cousins makes his second appearance on the All-Conference team as he was selected as the leagues third baseman last season. This season Cousins was selected unanimously as one of the three pitchers chosen. He is also one of the captains for the Maroons. Cousins led the OK-Green in inning pitched with thirty three and two thirds. His four victories were tied for second in conference as he compiled a 4-2 record. He defeated Muskegon twice, Unity Christian and Zeeland West. Kirk has been the heart of our pitching staff and when he is on is one of the best pitchers in our area said Ott. I am very happy he was selected as he is as deserving as anyone on that team. He has carried our team, more than just on the mound, and I am very proud of him. Cousins struck out seventeen men and walked only eight and compiled a 2.29 league ERA. Kirk will be attending Michigan State University next season on a football scholarship.
Rounding out the three All-Conference members is the two time OK-Green leading vote getter, Nick Scholten. For the second year in a row, Scholten again received the leading amount of votes of any player. That in itself says a lot for Nick added Ott. He is our catalyst and carries our team offensively. As proud of his offensive numbers as I am, I am as proud by the fact in twelve conference games he did not commit an error. He is a captain along with Kirk and he is someone our team looks to and I am very proud of him and this will not be the last honor he receives this season. Scholten led the OK-Green in batting average hitting .537 in league contests. He was twenty two for forty one with twelve runs scored, four doubles and one triple. He led the team with twenty eight total bases and was sixteen of sixteen in stolen bases. He also led the Maroons, and the league, in on-base percentage with a .596 on base percentage.
Alex Beelen was selected by the coaches for the second consecutive year as honorable mention All-Conference. Beelen put together a fantastic season at the plate hitting .395 in conference action with seventeen hits, three of which were doubles. He also was second on the team with 13 doubles and was a perfect ten for ten in stolen bases. B is as deserving as anyone on our team or in the league. Our season is nowhere without him and I would not trade anyone on that team for him.
For the complete list of the All-Conference team please visit the OK-Green homepage.
 | | Nick Scholten was the leading vote getter for the second consecutive season. |
 | | Kirk & Kyle, being Kirk & Kyle, after the Maroons set regular season win record. | |
Saturday, May 26
Maroons set regular season record
Holland Christian hoped to obtain two victories over Lansing Sexton to set a few school records to end their 2007 regular season. There was also the hope that Lansing Sexton would show up for the game. One occurred while one did not. HC recorded two forfeit victories over Lansing Sexton when they did not show up and the umpires ruled a doubleheader forfeit sweep for HC. By rule forfeit victories are ruled 7-0 and 7-0. Therefore the only game that occurred on Maroons Field were the players against the coaches and fathers. The pictures can be found under the photo album link.
With the wins Holland Christian breaks the school record for regular season wins in a season setting the new record with 24. The overall record for wins in a season is 27 set by the 2006 team, but that included five postseason victories. Also with the two victories, the Maroons set the school record for consecutive wins ending their regular season with fourteen. We had a meeting two weeks ago and I told the guys we could realistically win out said varsity head coach Mike Ott. At that point we had been up and down but I always believed in this team. We just had to focus on playing up to our potential and let everything else take care of itself. We have done that and we have been playing extremely well. I am extremely proud of our team as a lot of work has gone into this season and these guys deserve all the success we have had thus far. A lot of people said we couldn't follow up last year and we have made a lot of people eat their words.
Holland Christian ends its regular season at 24-7 and is now off until Friday, June 1. They will play the winner of Wyoming Park and Zeeland East at 3:30 at Zeeland East in the second round of districts at 3:30 p.m. We have got to get back to work on Tuesday and get ready because there are a lot of teams gunning for us said Ott. I believe if we play the way we have we can win it, but we have to get back to staying focused and playing our game, not just showing up.
 | | All-State second baseman Nick Scholten is in the 26th East West All-Star Game. | |
Sunday, May 27
Scholten selected to East-West
|  | | Scholten locks in on one of his many base hits. | |
One of the greatest individual accomplishments a high school baseball player can be bestowed is to be selected to the Michigan High School East-West All-Star Classic. Last season, Jake Arendsen experienced this honor of playing at Comerica Park as he was only the second Maroon ever chosen. The Maroons now have its third member and second consecutive as Sunday afternoon, returning All-State Maroons second baseman Nick Scholten was selected to play in the 26th Annual East-West All-Star Game at Comerica Park on June 18th at 7:00 p.m. The All-Star game rewards the best seniors in the State of Michigan for their career numbers. This is an elite game that only thirty six players get to be chosen, eighteen from the East Side of the state and eighteen from the West Side. Scholten will represent the West.
