Category Archives: Softball

GRCC In the News, 4-28-15

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President Obama turns down invitation to speak at GRCC graduation ceremony

April 28, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Administrators at Grand Rapids Community College aimed big for the school’s spring commencement ceremony when they asked President Barack Obama to deliver the keynote address.

Caring for a loved one? You’re not alone.

April 24, 2015; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — You never know when you might have to become a loved one’s primary caregiver. It can happen gradually over the years, or with a single diagnosis or accident.

… “Its sort of a win-win-win,” explains Mike Faber of the GRCC Older Learner Center. “It was a win for the providers who have resources, for the caregivers in need, and for the community as a whole.”

Glen Oaks softball team drops weekend doubleheaders

April 27, 2015; Three Rivers Commercial-News

CENTREVILLE — The Glen Oaks Community College women’s softball team dropped two doubleheaders over the weekend.
Tom Muckel’s Lady Vikings were swept at home on Saturday by Jackson Community College 10-4 in eight innings and 18-5 and dropped two games on Friday at Grand Rapids Community College 10-1 and 10-2.

Muskegon Community College recap: Kyle Lawson ups pitching record to 8-1

April 27, 2015; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — Kyle Lawson is showing no signs of slowing down.

The sophomore right-hander for the Muskegon Community College baseball team raised his record to 8-1 on the season with last week’s 7-0 shutout against Grand Rapids Community College.

Volleyball adds two student-athletes for 2015

April 27, 2015; The Official Website of Indy Athletics

INDIANAPOLIS — Head Coach Jason Reed and the UIndy volleyball staff has added a pair of student-athletes for the upcoming season. Shelby Ruffner (Chesterton, Ind./Grand Rapids Community College) and Lauren Koopman (Floyds Knobs, Ind./Floyd Central) will be Greyhounds for the 2015 campaign.

GRCC In the News, 3-3-15

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New adviser to push skilled trades issues for Snyder

March 2, 2015; The Detroit News

Detroit Gov. Rick Snyder has tapped a veteran West Michigan public school superintendent to be his new senior education adviser focused on improving the state’s pipeline of skilled trades workers.

… As head of the Ottawa ISD, (Karen) McPhee has overseen a technical education program that partners with area schools, businesses and Grand Rapids Community College to help students find career pathways in the skilled trades, according to Snyder’s office.

Eagles rebound, take pair from Grand Rapids

March 3, 2015; WTXL

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 2, 2015) — The TCC Eagles sweep a doubleheader from Grand Rapids Community College, 7-3 in Game One and 16-2 in Game Two at Eagle Field on Monday.

Lady Pioneers take first two from Cleveland State

March 2, 2015; The Tennessean

GALLATIN — It wasn’t an ideal way to open the season for the Volunteer State Community College softball team, but Sunday’s doubleheader against visiting Cleveland State produced ideal results.

… Vol State was originally scheduled to play Grand Rapids (Mich.) Community College in a doubleheader on Sunday. It would have given the Lady Pioneers four games that day, but rain prevented that from happening. The first game which began shortly after 7 p.m. was stopped in the fourth inning after field conditions became unplayable, and the contest had not reached the point of being ruled official.

Softball team hosts bowling fundraiser

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You can have a fun afternoon while helping GRCC’s softball team: Players are hosting a bowling fundraiser on January 31.

Proceeds from the event will offset the team’s spring training costs and will fund scholarships. The event runs from noon to 2 p.m. January 31 at Fairview Lanes, 3335 Fairlane Ave. SW in Grandville. It also will include a 50-50 raffle and silent auction.

Individuals may register for $15. Groups rates range from $29 for two people to $88 for a full lane of eight people.

Complete details and a registration form can be downloaded online here. Registration forms and payments can be given to any GRCC softball player or coach or mailed to:

GRCC Softball
Attn: Jenni Bourbina
143 Bostwick Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

For more details, contact softball coach Jenni Bourbina at jklutts@grcc.edu or (616) 234-2382.

GRCC In the News, 12-19-14

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At $86,000, November’s GRCC Board of Trustees election more costly than previous races

Dec. 18, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Four Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees candidates spent more than $86,400 on advertising and other campaign-related expenses for the Nov. 4 election, according to campaign finance reports.

Sparta hires new varsity softball, volleyball coaches

Dec. 18, 2014; MLive

SPARTA — The Sparta Athletic Department is excited for its upcoming seasons, with a couple of new hirings for their girls sports.

