WOMEN'S TENNIS: Ferris Falls To Northwood

MIDLAND - Beating Northwood University, in women's tennis, is still quite the feat to pull off, as Ferris State University discovered on Wednesday at the Midland Community Tennis Center.

Head coach Alex Palladino's Bulldogs suffered a 7-2 loss to the powerful and undefeated Timberwolves.

Ferris was swept in doubles competition, but got wins from Natalie Diorio at the No. 4 flight (in a hard-fought thriller that went the distance and then some in Midland) and from Daniela Dimas at the No. 6 spot in the lineup.

It will be a tall task for anyone to unseat the Timberwolves in women's tennis in the GLIAC.

Northwood 7, Ferris State 2
Sep 30, 2009 at Midland, Mich. (M.C.T.C.)

Singles Scomition

1. Darina Berkova (NU) def. Amy Ingle (FS) 6-2, 6-1

2. Ashley Neumann (NU) def. Tiffany Rheynard (FS) 6-3, 6-0

3. Svenja Stephan (NU) def. Tabitha Simpson (FS) 6-4, 6-2

4. Natalie Diorio (FS) def. Charlotte Sevin (NU) 7-6, 2-6, 1-0 (11-9)

5. Kim-Jenny Dinh (NU) def. Melissa Flowers (FS) 6-1, 6-4

6. Daniela Dimas (FS) def. Raphaela Perisic (NU) 6-3, 6-3

Doubles competition

1. Ashley Neumann/Svenja Stephan (NU) def. Amy Ingle/Tiffany Rheynard (FS) 8-5

2. Darina Berkova/Raphaela Perisic (NU) def. Tabitha Simpson/Natalie Diorio (FS) 8-3

3. Charlotte Sevin/Kim-Jenny Dinh (NU) def. Melissa Flowers/Daniela Dimas (FS) 8-0

Match Notes

Ferris State 2-2, 2-2 GLIAC

Northwood 5-0, 5-0 GLIAC

VOLLEYBALL: Ferris Earns AVCA Play Of The Week Honor

Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Mich.
Head Coach – Tia Brandel-Wilhelm
Athletes Involved in Play – Ashley Huntley (No. 7), Dana Ruttle (No. 4),
Samantha Fordyce (No. 11), Arielle Goodson (No. 5)

With over 8,000 votes cast in its debut week, the first Volleyball Market/AVCA Play of the Week has been awarded to the Ferris State University volleyball team. The Bulldogs earned the honor after beating out four other semifinalists – Academy of Art University, University of Hawai’i, University of Hawai’i-Hilo and The Ohio State University – during a week-long voting period.

The award-winning play came in the second set of the Bulldogs’ home match-up with Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) rival Grand Valley State University, which took place in FSU’s Ewigleben Sports Arena. The play begins with the Bulldogs’ Ashley Huntley serving to the GVSU players. The Lakers’ right side hitter then fires an attack attempt over the net, which is saved by Dana Ruttle with a sprawling dig that sails off towards the scorer’s table. FSU’s setter Samantha Fordyce races after the ball, and with her back to the court, bump-sets a perfectly placed ball for middle blocker Arielle Goodson, who smashes it just past the right hand of the opposing blocker into the middle of the GVSU court. The Bulldogs went on to drop the tightly-contested match in five sets, succumbing in the final set to the Lakers, 15-13.

The play, which can be viewed on the AVCA’s YouTube channel by clicking here, will now join the coming weeks’ finalists in becoming eligible for the Volleyball Market/AVCA Play of the Year, to be announced at the AVCA All-America/Players of the Year Banquet on Friday, Dec. 18, at the AVCA Convention in Tampa, Fla.

About Volleyball Market/AVCA Play of the Week
New for the 2009 season, AVCA member schools will have the opportunity to submit up to three (3) plays per week to be voted on by coaches, players, fans and the general public for the chance to be named Volleyball Market/AVCA Play of the Week. Deadline for video submission will be Tuesdays at 11:00 am (ET) for plays from the previous week (Monday-Sunday). The submitted plays for each week will be narrowed down to five, and those five will be posted to the AVCA Web site on Thursday to be voted on. Voting will take place on the AVCA Web site and will run through the following Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. (ET). The Volleyball Market/AVCA Play of the Week will then be announced via press release the following day. For more information on the Volleyball Market/AVCA Play of the Week, visit the AVCA Web Site.

About Volleyball Market
Born in April of 2003, Volleyball Market is one of the fastest growing volleyball specialty companies in North America. Widely known as the Asics team volleyball headquarters online, Volleyball Market's friendly service, attention to detail and a sharp focus on superior customer care for player or coach, has laid the foundation for their explosive growth. The Volleyball Market is also a staunch supporter of the grassroots development of the sport of volleyball. For more information about Volleyball Market visit www.VolleyballMarket.com or call 866-999-3004.

HOCKEY: Ferris Picked Eighth By Coaches, Ninth By Media

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University is going to have to work for everything it gets this season on the ice and it is going to have to work from the bottom up.

The Bulldogs were picked to finish eighth in the Coaches Poll with 50 points and was tabbed ninth in the Media Poll with 314 points. Really, this is not a big surprise for Ferris which has traditionally been picked right around the same area in these preseason polls (polls which are anything but an exact science). So, it may be disappointing, but it can hardly be considered a shock to see Ferris picked where it was in a conference that is fairly top heavy with Michigan, Notre Dame, Miami, Ohio State and others expected to rank among the nation's best. And, there always seems to be some school that emerges unexpectedly to do great things.

Last winter, Ferris finished 12-19-7 overall and placed ninth in the league with a record of 9-14-5 against its CCHA rivals. Ferris, however, hopes to improve on that mark on the strength of a roster that boasts 21 letterwinners back in the crimson and gold, including Aaron Lewicki (pictured).

Ferris hits the ice in an exhibition contest on Sunday afternoon as it hosts Wilfred Laurier (Ontario) at Ewigleben Ice Arena. The puck drops at 2:05 p.m.

The regular season begins with a two-game non-league road trip to New York to take on Canisius in Buffalo. Both games are slated to start at 7:05 p.m. from the Buffalo State Sports Arena.

COACHES POLL

Rank	School (First-Place Votes)	Points
1	Michigan (5)	114
2	Notre Dame (4)	111
3	Miami (2)	104
4	Ohio State	90
5	Northern Michigan (1)	85
6	Nebraska-Omaha	63
7	Alaska	61
8	Ferris State	50
9	Michigan State	46
10	Lake Superior State	29
11	Western Michigan	28
12	Bowling Green	11

MEDIA POLL

Rank	School (First Place Votes)	Points
1	Michigan (24)	731
2	Notre Dame (20)	712
3	Miami (20)	707
4	Ohio State (1)	547
5	Northern Michigan	502
6	Alaska	386
7	Nebraska-Omaha	377
8	Michigan State (1)	332
9	Ferris State	314
10	Western Michigan	256
11	Lake Superior	189
12	Bowling Green	95

HOCKEY: CCHA Polls Are Released To The Public

Well, the Central Collegiate Hockey Association preseason polls are out and posted on the CCHA's revamped Web site.

Your's truly did not get a vote in this media poll. I am a little bummed, but oh well.

Anyway, here's the the official CCHA press release:

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – For the first time in four years, the coaches and media agree on who should hold down the No. 1 position in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association’s annual preseason polls. In two close races, Michigan received enough points from the conference’s 12 head coaches and 66 media members to be named the preseason favorite in both polls.

