FOOTBALL: Bulldog Offense Will Need To Strike Often Against Solid Hillsdale Defense

Ferris State will need to make some plays in the end zone during the Bulldogs' game this Friday at 7 p.m. at Hillsdale College. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

Ferris State University knows it will need to put some points on the scoreboard this Friday evening when it travels to Hillsdale College for a season-opening contest against the nationally-ranked Chargers (thanks Chargerblue).

The Bulldogs are aware of the potential dominance of the Hillsdale offense. As a result, Ferris is going to need to make some things happen when it has possession of the rock against a very solid Hilldale defensive unit.

Here is what I wrote about Hillsdale's defense in my GLIAC season preview:

Defensively, junior Nick Hixson will be one of the leaders for the team as a co-captain this fall. In that defensive backfield, look for Hixson to have some help from Nick Galvan, a sophomore, and Joe Vear, a junior. At linebacker, David Bakker, a junior, will be one of the top guys in that middle level of the Chargers’ defense. On the line, Kam Mueller is a senior who could be an anchor of that unit. Hillsdale has some big shoes to fill with the losses of guys like Drew Berube, Mark Yassay and Jordan Knudsen.

This unit will be stingy. One edge Ferris may have is that it is introducing a new offense under first-year coordinator Chris Boden. This could give the Bulldogs a bit of an edge as far as giving the Chargers something to extra to consider.

The Bulldogs must be turnover-free in this game and will need to run the football some with Tyler Thomas, Skyler Stoker and maybe Tom Schneider, to keep the Charger defense honest.

FOOTBALL: Ferris Defense To Face Very Balanced, Tough Hillsdale Offense

Ferris State University is hoping its defense will be able to stand the test of a strong Hillsdale College offensive unit. (Photo/Rob Bentley, Ferris State University Athletics Communications)

Ferris State University is in for a tough contest when it heads down to Hillsdale College to play the Chargers in this season-opening contest scheduled for 7 p.m. at Frank "Muddy" Waters Stadium on Friday evening.

Hillsdale brings a balanced attack to the field (on the offensive side of the football). The Chargers suffered some graduation losses, but don't think this team is not stacked enough to cause a lot of teams a lot of problems.

Lets take a look at Hillsdale on the offensive side of the football (borrowed from the preview I wrote for the GLIAC):

Offensively, quarterback Troy Weatherhead, a junior, is back and with a valuable year of experience under his belt. Andre Holmes, a senior receiver, could be ready for a breakthrough campaign after leading the GLIAC in yards last season. Mike Blanchard returns as a senior, too. He is a solid possession-type receiver while Holmes is more of the game-breaker type. In the offensive backfield, Joe Glendening could be the man Weatherhead hands the ball to quite a bit to keep defenses honest with a solid running attack. The offensive line should be anchored by Phil Doerfler, a senior. Last season, the Chargers had a powerful offensive unit led by standout all-everything lineman Jared Veldheer, receiver A.J. Kegg and workhorse running back Vinnie Panizzi.

What makes Hillsdale tough is the balanced aspect of its offensive attack. You have to like that the Chargers have an experienced quarterback (Weatherhead), a game breaker at receiver (Holmes), a possession-type receiver (Blanchard) and a solid running back (Glendening).

The offensive line suffered major loss in Jared Veldheer, who is working on his National Football League dream, but the unit remains solid.

Ferris knows that Hillsdale has a potent offense that is likely to put up 21 to 28 points (if not more). The Bulldogs are going to have to score some points and the defense is going to have to get off the field by getting third-down stops.

FOOTBALL: Bentley, Gholston To Host Bulldog Blitz Preseason Chat Session On Wednesday (Sept. 1)

BIG RAPIDS - A special live online chat, the "Bulldog Blitz" Season Preview, will be held this Wednesday (Sept. 1) evening and offer a complete and in-depth look at the Ferris State University football team as the Bulldogs prepare for the 2010 season opener.

The live chat will be part of continuing game week coverage at www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com leading up to FSU's initial contest on Friday (Sept. 3) evening at Hillsdale.

The chat, which will be powered by a service called CoverItLive, will be co-hosted by FSU Associate Athletics Communications Director/Football SID Rob Bentley and local journalist Sandy Gholston, who works in the school's University Advancement and Marketing Department and has covered Bulldog football locally for more than 13 years. The duo will also call the game for local radio station WYBR (102.3 FM) on Friday night.

The special season preview chat will take place Wednesday (Sept. 1) evening at 9 p.m. (EDT) and will be available by visiting the official FSU Athletics Website at www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com and clicking on the "Bulldog Blitz" Season Preview story link. No sign-up for fans is necessary.

In addition to comments from the show hosts, Bulldog fans will also have the opportunity to ask questions, which will be reviewed for content before they are posted by the site administrator. Fans will also be able to participate in live fan polls during the chat and view photos posted within the discussion.

A unique feature of the CoverItLive service is the ability for fans to replay what has been said after the chat is over. Email reminders can also be set for those wanting to be reminded of the upcoming chat before it happens.

CoveritLive is currently being used by thousands of bloggers and large media companies to engage millions of readers each month with its innovative software. The service allows for live coverage, live information and live interaction much like an instant messaging service.

For more information on the chat and a link to participate when the show goes live, please visit this link below:

Click Here For The "Bulldog Blitz" Season Preview Chat

Source: Ferris State University Athletics Communications

CROSS COUNTRY: A Web Site Has Been Established To Support Leanna (Wolf) Geers

Leanna (Wolf) Geers and her family (husband Eric and daughter Ava Nia) are battling Leanna's cancer. (Courtesy photo/Love for Leanna Web site)

This is a time for those who know and love former standout Ferris State University runner Leanna (Wolf) Geers to help her in her time of need as she battles cancer.

There has been a Web site developed, "Love for Leanna" to support her:

Leanna is the daughter of Nia and Duane Wolf and was recently diagnosed with neurofibrosarcoma in May 2010. Neurofibrosarcoma is a cancerous tumor that typically originates in the nerves; it is considered part of a group of cancers called soft tissue sarcomas. Leanna, along with her husband Eric, are without health insurance due to stipulations in their current employment. Leanna is a 2002 graduate of Mason County Central and an All-American track star from Ferris State University. Eric and Leanna brought their first-born daughter, Ava Nia Geers into the world in February.

Any and all prayers, thoughts, and donations are encouraged and welcome to help the Geers family in this time of need.

PSALM 105:4
"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always."

