FOOTBALL: GLIAC Media Day Is Almost Here

BIG RAPIDS - Yes, it's about that time of the year when we really start to think about the start of the college football season.

On Monday, the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football coaches will gather together, in Bay City, for Media Day. One of the main highlights of Media Day, of course, is the release of the preseason poll as the coaches will have an opportunity to make their statements about how they see this year's race for the GLIAC championship stacking up.

Obviously, Grand Valley State will be the clear-cut favorite to win the conference title as the Lakers have added some high-profile Division I transfers to a squad that already was loaded with weapons to spare.

After GVSU, there will probably be some room for debate as Ashland and Michigan Tech have earned preseason national rankings in at least one poll.

But, after the top three, the debate really gets intriguing with Wayne State, Hillsdale and Saginaw Valley returning solid squads coming off winning records in 2008.

Ferris State University hopes to be in the mix for one of those upper-division spots in the conference standings, but there are a lot of challenges in the way.

From there, spots appear to be up for grabs, but don't also overlook the possibility of a dark horse, that finished around the .500 mark last year, moving into the upper division of the league standings.

Here are my preseason picks for the 2009 GLIAC football season:

1. Grand Valley State University
2. Ashland University
3. Michigan Tech University
4. Wayne State University
5. Saginaw Valley State University
6. Ferris State University
7. Hillsdale College
8. University of Indianapolis
9. University of Findlay
10. Northwood University
11. Northern Michigan University
12. Tiffin University

A lot of these are pretty tough calls. I think Ferris could finish as high as fourth in the GLIAC this season.

It looks like the league is divided into five tiers:

Tier 1: Grand Valley
Tier 2: Ashland and Michigan Tech
Tier 3: Wayne, Ferris, Saginaw Valley and Hillsdale
Tier 4: Indianapolis, Findlay, Northwood and Northern
Tier 5: Tiffin

VOLLEYBALL: Preseason Practice Is Inching Closer

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University is looking forward to a positive season of volleyball and we're getting the first glimpses of the team the Bulldogs will send to the court.

The returning starters for the Bulldogs are led by seniors Kristy Gilchrist, a 6-foot middle hitter; Katie Edwards, a 5-foot-11 outside hitter; and Sarah Lark, another 5-foot-11 middle hitter.

In addition to the returning seniors, Ferris will have a number of veterans back with experience to lead the Bulldogs this fall. Ferris finished 16-12 last season, but the team has high hopes for a better record this coming season.

There are some holes fill in the Bulldogs' lineup, but the new season is a fresh start and the competition soon will begin.

To get a first glimpse at the team the Bulldogs will send to the hardwood, visit the "Quick Facts" page: http://www.ferris.edu/sports/vollybal/09quick/homepage.htm

The season opener for Ferris is Thursday Aug. 27 when it hosts St. Joseph's in the Ewigleben Sports Arena beginning at 7 p.m.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Scheduling Division I Opponents

BIG RAPIDS - The Ferris State University men's basketball team has updated its tentative men's basketball schedule for the 2009-10 season.

Added to the schedule are a pair of road games the Bulldogs have planned against the University of Dayton on Nov. 4, in Ohio, and against Central Michigan University, Nov. 16, in nearby Mount Pleasant. The contest against the Flyers is being labeled as an exhibition, but not the second Division I contest, against the Chippewas. The game against CMU could be a little tricky as the Bulldogs are scheduled to be in Romeoville, Ill. to take on Lewis University in an important regional contest the night before, on Nov. 15. Games between Division II and Division I teams generally create a buzz for the Division II clubs and their fans.

A few years ago, the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference made headlines as Grand Valley State University upset Michigan State University and the University of Findlay upset Ohio State University in two exhibitions.

Obviously, such outcomes are rare (even if stunning), but these games do generate excitement for Division II schools (especially since the Big Ten Network has been televising some of these contests).

A few years ago, Ferris had the opportunity to travel to Ann Arbor to face the University of Michigan in an exhibition contest on Nov. 1, 2007. The Bulldogs fell 78-40.

