VOLLEYBALL: Ferris' 2010 Schedule Has Some Tough Opponents From Start To Finish

It will not be all that long before Ferris State University summer volleyball camps wind down to a close and the team reassembles for preseason practice.

Looking ahead, however, Ferris has its 2010 volleyball schedule posted and it has a familiar look to it. The Bulldogs open with home action on Sept. 3-4 with the Ferris State Invitational being hosted in the Ewigleben Sports Complex.

The Bulldogs will take on Lock Haven and Glenville State on the first day and then Minnesota State and Mercyhurst on day two of the event. The schedule for the Ferris State Invitational is posted below as a part of the entire 2010 slate of matches.

Last season, the Bulldogs finished 19-12 overall and advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament where they dropped a 3-0 decision to Lewis University.

Check out the schedule below:

Ferris State University 2010 Volleyball Schedule

Sep. 3	Lock Haven		2 p.m.
	Ferris State Invitational
	Glenville State		6 p.m.
	Ferris State Invitational
Sep. 4	Minnesota State		12 p.m.
	Ferris State Invitational
	Mercyhurst		3 p.m.
	Ferris State Invitational
Sep. 10	Northern Michigan *		7 p.m.
Sep. 12	Michigan Tech *		2 p.m.
Sep. 15	at Grand Valley State *		7 p.m.
Sep. 18	at Northwood *		4 p.m.
Sep. 19	at Lake Superior State *		2 p.m.
Sep. 24	at Hillsdale *		7 p.m.
Sep. 25	at Wayne State *		4 p.m.
Sep. 26	at Findlay *		2 p.m.
Oct. 1	Grand Valley State *		7 p.m.
Oct. 3	at Saginaw Valley State *		2 p.m.
Oct. 8	Ashland *		7 p.m.
Oct. 9	Lake Erie *		12 p.m.
Oct. 15	vs. TBD @ Aurora, Ill.		TBA
	2010 Asics GLVC/GLIAC Crossover Tournament
Oct. 16	vs. TBD @ Aurora, Ill.		TBA
	2010 Asics GLVC/GLIAC Crossover Tournament
Oct. 22	at Northern Michigan *		7 p.m.
Oct. 24	at Michigan Tech *		3 p.m.
Oct. 30	Tiffin *		2 p.m.
Oct. 31	Ohio Dominican *		2 p.m.
Nov. 3	Saginaw Valley State *		7 p.m.
Nov. 4	Northwood *		7 p.m.
Nov. 5	Lake Superior State *		12 p.m.

As always, look for the GLIAC to be highly competitive from start to finish with a number of teams that should be threatening the regional and national rankings.

Ferris will seek to be competitive with a team that has gained experience and could be ready to take a big step forward in 2010.

FOOTBALL: Leister Transferring From Ferris To Alma

Mount Pleasant native Jarrett Leister was a top-notch prospect at the quarterback position for Ferris State University.

Leister, who started his college playing career at Ferris as a talented quarterback with a great deal of potential, has decided to transfer from FSU to continue his college football career at Division III Alma College.

The Morning Sun has an article about Leister's transfer and what went into his decision to move on from Ferris to Alma.

"Ferris State was fun and definitely a different experience, but our offense there wasn't really best suited to my abilities," said Jarrett. "I've been around Alma College my whole life and around the football field here. I ultimately felt this was the place for me to be."

Leister's transfer to Alma College was accepted in mid-May and since that time he has been working out with a couple of his future teammates, preparing for what the fall will bring. But the main thing both Jarrett and his father wanted to get across was the fact that this was Jarrett's sole decision and no one else's.

"Some people might think that my dad had something to do with this, but that couldn't be further from the truth," Jarrett said. "He was actually mad the first time I brought up transferring, he told me I had to finish what I started. But once I let him know my reasoning, he was better about it."

Leister emphasized in the Morning Sun article that it was his decision and he was not pressured into it.

"Some people might think that my dad had something to do with this, but that couldn't be further from the truth," Jarrett said in the article. "He was actually mad the first time I brought up transferring, he told me I had to finish what I started. But once I let him know my reasoning, he was better about it."

The article goes on to say that Jarrett's father, John (also the athletics director at Alma College), now is planning to return as the offensive coordinator of the Scots.

