FOOTBALL: Bulldogs In The Midst Of Winter Workouts

This is when championships are won.

Winter workouts and spring ball are where you prepare yourself to win championships in a Division II league as tougher as the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Ferris State University's new coaching staff, led by head man Tony Annese, is asking the student-athletes to put in the work it will take to win in Fall 2012 and beyond.

When most people are still asleep, at 5 and 6 in the morning, the Bulldog football players are grinding away on their winter workouts to be ready to go for the start of spring practice.

Follow Bulldog football on Facebook, here.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Bulldogs Have A Big Week Ahead ... Must Maintain Focus

Sarah DeShone

The temptation will be great for Ferris State University's women's basketball team, now ranked 25th in the nation in NCAA Division II.

The Bulldogs (15-4) know that fifth-ranked Ashland University (20-1) will be ready to take on Ferris Saturday in a matchup of nationally-ranked teams from the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Top 25 Poll.

Don't expect Ferris and standout guard Sarah DeShone to overlook one of the better teams in the conference this season, Lake Erie College, on Thursday evening. It's highly unlikely the Bulldogs will fall into this trap. The Storm is 15-5 overall and 9-4 in the GLIAC. Ferris leads the North Division at 12-1 while Ashland leads the South Division at 14-0.

Ferris has to be ready on Thursday. Ashland can and will have to wait.

HOCKEY: Highlights From Ferris' 3-1 Win Over Northern Michigan

This was a huge win for the Ferris State University hockey team to head up to Northern Michigan University and grind out a victory in the Saturday evening contest at the Berry Events Center in Marquette.

Ferris needed the three points badly and got them to move into sole possession of first place (albeit with an ever-so-slim two point lead at 41-39 over Western Michigan University.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Bulldogs Continue To Perform Well, To The Surprise Of Some

Jerrell Sanders

Ferris State University's men's basketball team's success has been a surprise to some as the Bulldogs hold onto first place in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference North Division.

The Bulldogs have retooled after some key graduation losses from last season. Some might have thought that Ferris would have a "rebuilding" year, but that has not been the case. Veterans have stepped up and newcomers have filled some spots. Dontae Molden, Jerrell Sanders and Daniel Sutherlin have been tremendous leaders on the court for the Bulldogs.

Molden has really taken on a major leadership role as he has continued to add to his game. He is a leader, a defender, a set-up man and now, a shooter.

Sanders has bounced back from last year's season-ending injury and Sutherlin continues his consistent play on the hardwood.

The team has a big test Saturday against Saginaw Valley State University. Ferris needs a win in the worst way to maintain its first-place position and protect its house: Jim Wink Arena.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Arner, DeShone Love Team's Depth

Nikki Arner

It's amazing to see the depth that Ferris State University has been able to recruit and develop during the last couple of seasons.

That depth is paying off these days. I had a chance to ask sophomores Nikki Arner and Sarah DeShone about that depth. Both couldn't hide their smiles as they talked about all of the good players who are members of the team.During games head coach Tracey Dorow has the ability to go deep into her bench and expect nothing but high level results. Arner and DeShone, a pair of starters, talked about how they're pushed in practice and how good they know players who come in off the bench are in reality.

Ferris has struck gold with recent recruiting classes and consecutive strong recruiting classes is where you can build the kind of depth that largely  defines championship teams.

Coach Dorow also talked about the leadership of the seniors to drive the team to get better during the off season. Lindsey Pettit, Tricia Principe and Kelsey DeNoyelles have been through the GLIAC battles and now have a lot of help with the emergence of the last three recruiting classes.

FOOTBALL: Highlight Video Of Brock Lavergne

Here is some video on Ferris State University recruit Brock LaVergne, a defensive end from Alcona.

FOOTBALL: Prep Coach Sees LaVergne As A 'Steal' For Ferris

Recruiting is not always an exact science, but Ferris State University has a steal with one of its recruits, according to a head coach who might know. Defensive end Brock LaVergne, of Alcona, could be a pleasant surprise for the Bulldogs on the gridiron in the future.

