The Ottawa-Kent Conference is an athletic league located in West Michigan. It has member schools from Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ottawa Counties. It has 51 member schools that partake in athletics. According to the MHSAA they have the main offices located at Grandville High School. The current commissioner is Jim Haskins. Dave Bos is an assistant commissioner of the conference.
Contents |
| School | Mascot | Affiliation | Class | Population Size | County | Year Admitted | Division |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allendale | Falcons | Public | B | 589 | Ottawa | 1994 | Silver |
| Belding | Redskins | Public | B | 687 | Ionia | 1995 | Blue |
| Byron Center | Bulldogs | Public | B | 989 | Kent | 1958# | Green |
| Caledonia | Fighting Scots | Public | A | 1210 | Kent | 1970 | Gold |
| Calvin Christian | Squires | Private | C | 474 | Kent | 1984 | Silver |
| Cedar Springs | Red Hawks | Public | A | 1041 | Kent | 1984 | Blue |
| Comstock Park | Panthers | Public | B | 746 | Kent | 1970 | Blue |
| Coopersville | Broncos | Public | B | 857 | Ottawa | 1984 | Blue |
| East Grand Rapids | Pioneers | Public | B | 985 | Kent | 1970 | White |
| East Kentwood | Falcons | Public | A | 2967 | Kent | 1961 | Red |
| Forest Hills Central | Rangers | Public | A | 1342 | Kent | 1960 | Black |
| Forest Hills Eastern | Hawks | Public | B | 894 | Kent | 2005 | Gold |
| Forest Hills Northern | Huskies | Public | B | 932 | Kent | 1972 | Blue |
| Grand Rapids Catholic Central | Cougars | Private | B | 787 | Kent | 2008 | Gold |
| Grand Rapids Christian | Eagles | Private | B | 1058 | Kent | 2008 | White |
| Grand Rapids Creston | Polar Bears | Public | A | 1256 | Kent | 2008 | White |
| Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills | Bengals | Public | A | 1263 | Kent | 2008 | Gold |
| Grand Rapids Union | Red Hawks | Public | A | 1333 | Kent | 2008 | Black |
| Grand Rapids West Catholic | Falcons | Private | B | 636 | Kent | 2008 | Blue |
| Godfrey-Lee | Rebels | Public | C | 366 | Kent | 1958# | Silver |
| Godwin Heights | Wolverines | Public | B | 587 | Kent | 1967 | Silver |
| Grand Haven | Buccaneers | Public | A | 1944 | Ottawa | 1985 | Red |
| Grandville | Bulldogs | Public | A | 2014 | Kent | 1970 | Red |
| Greenville | Yellow Jackets | Public | A | 1237 | Montcalm | 2003 | White |
| Hamilton | Hawkeyes | Public | B | 749 | Allegan | 1970 | Green |
| Hastings | Saxons | Public | B | 965 | Barry | 1995 | Gold |
| Holland | Dutch | Public | A | 1365 | Ottawa | 1985 | Black |
| Holland Christian | Maroons | Private | B | 848 | Ottawa | 2003 | Green |
| Holland West Ottawa | Panthers | Public | A | 2338 | Ottawa | 1965 | Red |
| Hopkins | Vikings | Public | B | 542 | Allegan | 1994 | Silver |
| Hudsonville | Eagles | Public | A | 1520 | Ottawa | 1958# | Red |
| Hudsonville Unity Christian | Crusaders | Private | B | 799 | Ottawa | 1995 | Green |
| Jenison | Wildcats | Public | A | 1605 | Ottawa | 1970 | Red |
| Kelloggsville | Rockets | Public | B | 516 | Kent | 1958# | Silver |
| Kenowa Hills | Knights | Public | A | 1228 | Kent | 1965 | Black |
| Kent City | Eagles | Public | C | 437 | Kent | 2000 | Silver |
| Lowell | Red Arrows | Public | A | 1289 | Kent | 1984 | White |
| Middleville | Trojans | Public | B | 922 | Barry | 1970 | Gold |
| Muskegon | Big Reds | Public | A | 1646 | Muskegon | 2003 | Red |
| Muskegon Mona Shores | Sailors | Public | A | 1411 | Muskegon | 1985 | Black |
| Muskegon Reeths-Puffer | Rockets | Public | A | 1297 | Muskegon | 2003 | Black |
| Northview | Wildcats | Public | A | 1189 | Kent | 1965 | White |
| Rockford | Rams | Public | A | 2493 | Kent | 1970 | Red |
| South Christian | Sailors | Private | B | 748 | Kent | 1967 | Gold |
| Sparta | Spartans | Public | B | 860 | Kent | 1984 | Blue |
| Wayland | Wildcats | Public | B | 1026 | Allegan | 1970 | Gold |
| Wyoming Park | Vikings | Public | B | 824 | Kent | 1961 | Green |
| Wyoming Rogers | Golden Hawks | Public | B | 855 | Kent | 1958# | Green |
| Zeeland East | Chix | Public | B | 921 | Ottawa | 1965 | Green |
| Zeeland West | Dux | Public | B | 756 | Ottawa | 2005 | Green |
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).