Best of luck to Jarrett in this new direction his career is taking at Alma.

TENNIS: Ferris Hands Out Post-Season Awards

Ferris State University head men's and women's tennis coach Alex Palladino recently announced the team's end-of-the-year awards.

Highlighted were senior Kyle Revall, of the men's squad, and Amy Ingle of the women's team as Most Valuable Player.

Revall, who ranked 12th in this spring's ITA Division II Midwest Regional Singles Rankings, received All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) laurels for the first time this campaign and posted an 8-7 overall record this year at the number one singles position. He posted a 4-3 individual ledger in GLIAC singles matches and won five of his last eight decisions overall. In doubles play, Revall teamed with junior Steven Roberts at the top flight to record a 4-3 mark in GLIAC competition and a 7-12 overall record. They won seven of their last 11 matches as a duo.

The 6-1 Revall concluded his Bulldog career with a 22-18 singles mark along with a 19-25 record in doubles play over the course of his two-year Bulldog stint. He was also honored as this year's ITA Midwest Region Arthur Ashe Award recipient for Leadership and Sportsmanship.

The 5-4 Ingle recorded an 11-10 overall singles record and was 11-9 in doubles play this year. An All-GLIAC First Team pick, Ingle won six of her nine GLIAC matches at the number one flight in the FSU lineup. Meanwhile, she registered a 5-3 league doubles record in dual action at the top spot in the lineup while pairing with senior Tiffany Rheynard. Currently, Ingle owns a 34-33 career singles ledger and is 31-35 in doubles action during her Bulldog career to date.

For the full story and list of awards, visit the Ferris State University Athletics Homepage, here.

TENNIS: Muskegon Chronicle Reports On Future Bulldog

Ferris State University appears ready to add a player who could make an impact on its women's tennis roster in the near future, according to the Muskegon Chronicle.

Julie Fusik, Muskegon Catholic: Fusik has held the No. 1 singles position for the Crusaders the past three years. After falling in the finals of the city tournament the past two years, the senior captured the title in her final attempt. Fusik, who will play tennis at Ferris State next year, finished runner-up at regionals and reached the third round at the state finals.

We will have to see what happens when Fusik is added to the mix for the Bulldog women's tennis team under head coach Alex Palladino.

GENERAL ATHLETICS: Keenan, Muir, Lilleboe Share Bulldog Of The Year Award

Awards are being handed about by the Ferris State University Athletics Department. One of the biggest handed out is the Dean Davenport "Bulldog of the Year" award.

This year's award was presented to a trio of deserving Ferris student-athletes: Justin Keenan, of the men's basketball team; Tina Muir, of the women's cross country and track and field programs; and Eric Lilleboe of the men's golf team.

Here is an excerpt below from the press release posted by Ferris Athletics Communications:

For the fourth time in Ferris State University Athletics history, including the third time in the last four seasons, three student-athletes have been named the recipients of the Dean Davenport “Bulldog of the Year” Award.

Men's basketball junior Justin Keenan (Grand Rapids/Ottawa Hills) along with junior Tina Muir (St. Albans, U.K.) of the women's track/cross country program and senior Eric Lilleboe (Okemos/Lansing Catholic Central) of the men's golf team were honored as FSU's 2009-10 recipients.

The award winners were selected by a FSU Athletics Department committee. All three are first-time recipients of the prestigious award.

The Dean Davenport “Bulldog of the Year” Award, which was reinstated in the 2002-03 season following a seven-year absence, is presented annually to the most outstanding Ferris State male and female student-athlete. Award criteria consists of strong athletic achievements (must be a letterwinner and achieve outstanding athletic accomplishment), strong individual character and academic achievement.

The award was renamed in honor of former Ferris State Athletics Director Dean Davenport, who served in the position from 1979-93. During his tenure at Ferris, Davenport was instrumental in the planning of the FSU Sports Complex, the growth of women's intercollegiate athletics, the emergence of Ferris' NCAA Division I men's ice hockey program and the development of the athletics scholarship program. He also led the athletics department to 14 consecutive Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) President's Cup Championships. Davenport founded the "Bulldog of the Year", "Pete Peterson Pride" and "Jimmy Swears Courage" Awards at Ferris State.

For the balance of the story, click here.