In the coaches poll, the Wolverines took five of a possible 11 first-place votes, five seconds, and one third-place vote. Notre Dame received four first-place votes as well as four seconds and three thirds. Miami took third, receiving two first-place votes, while Ohio State came in fourth. Northern Michigan captured the lone remaining first-place vote and finished fifth in the coaches poll.

The media also voted in favor of Michigan, with the Irish coming in a close second and Miami rounding out the top three just five points farther back. The Wolverines picked up 24 of a possible 66 first-place votes while the RedHawks and Irish received 20 first-place votes each. The Buckeyes and Wildcats finished fourth and fifth in the media poll as well.

The Wolverines, coming off of second-place finishes in both the CCHA regular-season and conference tournament, have 19 returning letterwinners including starting goaltender Bryan Hogan, along with eight defensemen and nine forwards. Other returning impact players include First-Team All-American Louie Caporusso and 2009 CCHA Rookie of the Year David Wohlberg. Michigan is returning six of its top 10 scorers in Red Berenson’s 26th season as head coach.

The Irish bring back 19 players, including 15 of 21 letterwinners, from a squad that won 31 games last season while capturing CCHA regular-season and tournament titles. They are led offensively by junior Calle Ridderwall, who had 31 points, along with six other returning Irish skaters who broke the 20-point barrier last season. The Irish also return First-Team All-American Ian Cole and the 2009 CCHA Defensive Defenseman of the year, Kyle Lawson, on defense.

The RedHawks have 17 lettermen back from the team that appeared in the 2009 National Championship game. Ohio State will be led by junior forward John Albert, who has been named to the CCHA Preseason All-Conference Second Team. The Wildcats bring back 18 of their 23 letterwinners from the 2008-2009 season, and will be led by three CCHA Preseason All-Conference First Team members in senior goaltender Brian Stewart, junior defenseman Eric Gustafsson, and junior forward Mark Olver.

MY THOUGHTS: Not a whole lot of surprises here. Although it's interesting that in the media poll Michigan State is picked eighth and has a first-place vote. That is odd. Michigan is the consensus pick to finish atop the conference while Notre Dame is second. In fact, the top five in both polls are exactly the same. I think this is shaping up as another race toward the CCHA title this winter. The league, once again, is looking pretty top heavy.

COACHES POLL

Rank	School (First-Place Votes)	Points
1	Michigan (5)	114
2	Notre Dame (4)	111
3	Miami (2)	104
4	Ohio State	90
5	Northern Michigan (1)	85
6	Nebraska-Omaha	63
7	Alaska	61
8	Ferris State	50
9	Michigan State	46
10	Lake Superior State	29
11	Western Michigan	28
12	Bowling Green	11

MEDIA POLL

Rank	School (First Place Votes)	Points
1	Michigan (24)	731
2	Notre Dame (20)	712
3	Miami (20)	707
4	Ohio State (1)	547
5	Northern Michigan	502
6	Alaska	386
7	Nebraska-Omaha	377
8	Michigan State (1)	332
9	Ferris State	314
10	Western Michigan	256
11	Lake Superior	189
12	Bowling Green	95

HOCKEY: Check Out The New CCHA Web site

FARMINGTON HILLS - The Central Collegiate Hockey Association has finally launched its new Web site and it's at the same address: www.ccha.com.

The new site is a work in progress as one announcement I saw mentioned. There will be some continued tweaks of the page as well as the addition of more video content. Stay tuned to see how this page continues to develop and tell the story of the great things going on around the CCHA.

Visit the CCHA's Facebook page and voice your thoughts: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1458380014&ref=nf#/pages/CCHA-Central-Collegiate-Hockey-Association/41438641923?ref=ts

GENERAL ATHLETICS: Secure Your Spot For The Bulldog Athletics Hall Of Fame Ceremony

From Ferris Athletics Communications

BIG RAPIDS - Reservations are currently being accepted for the Class of 2009 Induction Banquet of Ferris State University's Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame set for Friday, Oct. 30, at FSU's Jim Wink Arena in Big Rapids, Mich.

The Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame, which inducted its Charter Class in 2000 and will recognize its 10th class of inductees this fall, was established to honor those athletes and coaches who have distinguished themselves in their sport or honorary members who made truly exceptional contributions to athletics.

This year's honorees are: Deb Bolinger of Marietta, Ga., softball (1978-82); Monty Brown of Saginaw, football (1989-92); Dean Davenport of Big Rapids, athletics administrator & coach (1970-93); Tim Herman of Flint, men's basketball (1976-79); Andy Roach of Mattawan, hockey (1993-97); Karen (Kramer) Trierweiler of Grand Ledge, women's basketball (1983-87); and Bill Scheible of Big Rapids, who played football (1974-76) for Ferris and also served the athletics department in a variety of capacities after his playing career concluded.

A 15-member Selection Committee of faculty, staff, alumni and community members chose the inductees from among 35 nominees. The class spans three decades and includes representation from five different sports along with two former administrators.

The seven new inductees will join 88 honorees already enshrined during the 10th annual Induction Banquet on Oct. 30 at Wink Arena. The event opens at 5:30 p.m. (EDT) with a reception in honor of this year's inductees. The dinner runs from 7-8 p.m. (EDT) and the induction program follows until approximately 10 p.m. (EDT).

This year's honorees will also be recognized the following day (Oct. 31) during halftime activities as the Bulldog football team takes on Hillsdale in the 10th annual Hall of Fame Game with kickoff set for 2 p.m. (EDT) at Top Taggart Field.

Reservations are $50 each and can be made online or checks should be made payable to the Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame. Individual sponsorships are $200 and include two banquet reservations, recognition in the printed program in addition to verbal and signage recognition at the banquet. Corporate sponsorships are $750 and include 10 banquet reservations, a reserved table, recognition in the program, verbal and signage recognition at the banquet, an invitation for an individual and a guest to watch Ferris' football game versus Hillsdale the following day in the Wheeler Pavilion President's Box with this year's inductees (includes parking pass). A portion of all reservations and sponsorships may also be tax-deductible.

COMMENTS: The Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame is always a fun opportunity to learn more about the history of Ferris State University's Athletics Department programs. Ferris has such a long and storied history of intercollegiate athletics and it is special to listen to the legends return to the place where it all started and speak about their experiences related to Ferris State University and Bulldog Athletics. It is special for me because I had a chance to watch Andy Roach and Monty Brown play and I've gotten to know Bill Scheible and Dean Davenport over the years. It should be a memorable ceremony.

For further information regarding the banquet, please contact Frank Dye at (231) 591-2862 or via email at frankdye@ferris.edu.

Reservations can also be made online by visiting this link:
https://ebill.ferris.edu/C20079_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=13

Cross Country: Anna Rudd Making An Early Impact For Ferris, Earns GLIAC Honor

BIG RAPIDS - Well, it didn't take Ferris State University freshman Anna Rudd all that long to begin to make quite a name for herself doing this running thing. Rudd, a native of Leslie who has turned a lot of heads already, was named the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference women's cross country "Runner of the Week" for her efforts.

Rudd finished finished sixth (23:01.52) at the Division II Pre-National Invitational and, as a result of her strong finish, lifted the Bulldogs to a third-place showing last Saturday in Evansville, Ind. Overall, Rudd was FSU's second-highest finisher in a race comprised of nine teams and 75 runners.

