The Ottawa-Kent Conference is an athletic league located in West Michigan. Its current leader is David VanNoord. It has member schools from Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ottawa Counties. It has 48 member schools that partake in athletics. According to the MHSAA they have the main offices located at Grandville High School.
More information School, Mascot ...
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- Note: The class and population size are from the 2023-24 MHSAA listings. The # next to the year admitted is for founding members.
As of the 2006-07 school year the conference has put a requirement in writing for which sports they want all schools to have a varsity level program in. Those include Baseball, Basketball (boys & girls), Football, Softball (girls), Track & Field (boys & girls), Volleyball (girls), and Wrestling
They also listed a second group of sports which they want a minimal of two more sports in varsity level. Those include Bowling (boys & girls), Competitive Cheer (girls), Cross Country (boys & girls), Golf (boys & girls), Gymnastics (girls), Ice Hockey, Soccer (boys & girls), Swimming (boys & girls), Tennis (boys & girls), and Water Polo (boys & girls)
Furthermore, for expansion purposes they must have a JV program in the mandatory programs along with adding freshman programs. This has been a change when in 2004 they wanted freshman programs in all of the required programs instead they want to see improvement in the schools to have them form one when participation is high enough to warrant it.
Sports not listed as ones they will offer varsity status for include Lacrosse (boys & girls) and Skiing (boys & girls).
OK-Gold[1]
- South Christian
- Thornapple Kellogg
- Holland
- Wayland
- Forest Hills Eastern
- Hamilton
- Holland Christian
- Unity Christian
OK-Red[1]
OK-Black[2]
OK-White[3]
OK-Blue[3]
OK-Silver[3]
- Sparta
- Hopkins
- Godwin Heights
- Kelloggsville
- Calvin Christian
- Belding
- Comstock Park
- NorthPointe Christian
Every two years, the conference realigns itself due to changes in school sizes as some school districts increase at a large rate while others may stay constant or decline. Along with the changes in school populations, they also hear requests to join the conference. The process is a lengthy one and requires a 75% majority of the member schools to allow any new school in the conference.
The Grand Rapids City League joined the conference for the 2008–2009 season.[needs update] According to the Grand Rapids Press, the principals approved with a 43 to 1 vote. The league aligned with seven seven divisions and passed by the committee of athletic directors 34 to 10.
The executive board is made up of at least one principal from each division. After that the Executive Council made up all of the principals would ratify changes. The thought process is only do minor alignment change in two years followed by a possible major realignment in fours depending on different factors. The difference would be actual schools added to the conference or change in the number of divisions versus just flip flopping schools around.
According to the GR Press, seven schools voted no on the City League proposal for several different reasons. Two schools, Lowell and Zeeland West did not show up for the meeting and as such no votes were given to them. The other schools include Lee, East Kentwood, Hudsonville, Jenison, and Middleville. The reasons given for their no votes were because of concerns about the possibility that the four Grand Rapids Public Schools might drop their athletic programs, because of the enrollment differential in some divisions and because of the size of some of the divisions. According to past policies of those schools and previous article quotes from those schools it is assumed what schools felt which way. For Jenison, Hudsonville, and Lee it was the enrollment differences along with the size of their division. East Kentwood and probably Middleville were upset with the Athletic Director of the Grand Rapids Public Schools discussing saving money by eliminating two high school ADs after the first two votes of the conference to let them into the conference.
All seven City League schools officially became full members of the OK Conference beginning with the 2008–09 school year.
The Swimming Conferences were realigned for the 2011–2012 school year and consist of only four levels.