Here is an opportunity for those who support and love Leanna to step forward.

SOCCER: Ferris Picked Fifth In The North Division In GLIAC Coaches Poll

Ferris State University's women's soccer team knows where it will be to begin the season under new head coach Matt Kellogg.

Coach Kellogg's Bulldogs were picked to finish fifth in the North Division of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with nine points. In first place was defending NCAA Division II National Champion Grand Valley State University with 25 points and five of six first-place votes, Saginaw Valley State University was second with 21 points and the remaining first place vote, Northern Michigan University and Northwood University are third with 15 points apiece.

Michigan Tech is sixth with five points to round out the North Division.

In the South Division, Tiffin University was first with 14 points, Ashland University and University of Findlay were second with 11 points (UF had a first-place vote), Ohio Dominican University had nine points and one first-place vote and Lake Erie College is fifth with five points.

This is a message to Ferris about where it is viewed to start the season. Now, the Bulldogs can come in as the hunter and pursue all these teams ahead of them in the preseason poll.

Ferris does have some talented players returning led by Bri Borgman (pictured), a junior forward, who was named All-GLIAC First Team last season. She scored 10 goals with two assists for 22 points.

Also, look out for junior defender Mekyla Spraggins, who was named the team's Best Defensive Player in 2009 after being the team's Most Improved Player in 2008.

2010 GLIAC Women’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ Poll
School (first-place votes)		Points
North Division
1.	Grand Valley State (5)	25
2.	Saginaw Valley State (1)	21
3.	Northern Michigan	15
	Northwood	15
5.	Ferris State	9
6.	Michigan Tech.	5
South Division
1.	Tiffin (3)	14
2.	Ashland	11
	Findlay (1)	11
4.	Ohio Dominican (1)	9
5.	Lake Erie	5

FOOTBALL: Standout Linebacker Ryan Hopes Ferris Ready For Bounce-Back Season

Matt Ryan stepped up as a big-time linebacker for Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach Duane Wilson's unit.

Ryan, who opened a lot of eyes with his play, hopes to continue where he left off last season. But, more importantly, he wants to see the season turn around for the Bulldogs. The sting of the 1-10 season is something Ryan and company hopes that is in the past and better times are ahead this season on the gridiron.

"There is a whole different attitude this year with the team and a whole different swagger," Ryan said. "There is a lot of excitement in camp and we're looking forward to Hillsdale."

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Ryan had 124 tackles to lead the team with a total that included 54 solo tackles. The Howell native also had 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Ryan is smart enough to know it doesn't happen alone. He credited guys like fellow linebackers Nick Butler and Chad Schoen for his success in 2009, and knows that he and his teammates will have success as a unit - not as individuals.

"It was all with the defense," Ryan said. "I couldn't have my season if it wasn't for them with Butler and Schoen and all of the guys up front."

The same will be true this season.

FOOTBALL: Morgan Talks About Ferris' Preseason Camp

Ferris State University defensive lineman Jordan Morgan, who opened a lot of eyes during his first season with the Bulldogs in 2009, has high hopes in 2010.

Morgan, who emerged as a very good pass rusher and a guy who demands a lot of attention from opposing offensive lines, believes preseason camp has gone well for the Bulldogs.

"I think we had a pretty good (preseason) camp and we definitely took some steps up," Morgan said. "We're getting a lot better and coach has been talking to us about how we need to pick it up every practice and we had a good scrimmage on Friday."

Ferris' week-one opponent, preseason nationally-ranked Hillsdale College, will be a big challenge for the Bulldogs.

"It's pretty exciting after being in camp and having two or three weeks going against our guys. It's nice to go against another team. Hillsdale being one of the better teams last year that beat us pretty bad and show the GLIAC what we have."

Morgan believes the Bulldogs are ready for the challenge.

FOOTBALL: Schuelke Looks Forward To Start Of Senior Season

Matt Schuelke, a local product who starred at Reed City High School, is looking forward to starting his senior season of college football at Ferris State University.

Schuelke, who has emerged as a sure-handed receiver during his playing career for the Bulldogs, is also relishing his role as a leader on the team. On a football squad, there can be any number of guys who can step forward as a leader, and Schuelke has become one of those guys.

"I'm just trying to be a leader by example, push it and get all of the young guys working hard to get the season going," Schuelke said.

The Paris native, who grew up in the shadow of Ferris, believes the team is on track as it grasps the system of new Chris Boden, the new offensive coordinator.

"The other offense, through four years, a lot of us knew like the back of our hand," Schuelke said. "This one you have to start all over from scratch with the plays and the signals... Hopefully we've got it fine tuned now."

FOOTBALL: Hall Of Famer, Former Academic And Football All-American Monty Brown Returns To Ferris

Monty Brown, a standout linebacker who was both an academic and athletic first-team All-American at Ferris State University, returned to Big Rapids to share words of wisdom with members of the current Bulldog squad.

Brown, who still remains close with members of the coaching staff including head coach Jeff Pierce and defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Duane Wilson, was happy to come back to Big Rapids to offer some of his experiences to young players coming up.

Brown, who has been successful as a student-athlete at Ferris, transitioned successfully into a pro football career as a player on two Super Bowl teams, in the National Football League; then as a professional wrestler, reaching the high levels in the business; as a personal trainer and so much more.

Here is a little clip from the time Brown shared with me during his visit to Ferris on Wednesday as he stopped by football practice.

GENERAL ATHLETICS: Perk Weisenburger Named Ferris' New Athletics Director

Perk Weisenburger has been named the new Ferris State University director of Athletics according to a Wednesday afternoon announcement made by Jerry Scoby, vice president for Administration and Finance.

The anticipated announcement ends weeks of speculation as to who would become Ferris' new director of athletics. The guessing game is over and Weisenburger could not be happier to return to Michigan and to take over as head of the Athletics Department at FSU.

“It’s an exciting opportunity that presents itself at Ferris State University and our family is thrilled to be returning to Michigan,” Weisenburger said. “I’m looking forward to becoming a part of Bulldog Athletics and helping to continue the solid tradition of academic and athletic success while cultivating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and pride that reflects Ferris State’s past, present and future.”

Weisenburger, most recently the position of associate athletics director for external operations at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, steps in for Tom Kirinovic, who retired this summer from the position of athletics director. The selection of Weisenburger concludes a rather speedy search that took place in the wake of Kirinovic’s retirement.