HOCKEY: NCAA Seeking To Stop Shots To The Head

One of the most disturbing things to see in college hockey, with the size and speed of players, is hits to the head - dangerous hits to the head. Finally, it appears the NCAA is preparing to take a strong stand against these kinds of dangerous hits involving student-athletes. While there is bound to be a level of controversy, however, it is important for the NCAA to be proactive in looking out for the welfare of student-athletes.

Here is an excerpt from an Associated Press story:

Under a proposal by the sport's rules committee, a hit to the head would carry a minimum five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct or disqualification. The committee's proposals must be considered by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel in July before being implemented.

One of the challenges will be picking out these five-minute hits and sorting them out from the usual two-minute penalties.

Some fans will be upset at some of these five-minute penalties (unless they come in their team's favor), but in the end it could be best for student-athletes.

Source: AP

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Barnes Resigns As Michigan Tech Coach To Be Wisconsin Assistant

Big news in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference is the announcement that John Barnes has stepped down as head women's basketball coach at Michigan Tech University, a perennial Division II national power to become an assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin.

Here is an excerpt from the Detroit Free Press story:

It had to be a tough move for Barnes who has done such a great job building MTU into a high-level national powerhouse.

Barnes led the Huskies to a 155-56 record in seven seasons, winning three Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference North Division titles. He was named GLIAC coach of the year three times, and the Huskies reached the NCAA Division II tournament five times during his tenure, with Elite Eight appearances in 2009-10."It was a very difficult decision to leave, but this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," Barnes said.

For full article: http://www.freep.com/article/20100609/SPORTS18/6090346/1365/SPORTS/Wisconsin-hires-Michigan-Tech-womens-basketball-coach-John-Barnes

HOCKEY: Ferris Hockey Team Part Of Emmy Award Received By CCHA

One more honor that revolves around Ferris State University's 2009-10 hockey team that captured the imagination of the community with a successful run to Joe Louis Arena and the Central Collegiate Hockey Association semifinals.

Here is an excerpt from a press release from Ferris Athletics Communications:

The Ferris State University men's ice hockey program has earned special acclaim as a result of FOX Sports Detroit's Central Collegiate Hockey Association's (CCHA) All-Access program receiving an EMMY Award this past Saturday (June 5) from the Michigan Chapter of National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

The organization's 32nd annual ceremony, which was held at the Royal Oak (Mich.) Music Theatre, recognized television excellence for productions originating in 2009.

FOX Sports Detroit claimed the top honor in the regularly scheduled weekly or daily sports program for the CCHA All-Access show featuring Ferris State hockey.

The episode from February 2009 featured an in-depth look at the 2008-09 Bulldogs and the university's community of Big Rapids, Mich. The primary contributors to the episode were Alex Wright, Denny Iott, and James Joliat.

For the full story, visit the Ferris State University Athletics Communications Web site at: http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/mice/2010-11/releases/FSNEmmyAward

GENERAL ATHLETICS: Imagine What GLIAC Expansion Might Look Like With A Wish List

It's a rapidly-changing time in major college athletics these days with change that has already started and more change expected to happen in the near future.

Nebraska appears set to move to the Big Ten Conference while Colorado already has announced its intention to join the Pacific 10 Conference. Notre Dame, Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Missouri and other schools also are being rumored to potentially be on the move to new league homes. This could merely be the beginning of more moves that could dramatically alter the college athletics landscape with football and money as the driving forces.

The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has undergone expansion in recent years with the addition of Tiffin University. Next season, the GLIAC welcomes Ohio Dominican University and Lake Erie College to its roster of member institutions.

The GLIAC has worked to strengthen its reach into Ohio with the additions of the three aforementioned Buckeye-state schools. The latest additions, Ohio Dominican and Lake Erie, was approved by the other 12 GLIAC schools.

So, what would be other schools that might be potentially attractive to the GLIAC in this season of expansion? Here are a few schools that have been discussed in recent years:

Lewis University: The Flyers have strong athletics programs in a number of different sports and are located near the Chicago area (some would argue in it). In men's and women's basketball, Lewis has been solid over the years. The Flyers have been very good in softball and volleyball. Proximity-wise, Lewis would be an ideal fit for a lot of GLIAC schools. Lewis does not have football program at this point (though it has been rumored from time to time in the past), but not everything necessarily has to revolve around football. Lewis has proven that it can compete in a number of sports and would be a valued member of the league. One question is whether or not Lewis would be interested in making a number of trips to the Upper Peninsula and eastern Ohio as a member of the GLIAC. On the other hand, travel is an issue in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, too.