Check out the tentative Ferris State University men's basketball schedule by visiting: http://www.ferris.edu/sports/bbmen/09-10sked.htm

HOCKEY: Fox Sports Detroit To Re-Air Ferris' Hockey Win Over Michigan State From Feb. 6

BIG RAPIDS - Fox Sports Detroit is about to make fans of the Ferris State University hockey team have a little something extra to smile about this summer.

The network, Saturday night (July 25) is planning to broadcast a Feb. 6 hockey game between Ferris and Michigan State University that ended with a Bulldog victory in a high-intensity shootout.

Obviously, any game the Bulldogs play against the University of Michigan, the University of Notre Dame or the Spartans is going to draw a little extra attention.

Here is how the CCHA made the announcement that the game will air again:

Originally aired on Friday, February 6, the Bulldogs were able to erase a 2-0 deficit to the Spartans and send the game to overtime. After the five-minute extra session did not produce a winner, Ferris State’s Derek Graham scored the decisive goal on Michigan State’s Jeff Lerg, who stopped 44 shots on the evening, in the fifth round of the shootout.

This was the only CCHA game featured on Fox Sports Detroit to go to a shootout in the 2008-09 season.

It a tough season for the Bulldogs, but this victory was one of the highlights.

Enjoy.

Source: Central Collegiate Hockey Association

GENERAL: More From The NCAA On Season-Shortening, Contest-Cutting Measures

Writing for the NCAA, Gary Brown has outlined a story that is gaining more and more attention about potentially shortening seasons and/or cutting down the number of contests to make intercollegiate athletics less taxing on student-athletes and more economically sound. With the economy being what it is, and with more of a desire to emphasize student in student-athlete a little more, this kind of a proposal should not be a big surprise.

Here is the NCAA story:

DENVER – The Division II Management Council has moved a package of season-shortening and contest-cutting measures in eight sports for the Presidents Council to sponsor as 2010 Convention legislation.

After a two-hour, gut-check discussion as to whether this “Life in the Balance” package aptly balances a charge from presidents to align Division II policy with practice and a plea from student-athletes to protect competition, Council members voted unanimously to support proposals that:

• Reduce contests in men’s and women’s soccer (from 20 to 18), field hockey (from 20 to 18), women’s volleyball (from 28 to 26), baseball (from 56 to 50), men’s and women’s golf (from 24 dates to 21) and softball (by eliminating the tournament exception).
• Reduce the length of seasons in soccer, volleyball, field hockey and cross country by allowing student-athletes to report 17 days before the first permissible contest (which cannot be before the Thursday preceding September 6) or five days before the start of classes, whichever is earlier. Those dates are about a week later than current legislation.
• Football student-athletes could begin their preseason practice activities either 21 days before the first permissible contest date in Division II (which also couldn’t be before the Thursday preceding September 6) or seven days before the start of classes at the institution, whichever is earlier. The Division II Championships Committee approved a policy change (contingent on the adoption of the proposals) to move the football championship back one week to accommodate the later reporting dates.

Check out the full story for background information and comments from individuals involved with the proposals by visiting the NCAA Web site.

GENERAL: Ferris Launching New Athletics Web Site On Aug. 3

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University is opening a new chapter in the Athletics experience for fans with the unveiling of its new Web site.

Here is the press release:

Ferris State University Athletics has announced a partnership with PrestoSports and plans to launch a new website thru the company with an enhanced online presence on Monday, Aug. 3.

Fans can continue to find the FSU Athletics Website at its current address - www.ferris.edu/sports. The new athletics website will include a unique design and a number of innovative features while putting athletics administrators in complete control of the look and content within the site. Some of the distinctive features that will be implemented on the Bulldogs' new online home will include interactive statistics, video clips, rotating feature stories and links to Ferris State's social networking platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

"We're extremely excited for the possibilities this new website will provide," said FSU Athletics Director Tom Kirinovic. "With the outstanding success our student-athletes have achieved both on the field and in the classroom, this will give us an enhanced marketing tool to help promote that success."