I am beyond ecstatic right now for Scholt said varsity head coach Mike Ott. Last year we were at the game together and we said you are going to play here next year and here it is and he is in the game. He has worked so hard and put in so much time that this is well deserved. His numbers on his career are amazing and I have loved every minute of having him as one of my players. He is as good of a person as a player and I couldnt be happier for him. Scholtens eye popping numbers include a three year career .503 batting average to go along with 23 doubles, 8 triples, 69 RBI and 78-78 stolen bases. He has also compiled an impressive .591 career on-base percentage and scored an impressive 80 runs. Along with his offensive numbers, Scholten has only committed three errors in his career. Scholten's play has greatly influenced the Maroons in his three years career as Holland Christian is 68-21 in those three seasons.
In 2006, Scholten made a name for himself, just as the Maroons were announcing their arrival as a program. He aided the Maroons in making their longest postseason run in school history as he was named Second Team All-State, All-Region, All-Area, All-District and All-Conference. He hit .500 with 10 doubles, 4 triples and scored 43 runs scored. Scholten also led the Maroons in RBI with 41 and stole 35 of 35 bases. His catalyst approach carried HC to a school record 27 wins.
Entering 2007, Scholten did not rest on his fantastic junior season but undertook a dedicated off-season program and it has paid off. He was named a co-captain in the off-season and his leadership and abilities on and off the field helped HC establish a new regular season school record for wins with 24. On the season, Scholten is currently hitting .500, with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 24 RBI. He has also has stolen 40 of 40 bases and scored 33 runs. He was also recently named to the OK-Green All-Conference team for the second straight season.
This is a great feat for Nick and our program said Ott. To have two guys selected in consecutive years says a great deal of how our program has grown and all the kids involved in it. Scholten is the best in our area and one of the best in the entire state. His leadership, the way he plays the game and how hard he works, I have no idea where we would be, or our program would be, without him. As much time as we have invested in this together its almost like this is happening to one of my own kids. I am sure I speak for our entire coaching staff and team in saying we are so proud of Nick and can't wait to see him in the game he deserves to be playing in.
Tickets for the game can be purchased at Comerica Park on the day of the game for $5.00. All the information on the game and for the entire roster visit the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Associations website.
 | | Scholten has helped carry the Maroons the past three seasons. |
 | | Schonewill lines a double to the rightfield gap. | |
Friday, June 1
Chix upset Maroons
|  | | Cousins goes down and rips an RBI single to give the Maroons a 2-1 lead. | |
Holland Christians successful 2007 season ended when the host Zeeland East Chix upset the Maroons 6-4 in the district semi-final round. Zeeland East moved onto the championship to face Unity Christian. Unity Christian eventually won the district by a score of 7-6. The Maroons put together a strong season compiling an overall season record of 24-8. The twenty four wins is second all time in school history for wins in a season, as the same amount is the school record for regular season wins. I am extremely saddened by this said varsity head coach Mike Ott. We hadnt played that poorly in a long time and think some aspects of pressure crept in and we couldnt make the play or get the hit when we needed to. It is very frustrating but does not overshadow the entire season we put together. To set the regular season win record, win fourteen in a row and continue to add to the lengths this program can go I am very proud of this team.
The Maroons fell behind 1-0 after the first inning but tied the game in the second inning on an RBI groundout by Austin Zoerhof. HC jumped to a lead when they plated Nick Scholten in the third inning on an RBI single by Kirk Cousins to take the lead at 2-1. The Chix would plate three runs in the bottom of the third to take the lead for good. HC clawed back into the game scoring two in the fifth inning to draw the game tight at 5-4. Nick Scholten and Andrew Bosma both singled and scored on a pair of Chix errors on the same play. That was the end of the Maroons scoring though as they went 1-2-3 in both the sixth and seventh inning. We only had five hits added Ott. That makes it difficult but we had chances and just couldnt get the break. Kyle Schonewill contributed the lone Maroons extra base hit scorching a double to the rightfield gap. Dan Kortering also singled early in the game.
Alex Beelen took the loss on the mound for the Maroons going two and a third innings. Beelen was bit by two Maroons errors which led to an unearned run. Beelen struck out two men and walked one. Kirk Cousins came on in relief and was also hurt by two errors aiding in two unearned Chix runs. Cousins threw the final three and two third innings striking out four men and walking none. We played poorly in the field said Ott. Making four errors is not the fundamental baseball we pride ourselves on and that really hurt us and gave them added momentum. This was how we played early in the season when we made mistakes which really hurt us. I think the pressure of expecting to win the district really mounted and the guys felt that. Its very disappointing knowing we are a much better team than how we played.