"It's very exciting and I'm happy for Brock," said LaVergne's coach at Alcona, Dave Schneider. "He's one of those kids who does everything he's ever been asked to do. He'll work harder than anyone else. The kid is going to be successful. He comes from a great family. He's a quality young man and recruiters are looking for character guys. Ferris is stealing one here."

The 6-foot-6, 225 pound defensive end has a wealth of potential and the Bulldogs hope to see it come to reality.

Read more, here:
https://www.thealpenanews.com/page/content.detail/id/520247/Alcona-s-LaVergne-joins-Ferris-State-football-program.html?nav=5007

FOOTBALL: Ferris Signs 31 In Annese's First Recruiting Class

Tony Annese

Here are the biographical sketches on the Ferris State University football recruits who were announced on Wednesday afternoon as part of National Signing Day.

The new coaching staff of head man Tony Annese went to work in very short period of time to put together a class that looks very strong on paper. The Bulldogs had success locally with the recruitment of Morley Stanwood's Tyler Hanks, Central Montcalm's Tyler James and McBain's Hunter Thompson. The staff had a strong group of recruits out of both the Grand Rapids and Muskegon areas - true prep football hotbeds that Annese's staff knows quite well.

Ferris signed recruits at nearly all positions and Annese is not closing the door on some of the kids possibly coming in and playing right away. With a new staff in place, the competition should be as fierce as ever as the veterans will work to solidify their spots while the freshmen and junior college signees will come in and compete for those spots on the depth chart.

Here are biographical sketches of the recruits:

Antonio Agurs
RB, 5-10, 170
Bradenton, Fla./Manatee

Led team to a 13-2 record ... Played for Florida's top-ranked team ... Chosen to play in the Memorial PAL Bowl senior all-star game ... Helped team to 7A Florida state championship ... Highly-regarded playmaker ... Chosen as area's player of the week for his performance in the state playoffs ... Coached by Joe Kinnan.

Torrey Appel
DT, 6-1, 250
Grand Haven

Was an all-OK Red conference selection ... Chosen to play in the East-West Michigan All-Star Game ... Grand Rapids Press All-Area Dream Team pick ... Played on both sides of the line of scrimmage ... Has also competed in track and field ... Two-year starter ... First Team all-league honoree ... Helped team to conference runner-up finish ... Led team to 8-2 mark as a senior … Played prep football for the Buccaneers under Coach Mike Farley.

Corey Arnouts
DE, 6-2, 250
Grand Ledge

Three-year starter at defensive end ... Totaled 72 stops as a junior ... Was an all-conference honoree ... Chosen to play in the East-West Michigan All-Star Game ... Also a talented wrestler ... Tabbed as one of state's top players ... First Team All-State pick ... Was a Lansing State Journal All-Area recipient … Coached by Matt Bird.

Trevor Bermingham
QB, 6-3, 175
Addison, Ill./Trail

Helped lead team to state playoffs … Threw for more than 1,000 yards … Also ran for nearly 500 yards … 3-sport athlete, competes in basketball & baseball … Guided team to an 8-2 mark as a senior … All-conference honoree … All-Area selection … Threw for 286 yards and two scores in state playoff game against Carmel … Multi-year starter …. Coached by Paul Parpet, Jr.

Josh Blanton
LB, 6-2, 215
Zeeland West

2-way starter ... Led team to a perfect 14-0 mark and a Division 4 State Title ... Named to Detroit News All-State Dream Team along with Grand Rapids Press All-Area Dream Team ... Totaled 133 tackles with 16 tackles for loss ... Also had two fumble recoveries and one interception ... Prepped by John Shillito ... Was team's top tackler ... Multi-year starter ... Posted over 300 career tackles to become school's all-time leader.

Chad Burnside
DT, 6-2, 250
Byron Center

Two-way starter ... Played both offensive and defensive line ... Participates in track and field ... Coached by Marc Cisco ... All-Conference selection ... Highly-regarded prospect ... Attended several combines and camps in the offseason ... Had a productive prep career. Led team to 2010 State Playoffs … Team's leading tackler and run stopper … Led team with 7 sacks.