FOOTBALL: Fans Are Discussing One Of The Preseason DII Polls

Fans of NCAA Division II football are lighting up message boards discussing the USA Today Division II Preseason Poll as posted on D2Football.com. As we know, it's all speculation at this early point. It is fairly difficult to truly appreciate what other Division II football programs truly have, from coast to coast, with virtually no television coverage and little national newspaper recognition. So, we have to take preseason rankings for whatever their worth as we inch closer and closer to the start of preseason camps and, later, the first week of the Division II football season.

USA TODAY SPORTS WEEKLY COLLEGE FOOTBALL DIVISION II PRESEASON TOP 25

1. Grand Valley State - GLIAC

2. NW Missouri State - MIAA

3. Delta State - GSC

4. Abilene Christian - LSC

5. North Alabama - GSC

6. California(Pa.) - PSAC

7. Pittsburg State - MIAA

8. West Texas A&M - LSC

9. Ashland - GLIAC

10. Minnesota-Duluth - NSIC

11. Valdosta State - GSC

12. Minnesota State - NSIC

13. Chadron State - RMAC

14. Tuskegee - SIAC

15. Bloomsburg - PSAC

16. Central Washington - GNAC

17. TAMU-Kingsville - LSC

18. Carson-Newman - SAC

19. Central MO - MIAA

20. Michigan Tech - GLIAC

21. Wayne State (NE) - NSIC

22. Edinboro - PSAC

23. Catawba - SAC

24. Indiana (PA) - PSAC

25. Southern Conn - NE10

It's probably not a huge surprise Grand Valley is ranked No. 1 in the nation since it had a lot of talent scheduled to return and the Lakers have added some high-profile transfers that could help push GVSU even deeper into the playoffs.

One aspect of the poll that is a bit interesting is defending national champion Minnesota Duluth is picked 10th. Perhaps the Bulldogs lost a lot, but who knows with polls. On a later D2Football.com thread, some fans seem to question this as well as some ranked Duluth higher (some significantly so).

Time will tell if the pollsters have it right or not, but typically we see a lot of shuffling in these polls (so much so that the final one barely resembles its preseason version).

Representing the GLIAC, Grand Valley is first, Ashland is ninth and Michigan Tech is 20th.

GENERAL: Division II Programs Balance Cutting Costs, Health Of Student-Athletes And Competition

Grand Rapids Press sports writer Howie Beardsley developed an article that discusses several key issues of concern to coaches and athletic administrators around the country in these challenging economic times.

Budgets are being slashed and athletic programs are already bending over backward looking for ways to raise funding to meet the demands of high-level competition. Universities are taking some major steps toward cutting costs and bring budgets back under some form of control. Ferris recently announced that it would cease printing its traditional media guides and will instead work to drive fans and media to its Web site for that same information and more in a world that is becoming increasingly paperless (ask some in the newspaper business).

Beyond the budget issues, a growing number of people are of the belief that seasons are getting longer (mostly at the Division I levels where extra football games can generate, in some cases, millions of dollars) and taking a toll on student-athletes.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

"Division I seasons are getting longer and longer, including a 12th game during its football (regular) seasons," (Grand Valley State University Athletics Director Tim) Selgo said. "Division II is saying it's time to reduce for the betterment of our student-athletes and because of the economy. We want to make sure our programs are economically sustainable."

The proposal calls for Division II to begin its fall seasons, and consequently, the fall sports' preseason camps one week later. It also would back up all Division II fall playoffs. For football, the national championship game, which GVSU has won four times, would be held Dec. 19 this year in Florence, Ala., rather than Dec. 12.

"By pushing back fall sports, we'll save tens of thousands of dollars by not bringing our fall student-athletes in for a week when we aren't in school, and while having to feed and house them during their fall camps," said Ferris State athletic director Tom Kirinovic (pictured). "Multiple that by a few hundred Division II schools across the country, and that's a huge savings."

Ferris State University football coach Jeff Pierce said delaying his season by a week isn't a major issue.

"There's been a lot of changes the last few years with our football camps, including not having consecutive practice days in exchange for more meetings and film time, and we've all adjusted," Pierce said.

