A History Lesson from Field Names

Our October Community Curiosity unlocked a great history lesson. Here it is:

“I’d love to know more about the Lakers that the athletic fields are named after, such as Grabinski, Hickman, and probably others.” -Amy

Our community is filled with great questions, and this one took us on a trip through Laker history. Behind every field name at Spring Lake stands a person whose impact continues to echo through generations of students, athletes, colleagues, and alumni. Their stories are reminders that leadership, care, and community spirit can leave long-lasting impressions for generations to follow.

Have a piece of Laker history or a story of your own to share? We’d love to hear it as we continue to build our archives. Submit it here.

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Grabinski Field

If you’ve ever watched a game under the lights at Grabinski Field, you’ve stood in a place built on pride and perseverance. The field honors Coach Tom Grabinski, who served as defensive coordinator for two years under Coach Tom Hickman before becoming head coach around 1976.

Coach Hickman still recalls his colleague with admiration and respect, describing Grabinski as one of the state’s brightest coaching minds. “He would have finished his career in the Top 10 wins in Michigan,” Hickman said, “had it not been for his early passing.” Grabinski died suddenly of a heart attack at just 39 years old. In a 1986 pregame ceremony, past players and colleagues rallied to dedicate the football field in his memory. The plaque that now overlooks the field carries a line that perfectly captures his spirit: “(Players) Hold their heads up high and be proud they are Lakers.”

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Wanrooy Field

Just down the way at the high school campus, the softball diamond tells another story of love—for sport and for students. Larry Wanrooy was a beloved math teacher and softball coach.

Known for his humor, fairness, and a knack for making math make sense, he was so popular that—according to legend—an unwritten rule was made to prevent the same teacher from winning “Teacher of the Year” two years in a row. Bill Core, a longtime softball coach, quips, “He probably would have won it annually.”

Wanrooy was also a fierce competitor, a lifelong slow-pitch softball player and a diehard New York Yankees fan. Former coach Bill Core remembers him as “a players’ coach” who inspired deep loyalty. Even after his passing at age 49 from brain cancer, his spirit lived on. The teachers’ softball team renamed itself “Wanrooy’s Warriors” and played each first defensive inning of the season without a third baseman—his position—in tribute. 

Wanrooy Field was dedicated in 2001, the first year in what was a new location at the high school.

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Mel Hall Trail

Just beyond the athletic fields at the high school, winding through the woods, lies the Mel Hall Trail, dedicated in 2011 to Spring Lake’s longest-tenured cross country coach. Mel Hall, who passed away in 2010, spent decades guiding runners through both literal and personal journeys. A longtime English teacher, Hall was known for his relaxed, encouraging style—someone who cared as much about the person as the pace. When a new trail was carved out through the school’s wooded area, there was no question whose name should mark it. Each stride along that path continues his tradition of calm leadership and quiet encouragement.

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Hickman Field

And then there’s Hickman Field, home to Laker Baseball and to the legacy of Coach Tom Hickman himself, a true Laker legend. Coach Hickman was the district’s first varsity baseball coach and one of its most enduring figures. Hickman served more than 20 years as head coach across two stints (1963–1971 and 1986–2003), leading teams to a state semifinal and a state final along the way. 

Beyond the diamond, Hickman’s leadership stretched districtwide. He served over 30 years as Spring Lake’s athletic director, shaping programs, mentoring coaches, and setting the tone for what it means to be a Laker.

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A Legacy that Lasts

Each of these names—Grabinski, Wanrooy, Hall, and Hickman—marks more than a field or a trail. They represent decades of dedication, the power of mentorship, and the deep roots of a community that values relationships as much as results.

So next time you walk the grounds of Spring Lake, take a moment to look at those signs, read those plaques, and remember: these spaces are named not just for what these coaches accomplished, but for how they made others feel—proud to be Lakers.

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Remember: if you have a Community Curiosity you'd like to ask, please do so by clicking here.