“We’re very pleased that Perk Weisenburger has accepted our offer to become the Athletics Director at Ferris State University,” Ferris President David Eisler said. “He brings a strong background of experience and is well prepared to help Ferris Athletics continue to grow, help student-athletes get a great education, and to prepare our teams for competition.”

Ferris had a large number of applicants (more than 70) for the position upon the retirement of Kirinovic. A 10-person search committee, with representatives from a number of areas across campus helped trim the field down to three finalists: Glen Krupica, senior associate athletics director for external affairs at Northern Illinois University; Derek van der Merwe, senior associate athletics director at Central Michigan University; and Weisenburger. By the time the dust settled, it was Weisenburger who emerged as the new director of Athletics.

The new FSU AD will not have a whole lot of time to settle in as the Fall 2010 semester is just around the corner and a lot of work needs to be done.

Ferris could have Weisenburger in place by early September if all goes according to plan.

GENERAL ATHLETICS: Ferris Had Three Strong Finalists For The Athletics Director Position

There is little question that Ferris State University had three strong finalists in its search for a new director of athletics, who will be Perk Weisenberger, associate athletics director for external operations at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas since 2005.

A knowledgeable and diverse (as far as areas of campus) search committee came up with three finalists for the position: Glen Krupica, senior associate athletics director for external affairs at Northern Illinois University; Derek van der Merwe, senior associate athletics director at Central Michigan University; and Weisenburger. By the time the dust settled, it was Weisenburger who emerged as the new director of Athletics.

“Overall, I was impressed with the breadth and depth of our pool of candidates for this position and he emerged at the top of that list in the process,” said Jerry Scoby, Ferris State's vice president for Administration and Finance.

Having had a chance to meet with all three of the finalists, I found myself very impressed with each of the three. In all likelihood, Ferris could not have made a mistake with any of the three individuals who emerged near the end of the process. In the time I was able to spend with each of the three candidates, I would have been comfortable with any of the three as the new face of the athletics department at FSU.

Krupica, van der Merwe and Weisenburger each offered unique strengths and specialties to the table – characteristics that emerged during the process.

Looking closely at the candidates, however, one could see the wide range of abilities in each of the three finalists – precisely what Scoby has sought since the search commenced earlier this summer.

This job had to be a good fit not only for Ferris, but also for the candidate.

In that sense, Ferris could not have gone wrong in the search. In the end, however, Ferris is confident it has selected the individual best suited to lead FSU Athletics into the future.

GENERAL ATHLETICS: Weisenburger Stood Out Among Finalists

Perk Weisenburger stood out among the three very impressive finalists to become Ferris State University's Athletics Director (the other two being Glen Krupica, senior associate athletics director for external affairs at Northern Illinois University and Derek van der Merwe, senior associate athletics director at Central Michigan University).

Weisenburger, a 1979 graduate of Central Michigan with a degree in business administration, seems destined to be a man who relates nicely to the athletics staff and should be uniquely qualified to work collaboratively with other departments across campus as well as with local communities. In the time some of us spent with him, particularly during the campus forum, he was a man who seemed driven to be successful, but yet able to connect and communicate with people in a particularly respectful manner.

Weisenberger has roots in the state of Michigan and should be able to hit the ground running even as he and his family make the transition from Nevada and the suburban Las Vegas area.

One of the early tasks for the new AD will be to begin building relationships with the coaches and other members of the athletics staff he met during his on-campus portion of the candidate process. He will need to connect with the coaches and connect with them quickly as Ferris is set to embark on another season of intercollegiate athletics in the next few weeks.

It will also be critically important for Weisenburger to become comfortable in the community as he connects people in and around Big Rapids – in addition to faculty, staff and students at FSU. Considering his personality, and experience in high-level athletic administration, there should be no concern that Weisenburger will adjust nicely to Ferris and Big Rapids.

There remains a lot of work ahead, but Perk Weisenburger is a man who should be more than ready for the challenge ahead as he replaces Tom Kirinovic.

It was clear Perk Weisenburger was a man who truly wanted to be at Ferris State.

GENERAL ATHLETICS: Weisenburger's Hiring As Ferris AD Gets Positive Marks

Here is a sample of what some others are saying about Perk Weisenburger being named Ferris State University's new director of Athletics.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Athletics Director Jim Livengood:

“Perk Weisenburger is a fantastic hire for Ferris State University and is easily one of the finest athletic administrators I have ever worked with. He cares deeply about students, faculty and staff, and will have a tremendous commitment. I would consider this one of great hires of the year in intercollegiate athletics and Ferris should be commended for running an excellent search and ending up with a great choice.”

Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Commissioner Dell Robinson:

“With his skill set and experience in external relations, fundraising and marketing, I believe Perk will be a perfect fit for Ferris State University. He’s an experienced administrator who’s seen athletics at different levels and will be a tremendous addition bringing great value to both the institution and the conference.”

Weisenburger is getting rave reviews. I had a chance to talk to some coaches who are very impressed with what they believe Weisenburger brings to athletics at Ferris.

He seems to be a great fit and a lot of people inside and outside of the Athletics Department are eager to work with someone of like Perk Weisenburger, who is eager to return to Michigan and write a new chapter in his career at Ferris.

VOLLEYBALL: Ferris Players Discuss The Challenges Of Playing In The GLIAC

Ferris State University volleyball players Lisa Tobiczyk and Ashley Huntey talk about the challenges of playing in a league as tough as the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

On a match to match basis, Ferris regular finds itself battling the likes of Hillsdale, Grand Valley State, Saginaw Valley State, Northern Michigan, Ashland, Northwood, Michigan Tech and others.

The Bulldog players talk about the level of preparation and execution it takes to be successful in conference play if Ferris wants to contend for the league championship and a bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament.

VOLLEYBALL: Ferris Picked Tied For First In Preseason GLIAC Coaches Poll

It's that time of the year and the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has released its 2010 Coaches Poll.

Here is the capsule I put together on Ferris State University's volleyball team:

Ferris State Bulldogs
Head Coach: Tia Wilhelm
15th Season (406-170)
2010 Preseaon Pick: t-1st (North)
2009 Record: (19-12, 10-6 GLIAC)

OVERVIEW: Ferris battled hard last season in a competitive race for the GLIAC North Division title. This year, with 12 returning letterwinners and four returning starters, the Bulldogs are primed to compete with the likes of Saginaw Valley, Grand Valley, Northern Michigan and others. This season, Ferris welcomes back a talented group of veterans, younger players who have gained experience and a few newcomers who will be eager to earn their spots on the roster.