Check out Howie's article and learn how some of the proposals could impact a number of sports beyond football. In spite of the other sports involved, however, football will be one of the more controversial aspects of the proposals as it could push back the season one week (including the start of training camp which is a major cost for athletics departments).

CCHA Video Feature: Cody Chupp

GENERAL: GLIAC Puts Four In Top 20 Of Directors' Cup Standings

BAY CITY- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, once again, has proven to be a strong league from top to bottom according to the 2008-09 Division II Learfield Sports Directors' Cup.

Ferris placed 32nd in the standings, but the Bulldogs will be battling in the upcoming sports seasons for an even higher finish when the announcement is made by this time next year.

Here is an excerpt from a GLIAC press release about the final standings of the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup:

The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference was well represented with four member institutions finishing in the top 20 of the 2008-09 the Division II Learfield Sports Directors' Cup final standings. The GLIAC was the only conference to place four teams in the top 20. The Learfield Sports Directors' Cup, which has been referred to as the NACDA Directors' Cup in the past, is a trophy presented to the top NCAA D-II athletic department in the country. The scoring system is based on the national finishes of seven men's and seven women's sports.

For the sixth consecutive year, Grand Valley State University has been named the winner of the Learfield Sports Director's Cup for NCAA Division II. This year, GVSU finished with 1014.50 points and was able to tally points in the maximum of 14 sports (7 men's, 7 women's). The Lakers placed a total of 18 teams in postseason play in the 2008-09 academic year with eleven teams finishing in the top 10.

Other GLIAC schools with strong finishes included Ashland University (613.75) finished sixth, Wayne State University (499.00) placed 11th, and the University of Findlay (447.50) secured 19th place. All three institutions recorded their best finishes in school history in the final D-II standings.

That represents a strong standing from the GLIAC when measured against some of the premier NCAA Division II teams in the country.

GLIAC:
http://www.gliac.org/general_news/2008-09/2008-09_directors_cup

GENERAL: CCHA Commissioner Tom Anastos Comments To USCHO About Nebraska-Omaha Departure

It's no big secret that the University of Nebraska-Omaha has decided to move from the Central Collegiate Hockey Association to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Late in June, Bemidji State, based in Minnesota, and Nebraska-Omaha were welcomed as official members of the WCHA. U.S. College Hockey Online has an article that includes some comments from CCHA Commissioner Tom Anastos (pictured).

ANASTOS: We are disappointed to hear of UNO’s decision to leave the CCHA as they have been a very good member of our league, and we wish them well. We have an excellent league, with a very strong membership, and we will continue to focus all of our attention on being a great conference and a leader in helping to shape the future of college hockey. At this time, it serves no purpose to speculate on how this latest decision will impact the future makeup of CCHA membership. There is a process being followed with respect to admittance of any new member and we are committed to following that process through to completion.

Obviously, this decision by UNO impacts all of the CCHA teams (including Ferris). Clearly, Anastos was not eager to offer speculation as to where the league might go in search of potential replacements for the departing Mavericks or expansion beyond replacing Nebraska-Omaha. The CCHA has some options to consider as it (and interested parties) begin to measure how well they would mesh together.

The USCHO article does mention Alabama-Huntsville as a team that could be of interest to the CCHA.

HOCKEY: Ferris Has Another Competitive Schedule

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University faces another challenging schedule ahead of it as the Bulldogs prepare to hit the ice later this calendar year.

As the Bulldogs announced their schedule, one highlight that probably brought a smile to the faces of a lot of Ferris hockey fans is a trip back to Wisconsin (Jan. 2-3) to take part in the Wisconsin Badger Holiday Showdown Tournament (an event that his been good for the Bulldogs over the years). Without a doubt, that is one of the highlights of a schedule that includes not only good competition but a good number of home games as long-time head coach Bob Daniels, who is entering his 18th season, will have opportunities to try different combinations on the ice as he prepares his team for Central Collegiate Hockey Association action.

Said Daniels:

"This season's schedule features a number of quality opponents. I'm excited to begin the season with six non-conference games which allows us opportunities to get considerable ice time for a lot of different players and also experiment with various line combinations.