Through her first weeks as a college runner, Rudd has posted three-straight top-15 finishes for the nationally-ranked Bulldogs.

HOCKEY: Zach Redmond Earns Preseason All-CCHA Accolades

From Ferris Athletics Communications

2009-10 CCHA Preseason All-Conference Teams Release (PDF)

BIG RAPIDS - Junior defenseman Zach Redmond (Traverse City) of the Ferris State University men's ice hockey team has received honorable mention recognition for the 2009-10 Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) Preseason All-Conference Team as announced this Tuesday (Sept. 29) by the CCHA.

Redmond, who also earned honorable mention laurels on the 2008-09 CCHA Preseason All-Conference Team, was among six players to garner such recognition and was Ferris State's lone representative on one of the three preseason squads. The preseason teams were selected by the league's 12 head coaches and coaches weren't allowed to vote for their own players.

The 2008-09 FSU Most Valuable Player, Redmond placed second in team scoring last season with a career season-best 24 points on three goals with 21 assists in 38 contests. He also recorded a team-high 62 blocked shots to go with two power-play goals and one game-tying marker for the 2008-09 season. Redmond, who was chosen as the CCHA's Defenseman of the Week (Oct. 27) a season ago, compiled a team fourth-best four multiple-point game performances and totaled a squad-leading four multi-assist game efforts in 2008-09. The 6-2, 201-pound blueliner tallied at least a point in 17 of the team's 38 2008-09 season outings.

Redmond finished 45th last season among the CCHA's overall points leaders and ranked 36th in scoring for league games only.

In his 2007-08 freshman season, Redmond paced all Bulldog defensemen in scoring with 19 points on six goals and 13 assists in 37 outings and was tabbed as a CCHA All-Rookie Team Honorable Mention pick. The 2007-08 FSU Rookie of the Year Award winner placed sixth in team scoring and produced the second highest points total among the Bulldogs' freshmen skaters for the 2007-08 campaign.

Redmond was the third player to be selected in the final round of the 2008 National Hockey League's (NHL) Entry Draft as the Atlanta Thrashers selected him with the 184th overall pick.

Redmond and his Ferris State teammates will be in action this Sunday (Oct. 4) afternoon as the Bulldogs entertain the Wilfrid Laurier (Ontario) Golden Hawks in a 2:05 p.m. (EDT) exhibition contest at FSU's Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids, Mich.

COMMENTS: Zach has been a high-quality player for the Bulldogs who came in with a good reputation and has performed well under the weight of high expectations. A good, tough and physical defense will help the Bulldogs be successful this season and the hope is Zach will be right there to lead that effort. Getting this kind of recognition puts Zach (who is coming off a banner season in the crimson and gold) up there with some of the top players in the CCHA and should put him on track toward big things this year on the ice for Daniels and FSU. In addition, a big season could put Zach on track to bigger and better things.

GENERAL NEWS: Interesting Article About NCAA Desire To Short Seasons, Cut Costs

The New York Times has an interesting online article about proposed legislation that would trim the seasons of several sports (legislation the Times article author says is expected to be passed at the convention).

Here is an excerpt from the New York Times article:

Now, members of Division II say they hope they have found their niche by offering a haven from the kind of big-time college athletics that are increasingly seen as overly commercial and exploitative. Under a proposal expected to be approved at the N.C.A.A. convention in January, Division II members plan to shorten the seasons in 10 sports, as well as cut back practice time in football. Supporters say the move sets Division II apart by heading in the opposite direction of Division I, which in recent years has lengthened the football season and has allowed basketball teams to play more games. Trimming seasons will ease the stress on students by having them miss fewer classes and giving them more time to participate in campus life. But skeptics say the cuts are motivated by the desire to cut finances.

“I think it’s 95 percent fueled by the economy,” said Kelly Higgins, the athletics director at Fort Lewis College in Colorado. Higgins is concerned that the loss of home basketball games — and the thousands of dollars in revenue they bring — will negate potential savings.

In addition to reducing the number of competitions in basketball, soccer, baseball and other sports, the proposal would also reduce the seasons in four sports by allowing students to report to school about a week later than they currently do.

Football would not lose any games, but players would begin their preseason practice one week later. The proposal would also establish a weeklong “dead period” around Christmas in which athletes could not participate in practices or games. Division I is also considering schedule cuts, although they are more limited. A proposal sponsored by the Atlantic Coast Conference would cut one game from the women’s basketball season, and a similar proposal is in the works for men’s basketball, although it first must be reviewed by Division I’s board of directors.

For the full New York Times article, and it is a pretty good one, visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/sports/29colleges.html?_r=1

COMMENTS: Director Higgins is on the money. I think this is clearly motivated by cutting costs more so than reducing the amount of time that is missed in classrooms by student-athletes. That's not to say that is wrong in these challenging economic times. But, it's nice to see this New York Times article does balance it by showing that not everyone is buying into the talk about this being so much for the benefit of student-athletes. In the end it might be to their benefit (to have practice time and season commitments reduced), but the main motivation behind this seems to be to save some dollars.

MEN'S GOLF: Ferris Off To A Hot Start This Season

From Ferris Athletics Communications

BIG RAPIDS - The nationally-ranked Ferris State University men's golf team won its second fall season tournament as the Bulldogs recorded a three-round two-over par 842-stroke total to win the 2009 Ferris State Matt Pinter Invitational (Sept. 26-27) at FSU's Katke Golf Course.

Senior Eric Lilleboe (Okemos/Lansing Catholic Central) carded a tournament-best even-par 210 score (70-71-69=210) to claim medalist recognition. Lilleboe's first-place showing marked his second such performance this fall as he captured medalist kudos at the Saginaw Valley State Al Watrous Intercollegiate Invitational two weeks ago (Sept. 12-13) with a school-record 202-stroke total.

Senior Craig Burrows (Broadview Heights, Ohio/Olmstead Falls), a walk-on, generated a season-best 212 score (66-70-76=212, +2) to place third. Junior Garrett Simons (Grand Ledge) finished tied for sixth place with a five-over par 215 (71-75-69=215, +5) while junior Joe Brown's (St. Ignace/LaSalle) 216 score (69-70-77=216, +6) earned him a three-way tie for eighth-place honors.

Senior Kurt Valley (Bay City/Western), who shot a 219-stroke total (78-72-69=219, +9) rounded out the scoring for Ferris State as he shared 14th place with three other players.
Sophomore Gary Bissell (East Lansing/Haslett) tied for 23rd place with a 222 (70-71-81=222, +12) in a non-scoring capacity. Sophomore Richard Weisenberger (New Hudson/South Lyon) and junior Kyle Wittenbach (Lowell) each produced 224 scores to tie for 30th place. Weisenberg (79-74-71=224, +14) and Wittenbach (76-73-75=224, +14) both finished 14 strokes over par as non-scoring individuals. Sophomores Greg Meisner (Waterford/Kettering) and Scott Schuitema (Muskegon/Catholic Central) placed tied for 56th place and tied for 59th place, respectively as non scorers. Meisner turned in a 238 (80-82-76=238, +28) and Schuitema notched a 242 score (82-81-80=242, +32).

The Bulldogs are presently ranked tied for 17th place in the most recent (Sept. 24) Golf World/Nike Golf Division II Coaches' Poll rankings.

Ferris State's next competition will be the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Championships next weekend, Oct. 3-4, at the Marquette (Mich.) Golf Course. Northern Michigan will host this fall's conference tourney.