… In the spring, Hutchens will lead the Spartans softball attack. Hutchens ended her playing career at Grand Rapids Community College, but before that donned the blue and white on the Spartans own field. She played varsity softball at Sparta for three years and has coached the junior-varsity squad for eight.

GRCC In the News, 5-5-14

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The 2014 Armen Awards

May 2, 2014; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Three Grand Rapids Community College staff members are recipients of The Armen Awards. The Armen Awards is a team competition event designed to inspire best practices for teaching and learning.

Challenge Scholars: creating opportunity

May 5, 2014; therapidian.org

They say it takes a village to raise a child and in the eyes of Grand Rapids Community Foundation and Grand Rapids Public Schools, these words ring true. Benjamin Oliver, Challenge Scholars Advisor, and Meredith Fennema, PR & Marketing Specialist, both at Grand Rapids Community Foundation, are two of the many individuals dedicated to the success of Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s newest education endeavor: Challenge Scholars.

… Since the program has been implemented, the participating schools have seen a near 10% increase in academic acceleration, a 5% decrease in chronic absenteeism and an over 20% increase in expected growth targets in math and reading. As a way to celebrate the program’s success thus far, a special celebration for all currently enrolled Challenge Scholars will take place on Tuesday, May 6 at Grand Rapids Community College’s Ford Fieldhouse.

Silver Line looks to boost economic development, local real estate

May 2, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Hi-ho, Silver Line! When all is said and done, it is possible that one of the greatest recent economic development catalysts Grand Rapids has seen will arrive by way of bus.

… Part of the process meant being sure to touch economic hotspots like 54th and 44th streets, Venema said, but it also meant marketing to both Silver Lines customers and its neighbors. One of the biggest factors is higher education, he said, adding that BRT officials spent a lot of time discussing how such a corridor could help students attending downtown Grand Rapids colleges, such as Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College. The Silver Line could benefit the schools by allowing students to reach their destination without the need of a car, meaning schools could spend less on providing parking and instead spend more on the programs offered, he said.

Gast, Weidinger Homer As No. 17 Owens Softball Routs GRCC In Doubleheader

May 2, 2014; ABC 13

The No. 17 Owens Community College softball team swept a pair of five inning games against Grand Rapids Community College in today’s home finale.

GRCC In the News, 5-2-14

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Mayor George Heartwell to deliver address at GRCC commencement ceremony

May 1, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell will address graduates at Grand Rapids Community College’s commencement ceremony on Friday.

College notes: Davenport pitcher doesn’t know his own strength, becomes a top hurler in WHAC

May 1, 2014; MLive

… SOFTBALL

… Paula Maloley, Grand Rapids Community College: Maloley, who has coached GRCC for 28 years, earned her 700th career win in an 11-5 win over Lake Michigan College on April 28. “I can’t take credit for those wins,” said Maloley, whose team is 12-22 this year. “It’s the players that deserve the credit for winning those games.”

Saints baseball takes two from Indiana Tech

May 1, 2014; MLive

Ft. Wayne, IN- The Aquinas College baseball team won a pair of key WHAC games against Indiana Tech yesterday in Ft. Wayne. The wins improve the Saints’ record to 12-12 in conference play and moved them into fourth place, a game ahead of Madonna. The Saints are 22-19 overall.

… The Saints jumped out to an early lead in game two, scoring five runs in the first two innings. The lead grew to 8-0 before the Warriors scored a combined six runs in the 5th and 6th. Aquinas held on and completed the sweep with a 10-6 win. Kyle Orlowski (Grand Rapids/GRCC) had three hits and three RBI to lead the way for the Saints. All three of Orlowski’s hits were doubles. Brad Slis (Marysville/Marysville) added two hits and Michael Priest (Grand Rapids/Catholic Central) drove in two. Brendan Penny (Grand Rapids/Catholic Central) struck out five while earning the win for the Saints.

Not the usual canoe trip

April 25, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

If the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce ran a canoe-and-kayak rental business on the river downtown, it would probably look a lot like what Jeff and Rita Neumann are doing.

… Jeff, 54, is a retired professor who taught electronics at Grand Rapids Community College. Rita is a physical therapist and also works in quality improvement. Both are longtime outdoor enthusiasts, she as a cycler and equestrian, and he as a river paddler, certified as an instructor by the American Canoe Association.

 

GRCC In the News, 5-1-14

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GRCC’s Armen Awards honor student service learning projects

April 30, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College has announced the winners of its annual service learning awards.