In 2019, a new alignment was enacted that took effect with the 2020–2021 school year. The OK Black division was abolished. The proposal was passed by a vote of 35 to 14 (33 votes or higher to pass).[4]
Notable Alumni who have participated athletically in the OK Conference
- Robert Jackson, former NFL Player
- Ray Bentley, former NFL Player
- Kirk Cousins, current NFL Player
- Mike Dumas, former NFL Player
- Paul Grasmanis, former NFL Player
- Kevin Haverdink, former NFL Player
- Gary Hogeboom, former NFL Player
- Mike Knuble, NHL Player
- Mitch Lyons, former NFL Player
- Jay Riemersma, former NFL Player
- Steve Scheffler, former NBA Player
- Joel Smeenge, former NFL Player
- Joe Staley, former NFL player
- Matt Steigenga, former NBA Player
- John Vander Wal, former MLB Player
- Brent Gates, former MLB Player
- Loy Vaught, former NBA Player
- Dathan Ritzenhein, Two Time Olympian in Track and Field
- Brian Diemer, Bronze Medalist - 1984 Olympics in Track and Field, three time Olympian
- Luke Jensen, Former professional tennis player who reached a #6 world ranking in doubles.
- Ron Essink, Former NFL Player Drafted 1980 - Grand Valley wrestling All American.
- Ryan McDonald, Former NFL Player - All American and Rose Bowl starter with University of Illinois
- Justin Abdelkader, former NHL player.
Schools that have won MHSAA (unless otherwise noted) state championships while being members of OK Conference.
More information Baseball, Year ...
| Baseball |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Division/Class |
| 2016 |
Holland Christian |
2 |
| 2013 |
Grand Rapids Christian |
2 |
| 2012 |
Hudsonville |
1 |
| 2012 |
Grand Rapids Christian |
2 |
| 2011 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 2009 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 2003 |
Holland West Ottawa |
1 |
| 1996 |
Calvin Christian |
B |
| 1994 |
Calvin Christian |
C |
| 1976 |
Wyoming Park |
B |
| Boys Basketball |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Division/Class |
| 2021 |
Grand Rapids Catholic Central |
2 |
| 2019 |
Hudsonville Unity Christian |
2 |
| 2015 |
Godwin Heights |
B |
| 2014 |
Muskegon |
A |
| 2005 |
South Christian |
B |
| 2003 |
Rockford |
A |
| 2003 |
South Christian |
B |
| 1994 |
Calvin Christian |
C |
| 1988 |
South Christian |
B |
| 1984 |
Hamilton |
C |
| Boys Bowling |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Class/Division |
| 2017 |
Lowell |
2 |
| 2004 |
Hudsonville |
A |
| 2004 |
Hudsonville Unity Christian |
B |
| Boys Cross Country |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Class/Division |
| 2015 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 2014 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 2014 |
Grand Rapids Christian |
2 |
| 2011 |
Calvin Christian |
3 |
| 2010 |
Forest Hills Northern |
2 |
| 2010 |
Calvin Christian |
3 |
| 2002 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 2000 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 1999 |
Allendale |
C |
| 1996 |
Caledonia |
B |
| 1978 |
Godfrey-Lee |
C |
| 1972 |
Godfrey-Lee |
C-D |
| 1971 |
Godfrey-Lee |
C-D |
| 1967 |
Northview |
B |
| 1961 |
Wyoming |
B |
| Football |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Division/Class |
| 2012 |
Grand Rapids Christian |
3 |
| 2012 |
Grand Rapids South Christian |
4 |
| 2010 |
Grand Rapids West Catholic |
5 |
| 2010 |
Grand Rapids Catholic Central |
4 |
| 2010 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 2009 |
Lowell |
2 |
| 2009 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 2008 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 2008 |
Muskegon |
2 |
| 2008 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 2008 |
Holland Christian |
4 |
| 2007 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 2006 |
Muskegon |
2 |
| 2006 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 2006 |
Zeeland West |
4 |
| 2005 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 2005 |
Caledonia |
3 |
| 2004 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 2004 |
Muskegon |
2 |
| 2004 |
Lowell |
3 |
| 2003 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 2002 |
Lowell |
2 |
| 2002 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 2002 |