Davenport University: The Panthers would still have to make a move to NCAA Division II, but they already are an attractive prospect for the GLIAC. In a short period of time, Davenport has become a player in the competitive small-college atmosphere in Grand Rapids. Led by Athletics Director Paul Lowden, a Ferris State University Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame hockey player, this is a program that is clearly on the rise and should unquestionably be a target of the GLIAC. DU is very strong at its level in men's and women's basketball and is building toward strength in other sports - all this just in recent years as the school has expanded its athletics offerings. Located in the Grand Rapids market, it is an ideal fit for schools like Ferris and Grand Valley State as natural rivalries develop. The school has nice new facilities that are top notch. On the downside, DU has no football.

Cornerstone University: Like Davenport, Cornerstone is still competing in NAIA, but would be a nice fit for the GLIAC for many of the same reasons as Davenport. Cornerstone also is located in Grand Rapids and has a very good basketball facility. The Golden Eagles are very strong in men's basketball and good in women's basketball as well. In men's basketball, Ferris has played a few classics against CU over the years, and could be a great addition to the GLIAC (especially with Davenport) to strengthen the GLIAC's presence in the Grand Rapids market. It's safe to say that Cornerstone would come in and strengthen the GLIAC's presence on the basketball court. Again, like the others, no football for the Golden Eagles.

I am sure the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference does not want to think too much about Davenport and Cornerstone leaving for the GLIAC (and with good reason).

Wisconsin-Parkside and St. Joseph's College might seem intriguing possibilities. Parkside is a long ways away - into Wisconsin. St. Joe has a lot of natural rivalries with other Indiana GLVC schools (Indianapolis, Southern Indiana) and the Kentucky schools along the border (Kentucky Wesleyan, Northern Kentucky and Bellarmine).

Obviously, it's all talk right now. The GLIAC, in recent years, had talked a lot about expansion and backed it up by bringing Tiffin, Lake Erie and Ohio Dominican to the conference.

Will there be more expansion on the horizon? Will there be a trickle-down effect of conference shuffling to Division II?

The money is not in it in Division II is not nearly the same as major Division I. But, that has not stopped conference expansion as schools look for conference mates that make academic, athletic and geographic sense.

HOCKEY: Panetta Speaks High Of Ferris State

Ferris State University hockey recruit Dominic Panetta, playing for the Bismarck Bobcats and expected to join the program for the 2011-12 season, could hardly be more excited about the opportunity to join the Bulldog hockey team of head coach Bob Daniels.

Panetta, quoted in Our Sports Central, expressed his enthusiasm about the Ferris hockey team and his familiarity with the program.

"It's definitely a huge relief to know that I'll be playing at the D-I level," said Panetta, who led the NAHL in playoff scoring with 17 points on six goals and 11 assists. "Now that I have my deal in place, I can really focus on becoming the best player possible over the next year."

Being a native of West Michigan, Panetta also discussed his comfort level with the Ferris staff of coaches, the campus and the area.

"When everything was said and done, it was a pretty easy call to pick Ferris," said Panetta, who resides in Grand Rapids. "I was talking to a lot of great programs, but I grew up in Big Rapids and I've known Coach Daniels since I was three years old. It's a really comfortable fit for me."

For the complete story: http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4024720

HOCKEY: Bismarck Tribune Reports Panetta Commits To Ferris For 2011-12

Recruiting is an ongoing mission in college athletics and Ferris State University's hockey program continues to look toward its future as it has drawn a commitment from Dominic Panetta, a forward playing for the Bismarck Bobcats of the NAHL

Panetta, a 5-foot-9 and 175-pound native of Grand Rapids, surely has a good feel for the program that head coach Bob Daniels has built just up U.S. 131 in Big Rapids.

Here is a little excerpt from the Bismarck Tribune that offers some insight into Panetta:

And Bobcats coach Byron Pool bites his tongue.

"Dominic LOVES to score, and he loves to celebrate," Pool said. "The Don Cherry in me took a little bit to warm up to it ... but that's part of him. I'm a tough enough guy to play for as it is, so I don't say anything. It's supposed to be fun."