West Michigan family gains new fame as BBC recounts story of their trials, torture in Romania

May 1, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — There were no more secrets last October when Ion and Mioara Bugan and their three children met for a reunion with their former neighbors in Draganesti, a small village in eastern Romania.

… Carmen studied at Grand Rapids Community College, then at the University of Michigan and Oxford University. Besides writing Burying the Typewriter, she has published a collection of poems, “Crossing The Carpathians.” She won the 2011 Katharine Bakeless Nason Prize for non-fiction. Her second collection of poems, “The House of Straw” came out early this year.

Let the roasting begin: Retiring Grand Rapids police chief in hot seat for Silent Observer fundraiser

April 30, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Retiring Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belk will be the guest of honor — and the target of jokes — at a Silent Observer fundraiser on Wednesday, April 30.

(Article doesn’t mention it, but Kevin Belk is a GRCC alumnus.)

The dirt on bad duct cleaning

May 1, 2014; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — With furnaces having worked overtime this winter, many homeowners may be considering getting their air ducts cleaned. Target 8 discovered when it’s time to get them cleaned and when you’re wasting your money.

… Target 8 took his pictures to Grand Rapids Community College HVAC professor Don Steeby, who said it didn’t look like the ducts had been cleaned properly.

Loriel Jenny’s extra work paying off in the batters box for Wyoming softball team

May 1, 2014; MLive

WYOMING — Loriel Jenny is off to a sizzling start for the Wyoming softball team and doesn’t appear to be ready to cool off any time too soon.

… Jenny has already signed to play softball at Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC In the News, 4-29-14

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Local athletes compete at collegiate level

April 29, 2014; cadillacnews.com

… Grand Rapids Community College sophomore Amanda Steig (Reed City H.S.) is hitting .333 with 11 RBIs for the Raiders’ softball team through 26 games played.

Muskegon Community College sports recap: Baseball team gets coach Cap Pohlman’s 500th win

April 28, 2014; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — With less than two weeks of the regular season left to play, the Muskegon Community College baseball team now sits in first place with a two-game lead in the MCCAA standings heading into the home stretch of its schedule.

… Earlier in the week, MCC swept Lake Michigan College (April 24) and Cornerstone University JV (April 23), split with Grand Rapids Community College (April 22) and dropped a single game against Aquinas College (April 21).

GRCC In the News, 4-18-14

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GRCC offering free workshop for grandparents raising their grandchildren

April 17, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is offering a free luncheon and workshop Friday for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

Students turn lens on manufacturing

April 17, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

An annual high school student video competition aims to promote interest in the manufacturing industry.

… Videos submitted to Discover Manufacturing Today were posted on the video competition’s Facebook page and open to public voting. Student videos were also reviewed by a panel of judges, and were ranked based on a variety of criteria including creativity of the video, and how well the interview questions were addressed. The judging panel consisted of representatives from local manufacturers, Grand Rapids Community College, The Right Place, Kent ISD and Michigan Works.

Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids Presents GOD OF CARNAGE, Now thru 4/26

April 17, 2014; broadwayworld.com

Tonight, April 17, 2014, Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids will continue its 33rd season with God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton. The show will be presented Thursday through Saturday on two consecutive weekends at GRCC Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids, beginning tonight, April 17, 2014 and closing on April 26, 2014. All performances begin at 8PM. A special talk back will follow the performance on Friday April 18th; discussion topics include: communication and conflict management.

See which historic homes will be on the Heritage Hill Tour of Homes this spring

April 17, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — This spring’s 45th Annual Heritage Hill Tour of Homes will feature seven private homes and two historic public buildings, the Heritage Hill Neighborhood Association announced this week.

… Tickets on the weekend of the tour will be $20 and available only at the ticket booth in the Sneden Center on the Grand Rapids Community College DeVos Campus, 435 E. Fulton Street.

College notes: Jenison grad throws back-to-back no-hitters, will play baseball at Indiana next year

April 17, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Every athlete wants to be known for something.

… Wes Vaughn (baseball), Grand Rapids Community College: Vaughn was 3-for-3 with two doubles in an 11-1 win over Glen Oaks CC on April 10. Vaughn (East Grand Rapids), a sophomore outfielder, is hitting .326. It was the third-straight game he had three hits.