South Christian |
4 |
| 1997 |
Belding |
B |
| 1996 |
Grandville |
A |
| 1995 |
East Grand Rapids |
BB |
| 1994 |
Belding |
B |
| 1993 |
East Grand Rapids |
BB |
| 1992 |
Muskegon Reeths-Puffer |
A |
| 1984 |
Wyoming Park |
B |
| 1983 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| 1978 |
Forest Hills Northern |
C |
| 1976 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| Boys Golf |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Division/Class |
| 2005 |
Muskegon Mona Shores |
1 |
| 2005 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 2001 |
East Kentwood |
1 |
| 2000 |
Muskegon Mona Shores |
1 |
| 1991 |
Muskegon Mona Shores |
A |
| 1989 |
Muskegon Mona Shores |
A |
| 1989 |
Calvin Christian |
C |
| 1988 |
Grandville |
A |
| 1988 |
Comstock Park |
C |
| 1987 |
Comstock Park |
C |
| 1983 |
Forest Hills Northern |
C |
| 1976 |
Grandville |
A |
| Ice Hockey |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Division/Class |
| 2011 |
Grand Rapids Catholic Central |
3 |
| 2000 |
Muskegon Mona Shores |
2 |
| 1990 |
East Kentwood |
A |
| Boys Lacrosse |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Class/Division |
| 1999 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| 2007 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 2020 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| Boys Soccer |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Division/Class |
| 2011 |
Northview |
A |
| 2010 |
East Kentwood |
1 |
| 2008 |
East Kentwood |
1 |
| 2007 |
East Kentwood |
1 |
| 2007 |
Hudsonville Unity Christian |
2 |
| 2004 |
Forest Hills Central |
2 |
| 2003 |
Holland Christian |
2 |
| 1986 |
Holland Christian |
B/C |
| Boys Skiing |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Class |
| 1999 |
East Grand Rapids |
B-C-D |
| 1997 |
East Grand Rapids |
B-C-D |
| 1996 |
Forest Hills Central |
A |
| Boys Swimming & Diving |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Division |
| 2018 |
Holland Christian |
3 |
| 2008 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 2007 |
Holland |
2 |
| 2004 |
Holland |
1 |
| 2001 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 1991 |
Zeeland |
2 |
| 1990 |
Zeeland |
2 |
| 1989 |
Holland Christian |
2 |
| 1988 |
Holland Christian |
2 |
| 1989 |
East Kentwood |
1 |
| 1983 |
East Kentwood |
1 |
| 1982 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1981 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1980 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1979 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1978 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1977 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1976 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1971 |
Holland West Ottawa |
2 |
| 1970 |
Holland West Ottawa |
2 |
| 1969 |
Holland West Ottawa |
2 |
| Boys Tennis |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Division/Class |
| 2007 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 2003 |
Forest Hills Central |
2 |
| 2003 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 2001 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 1998 |
Forest Hills Central |
2 |
| 1998 |
Forest Hills Northern |
3 |
| 1995 |
Forest Hills Northern |
B |
| 1979 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| 1978 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| 1977 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| 1975 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| 1973 |
East Grand Rapids |
A |
| 1972 |
East Grand Rapids |
A (co-champ) |
| 1971 |
East Grand Rapids |
A (co-champ) |
| 1970 |
East Grand Rapids |
A |
| 1965 |
Holland Christian |
B |
| 1963 |
Holland Christian |
B |
| 1954 |
Holland Christian |
B |
| 1953 |
Holland Christian |
B |
| Boys Track & Field[5] |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Division/Class |
| 2021 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 2019 |
East Kentwood |
1 |
| 2018 |
East Kentwood |
1 |
| 2017 |
East Kentwood |
1 |
| 2014 |
East Kentwood |
1 |
| 2013 |
East Kentwood |
1 |
| 2011 |
East Kentwood |
1 |
| 2010 |
East Kentwood |
1 |
| 2010 |
Byron Center |
2 |
| 2009 |