Panetta appreciates that.

"It's always a clash of old school vs. new school in the NHL - Don Cherry vs. (the Washington Capitals') Alex Ovechkin," Panetta said. "... But I like to have fun when we score. The better the celebration, the more your team gets pumped."

Here is what was printed about Panetta in a roundup section of the online edition of the Bismarck Tribune:

NAHL

BOBCATS PANETTA COMMITS

TO PLAY AT FERRIS STATE

Bismarck Bobcat forward Dominic Panetta has committed to play hockey at Ferris State for the 2011-12 season.

Panetta, who hails from Grand Rapids, Mich., had 24 goals and 28 assists in 54 games last season. He tied for the NAHL's playoff scoring lead, with six points and 11 assists while helping the Bobcats win the Robertson Cup.

Panetta was drafted by the USHL's Tri-City Storm, but is eligible to return to the Bobcats.

Keep checking back for more information at a later date.

HOCKEY: Ferris Releases 2010-11 Schedule

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University has announced its 36-game 2010 NCAA Division I men's ice hockey schedule, and the Bulldogs will be at home a lot early in the season.

Head coach Bob Daniels' Bulldogs also must face Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Miami - and all before the end of November. The Bulldogs will have ample opportunities to prove themselves against the top teams in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. Playing the tougher schedule will make the team more battle tested, will improve its NCAA resume (if Ferris is successful) and it should help with attendance.

This 2010 schedule is front loaded with home games and with games against some of the better teams in the conference and the nation.

"I'm thrilled about this year's schedule, it's certainly a strong one featuring some great opponents," Daniels (pictured) said as the schedule was released by FSU Athletics Communications. "We're not only playing Michigan and Michigan State four times, but have big-time schools such as Notre Dame and Ohio State coming to our place. The high number of quality teams playing in our rink should be a positive for our program in terms of attendance and challenging our guys to be at the top of their game."

A few items of note:

• Ferris will face former goaltender and assistant coach Jeff Blashill, who is the new head coach of Western Michigan University for the first time Nov. 19 in Big Rapids.
• The Bulldogs are participating in the Dodge Holiday Classic in Minneapolis (hosted by the University of Minnesota) Dec. 31-Jan. 1.
• Ferris faces Michigan and Michigan State four times each (as opposed to twice)

2010-11 FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY MEN’S ICE HOCKEY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Oct. 2
Ontario Institute of Technology t Big Rapids, Mich. 7:05 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 7- Friday, Oct. 8
at Alabama-Huntsville Huntsville, Ala. 8:05 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 15- Saturday, Oct. 16
St. Lawrence Big Rapids, Mich. 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 22- Saturday, Oct. 23
Ohio State* Big Rapids, Mich. 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 29
Michigan* Big Rapids, Mich. 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 30
at Michigan* Ann Arbor, Mich. 7:35 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 5- Saturday, Nov. 6
Miami (Ohio)* Big Rapids, Mich. 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 12- Saturday, Nov. 13
at Lake Superior State* Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 19- Saturday, Nov. 20
Western Michigan* Big Rapids, Mich. 7:05 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 23
at Michigan State* East Lansing, Mich. 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 3
Michigan State* Big Rapids, Mich. 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 4
at Michigan State* East Lansing, Mich. 5:05 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 10-
Saturday, Dec. 11
Alaska* Big Rapids, Mich. 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 31
at Dodge Holiday Classic Minneapolis, Minn.
Bemidji State vs. Union 4:07 p.m.
Ferris State at Minnesota 7:07 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 1
at Dodge Holiday Classic Minneapolis, Minn.
Bemidji State vs. Ferris State 5:07 p.m.
Union at Minnesota 8:07 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 7- Saturday, Jan. 8
at Bowling Green State* Bowling Green, Ohio 7:05/5:05 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 14
at Michigan* Ann Arbor, Mich. 7:35 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 15
Michigan* Big Rapids, Mich. 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 21- Saturday, Jan. 22
at Northern Michigan* Marquette, Mich. 7:35 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 27
Michigan State* Big Rapids, Mich. 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 4- Saturday, Feb. 5
at Alaska* Fairbanks, Alaska 11:05 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 11- Saturday, Feb. 12
Alabama-Huntsville Big Rapids, Mich. 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 18- Saturday, Feb. 19
Notre Dame* Big Rapids, Mich. 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 25- Saturday, Feb. 26
at Ohio State* Columbus, Ohio 7:05 p.m.