The disappointment for the Maroons is compiled on as seven seniors took the field for the final time as members of Holland Christians baseball program. Andrew Bosma, Kirk Cousins, Nate DeLoof, Chad Hill, Nick Scholten, Kyle Schonewill and Austin Zoerhof all graduate. I have no words to say what each of those seniors means to me and what they have meant to our program said Ott. They have completely transformed this program taking it to heights no one has seen with our Quarterfinal appearance last year to our #1 ranking this year. We have three guys who were three year starters and they went 68-22 in three years. The other four were huge contributors in the past two years when we went 51-15. No one can ever take that from them. I am a better coach and person for having these guys with me and this program is better for them being in it. It is going to be very tough to replace them and I am deeply saddened by knowing I will not have them again. I love those guys.
Holland Christian could potentially return nine players in 2008: Tom Baillargeon, Alex Beelen, Josh Garvelink, Jon Kloosterman, Dan Kortering, Ben ONeal, Jake Van Alten, Monty Vander Wall and Jeff Victor. Our program has a new level of expectations for our teams. We have some guys coming back who know the level our program has been at for the past few years and are going to work to keep it there. There are also some guys who will be coming up from our JV team who will need to step up in the off-season.
 | | Dan Kortering lines one of the Maroons five hits. |
| | Senior Nick Scholten earns the Holland Sentinel Player of the Year award. | |
Tuesday, June 5
Scholten named Sentinel Player of Year / Four earn more awards
| | | | Beelen is named All-District for his second consecutive season. |
As the baseball season winds down in the State of Michigan, post season honors begin to heat up. Nick Scholten again received a distinguished honor as he became the second consecutive Maroons player to be named the Holland Sentinel Player of the Year. This follows up last week's announcement of his participation in the MHSAA East-West All-Star game at Comerica Park. Additionally, four Maroons garnered All-District awards late Monday night as Alex Beelen, Andrew Bosma, Kirk Cousins and Nick Scholten were selected by the eleven coaches between Districts 47 and 52. The four members were also selected to the Holland Sentinel All-Area team, the first year of the award. Kirk Cousins was also rewarded for his academic career as he was the lone Maroons member named to the Academic All-District Team.
Alex Beelen, making his second consecutive appearance on the All-District team and first on the All-Area team, enjoyed a career season hitting .432 on the year and leading the Maroons in total hits with forty one. Beelen also tied for the team high in runs scored with thirty six. Of his 41 hits, seven were doubles (team leading) and two were triples and he compiled twenty eight RBIs. On the season, he led the team with ninety five at bats and only struck out eight times on the season. Beelen also established a new career high in stolen bases going 29-30 on the season. B had a great year and was extremely productive at the top of our lineup said varsity head coach Mike Ott. I thought he was extremely valuable to our offense and beyond that he is the heart of our defense. Along with his strong season at the plate, Beelen emerged as one of the Maroons top choices on the mound going 5-1 on the season with a 0.88 ERA. He led the team with thirty eight strikeouts and held opponents to a .195 batting average. There is a bright future for him and I am very happy to get him back next year.
Andrew Bosmas career season continued to bring in accolades as he earned first time honors for each award. Bosma finished the season with a .479 batting average and led the Maroons in total bases with fifty five. Of those fifty five bases, he achieved six doubles, three triples (team leading) and three homeruns (team leading). Also, Bosma drove in thirty runs on the year and led the team with a .589 on base percentage. He was 20-21 in stolen bases in 2007. Boz had a fantastic season last year and we expected big things from him this year added Ott. But Boz blew all those expectations out of the water and at a point carried our offense on his back. I am very proud of him because of the amount of time and dedication he has given to our team, program and his career. Bosma will play for Calvin College next season. I expect him to continue to build on his skills and see him only getting better and Calvin being very fortunate to have him.
Kirk Cousins appeared on the All-District team for the second consecutive year and the first time on the inaugural All-Area team. Cousins led the Maroons on the mound going 6-2 on the season with a 2.12 ERA. He made nine starts and had 4 complete games. At seasons end he had compiled 47 innings pitched, thirty two strikeouts to only ten walks and an opposing batters average of .234. Kirk carried our pitching staff all season said Ott. He took the ball in all our big games and he was our ace all year. His leadership on and off the mound really helped this team find its identity and we will greatly miss his experience, leadership and ability. Beyond his mound work, Cousins was a great contributor at the plate hitting .429 on the season with three doubles, two triples, a homerun and a team leading 35 RBIs. He also was a perfect 19-19 in stolen bases. The Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association also honored academic success and Kirk Cousins received Academic All-District honors. Cousins put together a remarkable career on the field but his works off the field are even more impressive. "Kirk graduated as one of the valedictorians of Holland Christian with a 4.0 GPA" added Ott. "That is as impressive as anything anyone has done here and I am very proud because I know that means a lot to Kirk and his family. We preach how important education is and Kirk is a shining example of that. That is a great deal of work and I am glad he has been recognized because I respect that to no end." Cousins baseball career ends as he moves to Michigan State where he will continue on a football scholarship.