Garrett Veihl (baseball), Grand Rapids Community College: The freshman pitcher (Greenville) earned his first win of the season pitching a complete game, 4-1 win over Glen Oaks CC on April 10. In five innings, he allowed four hits and one earned run with no walks and five strikeouts. Veihl improves to 1-2 with a 3.24 ERA.

Dylan VanPutten (baseball), Grand Rapids Community College: The sophomore (Middleville) went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, two stolen bases and a double in a 9-8 loss to Macomb Community College on April 12. The first baseman is hitting .240 this season.

… Katie Klomstra (softball), Grand Rapids Community College: The sophomore (Godwin Heights) was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs in a 5-3 loss to Lansing CC on April 12.

… Logan Sochacki (golf), Grand Rapids Community College: Sochacki (Jenison) earned medalist honors after shooting a 71 at the Ancilla College Invitational in Plymouth, Ind. on April 12. Teammates Cody Shoemaker and Tony Conaway were tied for third place with 73s to help the Raiders finish first.

Brad Buurstra homers twice as Union baseball team takes two from Muskegon Mona Shores

April 17, 2014; MLive

Two players named Buurstra were responsible for a lot of on-field damage as Grand Rapids Union took two games from Muskegon Mona Shores, 5-4 and 6-2, in OK Black Conference play on Thursday.

… Brad Buurstra has signed with Grand Rapids Community College. Devin Husted, who had two hits and two runs batted in during the doubleheader, is also getting recruited by schools.

GRCC In the News, 4-15-14

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Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra names new music director

April 14, 2014; Petoskey News

The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra board of trustees announced the selection of Libor Ondras, Ph.D., as the new Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra music director.
…A viola recitalist, Ondras serves as music director of the Kent Philharmonic Orchestra and orchestra director at the Grand Rapids Community College.

Brann’s Steakhouse CEO’s folksy memoir serves up tales of 4 decades in Michigan restaurant business

April 15, 2014; MLive

At age 19, Tommy Brann became the youngest restaurant owner in Michigan.
…His philanthropic efforts range from creating a scholarship for African-American hospitality students at Grand Rapids Community College, donating $15,000 for the Veterans Park in Grand Rapids and purchasing helmets for the Wyoming Police Department.

Local athletes compete at collegiate level

April 15, 2014; Cadillac News

Aquinas College freshman Aaron Hodges (Cadillac H.S.) hit the “B standard” for the NCAA Championships in the pole vault as he took fifth place with a leap of 15-feet, 5-inches at the Don Klienow Track & Field Invitational Saturday at Siena Heights.
…Davenport University freshman Cayman Gatt (Pine River H.S.) had three hits in the Panthers’ 7-2 JV softball win over Grand Rapids Community College on April 7. She added two hits in Davenport’s 4-2 Game 2 win.

Muskegon Community College sports recap: Jayhawk softball extends win streak to 3 games

April 14, 2014; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI The Muskegon Community College softball team got off to a slow start this season, but appears to be turning things around.
…MCC swept Grand Rapids Community College 11-0 and 13-0 on April 11.

Exercise Science Department and Softball teamed up for Kids Food Basket

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The GRCC Exercise Science Department Yoga Classes (Professor Melanie Schiele-Gady) and the GRCC Softball Team (Head Coach Paula Maloley) teamed up to give back to the Kids Food Basket. The GRCC students donated food items and also colored sack bags that will be stuffed with food for area Grand Rapids Children (each day the Kids Food Basket provides sack dinners to 6,000 children). The project was completed to provide a hands on experience of learning about the Path of Yoga: Karma Yoga which means selfless giving and also to connect the 6 Wellness Dimensions to the yoga classes and also how the Wellness Dimensions apply to the Kids Food Basket Project. How does providing sack dinners connect to the 6 Wellness Dimensions (Occupational, Physical, Social, Intellectual, Spiritual, and Emotional)? The GRCC Students were able to discuss how the project affected them in each Dimension of Wellness and also how this project will help the children in each of the Wellness Dimensions. The donation included 500 colored sack bags and close to 75 pounds of food. Thank you for making a difference!

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GRCC In the News, 3-24-14

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GRCC offers extensive on-demand workforce training

March 21, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Grand Rapids Community College continues to bridge the skill gap for in-demand jobs and prospective employees.

Fresh ingredients focus of Jonny G’s Grill on Holland’s south side

March 23, 2014; Holland Sentinel

The south side neighborhood restaurant, which opened in October and occupies the former Belly’s Coffee House and Remember When Cafe space, offers lunch and dinner items, specializing in half-pound burgers, fresh wraps, quesadillas and thin-crust pizzas.

