Football center expansion announced, building named for Hosford

Grand Valley's Homecoming activities October 6 also included a ceremony that announced a building expansion and naming of the Lakers' football center in memory of Jamie Hosford, ’77.

Hosford, who died in 2014, earned 12 varsity letters and All-American honors in football and wrestling. He was inducted into the GVSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

The Jamie Hosford Football Center will be completed in two parts, a donor-funded expansion and long overdue remodel of the two-story structure. Plans include an expanded locker room, multiple team meeting areas that will double as coaches' offices, and an athletic training and rehabilitation room designed to ensure the health and safety of student athletes.

Keri Becker, director of athletics, said facilities are critical when it comes to recruiting talented men and women.

"This renovation and expansion will help us attract the best student athletes and provide them with the optimal conditions for excellence and success," she said.

The committee leading the fundraising effort is led by President Emeritus Arend D. Lubbers and Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly. At the site celebration, President Thomas J. Haas thanked them for their leadership. Kelly coached the Lakers from 1991-2003.

"We are so grateful to Don and Brian for leading this campaign, the Hosford family for accepting this honor on Jamie's behalf, and the many donors who will step up to help Grand Valley stay at the top of Division II athletics as we have been for 17 years," Haas said.

To learn more or support the Hosford Football Center, visit gvsu.edu/giving/footballcenter.