Kitwana Clark
RB, 5-9, 195
Kenowa Hills

One of West Michigan's premier running backs ... Three-year all-conference selection ... Chosen to play in the East-West Michigan All-Star Game … Carried the ball 284 times for 1,740 yards and 21 TD's in 2011 ... Averaged 6.4 yards per carry ... Coached by Scott VanEssen ... Physical and strong ball carrier ... Grand Rapids Press All-Area Dream Team pick ... Had 350 yards rushing and six TD's in a double-overtime win against Holland as a senior ... Four-year varsity player ... West Michigan All-Star honoree ... Helped team to state playoffs as a Sophomore, Junior, and Senior.

Jalen Couch
DB, 5-9, 175
Grand Rapids/Ottawa Hills

Played both quarterback and defensive back ... All-Conference honoree ... Threw for 1,000 yards and 11 TD's ... Completed 51.6% of his passes as a senior ... Also ran for 950 yards and eight scores as a QB ... Also a talented performer on the track ... Quick and elusive player… coached by Chuck Ruffin.

Robert Cuba
DT, 6-0, 250
Grand Rapids/Christian

Two-time Grand Rapids Press All-Area Dream Team selection ... Led the Eagles with 86 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss in 2011 ... Had eight sacks ... Helped lead Grand Rapids Christian to the school's first OK White Conference Championship and teams only 9-0 season in team in history ... Coached by Don Fellows ... Three-year starter ... Two-time all-conference pick ... Was a first team All-State honoree in Divisions 3-4 ...

Jalin Faison
RB, 6-0, 215
Grand Rapids/West Catholic

Competed at both running back and linebacker … Ran for 1,060 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior … Chosen to play in the East-West Michigan All-Star Game … Ran for more than 1,200 yards and nearly 20 TD's in his senior season … Helped school win a state title during his prep career … Had more than 130 tackles in his final season on defensive side … Coached by Dan Rohn … Led school to fourth consecutive OK Blue Conference crown in 2011 … All-State selection … Set a school single-season rushing record … Ran for 1,967 yards on 256 carries last fall while scoring 32 TD's … Grand Rapids Press Dream Team pick.

Corbin Fuller
DT, 6-5, 290
Ontonagon

All-Conference honoree … Tabbed to the All-Upper Peninsula squad … Played on both the offensive and defensive line … Two-Time all-area selection … Has also competes in track and field … One of Northern Michigan's top linemen … Upper Peninsula All-Star representative… Coached by Dave Linczeski

Truman Hadley
LB, 6-0, 181
Chelsea

He led a Chelsea defense that gave up 17.1 points per game with 52.5 tackles during a 7-2 regular season ... Had 16.5 tackles and an interception return for a touchdown in Chelsea's two playoff games ... "He's the best linebacker we've ever had," said Chelsea coach Brad Bush ... Division 3 & 4 Honorable Mention All State.

Tyler Hanks
Slot, 5-10, 170
Morley-Stanwood

Competed at both running back and defensive back ... Talented special teams performer ... All-State honoree ... Helped Mohawks to back-to-back state playoff appearances ... Plays basketball and runs track ... Led team to two consecutive 9-0 regular-season marks ... Coached by Clark Huntey ... Twice reached the Regional Final round of the state playoffs ... Guided team to first district crown in 2010 ... Chosen to play in the East-West Michigan All-Star Game... Big Rapids Pioneer Dream Team Player of the Year ... Multi-dimensional weapon.

Connor Holbrook
LB, 6-0, 210
Mason

Tabbed as Lansing State Journal's top defensive player ... Four-year standout ... All-State selection ... Was also an all-area and all-conference honoree ... Had 95 tackles, six sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception in 2011 ... Chosen to Associated Press All-State squad ... Has also plays basketball.

Nick Huckabay
LB, 6-2, 220
Montrose

Played both quarterback and linebacker ... Led team to Genessee Area Conference (GAC) Red Division Championship ... Multi-year starter ... Chosen to play in the East-West Michigan All-Star Game … Guided the Rams to the MHSAA State Playoffs in 2011 with a 10-1 record ... Coached by Dennis Reinhart ... Also helped team to a state playoff appearance in 2010.