THE PLAYERS: Expected to lead the way for Ferris this season is 6-foot-2 senior middle hitter Arielle Goodson (pictured), who was a 2009 American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Midwest Region Team, a 2009 All-GLIAC First Team performer and a member of the 2009 NCAA Midwest Regional All-Tournament Team. Other returning starters include Ashley Huntey, a junior outside hitter and Samantha Fordyce, a sophomore setter, who has developed nicely during her time in Big Rapids. Lisa Tobiczyk, a junior, returns as a top-notch libero who earned 2009 All-GLIAC Honorable Mention player and a team leader. The Bulldogs must fill in for the losses of middle hitters Kristy Gilchrist (2009 All-GLIAC First Team), Sarah Lark and outside hitter Katie Edwards.

THE COACH: Tia Brandel-Wilhelm is entering her 15th season as head coach of the Bulldogs and is joined this season by top assistant Theresa Beeckman, (sixth season), and Dale Wilhelm (seventh season).

OF INTEREST: Brandel-Wilhelm enters the 2010 season ranked 24th in best winning percentage among the nation’s Division II active coaches with a 406-170 (.705) career mark in 17 seasons as a collegiate head coach. Her 406 career wins represents 23rd place on the Division II active coaches total victories list.

Check out the full preview here.

Chasing The Dream Part 3: Chris Wilson

Ferris State University students come from all walks of life and each one has a unique set of goals, dreams, talents and challenges they juggle on the path to adulthood and a career.

Chris Wilson, a student-athlete who is a member of Ferris' football program and soon to be a graduate of the Television and Digital Media Production program, is one of our students.

In this, the third part of a continuing series, Wilson talks about the blog that he started and what kinds of messages he hopes to deliver to those following his progress through his final year at Ferris. Chris's blog can be found here for those interested in a more in depth look at the kinds of things Chris is doing as he works tirelessly to make his dreams come true as he approaches graduation from Ferris and enters his senior season of college football.

Here is the third video of the series.

FOOTBALL: Port Huron Times Herald Highlights Ferris Freshman

The Port Huron Times Herald has a nice story about the transition to college football at Ferris State University being made by freshman offensive lineman Jacob Davis.

Davis stands 6-foot-4 and weighs in the neighborhood of 310 pounds. He is a native of Grant Township, who prepped at Port Huron Northern High School, and is working hard to get himself into playing form as quickly as possible.

Here is an excerpt from the story:

In high school, every time Jake Davis stepped onto the field for the Port Huron Northern football team, he was always one of the biggest and strongest players.

Now as a freshman offensive lineman at Ferris State University, Davis doesn't have the same advantage."

Coming from Northern, I was always the biggest guy, and it was easy for me to toss people around," he said. "Up here, it's totally new. Everyone is my size or bigger. It's a new experience, but nothing I can't handle."

For the full story, visit the Port Huron Times Herald Web site, here.

FOOTBALL: Quarterbacks In A Battle For Snaps In New Ferris State Offense

Ferris State quarterback Tom Schneider extends for the long handoff during Saturday morning's scrimmage in Big Rapids at Top Taggart Field. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

Ferris State University has a little competition going at the quarterback position with Tom Schneider leading the pack followed by Robert Banaszak and Michael Buday.

In Saturday's first scrimmage of the fall, at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids, the three quarterbacks shared the signal-calling duties running the Bulldog offense.

As of right now, most people are looking at Schneider having the early edge in the battle to running the team. Schneider has the game experience edge on Banaszak and and Buday, but there is still some room for improvement up and down the depth chart.

Schneider, who has the toughness and scrambling skills, has worked on his game as a passer to show he can be a leader in the new offense of first-year coordinator Chris Boden. Early in the scrimmage, Schneider showed his touch with a nice TD pass to Matt Schuelke in the south end zone of Top Taggart Field. Banaszak had a solid spring season and Buday is a guy that is challenging Banaszak for one of those precious spots on the depth chart.

The Bulldogs know they are going to need to be versatile with the vertical passing game in addition to utilizing screens and maybe some runs from the quarterback for head coach Jeff Pierce.

FOOTBALL: First Scrimmage In The Books For The Bulldogs

The first scrimmage is in the book for Ferris State University's football team on Saturday morning at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids.

Most eyes tended to be on the offense to see how crisply it functioned in the first quiz of the preseason. Tom Schneider appears to be emerging as the top quarterback in the system through this early point of the fall season. Schneider, who has experience as a starter in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, enjoyed some positive moments as he did nothing to hurt his stock as the first-string quarterback.

"We got in a lot of good work in this scrimmage," Pierce said at the conclusion of the scrimmage after he addressed his team in its preparation for the season opener on Sept. 3 at Hillsdale. "It was a good chance to see where we are with the consistencies. At this point, we have a lot of our offense and a lot of our defense installed.

"We want to see how our guys perform and we got a chance to get a lot of guys in the game to see where they are in this competition at those positions which is critical," Pierce added.

Robert Banaszak and Michael Buday took a lot of reps as well at the QB spot as each attempts to solidify their position on the depth chart.

The Bulldogs used the tight end, Kevin Guirand, and also worked its receivers into the action as players like Matt Schuelke, Chris Wilson, Mike Ryan and others made big catches.

The running game will be a focal point in the preseason. Skyler Stoker had a particularly nice run during the scrimmage that just missed being signaled a touchdown.

Defensively, linebacker Kyle Fitzpatrick was banged up a little at linebacker. Depth remains a question mark for the Bulldogs, a team that can ill afford many injuries. In the secondary, guys competed against experienced receivers as Arshaun Hall was among players who made some nice plays on Saturday.

"Right now the whole D-Line is healthy and the secondary is coming together," said Duane Wilson, defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. "We didn't give (the defensive linemen) a lot of reps today. The big thing coming for us is to try and get sharpened for Hillsdale."

FOOTBALL: Gearing Up For The First Scrimmage Of The Preseason

Ferris State offensive coordinator Chris Boden talks about getting the offense in gear to be ready for the first scrimmage of the preseason set for Saturday (Aug. 21).

There is a lot of work to be done in the short time from the first fall practice to the first scrimmage. The Bulldogs are in preparation for their season opener on Sept. 3 at Hillsdale College, a team that is nationally ranked in at least one Division II preseason poll.

People will be looking at the quarterbacks, to see who emerges, and to also see who steps forward on the offensive line and at the receiver positions (with a lot of guys competing for catches from the QBs.