COMMENTS: I think it's great to see the men's golf team off to such a positive start this season and to have them have this kind of success in the tournament now named after Matt Pinter. This is a program that is on the rise and I think a lot of us look forward to bigger and better things from the guys as time moves on. Once a team gets that winning taste in its mouth it doesn't go away too easily. Congrats to the men's golf team.

FOOTBALL: Bulldogs Must Stick Together

BIG RAPIDS - So far, this has been a tough season of college football for Ferris State University as it owns a record of 1-4 overall and 0-4 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings.

Clearly, not very many people expected the Bulldogs to be in this kind of position five weeks into the season. Ferris had a season-opening 34-14 win over Tiffin University, but that has been followed up by a long string of tough outcomes as Ferris has dropped four straight contests and has been outscored on the road 77-7 (a decisive 43-7 loss to the University of Findlay and a painful 34-0 setback to Northern Michigan University this past weekend).

Head coach Jeff Pierce's Bulldogs have to focus on pulling together this week as it faces another struggling football program: Michigan Tech University (in Battle of the Ballpark at Fifth Third Park). While Ferris has one win, Tech (a team crippled by a few key injuries to players at critical positions) is still looking for its first win of the season. Something has to give in this battle of two teams looking to get something positive established on the gridiron.

This is the time for the Bulldogs to bond together and play for each other against a Michigan Tech team I imagine will be doing the same thing this weekend in Comstock Park when the teams kickoff at 7 p.m. under the lights in the Grand Rapids area.

I anticipate a hard-fought battle between these two blue-collar programs with proud traditions on the football field.

Both the Bulldogs and Huskies need this win, and victory likely will come down to who wants it the most in this battle of desperate football teams.

FOOTBALL: Ferris Alumni Association Sets Its Schedule For Battle At The Ballpark

BIG RAPIDS - Join the Ferris State University Alumni Association on Oct. 3 at the Fifth-Third Ballpark as the Bulldogs vs. Michigan Tech Huskies battle it out at Fifth Third Park in Comstock Park, just outside of Grand Rapids.

This will be a special event that fans of the Bulldogs and alumni eager to reconnect with fellow Ferris grads will not want to miss.

Here is the list of activities that will take place in and around Fifth Third Park as the Bulldogs take on the Michigan Tech University Huskies with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.

6 to 8 p.m. Pre-tailgate on the deck with all you can eat buffet!
Pick-up your free t-shirt
7 p.m. Game begins! Exclusive deck seating!
(Cash bar located on the deck for alumni guests only)

Cost
$20/adult
$15/children 11 - 18
$10/children 10 and under

Guests registered for this event should park in the NORTH lot and enter through the outfield gate.

Follow the link below to register for this special event: Register here

For more on Battle at the Ballpark, visit: http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/ballpark/information/index

HOCKEY: CCHA Teams To Receive Three Points For A Win This Season

FARMINGTON HILLS - The Central Collegiate Hockey Association announced today that, effective at the start of conference play on Oct. 23, a regulation time or overtime victory will be worth three points in the league standings.

“We feel that this is a fairer system,” Commissioner Tom Anastos said. “Now, all teams will have access to the same number of points throughout the regular season and every game is worth three points whether it is decided in regulation time, overtime or a shootout. We also feel this will give teams an added incentive to win a game in regulation time or overtime because they will gain the maximum number of points for doing so.”

This season, a regulation or sudden-death overtime win will earn a team three points in the standings, a shootout victory will garner two points, a shootout loss will be rewarded by one point, and a loss in regulation or overtime will mean no points. So, any game that goes to a shootout will see the victor credited with a tie and a shootout win in the conference standings, while the loser will receive credit for a tie.

This differs from the system utilized in 2008-09, where a regulation/overtime victory and a shootout win meant two points, a shootout loss gave a team one point, and a regulation/overtime loss was awarded no points. This new system gives greater incentive to earn a victory in regulation or during the five-minute overtime period than winning in a shootout., but teams that perform well in shootouts will still have a clear advantage.

However, like last year, CCHA league games that are decided in a shootout will go down as a tie in the overall national rankings and have no bearing on a team’s Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) come NCAA Tournament time. Additionally, a shootout will again not be used to decide games during the CCHA Tournament, with the exception of the third-place game at Joe Louis Arena.

Last season, the shootout proved to be both exciting for the fans and pivotal in the CCHA standings. Spectators would often rise as one during a shootout, and goals and saves by the home team were often accompanied by the loudest cheers of the evening. Regular-season champion Notre Dame was the only squad to go undefeated in shootouts, compiling a 3-0 record over the season. Three teams had shootout winning percentages of .750 or higher, with Notre Dame going undefeated and Michigan State and Ohio State both going 3-1 in the tiebreaker. Nebraska-Omaha was the most frequent shootout participant during the season, competing in a total of seven and accumulating a record of 3-4 in the tie-breakers.

The only squad not to go to a shootout during the season was Michigan, which did not even have one overtime game in 2008-09.

Certain players emerged as shootout stars as well. Ryan Hohl of Alaska, Pat Cannone of Miami, Kurt Kivisto and Matt Schepke of Michigan State, John Kemp and Alex Hudson of Nebraska-Omaha, Mark Olver and Erik Gustafsson of Northern Michigan, and Max Campbell of Western Michigan all shared the conference lead in shootout goals with three on the season. Of those players, only Campbell was a perfect 3-for-3 on shootout attempts.

COMMENTS: This is another attempt of the CCHA to be on the cutting edge in trying to add excitement to hockey games. Commissioner Tom Anastos has been at the forefront of pushing the envelope of innovation. The commissioner has also shown that he is not going to settle for things in a lot of areas. It will be interesting to see how this new wrinkle is received by the CCHA coaches, players and fans as we're creeping ever closer to the start of college hockey (which begins this weekend with the start of practice and exhibition action).

WOMEN'S SOCCER: Ferris Leads 1-0, Falls 3-1 To Findlay As Oilers Come From Behind

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University looked pretty solid during the first half as it mostly carried the play and created a number of solid scoring chances against the University of Findlay in women's soccer action.

The Bulldogs, however, were victimized by three second-half goals that sparked the Oilers to a come-from-behind 3-1 victory in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference victory at the FSU Soccer Field.

Ferris grabbed a 1-0 lead thanks to Kari Alsager (one that left a lot of people elated for the hard-working Bulldog student-athlete), who scored her first goal on a header off a crossing shot from Megan McCabe (pictured) at 3:21 of the match for head coach Neathan Gibson's team.

The second half was dominated by Findlay as Megan McCracken scored off an assist from Kristy Tuckosh (54:53), Emily Beddoes scored off a helper from Megan Gallaway (79:30) and Sara Jones scored off a corner kick at 82:59 as the Oilers took control.

It was a tough way for the Bulldogs to fall after feeling pretty good about what happened in the first half (although Ferris did want to get another goal while it had the momentum).

With the loss, Ferris falls to 1-7-1 overall and 1-4-0 in the GLIAC while Findlay is 4-4-0 overall and 3-2-0 in the league standings.

FOOTBALL: It's Gut-Check Time For The Bulldogs

MARQUETTE - Ferris State University now is facing the reality of a season in which it is now 1-4 overall and 0-4 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

The Bulldogs now, more than ever, have to play for themselves, play for the uniform and play for pride as they seek to get their first conference win of the season (the Tiffin win goes in the books as a non-conference victory). Ferris now will look ahead to the Battle at the Ballpark as it heads to Fifth Third Park in Comstock Park where it will take on a struggling Michigan Tech University team in a special environment as the baseball diamond will be converted into a football stadium for this contest.