East Kentwood |
1 |
| 2009 |
Hamilton |
2 |
| 2006 |
Forest Hills Northern |
2 |
| 1989 |
Northview |
B |
| Boys Water Polo |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Class |
| 2007 |
Rockford |
Open |
| 2006 |
Rockford |
Open |
| 2005 |
Rockford |
Open |
| 2004 |
Rockford |
Open |
| 2003 |
Rockford |
Open |
| 2000 |
Rockford |
Open |
| 1995 |
Jenison |
Open |
| Wrestling |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Division/Class |
| 2009 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 2009 |
Lowell |
2 |
| 2008 |
Greenville |
2 |
| 2007 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 2004 |
Lowell |
2 |
| 2002 |
Lowell |
2 |
| 1996 |
Middleville |
3 |
| 1995 |
Cedar Springs |
B |
| 1993 |
Grandville |
A |
| 1974 |
Comstock Park |
C |
|
| Girls Basketball |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Class |
| 2013 |
Grand Haven |
A |
| 2012 |
Grand Haven |
A |
| 2010 |
Grand Rapids Catholic Central |
B |
| 2006 |
Hudsonville Unity Christian |
B |
| 1997 |
Grand Rapids Christian |
A |
| 1989 |
Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills |
A |
| 1988 |
South Christian |
B |
| 1973 |
Hudsonville Unity Christian |
B |
| Girls Bowling |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Class/Division |
| 2007 |
Kelloggsville |
3 |
| 2006 |
Kelloggsville |
C-D |
| Girls Competitive Cheer |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Class/Division |
| 2008 |
Grandville |
1 |
| 2007 |
Holland Christian |
2 |
| 2004 |
Grandville |
A |
| 1998 |
Grandville |
A |
| 1997 |
Grandville |
A |
| Girls Cross Country |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Class/Division |
| 2014 |
Grand Rapids Christian |
2 |
| 2013 |
Grand Rapids Christian |
2 |
| 2012 |
Ada Forest Hills Eastern |
2 |
| 2011 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 2010 |
Grand Rapids Christian |
2 |
| 2010 |
Grand Haven |
1 |
| 2009 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 2008 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 2007 |
NorthPointe Christian |
4 |
| 2006 |
Grand Rapids Christian |
2 |
| 2006 |
NorthPointe Christian |
4 |
| 2005 |
Grand Rapids Christian |
2 |
| 2004 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 2003 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 2002 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 2001 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 2001 |
Middleville |
2 |
| 2000 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 2000 |
Middleville |
2 |
| 2000 |
Kelloggsville |
3 |
| 1999 |
Rockford |
A |
| 1999 |
Middleville |
B |
| 1998 |
Rockford |
A |
| 1996 |
Caledonia |
B |
| 1995 |
Caledonia |
B |
| 1994 |
Caledonia |
B |
| 1993 |
Caledonia |
B |
| 1981 |
Godfrey-Lee |
D |
| Girls Golf |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Division/Class |
| 2007 |
South Christian |
3 |
| 2002 |
Caledonia |
2 |
| 1999 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 1998 |
Grandville |
A |
| 1997 |
Grandville |
A |
| 1982 |
Forest Hills Northern |
Open |
| 1979 |
East Grand Rapids |
Open |
| Gymnastics |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Class |
| 2000 |
East Kentwood |
Open |
| 1997 |
Holland |
Open |
| 1996 |
Holland |
Open |
| 1995 |
Holland |
Open |
| 1994 |
Holland |
Open |
| 1992 |
Muskegon Mona Shores |
Open |
| 1991 |
Muskegon Mona Shores |
Open |
| 1989 |
Rockford |
Open |
| 1986 |
Holland |
Open |
| 1982 |
East Kentwood |
Open |
| 1980 |
East Kentwood |
Open |
| Girls Lacrosse |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Class/Division |
| 2011 |
Grand Rapids Catholic Central |
2 |
| Girls Soccer |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Class |
| 2013 |
Calvin Christian |
4 |
| 2012 |
Calvin Christian |
4 |
| 2007 |
Hudsonville Unity Christian |
3 |
| 2006 |
Hudsonville Unity Christian |
3 |
| 2005 |
Forest Hills Central |
2 |
| 2005 |
Hudsonville Unity Christian |
3 |
| 2002 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 2001 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 2000 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| Softball |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Division/Class |
| 2006 |
Wayland |