Friday, March 4- Sunday, March 6
CCHA Playoffs First Round (Seeds 6-8 host seeds 9-11) Campus Sites TBA
Friday, March 11- Sunday, March 13
CCHA Playoffs Quarterfinal Round (Seeds 1-4 host) Campus Sites TBA
Friday, March 18
CCHA Playoffs Semifinals Detroit, Mich.▲ TBA
Saturday, March 19
CCHA Playoffs Third-Place & Championship Detroit, Mich.▲ TBA

Friday, March 25- Sunday, March 27
NCAA Regionals TBA
Thursday, April 7 & Saturday, April 9
NCAA Frozen Four Semifinals and Finals – 64th Annual St. Paul, Minn.◆ TBA

All times are Eastern and are subject to change
Home games in Bold * – Central Collegiate Hockey Association Game
t – Exhibition
▲– Joe Louis Arena
◆ – Xcel Energy Center

HOCKEY: 2010-11 Schedule Light On 5:05 P.M. Games

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University's 2010-11 hockey schedule has cut back on those 5:05 p.m. starts on Saturday.

While some of the times for games could be subject to change, due to television schedules, it appears as though the 5:05 p.m. games are mostly eliminated this year. Obviously, Ferris hopes to make as many appearances on television as possible. With four games against both Michigan and Michigan State, the Bulldogs may garner some more opportunities to bring television crews to Big Rapids or to play on the road in front of a television audience.

"We wanted to maintain consistency in our home start times so we decided to go back to the later time for Saturday contests," Ferris head coach Bob Daniels said. "I'm hopeful though in the future that we will have a few five o'clock family night games."

Tom Kirinovic Press Conference - Part 1

Here is a video clip taken by Ferris State University Associate Athletics Communications Director Rob Bentley during the press conference announcing the retirement of Ferris Athletics Director Tom Kirinovic.

Sitting next to Tom is Keri Becker, the head softball coach and Senior Women's Administrator who was named interim AD, effective June 30 (the date of Kirinovic's official retirement).

In the background, at the beginning, you can hear Athletics Communications Director Joe Gorby making the introduction.



For more video clips from the press conference, visit the official Ferris Athletics YouTube Web site, here.

GENERAL ATHLEICS: Next AD Will Have Big Shoes To Fill

BIG RAPIDS - Tom Kirinovic has been the director of athletics at Ferris State University since 1999, but effective June 30 he will be turning the reigns over to Keri Becker, the head softball coach who will become interim AD.

The committee essentially is in place to conduct a nationwide search to replace Kirinovic on a permanent basis.

In the meantime, one has to wonder what the mission of Ferris State Athletics will be as the next AD takes his or her place and leads the department into the future.

Will Ferris expect to field intercollegiate athletic programs hungry to compete at the highest level in the GLIAC, the region and the nation? Face it, if Ferris (and most other schools) can compete with Grand Valley State University (in most sports) then it can compete with the best in the region and the nation. GVSU has the premier NCAA Division II athletics program in the nation and, for a lot of Ferris fans, the Lakers are the bar.

In these challenging economic times in Michigan, raising funds takes on even greater importance and there seems little doubt that will be a priority for the next AD.

Ferris has not had a new AD since Kirinovic was hired in 1999 to replace Larry Marfise. So, for a lot of people, this will mark a major change in Ferris Athletics.

Like a lot of people, we will all be as interested in the mission of Ferris Athletics moving forward as we will be in who will become the next AD.

With a new AD coming in, one has to imagine expectations will be high.

GENERAL ATHLETICS: Search Process Announced For Ferris AD position

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University plans to conduct a nationwide search to replace Athletics Director Tom Kirinovic, who announced his retirement, effective June 30.

In the meantime, it was also announced on Wednesday that head softball coach and Senior Women's Administrator Keri Becker will take on the role of interim AD while a search is conducted. Becker will serve in the capacity of interim AD until a permanent replace is found for Kirinovic.