Tyler James
OL, 6-6, 250
Central Montcalm

Earned Division 5-6 All-State First Team laurels ... Consensus all-state honoree ... Coached by his father, Marty ... Two-time all-state pick ... Helped team to an 8-2 mark and a state playoff appearance as a junior ... All-conference and all-area standout ... Played on both sides of the ball ... Leader of offensive line unit ... One of West Michigan's top offensive linemen.

Alex Johns-Moore
QB, 5-10, 185
Port Huron/Northern

Played both quarterback and linebacker ... Two-year starter at quarterback ... Ran for 730 yards and threw for 1,180 as a prep junior ... Dual-threat in the spread offense ... Led team to a 7-3 mark in 2010 ... Chosen among Southeastern Michigan's top players in 2011 ... Threw for 138.5 yards per game and averaged 108.5 per contest on the ground as a senior ... Threw 15 TD passes as a junior ... Helped Port Huron Northern to team's first playoff appearance in more than 10 years in 2010 ... Two-time all-state powerlifter ... Two-time all-area and all-league honoree ... Three-year starter

Quinn Kotsko
WR, 6-2, 190
Port Huron/Northern

Talented wide receiver ... Also played defensive back and served as squad's kicker ... Competes in basketball ... Earned Division 1-2 All-State laurels ... Had 45 receptions for 725 yards and eight TD's ... Named to Detroit News All-Metro East Team ... Coached by Pat Connell ... Multi-year starter ... Chosen as team's Player of the Year Award recipient.

Kyle Kujawa
DB, 5-11, 190
Holland/Zeeland West

Guided team to Divison 4 state championship and perfect 14-0 mark … Played both defensive back and running back for Zeeland West ... Coached by John Shillito... Had three interceptions ... Ran for more than 1,000 yards on the ground and 14 TD's ... Ranked as team's second-leading scorer ... Three-year starter at safety ... Helped team average nearly 44 points per game ... All-Area West Team selection ... Two-time all-conference player ... Finished with 88 tackles ... Had a 57-yard TD run in state title game ... National Honor Society member.

Brock Lavergne
DE, 6-6, 225
Lincoln/Alcona

All-State defensive end ... Competed both at defensive end and tight end ... Also kicked for Alcona ... First Team All-Huron Shores Conference selection at two positions ... Also has played basketball ... One of state's top northern prospects ... Coached by Dave Schneider ... Honorable mention all-state basketball pick.

Jamel Lockett
Slot, 5-8, 190
Warren/Mott

Chosen to C&G Newspapers' All-Eastside Team ... Caught 43 passes for 810 yards as a prep senior ... Also rushed for 225 yards and avearged five yards per carry ... Played a variety of skill positions ... Chosen among Southeastern Michigan's top players ... Named to Macomb County Tier 1 All-Star Team ... Also runs track ... Was also a talented safety on defensive side of the ball ... Recorded 97 tackles with nine deflected passes, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries on defense in 2011 ... Earned Southeastern Elite laurels as a DB.

Damonta Madden
DB, 6-1, 180
Grand Blanc

Registered 49 tackles, including 20 solo stops ... Helped team to Division I regional finals berth ... Tallied six pass breakups ... Started every game and finished with one interception and two blocked kicks in 2011 ... Played prep football for the Bobcats under Joe Delaney ... Also competes in track and field ... Ranked among state's top 30 prospects at his position by Max Preps ... Speedy and athletic defensive back.

Trevor Marceau
TE, 6-4, 210
North Branch

Played a variety of positions including tight end, wide receiver, linebacker and safety ... Chosen to the All-Thumb Football Team ... Also competes in basketball ... All-Conference selection ... Three-year starter ... Was an All-Tri Valley League recipient ... Contributor throughout prep career… Played prep football for the Broncos under Coach Pat Forrester.

Patrick Marner
DB, 6-5, 195
Machesney Park, Ill./Harlem

Led team to a 9-2 overall record as a senior ... Coached by Jim Morrow ... Has only 2 years of playing experiences, since converting from soccer … Helped team to Illinois State Playoffs and second round showing in 2011 ... Has good size and ability ... Also played wide receiver ... Team posted a 8-3 mark in 2010 and reached third round of state playoffs ... Earned all-conference first team recognition.

