Soccer field dedication set for Oct. 9

BAD AXE — The date has been set for the naming of the Bad Axe Soccer Complex after longtime coach Dave DeCourval.

Bad Axe school officials recently announced the ceremony will take place beginning at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9 prior to the final regular season boys soccer contest. 

Athletic Director Mike Bogan said the event will include a few words from himself, current soccer coach Adam Sutherland, and some special guests. Following that will be the unveiling of a memorial at the entrance of the field proclaiming it Dave DeCourval Soccer Complex.

The design for the memorial was put together by Sutherland, with help from Bad Axe Marble and Granite. 

“It looks really nice what they’ve come up with,” said Bogan. 

A former Michigan State Police officer, DeCourval was the head coach of both the boys and girls varsity soccer programs. At the time of his death in January of this year, he was the only soccer coach the school had ever known.

“We wanted to do something,” Bogan said. “It’s a well-deserved honor for him and we’re excited what the design is for the thing and a we’re looking forward to doing it.”

Added Bogan: “Anybody and everybody is invited. If they’re interested in coming out to honor Dave, the more people the better. He was a pretty big figure in the area when it came to soccer, so it’s a fitting tribute to him.”

Bogan said much like at the football stadium, the school will be selling bricks that people can purchase that will be included in the memorial. Forms for the bricks can be picked up at the high school office.

For more information, call 989-269-9593.

- Courtesy Huron Daily Tribune