“We will move forward as quickly as possible to fill this important position for the university,” Ferris Vice President for Administration and Finance Jerry Scoby (pictured) said. “That being said, we will also take the time necessary to find a well qualified person to lead the next chapter in our athletics program."

The hiring schedule is an ambitious one for Ferris. Scoby, who thanked Kirinovic for nearly three decades of service to the athletics department, hopes to have someone in place before the end of the summer.

“If possible, we would like to have the next AD here for the start of the fall semester,” he said.

GENERAL ATHLETICS: Softball Coach Keri Becker To Step In As Interim AD

BIG RAPIDS - Keri Becker, Wednesday, was introduced as Ferris State University's interim athletics director at Ferris State University as the retirement of current AD Tom Kirinovic became official and will take effect June 30.

Becker, who has successfully served for 13 seasons as head coach of the Ferris softball program (and will continue to do so), has a career record of 409-253-1 and has guided the program to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship in 2000, three GLIAC Tournament titles (1999, 2000 and 2005), three NCAA Division II regional championships (1998, 1999, 2008). In addition to her coaching success, Becker has served on the National Championship Softball Committee and has chaired the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional Ranking Committee.

"I understand how special it is to be a part of this university and to be a part of this athletics department," said Becker, who also serves as Senior Women's Administrator and handles compliance for Ferris. "The reason why I accepted the offer to be the interim AD is because I know that as a team we can get through this transition period and we can help each other through it. you can't do that without good people and trust."

Becker, a three-time GLIAC Softball Coach of the Year, was called to active duty in the United States Army as part of Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Becker made local, regional and national headlines as she stepped away from coaching her team and served her country overseas.

"Hopefully I can step in during the transition period, maintain continuity and help get us started," Becker said. "I appreciate those who gave me the opportunity and I will do my best to make the athletic department proud and be there for everybody in this time."

Ferris Vice President for Administration and Finance Jerry Scoby believes the department will be in good hands during this period with Becker. Jon Coles, associate director of athletics who may throw his name into the hat to become permanent AD, will continue in his normal role handling many of the day-to-day operations, including: fundraising and marketing.

"Keri is a highly-respected member of the athletics staff and we are extremely pleased she has agreed to take on this additional responsibility," Scoby said.

The athletics department will be in good hands with Becker in a leadership position during this transitional period.

GENERAL ATHLETICS: Tom Kirinovic Retires As Athletics Director

BIG RAPIDS - In a tearful and emotional speech, Tom Kirinovic officially retired Wednesday, June 2, as athletics director at Ferris State University.

During a press conference in Wheeler Pavilion, Kirinovic expressed heartfelt feelings as he reflected upon more than 27 years he has served on Ferris' Athletics Department staff in a number of roles, including: assistant athletics director, associate athletics director, ice arena manager, athletic business manager and more. Wednesday, however, Kirinovic stepped aside to make way for Keri Becker, the head softball coach for the Bulldogs, to assume the role of athletics director on an interim basis.

For Kirinovic, squeezing nearly three decades of amazing experiences into one farewell speech was next to impossible. Nonetheless, he attempted.

"It has been my pleasure to serve the student-athletes and coaches here at Ferris for those 27 years in the role of mentor, teacher, adviser, colleague, boss and, most importantly to me, friend," Kirinovic said as he addressed a crowd that included family, friends, coaches, members of the media, administrators, community members and student-athletes. "However, with everything we do in life, there comes a time when it's best to move on. So, I am here today to announce my retirement from Ferris, effective June 30."

Director of athletics at Ferris since 1999, Kirinovic's contributions will be missed as a permanent replacement is sought to fill his shoes.

"The university is appreciative of Tom's many years of dedicated service to Ferris," said Ferris Vice President for Administration and Finance Jerry Scoby. "We are most grateful for Tom's efforts to make our student-athletes' experiences of the utmost quality and wish him the very best in his retirement."

Hockey head coach Bob Daniels, the longest-tenured coach on the staff with 18 years of experience spoke glowingly of Kirinovic's leadership as AD.

"Tom has done an outstanding job of leading Ferris State Athletics into an era of excellence and growth over the many years he as served the University,” Daniels said. “He has been a mentor and friend to the coaches who have had the pleasure to serve under him. Of the many attributes he has brought to the department, the ones that stand out above all others are his loyalty to the student athletes and his devotion to making their experience a positive and productive one.”