Aubrey Parrish
WR, 6-2, 190
Charlotte

Standout three-sport athlete ... Veteran playmaker ... Speedy receiver ... Also played cornerback ... Coached by Eddie Ostipow ... Set a school record with four touchdowns in 2011 season opener ... Also competes in basketball and baseball ... Played on elite regional 7 on 7 championship team ... Honorable Mention all-state honoree… 41 receptions for 751 yards and 12 TDs as a senior.

Preston Scheurer
OL, 6-2, 330
Portland

Coached by John Novara ... Chosen to play in the East-West Michigan All-Star Game... Two-year starter ... Detroit News All-State selection ... Named to All-Ionia County Football Team... Consensus all-state pick ... Played on both sides of the ball.

Zach Smilo
DB, 5-11, 170
Canton

Helped team to an 8-3 overall record and state playoff berth in 2011 … ... Member of 2010 team that posted a 10-1 mark and won league title along with state playoff appearance… Also competes in track and field ... Coached by Tim Baechler ... ... Served as a team captain ... Ranked as one of team's top tacklers ... His father, Dave, served as an assistant coach and played collegiate football at Eastern Michigan along with the USFL and CFL .

Brad Speet
LB, 6-1, 215
Saugatuck

Played both quarterback and linebacker ... Led Saugatuck to a 9-0 regular season and a Southwestern Athletic Conference North Division title in 2011 ... Helped Indians to a Division 8 State Playoff bid ... Rushed for 664 yards and 16 TD's in nine games ... Threw for two scores and caught one ... Also ran both a kickoff and interception back for touchdowns ... All-State and All-Conference honoree ... Led team to state title game in 2010 … Coach by Bill Dunn.

Hunter Thompson
OL, 6-4, 300
McBain

First-Team all-conference honoree … Earned Cadillac News All-Area laurels … Was league's offensive lineman of the year … Also competes in basketball ... Has played baseball … Led team to a 9-2 overall record in 2011, including perfect 6-0 mark in league action … Played on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Ramblers … Team reached state playoffs … Played in Class C Basketball State Championship Game in 2010 … Coached by Chad Grundy

John Waller
DB, 6-1, 185
Muskegon/North Muskegon

Played both Running back and defensive back for North Muskegon ... Coached by John Slocum ... Led Norsemen with 742 rushing yards and nine TD's as a junior in 2010 ... Lock-down cornerback ... All-conference honoree ... Regarded as one of state's top recruit prospects ... Among West Michigan's top 20 returning rushers entering 2011 campaign ... Attends West Michigan Christian High School ... Competes in basketball.

Mike Zawacki
DE, 6-3, 215
Monroe

Starter at both tight end and defensive end ... Netted 40 tackles and five sacks as a junior in 2010 ... Served as a team captain ... Plays with intensity ... Fast off the edge ... All-Southeastern Conference selection ... Named to all-region squad ... Has also competed in basketball and track ... Listed among top prospects in Southeastern Michigan … SEC 1stTeam All-Conference and All-Region … Coached by Eric Redmond.

FOOTBALL: Port Huron Northern's Kotsko Featured In Highlight

Here are some highlights of 6-foot-2 Port Huron Northern High School receiver Quinn Kotsko, a Ferris State University recruit whose signing was announced on National Signing Day.

FOOTBALL: Kitwana Clark Highlight Video

Here is a highlight tape made a year ago for Kenowa Hills High School's Kitwana Clark, a running back recruited and signed by Ferris State University first-year head coach Tony Annese.

FOOTBALL: Video Of Ferris Recruit Jamel Lockett Of Warren Mott

Here is a sweet highlight of Ferris State University football recruit Jamel Lockett of Warren Mott High School in the Detroit area.

FOOTBALL: Highlights Of Alex Johns-Moore Of Port Huron Northern

Here are some video highlights of Ferris State University recruit Alex Johns-Moore of Port Huron Northern High School.

FOOTBALL: Video Of Ferris Recruit, Linebacker Josh Blanton Of Zeeland West

Josh Blanton, a Ferris State University football signee from Zeeland West High School, played outside linebacker and offensive line as a prep. The Bulldogs signed the 6-foot-2, 220-pound young man as a linebacker.