FOOTBALL: Ferris Set To Host First Scrimmage Of The Preseason

Ferris State head coach Jeff Pierce watches as the Bulldogs get in some special teams working during a practice session in Big Rapids. (Photo/Ed Hyde, FSU Photographic Services)

This weekend, Ferris State University's football team hits the field for its first scrimmage of the fall beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Top Taggart Field.

Ferris, now a little more than a week into preseason training camp, will showcase its early progress to fans eager to see the new offense in action, the progress of the defense and how the special teams will shape up. The Bulldogs are in preparation for their season opener on Sept. 3, on the road, against Hillsdale College.

This weekend's scrimmage is the first of two the Bulldogs will conduct as they prepare themselves for a battle against a Hillsdale team that is nationally ranked in at least one preseason Division II poll.

Head coach Jeff Pierce has been as focused and animated as he has been in some time as he aims to turn around the fortunes of his program. Last season's 1-10 record is a sore spot, but Pierce and his team know that the best way to get beyond the 2009 season is to make new memories in 2010 - more positive memories.

VOLLEYBALL: Video Features Interviews With Ashley Huntey And Lisa Tobiczyk

This week I had a chance to stop by a Ferris State University volleyball practice session to speak with a pair of juniors, outside hitter Ashley Huntey and libero Lisa Tobiczyk.

I spoke with the two on a range of subjects and will cut a few videos showcasing what Ashley and Lisa, who is one of the team's co-captains, had to say.

I will have more previews coming up with the Bulldogs over the course of the next week to two weeks as Ferris gets prepared for the start of its 2010 fall campaign.

Last year Ferris finished 19-12 overall and tied for fourth place in a very tough North Division of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

This year, expectations are running high for the Bulldogs in the face of that great competition.

FOOTBALL: Check Out My Football Preview For The GLIAC

Tyler Thomas could be a key component of the Bulldogs offense this fall carrying the football for Ferris State University. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

I want to encourage everyone to visit the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Web site to view the football preview I put together for the league.

It takes a lot of work and effort to put together a preview of this nature and I hope everyone will enjoy the finished product.

As always, there are some changes that have taken place that aren't necessarily reflected in the preview. For instance, Grand Valley State standout defensive player Danny Richard recently was injured and knocked out apparently for the season. First and foremost, you hate to see that happen to any student-athlete. Danny's injury is not reflected in this preview, but that also does not mean the Lakers are not still a very strong football squad.

Ferris State University had a player, punter Mitchell Voss, who left the team at the last minute and I was able to make the adjustment. As we know, football is a moving target with all kinds of changes taking place.

Anyway, enjoy the preview: http://www.gliac.org/sports/fball/2010-11/news/FBSeasonPreview

FOOTBALL: Pierce Ready For Start Of New Season For Bulldogs

Ferris State head coach Jeff Pierce addresses his football team after a recent practice in Big Rapids. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

Ferris State University football head coach Jeff Pierce is reminded more often than he would like to remember about the pain of last year's 1-10 record on the football season.

But, as the Bulldogs gear up for the start of the 2010 campaign, Pierce is looking at a clean slate and hopes his squad is ready to respond to a brand-new opportunity it has this fall.

Pierce, as part of a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference electronic media day, spoke about his level of excitement regarding the start of a new year in Bulldog football.

"It's great to have a new start here and get going on this new campaign. A lot of time and effort goes into the start of a season," he said. "Last year we got knocked on our butts and have a little chip on our shoulders right now."

In the off-season, Ferris took a hard look at its program and underwent a lot of changes from the coaching staff through the player roster. Into the mix is a new offensive coordinator, Chris Boden, and a new defensive backs coach, Gary McGraw. The roster has had a number of players come and go and Pierce is confident that these changes have been positive ones for Ferris. But, there are still familiar faces on the staff led by long-time defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Duane Wilson.

Additionally, he anticipates that these changes have helped the Bulldogs focus on getting better this season as a team.

"You've got to concentrate on what you need to do to get better," he said. "We are where we are. I've been at Ferris for 28 years. We've had some great years and we've gone through some challenges in that time. When you get knocked on your butt you have got to get up and go."

The bottom line is simple for Pierce, who said, "Everybody who is in this business is in it to win."

Winning is what Ferris is focusing on as it prepares for the fall.

FOOTBALL: GLIAC Poll Released With Grand Valley On Top Followed By Hillsdale and Saginaw Valley

Ferris State coach Snoop Eising talks with one of his tight ends during practice on Wednesday afternoon in Big Rapids. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

The preseason poll for the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's 2010 football season has been released and there are few major surprises.

Ferris State University was picked to finish 11th in the conference as it garnered 48 points coming off a 1-10 record during the 2009 campaign.

Grand Valley State predictably was selected first with 13 first-place votes and 169 points. Hillsdale and Saginaw Valley State each were second with 148 points. The Chargers did get the remaining first-place vote added to its credit. This presents an early challenge to Ferris which opens the season at Hillsdale, Sept. 3, and then opens at home, Sept. 11, against SVSU.

Rounding out the top five in the preseason coaches poll: Ashland was fourth with 113 points and Northwood placed fifth with 111 points.

Ashland, Northwood, Findlay and Northern Michigan might be somewhat interchangeable in their slots (with maybe some others in that mix as well). Michigan Tech, with a lot of players back who missed much or all of last season with injury, seems to be a little low in this poll at ninth.

The 2010 GLIAC Football Coaches Preseason Poll with first-place votes in parenthesis along with total points and last season's overall record.

1	Grand Valley State (13)	169	13-2
2	Hillsdale (1)	148	10-3
2	Saginaw Valley St.	148	9-3
4	Ashland	113	6-5
5	Northwood	111	7-3
6	Findlay	102	7-4
7	Northern Michigan	101	6-4
8	Wayne St.	91	6-5
9	Michigan Tech	87	2-8
10	Indianapolis	78	4-7
11	Ferris St.	48	1-10
12	Tiffin	32	0-11
13	Ohio Dominican	27	7-3
14	Lake Erie	19	7-4

HOCKEY: Former Ferris Player Pearson Finds New Home With Quad-City Mallards

Former Ferris State University forward Zac Pearson is on the move again. Pearson, who totaled 19 goals and 29 assists last season for the Bloomington Prairie Thunder, now has moved on to join the Quad-City Mallards.

Here is a press release on the move for Pearson, who was a solid performer during his time in the Ferris crimson and gold on the ice:

The Quad-City Mallards added Zac Pearson, a fourth-year winger who scored 19 goals and dished 29 assists for the Bloomington PrairieThunder last year.

