The 29/1

What makes a high school athletic experience truly special? For West Ottawa Superintendent Tim Bearden, it's that magical Friday night feeling – middle schoolers creating "white noise" in one section, the high school "Black Hole" roaring in another, dozens of cheerleaders, 120 marching band members, football players giving their all, and youth players taking the field at halftime. "You just look around...

Water Polo is often overlooked in the high school sports landscape. Yet for the athletes of West Ottawa High School's Water Polo team, it's a daily passion requiring exceptional physical and mental fortitude. We sit down with team members Liam Tuinstra, Grady Armstrong, Noah Williams, and Coach Alex Wuerfel to explore the demanding world of this unique aquatic sport.

What makes water polo so distinctive is the co...

From the high school gyms of West Ottawa to the professional arenas of Europe, Jake Van Tubbergen’s basketball journey embodies the power of persistence, hardwork and community.

As a 2017 West Ottawa graduate who led the Panthers to their first-ever boys basketball district title, Jake reflects on the unbreakable bonds formed with teammates who did "everything together" - from team sleepovers to hallway conversat...

When dedication, talent, coaching and friendship come together, championships follow. That's the story of Ella Wierks, Ava Porras, Emma Gunnett, and Collette Wierks, four remarkable student-athletes, who along with many others, are part of a West Ottawa XC and Track & Field Team powerhouse. These extraordinary runners take us behind the scenes of their journey to the 4X800 State Championship and how they followed it up wit...

Three years ago, the fan football experience at West Ottawa was traditional – you'd watch the game, listen to the Public Address Announcer, and perhaps enjoy some music from a CD player. Fast forward to today, and the difference is remarkable. With the addition of West Ottawa Stadium in the fall of 2022, a mobile live streaming studio already being utilized this year, and recently announced video scoreboards coming to the main...

A sports injury to end your season, and maybe take away your sport forever. It's the devastating news no athlete ever wants to hear. Depression, sadness and anger are all part of the process, isolation and doubt show up too.

In this episode, we are blessed to have Avery VanDellen, Brandon Berry and Collin Roelofs all come on The 29/1 and simply tell the truth, sharing their experience with you, the greater West Ottawa, and grea...

Prepare to be inspired by the world of Competitive Cheer at West Ottawa High School as coach Mindy Vork, and seniors Kirstyn Wilson and Ashlyn Stonick reveal the intense dedication and resilience behind their sport.

Discover how synchronized movements and high-stakes stunts demand not only physical prowess but also mental toughness. Coach Vork provides a compelling perspective on what it takes to lead a team in this demanding sport,...

Hockey is more than just a game; it's an arena where friendships blossom, brotherhood flourishes, and experiences are shared. The West Ottawa Hockey Team embodies this in its every move, showcasing the intricacies of relationships among teammates, coaches, and family. This episode delves into the strong bonds formed on and off the ice, narrated through vibrant stories of Tyler Noblett, Krue Anderson and Coach Tom Carey as they...

Ever wonder what it takes to keep student-athletes at their best, both on and off the field? Come and hang out with some of the best people we get to interact with at West Ottawa. Athletic Trainers Chris Schoenrock and Grace Mierendorf (Chris & Grace), the devoted athletic trainers at West Ottawa High School, whose stories might just shift your perspective on sports and rehabilitation. They share how their personal journeys thr...

It's not very often that a pair of athletes get to be the first of the first. Come listen to our conversation with Isabel Anaya and Le'Anna Zavala, the two leaders of West Ottawa High School's Girls Varsity Wrestling. Alongside their coach, Mathias Sarli, these athletes are setting new standards and paving the way for future wrestlers at WO. Join us to hear how mental toughness, teamwork, and sheer determination have...

Come join us for some Varsity Hoops talk as we sit down with seniors Hudson Vellinga, Jake Gerrits, Ben Beetham, and Head Coach Jared Redell. Together, we explore the promise of a 6-2 start to the season, highlighted by wins over Zeeland East, the Holland Dutch & the Jenison Wildcats. Coach Redell speaks to developing resilience and growth through wins and losses, and how his seniors are crucial in the team's current succe...

On this week's 29/1 episode, we sit down with Jorddan Myrick, a West Ottawa graduate whose journey from high school standout to influential trainer is nothing short of inspiring. Through his innovative training techniques and personal experiences, Jorddan is transforming the games of West Michigan's top high school basketball players and helping them open up windows of opportunity they might have never dreamed possible. <...

The 29/1 welcomes Kristy Jernigan on this week's episode, the first female principal in West Ottawa's history to ever have played Water Polo!  Kristy’s unique connection to the school started with her father’s role as Athletic Director, and she fondly recounts childhood memories that shaped her path. From a humorous belly slide at a Michigan State basketball camp in front of Magic Johnson to her father's influence on...

Going from the court to the sideline is a massive change for any athlete. Listen to the voice of Clayton Dykhouse, the new Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at West Ottawa High School, as he shares his inspiring journey from the courts of Hope College to the classrooms and gymnasiums of West Ottawa. Clayton brings a dynamic blend of passion and discipline to his roles as both a coach and physical wellness instructor, reflecting ...

Come sit down with us and enjoy our vibrant conversation with 100 Backstroke Record Holder Makenzie Baldwin and Varsity Girls Swimming Head Coach Steve Bowyer, on this week's episode of The 29/1.

As they bring it home in the last 2 weeks of the season, we uncover the dedication and passion that drive their success in the water. Hear about a team that grinds in the pool with a vigorous training schedule and focused commitment. M...

The 29/1 continues our conversation with Karl Von Ins this week, highlighting his almost four-decade-long career in coaching in basketball and track and field, and PA announcing in basketball. Step back in time and discover the meticulous craftsmanship that went into organizing track meets before the digital age with mimeograph invitations and typewritten schedules, and how his family's values infused a strong sense of communi...

Join us this week for amazing story telling and surprising history lessons with legendary PA Announcer Karl Von Ins. For fifty-eight years, Karl Von Ins has been the voice behind the mic at West Ottawa, his presence a staple in the community. This episode celebrates Karl's remarkable journey and the deep connections he has forged with generations of athletes, coaches, and fans.

His unique perspective on the evolution ...

Celebrate a journey of triumph, nostalgia, and inspiration as we welcome 2024 West Ottawa Hall of Fame inductee, Ato Condelee. A three-sport standout and 2013 Male Athlete of the Year, Ato shares memories of his high school sports career and the unexpected honor of entering the West Ottawa Hall of Fame. The episode is filled with laughter and positive reminiscing, capturing the excitement and joy of reconnecting with your past and ...

Put on the headphones and jump into the world of Girls Varsity Cross Country, as we sit down with Coach Kyle Barnes and 2022 State Champion and Notre Dame bound athlete/runner, Helen Sachs.

Team togetherness is crucial in athletics, and this episode unravels how shared goals and mutual respect can fuel great accomplishment. 

Rigorous training, recovery and strength training are essential components of the program....