Completing the four, Nick Scholten was the leading vote getter for the second straight year on the All-District team. He is also making his first appearance on the Holland Sentinel All-Area team. He becomes the second consecutive Maroon to be named the Sentinel Player of the Year after Jake Arendsen earned the award in 2006. Scholtens remarkable career continued in 2007 as he hit .495 on the season. He tied for the team lead in runs scored with thirty six and contributed six doubles and twelve RBI. He was also a perfect 44-44 in stolen bases ending his high school career never having been thrown out. Scholten has established the school record for stolen bases in a season and a career at Holland Christian. Scholten only struck out three times all season in more than one hundred at bats. His on base percentage was .549 and he led the team with 17 walks. Scholten has put together a remarkable career and every award he gets he deserves said Ott. We had talked this season about how difficult it is to have a season like he did junior year and how teams were going to go at him differently. You could see that all year with the 17 walks, they did not pitch to him as much and why his RBI total is down but he still dominated other teams and I am amazed at the type of player he has turned into and continues to become. Scholten will continue his career at Trinity Christian College next season on a baseball scholarship. I am very proud of Scholt getting all three of these awards on the same day. It is great for him to be named Player of the Year, to go along with the East-West game, it just says a lot about his ability and to me it says more about what a terrific combination of a player and teammate he has been for our program. He should be All-State again this season. He will forever be looked at as one of the best players to ever put on a Maroons uniforms.
Holland Christian ended its season at 24-8. Ott continued by adding I am extremely proud of these four guys, just as I am all my guys. I am greatly going to miss my seven seniors who graduate but as great as these individual awards are, our guys know that they have been on two of the greatest teams this school has ever had the past two year. That means as much to all of us as any of these awards. Awards are great but this program is built around team and none of these awards are possible for these guys without their teammates so I am proud of the guys, our team and our program for the year they put together.
| | Andrew Bosm'a career year leads to two more awards. |
 | | Scholten ended his career as a starter in the East-West All-Star game. | |
Tuesday, June 19
All-Regional and East-West Game for Scholten
Nick Scholtens whirlwind off-season continued Monday as he suited up as a high school baseball player one final time as he played in the Michigan East-West All-Star Classic. The game was played at the home of the Detroit Tigers, Comerica Park. Coming off the John Bos All-Star game last week, Scholten led off and started for the East team playing in five of the nine innings. He was 0-2 with a walk in the game. Scholten started the game by nearly legging out an infield single only to be cut down by Michigans Mr. Baseball, and LSU bound, D.J. LeMathieu on a stellar play. In his next at bat, Scholten drew a walk and was stranded on second base. In his final at bat, Scholten grounded out to the shortstop to end the inning on a fielders choice. In the field, he gathered five putouts on five attempts. I wasn't really that nervous said Scholten. I felt like it was any other game all season but the field set it apart. It was incredible playing on this field. Scholten's family, the entire coaching staff and nearly every returning member of the Maroons varsity team were in attendance at the game. It is a great honor to play in this game and I am so proud of Scholt said Ott. He made some great plays in the field and you definitely could tell he belonged in this group. From all the work he has done in the past three seasons, the long off-seasons we put together, the workouts in the hallways, the cages, the turf, the weightroom and the summer workouts and to end it here at Comerica is the biggest testament to Scholt. He never once settled and that is the reason he is here and will always succeed. I am going to miss him and as great of a day as it was to see him play in this game, it was sad knowing that was it for him. He has done everything he could have with his career and for that I am the proudest.
Also for the second consecutive year, Scholten was named to the MHSAA All-Regional team the final step prior to the All-State team being announced. Scholten was one of only two players to receive the All-Regional honor from the Maroons district, District 47. Zeeland Easts Zane Breslin was the other. Scholten has put together another tremendous season and he deserves this Ott commented.
Scholten, who has racked up nearly every individual award since the end of the Maroons season, hit .495 on the season. He tied for the team lead in runs scored with thirty six and contributed six doubles and twelve RBI. He was also a perfect 44-44 in stolen bases ending his high school career never having been thrown out in 109 attempts. Scholten has established the school record for stolen bases in a season and a career at Holland Christian. Scholten only struck out three times all season in more than one hundred at bats. His on base percentage was .549 and he led the team with 17 walks. He will be playing at Trinity Christian College next season on a baseball scholarship where he will be the leading candidate for the lead-off spot and second base. "He is going to make an impact in that program immediately" added Ott.
 | | All-Regional honors were awarded to Scholten for the second consecutive season. |
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