"We're also thrilled to be invited back to the Wisconsin Badger Hockey Showdown Tournament and hope to win their tournament title for the third straight time," he added.

Most fans generally want to know when Ferris is playing some of its usual marquee competition (like Michigan, Michigan State and Notre Dame).

The Bulldogs, who will be led by team captain Cody Chupp (pictured), play Michigan in a home-and-home series Jan. 22 and Jan. 23. The teams play in Ann Arbor on Jan. 22 and travel to Big Rapids to face the Wolverines on Jan. 23.

Ferris takes on the Spartans in a home-and-home series Feb. 19 and Feb. 20. The Bulldogs host the Spartans on the 19th and then travel to East Lansing to conclude the series on Feb. 20.

The Bulldogs are at Notre Dame Jan. 9 and 10.

Ferris will be sponsoring a lot of promotions this season as a way of getting fans more involved at the games and to expand the fan base that is friendly to Bulldog hockey.

For more on the schedule and the promotions the Ferris Athletics Department has in store, visit: http://www.ferris.edu/sports/hockey/0910news/0910schedule.htm

Check out the 2009-10 schedule: http://www.ferris.edu/sports/hockey/icesked0910.htm

WOMEN'S GOLF: Smith Signs With Bulldogs

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University has a strong tradition competing on the league, regional and national levels in women's golf.

Ferris head coach Mike Mignano is hoping to keep that tradition alive (and strengthen it) as he continues to shape and mold his program. As part of that, Mignano recently announced the signing of Amy Smith, a native of Cincinnati, to his squad. So, that means the reach of the Ferris women's golf program extends down into southern Ohio.

Mignano on Smith:

"We're so fortunate to have a person of such high character and positive attitude join our team. Amy is one of those golfers who will work hard and undoubtedly become a strong leader for the Bulldogs. She's a Bulldog in every sense of the word - dedication, commitment, and positive attitude.

"Amy dealt with a serious wrist injury during most of her senior season, but fought through it and supported her teammates regardless of her circumstances. She will be a strong team player for us and we look forward to her help in us competing for a national championship," he added.

The Bulldogs have a strong track record of bringing in quality players.

For more on the signing of Smith, visit the Ferris State University Athletics Web site: http://www.ferris.edu/sports/golf/wgolf/0809news/09Recruit-Smith.htm

SOCCER: DeClercq And Wetterholt Join Ferris' Program

BIG RAPIDS - Seeking a balanced lineup, Ferris State University soccer coach Neathan Gibson, who is entering his fourth season in charge, is looking to strengthen his team at midfield and defensively with the signings of Lowell's Logan DeClercq, a defender, and Brighton's Merideth Wetterholt, a midfielder.

These two recruits show Gibson attracting student-athletes, from both sides of the Lower Peninsula, to Ferris. DeClercq and Wetterholt will begin showcasing their college-level skills this fall when the team arrives on campus to begin preseason preparation.

Gibson on DeClercq:

"Logan's athleticism is going to make us more dangerous in the backfield. Logan adds to the strength of our team and will give us more options with her pace and tactical awareness going forward."

Gibson on Wetterholt:

"Merideth comes to Ferris State as a midfielder which will provide more depth in giving us many tactical choices."

DeClercq and Wetterholt give Ferris two more recruits to help the Bulldogs build on last season's record of 9-9-1 overall and 8-7-1 in the GLIAC. Last season, Ferris made its second straight appearance in the GLIAC Tournament and advanced to the semifinals.

For more on the signings, visit the Ferris State University Athletics Web site: http://www.ferris.edu/sports/soccer/09news/09recruitsfour.htm

SOCCER: Gibson Adds Meharg And Stephens

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris head soccer coach Neathan Gibson, who is entering his fourth season running the show for the Bulldogs, is trying to build a strong program that will compete with the best teams in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

If Ferris can compete with the best of the GLIAC then it will be able to compete with the best the nation has to offer in NCAA Division II women's soccer.