Mallards coach Frank Anzalone predicted a "breakout" year for the White Lake, Mich., native, who has played in every Double-A hockey league in the course of his young career. He split his rookie season between Muskegon of the International Hockey League and Mississippi of the Central Hockey League. He second year included stops in IHL Flint and ECHL Elmira.

Pearson has 41 career goals and 104 points in 186 pro starts. He played collegiately at Ferris State.

Check out the online version of the story as published in the Quad City Times.

HOCKEY: CCHA To Keep Shootouts, Three-Point System

FARMINGTON HILLS - The Central Collegiate Hockey Association will continue to use shootouts and a three-point system in league play, as determined by a vote at the CCHA Council Meeting in Dearborn (Aug. 16-17).

In addition, the council voted for the CCHA to begin using standardized media timeouts in all league games and non-conference games hosted by CCHA teams.

In 2008 the CCHA became the first Division I men’s ice hockey conference to institute the shootout in league play. For the 2009-10 season, the CCHA adopted a standings format for league play where a team that wins in regulation or overtime receives three points, a team that wins a shootout is awarded two points, a team that loses a shootout gets one point, and a team that loses in regulation or overtime earns no points. This past season 25 CCHA games went to a shootout, with Alaska being the most frequent participant at eight shootouts.

The new standardized media timeout policy states that there will be three timeouts in each period of play. Timeouts will be at the first stoppage with under 14:00, 10:00 and 6:00 minutes on the clock for each period in all games. Teams must be at even strength. A timeout cannot be taken following an icing call following, following a call for shooting the puck out of play, following a goal or during a power-play situation. A timeout can be taken going into a power-play situation.

My Take: Traditionally, the CCHA has worked to become a league that is aggressive in how it conducts business. The league has not been afraid to take chances over the year and that has become increasingly evident. This decision will disappoint some purists who had hoped the end of the shootouts is near. The shootouts bring a little extra excitement to the arena for the fans and there is some value to that for league officials. This decision is not a major surprise. I prefer the more traditional approach (and I do not have a huge problem with regular ties), but we have the shootouts for at least another year. The media time outs will not matter to fans.

VOLLEYBALL: Ferris Set To Begin Preseason Practice This Week

Ah, let practice begin as preparation for the start of the 2010 volleyball season commences at Ferris State University.

The Bulldogs of head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm (pictured top) begin practice on Monday (Aug. 16) at 2:30 p.m. In general, the squad will practice twice a day throughout the preseason until Aug. 28. The first session will begin at 9 a.m. and the second starts at 2 p.m.

"We're all anxious to start the season," said Brandel-Wilhelm, who once again is assisted by Theresa Beeckman (pictured middle) and Dale Wilhelm (pictured bottom). "Every season is unique and exciting. We have a number of players returning who will occupy new roles this upcoming season so we're counting upon them to grow and develop into productive contributors.

"I know this team is entering the preseason with confidence, poise, and the hunger to be highly successful," she added.

Last season, Ferris finished with a record of 19-12 overall and 10-6 in the North Division of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as they tied for fourth place.

Ferris will host a combined practice with Jackson Community College on Friday, Aug. 20, beginning at 9 a.m. Later in the day, beginning at 3 p.m., the teams will play a scrimmage inside Ewigleben Sports Arena. That scrimmage is open to the public and fans are encouraged to attend to get an early glimpse of this season's Bulldogs.

Following the scrimmage, the 2010 FSU women's volleyball team has planned a "Meet The Bulldogs" event for fans to talk with student-athletes and coaches. As part of the event, fans will have an opportunity for autographs.

For more information, check out the Ferris Web site: http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/wvball/2010-11/releases/volleyballfallcamp

WOMEN'S TENNIS: Former Bulldog Kindig To Marry Fellow Ferris Grad

In the mid 1990s, when I first started to cover Ferris State University athletics for newspapers, the dominant program of the time was the women's tennis team.

One of my favorite players, Sharrie Kindig, during that time was a rock of consistency and part of the backbone of some of the best women's tennis teams Ferris has ever witnessed. She played in an era, the 1990s, that featured some of the best ever to play women's tennis, a list that includes Jennifer Garvey, Krissy Campbell, Anne Bentley, Sarah Spann and numerous under Ed Luck, the coach who masterminded the assembly of some of those great teams.

Kindig was the player who was dependable and never seemed to get rattled on the court no matter the level of intensity of the match or the amount of pressure. She and Spann formed some great doubles teams that competed hard and won more than a few matches for the Bulldogs - particularly during an era where Ferris ruled the GLIAC in women's tennis.

In an announcement in a local Colorado newspaper, it is announced that Sharrie, a Ferris graduate, is marrying Mike Bindle, also a Ferris graduate. The couple is engaged and plans to marry Sept. 18, 2010, in Nappanee, Ind.

For more information: http://www.etruth.com/know/news/Story.aspx?ID=519635

FOOTBALL: Ferris Offensive Coordinator Boden Excited To Start

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University has a lot of work to do before its season opener on Sept. 3 at Hillsdale College, a team that made the playoffs last year and is nationally ranked to begin the 2010 season.

Chris Boden, the first-year offensive coordinator of the Bulldogs, could hardly be more excited to begin his first fall at Ferris. Boden had an opportunity to join the program in time for spring drills, and that early exposure has paid dividends early this fall as the team is hungry to bounce back from a disappointing 2009 campaign. With two practices to the team's credit, Boden likes what he has seen from the Bulldogs. As an experienced coach, however, he knows a lot of work still needs to be done before Ferris is game-ready for Hillsdale.

"I think we've got some pretty good team speed and I think guys are excited with a lot of enthusiasm," he said. "This was our second practice coming off a hard run test. Overall it has been pretty good. The legs were a little sore, (the players are) not used to getting up in the morning, but overall it has been pretty good."

Mixing the veterans in with the younger guys has been a process for Ferris. Boden is working to build chemistry so that quarterbacks like Tom Schneider, Robert Banaszak and Michael Buday are working crisply with receivers like Chris Wilson, Mike Ryan, Damien Miller, Matt Schuelke and others.

The players, at this point, are like target practice. Boden is throwing a lot at them and they are doing what they can to catch and process it all to be ready for Hillsdale. The quarterbacks and receivers are working, but so too are tight ends like Kevin Guirand, the offensive line led by Scott Shattuck and Jake Hancock and running backs like Tyler Thomas.