Ferris has been tested like rarely before in the lives of the players and coaches on this team. Now, it will be interesting to see how the players and coaches in this program respond to what has been a painful season thus far with several lop-sided losses (including a 43-7 defeat to Findlay and today's 34-0 loss to Northern Michigan University which bracket a stunning near-upset of top-ranked Grand Valley State University in a 17-10 loss).

It's soul-searching time for the Bulldogs and we will see how they respond against the Huskies in a battle of teams hungry to get a rare win.

FOOTBALL: Ferris Falls Hard To Northern, 34-0

MARQUETTE - Ferris State University has twice played road games and twice has run into what can best be described as a flat-out buzzsaw (disguised as the Northern Michigan University football team).

Northern dominated the Bulldogs from start to finish as the Wildcats came out firing from the start and built a 13-0 by halftime. Certainly the Cats probably felt their lead could have been even bigger. But, by the end, it hardly mattered as Northern turned on the afterburners by the end of the first half and rolled to a decisive 34-0 win over Ferris before a large and appreciative homecoming crowd of 4,271 (the crowd seemed a bit larger at peak times during the game) inside the Superior Dome in Marquette on the NMU campus.

At the end of the first half, Northern had outgained Ferris on the ground 244-92 and it really wasn't any better for the Bulldogs in the second half as they struggled to stop the run. When the game was over, the Wildcats still maintained an edge in total yards (389-319) against a Ferris team that just had few answers. The total yards were not indicative of the final score (dominated by Northern).

By the end of the third quarter, Northern had built a 34-0 lead against the Bulldogs and, in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats started to substitute reserves into the game.

Ferris, late in the game, went to senior receiver Chris Wilson and Mike Ryan quite a bit. Wilson, at 6-foot-6 made some catches in the second half as a bright spot. Ryan had six catches for 91 yards and Wilson five catches for 91 yards in the loss.

Still, even with Wilson's good play, the Bulldogs could not get into the end zone.

Ferris mostly utilized Kyle Parrish, as a thrower, and D.J. Freeman, as a runner, at quarterback. When Parrish entered the game, the Bulldogs used the vertical passing game. When Freeman was in the game, mostly in the Wildcat, he was in a running role. Parrish completed 29-of-55 passes for 306 yards).

Northern had a staggering total of 353 yards rushing in the game contest while Ferris managed just 13 yards on the ground.

Ferris will be back in action on Oct. 3 in the Battle at the Ballpark in Comstock Park when the Bulldogs will take on Michigan Tech University at 7 p.m. in Comstock Park.

WOMEN'S TENNIS: Dominating Win By Ferris On The Tennis Court

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University's women's tennis team finally had a chance to play on its home court, and looked pretty comfortable when all was said, done and written.

The Bulldogs had little trouble in knocking off the Lake Superior State Lakers as Ferris won all six singles matches and two of the three doubles contests.

In singles, Amy Ingle won (No. 1) by a score of 6-1, 6-1; Tiffany Rheynard won (No. 2) by a count of 6-3, 6-2; Natalie Diorio (pictured) was a 6-3, 6-1 winner at No. 3; Tabitha Simpson scored a 6-4, 6-3 win at the fourth flight; Melissa Flowers earned a 6-3, 6-4 win at the fifth spot; and, at No. 6, Daniella Dimas earned a decisive 6-1, 6-1 win.

In doubles, Ferris won at the first and third levels to get off to a 2-1 points start entering the singles competition.

Good win for head coach Alex Palladino's squad (a team that has to be happy to finally get a chance to play on its home court).

Ferris State 8, Lake Superior State 1
Sep 25, 2009 at Big Rapids, Mich. (FSU Racquet & Fitness Center)

Singles competition

1. Amy Ingle (FS) def. DiVITO, Adrienne (LS) 6-1, 6-1

2. Tiffany Rheynard (FS) def. PFLIEGER, Ingrid (LS) 6-3, 6-2

3. Natalie Diorio (FS) def. MOLINA-RODRIGUEZ, A. (LS) 6-3, 6-1

4. Tabitha Simpson (FS) def. PUMFORD, Carolyn (LS) 6-4, 6-3

5. Melissa Flowers (FS) def. WIETHOFF, Erin (LS) 6-3, 6-4

6. Daniela Dimas (FS) def. WATCHORN, Katie (LS) 6-1, 6-1

Doubles competition

1. Amy Ingle/Tiffany Rheynard (FS) def. DiVITO, Adrienne/WIETHOFF, Erin (LS) 8-2

2. PFLIEGER, Ingrid/WATCHORN, Katie (LS) def. Natalie Diorio/Tabitha Simpson (FS) 8-3

3. Melissa Flowers/Daniela Dimas (FS) def. MAGOON, Molly/PUMFORD, Carolyn (LS) 8-2

Match Notes

Lake Superior State 2-2, 1-2 GLIAC

Ferris State 2-0, 2-0 GLIAC

Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Match

FSU hosts Michigan Tech Saturday (Sept. 26) at 10 a.m. (EDT)

T-3:30 A-50

SOCCER: A Rough Afternoon For Ferris Soccer Team Against Tiffin

BIG RAPIDS - Friday afternoon was a painful one on the soccer field for Ferris State University as it hosted Tiffin in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Both teams entered the match with records below.500, but it was Tiffin which looked very, very impressive as it rolled to a 6-1 win over the Bulldogs.

The Dragons struck for three goals in the first half and three more in the second half to earn the win. The lone goal scored by Ferris came from Bri Borgman, who is in the midst of a strong year, as she put the ball in the net at 89:37 of the match on a penalty kick.

Ferris got two shots on goal from Kara Lovelace (pictured) as the team attempted to generate some offensive opportunities against the Dragons.

In goal, Stevie Salow made five saves for the Bulldogs.

That was all of the scoring highlights for the Bulldogs as the team dropped to 1-6-1 overall and 1-3-0 in the GLIAC with the setback. Meanwhile, Tiffin's record improves to 1-2-2 overall and 1-1-2 in the conference (the first win of the season for the Dragons).

Ferris is back on the field Sunday afternoon at 12 p.m. as head coach Neathan Gibson and his team host Findlay at the FSU Soccer Field in Big Rapids.

VOLLEYBALL: Tough Night At The Office For The Bulldogs Against Saginaw Valley State

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University had a tough start to its weekend with a 3-0 home Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference loss to Saginaw Valley State University in Ewigleben Sports Arena.

One thing this loss says, without saying a word, is that this is going to be a grueling race for the GLIAC championship this fall. It appears, so far at least, that the championship may truly be up for grabs. Just when you think a team has a chance to make a run, or you think a team is about to fade to black, momentum turns around with the quickness.

Tonight was a good example of that as Saginaw Valley went on the road and struck gold (striking gold is what happens just about any time you can come away with a match win on the road).

With the loss, Ferris drops to 11-5 overall and 4-2 in the GLIAC's North Division standings while Saginaw Valley improves to 10-4 overall and 5-1 in the league. There's no other way to look at it than to say any win is a big win at this stage of the season (especially on the road).