…Jonathan Groening, 37, is a Holland High School and Grand Rapids Community College culinary arts program graduate.

Message to Latino Youth: Dream Big

March 21, 2014; School News Network

Kent ISD, MI — For as long as she can remember, Allison Arnold has been able to rely on the Latino Youth Conference for encouragement and support.

…Allison recently returned to help her mother out for the conference’s 15th year at Grand Rapids Community College.

Reading with the Stars

March 21, 2014; The Rapidian

Liz Aschwege has a passion for sharing her love of reading. Her program, Reading with the Stars, is a partnership between local college students and athletes and area elementary schools. Teams from Aquinas College, Grand Valley State University, and Grand Rapids Community College have all been involved.

Jenison juggles lineup in bid to repeat as O-K White softball champs

March 22, 2014; MLive

JENISON — Jenison’s softball team will face some challenges this season, after being conference champion a year ago with an O-K White mark of 9-1.

…The Wildcats were 19-16 last season under 15th-year coach Kari Kossen, but will have to replace some excellent players including outfielder Aubrie Bylsma, now at Grand Rapids Community College, second baseman/outfielder Breanna Hansen,(Trinity International), and catcher Danielle Marlink (Central Michigan). Outfielder Alex Lintjer was another key graduate.

Rockford returns six starters for O-K Red softball warfare

March 22, 2014; MLive

ROCKFORD – Rockford’s softball team is happy to be reloading following a solid 2013 season.

…Both Ramos and Lexie Brown, who also will play some first base for the Rams, have signed to play college softball at Grand Rapids Community College.

Wyoming softball team has sufficient depth to replace strong senior class

March 22, 2014; MLive

WYOMING – The Wyoming softball team graduated a fine senior class, but seems to have sufficient depth on the roster to replicate last season’s 28-6 record.

…The Wolves are led by four returning seniors, including all-conference outfielder Loriel Jenny, who will play softball at Grand Rapids Community College next year.

 

GRCC In the News, 3-18-14

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2012 Guitar Foundation of America Winner Russian Guitarist Rovshan Mamedkuliev

March 17, 2014; MLive

On March 20, the GRCC International Guitar Series will present the 2012 Guitar Foundation of America Winner Russian guitarist Rovshan Mamedkuliev.

GRCC board unanimously approves 2.9 percent tuition increase: ‘We’re still a very affordable option’

March 17, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Tuition will rise 2.9 percent at Grand Rapids Community College next fall.

Kalamazoo Bach Festival Society Announces Winners

March 17, 2014; comvoicesonline.com

The most promising college and high school singers from the Midwest competed at the annual Kalamazoo Bach Festival Young Vocalists Competition last Saturday, March 15, at Kalamazoo College. Eight of the competitors will be showcased in the Young Vocalists Concert on April 12, 3 pm, at Kalamazoo College Light Fine Arts Center. The purpose of the competition and concert is to encourage the study and performance of vocal music.

… There were 36 competitors from the Midwest. Colleges represented were Alma College, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Rapids Community College, Indiana University South Bend, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, and University of Michigan School of Music.

One Wyoming 1 on 1 will connect our youth with positive adult mentors so they can be tomorrows leaders.

March 17, 2014; onewyoming1on1.org

Our Partners

… Grand Rapids Community College Police Academy

Muskegon Community College sports recap: Women’s basketball team receives several postseason honors

March 17, 2014; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — The Muskegon Community College women’s basketball teams season is over, but the Jayhawks collected several postseason awards when they were announced on March 11.

… SOFTBALL: The Jayhawks (0-5) will next be in action on Friday when they host Grand Rapids Community College.

Greyhounds to take on experienced Bulldogs

March 18, 2014; The Fort Scott Tribune (Kan.)

Fort Scott Community College’s men’s basketball team will be making its first appearance in a national tournament since 1948 when it takes the court at the Mary Miller Complex in Danville, Ill., for a first-round game in the NJCAA Division II Basketball Tournament at 11 a.m. Wednesday morning.

… South Suburban, located just 120 miles north of Danville, has won its last eight games, including the District IV championship game against Triton College by a 93-75 score on March 8 in Elgin, Ill. The Bulldogs’ last loss came on February 10 at Grand Rapids, Mich., by a 96-88 score in overtime, which was their second straight defeat following a 58-57 loss at Kishwaukee, Ill., two days earlier.