FOOTBALL: Video Interview With Illinois Bulldog Recruit Trevor Bermingham

Here is an interview with Addison, Ill. quarterback Trevor Bermingham, a Ferris State University football recruit, after one of his contests in his home state.

FOOTBALL: Video Highlights Of Ferris Recruit Tyler Hanks

Here are some senior year football highlights of Morley Stanwood High School slot receiver/athlete Tyler Hanks.

Hanks is an important recruit for the Bulldogs who protected their backyard to get the top football player in the area from a program that has been a winning one the last few years.

FOOTBALL: Video Of Offensive Lineman Torrey Appel

Here are some video clips from Ferris State University football recruit Torrey Appel's junior year at Grand Haven High School.

FOOTBALL: Ferris Secures Commitments From GRCC

Ferris State University head coach Tony Annese will have some of his former players from Grand Rapids Community College joining him in Big Rapids.

The Grand Rapids Press is reporting that two-time junior college All-American offensive lineman Carlin Landingham leads a group of former Raiders headed to Big Rapids. A junior college player of this caliber is typically expected to come in and play right away. The Bulldogs will hope that is true for an experienced newcomer. He is expected to be joined by sophomores Marcus Cribbs, Justin Glover and Travis Mikita all appear to be headed to play for the crimson and gold.

"I'm extremely happy to go to Ferris, and coach Annese played a big part in me going there," said Landingham, a 6-foot-4, 295 offensive lineman. "I took a visit up there and I liked the campus, the city and the students. Although it didn't really affect me that much, I'm sad that the football program at GRCC is done, but I am happy to go somewhere to play football."

Learn more about the story, here:
http://www.mlive.com/smallcolleges/grandrapids/index.ssf/2012/01/see_where_grand_rapids_communi.html

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Seniors Leading Bulldogs According to Dorow

Tricia Principe is one of the senior leaders for Ferris this
season on the hardwood. (Photo/Scott Whitney)

Head coach Tracey Dorow credited the senior leadership of her squad, particularly in the off season, for much of the success being experienced this year.

Senior leaders Tricia Principe, Kelsey DeNoyelles and Lindsey Pettit have been a strong presence both on and off the hardwood. After the team's 58-50 win over Grand Valley State University in Big Rapids, Dorow was asked about her team's steady improvement this season and the confidence it has gained with its play. She immediately credited the senior leadership.

"I would like to credit the seniors because they have been through a lot the last three years and really demanded a lot of our underclassmen this summer as far as expecting them to work hard, expecting them to work hard when they're home and expecting them to come back and spend time with us on campus," Dorow said. "I think they kept in touch this summer and that hasn't always happened in the past. They've had a different level of accountability."

That accountability is showing through in the form of a confident and united team.

Younger players in the program like Sarah DeShone, Nikki Arner, Christina Branch, Hannah Hoffman, Ashley Rando and others continue to play with more and more confidence.The freshmen, sophomores, juniors (Katy Fox and Kylie Muntz) are playing solid and confident basketball.

HOCKEY: (Video) Ferris Sweeps Michigan State In Hockey

Here are some highlights from the Ferris State University-Michigan State University hockey game. It was a great battle between two nationally-ranked teams before back-to-back capacity crowds in Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids.

These are the kinds of battles we can expect the rest of the way in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Bulldogs Find Way To Win Against GVSU When Offense Not So Sharp

Ferris State University women's basketball coach Tracey Dorow talks to
her squad during Saturday's Grand Valley game. (Photo/Scott Whitney)

Head coach Tracey Dorow watched her team battle it out in a typical rivalry game between her Ferris State University Bulldogs and the archrival Lakers of Grand Valley State University.

Both teams competed hard, and right down until the end, before the Bulldogs were able to grind out a 58-50 victory inside of Jim Wink Arena in Big Rapids.

"I thought Grand Valley did a really good job of being physical with us and kind of took us out of our rhythm," Dorow said. "We didn't shoot the ball as well as we normally do. I thought we had a great week of practices and our performance was a little disappointing in one way but we can't be disappointed since we came away with a win."

Both teams were strong and physical throughout the contest as the Bulldogs had to find ways to manufacture points against an aggressive and tough GVSU defense.

Ferris shot 34 percent from the floor while Grand Valley shot 31 percent from the field.