It was a tough hitting game for the Ferris with a low attack percentage and a lot of errors that took the wind out of the sails of the offense throughout the match. Arielle Goodson was the only FSU player to reach double digits in kills as she posted 10 while Kristy Gilchrist added eight and Katie Edwards (pictured) finished with six in the three-set loss.

Ferris had 32 kills, but totaled 32 attack errors in the match.

The Bulldogs will not have a whole lot of time to dwell on Friday's loss as it has to pull back together to try and find a way to earn a win over Lake Superior State on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. from Ewigleben Sports Arena.

FOOTBALL: Ferris State University At Northern Michigan University Preview

Ferris State University vs. Northern Michigan University
4 p.m., Superior Dome, Marquette

BIG RAPIDS - This weekend, Ferris State University is playing in a game that it can certainly win as it heads to the Superior Dome in Marquette to take on Northern Michigan University as part of NMU's homecoming weekend festivities.

Now, while the Bulldogs are capable of winning this game, one thing stands in their way: An NMU squad that is one of the hottest teams in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Wildcats have scored 110 points in their last two games thanks to a powerful running attack that is complemented by an ability to throw the football that keeps teams a little more honest. So, this is no easy task for the Bulldogs who have been on a bit of a roller coaster ride this season with a win over a struggling Tiffin team, followed by a decisive loss to nationally-ranked Ashland, followed by a blowout loss at Findlay and then a heartbreaking seven-point loss to top-ranked Grand Valley State.

Now, emotionally it has been a roller-coaster ride, but record-wise this ride has had a few more lows than it has experienced highs this fall.

This will be a major test for the Bulldogs and, ironically enough, the keys to victory really have not changed a whole lot from previous weeks:

1. Avoid falling behind in one of those mammoth holes early in the game (as was the case against Ashland and Findlay)
2. Do better stopping the run. Ferris has struggled to contain the running game in all of its losses this season and Northern can be dominant with its ground game
3. Get the passing game going. Ferris only threw it 10 times against Grand Valley last week at Top Taggart Field. The "Wildcat" was a nice wrinkle, but Ferris certainly wants to be able to throw the football effectively.
4. Bring good energy to this game and bring it right off the bat
5. Forget about the record and focus on football

Many fans will be interested to see how Ferris bounces back from a tough loss at home to its archrival. If the Bulldogs can bounce back with a level of energy similar to what it had against GVSU, then it has a chance to be successful in this game. But, if the Bulldogs duplicate what it did the last time it was on the road, at Findlay, it could be a tough afternoon in the Upper Peninsula for head coach Jeff Pierce and his Bulldogs.

MEN'S GOLF: Invitational Named In Honor Of Professional Golf Management Coordinator Matt Pinter

From Ferris Athletics Communications

BIG RAPIDS - The Ferris State University Bulldog Men's Golf Invitational will undergo a special change this fall as the annual athletics event will now be the "Ferris State Matt Pinter Invitational" named in honor of FSU Professional Golf Management (PGM) Coordinator Matthew D. Pinter.

Pinter is currently midst his 16th year as the PGM Coordinator at FSU and the director of FSU's 18-hole Katke Golf Course. Pinter, a current registered Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA) Class A Professional (1981-present), is also involved in the PGA National Education Steering Committee (1990-present), the PGA Membership Committee/Michigan Section (1994-present), and has been a certified PGA of America PAT Administrator since 1995. He also was a member of the PGA National Education Committee from 1985-89 and is currently a Golf Professional Training Program Curriculum Development Committee and Faculty Member (1994-present).

The FSU PGM program was established in 1975 and is the first of its kind in the nation sanctioned by the prestigious Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA).

"Matt Pinter has had a huge impact on our men's and women's golf programs as PGM Coordinator at Ferris State," said Ferris State men's and women's golf head coach Mike Mignano. "With his leadership at FSU, Katke Golf Course, the PGM program, and both golf programs have experienced tremendous improvements in both academic curriculum and athletic facilities. Matt and his staff are the reason Ferris State's PGM program has remained the top one in the country. We are proud to host a tournament in his honor and we look forward to an outstanding weekend of golf."

The 2009 Ferris State Matt Pinter Invitational is scheduled for next weekend, Sept. 26-27, at the Katke Golf Course in Big Rapids, Mich. Starting tee times are set for 2 p.m. (EDT) Saturday, Sept. 26, with final-round action commencing at 8 a.m. (EDT) on Sunday, Sept. 27.

MY COMMENTS: Matt Pinter is a tremendous ambassador for Professional Golf Management, for golf in general at Ferris State University and for Ferris. This is a nice gesture on the part of the university and golf at Ferris to bestow this honor on Matt.

MEN'S GOLF: Men's Golf Stays Tied For 17th Place in Golf World Coaches' Poll

From Ferris Athletics Communications:

*2009-10 Golf World/Nike Golf Division II Coaches' Poll Release (9/28/09)* PDF

The first Golf World/Nike Golf Division II Coaches' Poll of the 2009 fall season lists the Ferris State University men's golf team tied for 17th place with 109 points and one first-place vote. The national poll was released this Thursday (Sept. 24).

The initial 2009 fall season poll results will appear in the September 28th issue of Golf World and can be viewed online at www.golfworld.com. The Golf World/Nike Golf Division II Coaches' Poll combines the resources of Golf World magazine, Nike Golf and the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA).

Ferris State remained in a 17th-place tie as the Bulldogs earned a share of that placing in the 2009-10 Golf World/Nike Golf Division II Preseason Coaches' Poll (Sept. 3). In the latest poll, FSU is tied with St. Edward's (Texas) as the Hilltoppers moved up from 21st place in the preseason forecast.

Georgia College still holds the number-one position with 439 points and nine first-place votes while Columbus (Ga.) State garnered 390 points and three first-place votes to claim second place.

Golfstat, which is the official source for college golf scores and statistics, has Ferris State ranked eighth among NCAA-II teams in head-to-head competition. The Bulldogs, under third-year head coach Mike Mignano, sport a 139-10 divisional record and have a 70.69 adjusted scoring average. Individually, senior Eric Lilleboe (Okemos/Lansing Catholic Central) presently ranks second in the Golfstat Cup Standings with a 68.00 stroke average in five rounds this season and sports a +1.662 adjusted scoring average. Senior Kurt Valley's (Bay City/Western) 70.20 stroke average in five rounds ranks 74th best among the national leaders.

For the full press release, visit: http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/mgolf/2009-10/releases/GWNikeGolfCoachesPoll92809

MY COMMENTS: It has been great to watch the rise of the men's golf program at Ferris. The guys have really taken pride in being the group that leads this program back to being prominent among the elite of its kind in the nation. Men's and women's golf at Ferris have great traditions and a lot of pride. Being a nationally-ranked team is hopefully just the start of good things for the men's golf program.

VOLLEYBALL: Ferris Gears Up For Important Week Of Volleyball

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University has some key volleyball matches coming up this week with Saginaw Valley State University coming in Friday evening and Lake Superior State making a visit to FSU on Saturday afternoon.

Ferris could really use a couple of wins this weekend, but it will not be easy with a strong group of Cardinals and a Laker squad that will be hungry to spring an upset against the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs have had solid play this season led by senior hitter Kristy Gilchrist, who has gotten off to a hot start this fall.

THIS WEEK:
vs. Saginaw Valley State Cardinals
Friday, Sept. 25 - 7 p.m. (EDT)
Ewigleben Sports Arena - Big Rapids, Mich.

vs. Lake Superior State Lakers
Saturday, Sept. 26 - 2 p.m. (EDT)
Ewigleben Sports Arena - Big Rapids, Mich.