Jon Coles will continue to serve as associate AD and may decide to apply for the position of AD on a permanent basis after the job is officially posted.

As interim AD, Becker will not be eligible to become AD in this search, but will have gained valuable experience should she want to become one in the future.

Check back for additional coverage of Tom Kirinovic's press conference.

SOFTBALL: Ferris Recruit Vasovski Showcases Her Hitting Potential

Bianca Vasovski, a prep standout for Farmington Hills Harrison High School in the Detroit area, is a future Ferris State softball player who sounds legit on the diamond.

Vasovski, joining the Bulldogs after being recruited by Ferris head coach Keri Becker's staff at Ferris, had a great finish to her prep career.

Here is an excerpt from a story published by Hometownlife.com:

Vasovski hit a grand slam in the first game of a doubleheader win over Ann Arbor Huron Wednesday, 14-3.

“It was Senior Night and we took some time to honor Bianca,” Harrison coach Kristen Zabalavicius said. “She actually honored herself with the grand slam home run. That was pretty cool!”

Vasovski, who has accepted a scholarship offer from Ferris State University, has been a four-year starter for the Hawks.

The Bulldogs will be looking forward to her suiting up and swinging that productive bat for Ferris in the years to come. Vasovski joins a solid returning nucleus for the Bulldogs, a group that includes a strong 2010 freshman class and a good recruiting class for 2011.

SOFTBALL: Future Bulldog Player DeLange Showing Her Skills She Will Bring To Ferris

Ferris State University appears bound to get another jewel in Plainfield Central pitcher Cara DeLange, a native of Plainfield, Ill., who has already committed to head coach Keri Becker's program.

Meanwhile, in 6 innings, Ferris State-bound senior pitcher Cara DeLange (19-4) struck out 11 and allowed 6 hits, 2 walks and 3 runs, all unearned. Neuqua Valley (25-10) didn't need the help, but a brief boost arrived in the fateful fourth.

Here is another comment from DeLange near the end of the article published by the Herald-News following the Class 4A Plainfield Central Regional championship game:

Said DeLange: "The seniors wanted to have the best season we could, and we'll always remember this. But there's a lot of talent on this team, and I have high hopes. They are going to surprise people next year."

Ferris is looking forward to having DeLange in the crimson and gold as soon as possible as the state of Illinois has been good to the Bulldogs in recent years (last year, Ferris had a pair of freshman from Illinois perform well in pitcher Dana Bowler and outfielder Morgan Kramerich).

Here is the full story: http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/sports/2331664,4_2_JO29_BILLCOL_S1-100529.article

GENERAL ATHLETICS: Be Patient Fans

I know a lot of people are excited and asking questions about the press conference Ferris State University has called regarding Athletics Director Tom Kirinovic.

Be patient. All (or most) questions will be answered Wednesday when the press conference commences and develops on campus in Big Rapids.

While speculation is such a natural response, it's not as necessary considering the press conference will take place so quickly.

The Bulldog Athletics Blog will have complete coverage from the event. Also, check Crimson and Gold Report on MLive.com for coverage on Wednesday and throughout the week and summer.

GENERAL ATHLETICS: FSU Athletics Press Conference On Wednesday

BIG RAPIDS - The Ferris State University Athletics Department will hold a press conference regarding Athletics Director Tom Kirinovic on Wednesday, June 2, at 1 p.m.

The press conference will be held on the second floor President’s Box level of the Wheeler Pavilion located at Top Taggart Field (football stadium) on the FSU campus in Big Rapids.

All local and regional media are invited to attend along with those from the community.

For additional information, please contact the Ferris State Athletics Communications Office at (231) 591-2336/3821.

Media members may also email Athletics Communications Director Joe Gorby (gorbyj@ferris.edu) or Associate Athletics Communications Director Rob Bentley (bentleyr@ferris.edu).

Press Conference: Regarding Athletics Director Tom Kirinovic
Date: Wednesday, June 2
Time: 1 p.m. (EDT)
Location: Wheeler Pavilion (second floor) at Top Taggart Field

For directions to campus, please visit this website link:
http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/visitors/location.htm

Source:
http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/information/directory/bios/Kirinovic_Tom?tmpl=/information/directory/bio-template