"There is so much learning going on that they're thinking and not reacting," he said about the early learning process with young guys and veterans learning from a new offensive coordinator. "We have got to get them to point that they're not thinking, they're just ballin'."

FOOTBALL: Voss Not Returning To The Bulldogs

BIG RAPIDS - Ferris has had to make an adjustment with its special teams due to the unexpected loss of Mitchell Voss, who was penciled in for duty as the team's punter.

Voss, no longer listed on Ferris' roster, averaged 39.3 yards per punt last season with a long of 69 yards. He dropped 10 punts inside the 20 yard line.

The 6-foot-1 Voss came to Ferris from Valparaiso, Ind., and was projected to contribute either as a punter, a kicker or both.

The Bulldogs do welcome back Shawn Snoor, a junior, and will have some other guys in camp who might have to step up to fill in the slot vacated by Voss.

VOLLEYBALL: Fordyce, Goodson, Ruttle And Tobiczyk Named Ferris Captains

Ferris State University took a few familiar steps toward the start of volleyball season. One of those steps was the naming of its captains for the 2010 campaign.

Head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm announced that four student-athletes will captain this year's FSU squad: Arielle Goodson, a senior from Grand Rapids; Dana Ruttle, a senior from Reed City; Lisa Tobiczyk, a junior from Marysville; and Samantha Fordyce, a sophomore from DeWitt. Of this year's captains, Ruttle is the only one who is a returning captain from the 2009 fall season.

Here are capsules published by Ferris State University Athletics Communications:

Arielle Goodson: The Grand Rapids Central High School graduate enters her final collegiate season ranking sixth among Ferris State's all-time leaders in block solos (81), 18th in total blocks (302), 21st in both kills (784) and block assists (221), and 29th in hitting percentage. The 6-2 middle hitter earned American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Midwest Region Team and first-team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) honors a season ago. She paced the Bulldogs in kills (376), total blocks (120), block solos (44), and block assists (76) while starting in 29 of 30 outings played in.

Dana Ruttle: The 5-foot-7 libero registered a career single-season high tying 164 digs and a season-best 15 assists to go along with 19 services aces in 24 matches last season. She produced double-digit digs totals in eight outings for the 2009 campaign. Ruttle was one of three players to receive the 2009 team's Bulldog Award for displaying the most heart and desire.

Lisa Tobiczyk: A 2009 All-GLIAC Honorable Mention Team pick, Tobiczyk presently is listed 21st on FSU's career digs leaders chart with a 782 total going into this 2010 season. The 5-8 libero recorded both team highs in digs (408) and service aces (37) while participating in all 31 of the team's 2009 matches. Tobiczyk, who earned team Bulldog Award honors a season ago, generated double-figure digs in a match 27 times last fall.

Samantha Fordyce: A 5-foot-11 setter, she already has chalked up a program all-time best 1,243 career assists and was recognized as a 2009 FSU Most Improved Player Award co-winner. A 31-match starter, Fordyce averaged 10.3 assists per set and ranked 39th nationally in that statistical category. She also chipped in with a squad third-most 199 digs, 27 service aces and 39 kills for the 2009 campaign. Fordyce accumulated 40 or more assists in a match on 15 occasions last fall.

Looks like an exciting season is just a few weeks away as the Bulldogs prepare to take the court next week to begin fall practice.

It will be exciting to see where this season goes as the Bulldogs welcome back an experienced group of players with some star power led by the likes of Goodson.

MEN'S GOLF: Ferris Alumnus Hebert To Join Upper Peninsula Sports Hall Of Fame

Scott Hebert, an accomplished alumnus of Ferris State University and a former standout intercollegiate golf player, has earned yet another honor.

It was recently announced that Hebert, a native of Escanaba, will join the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 for his contributions as a prep standout in the U.P. and during his time since.

Here is an excerpt from the Daily Press that features a short capsule on Hebert:

SCOTT HEBERT (Escanaba) - A six-time Michigan Open golf champion, Scott Hebert won the PGA Professional National Championship in 2008 and led the United States team to the PGA Cup championship in Loch Lomond, Scotland in 2009 by winning all five of his matches. He is a four-time qualifier for the PGA Championship, one of golf's four major tournaments, and is playing this week at the event at Whistling Straits, Wis. Hebert won the Michigan Tournament of Champions in 2009 and the Michigan Pro-Pro title in 2007. He is currently head golf professional at Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City. Hebert also played golf and basketball at Escanaba High School and American Legion baseball for the Escanaba Cubs and played golf at Ferris State University.

For the complete story, visit the Web site of the Daily Press, here.

Hebert, who lists his current home as Traverse City here, was also recognized, as an outstanding graduate of Ferris State University, in a story on the Ferris Web site, here.

FOOTBALL: Bulldogs Get On The Field For First Fall Practice In Preparation For Opener

BIG RAPIDS - It's that time of the year for Ferris State University's football team as the Bulldogs began fall practice Friday afternoon at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids.

The memory of last year's tough 1-10 record still stings the players and coaches in the program, but the prospect of a new season had a lot of guys working hard in the weight room to return to Big Rapids in shape and ready to perform this preseason. Head coach Jeff Pierce and his team is playing this season with a chip on its shoulder as it seeks to erase the memories of the 2009 football campaign.

"You have to start from square one and even when you come in with veteran football players you have to start from square one," Pierce said. "We've changed some things since last fall. We have a new offensive system. Some things may look very similar, but it's different. We used the spring to establish some things with these guys, but this is the fall and it's different when you look at this time of the year."

Ferris has undergone a lot of change in the off season with several players leaving the program, a solid recruiting class coming in (including some players waiting to get clearance), and the addition of new coaches in offensive coordinator Chris Boden and defensive backs coach Gary McGraw. As the team hit the field, early Friday afternoon, the intensity clearly was cranked up a notch as the competition for playing time and spots on the depth chart is underway.

The Bulldogs have experienced players from last season's team on offense led by quarterbacks Tom Schneider and Robert Banaszak. At receiver, Ferris welcomes back guys like Matt Schuelke, Mike Ryan, Aaron Olman and others. Chris Wilson, who missed last season, is back and ready to compete at receiver. On defense, Ferris returns some experienced hands in linebacker Matt Ryan and linemen such as Jordan Morgan, Muneer Bawayeh and Jacob Moreno. Chad Wilson, who missed the 2009 season is back and ready to become a leader again in the defensive backfield.