Ferris will need to be on its game as these two opponents will be looking to steal a victory on the road. The Bulldogs need to keep going the magic it enjoyed last weekend in the Upper Peninsula it had with wins over Northern Michigan University and Michigan Tech University.

Here are the scouting reports for this weekend's opponents as compiled by Ferris Athletics Communications:

Saginaw Valley State: Ferris State has a 48-10 advantage over Saginaw Valley State in the all-time series, which includes a 25-4 home record. The two teams split last season's series with Ferris State posting a 3-2 win in the first meeting (9/27) at University Center, Mich., before the Cardinals avenged the setback with a 3-0 decision over the Bulldogs (11/1) in Big Rapids. Saginaw Valley State presently sports a 9-4 overall record with a 4-1 mark in the GLIAC's North Division after tallying a 3-0 conference win at Ashland last Saturday (9/19) to extend is current winning streak to three. The Cardinals are 4-1 this fall in road matches. SVSU is listed among others receiving votes in this week's (9/21) AVCA Division II Coaches Top 25 Poll with eight points.The Cardinals are coached by seventh-year head coach Will Stanton, who was chosen as the 2008 AVCA Midwest Region Coach of the Year after guiding SVSU to a 25-8 record and a NCAA-II Midwest Regional Tournament finals appearance a season ago. Tia Brandel-Wilhelm vs. SVSU - 21-5.

Lake Superior State: Ferris State owns a 61-17 lead in its all-time series against Lake Superior State and has won 41 of the last 42 meetings between the two teams. The Bulldogs were victorious in both matchups last season, prevailing 3-0 over the Lakers (9/26) in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., and then claiming a 3-1 decision in the rematch (10/31) at Big Rapids. Lake Superior State is presently 1-12 overall and 1-4 in the GLIAC's North Division after winning a 3-2 conference contest at Tiffin last Saturday (9/19) to snap a season-opening 12-match losing skid. The Lakers, under 15th-year head coach Mark Engle, are currently 1-1 in away encounters this season. Tia Brandel-Wilhelm vs. LSSU - 27-1.

WOMEN's GOLF: Former Ferris Golfer Meredith Johnson Honored

Meredith Johnson had a solid career playing for the storied Ferris State University women's golf program. But, for all that success she experienced as a golfer, Johnson really paid attention to her studies, learned her craft and has been a hit in the professional golf world.

She credits her success to a stellar and comprehensive education she received at Ferris in the school's highly-acclaimed Professional Golf Management program.

Johnson was presented with the 2009 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year for the Southern California Section of the Professional Golfers Association of America.

Dear Members,

It is with great pleasure to announce that our own Meredith Johnson (Assistant Golf Professional at Desert Horizons Country Club in Palm Desert) has been chosen by her peers as the 2009 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year for the Southern California Section of the Professional Golfers Association of America.

There are almost 2000 Golf Professionals from 500 golf clubs in the SCPGA Section. Of these professionals, just 210 have achieved an A-8 level of membership with the PGA of America, which is required to receive this award.

This award goes to the PGA Assistant Golf Professional for overall performance as a golf professional, leadership, service and promotion of the game of golf. This nominee reflects the qualities and image that promote the PGA Professional to his/her members and facility.

In addition to all Meredith does for the members of Desert Horizons C.C., she is currently on the Education Committee of the SCPGA Desert Chapter Board of Directors. Within the SCPGA Section Meredith is a member of the newly reformed Employment Committee. On the National level Meredith just worked the PGA Championship held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota.

Meredith is also involved in Junior League of Palm Springs Communities. She has also been involved with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Desert. Also Meredith is very active in her church.

Meredith is a very dedicated and accommodating PGA Member and has set a standard that PGA Members would be proud to have on their staff. We’re very fortunate that Meredith is a member of our staff at Desert Horizons C.C.

Johnson gave DesertCADDIE.com a little information on her background and what it means to her to win this award:

Some of my earliest memories of golf are from my home club, the Moorhead Country Club near my hometown of Fargo, ND. From day one golf was a very family-oriented sport for me. Our family of five would often spend our Sunday afternoons playing a “family scramble” with dairy queen blizzards as the reward for finishing a round. I also really looked forward to the annual parent-child alternate shot tournament, especially because I got to use the “wee-links” tee markers. This made for quite a thrill when I would out-drive Mom & Dad.

Eventually I took a more competitive interest in the game of golf and played high school golf & spent the summers playing in local, state, and national junior golf tournaments. I was recruited to play college golf at Ferris State University, where I helped the Bulldogs to a second place finish at the Division II National Championship.

As a graduate of the PGM program at Ferris State, I felt well prepared for my future in the golf business with the wonderful internship experiences I had. My internships at high-end facilities including Westchester Country Club (NY), Seaview Marriott Resort (NJ), and The Grove Resort (England) have given me a great foundation for my career in the golf business. I am very fortunate to have worked with and learned from very highly-respected PGA Professionals.

Following my college graduation in 2005, I accepted my first full-time position as an Assistant Golf Professional at Desert Horizons Country Club in Indian Wells, where I will be starting my fifth season. I became a PGA Class “A” member in 2006. I have had the opportunity to serve on the Desert Chapter Board of Directors as the Education Chair, as well as the SCPGA Employment Committee. I also have worked with the PGA on a national level at the 2008 Ryder Cup and the 2008 & 2009 PGA Championships.

I am very honored to be selected the 2009 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. Over the last several years, I have witnessed first-hand all the PGA of America has to offer and what it stands for. Because of this I am proud to be a member of the PGA of America. I hope to continue to uphold the values and traditions of the association by serving the members of Desert Horizons, the Desert Chapter, the Southern California Section, and the PGA of America.

Congratulations to Meredith.

For the complete story on Meredith's honor: http://desertcaddie.com/?p=1156

FOOTBALL: Bulldog Staff To Support "Coach to Cure MD"

FSU head coach Jeff Pierce and his staff will help support the "Coach to Cure MD" cause

From Ferris Athletics Communications

BIG RAPIDS - The Ferris State University football coaching staff will join an important national cause by helping support "Coach to Cure MD" during this Saturday's (Sept. 26) Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) road contest versus Northern Michigan at the Superior Dome in Marquette, Mich. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. (EDT).

The Bulldog staff, including head coach Jeff Pierce, will join thousands of others from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) by wearing "Coach to Cure" MD arm patches for the game.

"Coach to Cure MD", a national charity project of the AFCA, helps bring coaches nationwide together from all levels of collegiate football to raise awareness and research funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most prolific genetic killer diagnosed in childhood.

"College football coaches are dedicated to the betterment of young men and that's why the entire coaching profession is proud to be a part of Coach to Cure MD," said Grant Teaff, AFCA executive director legendary former coach of Baylor University. "Our coaches are determined to beat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and we need college football fans to help."

AFCA members will wear the "Coach to Cure MD" logo patch on the sidelines and college football fans are asked to donate to research projects supported by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, the largest nonprofit organization in the U.S. focused entirely on this disease.

Football fans can donate to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research throughout the Sept. 26 contests by going online to www.CoachtoCureMD.org or by texting the word "CURE" to 90999 (a $5 donation will automatically be added to your next phone bill and standard text message rates apply).