This alignment was enacted starting in the 2008-09 school year after the Grand Rapids City League was officially absorbed into the conference.
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 will be joining the conference for the 2008-2009 season. According to the Grand Rapids Press the Principals passed the league with a 43 to 1 vote. The future alignment for the expansion is still on the table but the one currently being discussed will have 7 divisions (one more than present) and has been passed by the committee of athletic directors 34 to 10. It is inline with the what the conference has done in the past. The executive board is made up of at least 1 principle from each division would have to pass the alignment on April 18. After that the Executive Council made up all of the principals will ratify it by May 9. 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 7 schools voted no 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 by the press 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 the 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 2 high school AD's 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 have been realigned for the 2011-2012 school year and consist of only four levels.
Notable Alumni who have participated athletically in the OK Conference
Schools that have won MHSAA (unless otherwise noted) state championships while being members of OK Conference.
Rockford 1
| Year | School | Division/Class |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | East Grand Rapids | 2 |
| 2003 | Holland West Ottawa | 1 |
| 1996 | Calvin Christian | B |
| 1994 | Calvin Christian | C |
| 1976 | Wyoming Park | B |
Boys
| Year | School | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | South Christian | B |
| 2003 | Rockford | A |
| 2003 | South Christian | B |
| 1988 | South Christian | B |
| 1984 | Hamilton | C |
Girls
| Year | School | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Grand Rapids Catholic Central | B |
| 2006 | Hudsonville Unity Christian | B |
| 1988 | South Christian | B |
Boys
| Year | School | Class/Division |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Hudsonville | A |
Girls
| Year | School | Class/Division |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Kelloggsville | 3 |
| 2006 | Kelloggsville | C-D |
| Year | School | Class/Division |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Grandville | 1 |
| 2007 | Holland Christian | 2 |
| 2004 | Grandville | A |
| 1998 | Grandville | A |
| 1997 | Grandville | A |
Boys
| Year | School | Class/Division |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Girls
| Year | School | Class/Division |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Year | School | Division/Class |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 1993 | East Grand Rapids | BB |
| 1984 | Wyoming Park | B |
| 1983 | East Grand Rapids | B |
| 1978 | Forest Hills Northern | C |
| 1976 | East Grand Rapids | B |
| 1970 | Northview | B |
Boys
| 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 |
Girls
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Year | School | Division/Class |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 3 |
| 2000 | Muskegon Mona Shores | 2 |
| 1990 | East Kentwood | A |
Boys
| Year | School | Class/Division |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | East Grand Rapids | B |
| 2007 | East Grand Rapids | 2 |
Girls
| Year | School | Class/Division |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2 |
Boys
| Year | School | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | East Grand Rapids | B-C-D |
| 1997 | East Grand Rapids | B-C-D |
| 1996 | Forest Hills Central | A |
Girls None Yet
Boys
| 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 |
Girls
| Year | School | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
Boys
| Year | School | Division |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | East Grand Rap | 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 |
Girls
| Year | School | Division |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | East Grand Rapids | 2 |
| 2000 | East Grand Rapids | 2 |
| 1999 | East Grand Rapids | 2 |
| 1998 | East Grand Rapids | 2 |
| 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 |
Boys
| 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 |
Girls
| 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 |
Boys
| Year | School | Division/Class |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Girls
| Year | School | Division/Class |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Forest Hills Northern | 2 |
| 2006 | Kent City | 3 |
| 2003 | Rockford | 1 |
| 2000 | Rockford | 1 |
| 1995 | Caledonia | B |
| Year | School | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Boys
| Year | School | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Rockford | Open |
| 2006 | Rockford | Open |
| 2005 | Rockford | Open |
| 2004 | Rockford | Open |
| 2003 | Rockford | Open |
| 2000 | Rockford | Open |
| 1995 | Jenison | Open |
Girls
| Year | School | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Hudsonville | Open |
| 2006 | Rockford | Open |
| 2005 | East Grand Rapids | Open |
| 2004 | Rockford | Open |
| 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 |
Note: The Comstock Park Championship was determined by Individual Format versus the Team Duel Format.