Gibson's recruiting class, aimed at helping Ferris continue to strengthen its program, has added two more new faces in Clarkston's Courtney Meharg, who is being penciled onto the roster as a forward, and St. Johns' Kara Stephens, who will come in and compete as a goalkeeper.

Gibson on Meharg:

"Courtney has the potential to make a very good name for herself in our conference. She is going to be another dangerous forward who is going to give us some strength in the final third adding to our attacking depth."

Gibson on Stephens:

"Kara is one of our goalkeepers who will be expected to play a key role for us this fall. I'm equally excited to have her join the Bulldog program and help lead us with her high skills set."

Meharg, at 5-foot-9, gives Ferris good height as an attacking player and Stephens gives the team another quality option in goal.

This is going to be a big recruiting class for Gibson's program, but the talent level seems to be to the coach's liking as he hopes to strengthen Ferris' program for years to come.

For more on the signings, visit the Ferris State University Athletics Web site: http://www.ferris.edu/sports/soccer/09news/09recruitsthree.htm

GENERAL: Ferris State University Places 32nd in Directors' Cup Standings

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University has worked to rank among the better NCAA Division II programs in the nation.

For a lot of people, the measure of the all-around success of your athletics department is best calculated through the Directors' Cup standings.

This year, the Ferris Athletics Department's programs ranked 32nd in the nation with 391.25 points in the 2008-09 Learfield Sports Directors' Cup Division II final standings.

"This a tremendous accomplishment for our entire athletics staff to finish among the nation's top 35 programs," Ferris Athletics Director Tom Kirinovic said. "Combining this with our academic success should make all Ferris State supporters proud of the balance that we provide both academically and athletically.

"I congratulate our athletics department staff in finding a way to both maximize the resources we have available in recruiting top-notch student-athletes along with using their coaching expertise to make these honors possible," he added.

Next year, you can imagine the Bulldogs will strive to climb up the ladder to rank even higher among the nation's premier all-around NCAA Division II programs.

Grand Valley State University, Ferris' long-time rival, has won the Directors' Cup six straight seasons.

Here are Ferris' finishes in the Directors' Cup standings:

Year - Place - Points
1995-96 - 68thT - 98.0
1996-97 - 64thT - 8.5
1997-98 - 34thT - 140.0
1998-99 - 45thT - 110.0
1999-00 - 53rd - 180.0
2000-01 - 37th - 265.5
2001-02 - 36thT - 259.5
2002-03 - 37th - 317.5
2003-04 - 45th - 285.0
2004-05 - 21st - 387.5
2005-06 - 35th - 316.0
2006-07 - 28th - 414.5
2007-08 - 60thT - 282.0

For the complete story, visit the Ferris State University Athletics Web site: http://www.ferris.edu/sports/general/09directorscup.htm

GENERAL: GLIAC Expansion Celebrated By Some, But Not All

BAY CITY - Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference expansion is a bit of a thorny subject (and, frankly, has been for a number of years). It can be particularly thorny depending upon the people involved in such a discussion.

During the last few months, the GLIAC has welcomed two new members to the league in Lake Erie College and Ohio Dominican. The move is of significance for a number of reasons - not the least of which is strengthening the presence of the conference in Ohio. For a number of years, GLIAC officials have spoken often about their desire to expand the conference beyond its current numbers and up to as many as 16 members.

Of course, this is not highly popular among all people affiliated with the GLIAC (either directly or indirectly).

Some of the GLIAC purists are displeased by the decision to continue to expand the conference (fearing, among other things, a diluted competitive product). Others, however, feel expansion cuts down on travel time (missed class time), some of the pain of finding and scheduling non-conference opponents, helps the Ohio schools develop more rivalries in their backyard and expands recruiting bases for GLIAC member institutions.

Consider this comment from Grand Valley State University president Dr. Thomas Haas, who is president and chair of the GLIAC Presidents Council:

"The addition of the these two institutions is the result of tremendous partnership with Presidents Council, the GLIAC office, the GLIAC member institutions and our new members. This expansion will definitely help us achieve our goals of reducing missed class time for our student-athletes and reducing travel costs, while strengthening our league both academically and athletically."