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed during childhood and primarily affects boys across all races and cultures. Boys and young men with this disorder develop progressive muscle weakness that eventually causes loss of mobility, wheelchair dependency and a decline in respiratory and cardiac function. Currently, there is no cure and limited therapeutic options exist.

Last year, over 2,675 college coaches participated in the inaugural "Coach to Cure MD" event, which is sponsored nationally by the financial service firm TIAA-CREF. Families affected with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy will also gather for fundraising tailgate parties on campuses around the country to help encourage more fans to get involved.

In addition to the Bulldog staff, thousands of other coaches across the country will also take part in Saturday's important cause, including coaches such as Texas' Mack Brown, Jim Tressel of Ohio State and Dick Tomey, current president of the AFCA and a national spokesperson for the project.

For more information, please visit:
www.CoachtoCureMD.org

MY COMMENTS: It's great to see our Athletics Department get involved in these important issues and it speaks to the fact that these are more than just coaches and student-athletes. These are coaches and young men and women who care about their communities and who care about people.

FOOTBALL: A Look At Week 5 GLIAC Games

BIG RAPIDS - Last week was for the rivals in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, but this weekend is no less important for a number of team as the usual separation begins to take place in the standings.

When you take a look at the GLIAC standings, it becomes apparent that there are a few games of particular importance. Ashland and Hillsdale is probably the biggest game of the weekend as both teams are among those who have realistic shots at playing their way into the NCAA Division II playoffs. But, Saginaw Valley still feels it is in the playoff hunt as do a few other programs in Wayne State, Northwood and Findlay.

Grand Valley and Ashland are 3-0 entering this weekend and have proven to be the two top teams in the conference (so far). From there it gets interesting as Findlay, Hillsdale, Saginaw Valley, Wayne State, Northern Michigan and Northwood all are 2-1. Since none of those teams are playing Grand Valley (the Lakers are in Houghton playing 0-3 Michigan Tech), the outcomes of contests featuring these teams takes on an even higher level of importance. Teams that have one loss already, and who have not played GVSU, are approaching a danger zone with respect to the number of defeats that can be absorbed (and still remain in playoff contention).

The standings and the bait of the playoffs should make for some interesting battles on the football field this weekend at venues around the GLIAC.

With that, lets get to the games:

Week 5 Games

Northwood University at University of Findlay
12 p.m., Donnell Stadium, Findlay, Ohio

THOUGHTS: This should be a competitive game between two one-loss teams (both of which still have hopes of making it into the playoffs). Northwood and Findlay are probably the two most (positive) surprising teams in the GLIAC this season. Findlay is a solid all-around team and did play an impressive game at home against Ferris a few weeks back before falling this past weekend at Wayne State (35-21). This will be a great test for a surprising Northwood team to go on the road and to see if it can come away with a victory. Northwood played Saginaw Valley tough, in Saginaw, during the Axe Bowl. This game is a toss up-type contest. And, when that is the case, I tend to lean toward the home team.

Hillsdale College at Ashland University
1 p.m., Jack Miller Stadium, Ashland, Ohio

THOUGHTS: This is the game of the weekend. Ashland, so far, has proven to be the second-best team in the GLIAC, but there are still pretty of obstacles left for the Eagles to clear in pursuit of the playoffs and a high finish in the league standings. Ashland's offense is pretty diverse with a very good running game and a great passing attack led by Billy Cundiff, arguably the premier quarterback in the conference and one of the best throwers in the nation. Still, it's hard not to like the offensive, defensive and special teams balance Hillsdale brings to the table. This will be a battle of two well-coached teams. Still, I like the home-field edge for the Eagles and I like the play of Cundiff to maybe create a few more quality scoring opportunities.

Wayne State University at Tiffin University
1:30 p.m., Frost-Kalnow Stadium, Tiffin, Ohio

THOUGHTS: Wayne State looks strong in this game, but it should not go in overlooking Tiffin. The host Dragons are looking to spring an upset on someone and the Warriors do not want to be that first victim. That being said, I like Wayne in this one fairly comfortably.

Grand Valley State University at Michigan Technological University
6 p.m., Sherman Field, Houghton

THOUGHTS: Michigan Tech is a team that has been crippled by key injuries to two of their top offensive threats. Plus, the Huskies are winless coming into this weekend. That is not a good combination when you consider that the opponent is the top-ranked team in the nation and a team that hopes to get back on track after having its hands full on the road at rival Ferris State University the previous weekend. Tech will be working hard at engineering an upset, but the Lakers have too much and will prevail in this contest.

Saginaw Valley State University at University of Indianapolis
6 p.m., Key Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind.

THOUGHTS: This is a scary game for Saginaw Valley which, on paper, looks like a solid favorite heading down to Indiana to take on the Greyhounds. Games, however, are not played on paper and Saginaw Valley will have to come ready to play against an Indianapolis team that tends to play very well on its home field. I see Indianapolis coming out and playing a solid football game. It will be up to Saginaw to come out and establish itself early. The Cardinals have played Grand Valley already (their lone loss) and this is one where Saginaw does not want to slip. The Cardinals should win a close one.

WOMEN'S SOCCER: Borman Named GLIAC Player Of The WeekBorman Named GLIAC Player Of The Week

From Ferris Athletics Communications

BAY CITY - Sophomore midfielder Bri Borgman of the 2009 Ferris State University women's soccer team has been selected this week's (Sept. 20) Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Women's Soccer Player of the Week as announced by the conference office.

Borgman recorded her first career hat trick in last Friday's (Sept. 18) 6-1 league victory at Ashland (Ohio) with three consecutive first-half goals, which included the game winner. She added another tally in Sunday's (Sept. 20) 3-2 conference home setback to Northern Michigan and concluded the week with a team-leading eight points on four goals in the two appearances.

The 5-5 midfielder finished the week's action with a squad-best eight shots on goal for a .727 success rate in a combined 180 minutes of playing time.

This season, Borgman presently leads the Bulldogs in scoring with 10 points on five goals and no assists in seven contests. Borgman has compiled a team-high 11 shots on goal in 580 minutes to date this fall.

Borgman currently has accumulated 21 career points on 10 goals and one assist in 1,924 career minutes in 26 matches. She has netted four game-winning tallies while generating 21 shots on goal during her FSU career.

Ferris State, which is presently 1-5-1 overall and 1-2-0 in the GLIAC, is back in action this Friday (Sept. 25) against Tiffin at the FSU Soccer Field in Big Rapids, Mich. A 4 p.m. (EDT) start time is slated for the conference match.

FOOTBALL: New D2Football.com Poll Is Released

Here is the new poll for D2Football.com.

2009 D2Football.com Top 25 Media Poll
September 22, 2009

Ra	Team	Record
1	Grand Valley	4-0
2	Abilene Christian	4-0
3	North Alabama	4-0
4	Central Washington	4-0
5	Bloomsburg	4-0
6	Northwest Missouri	3-1
7	Texas A&M-Kingsville	4-0
8	Minnesota State	4-0
9	Minnesota-Duluth	3-1
10	Delta State	2-1
11	Catawba	3-0
12	Ashland	3-1
13	Central Missouri	4-0
14	Tarleton State	4-0
15	Missouri Western	4-0
16	Newberry	2-1
17	Albany State	3-0
18	Saginaw Valley	3-1
19	Pittsburg State	2-2
20	Wayne State (Ne)	3-1
21	Midwestern State	4-0
22	Tuskegee	3-1
23	IUP	3-1
24	Nebraska-Kearney	3-1
25	Charleston	4-0