Mix in veterans with new guys (coaches and players alike) and Ferris will use the fall to prepare for a very good Hillsdale College football team, one nationally ranked in some preseason Division II national polls, and get in sync both offensively and defensively.

"It's about paying attention to details and using the little things at this point," Pierce said. "You have to look at where you're at the present moment and look at the things you need to do to improve and to get better and to move this program forward."


Pictured in the photo is Matt Schuelke turning up field after making a reception during a drill on Friday afternoon at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids during football practice. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

SOFTBALL: Ferris State's Liz Hamming Represents The Bulldogs Well In World Series Win

Ferris State University's Liz Hamming and her Central District 9 teammates were crowned 2010 Big League Softball World Series champions led by the efforts of the sophomore Bulldog catcher.


Liz Hamming is a player of the future for Ferris State University's softball team, and the future is looking brighter and brighter all the time.

Hamming, a native of Hudsonville, showcased the talent that made her a prized recruit of Ferris head softball coach Keri Becker during her participation in the 2010 Big League Softball World Series championship game in Kalamazoo.

Friends of Hamming have been following her progress on Facebook as the Bulldog catcher, who will be a sophomore this coming season, has been a key component of her Central District 9 team. The squad, led by two Hamming home runs on Aug. 11 (Wednesday), scored a 14-4 win in six innings over Asia Pacific (Manila) in the championship game at Vanderberg Park.

District 9 has a history of championship success with four championships in the last 10 years.

Hamming was on fire with three hits (including her two homers) in a game that was broadcast nationally on ESPN2.

There is no doubt the talent is there for Hamming who had solid offensive numbers when she got her opportunities to swing the bat. She had six hits in 13 at bats for an average of .462. She had a double, a home run and six runs batted in.

It seems only a matter of time before the great things people saw from Hamming in the Big League Softball World Series translates to the college level for her at Ferris.

Ferris State University softball sophomore Liz Hamming puts the squeeze on a ball during action this summer.

FOOTBALL: Chasing The Dream: Chris Wilson

Ferris State University students come from all walks of life and each one has a unique set of goals, dreams, talents and challenges they juggle on the path to adulthood and a career.

Chris Wilson, a student-athlete who is a member of Ferris' football program and soon to be a graduate of the Television and Digital Media Production program, is one of our students.

In this, the first of a continuing series, Wilson talks about what it means to be a student-athlete at Ferris and discusses a little the balancing act that must take place to excel - and not just to remain eligible.

Here is the first video of the series.



You can follow Chris's blog to keep up to date on his day to day activities.

GENERAL ATHLETICS: Ferris Announces Finalists For Vacant Athletics Director Position

Ferris State University Vice President for Administration and Finance Jerry Scoby (pictured) has announced the three finalists for the vacant position of athletics director.

The position became vacant earlier this summer as Tom Kirinovic announced his retirement from the post. As a result, Scoby's office opened up a national search to find the ideal replacement for Kirinovic. Since Kirinovic's retirement, head softball coach Keri Becker has filled in as the interim AD and has been working with Associate Athletics Director Jon Coles during the time since the change.

Here are the capsules of the candidates as announced on Tuesday afternoon:

Glen Krupica - Krupica joined the Northern Illinois staff as an Associate Athletics Director in July of 2005 and was promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs in August of 2006. Prior to his return to DeKalb, Krupica spent the previous 11 years (1994-2005) as the Executive Director of the Independence Bowl Foundation in Shreveport, Louisiana. While there, Krupica secured two title sponsors, negotiated two contract extensions with ESPN and brokered deals and renewals with both the SEC and Big 12 Conferences. Krupica made the move to the bowl circuit after serving as Northwestern State (La.) University's Assistant Athletics Director for Fundraising and Marketing from 1992-94. He worked as the Director of Development for the Kansas Special Olympics from 1986-1992. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from NIU (1982) and a master’s degree in sports administration from The Ohio State University (1984).

Perk Weisenburger - Weisenburger has served as the Associate Athletics Director for External Operations at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas since 2005. He presently oversees the coordination and operation of athletic marketing and promotions, licensing and athletic ticketing, and serves as the department's liaison to multi-media rights partner International Sports Properties (ISP). Prior to coming to UNLV, Weisenburger spent five years as the Director of Athletics at Illinois State University and previously worked in
athletics administration at NCAA Division I institutions such as Wake Forest, Central Michigan, Washington and Houston. He was the Associate Director of Athletics for External Operations at CMU from 1989-95. Weisenburger is a 1979 graduate of Central Michigan with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He earned a master's in sports administration from Ohio University (1982).

Derek van der Merwe - A former Central Michigan University football letterwinner, van der Merwe has been an administrator in the CMU Athletics Department since 1997, serving as Senior Associate Athletics Director since 2005. He is currently responsible for the oversight of the department’s business, compliance, facilities and event management areas. He directly oversees the sport of wrestling and assists with the oversight of football and men’s basketball. A member of the NCAA’s Wrestling Committee since 2007, he has also served as an NCAA peer reviewer for Division I institutions going through NCAA membership certification. Van der Merwe began his professional career as an academic adviser in the Chippewa Athletics Department in 1997 before becoming the director of compliance in 1998, then assistant athletics director in 2001, and associate athletics director with sport oversight responsibilities in 2002. He received both a bachelor’s degree (1996) and a master’s degree (2005) from CMU.

Analysis of the finalists is upcoming in later blogs. Check back.

FOOTBALL: Visser Successful In His Audition For Part in Kurt Russell Film Touchback

Former Ferris State University All-American football player Jake Visser put his work ethic and football talent to good use on the gridiron.

Visser, one of more than 1,200 former college student-athletes to tryout for parts in the Kurt Russell film "Touchback," heard some good news.

Another name of local significance is Big Rapids High School football head coach Mitch Cumings, who also was a part of the group that was cast.

Here is an excerpt from Crimson and Gold Report:

Various local reports from Grand Rapids-area media indicate that more than 1,200 players auditioned to be cast as extras in the film "Touchback" starring Kurt Russell. The movie is being filmed in the Grand Rapids area at Coopersville High School, where Visser was a prep standout before he brought his skills north, up U.S. 131 to Big Rapids where he starred for Ferris as a defensive tackle. Visser, like many of the others selected to take part in the movie, is a West Michigan product who did enough to impress producers to fill out rosters for the teams.

For the full story on the 6-foot-2, 275-pound Visser's journey to the big screen, visit Crimson and Gold Report on the MLive.com network.