Most of the worries about expansion have tended to come from people worried about football and what national impact expansion could have in that respect. There is a spirited discussion taking place on D2football.com about the GLIAC's expansion.

For full details on the additions of Lake Erie College and Ohio Dominican to the GLIAC, visit: http://www.gliac.org/general_news/2008-09/GLIAC_Expansion_2009

Time will tell whether or not these are good additions to the GLIAC (although I can somewhat understand concern coming from some of the football people). Also, it would be wise for people to think beyond football when considering the impact (long term and short term) that the additions of Lake Erie and Ohio Dominican will have on the conference.

The GLIAC is more than a one-sport league, and that should be taken into consideration in any discussion about expansion.

Whether Lake Erie and Ohio Dominican will be competitive remains to be seen. This move does, however, help the GLIAC begin to strike more of a balance between the larger public schools and the smaller private schools.

Here is an article from the Saginaw News that digs into the issue a bit: http://www.mlive.com/cardinals/index.ssf/2009/06/gliac_eyes_expansion.html

Here is another thought from Brian Lester of the Orange & Black Attack (following the University of Findlay): http://thecourier.typepad.com/orange_black_attack/2009/07/expansion-in-the-gliac.html

VOLLEYBALL: Bulldogs Add Height, Length At The Net With Lindsey Miller

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris knows it needs height and length at the net as it goes to battle in a very competitive Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference - one of the better Division II volleyball leagues in the nation.

The Bulldogs took a nice step toward solidifying their presence at the net with the signing of Lindsey Miller (pictured), a 6-foot-2 native of Indiana.

Here are comments from 14th-year Ferris head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm about Miller:

"Lindsey is a very experienced player," Brandel-Wilhelm said. "Lindsey's goal-oriented tenacity will give her ample opportunity to make an impact in this program. We're truly excited to add Lindsey to our program."

Miller was a decorated player during her prep career and, as team captain during the 2008 season, finished with 322 kills, 52 solo blocks, 41 aces and more.

For more on the Miller signing, visit the Ferris State University Web site at: http://www.ferris.edu/sports/vollybal/09news/09recruit-Miller.htm

FOOTBALL: Will the Bulldogs be a ‘team to watch’ in 2009?

Ferris head football coach Jeff Pierce’s team has gotten some preseason national recognition (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – For a large number of us, the college football season simply can not get here soon enough.

However, one of the good things about the summer is checking out early predictions for the upcoming Division II season. Ferris’ football team was listed among its region’s “Teams to Watch” in the 2009 Sporting News College Football Yearbook. Ferris will have a lot of good competition to contend with this fall in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as Grand Valley State was named the No. 1 team in the preseason national poll and Ashland was selected 14th.

Ferris finished its 2008 season 6-5 overall and 5-5 in the GLIAC.

The Bulldogs will be rebuilding their defense and expect to see their offense, which has been young in the past, begin producing the way the coaching staff believes the unit can.

Ferris’ season begins Aug. 29 when it hosts Tiffin in a 7 p.m. non-conference game at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids.

VOLLEYBALL: Volleyball season begins in a little over two months

Ferris’ Kristy Gilchrist and her fellow Bulldog volleyball players are going to face a tough schedule this coming fall (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – It’s hard to believe, but we’re a little more than two months from the start of volleyball season at Ferris.

Once again, the Bulldogs have a strong schedule ahead as they get started with five matches at home over a three-day period (Aug. 27-29) in Ewigleben Sports Arena. Ferris hosts St. Joseph’s on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. The following day, the Bulldogs begin hosting the Ferris State Invitational where they plays matches Friday against West Virginia State and Indianapolis and Saturday against California (Pa.) and Minnesota-Crookston.

Ferris has two big non-conference tournaments as it plays in St. Cloud, Minn. at the St. Cloud State University Invitational. Over a two-day period, Ferris faces Upper Iowa, Nebraska-Kearney, Wayne State (Neb.) and Missouri S&T.

The second tournament will be the Asics GLVC/GLIAC Crossover Tournament which will be played this season in Lansing (Oct. 16-17).