2 |
| 2005 |
Wyoming Rogers |
2 |
| 2001 |
Wyoming Rogers |
2 |
| 1999 |
Wyoming Rogers |
2 |
| 1996 |
Wyoming Park |
B |
| 1995 |
Jenison |
A |
| 1994 |
Jenison |
A |
| 1993 |
Calvin Christian |
C |
| 1992 |
Jenison |
A |
| 1991 |
Northview |
B |
| 1990 |
Jenison |
A |
| 1988 |
Jenison |
A |
| 1988 |
Calvin Christian |
C |
| 1987 |
Jenison |
A |
| 1976 |
Holland Christian |
B |
| Girls Swimming & Diving |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Division |
| 2001 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 2000 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1999 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1998 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1996 |
Holland Christian |
B/C/D |
| 1994 |
Forest Hills Central |
1 |
| 1994 |
Zeeland |
2 |
| 1993 |
Forest Hills Central |
1 |
| 1993 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1992 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1991 |
Zeeland |
2 |
| 1990 |
Zeeland |
2 |
| 1989 |
Zeeland |
2 |
| 1988 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1987 |
Zeeland |
2 |
| 1986 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1985 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1984 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1983 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1982 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1981 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1979 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| 1978 |
East Grand Rapids |
2 |
| Girls Tennis |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Division/Class |
| 2008 |
Forest Hills Northern |
2 |
| 2007 |
Forest Hills Northern |
2 |
| 2006 |
Forest Hills Northern |
2 |
| 2006 |
Holland Christian |
3 |
| 2005 |
Holland Christian |
3 |
| 2004 |
Forest Hills Northern |
2 |
| 2003 |
Forest Hills Northern |
2 |
| 2003 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 2002 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 2001 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 2000 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 1998 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 1997 |
East Grand Rapids |
3 |
| 1996 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| 1995 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| 1994 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| 1992 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| 1987 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| 1986 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| 1985 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| 1984 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| 1979 |
East Grand Rapids |
B |
| Girls Track & Field |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Division/Class |
| 2008 |
Forest Hills Northern |
2 |
| 2006 |
Kent City |
3 |
| 2003 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 2000 |
Rockford |
1 |
| 1995 |
Caledonia |
B |
| Volleyball |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Class |
| 2008 |
Jenison |
A |
| 2008 |
Holland Christian |
B |
| 2007 |
Jenison |
A |
| 2007 |
South Christian |
B |
| 2006 |
East Kentwood |
A |
| 2002 |
Forest Hills Northern |
A |
| 2000 |
East Kentwood |
A |
| 1990 |
East Kentwood |
A |
| 1978 |
Forest Hills Northern |
C |
| Girls Water Polo |
|---|
| Year |
School |
Class |
| 2007 |
Hudsonville |
Open |
| 2006 |
Rockford |
Open |
| 2005 |
East Grand Rapids |
Open |
| 2004 |
Rockford |
Open |
|
Close
- Note: The Comstock Park Championship was determined by Individual Format versus the Team Duel Format.
- Note: Water polo is not recognized by the MHSAA but the OK Conference allows it full varsity status. The teams compete for the Michigan Water Polo Association (MWPA) State Championship.
Ottawa Kent OK-Blue OK-Red OK-Red Metro/Lakeshore OK-White OK-Gold OK-Silver OK-Black OK-Green OK-Bronze
"Red Division". okconference.info. Ottawa-Kent Conference. Retrieved February 8, 2023. "Green Division". okconference.info. Ottawa-Kent Conference. Retrieved February 8, 2023. "White Division". okconference.info. Ottawa-Kent Conference. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