“We’re excited about playing a challenging schedule featuring a high level of talent and competition,” said Ferris head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm, as the Athletics Department officially announced the volleyball team’s schedule. “I think our tough non-conference matches will prepare us well for a strong conference schedule which in turn should provide some exciting matches. We’re looking forward to our many home matches and it will be exciting to open the season on our new floor with a home crown cheering us on.”

For complete information on Ferris’ 2009 volleyball schedule, visit:
http://www.ferris.edu/sports/vollybal/09news/09schedule.htm

Track And Field/Cross Country: Bulldogs make strong decision hiring Picucci

BIG RAPIDS – Steve Picucci has paid his dues and is being rewarded by Ferris State University.

Picucci was named the head coach for the Bulldog men’s and women’s cross country and track and field programs after serving in 2008-09 as interim coach. It’s well-deserved recognition for Picucci, a former Bulldog student-athlete in cross country and track and field. The program is in good hands with a man who already has gained the trust and respect of the student-athletes and, perhaps most importantly of all, is a tireless worker (a much-needed characteristic or a college-level track and field coach).

“Steve brings to our track program a work ethic that is outstanding and (being an FSU alumnus) an understanding of what it will take to make our program successful,” said Ferris State University Athletics Director Tom Kirinovic said. “The accomplishments our women’s cross country program achieved in the fall under Steve’s direction is only the tip of the iceberg as to how he will lead us to great success. We are very excited to have Steve join the FSU family.”

Well said.

It will be exciting to see where Picucci takes Ferris as he begins to put his signature on these programs through recruiting and his training methods. If Picucci can win over recruits the way he has won over current Bulldogs, he should be in good shape and the programs should be in good hands in the years to come. It has been great to hear the good things the student-athletes have had to say about Picucci during the last year. There seems to be reason for optimism for the future of these programs.

For more on the official hiring of Picucci, visit the Ferris Athletics Web site:
http://www.ferris.edu/sports/track/0809news/picucci-coach.htm

SOFTBALL: Two Bulldogs named to all-region team

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State University Bulldog softball players Holly Bruntjens, a senior, and Amanda Harrington, a junior, earned post-season honors from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference First-Team selections, Bruntjens and Harrington were named to the NFCA 2009 Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division II All-Midwest Region First Team for their efforts this season on the diamond for the Bulldogs. The honors are deserved for the hard-working players who do not always garner a lot of high-profile attention, but quietly go about getting their work done on a daily basis.

Bruntjens, primarily a pitcher and outfielder, and Harrington, a second baseman, were two important members of a Ferris team that finished 35-10 and advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament for the seventh time in the history of the program. The Bulldogs entered the season with high expectations and performed well thanks to the contributions of players like Bruntjens and Harrington.

For more on the all-region honors earned by Bruntjens and Harrington, visit the Ferris Web site:
http://www.ferris.edu/sports/softball/09news/09nfcaallregion.htm

Harrington also earned 2009 Daktronics, Inc. All-Midwest Region Softball First Team honors while Bruntjens was named to the second team. Read more at:
http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/sports/softball/09news/09daktronicsallregion.htm

SOCCER: Staley and Syring help the Bulldogs strengthen their defense and offense

BIG RAPIDS – The Bulldogs have a strong and large recruiting class arriving at Ferris and the latest additions are Brianne Staley and Katie Syring.

The Bulldogs are excited about this recruiting class that will be called upon to pay immediate dividends right off the bat.

Here are head coach Neathan Gibson’s comments about Staley and Syring.

• On Staley: I will be looking for Brianna to make things happen in the final third. She will be dangerous going to goal and with our returning attacking players will make for an exciting dangerous combination up front."

• On Syring: Katie is a hard working and talented defender who's going to give us more options defensively. She’s coming in from a club which does a wonderful job in preparing its players for the next level.

Gibson has been looking for some dynamic players, offensively and defensively, that can help the Bulldogs continue to push toward the top of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

For more on Staley and Syring, visit:
http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/sports/soccer/09news/09recruitstwo.htm